The New York Herald Newspaper, April 10, 1862, Page 10

OPERATIONS AT YORKTOWN. Strength of the Rebels’ De- fensive Works. MAP ON FOURTH PAGE, ADVANCE OF OUR TROOPS, ae, &e., de. Bartiwogs, April 9, 1862. ‘The Old Pomt boat has arrived. She left Fortress Mon- toe about eight o’olock last night. ‘The Merrimac is confidently expected, with seven ether gunboats, on the first favorable day. ‘The weather is cold and foggy; wind northwest. ‘The latest nows from Yorktown, by telegraph 8th, 1s abat everything is progressing satisfactorily. A battle te not expected within a day or two. An order has been Issued from the department (For- tress Monroe) announcing that Captain Wm. D. Whippie, Assistant Adjutant Cencra!, UnitedStates Army, has been appointed by the President an additional A\d-de-Camp to ‘General Wool, with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Lieu- Semant Colonel Whipple will coutinue te perform the du- thes of Assistant Adjutant General and Chief of Staff of General Wool, which office he has filled with great ability and success since September last. ‘The Am-rican’s special correspondent says:—The storm ‘which arose Monday afternoon and continued through Tues- ‘day doubtless prevented the Merrimac coming out, as she ‘tmtenied. She is now looked for confidently as soon asthe ‘weather permits. A gentleman wRo was on board the steumer Rancocas, when she went ap with a flag ef truce ‘@ Monday, says the Merrimac was thon lying off Craney Island. The Yorktown, Jamestown, Teazer and foi smal) ‘Suge were in company with her, all under steam. No par. ‘Weular change in the appearance of the Merrimac from ‘that she presented when she was down before was noticed. It was the impression of those on board the Rancoeas ‘that the whole fleet were on their way down when the flag of truce appeared. The weather has moderated since morning, with eome Prospects to clear up. The storm mast have been se- +ver@ly felt in the army now advancing up the peninsula, deprived as they are to a great extent of shelter and ‘tents, and compelled toa constant watchfulness in the feee of the enemy. The roads, none too good before, wil! be brought to a horrible condition, and the public must Bet be impatient in expecting eariy results in this direc- tien. We have enlarged reports here as te the number ‘Wrebels onthe peninsula, the formidable character of @ertifcations, number of guns, &c.; but exaggeration is @e forte of rumor , and it is safe to deduct one-half of it. Whatever the force may be, however, it will be over- eome. MOVEMENTS OF GEN. HEINTZELMAN'S CORPS. Locust Hitt, m Camp, Frvs Muzs rox Fortnrss Mownor, April 3, 1862. ‘Me order for tie advance was given to-day. It @ede a lively and exciting stir in the different @mmps. From the moment of pitehing tents bere an or- to thise‘fect has been impatiently looked for and de- red. There was not a soldier that was not delighted at order. Itferetold an advance to Richmond, as was |, although, of course, unknown, and the chance seeing active service on the way. This was what the wanted. With the order came one to prepare Give days’ rations, three in knapsacks and two in wagons. (While the troops have been busying themselves, getting seady for the morrow’s work and writing letters home, a ‘evaneil of all the commanding officers was held at General Porter's headquarters. Thero had never been an astem- of the officers of such moment and significance. ‘The night ieee beantifulone. The new moon looks Gown from astarlit and cloudless sky upon the burning samp fires. It being the Jast night in the camp, addi- ‘Slenel rails and logs are piled on the fires, giving « bon- Gre and jubilant look to mostof the camps. The brilliant Maminations present to view picturesque groups of sol- @iers, some cooking, some burnishing thelr arms, and @there putting needed stitches in their rent and worn @Biforms. The bands played enlivening aire, and all arp eethve and merry. No one would think that these men 98 daybreak are to start on a march that may lead them g? dattle and many to their deaths. But thas 1 ie, and Sue it ever is in war times. War is a mysterious devel- eper of Farious phases of human life, and philosophy ant look om bewildered. Tattoo and tape are Beat in order. Except hereand there a late light in an a tent, who ie writing what may prove his fare- letters, & deep silence pervades the camps. }, home, ambition, battles, vic death. The light of the camp fires dimmer, and the pale moonlight revesls Growing more serene and silent as the hours ‘There # no more impressive picture than an st 1D @ midnight moonlight. Underlying the ia that too deep fer utterance, In coarse woollen Slankete lie patriots, heroes, martyrs, true men. These = devotion to country has brought them TEE DESERTED WORKS AT HOWARD'S BRIDGF. Cock.erowx, Nove Migs axvoxp BiG Baruxx, April 4, 1862. ‘We have seen some of the rebel forces, and they have fed before us. The Stare and Stripes have been hoisted are ficating over rebel fortifications where the flag of has long waved in triumph its ignominioug |. But I must resume my narrative :where I left it last evening, of the movements of this division, aad briefly, in the order of cecurrence, the events of the At three A. M. the long roll sounded, summoning the from their sleep. In afew moments the lights of ‘@ thousand camp firce were brightly burning, the coffee pnug ag jing mea) bad bastily eaten) = gl ae gt geet eed Fe ey, 1 need Got déworide the scones attending the breaking up of @mpe. It ie now more than a‘‘thrice told tale,” The {pn wore not allowed to overload themselves. The Goldiers carried their own shelter texts. Only six wa- @oas were allowed each regiment for the conveying off eers’ tents, baggage, hospital and commissary stores. 