Santa Fe gazette. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1859-1864, 1863-06-06
GENERAL HOoKER's MOVEMENT.
THE OPENING OF THE BATTLE
Details ofthe Important Operations of Fri
day atChaneellorvillc.

lIEADQRs Army OF TIE POroMAC,
an. lSTHE FIELD, NEAR CHAXCELLoRsvILI.,
bs.aara FRIDAY, May |, l0P.M.
Upon my return from United States Ford, this
morning. the first news that greeted my ears was
the death Of that gallant and indomitable officer,
Lieutenant Colonel McNicar, commanding the
9th New York Cavalry. 1t occurred last night
during brilliant and daring reconnaissance to.
ward Spottsylyana Court house. The affair was
the boldcst act Of the advance. thus far, and as
your correspondent, II. W. b." accompanied the
column, he will detail the circumstances, as he
personally witnessed and participated in them.-
He was warmly congratulated to day by officers
and associates for his plucky part in the Affair."
The chalge OF less thai two hundred of our men
upon the whole Of Fitzhugh Lees brigade, and
the successful escape Of our force was fit and
stirring event for the opening of this grand battle
The day opened with a heavy mist hanging over
the country, particularly near the river which
was not entirely dispeed until the sun was we'll
up--say So'clock The morning was quiet
neither party seemed to be ready for battle,
We brought up additional artillery during The
night, as well as large ammunition trains, and an
allowance Of elk forage wagons to each corps,
which were ordered to return in each case before
any more wero allowed to pass the bridges. -
Major Painter Of tho Quarternasters Depart
ment, had charge Of the ford, and regulated the
passage of wagons and artillery so that there was
no confusion; while the total amount Of transpor-
tation which reached this side of the river was
very small, and moi in the least troublesome.
The I'd Army Corps came up during the night
and ebtalnped near the left Of our position. The
Sd Corps lay between Banks aud United States
FOrds during the night, and reached the front
about neon. The troops marched rapidly and
with great cheerfulness
HOstilities among the pickets were carried on
during the night, with slight loss. Watson's bat
terry, 10 Meales front, thus lost two men and
eight horsas. Our lines were not developed last
night the troops being massed nproper locations.
Right here let me, II can, give an idea Of our
exact location. On your maps you will perceive
Chuncellorville, a few miles west Of Fredericks-
burgh true style Of Virginia village, consisting
Of one house and crossroads s--albet, the house
in this instance, is fine large structure, and will
accommodate great many wounded, to which pur
pose it is already devoted But the cross roads
Is the matter ofvtal importance here. From this
point the plank road runs directly west to Cul
pepper, by way Of Germanna Ford, or by turnpike
via EIy's Ford The Gordonsville Turnpike di.
yerges to the left four miles in our rear. The
plank road to Fredericksburg runs nearly due east
making an elbow bend TO the south here, but re-
gaining its eastery direction within four miles
Nearly east, or about east north east, runs lht
old turnpike to Fredericksburg, which intersecti
the plank road again about three miles from here
Near this intersection road bears to the left and
goes to Banks Ford, six miles, direction nortl
east. United States Ford lies north north west
and the road thereto leaves the Ely's Ford ROat
and bears to the right about one mile from thl
point This road winds through the timber, ant
Is very Indifferent OF tho best.
The forenoon was mainly occupied by Gen
Hooker bis staff, and able corps commanders, il
consultation, and in making dispositions Of tn,
columns. AT tabout twelve o'clock, Gen. Sykes
division was sent forward on the left, by th
Banks Ford Road, to make an attack, and com
pei the enemy to develop bis strength on tina
bank He moved promptly into position, viii
Wead's, now WatsOns, regular battery Ih
first gun was fired by tho enemy, about twely
o'clock Heavy skirmishng commenced, our mel
entering the field with much enthusiasm.
The 9Th Pa. Cavalry skirmishsd in the yer,
front for some time, aud sustained CALLING 6r
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