The New York Herald Newspaper, May 9, 1864, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 10,097. NEW YORK, MONDAY, MAY 9, 1864.-WITH SUPPLEMENT. PRICE THREE CENTS. VICTORY! Splendid Success of General Grant. @fficial Despatches from the Secretary of War. Tho Rebels Retiring Bofore Our Forces. OUR LOSSES HEAVY. Biz to Eight Thousand Wounded. General Alex. Hays and @ Alex, 8. Webb Killed. Generals Hancock, Getty, Gregg, . Wadsworth, Bartlett, Carroll and Owen and Colonel Hays Reported Wounded. Important from the James River. @he Gunboat Commodore Jones Blown Up by a Torpedo. Severe Fighting Between Pe- tergburg and Richmond. The Rebel Generals Jones and Jenkins Killed. fenator Hunter and General Pickett Dangerously Wounded. The Reported Evacuation of Petersburg. Captare of a Rebel Camp by Colonel West's Command on the Chickahominy. @ar Forces in Full Possession of Fort Powhatan. The Railroads Between Petersburg and Richmond Held by Gen. Heckman. . Capture of Port Walthall by General Gra- ham’s Naval Brigade, &., —— THE OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. &o., fe ton to General Dix. Wasninaton, May 8-9 A. M. Be Genoral Joux A Drx, New York:— ‘We baye no official reports from the front; but the Bedjoal Director has notified the Surgeon General that ar wounded were being sent to Washington, and will umber from six to eight thousand. ‘The Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac has mado requisition for sevon days’ grain, and for rail- oad construction trains, and states that the enemy ts reported to be retiring. This indicates General Grant's advance, and affords an inference of material success on our part. The enemy's strength has always been most felt in his fret blows, and his offort having failed, and our forces get only having maintained thoir ground, bat preparing to advance, lead to the hope of full and complete ‘success ; fer when eithor party falls back disorganization by straggling and desertion, commence, and the enemy’s joes fm Killed and wounded must weaken bim more than wo are weakoned, Nothing later than my last night's despatch has been received from General Butler, A despatch from General Sherman, dated at five o'clock P. M. yesterday, staves that General Thomas bad occupied Tunnol Hill, whore be oxpocted a battle, and that the qnomy bad taken position at Buzzard Roost Pass, north Secretary Sta: ‘of Dalton, Skirmishing had taken place; but no real fighting. Nothing later from Goveral Banks. ‘You may give such publicity to the information trans. mitted to you as you deem propor, 10 f9 designed to givo accurate official statements of what is koown to tho Departmoot in thi great oriate, ‘and to withhold nothing from the pnbilo, BDWIN M, STANTON, Secrotary of War Secretary Stamton’s Second Despatch. ‘ Wasmmaron, May 8—5 P.M, Major Genera) Jon A. Dix, New York :— * Weare yot without any oMficial despatches from the Army of the Potomac, except those referred to thie morn- ‘mg frow the Medical Director and Chicf Quartermaster, and Dotbing additional bas been received by the Depart- ment from any ether source. It i belioved that no fighting took place yesterday. A part of the wounded arrived im ambulances this mornmyg at Rappabaanoek Station, avd are om the way in by railroad. The Department will probably receive des patches by that train, which will arrive to-night, 4 despatch from General Butler, just received, and which left bim yesterday, states that a demonstration hina been made by his forces on the railroad between Pe- tersburg and Richmondisand had succeeded in destroying & portion of it goa to Break the connection; that there had been some severe fighting, bat that he had succeeded. He heard from a rebel deserter that Hunter was danger- ously wounded, Pickett also, and Jones and Jenkins were killed. Nothing further bas been heard from General Sherman, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. ADDITIONAL DETAILS. Firat Despatch. Wasiincton, May 8, 1864. ‘The only official information from the Army of the Po- fomac is derived from despatones of the Medical Director and Chjef Quartermaster to thelr respective bureaus. ‘The wounded, numbering from six thousand to elghy Mhousand, bave been sent from the battle field to Rappa- Bannock Station, thence to be forwarded to Washington. A portion of them have arrived at Rappabannock Station, ‘The Chief Quartermaster has made a requisition for gram for the animals. This imports an advance by Generat Grant. General Ingalls says:—"'We have fought