May 6, 1863, The New York Herald
THE GENERAL ENGAGEMENT.
THE CORRESPONDENCE OF MR. L.A. HENDRICKS.
CHANCELLORSVILLE, May 3, 1863.
A REVIEW OF TWO DAYS OPERATIONS.
Day before yesterday, about eleven o’clock, the fifth corps advanced from Chancellorsville down the old turnpike towards Fredericksburg. Six miles from the city the enemy had intrenched himself, and showed an inclination to dispute our further progress. The artillery opened in a few moments and a severe fight was maintained for some time, General Sykes’ division of regulars being hotly engaged. Our advance was gradually driven back to Chancellorsville, where the Hampton Pennsylvania battery of ten-pounder Parrott guns was planted, supported by the Seventh Ohio and Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania regiments. Skirmishing was kept up throughout the afternoon, but results were insignificant. Yesterday morning the attack began simultaneously on the right and on the left below Fredericksburg.
The rebels advanced against our front, cheering and fighting like demons, but were repulsed. After a lull of considerable time, during which their troops could be seen moving hastily around further to the right, an attack was made by the enemy on the plank road. Geary’s division fought handsomely, and after a fierce struggle drove them back. Towards night a demonstration was made on our right flank from the direction of Gordonsville. The cannonading was very heavy and the roar of musketry deafening. The Eleventh corps fell into the disorder, and came back upon the main body of the troops badly broken up, but the Twelfth corps moved rapidly out and checked the enemy’s operations.
OUR POSITION ON SATURDAY NIGHT.
At night our front extended along the plank road, with our right resting near Wilderness and our left at Chancellorsville. During the night there was some cannonading and a few volleys of musketry, but nothing of importance was accomplished by either side.
THE STRUGGLE ON SUNDAY.
This morning the battle commenced in earnest. The enemy pushed up against our lines steadily and with a persistence almost incredible; but our batteries, supported by the Third corps, mowed them down by hundreds, and finally compelled them to retire. Their batteries, however, soon opened again. The large brick mansion at Chancellorsville, used as headquarters by General Hooker, was shelled and set on fire. Previous to leaving the building General Hooker was knocked down by a post supporting the porch, which a shell had torn out, and for a short time the command devolved upon General Couch. General Hooker’s bruises were not serious.
OUR LINES FALLING BACK.
Our lines gradually fell back towards the river about a mile, where another stand was made behind intrenchments, which position we now hold. About eleven o’clock today the firing ceased, and was not resumed again until late this afternoon.
CAPTURE OF GUNS AND COLORS.
A number of guns and several stands of colors have been captured from the enemy, together with nearly two hundred prisoners. Several of our pieces have been lost. One battery was taken by the enemy, but recaptured by our own men.
It is impossible to form any idea of our loss. The troops are in most excellent spirits, and can scarcely be restrained. We have not suffered heavily, however, and will doubtless be able to ascertain the entire loss tomorrow.
General Berry was killed, shot through the shoulder and chest, it is believed by a rebel sharpshooter. General Levins and General Mott were wounded. General Hancock had a horse shot under him.
Fighting is now – six P.M. – going on quite briskly. It is reported that our infantry hold Gordonsville, and that our forces have occupied Hanover Court House.
The intelligence that the Sixth corps had crossed at Fredericksburg created among the troops the wildest enthusiasm. It is believed that the enemy is rapidly retreating; but since the engagement of this morning very little has been ascertained concerning his movements. From prisoners we have taken it is learned that the enemy has had his entire force engaged today, with the exception of Early’s division, which was left at Fredericksburg.
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