The Portland daily press., 1863-07-10
Friday Morning, July 10, 1863.

FRIDAYS VICTORY.

Correspondence ~ the NeU York Herald
GeTTysBuRG, July 4, 1868
During Thursday night our army was all
brought up, and most admirably disposed
by Gen. Meade for the apprehended battle of
Friday. At midnight couucilt of war was
held, at which it was determined that the en-
emy would probably renew the attack at days
light on the following morning, and for that
day we had better act purely on the defens-
i've. Dispositions were therefore made with
q view OF the Eleventh and Twelfth corps hold
ing the right, with reinforcelnents of fresh
troops expected TO arrive during the day to
act as reserve; the First and Second the cen
ter, and the Fifth aud Sixth the lett; with the
Third as a reserve.
The line was formed in this manner during
the night, the left resting on the mountains
between raneytown and Emnettsburg roads,
and the left at the base OF the mountain, oppo-
site the Cemetery Hill; the line encircling
the cemetery and embracing the upper por-
tion OF the town. Our artillery on Cemetery
Hill was largely reinforced from the artillery
reserve and earthworks thrown up in front OF
it. Batteries were also planted on all the COM
mandng positions within the lines, and suclf
of the reserve as was not disposed OF was
held for use In the field where and as occasion
demanded it. The dispositions were admira-
bly, made, and reflected the highest credit on
the Commanding General.
Scarcely were these dispositions perfected
and the wearied soldiers had thrownt themselves
on the ground to catch an hours repose, when
at the first dawn of morning, the enemy OPEN
ed on our left, with musketry and artillery.
Our men sprang TO their arms with prompt
ness, and in the gray light OF fmorning the CON
test opened. To a casual observer the attack
seemed fierce and determined, but the critical
could discern that il was much less vigorous
than the assault on the previous eveing, thus
clearly showing that twas a mere demonsira-
ltion to cover movements elsewhere. Still IL
was an obstinate assault. and RACED with much
pertinacity. But ii deceived no one. and
though the battle ragged for several hours with
great fury. our chief attention was wisely di-
eefed tpward the right.
One Of our batteries opcned and ke,, N, n
continuous and heavy sheIIiug of the woods
10 the north and east of the town In front of
our lines. through which IL was coniectured
that the enemy was crowdng his columns 10
flank that wing. The conjecture was pertect-
Iy correct. as subsequent development, proved.
1t ultimately proved that Longstreet had
been withdrawn from the enelny's right where
he had fought on the preyious day and WAS
moving around To reinforce Ewell on their leIt
acain,s our right. Our fierce cannonadinp re-
tarded their movements somewhat but still
they pressed on. and between nine and len
O'Clock engaged our infantry in earnest.
The western slone Of this monntain is nre-
cini.ous and i covered with i dense growth
of heavy timber. rendering Observation Of tho
ech,;ng In tbis iocali,v extremslv d;,,,..,,
and the nosition ri The contend;ng na,,;aS
could only be discerned bv the curlin9 wres,l,s
of smoke This Indication WHICH showed ,be
enemv,s nosition. caused ms 10 Mace half n
dozen batteries IN uosition- and these were
Kent at nlav' covering The line with sn;tefnI
shells barning IN air and among tree tons
snreadjno consternation and dismov tbrougb,
ont the rebel ranks Sill ,bev we're held mn
to their work and fought ike demons. gaining
some ground al first ihouoh onr men Welded