New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-05-06
CAPTURED.
TIE SPIRIT OF THE ARMY.
GEN. FITZRUGH LEE A PRISONER
Prom Our Special Correspondent.

Prom Our Special CouespondeDi.
. CHAScsLLoKsy1IIR Va. Monday Morning, May 4, 1891
1t has been conceded that Gen. Hooker, IS corps
commander, las few superiors. That be can organ
lie and discipline an army has been demonstrated by
his success with the Army Of the Potomac. For the
past several days he Las been trial as command
ing general Oh the march and in battle.
On Friday, at o'clock in the afternoon, the army
was drawn up in battle line, having the Fifth Corps,
commanded by Msj. Gen. Meade, on the left, the
Second Ccrps commanded by Ma. Gen. Couch, next
CD the right, the Twelfth Corps, commanded by
Mai. Gen. Sloeum, Oh the right of the Second, the
Eleventh Corps, commanded by Maj Gen. Howard,
On the extreme right. and the Third Corps, COM
nanded by Msj..Gen. Sckles, held 10 reserve. The
center and headquarters Of the Commanding General
were In the large brick house known Chancellors
Vile, a. the junction of Eiys Ford Road with the
Tredericksburg and Gordonsvile Turnpike, and ten
niles west from the former city.
Soon after the army had taken this position, Gen.
Sykes, with bis division of regulars, sdvapced on
the Bankss Ford Road for the purpose of feeling the
enemy, and also 70 she LETT OF Rockers army
The enemy resisted stubbGrnly, but was driven back
about two miles. Sykes was ordered to discontinue
Tie advance, and to gradually allow himself to be
driven back.
Gen. Slocum made ike demonstration down the
FredericLsbure, plank road Gu both the roads the
movement was well execoted, and at least partially
accomplished TIE object of the Commanding General.
1t was fret necessary to ascertain wbetherthe enemy
had abandoned Lila stronghold on the Nights above
Fredericksburg; If he had not, he must either be
induced to come out, with the expectation OF
erushng. smaller force, or the position must be out
fsnked or t,Sen BE- direct attack. Gen. Hooker at
tempted the former, and bow we'll he succeeded The
SEQUEL viii show. In the event the enemy came ont
70 give battle it was Hookers determination 10 re-
ceiye and resist the attack. purely On the principles
of defensive battle, until such time ss the conduct
Of the attacking party would indicate that bis force
WA greatly SPENT and the hope Of success was fast
diving out, when be woald boldly march out Of his
,,rone position and astonsh, confouud and conquer
tls sudAcious enemy. With this view Of the plan
Of battle the reader viii readily comprehend the
connection Of the several movements and will be
able 70 reconcile the otherwise incoDgruous changes
made in the progress of the battle.
At S o'clock on Friday afternoon the enemy
made reconnaissance in force, feeling the entire
line Of Hookers army from center 70 both right and
left extremes. The fighting in front of Gen. Geary s
yostion, and opposite Hooker's headquarters, was
for abort time quite energetic. Whether, from
wins, he had learned by the reconnaissance the
enemy would be induced to become the assailsnt,
NAMED 20 be seen. The extra pressure made against
lie center Of the line developed the fact that the
Rebel commander well understood the key OF the
position.
The topography Of the country and the direction
Of the roads made it necessary for the occupying
army to hold and defend certain points, the most
prominent and important Of which was the intersec-
ton Of the United Ststes Ford and SCOTS Dam
roads, with the Elys Ford road. With THE point as
the center SCOTS Dam ON the extreme left and the
Ely's Ford road held by the right wing made line
difficult TO overcome. This doubtless the enemy
knew and made Bis plan Of attack accordingly.
Early on Saturday it was discovered that the
enemy was moving bis trains westward on the
spOttsylvania G. H. road. Gen. Slocum was or
dered to push his line forward Oh the Fredericksburg
plank road and Sickles to move Onward on Slocum's
night and occupy the road on Which the enemy was
moving. Geary Of Socum's Corps moved down the
plank road until he upon the enemy's rife pits,
from which his new regiments were yepused and
Withdrew a short distance in good order and en-.
gaged the enemy until Gen. Williams moved his
division on the right and outfanked the position.
Meanwhile Birney and wbipple Of Sickles's Corps
rooyed forward on Slocum's right aud siezed the
road 70 Spottsylyania G. Ii. Gen. Wbipple's right
being somewhat exposed, Gen. Barlow's brigade
,ou Towards Corps was pushed forward 10 pro-
tsct the right flank. 1t was now about o'clock in
the afternoon, and thus far all the movements
cer.akeu had been suceessfully executed Suddenly
a mos. firm and heavy charge was mads on the
right flank and rear of Towards Corps. Regi-
yu.ris, brigades and divisions broke and fed in tho
e)st terrible confusion. One brigade alone fought
i.avely until to attempt longer to hold position
sould have been madness then it stubbornly with
.eisx ~ Csl, Busehkssk. wilb biz brysde, s0pgris.