May 5, 1862 (Monday): Battle at Williamsburg

Fighting in front of Fort Magruder (NY Public Library)

U. S. Army, commanding Third Corps.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CORPS, ALLEN'S FARM, May 5, 1862-9 p.m. 

GENERAL: This morning about 9 a.m. the enemy attacked General Hooker, with the evident intention of overwhelming him before he could be re-enforced. He gallantly sustained himself. I was with General Sumner farther to the right. He sent out and made some reconnaissance to the right, with the object of turning the left flank of the enemy. About 11 a.m. he learned that it was practicable, but still was waiting for provisions for some of the troops. I left at about 11 a.m. and reached General Hooker's division about 1.30 p.m. I found him hard pressed, but had already sent several messengers to hurry up General Kearny's division. The rebels in the morning got re-enforcements, and the battle raged with various advances and retreats. It was after 2 p.m. when the first re-enforcements reached us. But a few moments before our troops were driven back, some in a panic.
    After great exertions this was partially checked, and the opportune arrival of General Berry's brigade saved our artillery and drove the enemy back. Gradually the other brigades arrived, and the enemy
were driven back to their original position. Every effort they made was repulsed, and at dark we still held our original position. The enemy occupy a strongly intrenched position with some field guns. It is so situated that we have to bring forward our field guns within short range to oppose their guns within their intrenchments. Thus situated we have been able to make but little use of our artillery.
    I am unable to give even an approximate estimate of our loss, but it is quite large. It cannot, I think, be less than 500 killed and wounded. General Hooker's division has suffered so severely that it will not be very reliable for to-morrow. I will try and hold the position, but it is necessary that I be strongly re-enforced.* I have applied to General Sumner for aid, which I hope to get before day to-morrow.
    We have various reports as to the force of the enemy. I inclose a note I received from Colonel Averell, and also a statement he has made from statements received from prisoners. I think, however, that they intend here to make a determined stand. General Jos. E. Johnston the prisoners report in command of the troops in our front. I think if of the utmost importance that I should be strongly re-enforced at the earliest moment. General Emory, with his cavalry, a battery of horse artillery, and three regiments of infantry in the afternoon made an effort to turn the enemy's right flank, but the ground was found impracticable. We h ave taken 30 or more prisoners. I hope General Porter's division will be pressed forward immediately to re-enforce me.
    I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,



S. P. HEINZELMAN,
Brigadier-General, Commanding Third Corps.

Colonel R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff, Camp Winfield Scott.

Our men are out of provisions to-night, and the roads are almost impracticable.
S. P. H.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 11, Part 1, Page 453.

Although eclipsed by the coming battles of the Seven Days Campaign, the Battle of Williamsburg involved 41,000 Union troops and 32,000 Confederates in a fight which lasted for parts of two days.  Stuart's Cavlary covered Magruder's withdrawal from Yorktown, pressed by Stoneman and infantry divisions under Hooker and Smith.  Slowed by horrible roads deep in mud, the Union forces attacked a line of entrenchments held by Magruder.  Hooker was repulsed and counterattacked, but Kearny's division came up late in the afternoon.  On the Confederate side, D.H. Hill came up to strengthen Longsteet on their left.  In turn they were attacked by Smith's division which enveloped the left and seized several unoccupied redoubts.  These were held against determined counterattacks and the Confederates, having suffered losses over 1,700, withdrew during the night.  The weather was unseasonably cool and drizzly, with overnight lows at Washington in the low 50's.  The Union losses were over 2,200.