44 was a little past fiveo’clock when the division brigades ‘bed formed in line of march. ‘The cavalry and sharpshocters preceded the columns ‘We look after the enemy, remove felled trees and rebuilu he bridges over Big Bethe! creek, which had been Gertroyed since the reconnoin-ance several daysago, Gua. ‘Moreil’g brigade and Gen. Hamilton’s division took what ia galled the “road to the right.” Tho remainder of tho ‘@roope in the eorps took the main road to Yorktown. ‘They al! came together ooar Hig Bethe), where the works @f the enemy were found the same as on tho first visita tion of our regiments. From this point the column pro seeded in order of brigades to the Hal'way Houve. The Pourteenth New York regiment, Colonel MeQuate, and Allen’s battery were sent on to Howard's Bridcgo to re ounoitre the territory and feel the enemy. And now Began the advances farther into rebel territory than had ‘Been made by any of our forces hitherto. Captain Sears: company was ordered ahead as ekirmishers. The road te winding and muddy, and @ good dea! of the way skirt 4 with woods on either side, Mounted scoute of the @memy toon showed themeelves. Between the two here was pretty brisk firing. The enemy continued to fetreat until they fell back to their intronchments® ‘@ Harrold’s Mil. On the way a rebal, believed te Be an officer, was shot, but whether fatally or otherwise i# unknown, as hie comrades bore Rim away with them. A horse, shot dead &y our mon, was left behind. As our men arrived within alfa mile of the rebel intrenchments, several shots were Gred at thom from two rifled cannon. all battery responded by hurling im three well directed shells. The memy were not long in evacuating. Taking their sannon, 10-pounders. they fled to their burracks to the loft, net fire to thom, and then Beat a precipitate retreat ta the direstion of Yorktown. ‘The force inside the works consisted of three companies @f Major Phillips’ Virginia cavalry, undor command of Captains Todd, Puller and Rose, and @ battalion of Missis Sippi infantry. Two ef the infantry managed to stragyie Sehind and atiow themselves to becaptured. One says Be is a native of Boston, and the other of Wisconsin. Hap- pening to be in Mississippi when the rebellion broke out, they were impressed into service, and the present was their firet opportunity of joining the Union troops. Our troops quickly extinguished the flames of the burn- ng barracks. They were log hute for winter accommo- ation, fot up in the comfortable style of the Mansssas Dele, and wo!) provided with soldierly requirements, flour ‘meat, biankets, cooking utensile, &c. The fires fer cook img were still burning, pote of eatabies boiling and tables ‘spread for aset dewa. There were about twenty huis anda quantity of extemporized shelters and siceping places made of rails and covered with boughs. A por- tion of the Fourteenth regiment, beaded by Lieut Cel. ‘Skillen, and Capt. Aushinutz and Lieut. Seymour, of Gen. Morell’s stall, pursued ihe reireating rebels nearly a mile, Firing was kept up on both eides. A rifle Dall grased the top of Lieut. Seymour's cap. By the time he stars aud Stripes had been planted ov ‘the enemy's earthworks the ressaining regiments of Gen, ‘Morell’s brigade arrived s¢ ihe place. Tooy made the @urrounding woods ring with (cir cheers at sight of the glorious usiiousl ensiga. The intrenchments consist of only {yc earthworks on either side of Poquosia mver which at chs point is narrow and meandering, to an @x- tant possibly plensiig to ome of poetic fancy, but stapld iagustiug to ope who has to make his way along by pedestrianism, They are both ef moss ordinary and plain construction, with «ditch on beth sides. On (he river ia the skeletom remoant of aa eld will—so old, {abould presume from its appearance, that the memory of the oldest tababitant could aot run back to the time of its sonstruetion. The laud is rugged, and is now co- vered mainiy with stumps of pines, the trees having been cut down by the rebels to enable tnem to command the approaches this way to Yorktown. The whole division in the afternoon moved on te this place, where the regiments and batteries are encamped. General Heintzelman and staff bave also taken quarters here for the night, as, of course, General Porter and staff. Cockletown has four small plain wooden dwelling houses, what wasa blacksmith shop, what might have been & store, but no sign of schoolhouse or church. Some of the nattves are still here, They are now strongly Union, and strong in their charges, fifty cents being the charg for & meal that would cost about one-fourth this sum al most anywhere else. It bas been a goed day’s march for the soldiers; but they have gone through it splemiiciy, and are feeling jolly enough to-night—a jollity that Seems to increase as the advance into Rebeldom increases. CANNONADE IN FRONT OF YORKTOWN. In Camp, Two Mine rrom Yorurown, April 5—P. M. The ball has opened. We are near Yorktown, but not in it yet. The rebels have entered a vigorous protest against our occupation of this town of Revolutionary fame. The battle has begun. Dead and wounded Union soldiers lying in the division hospital to-night. The list, happily, is small; that of the rebel killed and wounded is believed to be larger. There has been no general engagement thus far, only capnonading and firing of sharpsbooters, 1 will recount the scenes of the day in their order:— At seven e’clock A. M. the divisions left Cockletown. The order of march was the same ason the previous day, excepting that the Fourth Michigan regiment, Colo nel Woodbury, led the infantry. Colonel Averill’s cavalry and Berdan’s Sbarpshooters kept the advance of the column, For about an hour in the march a heavy rain fell; but the troops apparently did not heed it neither did they seem to mind the bad and muddy road, extending about three miles through s region of swamp. some places the mud was up tothe men’s knees. The artillery had hard work to meveon. At intervals the roads were blocked , impeding the progrese of the troops. About four miles advance and the marsh was passed, and the column came juto good roads, and in a cultivated and beautiful section of country. It was inspiriting to the troops. Passing by Cheeseman and Goose ereeks and Grafton