two days The enemy are said to be retiring.’” ‘There weems to be no doubt that, although nothing de- Cisive bas yet occurred, the enemy has been foiled in his confident expectation of driving General Grant back be fore bis operations could be fully developed, and that Lae has been compelled to give way. Tho tactics of the eoemy have uniformly been to strike bis heaviest blow at the outset, and to this their succese bas always been owing. This has now failed. ‘The casualties reported are:—General Hays killed, and Generals Getty, Owens and Gregg and Colone) Hayes wounded, General Hancock js reported to have received a slight wound while rallying his men to regist A. P. Hill’e onset. ‘Two of General Burnside’s staif aro reported to bave Deon killed while carrying despatches. ° soe Beco! Deepateh. Wasmincton, May 6, 1664. ‘There seeme to be no doubt of the death of General Bays, of Pittsburg, Pa. Ho held the position which bore ‘the brunt of A. P. Hill’s attack, and fell at the head of bis ommend just at the moment that the support that had deen ordered forward seacbed bim. Were we at liberty to mention facts within our know!- edge we think we oould demonstrate that Lee has real occasion to dread the strategy of our military operations, a8 well as the vigor with which they are pressed. We Delieve that Jeff, Davis finds to-day jn reality what has sometimes beep talked about, that “jt thunders all round.” ‘The line“or attack by Lee in the fighting of Thursday and Friday, nearly at right angles with Grant's line of ‘advapee and from the direction of Orange Court House, indicates that Lee made the latter point bis base and beadquarters. ‘The forced march of a day and pight by Burnside from Manassas, by -vbich be got bis troops to Grant’s support on Thursday ‘hight, is sald to have even surpassed his brilliant forced marches in East Tennessee, by which he surprised the enemy there, Probably Lee has by this time had eccasion to feel their presence with Grant. Genera) Webb was killed in the battle of Friday. Third Despatch. ‘Wasmncros, May 8, 1866. ‘The first official information from the battie field of the army of the Potomac was received at the War Depart- ment this morning, Nothing bes been heard directly from General Grant,agd auch details as are given are gathered from the despatches of the Medical Director and Chief Quartermaster of the Army of the Potomac, and Assistant Secretary of War Dana, who is stationed at the telegraphic post nearest to the battle fold. It appears that oo Thursday General Lee sevt forward Longatreet’s corps to attempt to prevent General Grant’s selection of a position for bis army. An effort was mado \o get between the right wing of Grant’s army—com- posed of Sedgwick’s corpe—and the fords of the Rapidan, It was unsuccessful. Then the rebel troops of Longstreet wore massed apd hurled against the corps of Sedgwick. ‘The position of the Union army at this particular time was as follows: —Goneral Hancock, with the Second corps, had advanced some distance from the river and had passed Parker's Store, in the direction of Shady Grove church, General Warren, with the Fifth corps, followed next, and held the position along the road rup- ning west Wilderness Village, while General Sedg. wick’s Sixth corps occupied the ground between General Warren andthe river. As the troops were faced towards the wost, it will be seen that Goneral Warren held the centre, with General Hancock on the left and General Sedgwick on the right. To get between the army aud the river the attack had to be on the right wing. The rebois then attempted to broak the centre by hurling a heavy body of trops ou General Warren; but orders were given for our troops to attack first, aod General Hancock was ordered to move to his support. The rebels, apparently understanding the mancuvre, tried to prevent this junction by precipitating a heavy force under A. P. Hill between the Second and Fifth corps. Fortunately a division of the Second corps was roady to meet the attaok, and a determined fight took place. Two other divisions, attacned to the same com- mand, also came ap, and the rebels were not only foiled, but completely repulsed. The fight was principally an Infantry one, in consequence of the broken pature of the On the foliowing day (Friday) the attack was renewed by Longstreet on the right, while the rebel troops under A.P. Hill wore buried in like manner against the left wing of Grant’s army, Composed of Hancock’s corps. ‘Warren’s corps, the centre, was also