Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-06-23

encounter with Gen. Lee, and has been engaged
since Burnside may probably expect to win some lau
res around Petersburg, but we can assure him in ad
vance that be will pay dearly for them. cur authori
ties are more than ever alive to the Importance
defending Petersburg, and should the invaders renew
their attempts this morning, it is probable they VIII
a very different reception awaits them to any which
has been heretofore extended
FROM CHESTERFIELD.
We understand that the enemy Withdrew all their
white Yankees from Gen. Beauregards front in Ches-
terfeld Tuesday night, and substituted negro Yankees
in theic stead. Yesterday morning our pckets over
there were surprised when day dawned to ind them
selves confronted by soldiers purely of African scent
Be it So IF the elegant, refined and tas'1dlouS But
er deses to achieve the reputation of warrior with
such troops it is not in our power to prevent him.
however much We may object. But when the actual
conflict does come it will be sad day for those sable
of Mars, and their burly leader too if he should
take the field.
LArER-DEsPERArE E1GHT1zG-THE ENEMY CHARGE
AND TAKE A PORTION OF OUR BREAsTwoRKs.
The above account was written at p. m, yesterday
afternoon, when comparative quiet had prevailed along
lines for two hours more, and 1t was the genera
impression that the fighting had ceased for the day In
this our troops was mistaken Tor IL was asceraned De-
fore dark that the enemy had massed very heavy force
on our left-especially on the City Point and Prince
George Courthouse Roads.
At sunset the enemy charged our batteries command
ing these roads, coming up in line OF battle SIX and
seven columns deep. The brunt of the assaults was
sustained by the Goth and 46th regiments, 0 Wse's
Brigade, and Sturdivant Battery OF four guns.
Three furious assaults were made, the enemy coming
up with YELL end making the most determined ttorte
to carry the works. Our troops received them with
terrific volley each time, sending the columns back
broken and discounted. The fourth assault was made
by such overwhelming numbers that our forces found
it impossible to resist the PRESSURE and were compelled
to give way. The enemy poured over the works
the guns On our men, opened upon them an enfading
fire, which caused them TO leave precpltately. The
guns captured belonged to Sturdvants battery and
regret TO hear that Capt S. himself Captured aud
two of his Leutenans wounded both Of whom fell into
the enemy hands. The gallant In which this
battery fought up to the last moment is the theme
of praise every tongue All present, with whom we
have converse say that Capt S. and bis stood up
manuily to their work and the last discharge made
by Capt. Sturdivant almost solitary and alone.
he city filled with rumors last night regarding
the killed and wounded, but could get nothing
authentic regarding names, we torbear to give them
1t is generally conceded that Capt. Surdivant was
captured and also Maj Bate, of The Petersburg City
Battalion. We shall certainly receive more definite ID
formation during to day
The position gained by the enemy is most impor
tant one. Our Generals are fully aware of this and
we shall undoubtedly have hot work today.
Officers in the field yesterday estimate the number OF
the enemy actually fronting different portions OF
line, at from ten to twelve thousand is beHeV
ed that this is only the advance column and that Grant
hes nearly his entire army On this side of the river
Thirty odd transports assembled James River with
troops yesterday.
Twenythree prisoners brought in last night, belong
ing chiefly to the 148th N. regiment all concur in
the statement that Baby Smiths entire Army Corps
(the l9th) is en- this SIDE of the river AGAIN Other
prisoners taken yesterday morning. state that they De
long to Burnside's Corps.
A FIGHT ON THE BAxTEl: aoAD--THE ENEMY REFUSED
An officer engaged, furnished at late hour last
night, with brcf account of engagement which oc
Cured Baxter Road yesterday, about three miles
from this city. 1t seems that the enemy appeared on
this road the sdece Of Col Avery about twelve
o'clock. Immediately in front Of Battery No. Is, was
stationed the Macon (Geo) Light Artillery, Capt q.
W. Slater, supported by portion of the 34th Virginia
Regiment. Wises Brigade. The enemy showed him
se at once, driving in pickets, land planting bat
terry in front of our works. with which he opened u
rious cannonade. He was promptly and CALAMITY re-
sponded to by the Macon Artillery. This fire was
maintained for hours when the enemy charged our
works. but after arriving within two hundred yards OF
the fortfcations repused with considerable loss.
The artillery sent round after round of shell and cannls
ter into their ranks with great rapidly and accuracy
and the work becoming too warm for them they broke
and fled in confusion.
They were pursued by the 34th for some distance,
who poured several CALLING volleys into their ranks
Among the dead left the field in front OF this bat
terry Col Mix, of New York, who seemed to have
been instantly killed by canister shot in the breast
About shutdown the enemy entirely disappeared
from this portion OF our lines, and returned to the
left