chapel, our column came im sight of the carthworks of the enemy, and York river to the right and beyond. Gen. Leintzelman was present to direct arrangements. In the excitement soldiers forget their weariness. It was believed a battle would soon be fought. Colonel Averill’: cavalry and the Berdan Sharpshooters kept ahead, on the vigilant lookout for rebels and magked batteries. General Porter's brigade steadily advanced toward the earthworks, although there were no supporting troops webind for some distance, and wholly ignoring the thought ef the force the enemy might bring against them. The brigadee were put in position, Capt. Griffin's and Captain Weeden’s batteries took places on the brew of a hill im face 6f the rebe! intrenchments. On the right, in a pleoe of woods, Isy General Morell’s brigade, to support the batteries. Beyood the woods, ina peach orchard, were tbe Berdan Sharpshooters; they were eight handre yards from the imtrenchments, Our artillery was fifteen hundred yarde distant from they enemy. At ten o'clock the first stot was fired. It came from one of the rebel works to the right. The shet went over our field pieces, and came near where Generals Porter and More!i and other officers were stand- fog. It struck heavily in the sand; but did not explode. A quick response followed from Capt. Weeden's battery, which brought an immediate rejoinder. This second shot, a solid one, struck oneef the gunners, named Rey olds, on the right leg below the thigh. The Hmb wes amputated; but he died Sfteen minutes after the opera. tion. A continuous firing wae kept up ap hour and a half subsequently, intervals ef from fifteen to twenty mi nutes occurred between the shets. The exemy fret mainly beavy guns, from twelve to twenty four pounders. Only four of the enemy's shelis burst. Our boys cid not.seem to mind them mueb, but rather enjoyed the thing. Ope shot etruck im the Ninth Massachusetts regi ment, ricochetied, and wounded two men of the Sixty. second Pennsylvania regiment. There were a good many narrow escapes. A piece of a shell knocked off biajor Coles’ cap, of the Fourth Michigan regiment. He mde Ht the subject of a joke, and said was the result of capillary attraction. A small ball from an oxploced shell fell inside the shirt collar of another of the Fourth Michigan men. He coolly took {t out aud put itin bia pocket. One shell went through a series of er ratic bounds, Passing over Weeden’s battery, it struck the ground, gave s bound, went under Captain Weeden’s horse, gave another bound, struck the carth a third times started again in the direetion of the upper air, and then exploded, burtiag no one. A speke from one ct Captain Griffin’ battery wagops—the one, and only one, by the way, he brought away from Bull Run—were sent whizzing from {ts place by @ shot. This was th only injured sustained by his battery, although in equal ly oxponed position with Capt. Weeden's battery, an officer or man attached to either battery shrank fro: valorous performance of duty . ‘The Feylmants of Ten. Woreli’s brignde, although salu led cecasionaily by the dropping in of ehelis among them, showed no signs of fear. A #bell passed over tbo Ninth Massachusetts regiment, and struck in the pioneer corps of the Sixty-second Penneylvania regiment. 1) fivet tore away the havertack of Jacob Bell, of Company D; then struck ——- Mveser, of Company I, tearing awoy his cartridge box, causing it to explode. After this it bit Jacob Rombaugh, of Company D,en the left foot, inflict jog & Revere wound ; slightly bruised John Reddy « drummer bey, and then hopped into the air and came down without exploding. Musser sub sequently died of his injuries. He lived in Jeffers: county, Pa.,and was single man. General Morell staff and General Martindale ani gla were in the foremost placer of danger with thei: regiments, ihe Berdap Sharpsbooters made fearful bavoc among the enemy's gunners, picking thom of by the dozen. Colonel Berdan says they killed at least firty of the rebels aud wounded a hundred. Toward night th enemy commenced shelling them by running a gun 0: from bobind the left end of the fort, discharging it and then dragging it In to load again, the only way they were enabled to work the gun. They tried the plan of eve ing the working of guna by running @ plank upon the parapet, and turning it upon the edge but they did not seem to like to trust it. ‘The attempt at sbelling was not long continued. Ax soon a8 @ gunner showed bimeelf the aim of the un erring rifle would enforce on him the propriety of re. tirement. At first the rebel sharpshooters attempted to shoot our men from rifle pits; but they found even there places too hazardous, and were pot long in withdrawing to safer positions behind the intrenchments. Durii the afternoon @ smal) mounted party, led by an officer wearing ® white shirt, the bosom of which was dis tinetly visible, ventured outside the fort. A member of the Sharpshooters, who goes by the soubriqudt of “«California Joe,’ observed that he was best ata white mark.’ He quokily drew up his telescopic rifle, tock aim, fired, and the man reeled in his saddie and fvii to Lhe ground, apparently dead, At one time during the day a equad of rebel cavairy came ont, apparently to charge upom our sharpshooters. Suddenly « shell from one of our gums fellin their midet, fonttering them like chaff before the wind. They scampered off into their intrenchmente, and no more cavalry was seen during the day, exeept an occasional mounted man, At haif past-our P. M. the enemy opened heavy firing fom earthworks on the left of where the above shooting oceurred, They made General Martindale's brigade their target. Our people were ready for them. The Third Mansachusetia battery took ® position, and returned NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, APRIL WW, T863—THIPLE SHEET. Jeg THE REBEL POSITION AT LEE'S MILL, HEAR YORKTOWN. +he fire with splendid, and, as is believed, most telting effect. The rebe) gunners showed more skil} in sighting their pieces