engaged in repelling those assaults ef the onemy. The fight continued, with hardly any intermission, for two days; but yesterday morning Lee, having failed completely in Ais object, with drew from the engagement, leaving our Army of the Poto- mac in possession of the ground and of a large number of the rebel killed and wounded, It has not been ascortained definitely whether Loc’s army bavo retired behind their defensive works at Mine rud or moved to @ position nearer to Richmond and the railroad. Ample supplies of hospital stores are on their way from this city for the relief of the wounded, many of whom have already boen brought to Rappahannock Station, and trains of hospital cars, well provided with comforts for the wounded, have been sent out to bring them in, ‘Tho result is regarded at tho War Department as a de- oided success for General Grant, which, if followed up, Will give to him @ complete viet: Grant's loss in killed and wounded In the two days’ Dattlo is estimated by tho Medical Director at eight thou- sand. The loss of the enemy 8 supposed to be greater, Accommodations have been provided for the transpor- thtion of ten thousand wounded, including thoee of both Wastinaron, May 8, 1864. Siaco Morning nothing of an official naturo has been recolved from the front, It has been stated that on I'ri- day Gonoral Grant not ‘only repotied the attack of Leo, but, bringing Into the engagement the maaes of the Army of the Potomac, compelled him to rotiro, leaving upon the flold bis Killed and wounded, Tt ls also stated that Lee's army is retroating rapidly, hot in mood order, and that our Army of tbe Potomac ie Pursaing ag rapidty as possible, This fact is alleged as the reason why nothing bas been heard directly from General Grant. Those whe know bim, however, know ‘that 18 ts not his habit to commnuicate anything until a definite revolt has been attained, and the military autho- ritles are satigfled Chat sucha result has not yet been reached. In the War Department, at the White House and at the, headquarters of General Grant bere, all are cheerfa! and hopeful of a brilliant victory, It is believed that the Combinations on foot wiN prevent tho oscape of Lee’s army from Virginia, and bring upon it a strous apd irrevocable defeat, a8 well av place in our possession the: rebel capital. Alb possible arrangements for the comfort and speedy Femoval to the hospitals of the wounded moy ot both sides have beon made By the Medical Department here. Twelve hospital trains have gone out to bring them In It ts expected that they will begin to arrive between mid~ Hight and moruing. Transports fitted up as hospital boats havo also been sont to Fredericksburg. Information has been received that among the wounded are General Wadsworth, knocked from tis borso by a epent ball; General Bartiett, slightly, and Goveral Carrot, veverely. Fitth Despatch, Wasuinaron, May 8—Miduight. The government up to ton o'clock to-night bad not re ceived any particulara of Friday's engagement. This is the report of those who made snectal inquiry. Threg thousand of our wounded, whose injuries are Slight, are to be cared for where they now are, while the others aro to be brought to Wash ington, [twas feared io Alexandria to-day that some injury bad been inflicted on the railroad by Mosby's guerillas. The train is not yet in. Sixth Despaten. WASHINGTON, May 8, 1964. Ata late bour to-night it was reported that a telegram had been received giving very favorable news of the bat We of Friday. Newspaper Accounts. [From tee National Republican, May 8—P. M.} Wo are glad tw bo able to state that the result of the fighting on Thursday and Friday is all that the most sau- guine friends of the goyernmont can desire. The dawn of day on Saturday exhibited no evidence of ‘he presence Of theenemy. General Grant, with great promptue took advantage of the fact, and ordered a forward m ment. Its propor tony here that, in consequence of such movement, nothiug has been heard directly from Grant, Hoe bas more imyortant duties to perfor It is believed by those who havo the bost knowing, that Lee is has‘ening to the works of Richmond, not only to avo the remnant of bis own army, but to res. cue, if possible, the rebel cupital from falling into the bands of that dreaded chieftain, General Buller. There is little doubt that Lee will bave to make good time to pro vent such a disaster to Davis’ rebel dominion. There are mavy thingy known to the government, all of & cheerful tendency, which it is not proper to state