[Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.]
Washington, July 3, 1803.
The following has just been received:
BATTLE-FIELD IN SIGHT OF GETTYSBURG, Pa, July 2d.—Yesterday’s battle here instead of being only a very hotly contested heavy skirmish, as was understood at the time at Torytown, and as stated in my dispatches from there, prove to have been really almost as hotly a contested fight in proportion to the number engaged, as the war has get furnished. A glance at the partial lists of casualties to officers furnished herewith, is sufficient to establish its severity. Practically the fight was between the let army corps on our side, and Ewell’s corps of rebels, with two divisions of Hill’s.
Our troops advanced in the morning to Gettysburg, passed through town and had advanced nearly a mile on the other side when it met the enemy in position. Meredith’s brigade of Wadsworth’s division wheeled instantly into line of battle on the double-quick, charged the enemy and routed them handsomely, took one rebel regiment prisoners and occupied the rebel position. The rebel prisoners taken were from Archer’s brigade and Included Gen. Archer himself.
Doubleday’s and Robinson’s divisions then came up and completed our line. Heavy skirmishing ensued till about three and a half p.m., when the rebels came up in heavy force, the bulk of their two corps attacking our single one. Here ensued the fight, whose bitter severity the long lists of killed and wounded will so well attest.
The 1st corps managed to hold its ground, however, till the 11th corps got up and into position, but even then it soon became manifest that they were largely outnumbered. On our right the rebels pressed over till by sheer superiority they completely turned our flanks and by an enfilading fire forced the 11th corps to break. They had partially redeemed themselves from their mishap at Chancellorsville, but were now forced to retire through the town, which they did in some disorder.
The rebels on our left now poured forward, completely outnumbering us, and finally forcing the 1st corps also, after both its flanks were exposed, to retire through the town, which they did in good order, taking up an exceedingly strong position on the Heights, The enemy is south of the town of Gettysburg, In the country, and crests of hills on either side. There was no discouragement over the results. It is the inevitable consequence of the fact of the rebel advance being nearly double the number of our own advance, and of course argues nothing as to the general result. We are now concentrated and ready for action.
It is believed that the main battle may begin this afternoon, but is more likely to be delayed till to-morrow. Lee’s forces are not thought so well concentrated yet as our. Heavy rebel forces are feeling both our flanks this morning, and sharp skirmishing to going on with occasional artillery practices.
The feeling is a pretty good one for fighting. The weather is pleasant for the season. There are abundance of farm houses which are being converted into hospitals, and our wounded are well cared for.
The following is a lIst of casualties among the officers in General Sol. Meredith’s brigade, Wadsworth’s Division, 1st Army Corps, in yesterday’s fight: Gen. Meredith, bruised on top of the head by a fragment of a shell. His horse was shot under him and fell upon him bruising and injuring him internally. Lieut. G. Woodward, aid to Meredith, wounded in right arm. 19th Indiana—Lieut. Col. Dudley killed; Major Lindley slightly wounded; Capt. Holloway in leg; Capt. Shaffer, in arm.
Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL
