The New York Herald Newspaper, July 2, 1862, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 9427, " WPCLELLAN’S ARMY. THE EVACUATION OF WHITE HOUSE. INTERESTING ACCOUNT OF THE SCENE. SAFETY OF OUR SUPPLIES. SUCCESS OF M’CLELLAN’S STRATEGY OPERATIONS ON THE JAMES RIVER, &e., &e., &e. THE EVACUATION OF WHITE HOUSE. Our Special Army Correspondence. Wurre Hovse, Va., June 28, 1862, When the Roacuation was Determined Upon and When Comsnrnced—The Objects of the Evacuation—General Ca- 4ey’s Plan for Covering the Fvacuating Partu—Tne Reads Cleared—Pire Supply Vessels Moving—The Army Supplied with Brtra Store:—The Sick Provided for—The Removal of the‘ Niggers’’—Humors of the Scene—General Stone- man’s Riccnnoissance—The Quiet, Calm and Order of the Whole Exacuation—The Gunboat Flect—1he Scene Among the Sutlers—The Burning of the Governmental Proyerty— General Casey, Colonel Ingalis and Staffs the Last to Em- bdark—The Passage Down the River, &c. ‘The last two or three days have been exciting ones Mere. White House has been evacuated by our troops. Bince the 15th of May it has been the base of opera- tions of the Union army against Richmond, and, after the main body of the army marched towards the Chicka- hominy, the grand depot of supplies, It has been aban- doned. This, by some—especially by the enemies of General McOlelian—may for a while be considered a partial defeat of our young Napoleon, or to arise from the superior tactics of the enemy contingent upon the series of battled since Wednesday last. This is not 80. ‘The evacuation of White House as depot was prede termined upon days before it had been commenced, and had been in actual operation, by the sending away of ferty or fifty cargoes of quartermaster and commicsariat stores, five days before it was discovored by any but those in the secret here. The reason of the evacuation of the White House was twofold, viz:— Firstly, it was tooremote from the main body of the army (twenty miles), and, being approached by nume- vous avenues offering superior inducements to an enemy, te guard it properly would require at least 20,000 men. Secondly, General McClellan was fully aware that the memy had determined upon a vigorous Ganking movement on his right in order to cut eff thie place, which, up to a few days ago, had go less than from three to four millions of dollara worth of commissariat and artillery stores, arms and ammunition, besides a large supply of clothing, both ashoro and afloat. To possess White House under the then existing ‘cir- @umstances was the‘‘plumb in the pudding” which ex- @ited the fancy of the ouemy. It contained just the things their army was so much in need of, and to gain posses- ston of it they determined upon its capture by flanking our army. ‘The raid or Yeconnoissance made by the rebel force ‘wader Genera! Stewart and Colone! Lee two weeks or more Previous to the evacuation was no doubt the forerunner’ ef the great movement which the enemy have made. ‘The movement of the rebel Stewart did not disturb the @quilibricm ef Genera! McCiellan, nor did he strengthen his right flank, as it was supposed he would, but allowed matters to stand as they were. ‘The enemy at length put their flanking movement for the possession of the White House into operation. They ‘were met by but few troeps, with an apparent show of wesistance; but, in fact, it was only afeint. They poured sbeir masses of troops against ours, and they will come imto the possession of the White House only to find it @ mass of ruins and thoroughly evacuated, heir strategy nonplussed by MeClelian’s change of front, the left wing of our army pushed over to the James rier, and a new depot of supplies estabiished under the protection of our gunbuats and in direct communication ‘with our army. It will be discerned that if the enemy Bave not been checkmated they are pretty thoroughly ehecked. PEPARATIONS FOR BVACUATION. ‘Three days ago the final preparations for evacuation ‘were commenced. As I before stated, the evacuation ‘was initiated five days ago by the despatching of ves- eels from here to Fortress Monroe, or, a2 it was then un- derstood, to James river. Three days ago Genoral Casey, who a few days previous had assumed command of this post, issued orders for the felling of the trees in this vicinity 20 as to give the gunboat fleet in the Pamunkey river an unobstructed range on the flanks and front of ‘this place, so that in ease the encmy attacked before the evacuation was completed they would find the place un- tenable. This order was sent to Licutenant Colonel Butler, the Provost Marshal, the commandant of the Ninety-third New York regiment. That officer readily ebeyed the summons of his superior in command, and at ence detailed working parties from the Sixth Pennsyl- ‘vania reserve regiment and from his own corps. The troops responded to the summons with alacrity, and shortly after numerous squads of axemen were moving fowards thore points obstructed by trees. ‘THR. WORK COMMENCED. ‘The axemen first commenced operations on the banks @f the Pamunkey, on the lawn im front of the White House (building), near the lawn where tho rebel Colonel Fuzhugh Lee no doubt enjoyed repose under umbra- gecus trees while deliberating the part he should taxe ‘m the present wicked rebellion. The axemen were soon at work, the sound of their chopping reverberating through the branches of the staicly trees. Fine elms and sturdy oaks, which for centuries bad divided the shade over the Pamunkey river and its banks, soon bowed their gigantic trunks to the earth. To the credit of our soldiers be it said they did the work with no ‘vindictive spirit, the necessities of the case demanded &. As I watebed the progress of the work I heard many en expression of regret {rom our soldiers that the neces- sity was so pressing a8 to demand this sacrifice of any. thing attached to this historic spot, where Washington ‘wooed his Martha, Hundreds of ethor trees on the White House farm (all the property of Col. Lee, rebel) fell in common sacrifice. ‘The men worked hard for several days, until clear land could be seen from the decks of the vexsols on the Pa- e@aupkey for a mile or more distant, ERROTION OF 4 RIGNAL STATION, A day or two before the evacuation General Casey erdered the erection of a signal station or observatory, evorlvoking the inland and river country, from which to ch the movements of an spproaching enemy. A cupola was erected on the top of the Lee house (White