The Daily Dispatch: May 7, 1863., [Electronic resource]

---

---

The battles on the Rappahannock.
further particulars.
[from our own correspondent.]

Many reports have doubtless reached you of the fight at "Wilderness Church." yesterday, which, in many respects, was perhaps one of the bloodiest of the war. Our loss is heavy, both in officers and men; but, through the aid of a merciful Providence, victory once more perches upon the banners of the South.

The battle commenced in the neighborhood of Chancellorsville, on the plank road from Fredericksburg to Orange Court-House, and extended to a point known as Wilderness Church, on the same road. The enemy had thrown up entrenchments and constructed abattis, which, after severe fighting, were carried by our troops. Early in the day their lines were broken, and in confusion their defeated forces left the field. Many prisoners were captured, some three thousand of whom have reached this point. Among them is Brig. Gen. Hays, who commanded a brigade in Gen. Couch's corps, and his aide-de-camp, Captain Echols. The prisoners brought here represent some forty different regiments, and, as usual, are mostly men of foreign birth.

Among the officers whose names I have heard mentioned as killed are Gen. Paxton, of Stonewall Brigade; Colonel Walker of the 10th Va; and Colonel Mallory, of the 55th Va. The country will lament the misfortune which has befallen our army in the severe wounding of Lieut- Gen. Jackson, who lost his left arm. Gen. A. P. Hill was also slightly wounded in the leg.

On the lower end of the line, where Major. Gen. Early commanded, there was some hard fighting yesterday morning. In the afternoon Marye's Heights were carried by the enemy, and several hundred of our men, belonging to a Mississippi regiment, captured. Five or six pieces of the Washington Artillery were taken at the same time. This morning Gen. Early was reinforced by Gens. McLaws and Anderson, and the fight renewed, when the Heights were retaken, and the pieces recaptured, with a number of others.

In the fight on the upper line yesterday, in addition to the prisoners mentioned, some two thousand others were captured, and five batteries of field artillery. From this fact some idea may be formed of the character of the fight, and the extent of our triumph. It is stated that Gen. Lee regards it as one of the most satisfactory victories of the whole war. There is a report that Gen. Stuart had succeeded in destroying the pontoons of the enemy last night, thus cutting off their retreat.

I sent you a letter yesterday, which, I presume, the capture of the train at Ashland prevented reaching you. I hope this note, hastily written, will be more fortunate. You will hear from me again to-morrow. It is believed that the fight is for the present ended, though there is tolerably heavy cannonading going on now at Fredericksburg. B.

---

Accounts of the battles given by the wounded

A number of our wounded at the late battles near Fredericksburg arrived in this city yesterday. They state that the fighting on Saturday and Sunday last was desperate. D. H. Hill's division, commanded by Brigadier-General Rhodes, of Alabama, and Trimble's division, (the two divisions composed of Alabama, Georgia, and Maryland troops, under the command of Gen. Jackson.) it is said, marched fourteen miles on Saturday, and reached the enemy's rear that afternoon. Attacking the enemy in three lines of their entrenchments they captured three batteries, together with about 5,000 prisoners.

The struggle on Marye's Heights is also represented as being desperate. On Sunday, at Marye's Heights, the enemy, by a flank movement, succeeded in capturing six guns belonging to the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th companies of the Louisiana Washington Artillery. The 5th Louisiana regiment were nearly all taken prisoners, together with many men belonging to the 6th Louisiana.

On Monday our army flanked the enemy and retook Marye's Heights. Hays's Louisiana brigade greatly distinguished itself, taking fourteen pieces of the enemy's artillery.

We lost in all fourteen pieces of artillery and captured, fifty-three. We also captured nearly 10,000 prisoners, 7,000 of whom are said to be at Guinea's Station, on their way to Richmond. Our loss in killed and wounded is estimated at six or seven thousand.

---

List of Casualties.

The 44th Virginia regiment, formerly under Col Wm. C. Scott, of Powhatan, who has since resigned on account of ill health, went into the late fight at Chancellorsville 175 strong, and loss all but 61. Their gallant commander, Major Cobb, was severely wounded. Three or four captains and six or seven lieutenants were killed, and several other officers wounded. This gallant regiment passed through the whole Valley campaign under Gen. Jackson last year; and at McDowell, Cross Keys, Port Republic, and other places, under command of Col. Scott, it won great fame.

The 3d, 5th, 6th, 12th, and 26th Alabama, of Rodes's Brigade, suffered severely, it is re- ported, in officers--one th whom were either killed or wounded-- reporting being ten wounded men to .

Capt Squires, Lieut Galveston and Owens of the Washington Artillery were taken prisoners--Lieut D. Russey, You Cotton. Otto Frank Barton Kirk --Vallentine, were wounded. Sergeant West, Corp'l Lewis and Robt Many were J G. Sand Lin, of the 9th La, was wounded. Sergeant Dolphine S Ranlins. of company A, 21 Va regiment, was killed.