here than was shown from the other portion of the intrenchment, The sun was shining on our pieces which gave the enemy a great advantage. At one of our‘ guns two men were killed, and all the others disabled but four. Lieatenant Dunn's horse was shot under him, as also the horses of Sergeants Stroae and Foster. Our men did not shrink. They were plucky as steel, and had the last shot. Before the firing ceased General Hamil- ton’s division arrived on the ground. Captain Randolf’s Sixth Rhode Island battery rehoved during the last of the firing the Third Massachusotts battery. Captain Randolf lost five or six horses. It was thought at one time a regular engagement would be beought on. Our boys were ready for it. Generals Heintzelman anc Porter were present at frequent inter- vals, giving the necessary orders and watching the course of events. A shell passed only a few yards over the head of General Jameson, striking within a few feet of one of his sentinels. Several solid shot came into the camp, but without injuring any one. Soon after the arrival of the division, Professor Lowe got bie inflating apparatus to work, and in a few hours had his war batioon at # goodly altitude in the upper air. ‘The afternoon bad now far advanced, and it was almost too inte for successful agrom@utic observations. Several shots struck near the spot where the balloon was located. It was nearly sundown when the last gun was fired, The rebels had fine range of the best locations for our artillery amd the grounds on which we were encamped; ‘but the casualties were very slight indeed compared with the injaries which our sharpshooters inflicted upon them. Whenever they made w good shot they would utter unearthly yelle, Their bands wore playing “Dix,” and other airs, which were disticctly heard in our camp ground, Tbe accompanying diagram will givean accu- rate idea of the rebel works and the positions of our ar- UNeryand men.. The principal portion of eur troops which had arrived were located in the large fields on vlther side of the road, nearly surrounded by woods, In”| front, where our pieces were planted, thore is an exten- aive fiela and then a lower ground,a large plain, tn front of the rebel works. The Yorktown turnpike runs through to the centre of the fortifications, Which have dense woods bebind them. ‘The following is & complete Het of the killed and wounded :— ‘KILEED, Charles L. Lord, private, Battery C, Meseachusetis ar- ‘not much of a mill, to be sure; but the stream that afore- time did turn the said mill would be found a bad ono to Gross in the face of fre. Crossing the road by which we advanced, this stream empties, a few miles further down, into the James river. To the right of our advance it spreads out inte @ wide, decp, marshy pond, completely impassable, and to the left # is marshy and impracticable nearly down to the James. Our road passed this stream on a causeway, and imme- @iately beyond could be seen a strong stockade of deeply driven and sharply pointed pine tree stakes, Tunning at right angles with the road for fifty yards to either side of it, To the right of the stockade, as we faced it, it was covered by @ breastwork with three embragures; on tho flank of this work was the wide part of the stream, Behind and above this first work was another, with two embrasures for heavy guns. At the other extremity of the stockade was a large work with ‘8 dry ditch and rife pits, and furnished with two em- Drasures for heavy guns. Along the farther bank of the stream the Jand ran down to it in tongues of high land, Ddotweon each of which were deep vailoys, which might have served gs ditches, and-at the head of every one of these tongues for some distance down thestseam wasa battery. Young’s Mi!! was near tho centreof the position, and behind that again, on high spureef ground, could be seen a numbor of works with embragures for field pieces. General Keyes at once held fmith tn place, and orderod up the rear regiments: But wo also bad, meantime, been seen, and our fricnds onthe other side of the stream at once seceded, and Smith had the piace on the easiest terms. But one shot was fired from the fort—aimed at the colonel of the Fifth Vermont; tt missed him and wounded a private in that regiment. One belated rebel was caught. By this plen jt will be seen thas Young’s Mill was a place of great strength. Its guns must have swept overy 4nch of the opposite plateau, and five thousand men in it would have stopped us for a week atieast. It was occa- pied by this number of men up te January last, and in the rear of the worka are ample accommodations for that number in well bullt wooden huts, with fireplaces, floors and glazed windows. Sines January and up to yesterday the place bas been occupied by only two regiments—one of infantry aad one of cavalry (Col. Johnson's). There were embrasures, with piutforms, for four heavy gans, end embrasures for twelve iield pieces ip the part of the works immodiately around the mill. Sevoral priseners were taken, from whom, hewever, anne General Keyes obtained bat little information. oon in 1. Lewis, private, Battery C, Massachneetisar- | The following orders were picked ep ins hut:— HeADQUARTERS ARMY O” THE PENINSULA, “ue The, Co E, Bordan’e Sharpshooters. Pg ary ona saa enema 2am ae : jam Musser, private, Co. I, S:xty-second Pennaytva- - einten ote os Ford ‘The balance to-xtay, of the Ree order ‘will take offeet to-morrow. Iam, ai ne 5 I =x obedient servant, A. AL A. one! T. F. FE AOR Cavairy, SPECIAL ORDER. Youra's Miz, Aprit2, 1968. lonteers. David Pheipe, private, Co. H, Berdan's Sharpshooters. ‘WOUNDED. M.C, Barrett, Co. B, Twenty-second Massachusetts, wighuy, >. P. Field, private, Co, B, Twonty-second Massachu- setta, slightly. A. 0. Kanerson, corporal, Co. B, Twenty-secon| Massa- chusette, alightiy. 