The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-05-20
THE RICHMOND CAMPAIGN.
Items and Incidents.
From the New York papers of Thursday.

A FOOT RACE.
The two armies ran foot race from the Will
derness, for Spottsylvania, but unfortunately
the enemy won the race. This should not be
interpreted as conveying any censure on the
Army of the Potomac, which has marched with
new inspiration and rapidity never before
seen in its history. But the very necessities o.
our condition as the invading party, with oul
Old base abandoned and a new one not We,
opened, obliges us to take immense trains,
which, OF course retard the general movement
OF the army the rebels constantly falling back
on their base and favored by their very power
ty, can readily beat us on an equal start 1t
would certainly have been great point gained
had we been able to make Spotsylvania Court
House in advance of the enemy. An inspec-
ton of the map will show you that it is an i'm
portant strategic point, being the point of di-
vergence of the roads leading southwark both
to the right and left. The enemy's command
OF it enables him to cover the withdrawal of
his trains and at the same time bars our fur
ther advance, unless on the condition of an as.
sault-which, in the country in which we are
now fighting is very destructive of life-or of
turning movement. 1t is probable that to-
day will decide the question; and if, as we
hope it gives us Spotsylvania Court House we
shall then be out of the Wilderness. and have
clear road on to Richmond.
DEATH OF GEN. sEDGwICK.
Gen. Sedgwick was shot through the head,
Monday morning, whilst experimenting the
mounting OF some heavy guns, in an angle the
men had just prepared. There was no skir-
mishing at the time, but an occasional sharp.
shooter sent bullet in that direction, which
caused the men to be on the alert to dodge
them Gen. Sedgwick, who was standing near
them, was smiling at their nervousness, when
ball struck him in the forehead, the blood
oozed from his nostrils, and he fell back dead
into the arms of his Assistant Adjutant General
A SHOCKING CALAMITY.
One of the most rep ulsive spectacles present.
ed in the late encounters was that of some bo-
dies found partially consumed by fire. the I'M
fortunate men having been burded to DEATH
These fires were started by men who had been
cooking, or through some needless careless
ness and the leaves and husks living around
being very dry, the flames spread very rapidly.
extending over acres. Of course the wounded
left on the ground suffered the additional tor
ture of death by fire.
THE WEATHER
The same intOlerable heat which we have
had ever since this movement commenced. still
continues, and numerous cases of coup de soleil
happen every day. It is, however, one COM
pensation for the heat that it keeps the roads
in excellent travelling condition saving and
excepting the dust, which is here of most
malignant type.
TIE PRISONERS
The prisoners We have are in apparent good
condition. One, fellow who was taken with
much trouble, explained his determined efforts
to avoid capture, OH the ground that it was
currently reported that we should massacre all
our prisoners in revenge for the slaughter of
our negro soldiers.
DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS.
1t was confidently expected on Sunday night
that an attack would take place on Hancocks
front, toward the Catharpen road, and on line
w
great diligence in throwing up breastworks,
and brigade was advanced out for mile or
more from the main front over some cleared
land. About an hour before sunset this attack
was made. Immediately upon the retirement
of the advance brigade, the enemy charged to-
ward our line, but never reached it. They put
q few guns in position. and shelled the woods
for while, but did no harm. A small nun.
Der of Gen. Birney's troops, on whom the at
tack was principally made. were wounded by
the enemy's musketry before they withdrew.
having received more harm than thew had
done. ---f sars.,.
Before this attack our advance could see
Hills corps marching south to join the main
body opposing our progress in front on the
branch Of the Pc. As it was necessary to hold
his position until it was certain the enemy
were gone, Gen. Hancock did not stav the
progress of the men forming breastw orks. but
added another inc in the open ground around
TOdd's Tavern, regiment of heavy artillery
working all night to finish them. 1t was a very
pretty sight The lanterns of the workmen
hung to the blossoming GERRY trees, and pic
ture-que groups of soldiers digging and erect
ing the works, while batteries stood harnessed
up, their, cannoniers lying on the ground
around the carriages, in wait for any emer-
gency.
NO REST FOR THE WEARY.
No movement of our army was intended to
be made on Monday, but brief period of rest