White Oak Swamp.
Wiazma (Moscow Campaign).
Fought November 3, 1812, when the corps of Eugène Beauharnais and Davoust were attacked during the retreat from Moscow, by the Russians, under Kutusoff, and suffered a loss of 4,000 men.
Wilderness, The (American Civil War).
Fought May 5 to 8, 1864, between the Army of the Potomac, 150,000 strong, under General Grant, and 53,000 Confederates, under General Lee. Lee's object was to intercept Grant's advance on Richmond, and early on the morning of the 5th he attacked the approaching Federal columns, and after a hard-fought day, succeeded in arresting the progress of Grant's right wing. On the 6th, Lee almost succeeded in breaking Grant's centre, but at the critical moment, Longstreet, who was to lead the attack, was fired upon and dangerously wounded by his own troops. The Federal right wing, however, was driven back in confusion, and Lee on his side lost no ground. The two following days minor skirmishes took place, leading up to the great battle of Spottsylvania. The Confederates lost about 8,000 in the two days' fighting. The Federal losses were far heavier, amounting to 15,000 in the second day alone.
Williamsburg (American Civil War).
Fought May 5, 1862, between the Confederates, under General Magruder, and the Federals, under General M’Clellan. Magruder occupied a very strong position and held the Federals at bay throughout the day, but being greatly outnumbered, withdrew during the night. The Federals lost 2,228 killed, wounded and missing, the Confederate loss being much smaller.
Wilson's Creek (American Civil War).
Fought August 6, 1861, between 6,000 Federals, under General Lyon, and 16,000 Confederates, under General M’Culloch. General Lyon divided his force into two columns, for the attack on M’Culloch's position, and that led by himself surprised the Southerners, and gained a partial success. They rallied, however, and beat him off, Lyon falling, the other column being also repulsed. The Federals lost 1,236, and the Confederates 1,095 killed, wounded and missing.