Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-05-12
BATTLES AT SPOTTsYLvANIA.
Accounts Of Fighting Since Sntur-
day.

day.
New YORK, May 1.-THE Tribune special
has the following sketch of the series Of
battles after that of Saturday:
Gen. Warren's corps passed on through
Todds Tavern on Saturday night toward
the front and at sunrise were within 21a
miles of Spottsylvania {. H., and imme-
cavalry. The enemy were also just in time
for similar move, and Stuart's cavalry
were simultaneously relieved by Long
streets corps Of infantry. The 7th corps.
tired from long nights march, rushed into
action at double quick, Gen. Robinsons
division leading the charge. The rebels
yielded before them, ard we then pushed
them for three miles. The last engagement
of this mornings fight was severe.
Our loss was great. Gen. Robinson was
severely wounded. but we charged them so
far and so impetuously that our men were
outflanked on the left, and had to fall back
short distance to form their lines anew
The enemy gained no advantage, for our
artillery was brought into action and the
rebels were unable to occupy the position
which our men had abandoned. The 9TH
corps had suffered in the previous fight so
severely that there was not single divis-
ion of it in perfect fighting trim; but Gen.
Augur commanding the regulars, filed in
from the right and the position was held
Another desperate effort must be made be-
fore Spottsylvania G. H. would be in our
possession. That point once reached, all
open country and fair battle-fields lie be-
fore us.
About noon the batteries were posted
ours on the edge of piece of woods, theirs
on the opposite hill. The discharge of
shell for some time was quite brisk and Sc
we're. AS evening approached, Gen. Grant
started to the front to take another glance
at the position and inspire our troops for
the grand onset which was soon to be made.
Before he arrived at our left flank the rattle
of musketry from the advance skirmishers,
and the struggling back of wounded men
indicated that the moment had almost ar
rived. Troops from the 9TH and 9th corps
in several heavy lines, were concentrated
in front of the position to which the rebels
had fallen back after the engagement in
the early part of the day.
Gen. Wright's division, already distin-
guished by most gallant conduct, took the
lead. AT ga o'clock shout was raised. and
the attack commenced. Our troops moved
out of the woods through narrow open
space and up tangled thicket, which was
held and fortified by the enemy. At 7:15,
as the light began to fade away, the heat OF
the firing began to cease, and now the
enemy commence to give way, and the
shouts of our men receding as the enemy
were pushed along, showed that the issues
of the attack were favorable and decided.
We had beaten the enemy, had drawn them
from the position which they had so strong
ly contested, but the darkness was now so
great we could not safely press them fur
ther, and Spottsylvania Court House still
remained that night in the hands of the
rebels. Monday morning was spent quietly
i'll camp, both for the much needed rest
and for replenishing the army with rations.
Tribune specisll
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoToMAC,
May l0.-Our loss in the battles of Sunday
and yesterday will probably amount to at
least $500. Generals Grant and Meade were
at the front last night personally superin-
tending Hancocks attack.
After dispatching our special messenger
last evening q heavy rcannonading was
opened on the rebels occupying Spottsyl-
vania C.. Ii. Under cover of this fire, Han
cock crossed the Little RiverPoe, and push
ed the enemy beyond the town. News
reached us this morning that communica-
tiOn is opened between us and Washington
by way of Belle Plain and fredericksburg.
A mail is just in from Washington by this
way. Our wounded and prisoners are also
to be sent this way.
We now hold about 5000 prisoners. Gen.
Morris, of the 9Th corps, who was standing
beside Gen. Sedgwick when he was killed,
was wounded in the leg, but not seriously.
BY Richmond paper found on prison.
er it is stated that the body of General
Wadsworth was buried by them in the
Wilderness. This would seem to determine
the certainty of his death. 1t also says that
Butler was within thirteen miles Of Rich
mOnd.
Our army is pressing Lees retreating
forces on all sides, while our cavalry under
Sheridan have been performing prodigies
of valor.
Our troops sustain their hard marching
with wonderful endurance and in good
spirits.
For long time after our Wilderness
fight it was difficult to make the men believe
that our movement was not Il retreat, but
when ascertaining beyond question that
we were advancing, their enthusiasm knew
no bounds, and they made the woods ring
with huzzahs for Grant, Meade, Burnside,
and everybody.
Our wounded here suffered severely, and
but for humane and tender regard for
their condition, we should undoubtedly ere
this have been upon the south banks of the
Anna-forward still.