A glorious Confederate victory.
In the language of
Gen. Lee's gratifying dispatch, of the 31 of May, to
President David, "We have again to thank Almighty God for a great victory." This grand and important triumph was achieved on Saturday.
Gen Lee says in the beginning of his dispatch. "Yesterday
Gen. Jackson penetrated to the rear of the enemy; and drove him to within one mile of
Chancellorsville.
This morning the battle was renewed." He (the enemy) was dislodged from all his positions around
Chancellorsville and driven back towards the
Rappahannock, over which he is now retreating." Many prisoners were captured.
Gen. Lee states that the enemy's loss was heavy, and as he was in the act of retreating, it is to be hoped was still further to be increased.
Our loss is killed and wounded, of course, must be considerable in such an engagement, but was much less than that of the enemy.
The whole country will be distressed to learn that
Gen. Jackson is seriously wounded.
The prayers of every one in the
South will go up to Heaven for his recovery, and his restoration to the country and the cause, in the field of battle.
The scene of the battle is in
Spotsylvania county, between the
Wilderness and
Chancellorsville.
The latter is a place with only one dwelling, a large brick house, formerly a tavern, and latterly a boarding school.
It is about ten miles west of
Fredericksburg.
The Wilderness we suppose to be indicated by "
Wilderness Creek," a small stream running into the
Rappahannock, about four or five miles from
Chancellorsville; the country adjacent and widening out towards
Chancellorsville is the
Wilderness, out of which the enemy came at the bidding of
Jackson.
The
United States ford is on the
Rappahannock, eight miles above
Fredericksburg, and two miles below the mouth of the
Rapidan.
Elyisford is on the
Rapidan, four miles above its mouth.
The enemy having crossed into
Spotsylvania, presented himself on the left of our line in front of
Fredericksburg.
But our sagacious
Commander had taken proper measures, it may be inferred by the result.
Longstreet and his command were recalled in good time, and by the best routes for an opportune junction with our main line, while the strategy for getting in rear of the enemy was matured.
This decisive movement was conducted by that warrior who never fails, and on Saturday (as we understand) the enemy, in his dismay, found
Jackson thundering upon his rear.
Driven from his position towards
Chancellorsville, he got out of the frying pan into the fire by encountering
Longstreet.
His rout was complete, as we are officially informed by
Gen. Lee.
We shall not receive details of this last brilliant engagement as rapidly as usual, owing to the cavalry raid of the enemy, which was boldly and successfully conducted upon the of the
Central and Fredericksburg Road a while the contest upon the
Rappahannock was in progress.
Nor can the wounded receive that succor by prompt removal to the city which was rendered in former great battle.
While the fighting in the
Wilderness was progressing there was some skirmishing, also some artillery duelling about
Fredericksburg, details of which have not yet come to hand.
