The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-02

Reports of the Battle OF HAYES
shop, or Saint Mary's Church. on
June a. 1854. are sadly lacking on the
Confederate side. This engagement
should be distinguished from another
bloody cavalry combat bearing the
same name and fought on May 18th of
the above year.
The Id Of the battle of June Path
is in Charles City County. about two
and One-half miles from the Chicka-
hominy River. and on. or near. an
imaginary line drawn form the White
House on the Pamunkey 10 Harrlson's
Landing. on James River. II II TWEEN
~ miles or more from Richmond
General Sheridan having retreated
from the Trevilian battle OF June lzth
in Louisa. checked by Hampton In his
c ihs1HiI and nom a Junction
with General Hunter in his RAID on
Lynch burg. had conducted ms corps
down on the north side OF the North
Anna towards the White House, which
place he reached on June q.
His arrival was opportune enough
there ready 20 be shipped in wagons
across the Peninsula TO James RIVER.
while az the same time ChamD llss b!i-
gade of cavalry was near by ready 70
attack the train should 10 move. among
these supplies were 7s5,oOO pounds OF
grain and 81 90 pounds OF nay. besides
Rufus ingalls,. the chief quartermaster'
reported.
Two divisions Of the Federal cavalry
having advanced against Cham bliss ;
Brigade on the I'D. they iell BACK 70
the Vicinity of Nances Shop, where they
were. Joined By Hamptons men re-
turning from the TTeYilian raid.
Under the escort Of three divisions
Of cavalry, the long wagon tram was
moved out across the S3 mex eon1iy
20 James River. The mum Der OF wa
CONS was over 900.
To assist in protecting the train. the
division OF cavalry commanded by
Brigadier- q eneral d. Nj. Gregg. was
sent in the direction of st. NJ larry
Confederates from that quarter. These
regiments numbering eleven, with
three batteries. were placed IN a strong
10 fortify with breastworks of logs. rails
and feiled trees
General Hampton had now arrived
in person and. tlcipatIng the Federal
movement towards James River. placed
his troops so as TO cover the roads
leading in that direction. No sooner
was he advised of Gregg's arrival AT
ST. Afary's Church than he deterfnined
TO attack him. and made bis dispo-
sitiOns accordingly
General LoInax was left with ms
brigade 20 guard the road next 20 the
river and Wickham's Brigade was
advanced so as to be ready 20 JOIN IN
the attack. General Gary. with two
threaten the enemy on the nank-
Chambliss : Brigade was assigned a
position 20 as 10 take part IN the at
operate III the flank movement Of
Gary Major-General Fitz Lee com
manded the line in front. While these
plans of battle were IN what seemed
slow process OF execution, the morning
hours wore away, and the June sun
Jared down with sweitering heat on
II was perhaps p. NJ. before the
line OF dismounted men. awaiting the
sound Of Garys guns, received the
order TO move forward Only the vi
dertes and men in the skirnish line had
as vet seen a blue coat, owing to the
woods OF pine that restricted the view
Scarcely had the Confederate line
began to advance before the ire OF
the skirmishers in the woods before
them became more and more rapid
Presently the main body had reached
the skirmish line. and only sixty or
away on either side the formidable
line Of breastworks. which were partly
concealed and partly revealed by the
smoke and FIRE Of carbines, -
made for these works by the Con
federates. many OF whom fell within
few feet Of them, and some on them,
50 bravely and reeoiutely were the men
under Gregg determined 10 hold their
ground When at Few points, me
in the attacking line began 70 lean
were forced 70 beat hasty retreat.
receiving voileys as they ran heir
forms were almost Immediately hidden
IN the dense pine thickeJ thdt rose
conveniently near
Having gained the works, the South
rem line made no delay. but pursued the
fleeing enemy. Beyond the thlcket
the trees were larger and the WOODS
more open permitting the view OF
the enerny's line 70 the left, just be
ginning 10 retreat. and having to pass