The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-07-10

retreat, made RAPID infantry charge up the
hill and obtained position in our line, cut
ting to pieces and almost annihiating the
small infantry SUPPORTS but before they had
time to rejoice at their imaginary success the
fresh batteries poured in deadly fire of
canister and case shot, the infantry reserves
joined on either flank of the gap, charged
them, and added greatly to their destruction.
They were completely surprised, and hun
dreds threw down their arms and asked for
quarter. Nearly the entire brigade of Gen.
Dick Garrett surrendered, and Garrett HIM
self, wounded, barely made his escape.
About 4:30 P. NJ. the artillery fire of the
enemy slackened, and had entirely ceased at
D. the last shots of the rebels being far be-
yond their original position, and the infan-
try column had withdrawn to their covers.
We took upwards of 5000 prisoners. The
enemy captured but few, if any, of our men.
The rebel prisoners report that Gen. A. P.
Hill was killed outright upon the field, and
that their officer. suffered far greater casual
ties than in any previous engagement. So
terrific was the enemy's fire that the small
house where Gep. Meade and staff were
quartered was perforated by several shots.
Many of the staff horses were killed around
the house. Gen. Butterfield was struck in
the breast and it is feared internally injured
by piece of shell which exploded in the
building. Lt.-Col. Dickinson of the staff
had his left arm perforated by flying frag-
ment of shell, and it seemed a miracle that
no greater damage was done to life or limb
Several of our general officers were wounded
in the engagement. Gen. Hancock was
wounded in the leg. Gems. Gibbon, Warren
and Hunt were wounded. In consequence
Of the excitement and difficulty in ascertain
ing their location, the names of many prom
lnent officers reported as killed or wounded,
cannot be aScertained as vet
Too much credit cannot be given to our
batteries, who for hours stood to their guns
under brolling sun and surrounded by the
missiles of death, retiring only to give their
positions to others. When their caissons
and imbers were exhausted of ammunition,
the infantry engaged also nobly did their
duty, and the enemy, at their hands, have re-
celved the greatest disaster ever administer
ed by the Union forces.
All officers award the highest honors to
Cen Meade for the able generalsiip he has
dlspiayed since he assumed command, and
particularly for his GOODNESS, decision and en-
ersy on TITS memorable Sd of July.
A GLOWING PICTURE OF TIE VICTORY.
The war correspondent of the Philadelphia
Journal states that the rout of Gen Lee was
thorough and complete. Gen. Meade has
not only captured 2O,O00 rebels, but recap
tured al. cur own troops who were previously
N The hands of the enemy. 1t is really true
that Lee has been totally routed and is seek
ing to escape. fleasanton cut Off his retreat
IL the gap leading to Chambersburg We
took rs pieces o. artillery. We hold the
town OF Gettysburg ard all the hospitals. 1t
IS complete victory.
DAVIS CALLS LEI BACK.
\ bearer Of dispatches from Jefferson Davis
TO Gen Lee has been captured. The dis
..''sncs order Gen. Lee pe -emptorially to
return t. Richmond, and state that the
movement into Pennsylvania was wholly
against his wishes. Inc Importance of these
dispatches cannot De overrated. Tnpv reveal
the objects ,. Lees campaign ard tie cause
Of is fail lre, and also the pr sent views of
;he rebel government.
The intercepted dispatches Civ" the infor-
melton that Beauregard is III Richmond, and
perhaps on his way to CIlDepper.