The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-05-10
The Fighting on Thursday, May s.

In the meantime iGenera Burnside by forced marches
from warrenton Junction. had arrived within supporting
distance. Crossing the Rapidan Thursday morning by
Germania Ford he into position the right Of Gen
eral sedgwck Stevenson holding the right and protect
ing the pontoons, WILCOX taking position the lett
pcketg to sedgwicks right while Potter held tho centre
and reserve
The lighting on the right commenced with attack by
Sedgwick who also co side ally advanced his lines. In
the afternoon the nsmy advanced to drive him backs
The result a terrific struggle, In which many of
most gallant officers fell. including Colonel Stapes and
Lieutenant Colonel Hudson of Ney York. only two dvi
sons OF Sedgwcks corps 10 line Tho third was in
motion, but had not taken position.
The rebels made desperate effort 20 turn Sedgwoks
rights In this extremity he sent request General
Burnside to close up and assist him. There lu In
the firing at this moment The aide.de. camp who
brought the request said that but temporary. The
enemy had been repnsed in the first attack and their
silence was only Indicative Of more vigorous onset
Ricketts, division. however into line at this
mont and supported the remaining exhausted divisions
was nightfall when the rebels again advanced.
The movement was covered by their artillery until the
infantry within musket range, when tremendous
fire opened on both Sides The voeys regular
and steady and at time would have been mistaken
for the echoug Of thunder storm. This was perhaps,
the sharpess part Of the engagement. II is net
throughout She whole battle Of the Wilderness,
the muskety exceeded that Of any battle yet fought
here One curious part Of the fight remains 10 be told
continued until nearly nine O'Clock at nightwo hours
after the c0mbatants able TO distinguish each
other.
happened At this time TO be with Burnside's corps,
and am able to give you olly general idea Of the
night ~ IL appeared TO Us. As for the contest on
the left and in the centre sm able TO give but few de-
tails Our line Of battle occupied the segment Of CIRCLE
whose chord five mies in length and the visit
ing OF oil the corps out Of the question. II we'll
known that the rebels had massed their troops against
both the wings Of army, and hence tho dcaperate
fighting Of Hancock's and sedgwiok's corps.
Warren, In the CENTRE advanced upon the Orange Court
House turnpike but had not proceeded far before he
countersd the rebels whom, after tight Of dura
tion. they charged and captured twe pieces Of artillery
which impossible 10 extrcas. In fact the exper
ieuce In this case was useful Afterwards. The dense
nature ., the timber its accompanying underground
such to preclude the Of artillery altogether,
and the battle from side waged entirely with
small arms.
The disposition Of the enemy during the day was
derstood be- Longstrees corps opposed to Hancock
A. P. HIPS TO Warren, and Ewells 10 Sedgwick's.
Vague reports were also In circulation that Beauresard
was In the ns with the garrison Of the deieoOes
Of Charleston, and Hoks rumorsd present, with
portion Of shs troops assy operating in North Carolina