Litchfield enquirer., 1864-05-12
Success to our Arms
MosT DESPERATE FIGHTING


 WASHINGTON, May 9-lO:45 AM. 7o Anj. Gen. JoAn 4. Dir, Nsu Fork: We have this morning intelligence by scouts direc, from the army, as late as Saturday even- jag. but no official reports.
 The general resnlts may be stated as success to our arms.
 The fighting on Friday was on both sides the most desperate known in modern times. deeply regret to say that the country will have to mourn the death of that accomplished soldier, Brig. Gen. Wadsworth, who was struck in the forehead by ball at the head of his command, while leading them against one of the enemys strongest positions. His remains are in our hands in charge of Col Sharpe. Gen. Webb was wounded.
 Gen. Jones of the rebel army killed. The condition of the army is reported to be most admirable. Their cool determined cour- age has in every instance proved too much for the desperate fury of the rebels, who have been driven at all points. There has been no strag- gling.
 At the latest accounts Hancock was pushing forward rapidly by the left to Spotsylvania Court House, and yesterday heavy cannonading was heard at Acquia Creek from that direction until 3 o'covk. We have lost some prisoners One regiment. the l7th Penn. reserves, charged through an abbatis of the enemy, but were un- able to get back, and most of the m were cap tured.
 We have taken large number of prisoners supposed to be more than we lost. The wound ed had not yet arrived at the point where the trains were to receive them. The medical di- rector reports that large proportion are slight wounds.
 Artillery was not used on either side the first two days. There is nothing later from Gener- al Butler than the date of my last dispatch. Gen. Sherman was heard from last night. He had been all day accommodating the enemy's position and would attack to-day
 EDWIN M. STANTON, Sec'y of War.
 FRIDAYS BATTLE. GEN. LER's REPORT OF IT. GEN. LoNesrREE7
 WOUNDED.
 WASHINGTON, May 9, ll-30 A. M. This department has just received from General Butler the official report of General Lee, of the operations Of Friday. He says their loss in killed is not large, but they have many wounded.
 He grievss to announce that General Long street was severely wounded. General Jenk- ins was killed, General Pegram badly wound. ed on Thursday, and that it is supposed that OCuCioi ottuolu WILL lSCOttI GV | merciful God that every advance on General Grants part has been repulsed.
 He states that our forces attacked them and caused some confusion.
 General Wadsworths body fell into their hands, but our reports this morning state it as now in our possession, under charge of Col Sharpe, as stated in my first despatch this morning.
 The belief here is that Lieut.. Gen. Grant is achieving complete victory.
 EDWIN NJ. STANTON.
 By the Independent Line. ANOTHER REPORT OF VICTORY.
 LEE RErREAT1NG TO RICHMOND.
 WASHINGTON, May 9, P. M. Two correspondents of the press leaving the army at o'clock yesterday, have arrived They fully confirm all previous advices of Fri days victory. Lee retreated l2 miles on Fri day night, and yesterday morning had passed Spottsylvania Court House, on the road to Hanover.
 There was considerable heavy skirmishina with Lees rear yesterday, and it was during this that General Wadsworth of New York was killed
 Rebel General Sam. Jones is killed and in our hands.
 At noon yesterday we had over l,5OO pris- oners. We have some artillery. The killed and wounded are now. estimated for both days at 10000.