at thie timo. For instaueo, it would not be proper to state what we know about the operations on the Peninsula, up the James river, &c ; but at the same time, in general terms, it is not improper for us to state that everything is progressing succersfully. We are in possession of information that the rebel au- whorities at Richmond, seemg the fate which awaits them, have taken measures to remove every thing of value from the city. The ten thousand wounded men upon the field, mentioned in our last extra to-day, some of which at this writing have probably reached Rappahannock Station, includes the wounded on both sides. The list of killed and wounded has not yet reached the city, and probably will not before to morrow or next day, as the time of every one is employed in rendering relief to the unfortunate, Further details are mo- mentarily expected of the two daye’ battles; but it is doubtfal if anything is received until the retreat and pur- built terminates. It is sufficient to say that al) the despatches from the advancing armies under Generals Sherman, Hooker, Schofield and Wasbburne are as encouraging as could be asked for. Brigadier General Alexander Hays was boro ip Pittsburg, Pa., about the year 1923, and entered the United States Military Academy at West Poins during the year 1840. He Graduated of the 30th of June, 1844, standing No, 20 in bis class. He was a classmate with hia corps com. mander, Gen, Hancock, and also with Gen. Pleasanton. On the let of July, 1844, he was appointed a brevet sec. ond lieutenant of the Fourth United States infantry, and op the 18th of Juve, 1846, be was fully commissioned a second lieutenant of the Eighth infantry. He fougue during the Mexican war, aud was brevotted from May 9, 1846, first lieutenant for gallantry, &o., at the battles of Resaca de Ia Palma and Palo Alto, He was also Acting Assistant Adjutant General to Brigadier Genera! Love, and became distinguisned in a conflict near Atlixco aud in the battle of Sequaltfplan. On the the 12th of April, 1848, he resigned his connection with the United States Army, and became engaged as an iron mapufacturer in Venango county, Pa. When the rebellion broke ont Mr. Hays raised a rogt. ment of three years volunteers, and was commissioned Colonel of the Sixty-third Pennsylvania infantry. His Promptitude also gained for him tbe appointment of ca tain in one of the new United States regiments—the Six- teenth regular infantry—to date from May 14, 1861. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and oa the Peninsula formed «portion of the First brigade, Koarny’s Third division, Third army corps, under Gene fal Heintzelman, 1f6 fought bravely at Seven Pines and Fair Oaks, and was nominated for a brevet of major of the United States Army, to date from May 31, 1862. also distinguished himself during the seven days’ contests, and was nominated for a brevet of lieutenant oolovel, from June 30, 1862, for the battles of Glendale and Maivern Hill. He took part in the Maryland campaign, and was appointed a brigadier general of volunteers on Septem- ber 29, 1862. He participated in the Fredericksburg Ddattle, and was wounded during the battle of Chanceliors- ville, while in command of the Secotd brigade of tho Third divison, Second army corps. At the battle of Gettysburg he was in command of the Third division of his corps, and after the wounding of General Hancock was temporarily in command of the corps. When General Warren was appointed corps commander, General Hays returned to the Third division, and led it through the battles of Auburn, October 13; Bristoe Station, October 14, and the affair at Mine run, November, 1863. When ‘the Army of the Potomac was reorganized for the pres. ent campaign General Hays was placed in command of the Second brigade, Birney’s Third division, Secoud corps, under General Hancock. Sketch of General We! Brigadier General Alexander Start Webb was the son of General James Watson Wel Bow United States Mivister to the Court of Brazil, and was about thirty years of age when he was killed. He was born and edu- cated in this city, and daring the year 1851 entered the Unjted States Military Academy at Went Point as ao cadet, He graduated with fair honors on June 30, 18: and thenext day entered the United States Army ar a brevet second lieutenant of the Fourth artillery, Un the ‘20th of Ootober, 1866, be was trapsferred to the Second artillery, with his full rank. During the year 1807 be was appointed an acting assistant professor of mathe matios