Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-05-14

WASHINGTON, May Accommodation
have been opened with Gems Smith and Gil
mere who are near Richmond. There was
no fighting yesterday. Our army is believed
10 be advancing successfully, and Fredercks-
burg has been occupied, and the rail road is
being repaired. The Star extra, says Grant
las field full of prisoners, and had advanced
10 Spottsylyania Court House. verbal
message received at Hallee'k Headquarters by
a messenger from the army, states that both
armies closed on Friday, the enemy having
falling back about one and half miles. leay-
ing their dead and wounded on the field
On Saturday at o'clock Lee was in full re-
treat thraugh Spottsylvania, and when the
messages left, Hancock was entering the
place in pursuit. Butler is reported within
ten miles of Richmond.
Gen. WadswOrth of New York, killed; al
so, the rebel Generals Jones and Jenkins, and
Gems. Pickett and Hunter are wounded.
Butler has whipped Beauregard and cut the
Petersburg and Richmond Railroad.
A dispatch dated Washington, 9th. 10 A. NJ.
60 Gen. Dix saws, We have intelligence this
morning by scouts direct from the army up
TO Saturday evening, but no official reports.
The general result may be stated as a success
20 our armies.
The fighting Friday was the most desper-
ate known in modern times. Gen. Wads-
worth was killed by ball in the forehead
while leading his troops against the enemy's
strongest positions Gen. Webb was wound
ed.
The condition of our army is said to be
admirable.
At the latest accounts Hancock was push
ing forward rapidly by left Of Spottsyfvania
Court House, and Yesterday heavy cannona-
ding was heard at Aqua Creek, and from
that direction. We lost some prisoners. One
regiment Of Pennsylvania Reserves charged
through an abattis Of the enemy, but were
unable TO get back, most Of them were cap.
tured
We have taken large number of prisoners.
1t is supposed that we lost some artillery, but
artillery was not used on either side in the first
two days fighting.
Gen. Sherman was heard from last night.
He would attack the rebels to-day.
FRIDAY AND SATURDAYS BATTLES.
The New York Herald has the following
relative to the battles on Friday and Satur-
day:
A o'clock In the morning the contest
vas renewed against our line and rear, and
the hum of battle came from every quarter
From certain indications it was concluded
that Lee was reinforcing Longstreet on Ham
cocks front and part of Burnsides corps ac-
cOrdingly moved to his support, taking po-
sition TO The left of General Warren and
completely filling up the gap into which the
two brigades had been thrown the preceding
evening.
On moving at daylight towards their as
signed position, through close forest, they
fonnd it occupied by rebels prepared to dis
pute its progression. Fighting at this point
was over by O'Clock, finding it impossible
to dislOdge the rebels from their position.
Early IN the morning Hancock was driven
back close to his breastworks, by superior
force, but subsequently, rallied his men and
succeeded regaining most OF his ground. Be-
tween 10 and IL o'clock, however, LOngstreet
succeeded in the left of his advance throwing
It into some confusion. This extended along
the entire line and came near involving the
whole corps in inextricable confusion. He
was once more forced back to mis- breastworks
and the enemy actually planted his colors in
side these. but could not sustain themselves
and were elected. At this time heavy REIN
iorcenents were threwn to his support from
Burnsldes corps. and bis men were rallied
and taken well in hand and all danger of fur
Their disaster removed.
The charge of Longstreet was completely
overwhelming. Solid masses of infantry were
hurled upon Hancock time after time with an
impetuesity which nothing could withstand.
1t was exceedingly fortunate for the 9th corps
and the whole army, that he was checked at
the critical period and driven back with as
much precipitation as he came.
The ground in front of Hancock had bean
fought over a number of times. and the num-
hers Of wounded and dying on the field were
vast
At night Hancock occupied his breastwork
and hao nothing but prisoners and rebel dead
to show Tor TIE slaughter of two days fighting
be behaved with conspicuous gallantry
throughout, and was on the iield personally
where dangers were the thickest.
Gen. Warren also rode along the lins. The
utmost surprise was manifested at the number
Of troops Lee was able to bring into action.
This corps maintained its first position how
ever till darkness. About midnight charge
was made, when it gave way and was unable
10 regain the ground thus lost.
This of course compelled the abandonment
OF the great position line aad bresstworks in
front of this corps, and brought the skirmish
line within half mile of Grants and Meade's
headquarters.