The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-05-09

WASHINGTON, May 9, 1854.
Ihs rst ocal information from the battle field or the
Army OF the Potomac received at the War Depart
ment this morning Nothing hes been heard directly
from General Grant, and ouch details are given arc
gathered from the dispatches Of the Medical Director and
Chief ouartermaser Of the Army OF the Potomac, and
Assistant Secretary OF War DANA who is stationed Al she
telegraphc post nearest 70 the battle field.
II appears that on Thursday Lee forward
Longsees corps TO attempt TO prevent General Grants
selection Of position for his army. An effort made
10 get between the right wing Of Grants army-com-
posed sedgw corps-and the fords Of the Rapdan
Il was unsuccessful Then the rebel troops OF Longstree
we're massed and hurled against the corps of Sedgwck
Tho position OF the Union army at this particular time
was rs follows;-Genera Hancock, with the Second
oorps had advanced distance from the river and
passed Parkers Store In the direction OF Shady
Grove church. General Warren, with the Fifth corps,
followed next and held the position along the road
ming west Of wilderness Village while General seds
wcks Sixth cbrps occupied the ground between General
Warren and river Az the troops faced towards
the west, win be that General Warren held the
centre with General Hancock the left and General
sedgwick tho right. To get between the army and
the river the attack had 70 be on the right wing.
Tho rebels then attempted TO break the centre by
hurling heavy body OF trops General Warren but
orders given for troops 10 attack nrst and
&c neral Hancock ordered to 70 his support.
The rebels, apparently understanding the manDuvre,
tried 10 prevent this junction by precptating heavy
force under A. p Hill between the second and Fifth
CORPS Fortunately division OF the Second corps
ready 70 meet the attack and determined hght took
place. Two other div sions attached TO tho
mand also came sp and the rebels not only folled.
but completely repulsed. The fight principally an
infantry one In consequence Of the broken or the
ground.
On the following day riday) the attack was renewed
By Longsreet the right while the rebel troops under
A. p. Hill wore hurled In like manner against tho left
wing OF Grants army, composed OF Hancocks corps.
warren corps, the CENTRE also engaged In repeng
these assaults Of the enemy. The fight continued with
hardly any intermissop, for two days; but yesterday
ornno Lee. harino failed completely in hs Object sOA-
dre,o rom he enoooeret leaving our army Of the Poto-
mac in possession Of the ground and Of ay0s number Of
ne rebel killed and vound-d
II has not been ascertained definitely whether Lec's
army have retired behind their defensive works N Nine
run or moved TO position 70 Richmond and the
railroad
Ample supplies OF hospital stores are on their way from
this city for the relief OF wounded, many OF whom
have already been brought Rapphannock Station and
trains OF hospital cars well provided with comforts for
The wounded, have been sent ou, TO bring them In
The result is regarded at tho War Department az de-
cded success for General Grant, which, followed up,
viii give to him complete victory.
Grants loss in killed and wounded In the two days
battle s estimated by tho Medical Director at eight thou
sand The loss OF the enemy supposed TO be greater
Accommodations have been provided for the trsnspor
Mton Of thousand wounded including those Of both
sides.