House). It was thirty or forty feet in height. When it ‘was finished an unobstructed view of tho Pamunkey river and the country for miles around was attained, In this placo detachtents of the Army Signal Corps (emporariizy doing duty on the gunboat feet) wore placed, and from (he vessels in tho river signals were givon to General Casey’s hoadquarters, and vice versa, 80 ‘that each could Le en rapport with the other, as circum. stancos might require. OUR TRANSPORT Fier IN MOTION, Meanwhile the other preparations were being made. Oxo by one our jaden freighters and transport vessels were carefully\droppitg down the Parmunkey, en ruutefor Fortress Monroe, These movements were conducted as so. ereviy as possible,so that no panic or stampedeainong the thousauds of laborors and contraband negroes should ar. Once ina while an expression of surprise would Crom the lips of the observing ones at seeing laden ppivig down streom, Botthe affair passed over witout much comment of theorizing TUR RATLAOAD IN FULL OPERATION That portion of the railroad between this point and the body of McClelan’s army (twenty miles), employing ene hundred freight cars and five locomotives, was used night and day in sending forth eupplies of food and forage for the sustenance of our troops and army horses. Tt wea apparout that the immediate demands of ihe NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 1862. army required no such exertion, as the usual hours of labor were suificient to supply the daily wants of our srmy. Here, too, was another matter of conjecture to the observing ones. I heard the expression more than once made, ‘that Mac was bound to have a good stock of supplies on hand for bis littlefamily,”” The up trains would carry loads of suppites, and return with sick aud wounded soldiers, who w it once placed on board hospital boats for conveyance to our permanent hospitals at Washington, Baltimore, New York, or emewhere. Besides the immense quantities of freight sent by rail- road, there were numerous trains of army wagons loaded and sent forward to the army. ‘TUR NEWS OF THR BVACUATION HRCOMES GENERAL. Yesterday (Friday) all secresy in regard to the eva- uation was removed. Vessels wero rapidly loaded at the temporary wharves. The papers and personal ef- fects of the chief officers were placed on beard stenm transports, and the other things on board sailing craft, barges, &c, EMBARKATION OF CONTRARANDS. Negroes, the property of rebel masters, being contra. band of war, their removal with our troops bad to be Provided for, Late in the afternoon canal boats were provided for their accommodation. Orders were soon sent to them wo their camp—about an eighth of a mile from the margin of the river—to strike camp and em- bark. The order was soon communicated from tent to tent, and son all was hubbub and excitement. Odd looking piles of bagguge were soon placed in the camp streets; squalling children were thrown on top of them, while their darling mothers looked after thoir persona, wardrobes, One hour from the time the order was de- livered for striking camp the negro exodus from the White House commenced. An old patriarchal looking negro, with snow white hair, led the van towards the river. He was followed by unique squads of the ‘colored population,” male and female, each bearing heavy burthens of their household effects. ‘The line of pilgrims soon extended from their camp to the river, andthe maunor in which they made their exit was ludicrous in the extreme. Arriving at the river bank they commenced their embarkation, Old and young, all rushed on board indiscriminately. Boat after boa‘ was crowdea with contrabands, until three or four thou, sand were embarked. The negroes enjoyed the chauge hugely; they discussed the subject of their prospect of freedom pro and cun. From the happy gyrations of their facial organs thoy appeared to be unanimous on Veaving their masters in the “ Old Dominion.” THE EXCITEMENT INCREASES, By dark on Friday ine excitement attending the eva- cuation increased rapidly. To prevent it intensifying into @ panic—which would have spread among the la. borers—and thus suspending loading of vessels, Lieu- tenant Colonel Butler, the commandant of the Nincty- third New York regiment, ordered his regimental band to march around the camp, playing patriotic airs and the popular music of the day. Thore was great saga- city exhibited in this measure, which resulted in per fectly tranquilizing the whole camp. Its effect was magical. THE LAST DAY OF THE RVACUATION. Saturday morning came. Everybody at this point was aware that fighting had been going on on the right wing of our army for two days previous, but with what result no ecourate information could be derived. That we had met with some loss was apparent from the number of wound- ed brought in on the railroad from the direciion of the Chickahominy. The evacuation and the shipment of stores was bere going on with good success at eight o'clock A.M. The locomotive Speedwell, drawing a long train of cars, with army supplies, left this point for the army infront; she had not been gone an hour when a rumor was brought into camp that the whole train had Deen captured by the enemy. This news was received with regret. A second train of cars, loaded with railroad truck, was afterwards sent out. It proceeded to a point near Tunstall’s station, abous four miles from here, where it was stopped and sent buck by order of General Stone- man, who was in command of the flying brigade of caval- ry, artillery and infantry. This brigade was watching the flanking movement which the enemy commenced ‘Aaguinst Porter’s corps the day previous, the rebel troops pressing on the way towards the White House General Stoneman informed the conductor that it had been reported to bim that the enemy had captured Despatch station, the next one beyond Tunstall’s. He ordered the train back under those cir- cumstances, and requested that after the train had beon safely left at White House tho locomotive should return in order that he might ride up the road and make a per- sonal reconnoissance. His request was complied with. General Stoneman proceeded to within a mile or s0 of De- spatch station. He had even approached within range of the muskets of the advancing rebel pickets, when he returned to Tunstall’s. MOVING OF THE SICK. The sick in the goneral hospital at White Honse were removed on Friday to the hospital steamboats in the harbor, and at once sent