The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1864-05-17

engaging the enemy.
THE BATTLE or SUNDAY.
Headquarters Ftfh Arny Corps,
May :, 1864,
And the work Of war still goes on.
This corps has again been heavily en-
gagged to-day. The closest and &C.
verest contest of the day has only
Just ended. Our column marched all
night. Il was the last to leave the
intrenchments where the battles Of the
Wilderness we're fought and, first
in the field there, was first also in the
fght here.
Taking the brook road, by way Of
Todds tavern, and moving separate
from trans, cur march was unobstruci-
ed and rapid. II was not known, Of
course, where We should meet the en-
emy. A rumor prevailed that only
Ewell's corps was staying behind, and
tha, the rest of the rebel army was
hurryiug, with all possible speed, to
resist the advance OF General Buffers
forces on Richmond. The days events
developed different state Of affairs.
There had been cavalry fight in
front of us, and a report came to Gen.
Warren that only cavalry and some
artillery had been seen, and prisoners
said there was no infantry near u.s.
The result showed this statement TO
be incorrect. Advancing from Todd's
tavern, ON the road to Spottsylvania
Court House, four regiments Of Gen.
Bartlett's brigade, OF Gen. Grifiin's
division--the lst Michigan, 44th New
York, SD Pennsylvania and 18th
Mass. regiments-were sent ahead as
skirmishers. AS we passed down the
road shells were hurled at US with
great rapidity. Gens Warren ,and
staff we're advancing down the same
road. General Warren had his horse
disabled by piece Of shell.
As we advanced the enemy fell
back, making only slight resistance.
Reaching what is called Allsop's
Farm, we came into a clearing OF
about hundred acres, and triangular
in form. The rebel artillery had been
stationed in this clearing. To the
rear of the clearing is Ny Bun, a
small rtream, affording no obstacle to
the advance Of troops. The woods
are mixture Of pine, cedar, and oak,
but not so dense as the scene of our
late battles. The wooded ground ris-
es beyond the run and is ridgy. AT
the opening into the clearing the road
forks, both leading to Spottsylvania
Court House, some three miles distant
from this point.
The battle line as formed compris-
ed Gen. Griilin's division, on the right,
and Gen. Rnhinsnn's mn the left 'tha
eneuiys artillery was now located IN a
small clearing on a ridge fronting us.
The line of battle advanced thro'
the clearing. Having driven the en-
emy up to this point two miles into
the woods fronting US, our forces
pushed them and now began the Sc
rious opening of the days work. Our
troops ran on to three lines Of the en-
emy - Ewell's and Longstreets - as
was afterwards ascertained, were here
awaiting us. The fight was terrible.
The remaining divisions of the corps
Gen. Crawford's and Gen. Wads.
worth's, the latter now commanded by
Gen. Outler-were hurried forward
rapidly. The fight became general
and lasted four hours.
Our troops behaved magnifcently,
keeping at bay more than treble the
number. 1t will be understood that
the remaining corps of the army, which
had taken the road by way of Chan.
cellorsyiIle for this point, were still
behind. 1t would moi do to be driven
back, and our men fought with des-
peration, showing not only their usual
firm courage, but fullest appreciation
of the position of affairs and the inn
portance of holding their ground.
This opening fight commenced
about s A. M.
In the afternoon there was sue
cession of other battles, the 9th still
being engaged. just before night one
brigade OF the 9th Corps went to the
assistance Of the corps, and, with this
exception, the 5th did all the days
fighting. The closing struggle Of the
day was, If anything, more desperate
than the one Of the morning. The
fiercest effort Of the enemy was made
TO drive US back and get on our lanks,
but the GOODNESS and courage of our
men repelled every effort.
We have beaten the enemy F; but il
has been a most costly victory. Our
losses are set down al thirteen hum
dred--killed, missing and wounded
Tonight our division is commanded
by colonel. Brigades have lost
their commanders, and / know Of one
regiment--the 4th Michigsn-that is
commanded by first lieutenant.
/ Gen. Robinson, early in the en-.
gagement Of his division, was shot
through the knee.