New-York daily tribune., 1863-07-04
NEWS OF THE DAY.
THE WAR

Our accounts Of the fighting in Pennsylvania
are still fragmeniary aud meager just before gong
70 press.yesterdsy We got this brief telegram: The
battle opened yesterday "wednesday morning by
severe skirmishing. TIE First and Eleventh Corps,
supported by Plessantons cavalry and artillery, eu-
gagged with Ewells forces, near Getty ,ysburg, to.
ward Bendesville. The fight continued throughout
the day, with variable esults. The battle was re-
uewed this (Thursday morning. and continued up
to 4 o'clock, our forces gafbing upon the Rebels
when our messenger left the field. Since O'Clock,
the firing has been much heavier and more rapid,
pertaining TO q general engagement. Gen. LeeI
forces are said TO be concentrated four miles north
east of Gettysburg. This afternoon Sedgwicks
Corps 10 reported pressing upon the rear of the
enemy. The Second Army Corps is moving
up from Hanover this morning" Subseqaclt-
ly, an account came from Baltimore, AID was
published in a postscript edition, Of which the
following is the substance: Major Bsumgsrten aud
another officer of the staff Of M,jcrGen. Reynolds,
arrived here (,3smore) yesterday from Getty sburg,
with the body of Major. Gen. Reynolds. From MAJOR
Baumgsrten we learn come interesting particulars
of the battle, and are happy to be able 10 say it
closed for the day with the army Of Gen. Meade
in thA i.-..ea position either for attack
defense. Nearly all the remaining divisions Of our
army reached the field shortly after the firing ceased
for the day. At nine o'clock on "Wednesday morning
the First and Eleventh army corps reached Get,ys-
burg, entering from the east side of the town. and
marching quietly through the west SIDE the cavalry
force Of the enemy tie town gallOpng back IS We
advanced. On passing out Of the west end Of the
town the enemy observed advancing rapidly
I.,.I L.. 81 I.,,I
ward the town, evidently endeavor.ng &c hold an
advantageous position commanding the town.
The First Corps, under Gen. Reynolds, which vas
in the advance, pushed forward at double quick TO
secure an advantageous position. The enemy, under
Longrtreet and Hill, advanced steadily, and in few
minutes heavy fire both Of artillery and musketry
was opened along the whole Union and Rebel liues.
The Eleventh Army Corps, under Gen. Howard,
was also soon in position, and for a time quite a
heavy battle ragged. Several charges were made by
the enemy 10 dslodge forces, all f which
unsuccessful. At three oclock the eLemy masscd Gi,
entire forces and endeavored 70 turn right wing.
Gen. Reynolds advanced to meet them, and heavy
infantry fight eDsued in which both suffered severe
ly, volley after volley Of musketry being poured
into the approaching columns with deadly effect.
Elm this charge Ma. Gen. Reynolds fell mortsly
wounded, and died soon after being conveyed TO
Gettysburg. He was usual. leading bis Corps
and in tho thickest Of the fight. Gen. Paul, com.
mandng the Third Brigade OF the First Army Corps,
was also killed on the field, aud Coils Wistsr and
Stone were severely wounded and taken prisoners.
The field between the contendiDg armies was
strewn with dead and wounded, and 1t 10 said the
enemy suffered fully as heavily as we, though
It is not known what was their loss in officers
The effort to flank our right wing entirely failed,
aud we held the prominent and commanding position
for which the struggle made at the close OF the
fight, which ceased for the day at about o'clock in
the afternoon. At this time two more corps OF Gen.
Meads's army reached the field and during the night
tho main body Of our army was In position TO meet
any Concentrations that The enemy might make in
the morning or 70 advance on him, as the Command
ing General might decide. The First Army
Corps nobly maintained the effort TO break its
right and scarcely fsl,ered for q moment when
It's gallant Commander fell under q murderous
fire Of the enemy. great and decisive battle was
considered imminent, and our severe
loss in officers the advantages Of tho day were re-
gsrded S decidedly with eur forces. The army
was in fine condition, full Of enthusiasm
for the coming battle, aud confident Of success.
Gen. Meade had also, it was thought, concentrated
bis forces 10 . greater extent than the enemy,
largo portion Of whose army was still scattered up
through the Cumberland Valley"
Our earliest news yesterday friday morning
Wa from Phisdelphis newspaper dispatches, dated
ct midnight Of Thursday q. Wightsviile, and say
iDgi I" Our forces are known 10 have gained upon
the enemy until 4 o'clock this afternoon. Since S
o'clock the firing has been much heavier and more
rapid, indicating general engagement between the
entire armies. The Rebel force is concentrated on
South Mountain, toward Carlisle, six niles north ol