on to Yorktown and Fortres® Monroe. Those who wero to walk did so until they reached tha steamboat. The others were conveyed by acbulances and on field stretchers. There was no un- necessary haste in disebarging this humane duty. Dr. Watson, the excellent surgeon iu charge, superintended the work in person, and allowed no injustice tobe doue toany of his numerous family of patients. After the sick were removed the hospital tents were struck aud placed on board the quartermaster’s barges im the river. ‘THR QUARTERMASTER'S DEPARTMENT. Evacuations of military points are attended at all times with more or less irregularity and confusion. There is ne logical reason why it should be so; nevertheless it is ® fact tnat they are. But in this case thero was @ slight exception. Lieutenant Colonel Ingalls, the P ost Quartermaater, and his abloassistants, Captains Sawtelle, Rankin, Wagner and Fartaworth, each discharged their several duties in the loading of the government property with zoul and coolness, giving their commands in @ respectful manner to those under their cbarge. ARRIVAL OF GENERAL STONEMAN. General Stoneman, whose command was watching the enemy from Tuustall’s station, arrived, under escort of a small detachment of dragoons, to consult with General Casey. He visited the latter's camp on the lawn in front ‘of the White House, General Stoneman ordered supplies and expressed his ability to hold tne advanciug enemy in check until the evacuation of White House was com- pleted, but ordered no uoneeessary delays to be made, and that supplies for his troops were to be sent to them forthwith, ‘THE YLEET IN THE PAMUNKEY RIVER. Our gunboat fleet in the Pamunkey river, near the White House, consisted of the gunboats Sebago, Marble. head, Penobscot, Currituck and Com. Barney. The Cur rituck oceupied @ position north of the rail. road bridge amd about one mile further up thao the other boats of the eet, She commanded anexcelent flanking position to the approaches of White House. ‘The other vessels of the fluet were concealed under a high bank near the White House (building) with anchors ready to be slipped at ® moment's warning, In theaf. teruoon (Saturday), as tho evacuation waa drawing to compietion, all bands in the fleet wore called to quarters, the decks cleared, and the guns loaded and trained, and everything prepared for action. At half-past two v’cluck P.M. the signal gan was fired from the flagship warning those on shore to embark. ‘THR ONSLAUGHT ON THR SUTLERA’ TENTS, ‘The signal gun was interpreted by many lingerors as a signal to make a rid on the sutlers’ tents ; at lenst it would seem so, for in & few minutes after the report of the gun had passed away the sutlers’ tents, stocked with assortments of dry goods, groceries and bad whis key, were visited by tho soldiers and jaborers, who gtabbed everything they could lay their bands on, piling up the wares aud good things “without the conseut of the owners thereof.’’ As euch man would get as much ag ho could conveniently carry, ho would start for the vessels of the fleet, and Lis place wos supplied by auo- ther until the sutiers’ goods were exhausted. Thousands of dollars worth of property was carried of in this way, THR CoMsresARyY STORES, Some effort was effectually displayed to save the com. missary stores, but @ portion of lesser value~stored in a large warehouse on the bauk of the river—buing much dhinagod, were suffered to romain there wnd subse. quently desiroyed, t prevent them from falling into the hands of the enemy. For two days previous to the evacuation this building was surrounded by bales hay aud barrels of whiskey, to hasten the destruction when tho proper moment shoukt arrive, DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY COMMINCED, At three o’clock P. M. Colone] Morris, of the Ninety- third New York regiment, under direction of the © m- manding General (Casey), commenced the destruction of government property. The first they gave to tho flames was the immense water tank used for the railroad loco- motives; next was the line of officers’ tents, in- cluding the Post Office on the bank of the river; then foliewed the sutlers’ shanties, negro quar- ters, railroad shanties; and, at haif-past four P. M., the White Houss itself was given to the devouring element. The commissary store was the last fired. Three splendid locomotives were exploded and one hun- dred cars were burned. The flames and smoke fro il these sonrces seemed like oue gravd piece of pyrotechny, interspersed, as it was, by frequent and loud reports of exploding ammunition and falling beams of the govern. ment warehouse, The flames were to be scou long after dark, and lit up the hoayeng so that the scene was visible for miles areund, At half past six o’clock Genera) Casey and his staff, the last on the ground, embarked on board the steamer Kuickerbocker, Colonel Ingalis and his staff on the Cir, cassian. As these vessels proceeded down ‘tho river the vessels of the retiring transport fleet were soem ut every turnand bend in the river, Everything really valuable had been sayed,and we were allon board, The whole thing had boen accom. plished with a quiet and perfect order that was truly remarkable, and redounds much to the credit of the officers in commend. ‘TOR PASBAGB DOWN THE RIVER. We left White Houso, and had passed a short distance down the Pamunkey, when the soexe just described burst upon us in its full glory of destruction. Turning tom this and looking along the river, afar different sight presented itself. A largo flect of vessels wero moving off towards Fortress Monroe. The quiet, un- commercial stream, seemed to havo been transformed into a prosperous seaport, {or the forestof masts could remind us of nothing less than the wharves of our great commercial city, while here and there in their midst could be seen the black smoke of the steamers’ In grand procession we left our recent location, each steamer having in its train from one to half a dozen of the sailing vessels. At dark we anchored for the night, but dawn saw us again on our way to Fortress Monroe> where we arrived at ten o'clock on Sunday morning. Golonel Ingalls at once proceeded up the James river to See that the coast was clear, and to ascertain what sup. plies it would be needful to transmit at once to the new depot. Having become satisfied on this point, an orae” was received to send only that portion which was at that time essentially necessary, the rest