The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-06-06
DETAILS OF WEDNESDAYS
FIGHT.

New YORK, June S The Herald's cor,
respondence has details Of Wednesday.
fighting. He says our line Of battle ey-
tended fully ten miles in length from N. W
to S. E. Hancock's line was on the Me-
chanicsville road, in the rife pits wrested
from the enemy two dsys before. The de-
fenses were. e.made impregnBble to an ordi-
nary assault. Burnside's corps was next,
on high ground. Warren was thrown a
little forward, protected in font by double
and triple lines Of the most formidable field
breastworks. Wrights corps was marched
to the left with 2 divisions Of Sheridan's
cavalry in the front and flank. An attempt
was made with rebel infantry, early in the
day, to drive our cavalry from Coal Har
Dor, but resulted in their repulse, killing
and wonndiDg large number, and taking
between 200 and 300 prisoners. The reb-
els were reinforced for another attack, but
Wright coming up enabled US to hold the
place and take more prisoners. Wright fol-
lowed up his success, and brought on an ell
gagemeDt, which lasted till Hn hour after
dark. At that time We had carried the reb'
ell lines of rifle pits, and driven the enemy
to the Chickahominy river O..
The enemy then made furious assault,
late in the evening upon our right and CEN
tire. They marched in three lines upon
Warren determined to pierce the centre and
throw the line into confusion. Attempt
after attempt was made, and the men hurl-
ed to certain destruction. The battle ragged
fully hours in front of this corps, our loss
at this point can only be little of what the
enemy suffered. The attack on Hancock
was nearly similtaneos, he not onlyrepulsd
the enemy but pressed them back so far
that he wa drawn into bad positins, and
was compelled to make hasty retreat; and
resume the ground be occupied at the ont
set, the object ofIlancok's advance however
was apparently ruse he was Immediately
ordered to abandon his position & move his
corps from the right of the line, to the ex
treme left.
Another correspondent with the 18th
cerps says, of the fighting at Coal Harbor.
The rebels were in strong force between
Coal Harbor and Gaines Mills, and strong
ly intrenched. By the edge Of piece of
woods they had life pits and other earth
works thrown up. AT 4 30 the troops were
in position in three lines o: battle at five
skirmishng commenced. A battery Of 20
Founders opened fire on the rebels, and the
roar Of its guns soon completely swallowed
all sounds. An order was received for both
corps to charge the rebel works in our front
Brooks and Devins pushed through the
woods on their front, and poured like tor:
nado over the open field. The rebels open
ed with grape and canister, and heavy
musketry FIRE and the first line was badly
cut up.
The I'd mingled with it, and then the Sd,
and almost Immediately after wild shout
rund out above every other sound as the
rebels were driven pell nell from their
works and dhrough the woods. They were
rallied behind their reserves and tried to
recapture their lost position. They rushed
forward but were received with go close
and murderons fire Of artillery and mus
kerry that they broke and fed in confusion.
Again and again they were rallied, and re-
turned to the charge but only returned to
be driven back with greater slaughtet.
The same correspondent says $40 rebel
soldiers belonging to the 10th and 18th Ga
Volunteers came into our lines at daybreak
on the I'd. They say they are tired Of
| fighting and do not want any more of it.
They advised our men to go in and fight il
out as this was the last fghht for Rich,
mond and we could takeit this time. They
represent the rebel army as becoming each
day more and more demor allied with theiI
constant reverses.