Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-07-06
ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF FRIDAYS
RATTLE

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
July Correspondence of the Associated
Press The decisive battle has been fought to-
day and the enemy have been repulsed with
terrific loss.
At daylight Lees right wing batteries opened
upon our left, and shortly after those of his
centre followed. After half an hours cannon
aiding, doing but little damage to us, the fire
slackened and only occasional shots were ex-
changed.
Shortly afterward theenemy's left, composed
entirely Of infantry and sharpshooters, made an
attack on our right wing. So suddenly and
Impetuousiy was 1t accomplished, that our
skirmlshers and front line were driven back
from their entertainments, but by aid of the
batteries in the rear. and the indomitable
bravery OF the Twelfth Corps, we rssgained the
first position, capturing considerable number
of prisoners.
Several hours of ominous silence followed
this repNlse. At o'clock tho enemy fired two
shots, apparently as signals for the grandest
artillery fight ever witnessed on this CONT
nent. Before a moment had elapsed it is esti-
mated that at least eighty guns opened upon
us. Our batteries returned the compliment
with interest The air seemed literally thick
with iron, and for more than an hour it seemed
impossible thatman or beast could 1--we through
IL. Strange TO say the enemy's accuracy of
range, as exhibited on the two previous days,
was wanting on this occasion. Most of the
shells exploded far in the rear of our front,
and generally missing our batteries.
Under cover of this fen d'enfer, Lee advanced
his columns of infantry from their covers, and
made several desperate attempts to carry our
lines by assault, but each successive attempt
was 'repulsed with terrible havoc to their
ranks.
After hours incessant cannonading the
fire grew less intense for short time buj was
again renewed for a short time with equal
spirit During this period some of our bate
rIes, whose ammunition had been exhausted
ceased to fire, and onathe approach of the re-
serve batteries, withdrew to the rear
The enemy only seeing the batteries with
drawn, and mistaking this for retreat, made
oh thn ~
tanned position in our line, cutting to pieces
and almost annihilating the small infantry
supports but before they had time to rejoice at
their imaginary success the fresh batteries
poured in a deadly fire of canister and case
shot. The infantry reserves joined on tie other
hank OF the gap, charged them and added
greatly to their destruction. They were com
pleIely surprised. and hundreds threw down
their arms and asked for quarter. Nearly the
entire brigade Of Gen. Dick Garnet surren-
dered, and Garnet, himself wounded, barely
made his escape. LongStreet was mortally
wounded and captured. He is reported to
have died an hour afterWard.
A About 400 p. IN. the artillery of the enemy
slaekened, and had entirely ceased at five, the
last shots which they fired being far beyond
their original position, and the infantry col
umns had withdrawn to their covers.
we TOOK upwards of 5000 prisoners. The
enemy captured but few il any of our men
Inc rebel prisoners report that Gen. A. p.
Hill was Killed outright upon the field, and
that their officers suffered far greater casual
Ties tnan In any previous engagement.
so terrific was the enemy's fire that the small
house where Gen. Meade and staff We're quar-
tered was perforated by several Shots MANY
OF the staff horses were killed around the house
Gen. Butterfeld was struck in the breast, and
it is feared internally injured by piece of
shell which exploded in the building. Lieut.
Col. Joseph Dickinson, of the staff, had his left
arm perforated by a flying fragment OF SHE'LL
and it seemed a miracle that no greater damage
was done to life or limb.
Several Of our general officers were wound
cd IN the engagement. Gen. Hancock was
wounded in the leg. Gems. Gibbon, Warren
ana Hunt were wounded. In consequence of
the excitement and difficulty in ascertaining
their locations, the names of many prominent
officers, reported as killed or wounded, cannot
be ascertained tonight.
Too much credit cannot be given to our bat
terles, VINO for hours stood to their guns under
a brolllng sun, and surroun ded by the missiles
OF death, retiring only to give their position to
others when their calssOns and limbers were
exhausted of ammunition. The infantry en-
gagged also nobly did their duty, and the enemy
to- day at their hands have received the great
est disaster ever administered by the Union
forces.
All officers award the highest honors to Gen
Meade for the able generalship he has dis
displayed since he assumed command, and
particularly Tor the GOODNESS, decision and en-
ergy OF this memorable Sd OF July. Last night,
believing 1t TO be ms duty to the cause, to learn
how far he should be supported in the ap-
preaching conflict, he summoned his corps and
division commanders tor consultation.
The messenger who brought this letter saws
we advanced and occupied Gettysburg during
Friday night, without opposion. Firing was
heard early on Saturday morning, towards
Gettysburg, supposed to be our forces pur-
suing Lee.
Gen. Butterfield was injured by fragment
of shell, and is now at the headquarters of
Gen. Neale, under treatment.