to stay where they were until their proper location was specified. and thus matters remain whenI closo my account. Mean_ while the battle is raging in the vicinky of the rebel capital, and the rebels will doubtless learn to their cost that General McClellan is not yet defeated Our Fortress Monroe Corr espondence. Fortress Moxnor, June 29, 1862. The Attack On Richmond Fairly Opened—The Batile of the 25th Commences the Strife—Gen. McClellan's Strategic Powers—Opinions Reative to Gin. Pope—The Plet in James River—Arrivals at the Fortress, dc. It is hardly necessary for me to inform you that the Jong expected and anxiously looked for struggle for the rebel capital hag at last be'n inaugurated. Thetelegraph must necessarily be in advance of the mail, and, unless the government has suppressed sueh despatches, the good people of New York know at this moment more of what is going on in General McClellan’s camp than we do at this isolated spot. The elaborate account of the battle fought on the 26th inst., published in yenterday’s HERALD, Was read here with a great deal of interest, and was actually the firat tangible history of this event. All that was known of the affair was that General Hooker’s division hed a fight, and nothing further. From subsequent accounts 1 learn that this battle yoaugurated the war, and since ihen bvth armies have been evgaged im deadly strife. The rebels are goaded on by desperation to retain their so- called capital, and our brave troops are actuated by pa- triotiam,and Sight for the vindication of our nativoal honor. The fight is a desperate one. We, however, re cerve mo news except rumors, and these come from ex- pelic! sutlers ana runaway camp followers, who, at the first inicatiun of @ battle, take occasion to ‘‘skedaddie”’ as fast as possible. From this source the most p.iuful rumore may reach you, but there is no dependence to be placed thereon. Que rumor, for instance, had Stonewali Jackson in our rear, destroying everything; and of course there are old grannies enough every where to not only credit such reports, but they take ali possible pains to promulgate and add thereto. The boat from White House last evening brought a Jarge number of passengers, consisting mainly of the ciass above mentioned. 1 have not met two of them yet who were able to tell the same story. That heavy fight- ing bas been, and is still going on, is a tact which I, would be foolish to deny; but General McClelian is full of strategy and resources, and whatever movement he may make will certainly turn out to be of great advan- tage. The rebels have an overwhelming force opposed wo Gen, McClellan; but what we lack in numbers isamply made up in pluck and determination, and our splendidly equipped artillery, cavalry and infantry. I have no doubt but that your correspondents witli the army wil! keep you advised of all movements going on there All the information I obtain here is based merely on vague rumors, and geverally uureliable, The news of General Fremont’s resignation was received hore yesterday by telegraph, and caused great rejoicing amoung oificers and thers, Great things are expected from General Pope, sid it is confidentiy hoped that his forces ere this have jomed Geverai McClellan. From our fleet up the James river I have accounts to yesterday afternvon. Important movements were in the course of execution, which policy prevents me from making public. I am, however, alowed to say that if the movements of our fleet aresuccecsful it will only add another wreath of laurel to the garland of the many biilisant vietories won by this noble branch of our service, ‘Ihe movement is one which is calculated to assist General McClelian most materially. L understand that orders have been issued from the War Department prohibiting any passengers to come down bere by way Of Baitimore. ‘This order is doubtless for the purjwre uf keeping civilians from the army, w order not to be embarrassed by parties baying no busi_ ness with our troops. Mr. Alanson Crane, the eMfcient Postmaster of Old Point, has made several important improvements to his office, which greatly facilitate tho mall arrangements, A number of clerks have beeu added to (he vitice, and] doubt whether the New York ost Oflice does more busi. ness than our postal establishment at this place, When it 8 remembered that ali the jettors for the army of the Potomac, Norfoik, Suffolk and the James river fleet pass through here, small idea cau be formed of tue magnitude of the pusiness transacted by the Forwoss Monroe ost Oflice. Amung the distinguished arrivals here this morning from Baltimore | notice Lieutenant Oolunel William D. Whipple, Assistant Adjutant General of General Weol's staf; Colonel N. M. Falls, Providént of the Bay line of stoamers; Cofene! De Trobriand, Fifty-tifth regiment New York State Militia, and several vthers, Culonel Whip. ple was heartily greeted by the numerous friends he mado while activg a8 adjutant general of this depart. ment, Gol, Whippie and Col, Falls paid thoir respocts to Major General Dix, who received them very coruialiy. ‘The former was taken charge of during his siay by Ljoutenant Charles Temple Lix, Lieutenant Barstow, Lieutenant Darling and other officers of General Dix's etalf, Major Wm, H. Ludlow, Ald-de-Oamp to Gonoral Mix, having remained at Baltimore several days alter tho General had left there to assume command of this de partment, arrived bere last week, and will rem iu with the Geweral, A number of his levers bave iailod to reach bim, from Ube fact of his friends not kuow ing where to find him, Fortnss Mownon, June 90, 1862, All Dowlts About General McClellan's Success Nemuvel— Tie Bepedition Up the Appomaitor River—Captu:e of Secession ists, de. By tho arrival of « gunboat from the James river fieat, the anxiety felt about General MeCletlan’s ariny is fat lest relieved, and we bave boon shown how masterly the young ebioitain hag accomplished @ most dificuis MAD@nvre and Out generalled the rebels two to one. Of the past three days’ fighting which has been going on in front of Richmond we have had the most exagger. @ted accounts; byt the no of to-day set at rest all doubts relative to General MeClwllan’s brilliant achieve" ment, hud there any existed, It appears that when the rebels made their attack on our right the plang for flank movement of our army had already been matured. In order to deceive the chemy, a stout resistance was offered by our right wing, which always