Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1864-05-27
NEW YoRK. Nav 10.

INV YORK. May ~.
The Heraid's correspondent with Gen.
Butler, gives detailed account Of Beaure-
CARDS attack on our forces at Palmer's
Creek on the 10th. The entire length Of
the rebel lines opened with artillery, when
the rebels, massing their troops, struck our
right under Gen. Hickman, envcloped Its
flank and took it in reverse The first blow
was dealt with terrific force.
Gen. Hickman brigade Of the 18th corps
holding the right was doubled up and forced
back on the next brigade which was also
thrown into confusion. Oar men did not
perceive the rebels till they had succeeded in
passing column between Heckman's right
and the river and taking it in front and rear
crushed him between two columns.
Gen. Hickman made gallant fight but
the enemy came upon him SO suddenly and
with such over whelming numbers that sue
ces>ful resistance was impossible; some Of the
brigade were captured.
After this operation having forced back
the right heavy attack was made on the
entire line OF the 18th corps, and the entire
right was forced back some distance, after
several hours OF severe fighting.
The battle ragged till near y O'Clock. the
rebels throwing heavy masses upon our lines
and finally forcing it back nearly quarter
Of a mile. Our men fought stubbornly and
resisted every step and repeatedly checked
the rebel advance with terrible slaughter,
but not without some loss on our side.
The enemy numbered not lees than IS 900.
and pushed on with a rccklessncss and stead
mess that is rarely seen. Finally. after fore
ing the 18th corps back, from ito position.
and rcgaimng portion Of the first line of
works, they massod their pieces on the 10th
corps to drive it back. They first hurled
their column on Turner's division. They
advanced as ii upon parade, and moved
steadily upon Barton, on the right Of Turner,
not firing a single shot.
Waiting until the rebels had reached
good distance for effective range Bartons
brigade poured into the rebel lines such a
terrific fire that the line melted away, and
after vainly endeavoring to advance, fled with
terrible loss to the woods in a broken dis
orderly manner. Under cover Of the woods,
the rebel line was again formed and again
advanced and again received the terrific fire
but pushed steadily on till one fourth Of
them were laid killed and wounded on the
field when they broke and fed TO the woods
Our boys gave a hearty cheer and sent
WHY dlAtA A4Atl WHICH, lNA4 Iilu llltIA. Dc
ing twice repulsed at this point they moved
further to the left and hurled a column upon
Col. Hawley's brigade Of Gen. Terry's divi-
sion. They came UP in the same steady
manner but were received with n more dead
ly fire than before by Turner and Barton
They were determined however 20 break
our line and force 1t from its position. cost
what it would. They again formed and
strengthened by achievements they charged
again and after ten minutes hot work were
ropIlsed and driven back at all points
That ended any serious effort on their part
10 force our position, and leaving their dead
and wounded to the number Of | 900 on the
field. they again mas-cd upon Gen. Smiths
front and attacked bis left.
The troops fell hack slowly, and in order
REFUSING every effort of the rebels t. quicken
their movements and making stand 40
every favorable position till the enemy ceased
70 follow up and fell back to their first line
Of entertainments.
He says also our loss in the battle on
Monday was four guns and 1000 killed
wounded and missing, but in the battle with
Gen. Gilmore which occurred subsequently,
our loss was trihing, perhaps 200. We lost .
no wagons or other material The enemy's
loss Is from two to four thousand men: of /
those coo are prisoners, while about 1000 Of .
our men are prisoners.
Gen. Gilmore then drew of his corps and /
formed to support Gen. Smiths The fight /.
ing which had been going on along the en-
tire line ceased, at = 80 p. NJ. and prepara- /
tons were made to draw of our forces from
the field and return TO our entertainments.
The artillery was sent to the rear except .
section to cover the rea- guard. Finally the .
entire army fell back. This ended the ebel
attack on our lines
The SINE correspondent says General I
oheridan's forces again started on a raid /
lround Richmond yesterday the 18th
Gen Buffers column is now in attitude to
lely Gen. Lees whole force.
While the battle was going on an attack
vas made by the enemy with FIVE regiments
md artillery on our rear guard, but they
were rcpulsed with loss on our side Of 50
men.