Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-05-20

The rebel columns pelted away, ana aIter
one of the most desperate fights of all
time, were forced back under the tre-
mendous fire and unfinching bravery OF
the divisions already named. Parts OF
other divisions we're engaged, but not
TO such an extent as these. 1t was Han
cocks turn. His troops advanced with
cheers. Barlow's division fell upon
Heath's division of Longstreet's corps
like thunderbolt, cutting it all to pieces.
Rebel prisoners say it was the greatest
charge of the war. The rebels were
literally piled in heaps. The advance OF
other parts Of the line not having been
made at the appointed moment, the ad-
yantages gained we're lost, and the I'd re-
turned to its former position. There was
no further attempt on the part Of the
rebels to push the I'd corps.
Just before sunset Wright and Burn
side attacked the enemy with great fury
Wright carried their rife pits. The I'd
Vermont held one against all the efforts
of the rebels TO retake it. They said
they would hold ii for six months-only
give them plenty Of ammunition and RAJ
tons.
Gen. Wright, at Q o'clock, went IL
headquarters and reported their gallant
ry, asking for instruction whether they
should hold it. 'Ple in the men and
hold it at all hazards was Grants reply
Gen. Wright went back TO execute the
order, but found that some subordinate
officer had ordered them back for feai
they would be cut Off Glorious sons o
glorious State Their honor is I'M
furnished. Their laurels can never fade
Burnside pushed the enemy back al
most. to Court House, and held bis ground
when l left the field this morning The
colored troops were not in the charge
Upton's brigade Of the 9Th corps capfur-
ed Dale's brigade of Ewel's corps, but
IN the melee were able to bring off only
twelve hundred. Three guns were taken
and lost again. Thirty.seven officers and
large number Of battle-Aags were TAX
en-. Gen. Rice was wounded and his leg
amputated, but he died in the afternoon.
Just before be died he desired to be
turned over. which way?' the Chap
lain asked. Turn my face toward the
enemy, were bis last words.
Up TO fen o'clock to-day there was
constant skirmishing, indicating that Lee
Was going to attack. Gen. Grant was
-eady. The troops are in excellent
spirits They have fought six days and
gained all the time. Lee will fight long,
md with desperation. There will be
jther great battles, but officers and men
like feel sure that this is the last great
struggle. They have perfect confidence
n GRAFT and admire Meade as an execu-
i've officer. Il
An incident will show the enthusiasm
{ our troops. A soldier with his arm
said, Il am very sorry have
ost my arm, for ] want to be at them
again lie sung, Rally round the flag,
boys, and score in the hospital joined
IN the chorus.
To sum up: the rebels tried to stop
Grant at the Wilderness but, after fight
ne two battles, retreated. Lee has tried
10 stop Grant at Spottsylyania, and has
had both TANKS folded back-his outer
line of rifle pits earried-and has been
repulsed in all his attacks.
think il is Gen. Grants intention to
90 to Richmond at oil hazards, and |
have great confidence that he will sue
coed.
WAsuINGToY, May 1850 2. NJ.
TO Maj. Gen. Die;
Dispatches from Gen. Grant dated S
o'clock, this morning, have just been re-
oeived lie says-'We have ended the
sixth day Of very heavy fighting. The
result TO this time is much in our favor
Our losses have been heavy as well as
those of the enemy. We have taken
over 5000 prisoners in battle, while be
has taken from us but few, except strag>
glers. ! purpose TO fight it out on this
line if it takes all summer
The government is sparing no pains
10 support him.
(Signed) i. NJ. STANTON,
Sec'y of War.
GOOD NEws FROM SHERMAN.