Evening star., 1864-05-15
BURNSIDE AsOBsTINATE FIGHTING WITH
AP HILLS CORPS.
TERRIBLE LOSSES On BOTH SIDES.

have succeeded in getting through dispatches
from the front up to p. m. Of yesterday, and
we are indebted to their courtesy for copies OF
them, which we publish as follows:
BEFORE SPoTeYLvANIA COURT HOUSE, May
10, q. m.-There has been considerable picket
firing during the night the chief object OF it on
each side having probably been to prevent the
other from getting away several pieces of ar
tillery abandoned by the enemy yesterday
morning, and left between their lines and those
OF the Second Corps. They would have been
brought away by our own men yesterday, but
for the fact that they were behind high and
elaborate breastwork with wall Of thick logs
on the interior side over which it was impos-
sihle to get them, and to cut gap through
which to admit OF their passage was entirely
impracticable, owing to the fire of the Rebel
sharpshooters. There is little doubt however,
that these guns will ultimately he recovered by
us. These are not included in the report OF the
number captured yesterday, and may be count
ed upon as prospective addition.
At Ibis time all is very quiet starcely shot
being heard at any point Troops are chang
ing their position in line of battle, filling up
intervals and strengthening weak places.
Burnsides corps on the extreme left had not
up to last night been able to form connection
with Hancock on his right, and this morning
the 5th corps has moved up to take its position
between them. Our line is thus considerably
contracted on the right and is much more COM
pact in its formation.
In attempting to move up and form juno
ton with Hancock yesterday morning, Burn
sides corps encountered A. p. Hills corps of
rebels and was busily engaged during good
part of the day. In the early part OF the day
we had the advantage pushing the enemy back
md holF ND Ari fhoun
out of two or three lines OF rifle pits; but they
afterwards held their ground obstinately and
even retook a portion Of what we had gaines
from them.
TWAS probably owing to this engagement
on the left, preventing Burnside from making
connection with the troops to the right Of him,
that the expected general assault did not take
place yesterday afternoon.
BEFORE SPoTTsYLvAN1A COURT House,
May 13, 8 a. m.-The battle Of yesterday con-
tinuea up to q late hour last night The fight
ing, which was mainly conducted by troops
of Gen. Hancocks, was of the most desperate
character, and hundreds and thousands Of
brave men entered upon the battle-fi of to.
day never again to return. Beyond the second
line OF earuhworks gained from the enemy,
nothing further was accomplished.
This morning ascertain the enemy's right is
falling back to Spottsylvania Court House.
There has been considerable firing during the
night, which was induced by the occasional
attempt made by our men to take from the bat
tie field battery or SO OF the enemy's guns
still remaining there, and which lay between
their skirmishers and the advance Of our army.
1t rained almost contin ually yesterday, and
there was also heavy shower Of rain during
the night. The weather this morning is cool
apd n dapnn NTH q proerocf of v,,oro rain Our
troops suffered greatly yesterday there is no
doubt, as all the fighting was done during the
rain, and towards noon the ground over which
they were obliged to march became very
muddy. Still they have borne up bravely un-
der all these disadvantages, and never was
braver fighting done than that executed by
Hancock's corps yesterday.
Our list of killed and wounded is very heavy.
During these eight days engagements Grant
and Mea de have probably lost one-fourth OF
their army. Both these repeated battles and
the nature of the country in which they are
fought, rendering it impossible to witness them
unless undergoing great personal danger, it is
impossible to send you anything more than
brief synopsis Of the events Of each day; stating
the corps and divisions engaged and general
results.
Rebel prisoners state that Lees army is fear
fully cut up, and that their heavy loss has had
very dispiriting effect upon soldiers. Still
they are making desperate efforts, and will no
doubt fight so long as there is any chance Of
success.
There has been no firing this morning thus
far. Still we cannot expect to be idle to-day,
as blow after blow must be given until the foe
are abandoned and conquered.
the army rings with the praises OF Hancock.
and that General, with his brave Pennsylva-
MIA troops, are subjects in the mouth Of everv