eir original line.

"On our left, at that moment, a great victory was being accomplished.
Col. Upson and Gen. Motley formed a storming party of some twelve
regiments, and drove right against the flank of the enemy. They rushed
with such impetuosity against the rebels that they could not withstand
the assault. Our forces captured an entire brigade and one battery of
the enemy. Hanscom now assaulted and broke the enemy's line, capturing
many prisoners. At six p.m. Broomfield attacked. Night closed with our
columns within one mile of Spottsylvania Court-house. The fighting
of this day was desperate, and the loss on both sides terrible. The
suffering was great; many were burned who had fallen wounded on the
field.

"This was the sixth day of blood and death. Our forces held some 4,000
prisoners, while the enemy had taken none from us save a few stragglers.
That night Boutler reported great success. Sherlin had got in the rear
of the enemy, destroyed ten miles of his railroad and nearly all of
his supplies of food and medical stores. Silent now ordered rest and
reconnoitering for the next day.

"So, on the following day, our lines were adjusted and reconnoissances
made, with full preparations for the ending of the great contest.
Hanscom was to move in the night so as to join Broomfield, and they were
to attack at 4 A. M. of the 12th. They moved into line not more than
two-thirds of a mile from the enemy. The ground was heavily wooded and
ascended sharply towards the enemy. In the morning a heavy fog lay close
to the ground, but at 4:35 the order to move forward was given. Burns
and Barrow moved in advance. The soldiers seemed to be urged forward
by some kind of inspiration, and finally broke into a double-quick, and
with irresistible force over the earthworks of the enemy they went. Both
divisions entered about the same time, and a most desperate battle here
ensued. Muskets were clubbed and bayonets and swords pierced many bodies
on both sides. The struggle was short, however, and resulted in our
forces capturing some 5,000 prisoners, twenty pieces of artillery, and
thirty colors, with two General officers. The rebels broke to the rear
in great disorder, our men pursuing them through the woods. Shouts of
victory rent the air.

"Silent was now by a small fire, which was sputtering and spitting, the
rain coming down in uncomfortable quantities. Hanscom had taken and was
now holding the center of their line. He reported: 'H