Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1864-05-13
.TELEGRAPHIC.
THE WAR in VIRGINIA.
Detailed Account of the Battles Of
FriaaY and Saturday.
WASHINGTON, May 8.

Friday and Saturday.
G1 - f-o- 81
80 e. <'''- WAsH1NGroN, May 8.
large number Of persons on short notice
assembled in front Of the executive mansion
TO night with bands Of music, and the 27.h
Oh Volunteers, now on their way to the
field. They compi,mented the President
with several prices Of music, wien he ap-
peared on the portico. lie made q brief
speech, and said honor was due much more
to General Grant and his gallant officers and
soldiers under his command, than to him.
He Was exceedingly grateful TO know that
General Grant had not been jostled from his
plans, but was now on line movement a. cor
ding to original design. While, however, we
might rejoice at what had already been ac-
complished, much more remains to be done.
The proceedings, which were of short contn-
uance, terminated with repeated cheers for
the President, General Grant and the army.
Information has been received tonight
that rebel ram in AlbeImarle Sound hsd
been attacked and sunk by the U. S. steamer
Sassacus. --.
WASHINGTON, May Q.
Among the killed in the battle of Thursday
and Friday, were Colonel Lombard, 1st
Michigan regiment
The New York Herald has the following
relative to the battles Of Friday and Saturday
AT 5 o'clock in the morning the contest
was renewed against our line, and the roar
and hum of battle came from every quarter.
From certain indications it is concluded Lee
was reinforcing Longstreet on Ilancock's
front, and part of Burnsde's corps accordingly
moved to his support, taking position to the
left of General Warner, and completely filling
up the gap into which the two brigades had
been thrown the preceding evening. At
daylight, they were assigned a position
through close forest. They found it occupied
by rebels prepared to dispute its possession.
Fighting at this point was over by 9 o'clock,
finding it impossible to dislodge the rebels
from their position. ....
Early in the morning Hancock was driven
back close to his brea,tworks bya superior
force, but subsequently, rallied his men and
succeeded in regaining most of the ground -
Between 10 and II o'clock, however, Long
and throw ng it into great confusion. This
extended along the entire line, and came
near involving the whole corps in inexplica-
| BILE confusi ion. He was once more forced back
10 his breastworks. snd the rebels actually
planted colors inside them, but could not
sustain themselves and we're elected. At
ii. time heavy reinforcement were thrown
in his support from Burnside's corps, and his
men were rallied and taken we'll in hand,
and all danger of further disaster removed
They charged Longstreet, completely over
whelming him., Solid masses of infantry
were hurled upon !lancock's line after time
with an impetuosity nothing could stand. 1t
was extremely fortunate for the sixth corps,
and the whole Amy, that he was checked at
this critical period, and driven back with as
much precipitatio, as he came. The ground
m front of Hancock had been fought over
several times and great many wounded
and dying were on the field. At night Han
cock occupied his breastworks, and had
nothing but prisoners and rebel dead to
show for slaughter Of two days fighting
lie behaved with conspicuous gallaptry
throughout the whole fighting, and vas on
the field personally when danger was thick
est General Warren also rode along the
| line. ..
| The utmost surprise was manifested at the
number Of troops Lee was able to bring into
action. This corps retained its first position
however, until darkness, when it gave way
and was unable TO regain the ground thus
lost. .-... ..,
This of course compelled the abandonment
Of great portion of The Fne Of brcastwork:
in front of this corps, and brought the Skin
mish line within half mile of Gen. Meade.
headquarters. .5
Gen Sedgwick's corps maintained itsel
| <I. 1te &c
bers at Inherent times during the day, arc
had no serious mishap until late in the
evening, when charge was made on its cx
treme right, for the purpose Of turning it, AZ
was done with Gcn. Hancock's in the morn
irg.
Gen. Mlroy's old division was driven bacl
in great confusion, and the enemy succeeded
in eftctually turning our right flank.
This division is severely censufcd by thost
supposed to know more concerning the affair
This will probably necesstate the transfer
of our sick and wounded, and all supply
trains, from Germania Ford to ur landing a
Charlottesville:
i Had Lee occupied Germania, and cnt of
the retreat of the army by thst route, 1t would
have given him the advantage, and nigh
have worked much mischief, causing the ex
tension of our line and consequently weaken
ing it.
| The contest on Friday was unsatisfae CRY
to many officers, who despondihely feared
that Lee would in some manner defe It Grant
Superficial observers might create our re,
Ipu'sethat day into defeat. but no such for
boding found resting place in the minds o
those who know the tenacity of purpo.e anc
fertile resources charac:e,izing Gen. Grant.
> The advantages of the next day verified
their dopes
Hhe battle commenced as day Wight on Sat
urday. but the firing was scattering. NJ
fierce attacks were made by either SIDE, Boil
Generals were intent en- strategy, and neither
ANXIOUS to bring on a general Engagement.
Lee seemed intent on cutting our commu'
nications, via Germania Ford.
i Grant appeared totally il different to this
and seemed rather TO court it. by withGrsw.
, ing ;Sedgswick from his position and throw,
ing 1t back on Gerlnania Ford, near his own
headquarters, and pushing Burnside out or
the Spotsylvania road, thus breaking Lees
Communications.
| A new line of battle was then formed by 9
change in the position of corps, extending
rearly North and South, and gave Lee The
choice of being cut off from his Capital, 0,
risking everything by waging bate.
j At 2 O'CLOCK ?. n. Gen Burnside was well
under way to spotsylvania, and Lee had
thrown body of infantry on to our right
and driven in our cavalry pickets on the
Germania road
Tne result could only be precipitate re.
treat on the part Of Lee, to prevent our army
being thrown between himself and Richmond
or deadly c'ntcst in open battle. which
G uld only end in his extermn.tion. He
soon discovered his error, and to all appear.
ances had started in hot haste for another line
of defense. Some think he will be found
at North Anna river, while others are fully
certain there is no position for him to fall
on between this and Richmond,