8. W. Bailey, private,Co. B, Twenty-second Massaeln- setta, slightty. C. H. James, peivate, Co. B, Twenty-second Mussachu- setts, slightly. Tetouan WV. D. Morrie, Co. B, Twenty-second Magsa- chusetta, alight i, ik B. = private, Co. B, Twenty-second Massa- private, Co. H, Twenty-second Mas- 0. C, Martin’s battery, slight- , Martin's battery, slightly. Martio’s battery; thamb «np. Captains Collins and Jones and Lieu board, to meet at sare 0" Shock. to xinent on such horses of the Third Virginia may be permanently upfit for service. By Colones) GOUDE, order. R. FP. Srovivanr, Adjutant. Thus another rebel stronghold—one that has certainly cost them great labor—has fallen into our hauds. ‘Those lucky fellows who wore in the advance, and oc- cupied the evacuated quarters, had a good night of it. Not eo those bebind. Toward night, and after the pas- sage of many wagons, the roads were cut up and became very bad, especially in spots. Soveral wagons broke down, and the trains of several regiments were so far behind that “the loxaries of Ife’? were scarce around Ti p Ly: lout bie spose Freeman Carey, Tim Donohne, Co. ¢ tated. Cyrue Wileox, Co. C, Bardan’s Sharpshooters, slightly. C. W. Peck, corporal, Co. F, Berdan’s Sharpehootoss, | some bivonae fires. —. Absix A.M. to-day wo started forward again for War- aiyinias Was. sergeant, Co. Cy Derdan's Sharpshicoters, | wicy Court House, thence to Yorktown, Wm. Parker,Co. B, Berdan's Sharpshooters, slightly. Waxwick Covar House, Va., April 6, 1862. William Bore baugh, private, Co. D, eylvania, sevecely. Corporal Tuckor’s case is very remarkable. The shot, in passing, did not etrike bim, but the velocity of the missile raised the skin on his breset aud wvoreft the poor man of his speech. The doctors think that he will re Sain bis utterance. Prompt attentions were given to the wounded. The hospitals wore in charge of Dr. Wyman, Division Sur: geon, and Dr, Waters, General Morell’s Brigade Surgeon. A large dwelling, about throo-quarters of a mile from where our guns were planted, thé former residence of Dr. Clark, of Delaware, js used as a temporary division hospital. MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL KEYES’ CORPS. Oar Army Correspondence. Yooxg's Mru., Tex Mices Soarru or Yor«rown, Va., April 6, 1962. Punctually at four A. M, yesterday the revelllo was beaten ja the camps, and at six A.M. the regimenie (Coll in and took up their line of march. Smith’s force, in advance, took the James rtver road, on which its camp bad lain, and General Couch’s force took the row io Nowport’s News, where it turned in ita eurplus bag grge, agreeably to orders,and then followed ou behind Smith on the James river road. Alter it leaves Hampton the Yorkiown turnpike rans in & general direction a little west of north, by Big De thel, Halfway, Howard's Bridge, &o., to Yorktown; but at about three miles above Hainpton & common roa! leaves the turnpike, makos a cirouit towards Newport's News, and runs on in the general direction of the Jamon river to Warwick Court House, This was the road by which weadvanced. For a great part of the way !t runs throngh pine woods, and is a very good road. From the beat, which appeared to threaten florce things early in the day, the deop shadow of the pines promised a pleasant protection; but before ten A. M. & streng breeze blew up, which, with the tom porate air, brought the general acknowledy ment that such « day for march had never been seen, So we went on for pleasant hour after hour; andaa the long line of men Bled quietly tarough—now soon, now lost, amid the dainty green of the young pines— jt wae a scene to romind one,of all the grand old deserip. tions he had ever read of the movements of armies sent on glorious errands ‘Therefore it was a scene to prevent attempted rivalry in that Hne, All alosg the line of match we saw houses—in every instance deserted, in most instances “gutted,” every inner vestige of # house gone; nothing left but the bare brick walls, with the day: light looking desolately through from naked casements on one side to naked casemente on the other. Near a stream called Langan’s Mill we did find one relic of the population—a peor old negress, very old, very etvil, and very oortain that, though they called the stream Lang! Mill, there was “no mill dar.” Smith had been ordered to encamp at Young's Mill, and his oXtreme advance of skirmishers reached that place at one P.M. Appearances induced halt. Young's Mill i Siaty-second Peon Capricious April looked dowa on yesterday's march, anda hour’s hard raiu soaked the soft roads to un- fwhomnable mush, Then came the sunshine, and, though of course it somewhat cheered the dampened spirits of the men, the roads were leas subject to gentle influences. Mud thoy were and maddier they grew, until 1\ became absohitcly impossible for the traing to move, Al) (he hoavier wagons fell far behind; slowly and woarily the arasunition wagons and the light ambulaices were forced on; single horsemen left the row’ to pick devious byways through marshy woods that spread on either hand; and atitl, with infinite labor, the men, bent double wilh their Joads, toiled on. Near ten o'clock A. M. the advance of Gomera! Smith reached a point about two miles northeast from this piace on the Yorktown road. For the whole of th, two miles dense and marshy woods are upon both side, of che rondy but at that distance the road strikes o plece of open country, which declines somewhat and forms a wide valley. On the farther side of this valley rune the upper part of Warwick river; and beyond the river, at Lee's Mifl, a signal officer made outs rebel work. Gene- ral Keyes was at once on the spot, fized his headjuarters in the wood, and ofdered the various diapositions from that point, A gun of Wheeler’s battery was unlig- dered in the road and opencd fire, and immediately the enemy respouded, Preparations were rapidiy made to increase our fire, Othor guns of Wheeler's battery we: brought op and formed to the right ot the road, on the high geound at thie side of the valley. A large space pieces of Ayres? batters were posted in that position, ‘Thus strengthened, our artiliery opened a brisk fire ov the evomy’s work, which was kept up through tbe