at West Point, and held that position at the out- Droak of theredellion, On the 28th of April, 1861, he ‘was promoted to a first lieutenancy in bis regiment, and took part in the battle of Bull run, July, 186) At the éxtra session of Congress of 1861 he ‘Was promoted to a captaincy io the Eleventh United States fofantry, and was attached to the Army of the Potomac. Hoe fought during the whole of the Peninsular campaign, aod after the organization of Fits Jobn Porter's corps was attached to the regular division. He was nominated for a brevet of major from May 4, 1862, for distinguished services at Yorktown, and for another of lieutevans colonel from May 27, for services at Hanover Court House. He toek an active part in tho Maryland campaign, the contest at Fredericksburg and the Chancelioravilie campaign, At the battle of Getty» burg, July 1863, he commanded the second brigade of Gonoral Harrow’s division of the Second corps, and was shortly after placed in command of the division, which be commandod at the battles of Aaburn, October 13, and Bristow Station, October 14, 1863, He also participated in the Mine run campaign of November, 1863, When General Meado’s army was reorganised for tho present He | : secret or the present. campaign General Webd was placed tn command of the First brigade, Secoad dtvision (Gen. Gibbon), of sho Second corps, under Gon Hancock, IMPORTANT FROM JAMES RIVER. Success of Major General Butie:’p Operations, ae, ae. The United States transport Arago, Captain Renry A. Gadsden, left Fortross Monroe at eight o'clock A. M. on Saturday, consigned (o Quartermaster Van Viet, U. & A. She arrived at this port yesterday afternoon at half past one o'clock. We are indebied to Captain Gada den and furser Fred, W Bly for special favors, The United States transport Western Metropolis, also from Fortress Mozroo, arrived at this port yosterday afternoon, after making a eploudid run, Purser 8. P. Young, of the Western Metropolis, will please accep? our thanks for favors rendered, Mr. Wai. H. Btiner’s Despatches. Ciry Por, Va., May 6—12 M, PERRO KORG KVACUATED, A recopneiseanoy sent out by Major General Butier ascertained (uo fact that the city of Petersburg wae evacuated lust might by the rohels, This etep was apparently necessary tothe enemy to allow their stoops to reach Richmond betore our forces cut shem oif A division of General Butler’s command was immedirtely despatched to Petersburg to take pos session avd intrench themselves, It is probable that the evacuation of this rebel strong- hold was also caused by the rep d approacb of our cav- alry under General Kants The iro lady have advanced beyond City Point neveral miles, and will probably cone t an anchor somewhere sbout Akin’s Landing ‘Thue far pot single shot hag been fired by the rebels. Bramcos Honpren, Jame Riven, May 7-6 A. M j GRTERAL BUTLEK, A portion of our command has advanced inte the coun- try, and we expect to bear irom them at any moment. The further operations of the army aro necessarily a Major General Butler ie ono of the bardest of workers, Oonstantly, by day and py night, he may be seen among the troops, either directing their disembarkation or attending to locatmg them on the sbore COLONEL WHEPS OPBRATIONS—¢ REM CAME CAPIYRED 4x1 DEETROYRD, We have had # communication this morning from Colovel &. M. West, whom the Commanding General men. tioned in his despatch to Liektenant General Grant as having started on an expedition, nm command of eighteen hundsed cavalry, from Williamsburg. On the 5th instant Golgnel West, in charge of the First and Second (colored) cavalry reyiments, commanded by Colonels Gerard and Cole, jet Williamsburg for the Penissuia. After asharp trot the brigade erossed the Chickahominy at Jones’ Ford. Lieatenant Cownel N, P. Pond, of the Second eavairy, dismounted companies Band D, Captain Dollard and Lievtenant Smith, and deployed them as skirmishers, [hose two companies rushed into the camp of the Forty-sixth Virginia cavalry, burned the camp, and, after killing some thirty rebels, captured thirty-five borses. PURSUE OF THE LYING RATPLA, ‘The animale wero mounted by Colonel Pond’s soldiers, and the flying rebels were pursued some ton miles on a charge. Bemg within a few miles of Richmond, ana the parsued rebels baving reached auotber camp, Colonel Pond deemed it advisable w return, which movement he accomplished in good order On reaching the main column Colonel Yond was highly complimented by Colonel West for his skill and bravery. ‘This dash