The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1864-05-17

as Of equally il noi greater length,
rs was proven by their maintaining
tier positions IN our front, and on one
Or two occasions temporarily turning
our TANKS
Al one O'Clock z. NJ, on Thursday
General Warren's corps began battle
IS advancing along The liae Of the
turnpike IN The line of battle on both
sides. The fighting was sharp and
vigorous On both sides, with occasion
a intervals tilI dark, with indifferent
soecess to either. Our first dash from
lhe centre Of Wafreu's corps was met
with deadly yolley that threw their
line into momeniary confusion. The
rebels took advantage Of this, and
made hayonet charge on battery d,
First New York artillery, capturing
two Of their brass Napoleon's, Or IL
p5uhdcrs. The battery seems 70 have
been imprndenily exposed and indif-
ferenily supported. Sharpshooters
had previously shot down the horses
aud many Of the men. The captain
was wounded early in the fght. These
were the only guns ne lost in the
battle.
AT dark Warren nominally held
position half mile in front Of bis
breasiworks.
General Sedgwlek may possibly
have been feeling the enemy earlier
than Warren, but was not holly en-
gagged till afternoon. The fighting IN
his front was terrible for considera-
bic period, and the losses necessarily
heavy on both sides. AT night he
seemed to have gained decided ad-
vantage, and at one time it seemed
probable that Lee was Withdrawing
troops from that point and concentrat-
ing ON our left Subsequent events
contradcted this theory. and the Sixth
corps was compelled to meet one Of
them violent assaults of this or any
other war.
General Hancock opened on the
rebels from the left Of our line, at half
past four on Thursday afternoon, and
fought furiously till night. He found
himself confronted with veteran troops
who resisted his impeluous assaults
with The coolness of well trained sol
diers, and when forced back always
retired il better order than would be
possible for fresh recruits. From the
moment of attack till dark, the crash
Of musketry was incessant and deaf
ening. The rebels were finally driv-
en- fully mile.
Gen. Hancock was severely press
cd at oneNme in the evening, and two
brigades were thrown into the gap be-
tween his right and Warren's left.
The fighting here was Of the most OBJ
stinate character possible.
As the sun sunk below the horizon
the grand conflict of the day lulled
into irregular musketry firing, and
finally ceased altogether.
TIE BATTLE OF FRIDAY, MAY 6.
AT five o'clock in the morning, as
the first dawn of morning was merg-
ing into day, the contest was renewed
along the entire line, and the roar and
hum Of battle came from every quar-
ter. From certain indications il was
concluded that Lee was reinforcing
Longstreet, on Hancock's front, and a
part Of Burnside's corps was accord
ingly moved TO his support by taking a
position to the left OF General Warren
and completely filling the gap into
which the two brigades had been
thrown the proceeding evening.
On moving at daylight towards their
signed position through close for
est, they found it occupied by rebels
prepared to dispute its possession. The
Sighting at this point was over by nine
O'Clock. Finding it impossible TO dis
lodge 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 in re.
gaining most of the lost ground. Be.
tween ten and eleven o'clock, however
| Longsireet succeeded in turning the
left ofhis advance and throwing it into
great confusion. This extended along
the entire line, and came near involve
ing The whole corps in inextricable
confusion. lie was once more forced
back to his breastworks, and the re.
bels actually planted their colors in.
aide Of these, but could not sustain
! themselves and we're soon elected.
AT this juncture heavy reinforce.
menis we're thrown 10 his support from
Burhside's corps, and his men were
rallied and taken we'll in hand, and all
danger OF further disaster removed.
The charge OF Longstreet was com.
/ pletely overwhelming and crushing
Solid masses Of infantry were hurled
upon Hancock, line after line. with an
/ impetuosity which nothing could with
stard. II was exceedingly fortunate
/ ior The Sixth corps and Tor the whole
army, that he was checked at the crit
ical period, and driven back with al
much precipitation as he came. The
ground in iron, of Hancock had been
I fought oyrr a number Of tinres, and
Bihe wounded, dead and dying on tie
field, were a vast multitude. Many
/ q them had lain there long but a ma.
jolify had been carried away By tie
party in temporary possession Of the