kept falling back, drawing on the enemy asit retired. By excolient goneraiship this wing fell back upon General MoClellan’s left wing, aud this was the crowning moveinent of the matured plan. Our flect on the James river is partially stationed at City Point, and can assist in protecting General McClel- Jan’ army and a)! his stores. On Thursday nicht last an expedition of saflors, made up from the James river fleet, started up the Appomattox river to destroy the bridge of the Petersburg and Rich mond Railroad. The steamers Maratanza and Jacob Pell wore the vessels appointed by Commodore Rodgers for the undertaking. The two vessels started on their mision, but got aground, and the Jacob Bell had tw be dostreyed to keop hor from falling into the hands of the rebels. The Maratanza was safely got off. A large fleet 0! sailing vessels has started from here, to supply General McClellan, under conyoy of a ganbont. A number of “secesh”’ prisoners were brought iu to this post this afternoon, captured at White House, The following is a list of their names:— Dr. B.S. Tally, visiting patient, passing through Gen, Stoneman’s encampment. 1.N. Turk, pretends to have deserted from his oa- valry. . Rufus Wilson (colored), arrested as a spy, and ao- kuowledges to havo carried letters to the enemy through our lines. Frederick Allen, witness in above case. Justin Saddler and Frank Risby pretend to be de- servers from Matthews’ battery, 0.8. A.; arrested with armas in their hands, and several letters which they in- tended to take to Richmond, Thomas Smith, deserter from the rebel navy. Samuel P. Slater, George Hawkins, Dr. Chas. M. Hub- bard, M. M. Martin and James T. Farthing,,influential secessionists, arrested by order of General Stoneman, having dectined to take the oath, and three others of whom nothing is known. Provost Marshal Wm. E. Blake sent the whole batch of the above prisoners to the Rip Raps, until they can be tried by proper authority. Forrness Monnog, June 30, 1862. Arrival of Steamships and Transports—Skirmishing Along the Lines Before Richmond—Reported Occupation of Richmond by General McClellan, éc., de. The York river is being completely cleared of overy- thing movable. Steamers and tugs are constantly ar- riving at Fortress Monroe, having in tow barges, schoon- era,ke. Many arrived bere last evening and during the night. This morning the steamer Spaulding arrived, having eight barges and schooners in tow. She reports that one hundred and fifty barges, schooners and tow- boats were at Yorktown when she ‘eft, but all were making preparations to come down to-aay. Nearly if ‘not all of the government stores were removed frem the White House before that place was burned. ‘The government telegraph from White House and vici- nity has not worked since Saturday at two o’clock. ‘The falling back of the right wing of the army was done in the most perfect order, and is not looked upon as @ disastrous movement, but asone, under the circun- stances, well planned after the unton of Stonewall Jack- son and Johnston’s forces. We hear of skirmishing going on along our lines, but can get no details. Thave learnea from Lieutenant E. Walter Wait, one of General Casey's aids, that the burning of the White ‘Bouse was either an accident or the work of an incendi- ary, as General Casey gave explicit orders for the White House not to be destroyed. Reports are current to-day that Genera) McClellan has taken Richmond, but there is no good authority for the rumor, the telegraph not being at work, and there not being a beat from the James river, although one ishour- ly expected. Schooners have been arriving here all day, loaded with cattle, horses, mules, bay and commissary stores. There was nothing left above West Point when the last steamer passed down last evening, but at West Point there were two hundred barges and schooncrs, mostly small schooners. The Advance Upon Richny Srosmaan’s Licur J)ivisiox, June 28—P. M. More than a week ago General McCielian determined to withdraw from bis position on the right at dechanics- ville, get out of the swamp, get better uuder the cover of his parallels, prepare for woy disaster, and concen. trate his immense army for a grand flank movement on Richmond. This withdrawal wax carried on in such a cautious and quiet way that it was net uutil Wednesday nylt last that the enemy became aware of the important movement. ‘This was evident from the fecling they endeavored to execute successfully on our loft some days ago. Ou last Wednesday Commodore Rodgers ordered the Port Royal to proceed down the James river to a point jut above the mouth of the Chickahominy. Here launches and rmall boats were to proceed on and reconnoitie inland, until the army pickets were reached, sous to keep up communication with Fortress Mouroe and our government at Washington, in view of the Dable advance ot the enemy upon our right. barly on Thursday morning General NcCal ision, which was posted @ little below Mechanica , com. menced @ retrograde movement towards the position held by General Fitz John Porter, im the vicinity of New ridge. McCall had scarcely joined Porter before the re- bels—the divisions of Anderson, Branch and G. W. smith, under the command of *Stonewall” Thomas Jef- ferson Jackton—pushed him hard and forced him to hait and bastily form a line of battle, which was done in excellent stylé, the Bucktails deployed to the righs and Jeft im sront as skirmishers, Porter's division caine promptly to the support of McCall, and, fighting desperately, the two divisions fell back siow)y towarak Savage's Siation, on the Riclunoud and York Kivor Railroad, when night’ came on, and the battle ccased. Mcanwhile Captain Sawtelle, of General McClellan's staf’, had succerded in destroying everything in the way of batidings ut White House, and, moviug all the trans- ports down the river, had the gunboats stutioned go as tw command every approach. On Friday the batiie was renewed with great fury by tho, rebels, but with difforent results, MeCall and Porter beilg remiorced by most of Keyes’ corps,making our de ending force fovt up 40,000 men. The rebels were in turn reintorced by Lougstreet’s division and a division said ty be improvised fur Beruregard. Geueral Mcvlellan was present on Friday, and per- sonally manquvred the troops, hanuling ther in a mas. terly manner, Aud especialiy supervising the artillery. ‘The cannonade lulled after about five hours’ fightivg, and both armies seemed