demonstrates clearly that colored troops will fight when required to do 80, and on this occasion they have shown themselves worthy of the confidence placed jn them by the Commanding General. Colonel West bas stil) more Dazardous duties to perform in connection with General Butler's campsign, and wil! harass the enemy pot a tittle, From eral Kaut2’s colomp we bave as yet received No tidings, but expect to hear of his movements somo time during the day. THE EVACUATION OF PRIKREBCRG. It 8 most positive now that the city of Petersburg nas been evacuated. A tremendons fire is raging in that vi- cinity, and the only solution that we can give is thatthe rebels set fire to the extensive m ilis and factories located there. As General Batler has tapped the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad, it js pot impossible that the enemy have also destroyed the rolling stock of that road, to pre. vent ite falling into our bands, By to morrow we are in hopes of receiving authentic information. Crry Por, May 7, 1964. GEN, UROKMAN’S ADVANCE —THR RAILROADS TAKEN AND HELD, Our forces bave advanced eight miles from this place. At about seven o’clock Jast night heavy firing was heard upon our extreme left, From returned messengers we learn that Brigadior General ©. A. Hockman’s division, which had been despatched by the Commanding General to tap the Petersburg and Richmond and Petersburg and Weldon railroads, had taken full possession of these roads, under great opposition from the enemy. General Heck man now holds the game with bis galiant sroops. PRPERSRURG. Conf'cting rumors reach us from Petereburg. Tho only communication we bave thus farbad with that city is 1 gh negroes. Several of them who have come within our lines state that the city (s only defended by the Home Guard, who were called out as soon as our advance was heard of. The darkeys say that the militia intend to fight the Yankees.” The railroad communication being cut off, twenty thousand rebele could not resist our ad vance on that fated town, From the headquarters of the Fighteenth army corps the steeples of l’etersburg ae plainly visible, OUR Posinon, my is judiciously distributed along the most points, and im a day or two we may have a brurb with the enemy. ‘The troops are in fine condition and spirit, and as the Commanding General rode by thom, aa they bivouncked, he was most enthusiastically cheered by thet ail along his route. CAPTORE OF PORT WALTHALL. Prigadier General C, K. Grabam, with his fleet of gun- boats, made @ reconnolssance up the Appomatox river and captured a rebel fort, known by the name of Walthall, situated botween eight and nine miles from Petersburg. A tarther advance of a Miles disclosed the existence of a huge earthw@rk mounting several hoavy guns. PERBON AL, Lieutenant W. H. Bladonheuser, of the Third Pennsyi- vania heavy artillery, commanding the army gunboat G. L. Browster, was to-day promoted to a captaincy in the First United States Volunteers for gallantry and bravery while advancing up the James river. At Swan's Point, where wo surprised a rebel signa) station, Captain Bladen- heuver captured fourteen signal flag. At the landing of Bermuda Hundred bis boat was the first to land, and with his boat's crew pursued the rebels stationed there quite a distance into the interior, Everything is quiet thus far, and wo apprehend no at. tack from the enemy. I send this by a private mes- fonger. Forrness Monnon, May T—~1i¢ THA COLLIBION WITH AND SINKING OF THR VANRY. Thave just arrived here from City Point 1 learn that last evening about nine O'clock, while the steamer Cum- dria was leaving these Roads, she collided with the propel baving on board some two hundred troops, taken on board at Yorktown, The Fanny was atruck on the port side abatt the boiler, sinkiny her in eight minutes. Capt Ire B. » commanding the guard ship . Young Rover, mediately iired a rocket, a5 also & gun, 86 & GBignal of distrens, to alarm tho fleet, and also sent several of bis small boats fo the rescue of the passengers on tho illfated ship. Captain D. B, Horn, Acting Master of Transportation, with commendable zeal doapatched & number of craft to the assistance of the damaged vessels, among them the City of Bath and Stias 0, Petree, Captain Thos, Briggs. ‘The bay waa alive with amall and other boats for somo Mimo, and it Is Belloved that all but on6 oF two have boon aayod, Two sick man of the Thirteamth New Hampahire Volunteers, on the Fanny, were badly injured by the Some ‘big thing” mast be dove