The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1864-05-17
The sfdcGlfcc
or THE ARMY Of THE P0T0aaC.
itHft- IwHHcHff ~ iut aeA t"lN gag
OPERATIONS on MONDAY.
HEADQUARTERS 5rH Amy CoHps,

OPERATIONS on MONDAY.
HKlpoUARTERs 5rH Army CoHPs,
III the Field, May 2, 1861
The greater part Of to day, has been con-
sumed IN skirmishing, extending along the
entire line. aud cur troops occupying the
same position behind their earthworks de-
scribed IN my despatch Of yesterday. The
Fifh corps Is still the centre Of the main col
umn, which remains in semi-circular line,
We occupying the cOncaye SIDE, as heretofore,
and in this regard hayingthe advantage Of
the enemy from the increased facilities af-
fordei in changing the disposition of the
troops
At len A. NJ. Major General sedgwick,
commanding the Sixth corps, was killed, -
lie was killed from shot by a sbarpshooter,
only short distance in advance of our head
quarters a short time before be bad been
at our corps headquarters, in conversation
with General Warren, and | remember
hearing him express himself gratid.d with
the state Of affairs, and entirely confident
Of final victory to our army in the pending
conflict Seeing his dead body SO soon
brought by in an ambulance, followed Ivy
his staff, was a spectacle as saadeuiug as it
was unexpected. Within five minutes Cen
eral Meade and staff passed by. and must
have met on their way the dead body The
depressing effect of the startling news on
General Meade may be imagined; for, as all
know, be regarded General Sedgwiek as
second to none Of his corps commanders.
The Second corps had driven tbs enemy a
mile and half across the Pc river, aud it
was determined to make general attack
along the whole line. At half past six
V-Oi~vA u. "a -. l~..I~ Dsasa. Five bat
teries Of the corps, Companies B. II and L.
First New York: Co. d. Fifth United States
artillery, and Co. B. Third Massachusetts,,
we're placed in position, and threw shells at
the enemy with scarcely any intermission
till the close Of the contest, which was after
eight o'clock Meantime there was an UNI
interrupted roar of musketry in the woods
where the main battle Of yesterday was
fought.
AT the close we had the best Of the fight,
although our forces, having successfully
driven the enemy on the centre and left, fell
back to their or iginal entrenchments.
The enemy had some batteries oppisiteour
headquarters, and, in response TO the shells
sent from our side, made ii rather unpleas-
ant about headquarters / remained until
after the fourth shell exploded over our
heads, when deemed it better TO fall back
to a safer position. Several were hit BY
the shells, but noue Of the staff officers.
General Warren was on the immediate
front, where de seems TO prefer being, aud
that notwithstanding his Snowy horse and
trappings, and his own full dress uniform,
which be never changes, fight or no fight
should have stated that our batteries,
with those Of other corps, have been sbelling
at intervals the enemy's trains, seen passing
in the distance.
THE RATTLE ON TUESDAY.
ARMr or Tag PoToAAc, May lilo A. NJ.
The battle yesterday was the most disas-
trous to the rebels Of any that has yet taken
place during this campaign, and resulted in
tie most important advantages to this army.
The men went into the assault with the most
enthusiastic cheering. Early in the day the
whole army prepared to renew the engage
meni. and although they had been wearied
BY the preyioas struggles, they rallied to
their'@ork like giant refreshed With new
vine The advanced lines skirmished
with those ofihe rebels, and demonstrations
we're made BY the latter as IL they intended
to begin the attack Our line was soon
fruei General Hancock held the right,
Geneni Warren the centre, and General
Wright the In. General Burnside's Ninth
corps vas held in reserve.
0feourse the rebels had made o good use
Of the darkness to strengthen their works
As much as possible; and as far as rifle pits.
earihworks. abaiis aud barricades we're con
eernel there has Teen nothing along our
line u march since the opening of the cam
paign thst could compare with them The
country aroand sas q rolling character
AID far noye suitable for tie man0uscring
q troops than any to be found in the region
q the Wilderness.
Preparations werc speedily made for The
grand assault. Asi, is usual with greai
commanders. Il was hsea ior late IN the AZ
ternean, 10 that IL, should prove uhsus-
sessfal, the ene.ay should have no time lef,
before dark to rash cut o. their works upon
the repalsed troops Fire O'clock VAS the
tine agreed upOs. and each q tie corps
commanders sei Bis ehronomster By thai q
Geaefal Grant, 50 that no mistake sh0ad .
lake place. and shat al shaaid tss n readi-
nsss Al lhs prosiss nomsuE