Wilde, Richard H

(1789-1847), represented Georgia in the U. S. Congre 1s a Democrat from 1815 to 1817 and from 1827 to 1835. He composed the popular song, “‘ My Life is Like the Summer Rose."’ Wilderne , The, Va., a bloody and irregular fight during the Civil War between the Army of the Potomac, 118,000 strong, under Grant, and the Army of Northern Virginia, numbering about 61,000 Confederates, under Lee. The battle occurred March 6 and 7, 1864. Grant’s lieutenants were Meade, Burnside and Hancock; Lee’s were Ewell, A. P. Hill, Stuart and Long street. The Wilderne is an almost impenetrable waste of forest and underbrush, and in this the Confederates were posted. Grant's army cro ed the Rapid an River on pontoons the night of March 5. Grant had planned to attack the Confederates, but Lee anticipated him, beginning the fight early March 6. Hancock's and Burnside's corps were hurried to the front. All day the fight continued. Artillery and cavalry were usele in the dense brush, so the fighting was confined to musketry at close range. The night was spent by both armies in constructing intrenchments. Early the next morning Lee feigned an attack upon the Union left, not wishing to make the battle general until Long street should come up. Hancock was ordered to a ault Tee's right, which was weakest. About midday Long street arrived, but was soon wounded by his own men by mistake. At night the battle was undecided. Both sides lost heavily. Grant withdrew, and shifted his general line of attack.