Greater part of the day, without apparently serious eect, however, though the practice seemed excelent Moputime the whole of the pionser Cores was set to work to build @ ‘corduroy’ road between this piace and the point whonce our guns play, tn order thas the ammuni- tiow aud nore arti'iery might go up. When the enemy was first discovered in frost, our trains wore stil! benind, and in advance of them was a road that led off to tho right toward Yorktown. Laat the enemy should make « demonstration down that road and cut off the trains, General Keyes ordered Couch to hold it, and Colonel Briggs’ brigade, with Batteries H and A of the Peansyivania Firat, wore posted there, Laie in the day Genoral Keyes became satisfied that the enemy intended some movement towards his left, and accord. ingly removed his headquarters back to Warwick Court Houee, and changed his whole front, with his left well on toward the mouth of Warwick river, GAt three P. M. Genera! Keyes received information that a body of mon, computed at 2,000, had been seen to leave the camp in rear of the enomy’s works and march along the northern shore of Warwick river toward its mouth. Subsequent reconnoissances established that such a movernent bad been n.ade, and towards night tho enemy was discovered in force on the further bank of Warwick river, near ite mouth, and the General mad> his disposi- tions for the night with a view especially to guard agaings warprise from that quarter. Generals Graham and Peck were acsordingly sent dowa to the edge of the Warwick river, and watched ite whele length. Genera] Smith ‘watched the froat and right, pee of this toes two epee tobe van: Official Despatches from Com- Our Fortress Monroe Correspondence modore Foote, Fourness Mownoa, April 7, 1862. Phe Expected Merrimac—Redel Excursionists and Yankes ‘Shellsa—Our Army Besieging Yorktown—An Arti Ulery Skirmish—Desertion of Rebel Batteries, de. ‘The long expected secoud visit of the Merrimac has not et oocourred. She was positively expected yesterday, the day being as genial as June weather; but, alas! the haughty rebel craft did not appear. Mer rival, the saucy little Monitor, as abe rides at anchor in the Roads, seems reative toagain meet the rebel cra(t in another contest for maritime supremacy. The one hundred and one statements made by fugitive contrabands who have re- cently come frean Norfoik, and upon which the military authorities her® place such implicit confidence, were not, in my estimation, worthy of tho least credeace. The rebels have an excellent system in force, by which they keop secret all their military and naval movements—not by muzzling the press, but by not granting safeguards, ‘and giving the freedom of the iines to foresworn-persons who declare themselves to this or that party. ‘Yesterday morning (Sanday) @ rebel craft, loaded ‘with excursionists, came down from Norfolk to Sewall’s Point. They landed at the latter place, and from thesce: dispersed themselves in groups slong the each reaching from Sewal’’s to Willonghioy’s Point, & dista ce of twoor three miles. As the beach between these points directly faces Fortress Monroe aud the Rip ki ists no doubt thought they would h view of tho movements of tho Yauxées. From he-e the groups of rebel exc .rsiepists were dis- tincUy seen, and here and there 1m ng them were seon tho gay uniforms of robe! offi-ers, ‘The houses at various points on the beach were visited by the pleasure seekers. Towards the olose of the afternoon the Union bi Fort Wool (itip Raps), under the command of Lieu Colone} Haitiday, opened fire on the reb~ls, firing the Sawyer shell among them with a perfect loosencss not very tastefal to thore at whom thoy were thrown. ‘The rebals thereupon scampered away, and in a short time these pleasure seckers to Norfolk, wiser, if not betier men. The prac ‘ee of our gunners was ¢x- cellent, aithough th: distance the sheils were thrown is over three miles. I saw distinctly, with my own eyes, several shells strike an old barn, making the splinters ily in every direction, and with a report as loud as a field The Munitionsof War Captured on the Island. Congratulatory Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to Com. Foote. Bombastic Order of the Rebel General McCown, ko, &e Oficial Report of ''lag Officer Foote. Fracsuir Bryon, Isi/xp No. 10, April 8, 1862, Hon, Gipion Weties, Secie\ary of the Navy — Thave to inform the department that since Ysent the telegram last night, announcing the surrender to me of Island No. 10, possession has been taken of. both the island and the works upon tho Tenuessee shore by the gunboats. and the troops under comman@ of Genera) Buford. Seventeen officers and three haindred and sixty- eight privates, besides one hundred of their sick and one hundred men employed on board the transports, are in our hands, unconditioually prisoners of war. I have caused hasty examination to be made of the forts, batte ries and munitions of war captured, There are el earthworks, with seventy heavy cannon, varying in cali- bre from thirty-two to one hundred-pounders, rifled. The magazines are well supplied with powder, and there are large quantities of shot and shell and other munitions of war, and also great quantities of provisions. Four stenmers afloat have fallen into our hands, and twoothers, with the rebel gunboat Grampus, are sunk, but will be easily raised, The floating battery of sixteen heavy guns, turned adrift by the rebels, is said to be lying on the ‘Missouri shore below New Madrid. ‘The enemy upon - the mainland appear to have fled with great precipita- tion after dark last night, leaving in many cases halb Prepared meals im their quarters, and there seems @ have been no concert of action between the rebels upen the island and those occupying the shore; but the latver thes erected with the highost ergineering skill,are of great strength, and with their natural advantages would have boen impregnable if defended by men fighting in a better cause, A combined attack of the naval and land