Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-05-31
FoR THE SPECTATOR.
GENERAL HOSPITAL,

GENERAL HOSPITAL,
Stanton, May 28th, 1864.
The solicitude manifested by the ladies' OF
Staunton, for the comfort Of the wounded sol--
dlers recently brought to this place from the
battle fields of Orange and Spottsylvania, beau
tfuly Illustrates the truth of the assertion that
political revolutions develop all the noble i'm
pulses of the human heart. While the horrors
Of war have, in all lands from time immemorial,
been nitigated by the display of the heroic and
tender qualities Of the soul, nocountry can boast
of such touching evidences of humanity, as have
characterized the conduct of the women of the
South in this struggle for life, liberty and honor.
The ladies Of Staunton and its vicinity are by
no means behind the women of other sections in
the discharge OF the duties assigned them by the
civilization of the nineteenth century. Indeed
their kindness to, and tbs motherly tenderness
with which they minister to the necessities of,
the sick and wounded, deserve more than gen.
erai allusion, and have wen for them name
which the historian viii delight to honor.
Lovely and gentle women may be seen daily
going through the various wards Of the hospital
distributing with lavish hands delicacies of ev-
cry variety. The liberality with which these
supplies Of provisions have been contributed,
not only attests their appreciation of the cause
in which we are engaged, but will perpetnate
the famed hospitality of the people of the Valley
of Virginia. Declared, by the wise regulations
of society, the privilege Of battling in the field
for their country's institutions, these noble wo-
men are gladdeniDg by their presence the apart
ments of pain and anguish. Their bright coun-
tenances, their words of comfort and their kind
treat ent, h We done mnch to alleviate the sui
ering OF soldiers, who breathe silent prayers fer
their welfare, and VOW never to yield to the sway
of the vandalic Mortimer, land graeed by such
beings.
May they ever be the .--x,Sents of heavan's
best gifts. WErFMORELAND.
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES.
GEN. KIRBY SMITHS OFFICIAL REPORT OF BANKS
EDFEAT NEAR MANSFIELD, La.
HEAD'oRs TRANS MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT., 4
Shreveport, La, April II, 1864
Gen s. Cooper, Adiutant and Inspector Gen
eral:
Sir I'll have the honor to report that the 18th
army corps of Gen. Banks command was signal
ly defeated three miles below Mansfield, La, on
the afternoon of the 9Th. Thel9th army corps
coming to its support, was repulsed with loss
and in disorder.
| Reinforced by parts Of the 10th and 18th
corps, the enemy in force made stand at pleas
ant Hill, a strong position, twenty miles below
Mansfield. OaFtroops attacked with impetuesi-
ty on thu afternoon at the 9Th. Might closed
ON a most sanguinary struggle, in which the en-
envy were worsted, and etreated under cover
of the darkness, leaving them wounded on the
field.
| From the best information we can obtain,
General Banks command nun bered at least
thirty-five thousand, of which twenty weight
thousand were engaged at Pleasant Hill on the
9Th.
Our cavalry pursued to Natchitoches. Gen.
Taylor commanded on the field.
We captured twenty one pieces of artillery,
over three Thousand prisoners, and over two
hundred wagons. s
Our loss is severe-oyer two thousand killed
and wounded Gen. Mouton, Coils. Beard, No
Bile, Armant, Taylor and Buchel among the casu-
alties. Providence has given US signal and
glorious victory: -
Respectfully, y. KIRBY SMITH.
General commanding.
SPoTsYLvANIA, G. H., May 1Sth--7. r. NJ,
Via Milford, 18th,
Hon. j. A. Sedolon, Secretary Of Ear::
The enemy opened bis batteries on portion
of'Ewell's line, and attempted assault, but
failed. lie was easily repused. Subsequently
he cannonadedI portlon Of HIPS lines under
Early. The casualties on our side are very
few. L. E. LEE.
Nay Goth, 1864
We have driven the enemy back along the
whole extent of his front and have captured
some prisoners.
G. 7. BEAuaEGARp.4
HEADQUARTERS, May 2lst, 1854.
To Gen s. Cooper:
All quiet last aight. ~ remain in position OF
the enemy's rife pits, and the ground gained by
Yesterdays fight, which quite severe du
ring part Of the day, especially neas Ware Bot
tom Church.
regret to say that Gen. w. S. Walker is
missing, Il is feared he fell in the hands of the
enemy while CALAMITY leading his troops into
action.
&. T. BEAUREaARp.