to be recoiling for a desperate spring ateach vther, when the rebel skirmishers, find. ing no enemy east oi thera, changed front and advanced gomne miles 4m front of their position. General Stonoman now made @ dash at them with neurly seven thousand cavairy, including Ruel’s Lan. cers, creating groat havoc and & meal panic. Afier this Svoneman craftily wheeled about, and cover- ing the rear of our army as it passed over Bottom’s Bridge and the Long Bridge, followed them with his main force, feisty Baws ae cavalry to observe the movements of the boozled enemy as he procweied oust, Ap hour later and our gumBoata opened upon the ene- my ob the live of tue Pamuukey, near the White House. ‘The old battle ground was made to ring a.ain end again with our floating batteries. When Geoerai Stoueman heard this music he turned his horse’s bead towards the rebel capital, and smiling, said, ‘All ig well; now for Richmond.” Geu oral McClellan has beew at work all day, and, in adva. cing, las driven the eneniy back at every poiut on the loft and centro, with great less 0 them: hs oun was ¢ anporatively ligt. ‘Tue transports, buspital ships, and other versela have all boon ordored to report at Jamestown Island, inside of the isiaud, covered by our gunboats, should any neiny molest them. But of this there is no fear. From thie thoy may proceed to a higher station on the river, as may be nevessary. General Casey 6 brave division did excellent service in securing and tra ing stores. ‘Tho messenger is j) ‘out to leave with the letters and despatenes for Fortress Monroe, aud this may reach youn good time. Weare still fighting. Fort Darliag will be oure to- morrow, and possibly Kichmo.d wiil be occupied aud the rebel army cut to pleees by the Fourta of July, weneral McClellan remarked to-night to the bearer of dospaichos that we were everywhere victorious, but (he groat battle bad just begun, and he could,not make a 1@- port until the Job was done, but | must ch se and hasten to the feft wing, for MeClel- jan, Hetvtrelman, Hooker and Kearney are 1) anda movemout 1s going on, The Wounded and Killed of the Fifth New York Regiment. Bavritunn, July 1, 1862, Numerous inquirioa: are reooivet here ag to the wounds! and killed in the Mth Now York regiment, We baye no information beyord wun is alrealy pub. ished, except raports that aro probab y exaggerated, aud which % would be improper to publish. PRICE TWO CENTS. NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. Important Correspondence Between the Governors of Loyal States and the President. Preparations for Military Occupancy of Insurrectionary Districts. A Call for Three Hundred Thou- sand Additional Troops to Be Issued. THE TARIFF BILL PASSED BY THE HOUSE. Probable Defeat of the Proposed Bolargement of the Illinois and Mew Work Canal Locks. Action of the Senate on the Army Ap- propriation Bill, &., &., ce. Warmnctox, July 1, 1862. IMPORTANT CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE GOVER- NORS OF THE LOYAL STATES AND THE PRESIDENT— 4 CALL FOR THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND ADDITION- AL TROOPS TO BE ISSUED. The following correspondence between the President and the Governors of the several States will explain it- self — ‘To Tas PResipENt:— ‘The undersigned, Governors of States of the Union, impressed with the belief that the citizens of i.e States which they respectively represent are of one accord in the hearty desire that the recent successes of the federal arms may be followed up by meu sures which must ensure the speedy restoration of the Union, and believing that in view of the impor- tant military movements now in progress, and tho reduced condition of our effective forces in tho field, resulting from the usual and unavoidable casualties of the service, that the time has arrived for prompt and vigorous measures to be adopted by the people in support of the great interests com* mitted to your charge, we respectfully request, if it meets with your entire approval, that you at once call upon the several States for such numbers of meu as may be required to fill up all military organizations now in the field, and add to the army heretofore organized such additional number of men as may, in your judg ment, be necessary to garrison and bo.d al! of the nume- rous cities and military positions that have been captured by our armies; and to speedily crush the rebellion that still exists in several of the Southern States, thus practi- cally, restoring to the civilized world our great and good government. All believe that the decisive moment is near at band, and to that end tho people of the United States are desirous to aid promptly in furnishing al! re- inforcements that you may deem veedful to sustain our government. ISRAEL WASHBURN, Jr., Governor of Maine, N. 8. BERRY, Governor of New Hampshire. FREDERICK HOLBROOK, Governor of Vermont. ‘WM. A. BUCKINGHAM, Governor of Connecticut, E. D. MORGAN, Governor of New York. CHAS. 8. OLDEN, Governor of New Jersey, A. G, CURTIN, Governor of Pennsylvania. A. W. BRADFORD, Governor of Maryland. F. W. PHERPONT, Governor of Virginia. AUSTIN BLAIR, Governor of Michigan. J. B. TEMPLE, President Military Board of Kentueky. ANDREW JOHNSON , Governor of Tennessee. H.R. GAMBLE, Governor of Missourt. . P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana. DAVID TOD, Governor of Ohio. ALEXANDER RAMSEY, Governor of Minnesota. RICHARD YATES, Governor of Illinois. EDWARD SOLOMON, Governor of Wisconsin. TUE VRESIDENS'S REPLY. Exxcurive Maysion, Wasntveron, July 1, 1862. Gextimwex—Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to me in 0 patriotic a manner by you in the Communication of the 28th day of June, J hare de- ided to call into the service an adititional /orce of three hun- dred thousand men. Tsuggest and recommend that the troops should be chiefly of infantry. The quota of )our state would be ——. I trust that they may be enrolled witiout delay, 80 a8 to bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a apeedy and satisfactory conclusion, An order fixing the quotas of the respective States will be issued by the War Department tu-mor-ow. ABRAR AM LINCOLN. THE KMBARGO UPON WAR NEWS. The embargo upon the transmission of military news still prevails. Its removal is houriy expected. RETURN OF GEN. KING TO FREDERICKSBURG, General King bas returned to Fredericksburg, receiv. ing @ most demonstrative weloome from his command: ‘His transfor to another field