forces would have taken place this afternoon or to. morrow morning had not the rebels 0 hastily abandon- ed this stronghold, to mature the plans of attack &e., ‘The news from our army near Yorktown states that the troops under Geveral W. F. Smith and General Couch, had a spirited artillery skirmish with the rebels at Lee’s Millethis morn! No attempt was made to dislodge the enemy; it was for the purpose of ascertain- strength of the enemy and the calibre of their the centre of our line steps have been taken jeze to Yorktown and advance on the cpemy by progressive stops. By this measure it is thought the capture of the place may be accomplished with smaller losa of life on our side tha: by a direct assault. The auxiliary batteries at Ship Point, Gorse creck and Buck creek have been abandoned by tLe enemy, and ies — are now occupied by our trooys. From Point, at ~_ mouth of York river, at its junction Fuh the Geos apeake Bay, to Wormsley’s creek, a dis- tance of about five miles, the rebels had the margin of the river literally studded’ with batteries, all of which have boen apparently abandoned. A portion of Genera) Sumner’s corps d’armee now occupy the points above named. Several rebel soldiers bave been captured and are now here under guard. They represent that the rebels are short of forage, and their cavalry fit only for anatomical specimens, hardly able to hold themselves up, not to speak of carryinga rider. The rebel force on the peninsula is estimated at from 25,000 to 30.000, under tho command of Generals Johnston and Magruder: ration. hisarmy at this point, he having successfully crossed the river yesterday under a bcavy fire, which no doubt led to the hasty abandonment of the works last night. Tam unofficially informed that the two gunboats which so gallantly ran the fire of the rebel batteries a few nights since yesterday attacked and reduced fort of the enemy opposite, dismounting eight heavy guns, ‘The following is @ copy of the order of General McCown, on assuming command of the rebel forces on the 6th inst. :— Soprmrs—We are strangers, commander and comman¢- @d,each to the other. Let me teil you wholam. I am a general made L Pegg ors @ general solected Beauregard and rage, for this command, when knew it was in peal 'y have known me for’ twenty years together, We have stood on the fieldsof Mexieo. Give them confidence now—give and ge The Fort Lafayette Prisoners. The Commission , consisting of Gencral Dix, ex-Judge Pierrepont and E. W. Webster, Esq., appointed to inves- tigate the charges against tho secession prisoners, have been engaged for the last two days with closed doors, having had several of the accused parties before them. The following are the results of their examinations:— Recommitted to Fort Lafayette—Colonel Tocuana (who had been disguised as a French lady), William H. Aill, Sidney Bennett, W. H. Childs, E.W. Cecil acd Mr. Chap- lip, whe 1s to be held as a prieoner of war. Released on taking dhe oath of allegiance—Wm. W. Hendricks and Jonah Potterfield, Released on parole of honor not to give aid or comfert to the rebels—Captain Isaac L. Viga- have carned it. Soldiers—The is om res, of pe nchoonee Edwardo, and David C. Watless. hs to your courage, * your ‘a inci, te Release of State Prisoners. s held P maiaa toarigites aight Bostox, April 9, 1862. ‘The Commissioners have ordered the release ef the following membere of the late Maryland Legisiatare from Fort Warren-—Hon. E.G. Kilbourne, of Anne Arundel county, Speaker of the House of Delegates; Josiah H. Gordon, of Alleghany county; Dr. Charies MacGill, of ‘Washington county; Clark J, Burant, of St. Marys county; Dr. Mills, of Carroll edanty, and Messrs. Clag- gett, of Frederick, and Jones, of Talbut county. W. D. McCOWN, Brigadier General Commd’g. T regret tnat the painful condition of my fect, stil ree quiring me to use crutches, prevented me from makiag a personal examination of the works. I was therefureoom- pelled to en 8. Phelps, of the flagship Benton. #. FOOTE, Ping Oe, Commanding Revel Pron Congratalatory Letter of the Secretary of the Navy te Commodere Foote. Personal Intellf, ‘Vico President Hannibal Hamlin and family left the eas ip ssiphewas ‘The following congratulatory letter wassent to-day to Astor House last evening for Boston. wing: Oinees eater henge ‘William H. Rassell, the special correspondent of the Navy Deramnnmy, April 9, 1802. | London Times, sailed for England yesterday, in the steamship China, Dr. Schriver, of the United States Navy; Julius Mo- vine, of Buffalo; M. D. Spaulding, of Boston; H. P. Wil- Hams, of Albany, and Washington Mille and BX, Hunt ington and wifo, of New York, are stopping at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, F.R. Mppetvighons of the United States Navy; C. BH. sme se — of Boston; Joseph Tronbal, of forcester; 8. H. Phillips, of Salem, and R. D. Slevin, of ‘evoort House. Louisville, Ky., are stopping at the Bri Hon. C. W. Walton and wife, of Maine; Mayor W. G. Purgo, and B. Booker and wite of Buta; C. L, Shar end wife and Charles Oakfor Puiladetpia lord, of Chicopee; J. Dittorteld of Fiuc Ornern A. H. Foors, Commampma Gurroass om Waorsan Warens:— Gu—A nation’s thanks are due you andthe braveadicera) and men of the flotilla on the Mississippi, whose labors; and gallantry at Island No. 10, which surrendered to yeaterday, have for weeks been watched with intense in terest. Your triumph is not the leas appreciated be onuse it was protracted and finally bloodless. To that Being who has protected you through 6o many, the praise for his continued goodmess to our county, especially for this last great success of our arms. ‘Lot the congratulations to yourself and your command: and C. C. {t, of Boston, and J. Pest oe Cal stopping et the’ Astor House. ere hing ard de also extended to the officers and soldiers who co-ope- Major L. A. Sykes, of New York; Cvloncl Keene and | rated with you, GHDEON WELLES, Major Sater, of the United aa Army; W. H. Cle. Secretary of the Navy. ment Faker, Tope sceomeer ~ R O'Brien, of Lovee “sary Sketch of Brigadicr General Mackall, Chicago; ant, of California; at Leone ne; Sereny are shneplang os Se Fstotropelitas, Wiliam Whann Mackall, who held @ command under Hotel, General McCown at Island No. 10, and who surrendered to General Pope, is anative of the District of Columbia. Hon, Chauncey, Vibbard and family, of Schenectady: He entored tho Military Academy at West Point ass Hon. J. Blood, of Balston, N. ¥_; Colonel O. TS Dibble aud wife, of Detroit; Judge P. 8. Jewett, of Ohio; Colonel W. If. Reynolds, from Fort Royal, 8. €.; Adjutant E. ©. Ken- rick, of Washington: Licatouant E. M. Conner, of Fort , New Mexico; N. Dodge, of North Adams; Chester in, of Springiield, bass.; F. A. Chapin, of Ver- . Gilbert, of Ulies; 8. fi ge and 'L. Salis- buryeet Boston: G. E. ,0f Alban 5. Drullard, C. K. Loomis and W. D. Chittenden, of io; C. H. Che: do}, of Auburn; D. Robinson, of “Troy: Lieut Fliswo:tb, of the United Statos Arm; of Cie ccinnati, and A. E. Sergent, of at the St. Nitholas Hotel, “City Intellig: Fowenst of Rowerr C. Goopuvs.—The funern! of this worthy citizen took place yesterday morning, from All Souls’ church, corner of Fourth avenue and Twentieth street and was quite imposing. The Rev. Dr. Bellows formed tho religious ‘oerenstittne ever the dbcsaaed. cmd delivered an eloquent discourse suitalfie to the perm ‘The remains were taken to Gresnwood Cemotery for in- vermont. eight in the class of that year, and was immediately com: missioned second lieutenant in the Firstartiliery. He became first lieutenant in July, 1888; was appointee assistant commissary of subsistence in February, 1880 soon after which, on the breaking out of the Seminol war, he was sent to Florida with his regiment. He wa) badly wounded in a skirmish with the Indians on the 111 of February, 1839. From 1840 to 1842 he acted as adju: tant. He served with distinction in the war with Mexico ‘and was brevoted captain of artillery in May, 1848, his commission dating from September 23, 1840, In Decem ber, 1846, he acted as assistant adjutant general, with the rank of captain. In August, 1847, he was made ful captain of artillery, and relinqished bis rank in the line He received a commission as brevet major.on the 20th o Augest, 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct it the battles of Contreras snd Chorubusco, being confirma’ as such in Avgust,1848. Inthe bas of (September 13, 1844), ho was severely pe sine, the close of the war ‘with Mexico, Tony om cnnecet wil ait of the present rebellion, he the United States = goon after entering the rebol ment of ay General. He was General Bi wd », are stopping Foxsna ov Levy, Free Jauas O'Bamw.—Quite an im- posing military funeral occurred yesterday afternoon in honor of the late Lieut. Fitz James O’Brien, who died a few days ago from wounds received on the battle fleld. Lieut. O'Brien was serving on the staff of Gen. Lander about two months ago, when he received the wounds woien terminated 60 fatally. The remaina arrived here shop Polk, at Columbus, and ye 4 on Tuesday last, and were iaid out in state in tho room | was evacuated by the rebels was d of the Beard of Officers et the Seventh regiment armory. | a brigade at {sland No. 10, whore, memes, ipo wate was & vert affair, covered with black ” Tiant euccenses of our arms, ho was dor 10 General Pope on the 7th jostant. News from San Francisco. Sax Fraxcisco, April 8, 1062. failed ships Golden Rule, Port Townsend; Pocahontas London. The following vessels ate ehartered and prize for the Chincha Islands for guano, thence to England Blackhawk, Juna, Biandina, Wilber, ‘Fiske, Radiant Uncowah and Egypt. id @ plate boaring the following Tou tavieg ‘on the inseription:— eoenoea, srenvovooorocerreset LIRUPENANT PiT2 JAMES O'BRIEN, TED AYATAS VOLUMTERR?, DISD af). 6, 1862, aoxp 83 vRans, NOLO LO DELO LTO OOIOR RTODNE On the lid were alo Loge the sword of deceased, a wreath of immortelles and ee me eenion. we Na- tional Guard. Company G, Seventh regiment, Captain George W. Tie iin ‘ull uniform ‘and ucted 2s a inili- tary eecom. fe religious serv were PR plain’ of the regiweaty abot the Rev. Dr. Ws Arriva one eo cca hal!-past taelve, ve cock, and were according to the Epicoopal reguiatios. The reverend gentleman made a few appropriate remarks concerning the noble sxample Wormer, steal tty J Mont ebildre! wet by the deceare:, after which the remains wore con- n, Mme Goodall, Wi veyed to tho hearse, Jand the funeral moved off, the band es Boobie, J Od rere atnas —" Jes leading, tho military next,and last of all tho ‘friends in carriages. The reioains were interred with the usual military bonora in Greenwood Cemetery, Fire in in Duane Str: DESTRUCTION OF A FIVE STORY MARBLR BUILDING AND THB CONTENTS —LOSS ABOUT $75,000, Between ten and eleven o'clock last night a fire broke out on the seoond floor of the five story marble building No, 69 Duane street, {the premises of David Sterrett & Co., importers of laces and embroideries. The dames spread rapidly, and notwithstanding the exertions of the fremon the satire bulld its contents were de- stroyed. latenesa of the oe Fey not be tscorsakved; supposed to be about amen eed ey ie Wire. by, ned Ly ter fo ‘th greater port of the stock was ret by ye eyes ste and Mee, trol wateh, Lose aioe, dermanior ry doen ngiand; Burcd. "The foes on the balding wilt bo ab Bega Mt Bowens: oi Wa eee ok Mean a Nebel nll Philadelphia: F Bkgeae, Be Phe Connecticut i ag ton, nea us fy hy hice, Governor Buckin, _—, has 890 a Breyer “2 —s Hee 8 Gre a re his majority was 3 ‘Tho Senate is un! BY; Col and Mrs Bridgeland, Richi e democrats. fouse stands 181 DTN Te @ P'Bacon, NY; Capt Jas MoDow: aenrate. ine oeee anes tee ce ‘The vote of 8 Joni T Wilme: N.Y; ry Biatg 1s heathy 14,000 lees than last year. eon 3" leaving the former to their fate. Those works, " having absolutely required twenty-three days of prepa- Genera) Pope is momentarily expected to arrive with — cAdet in 1883, graduated in July, 1837, standing nusabes,