New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-04-22

space beyond. where would have the adyan
tage OF the timber for a covering, and the Rebels be
obliged 70 fall back to the main line and thus expose
their points of defense.
As our troops The further edge Of the woods
the enemy was discovered flew hundred yards off in
our immediate 'front.' aud apparently concentrating,
either TO make onset upon lines to repel
sault upon their own Both wings were partially
screened by woods and uneven ground while the center
seemed to be- protected from assault IN measure By
shallow ravines and soughs.
The Rebel skirmishers who had been steadily re-
enforced from the commencement Of the fight and
whose line had therefore, become almost as strong
connected line Of battle withdrew with some pre-
cipancy across the field in 'front.' while pushed
boldly after them until within good range Of the main
line upon which they at opened an accurate fire.
This occasioned some confusion among the Rebels and
slight change OF the position Of their center which
threw them more under cover.
The fight had lasted for two hours, during which
we had continued to gain ground steadily, and had
learned enough Of the enemys position to enable Gen.
Smith to make proper dispositions for general attack
For this purpose, Gen Movers Division was ordered
to advance and attack the enemy in 'front.' while Dud
ley's Brigade of Lees Cavalry Division should move
around and attack his flank on the left.
At the same time the two Indiana batteries of
Mowers division were moved forward and posted so
as TO cover the movements Of the main line. Owing
to the uneven nature Of the ground, which now
slippery from the recent rains and 10 places almost
impossible the advance necessarily slow until
men came within plain sight Of tie enemy waiting to
receive them Here they pressed on with loud cheers
regardless alike Of distractions and Of tue enemys
bullets. simultaneously with this our two batteries
were wheeled into position and opened telling fire Of
shell and grape shot 1t became Immediately apparent
that the Rebels wayering and in ten minutes their
entire force in full retreat which became momenta.
ry more precipitate
This was more than was bargancd for as IL seemed
almost certain the, they would get away before bud.
leys cavalry could reach their flank 1t was next to
impossible to make effective pursuit with infantry
and the further rout and decentralization of the flying
enemy depended on the force under that officer. lie
was not however altogether too late, for he with
in sight of the rctreating column Just it crossing
extensive plantation in Of the battlefield. The
greater part Il the Rebel army had already passed and
there no time to spare. Throwing bis in line
he ordered them to charge and they moved forward
first at trot then at gellop ard finally at full speed
The unexpected appearance of this formidable force
quarter whence they least dreamed Of molestaton
pletetey disconnected the Rebels, well it might.
At first they hal.ed and made some Movements toward
forming a line OF battle but these movements turned
into wild confusion the cavalry came forward with
accelerated speed, and when in few minutes the very
ground began to trembe under the tread Of than
thousand horses and the air to resound with the
mingled sounds OF bugle blasts the shouts of
and tho nglng Of their sabers they broke and fed in
all directions like leaves before the Wholesome follow
ing up the main body some going back toward our
army. while others crouched behind stumps or what
else wonld save them from the living avalanche
that with resstless force coming down upon them
This charge struck the Rebel column Just in advance
Of the rear cutting in two leaving about 20 prisoners
In hands, and scattering thrice many more.
that IL will be difficult get them together again
IL they should all not be captured by cavalry who
FRO now scouring the woods in every direction, aud
picking them up by squadS. This endod tho days
fighting. the bad roads the peculiarly rough nature
Of the country. and the waning d0y making it
sary TO defer general pursuit. Even now however,
cavalry is on the track Of the enemy, and the
tire army Is under orders to march at moments
warning.
Our loss in killed and wounded is not exceeding 90
OF the enemy's correct estimate can be made. We
already have 400 prisoners and others being
brought in all the time His loss in killed. wounded
and prisoners viii not fall short OF zoo and is not IN
likely much greater.