was much regretted by the Givision, and the surprise occasioned by the despatch announcing bis intended return has been only equailed by the gratification manifested ly every one im the com. mand. This sentiment is not confined to the troops, every citizen of Fredericksburg, whether Joyal or secession, ex- pressing gratification at the return of the Ganeral to his oid division. THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. The tenacity with wiich the rebels hold Vicksburg, and the increased exidences that they aro making It « sort of Gibraltar, warrants tho belicf that there is an outside inspiration to their efforts on that head. The fleets ot Europeas Powers would make but !i(ile headway in the lower Mississippi if the great river was free and clear for gunboats and iron rama te deseend its mighty current. Ouce clear of obstructions, and what Mr. Cal- houn called ‘‘a great inland sea,” \s forever ia the power of the Northwest. APPOINTMENTS OONVIKAED BY THE SENATE, ‘The Senate to-day confirmed the aypointment of Bri- gade Surgeon Thomas F. Perley, of Maine, to be Medical Inspector General, with the rau} of Colonel, and the ful Jowing named assistant surgecis to be surgeons in regular promotion:—Jovathan Letterman, Penn- sylvania; Robert 0. Abbott, Pennsylvania; Thomas M. Gotly, Virginia; David L. Magruder, Virginia; Wm, J. H. White, District of Columbia; John J. Mithau, New York; Horawe RB. Wirtz, Mennsyivaoia; Charles Page, Virginia; Charles Sutherland, Peunsylva- nia; Bast! Norris, Maryland, The Senate also confirmod Asaph S. Bemis, of Buffalo, to be Supervising Inspector of Steamboats. NAVAL ORDERS AND APPOINTMENTS. ‘The following appointments and orders were issued to. day from the Navy Department;—Assistant Paymaster Francis C. Upton ordered take pexsago in the Connec. ticut to join the Wissahickon; A, Shiek, of Harrisburg, Pa., appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon, ordered to the United States steamer Magnolia; Thomas McHenry, of Philadelphia, appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon, or. dered to take parsaze in the Connecticut to join the United States stoanier State of Georgin; George E. Webb, of Brooklyn, N. ¥., appointed Acting Volunteer Lioute. nant, ordered to take passage in the Connecticut to re. port to Flag Ofeor Lardner, for command of the hark ‘Amania; Greenyille Weeks, of New York, aypoinied Acting Aesistant Sargeon, and ordered to {ne United State: amor Valley City. DEFEAT OF TRE SHIP CANAL Bint, The Ship Canal bil was defeated teJay im the House. ‘The interests alfeoted by it unfavoradly werd combined against it, Pennsylvania and Obie, and the representa. tives of the great lines of railroads, oifered a united front in opposition, There may ba occasion ere long to rogret all opposition toa measure of so much vital im portance 10 the country in cave of a foreign war. THE NAVY STAVIONERY CONTRACT The cuntract for stationery for the Navy Department and ite branches, for the ensuing year, was today awarded to Philp & Solomons, of this city. THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FinsT eEssioN, Benat smator, July 1, 1863. ' TUB ADMIREION CY WERTERN VIRGINA INTO THE UNION. On motion of Mr. Wier, (Union) of Va., the bill fes the admission of Western Virginia as a State was taken up the question being on the amendment oifered by Mr, Sumner, that after the 4th of July, 1863, within the limits of said State of Wostern Virginia there shall be neither slavery por involuntary servitude, otherwise than for the punishment of crime whereof the pariy shall be duiy convicted. Mr. Suanga, (rep.) of Masa.,said that the bill prow posed that all children born acter 1863 shall be free, but aliowed the present generation of slaves, thus admitting aniher slave State, with % Senators, for a whole generation. He (Mr. Sumner) could not consent to the admissiva of # State inte the Union with @ constitution recognizing: whole ge agoinet th Mr. Harm, (rep.) that Webster, in his later, and, perhajs, wiser yeurs, repudiated every word of those speeches. ‘Te (Mr. Hale) should not vote for this Dill because stor bald one thing or the other, It Id be mw singwar thing if, after having admitted all along States with slavery, we “hould now refuse to ade mit the first State asl adniissi'n with a condition for ment of a system of pros . AS he (Mr. Hle) did not he was willing to take 1 as he found it, and meet the question practically. It is oot for us to set ourselves up iu dogmatic wisdom agaiust the couvietions of other men who ny be possibly ag wise as weare. tie wanted to deal with this hing as a prac’ ical fact, and be wo Id bail the advent of asiave State i to this Union with a clase for gradual emancle pation more gladly and with greater satisfaction tham the admission of a free Site, Why? Becavae “there te more joy among the auge'* over obo sinuer that repente eth thin over nin. ty-nine that need no repentance.” Mr. Counaxer, (r0).) of Vt., contended that when @ new State Is admitted it must be admitted on an equality wich the other Stites. We could not make conditions iL we should do, and terme as to w The constitution go urantees every State a republican fori of government, und Congress general'y hus had the proposed constituviom of anew Sci belore it to judge for itsel, whether that constitution is repubican inform or nut. But this Dill says nothing about this State constitution. It provides that several counties may get together and form a con- Slitation and then be idmitted mto the Union ag a State, by proclamation, wichout Congress ever seeing the pros posed constisation at all. ich proceediwys were en- tie y at variance with all former action of the govern- mont, Congress never de egated tnis power of inspec tion of State constitutions to any ether po. cr atail. He did uot gee how the State could be admit: ander this Mr. Winey, (Union) of Va., proposed to amend the Dill so as to obviate the ob ection of Senator from Vermont, enabling the State to be ain't'ed when {t had Tatilied a constitution republican in form, with a fonda- mental condition that lich Liren b rn avtur the 4th of July shail be free. Iuie.ard to Mr nor's anend= ment, he said that most oi the slave romnatni in Western Virginia are old family slaves, and grad emancipation would bo better jor the int: vstsof the State. The bili in effect proposes the at:ission of anew free State. The God of Natare oriaime! init Western Virginia should