before the 1th bhoan, concussion, 0 now lying at the peat hospital in a | of June, ve . rhical condition, and are supposed to be badly Burat ts- | Cuavention at Cajoaco, | armeer, Griveawes (esters ternally, Tho captain of the Cumbria does net think that | with the purely assumed, a8 an entire army, on but two ooeastons— at aburg, bo ia to be biamed for the accident. ‘and on the day of the second battle Mavassas. At Sharpeburg it was not an entire arm; @remoant Mr. GB. A. Osho Despatches. of leas t ty thousand, worn and wasted with fa ‘TI L088 OF THR GUNBOAT COMMODORE JOWER, | Ngue and hunger. Unless Longstreet should take position no near to lee Jaune Riven, May 7,186. | asco beable to fall ‘upon Graat’s rear the moment be The United Statos gunboat Commodore Jones, Acting | offered or pretended ome battle—ia wae went Bs woul in danger of | a Volunteer Lieutenant Wade, was totally destroyed at | Wai? Desave "ee gould, crime, the Kapidaa in the about one o'clock P.M. yesterday, on the James river, | faceof two or three hundred pieces of cannon, well sup- adout sevew miles below Fort Darling, near Turkey Bend. soa by kaso ign pels eta ‘ne riak M4 any damage might do after Lee defeated. It appears thas sho was sent up in company with several | Void he ‘easy to dispose of Longstreet after that. Bat email oraft to clear the rr: Of torpedoes and obstruc- | suppose Lee is not defeated, and Gs columns, shat- tions, While im the performance of that duty, euddenty, | tered and torn by futile axsaul compelled’ to $3 cross fan and make thet as best they and without any warning, a huge segar shaped torpedo | eee ean ae at jipgton, while Lee's (seope exploded dire otly under ber, about amidships, liftiog Her completely out of the water. The explosion was so power- ful that it Mterally tore her to piesos, Lieutenant Wade and Acting Ensign G. W. Adams were blown ovorbovrd, but were subsequently raved by clinging to pivoes of cho wreck. The former officer, on gaining a foothold, ais covered-a rebel on shore, and taking deliberate aim with bis pistol, the rebel was instantly shot dead, HOW FHE WAS DESTROYED. A detachment was gent on shore from one of the gun- Doats immediately, which found on the dead rebel a letter clearly showing that this man was employed by the rebel government to work the torpedoes in that district. The torpedo was fired by a galvanic battery, which was found on shore. ‘The Paymaster of the Commodore Jones, Mr. E. 7. Chap- man, was instantly killed, and about fifty of the crew killed or wounded. The killed and wounded were put on board of the gunboat Mount Washington, apd sent down the river as quickly as possible. DESCRIPTION OF THY VEBSEL—HRR OFFICERS. The Commodore Jones # one of the ferry boats pur. chased when the war broke out, and has been of good fervice since she was put 1p commission. The following 14 # list of her officers: — ant Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding—-Thomes ¥. ‘ade. flushed with victory, press like Dloodhounds eo their rear, and Longstreet fails like a thunderbolt on their flank. Supposethat/ AR! tt makes the heart ache with hope. We have been a0 often and 0 bitterly disappoint- ad in just such hopes, And yet the time ought © come— it must come—when our tolls and sufferings shall be re- quited by one truly grand and deo! vietory. Why should not that victory come this year? When could it come more propitionsiy? In there speculations—the folly or merit of which be Jong to myself, and not to any military or unmilitary ma for I have conversed with none—i have left out of Ube ac count the armies in Northern Georgia. That is another rt of the chessboard, or rather another board of tteelf ; ut ag the Yankecs have brought thetr best player bere, it is evident that the great game into be here, The lam- porary occupation of East nessee, after Lomystrert’s departure, is a matter of litle importance compared with the defeat of Grant, Aa for any flank movement out of ‘Tennessee upon Johnston, that i6 not much to be dreaded, think, The man who succeeds in flanking Joe Jounston will havo to get up early in the morning—very early in- deed—much earlier than Tbomas, or Mcl/herson, or Sher- man, or avy other Yankee man has ever di or ever will do, Nor do I forget that there is a little soldie an large a military bead wi emerge trom the swamps of Florida, wh last heard from, in plenty of time to administer 4 com- pound cathartic pil! to aly flank movement tn Northern Georgia. Tain Mperatitions enough to believe that