The battle of the Wilderness was renewed on May 6, and consisted of a succession of fierce attacks made by each side. Both had more or less intrenched their positions by felling timber and covering it with earth, or slight earthworks. The interval of ground between the opposing lines was fought over in some places as many as four or five times, the combatants driving each other in turn from the opposite lines of rifle-pits, and the battle continued with unabated fury until darkness set in, each army holding substantially the same position that they had on the evening of the 5th. After dark, the enemy made a feeble attempt to turn our right flank, but the promptness of Gen. Sedgwick, who was personally present and commanding that part of the line, frustrated their object. During these two days, the total loss was estimated at 15,000. On the morning of the 7th, reconnoissances showed that the enemy had fallen behind his intrenched lines, with pickets to the front, covering a part of the battle-field. Gen. Grant determined to move by his right flank, and put his whole force between Lee’s forces and Richmond.
On the night of the 7th the march was commenced toward Spottsylvania Courthouse, the 5th Corps moving on the most direct road. But Lee having been apprised of the movement, and having the shorter line, was enabled to reach there first, and the battles of Spottsylvania followed, which are given below.
On the 8th, Gen. Warren met a force of the enemy, which had been sent out to oppose and delay his advance, to gain time to fortify the line taken up at Spottsylvania. This force was steadily driven back on the main force, within the recently-constructed works, after considerable fighting, resulting in severe loss to both sides. On the morning of the 9th Gen. Sheridan started on a raid against the enemy’s lines of communication with Richmond.
The 9th, 10th, and 11th were spent in manœuvring and fighting without decisive results. Among the killed on the 9th was that able and distinguished soldier, Gen. Sedgwick, commander of the 6th Corps, of which Gen. H. G. Wright succeeded to the command. Early on the morning of the 12th a general attack was made on the enemy in position. The 2d Corps (Hancock’s) carried a salient of his line, capturing most of Johnston’s division of Ewell’s corps and 20 pieces of artillery. But the resistance was so obstinate that the advantage gained did not prove decisive.
From the 13th to the 18th was consumed in manœuvring and awaiting the arrival of recruits from Washington. Deeming it impracticable to make any further attack upon the enemy at Spottsylvania Courthouse, orders were issued on the 18th with a view to a movement to the North Anna, to commence on the 19th, but owing to an attack of the Confederates the movement was delayed until the night of the 21st. The enemy again having the short line, and being in possession of the main roads, was enabled to reach North Anna in advance of the Federals, and took position behind it, where the battles were again renewed.
Battles of North Anna.—The 5th Corps reached the North Anna on the afternoon of the 23d, closely followed by the 6th Corps; the 2d and 9th got up about the same time. Gen. Warren effected a crossing the same afternoon and got into position. Soon after getting into position he was violently attacked, but repulsed the enemy with great slaughter. Hancock also effected a crossing after some fighting. The 6th Corps crossed on the 24th and took up a position. The attempt of the Federals on the Confederate centre was repulsed, and finding the enemy’s position on the North Anna stronger than either of his previous ones, Gen. Grant withdrew on the night of the 26th to the north bank, and moved to turn the enemy’s position by his right. The battle of Cold Harbor (which see) was the next serious engagement. The loss of the Federals, not including Burnside’s corps, from May 5 to 31 was about 41,400. The Confederate loss is not known.
Williamsburg. A city, capital of James City Co., Va., 60 miles east of Richmond, and 68 miles northwest of Norfolk. It is situated on a level plain between James and York Rivers, 6 miles from each. It was first settled in 1632, is the oldest incorporated town in the State, and was the colonial and State capital till 1779. A battle was fought here between Gen. McClellan and the Confederates on May 5, 1862, which resulted in victory to the former.
Wilmington. A city and port of North Carolina, in New Hanover County, and situated on the Cape Fear River. It was captured by the Union forces in February, 1865, Fort Fisher, its principal defense, having been taken by storm on the 15th of the month preceding.
Wiltshire, or Wiltonshire. An inland county of England. When Cæsar invaded England, Wiltshire was occupied by the Belgæ; and the Wansdyke is pointed to as a portion of the defenses which they constructed. It was afterwards included in the province of Britannia Prima, and important Roman stations were established, of which the chief was placed at Sorbiodunum (Old Sarum). The Saxons under Cedric were defeated by Arthur and his famous knights, but conquered the country when led by Cynric, and annexed it to the kingdom of Wessex. It became the battle-field between Saxon and Dane for many long years of warfare. A great council was held at Sarum in 1086, by William the Conqueror, which firmly fixed upon the conquered land the feudal system of the Normans. During the civil war, many important engagements took place in various parts of the county, and especially at Devizes and Malmesbury, between Roundheads and Cavaliers.
Winch. An axle turned by a crank-handle for raising weights, as from mines and the like; a windlass.