be @ free State, and there was probably not oight thousand slaves ther there was not involuntary servitude the position ia regard to Otilo and Pennsylvania it fs impose sible to keep slaves there unless they ure wiling to stay. He protested earnestiy against the uddicion of new coun- ties, as made by the will as thus inclading counties in the y or fricndly relations with the peorle of Northwestern ‘Virginia—counties which a ivided by @ range of myuntains as well as by feehnys aud iniere:ts, Mr. Wane, (rep.) of Obio, was in favor o! the admission of the new State, with the amendment u the bill pre- pomed by the Senator fiom Virginia, These people of Norshwestera Virginia were divided from ti State geographically and socialy, apd great enmity exists between them; and although this new State woulé have slavery for to ultimately: being (Mr. Wade) would raiber have the guod old language, “that there shall be no slavery or invoium- tary servitude,” but when a State knocked for admission with a provision for gradual emancipation, it prevents a diflerentcnse from a State contentiuy for perpet ating slavery. Io (Mr. Wade) was uttorly opprsed to-slavery, but did not think that he violated bis principles by ad- mitting a State with this provision. Mr. FRRENDEN, (rep.) Of Me., was in favor of the ad- mis-ion of this new Btate, but there were some things im the bill be should like to examine. He thought before the admission ef this pew Suave we shonid tike am irreversible pusition in regard to gradual emancipation, He moved that the bill be postponed for the present, and the Army Approrpriation bill be taken up. ‘he motion was carried. ‘Tuk ARMY APPROPRIATION BILL was then taken up. Mr. Fessnnpen stated that the Committee on Finance had struck down the appropristions nearly one-third. These appropriatio.# were suflicient to carry the ge- vernment through to January, leaving the rest of the year to be taken care of by Congress, wh ch mevts again in Lecember. this was done on tho priuciple of keeping jations in the power of Con-ress, aud not ust of the administration in any way; for man in whose intezrity, patriotis und ability he (Mr. Fessenden) had en. ire confidence, was (he Secretary of War. To the amendine.t to limit the number of the rank and file of the army to 750,000 inen, Mr. Haix offered an amendment limiting the number of major generals to jorty, and the brigadier generals to two hundred. Afier some discussion Mr. Hale's amendment was adopted, aud the limitation of 760,000 mca was stricken wut. After the consitleration of various other amendments proposed by the Committee on Finance, Mr. KING, trom the Miltary Covuittee, offered an amendment making au appropriation of $2,000,000 to provide f-r the comfort of discharged soldicrs who may in the cipal cities woundad, and or (urwarding rs w Uielr homes. Adnpied. VOTE OF THANKS TO COMMODORE, PULTE. A mereage wus received from the President reeom- mending a vote of thanks to Commudure Foote for bis gallant victories in the West, TAB ARMY AVPROPRIATION BILL RESUMED. Mr. Foor, (rep.) of Vt., offered the iolivwing as am amendment» tho provwo in the act trausierring the su, erincendo: of the Capitol extecsi:n shall not extend to the painting on the stairway a: the south wing of tho Capitol.” ‘This authorizes the completion of Leutze’s painting, which bas been interruptea by that act. “The arnendment wes advpted. Mr. Krvo offered a proviso requiring all aids-de-camp appointed vuder the act of August, 1861,t0 be referred Senate for coufirmation. adopted. nendtnant was alsoudopted appropriating $5,000,- 090 for collecting, organizing and drilling the volunteers, Further consiveration of the bill wus then postponed. from any d if there was ‘On motion of Mr. Hantax, (rep.) 0: Towa, House resojution relative to certain grant lands tu tne State of Michigan for railroad purposes, was tukon up and passed. TUE GRADE OF NAVAL OFFICERS. ‘On motion of Mr. Guites the bill to @ jualize and estab- lish tae grade of o‘ficers of the Navy was taken up. THE CASE OF ARIESTRD PARTIES IN MARYLAND, Mr. Wirainsox, (rep.) of Min,, olere! a resolution that the Preeiient infortn the Senate, if not ivcompati- bio with the pubic interests, whether Charles C. Fulton, one of the edjtors of the Baltimore Am. rican, Arrested and couilned in prisoa, and if so upon what charge, and for what reasou,and whether any charges Lave been prefered against him,and by whom preferred, aud on what evidenes such charges are based, Mr. Kexvepy, (opp ) of Md., moved to add alse the names of Judge Rartol and Ju ige Carmichael ‘The resolution was laid over. Adjourned. House of Representatives. Wasuixcton, July 1, 1862, PARGAGE OF THR TARIDF BILL. ‘Tho House went into Committee of the Whole on the Tariff bill. Ainong other mtinendments adopted were the follow- ing:— Subjecting paper segars and cigarettes to the same duty as Imposed on Segara. Making the duty on castor seeds and beans fifty cents & bustiel, Moki ll sugar above No. 12 and not h standard in color, three cents a and on all above No. 15, not store dried, and 20, Dutch standard in color, fur cons a pou at b mug of wbroad, are required to have heuticated, and it rovided that the mail take effect on the Ist of Aug committee here rose, when all the amendmenta pepausres im Without @ division, excepting the one. ‘od by (opp ) of N.Y, that goods, wares. and merchandise actualy on shipvoard avd bound to the. United States, and all those i bonued warehouses oF public stores on the Ist of August next, sball not be subs ect to the duties fmponed by this act, Jr the amendment was loeb by yous, 64; nays, 64, Dill was then passed. Tho bill for the colargement of the Michi ois Ginal, for the passage of armed and wa and for other parjas & pled, eb uo. ot ba 0 00,000, Se, Was taken UP. aoe et ee vadinenis, were, ponding, eluding ene far the cnlurgement 0: the locks of the Erie wad Oswagr cathe previous quostion wa demanded yesterday up the bili, aud to-day it was tabled by two inqority. Ne. Sierriann, Copp.) OCR. L, entered a motion ter consider the yoke, With @ view to postpone the fer Cousideration of the bill till becember 0 and I~ 1 Veuseis uVOrh +, WAR OF LOYAL CITHEEN®, The bil for the appemntment ow cortain the claims of myal ert or taken by United states troops, the second Wediweday i Decenber THR NAVAL AU PROFRIOTIY Tho Senate's amendmenia to be Navy Age Dill were acted won, when the Huuse adieurm oa unsil ovity opriations a,