The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1884-03-20

yesterday, resulting in the capture of $50 prisoners
and the carrying OF the principal srSs OF the
enemy. The gallant old 6sl COZ r. uose the brunt
OF the battle, the division Of Brigadier-General
Ricketts, having the honor of the grand charge IN
which the stated number of prisoners was taken.
At about O'Clock an advance was ordered and
the whole line moved forward A narrow belt of
woods lniervened between Ricketts, division and
the enemy, and, on emerging from it into aplough-
ed field. the position OF the enemy was plainly
visible a wooded crest beyond. heavy fire of
musketry and artillery Immediately opened
upon them by the rebels in their works: but
through this deadly storm our men steadily adj
vanced over the ploughed field, through an inter-
venlng swamp, with gallant determination never
before ecelled IN the history OF the war and at the
point Of the bayonet drove the enemy from his
earthworhs, and held them during the night
against repeated and furious assaults.
The following cougratulatory order from
General Meade was issued to Ricketts, division:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY or THE POTOMAC,
10 p. NJ, June l. 1864.
Major-6ener WRIGHT: Please give my thanks
to BrgadierGeneral Ricketts, and his gallant com
mand for the very handsome manner in which they
have conducted themselves to-day The success
obtained by them is OF great Importance, and II fol-
lowed up viii materially advance our operation
Major-General Commanding.
The loss Of my regiment in this first charge
was comparatively light, and we were congratu-
lating ourselves on the result, when the adju-
t-general of the LIST brigade came up to Col.
y
front is clear; the orders are for you to charge
your regiment"
The brave Townsend drew his sword and
stepping on top of the rebel works we had just
captured, said: Z" Men of the Tooth, you are
ordered TO make another charge; move for
ward shoulder TO shoulder. arms aport; for
wardi march," We had advanced but short
distance through the woods when we came to
swamp. Colonel Townsend gave the COM
mand: Three left companies, left half wheel"
On coming into line, after passing the left of
the swamp, we found ourselves directly in front
of a line of works. The colonel gave the COM
mand: Charge bayonets!" and over the
works We went, capturing many prisoners.
The rebels seemed perfectly demoralized and
offered but little resistance. In rear OF this
line Of works was an open field, over which we
advanced about hundred yards. AS no sup
port came up on our left, the rebels fled ont of
their works and formed line on our left flank.
Another line was advancing in our front from
the opposite side of the field, from which we
were receiving mnrderous fire. Our men
were dropping like hail. 1t was here that the
gallant Colonel Townsend fell-than whom q
drawer officer never led men in battle. Truly,
we had marched into the Jaws of death,
and into the mouth Of hell"
We fell back, having lost in killed and
wounded nearly 80 per cent. of the men en-
gagged. Il was now getting dark, and cropping
our way back through the woods, we occupied
the works captured in the first charge.
1 suppose IL viii remain enc of the mex
planned mysteries OF the war, why a single
regiment was ordered 10 make such q charge
but, as soldiers, il was not for Us to criticise,
although some one had blundered-
p. ROBERTSON,
Tooth New York Vols.
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