Wilderness
a loation in Spottsylvania co., Va., 16 miles W. of Fredericksburg. During the Civil War a sanguinary battle was fought here, May 5 and 6, 1864, between the Nationals under General Grant, and the Confederates, his need by closing the gate on him. commanded by General Lee, after a terrific struggle, and unprecedented slaughter, particularly on the side of the Nationals, resulted in both sides claiming the victory, General Lee, nevertheless, gradually retiring on Spottsylvania. The National loss amounted to 18,000 men; that of the Confederates to about 11,000.