Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-06-07
The Rebel Army Of Northern
Virginia.
Correspondence of the Richmond Enquirer, May 3ol
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,l
Nav % 1884


May 20, 1864.
~ Having been on the march for night and
two days, opportunities to write have been
limited. 1t is no secret that Grant has made
his third change of base, which has neces-
STATED corresponding movement on our
own part; and both armies again confront
each other in the vicinity of the memorable
scenes of 1862 The precise locality OF the
euemys lines are not yet clearly developed,
but according to our best Information this
morning, his right rests not far from Hawes'
shop. and extend down In the direction OF
the Pamunkey river, portion of his picket
line being about three and half miles from
Atlee's Station. -.-..--..-.
It became apparent Thursday night that
the Yankees did not intend to give battle
on the line of the North Anna, and that
they were moving TO our left and down
that river. This impression was confirmed
by the sharp skirmishing in front OF our
centre the same night, with the evident de-
sign to feel our lines, which was repeated
early Friday morning while their army was
OH the move. The order was given and our
army put in motion, preceded by the wagon
trains, and, having the inside track, pur-
sued its way leisurely until it arrived at its
present position Anderson's division
bringing up the rear. The march was un-
disturbed by any unusual incident and the
troops whose heroic tortitude is as Impress
lively exhibited in their endurance of hard
ship as in the fearlessness with which they
brave death OH the battlefield, bore 1t un-
complainingly and cheerfully. Everything
gives "dreadful note of preparation" for
another bloody conflict, and the proximity
of the two hostile armies warns us that
collision may now occur at any day, unless
Grant, not liking the situation, should de-
H. oil oh of ha
About twelve o'clock yesterday severe
cavalry fight occurred near Hawes' shop,
between detachments of several brigades of
Fitzhugh Lees and Hampton's divisions
and q corps of Yankee cavalry. supported
by large body OF infantry, estimated at
two corps. The enemy were guarding the
road leading from that point to the PENN
sula. Their cavalry were dismOunted dur
ing the fight, and commenced firing on us
at distance. Both parties advanced, and
the enemy repeatedly charged our line and
were handsomely repulscd in every effort.
Their center was driven in or fell back, and,
being in imminent danger of being sur
rounded on both flanks by the largely SUI
perior and combined forces of both cavalry
and infantry, we were compelled to retire a
short distance to avoid it, the enemys artil-
lery playing on our ranks continue lsly.
The musketry was very heavy, and as in
cessant Tor time as the volleys between
infantry i'm regular line of battle. The loss
on both sides was heavy and few prison.
ers taken; but it is impossible now to give
even an approximate estimate OF our own
or that of the enemy. Among the casual
ties were Colonel Millen. of Georgia, killed,
and Col. Dunnavant, of South Carolina,
wounded by pistol shot through the left
hand. Most of our loss is attributed to the
fact that nearly all the force engaged on our
part were new men, whose only idea was
to 90 in and fight, which they did do most
gallantly and creditably. The tight con-
tinued at intervals until nearly five o'clock
p. NJ. without decisive result, save the as
certaining of the enemy's position and
strength on that part of his lines.
The youthful and dashing Gen. Young,
of Georgia, has been temporarily assigned
to the command of the brigade of North
Carolina cavalry of Gen. Gordon, wounded
in the late fight below Richmond.
The first ration of tobacco, under the act
of Congress, was issued to the army on Fri |
day. Double rations of bacon have been
issued for several days, with the addition of
Irish potatoes, which is received by the |
troops as an evidence of the ability of the |
Government to feed them, as well as anoth- |
er indication of the interest manifested in |
their health and comfort.
SIX O'CLOCK, p. NJ.
The lines have been very quiet since
morning, the day having been occupied by
the enemy in maneuvering and feeling our
position. Heavy clouds of smoke have
been rising from the direction of their lines
forseveral hours. They are reported to be
advancing their right wing in four columns
from the direction of Hanover Court House,
accompanied by cavalry, apparently with
the design of turning our right flank. Their
advance is between three and four miles
above Atlee's Station, on the Central road.
The opinion prevails in some quarters
that this movement on our left is feint,
while the main body will move down to-
wards the river on our right. In either
event, it is not probable that general en-
gagement will occur here tomorrow, if it
depends OH the enemy, who generally con-
sumo two or three days in manGuvering
and ascertaining the situation of our lines.
Meantime you will be advised by telegraph
of any change before my next xt'communica-