, 1864-05-20

vania, the 18th, at 8 o'clock, A. NJ, says our
army is this morning engaged in the fercest
battle, and is passing on to victory, sanguina-
ry, but generally successful Our army yes
terday was comparatively quiet. 1t was in
tended to assault the enemy's right in force,
and column consisting of portion of the
9th corps and Barney's division and Han
cocks corps was the first intended to under
take this, but this was afterwards aban-
doned.
In the forenoon two companies of the 9th
corps commenced driving the sharpshooters
from their position in house commanding a
partial view of our lines, killing and captur-
ing several of their number. In the after
noon rain fell, continuing until after dark,
cooling the atmosphere, and raising the spir-
its of our troops Fires were built, and sup
plies were cooked bands began playing il
the forest along the lines, and they were un-
disturbed for once by the whizzing of rebel
shells, as the enemy had no ammunition to
waste. Meanwhile news arrived towards
evening that the troops under Gen. Sheri-
dan had penetrated to the vicinity of Beaver
Dam, on the Virginia Central railroad, torn
up the track for about II miles, captured
the rebel supply train, and re-captured 800
of our men that were taken prisoners in the
Old Wilderness battle. This news was so
inspiriting, that whereverit was made known
there was general jubilee, cheer after cheer
succeeded the announcement. During the
night arrangements were made for an attack
on our side. This morning the enemy was
seen pushing towards our right, and ostensi-
bly,, erecting an abattis in front of Hancock's
troops. 1t was shrewedly and rightly sus-
pected that this was only blind to the real
intentions of the enemy, and it was therefore,
anticipated
After midnight the I'd corps pushed to
the left of the Sth, between that and Burn
sides command and on the left of Spotsylva-
MIA road. at halfpast four this morning
| Hancock attacked the enemy in front of
him, our forces opening whitening cannon
ade and making resistess charges against ev-
cry part Of the enemys position. The cannon
ade was replied to with vigor and the charges
of our men were vigorously resisted, bat the
determination of the onset overwhelmed ev-
erything The troops rushed into the rife
pits of the enemy, bayoneting them in their
works, cutting their lines and capturing over
5000 men and several guns, including the
greater portion of the Stonewal brigade, be-
longing to the division commanded by e. D.
johnson, forming part of Ewelps corps
Gen. johnson himself was taken prisoner
The assault continued until nearly the whole
division of the corps was captured and other
troops amounting to 900 men.
Later-ll o'clock. Dispatches have ar
rived at this moment announcing the cap
ture of 7 900 prisoners and 80 guns. The
battle is still progressing. The 9th corps
on the left of the I'd, has moved into battle
and are pushing the enemy. Warrens 9th
corps has moved up to its support on the
right The battle is becoming general and
nearly all the artillery is engaged. The
clamor of guns, whistle of grape and solid
shot and the roar of musketry and the enc
my's shells fill the forest with an awful tu-
multi.
Later-12 o'clock.-It is just now report
ed that Hancock has turned the right flank
of the enemy, below Spotsylvania Court
House, and is pushing on-the battle is ev-
erywnere overwhelmingly IN our favor.
Firing has just commenced on the left
near Grants Headquarters. The battle is
going on with terrible energy. Our success
is said to be certain Prisoners are constant
ly coming in.
The following is a dispatch sent by Han
cock this morning: Uot a..
Near Spotsylvanaia Court House, May u
-8:l5 A. Nj have captured 30 to 40
guns [ have finished up johnson and am
now firing into Early. The iguns captured
have arrived at headquarters
| (Signed) W. S. HANCOCK
Brig Cen. Stewart, commanding a brigade
in Johnson's Division was captured.
| Burnside's command is reported to have
moved down on the road towards Fredericks-
burg, going in on the enemys rear.
1t is impossible to obtain all the particu-
lars at this writing but our victory is consid-
cred as going on to decisive result. We
are pressing the enemy everywhere.
Gen. Wright is slightly wounded but is
still in command of the 9th corps ~.
The Tribune's special dated Washington
May II, says our army was heard from six
miles beyond Spotsylvania Court House.
We fought again on Wednesday, and
drove the enemy most calamity, capturing
large number of prisoners and guns. Sew
raj Generals and other officers were among
the prisoners.
The Herald's special dispatch, dated
Headquarters 9th Corps, in Field, 12th-7
a. M, says: Hancock made brilliant cap
ture of an entire rebel division, including
Major General E d. johnson, Command
ing Brigadier Gen Geo. Stewart; Brigadier
Gen. Robert Johnson, commanding Brigade,
and between two and three thousand prso-
ners, and two batteries of six pieces each.
Taking advantage Of the darkness last
evening Hancock managed to change the
position of his troops unobservcd by the
enemy, and while darkness still prevailed
pounced upon him 1.-THE enemy this morning,
like thousand of brick, and took them
completely by surprise. Having sent his
prisoners to the rear, he turned their own
guns upon the enemy.
The Worlds Washington dispatch of the
18th says; The ARMY of the Potomac opened
its seventh days battle this morning, with
brilliant success. Advices tonight from the