The Greensborough Patriot

July 3, 1862

Page 3

Latest Telegraphic News.

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THE GREAT BATTLE BEGUN

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NORTH CAROLINA SOLDIERS LEAD THE ADVANCE.

Richmond, June 27^th.—The last advices from the battle field, state that Gen. Branch led the advance yesterday, down the Meadow Bluff bridge Road with a brigade of North Carolina Troops, and on crossing the bridge he was reinforced by other troops from Gen. Hill’s Division. The numerous field works and batteries opposed to our advance were assailed in the coolest manner imaginable and captured with great rapidity.

Our loss is much less than could have been expected. All the heights in the vicinity of Mechanicsville are in our possession. Gen. Longstreet’s Division crossed the Chickahominy on th e Mechanicsville Road last night.

The battle was resumed this morning at day light and was progressing fiercely until eight o’clock, when the firing was less audible in the city. The enemy have no doubt have driven back several miles in the direction of the White House. Our forces across the Chickahominy are led by Gen’l. Jackson with Longstreet between him and Gen. A. P. Hill. On this side we are yet acting on the defensive.