Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-05-27
BUTLER'S MOVEMENTS.
PALMER'S CREEK BATTLE, MAY 10.

The Herad's correspondent with Gen.
Butler gives detailed account Of Beaure-
gara's attack on our forces at Palmers Creek
on the 10th. The entire length of the reoe
lines opened with artillery, when the rebels
messing their troops struck our right under
Gen. Hickman, enveloped its flank aud took
It IN reserse. The first blow was dealt with
teri fc torce.
Gen. Heckman's brigade of the 18th corps
holding the right was doubled up and forced
back on the next brigade which was aso
thrown into some confusion. Our men did
not perceive the rebels till they had succeed
ed in passing column between Heckmans $
right aud the river and taking him in front
and rear, crushed him between the columns
and for time created some confusion.
Gen. Hickman made gallant fight but
the enemy came 1on MIN so suddenly and
with such overwhelming numbers that sue
cesiu resistance was impossible. Some of
Toe brigade were captured. After this oper-
atlOu, having forced back the right, heavy
attack was made on the entire line of the lS.h
corps, and entire right was forced back some
distance, after several hours of severe fight
ing. The battle RACED ull near IL o'clock
The rebels throwing heavy forces upon our
lines finally forced it back nearly one
fourth Of a mile
Our forces fought stubboFnly and resisted
every step, and frequently checked the rebel
advance with terrible loss. but not without
some loss on o. rside. The enemy umbered
not less than $4,000, and pushed on with a
recklessness aud steaduess that is rarely
seen. Finally, after forcing the 18th corps
back from its position and regaining portion
OF the first line Of intrenchments, they mass
ed their forces on the l0th corps 20 dive it
back. The enemy first hurled their column
on Turner's division, who advanced as if
upon parade aud moved steadily upon Barton
on the right of Turner, not firing single
shot.
Waiting until the rebels bad reached a
good distance for effective range. Barton's
brigade poured into the rebel lines such ter
rife FIRE that the line melted away. and after
vainly endeayoring to advance fed with terri
Bile loss to the woods in broken disorderly
manner. Under cover of the woods the reb-
el line was sgain formed and again advanced,
aud again received the terrific fire, but pushed
steadily on till one-fourth Of them were laid
killed and wounded in the field, when they
broke and fed to the woods.
Our boys gave hearty cheer, and sent a
Being twice repulsed at this point. they
changed position and poured column rpon
Harley's brigade of Terry's division. They
came up in the same steady manner, and were
received with a more deadly ere :han before
by Turner aud Barton. They were determ-
ined, however to break our line and force it
from its position, cost what it would. They
again formed and strengthened by reinforce
mehts, they charged again and after ten min
utes hot work were repulsed and driven back
at all points. That ended any serious efforts
on their part to force our position, and eav-
ing their dead and wounded to the number Of
1000 on the field, they again massed upon
Gen. Smiths front, and attacked his left
The troops fell back slowly and in order,
repulsing every effort of the rebels to quicken
its movements and making a stand at every
favorable position, till the enemy foil back in
their first line Of entertainments.
Gen. Gilmore then drew off his corps and
formed to support Gen. Smiths. Tue fight
ing, which had been going on along the en-
tire line, ceased at 2,90p. m. and preparations
we're made to draw of our forces from the
field and return TO our entrenchments. The
artillery was sent to the rear except a section
to cover the rear guard. Finally, the entire
army fell back This ended the rebel attack
on our lines.
The same correspondent says oheridan's
forces again started ON a raid around Rieh-
mond, yesterday, 18th.
| Our loss 10 the battle on Monday was four
guns, and 1000 10 killed. wounded aud mis-
sing, but in the battle with Gen. Gilmore.
which occurred subsequently,. our loss was
,riaing, perhaps 900. We lost no wagons OF
o,her material. The enemy's loss is 1000 to