The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-05-31
PROM GEN LEES ARMY.
of the Richmond DiSpatcn'
Army OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,

earlv bour this morning. At dawn Of day, before
anv IF ns but the brave men who keep watch 10
the trenches had left our blankets the enemy
opened furious artillery upon Maj Gen Gordon,
of Eyells corrs Of course Gen Long, formerly
Of Gen Lees staff and now commanding the artll-
le,v of Ewels CORDS was not slow in returning
this early morning salutation of the Federal army.
For nearly two hours the canbonade equaled that
at Gettysburg. The enemy seemed to have massed
his heavies: aud best guns that part of the lines
which he had assaulted successfully on the 18th,
and all supposed that another death struggle tor
the mastery was about 70 -ooour fortunately the
nrecautions taken by great chief were wise,
aud his dispositions admirable, that all the brave
Confederate soldier had to do, when he rose from
his dreams on the ground behind the entrench-
nents was 10 reach out for his trusty musket.
AS you we're informed by my letter Of the 10th
aud by Gen Lees official dispatches, the enemy
moved portion of his forces to the east bank OF
the Nv, in the direction Of the Richmond and
Fredericksburg railroad. The oplnion prevailed
at the time that Grant trying TO throw his
army to the east side of the Mattaponi, and that
he Roald probably move down the stream to Bow
ling Green, and possibly,to West PONY, where he
would form a junction with Butler and Smith.
Doubtless he desired to produce the impression
upon Gen Lee, as in that event he might reasona-
hIv "calodlate" that the latter would make COZ
responding movement to the east. 1t Is not yet
tiolg for me to say precisely what Gen Lee did do
This much, however, may be safely published now,
viz: That he did exactly what was best tor .the
army and worst for the enemy, Accordingly,
when Grant commenced the assault this morning
upon what was formerly right wing but is now
our left, he found EweIl and Gordon justewhere
re left them on the 18th. His stratagem had
failed to accomplish its purpose. Lee did not
move his whole army to the right and away from
the hattie field aud thus leave the way open to an
advance, as he had hoped ne would do. The truth
is Grant, while a bold leader and an able COM
IN nder is no more a match to our great captain
in tactics and strategy than bis motley followers
are to the bronzed veterans of the South in the
Qualities Of the soldier. lie may march his army
way in the day time and counermarch 1t an
ufher way at night hut at the cad OF all his labor
and trouble he will find no much surprised
as himself.
But I frd that ] sm falling into the error so
con.nl"n in the srmy, and indeed in the whole
country. Ali of us, including the highest officers
as well as the hunrblest privates have to.
look up to Gen Lee with the most implicit faith
aud confidence ami believe that the path he
trends must surely lead to victory. This feeling
is increased. if justified, when We recollect how
quickly and successfully be penetrated Grants de-
signs and anticipated him at the Wilderness, and
especially when We recall the superna prescience
which enabled him to forcsee aud provide against
the advance Of the Federal army upon this place.
The ease with which he unravels tho most intricate
combinations OF his antagonist, the instructive
knowledge which he seems to possess OF all bis
plans and designs, and the certainty with which
he moves his own army and makes his dispo.
sitions is truly wonderful. But, good and great
our chief is. there is greater Power than he
a Power upon whom he leans, as the army leans
upon himself, or a child upon a father; and
m tren,f,la Lost he Uuiltv Of no
monstrous crime Of diverting from that benefcent
Power the love and gratitude which are so justly
due for the good fortune that has literally been
shoTered upon our cause and country since the
dawn of this blessed year Of 1864 When
call the disasters which attended arms last
year. the gloom which settled upon the hearts Of
the people during the winter, the miraculous iu-
SEPARATION that descended upon the army and ex-
tended through the country, as the year unfolded
its monthly leaves and the series of brilliant and
substantial aud unez pected victories that crowned
our arms in rapid and almost bewilderiug success
sion in every part of the country, it would seem
nl possible for any son daughter Of this stricken
land, be they Jew or Gentle, Pagan or Christian,
to rise from the contemplation except with heart
swelling with gratitude, and eyes 5rimmug with
sears OF joy. Heaven has been kind in giving US
euci leaders and such armies, but kinder still in
leading them in the path of victory.
But let US return to the battle-=the last, let us
hope of the battles of Spottsylvania Court House.
The attack was begun soon as it was light
enough for the enemy to see how train his
seleudid guns upon our position. The fire was
very heavy, and was kept up without intermission
from near four o'clock until six, when the infantry
were brought forward carry the works The
assault by the latter. however was very feeble the
enemy at no time coming nearer than seventy five
yards from our entertainments. At many places
shey kept at the respectful distance of two and
seree hundred yards. The artillery fire was re-
ncwed at seven O'Clock for half an hour er.more,
and again at nine, and fresh aud earnest Efforts
were made to bring the infantry up to their work
as on the 18th, but all to no purpose They woulti
advance, but would not fight as heretofore being
easily repuised, in many instances by our sharp
shooters and skirmishers alone. No attack wa-
made upon other parts of the lines.
A few prisoners were taken, no report that the
assaulting column consisted of 5000 men from
the Cd aud 9th corps. who. in response to a call
from Gen Grant had volunteered their, services in
the attack. II the Federal army has reached a
pnint of Generalization where it. becomea necessa-
re- To cali for volunteers to assault works and
it lie volunteers when they come forward do no
better ttr~e tn d;d to DAY thea the STRUGGLE
here is approaching IFS end But there is horne
ly but wise maxim which teaches us not to shont
until We get out of the woods. After ALL these
movements on the right and feeble attacks on the
left may have a meaning which We do not yet fully
understand
The prisoners report, also, the arrival of divis-
ion yesterday under Gen Augur, composed of the
sweepings OF the hospitals jails and provost guard