it te {the heroes of the first Manassas shall come tor in. gether LATEST REBEL ACCOUNTS, The First News of Gran’ Movement as Recetved in {From the Richmond Whig, May 4.) ‘The War Department was in receipt of no information from tho Rapidan last pight beyond that contained jn the Associated Press tolegram in the telegraphic column ‘The only additions! news from the Peniasula ix that the number of the eiemy landed at West Point up to yeater- day was four thousand, ‘They were landing op, both sides of the river and bad thrown out pickets, Their main body is ut Gloucester Pomt, Several vessola came ap to és Wont Point Monday night. i Ba cs Tt was rumored last night that a skirmish had occur Nonvoun, May 7—2P. Me | at James Cliy; but the report needs centirms ARIQYAL OF TIT DRAD ARD WOUNDED AT NORVOLK. A Yankee woouting party, about twenty in m The despateb boat Mount Washington has just arrived | peared near Falmouth on Monday. at Norfolk, from Admiral Lee’s flotilla, with over Atty of ? c News—Granv’s Army Moving— the crew of' the gunboss Con. Jones, which wae blown | TBO War Rewe—Granc's Army. [From tho Riehmond Fxaminer, May up by torpedoes at Turkey Bend, Ono of the rebels, who _ - a a . | Aderpatch from Orange Court House repor' fired the infernal machine, was shot, and two werocap: | rit have struck tents and to have commenced mov. tured. Nearly all bands of the Com. Jones were either | jay. The special despatch of our army correspondent killed or wounded, ‘The captain was badiy injured. shows conclusively that the authorities at Washington croc have been pushing Grant to make a forward movement, and this whole movoment is probably made mare in obe- dienes to orders from headquarters than in any Ropes he may have of the cap'ure of Ricnmond, ‘The War Department was lust nixbt without apy in- ‘The rebel tron clade came dows from above Fort Dar. telligence from our army; yet private advices, from ling yesterday (Friday). Their advance was discovered | trustworthy sources, say that our men were never in Dy our picket vessels, and immediately reported, and the | better spirits and condition, or better prepared for the iron clads wore despatched wo engage them or drive them | tine to.duy's aun we miny Hone | that ho gress batile back. Iam of the opinién that they will not make much | has begun; and when we reeollect that it ts of a fight; but, in event of certain operations not yet proper to divulge, they will sink them at the obstructions at Fort Darling, and their orews run from them. One of the double-ender gunboats ran into one of our iron eladsyand stove her bow in very badly. I have not time to learn particulars. The entire force of gunboats, except the disabled one, have gone up the river to endeavor to prevent the rebels from throwing up earthworks, and obstructing the river, Everything ts working splendidly. Acting Hinsign—George W. Adams Acting Master's Mates—Charles P. Luscomb, Eaward L. Deane. Prince M. Nye. Acting Assistant Paymaster—E. T, Chapman. Acting Second Assisiant Engineer—Vimothy McCarthy Acting Third Asus'ant Engineers—James B. McKen:\e, Malcombe Sinclair, Iain L, Sawtelle. We begin to find a great many torpedoes along the river, aud may baye some difficulty in removing all of them; but wo have a new plan devised which we think will help ux to got rid of them with ease and celerity. ‘THE REBRL IRON-CLADS. Jaume Riven, May 7, 1864. ‘There waa no nows laat night, either from Nortb Caro- Tina or the Wer The Yankee Army M Onancr Count He Roouts report that the enemy have struck their tents in Cuivepper, and that the Yankee army is moving, There are no demonet ‘Uhst the enemy A heavy wiod ™ ing, upsetting a train of cars in its course, and wound- ing the mail agent. FORT POWHATAN UKLD AND STRONGLY RAINPORCED. unc, May 8, 1964. Fout Pownatan, James Riven, May 7-4 A. M. Burnside’s whole corps, excepting the negro brigade, Everything is very quiet at this point. Our forces hore | has passed to the front, crossing the river ab Rappahan- eceupy & vory strong position, and have been reinforced, | BOCK Station yesterday, The negro brigade of, bie coms mand We are able to hold out in event of an attack against four | Alexandria Raliroad, from Junetion to on our number. Our artillery is in position, The | dria, reheving the white troops who have heretofore per- scouts who have just come in report afew stragghng formed that duty. fhese white troops bave also gone te the front. The Yankees aro swift): sing the rebel cavalry hovering around. We soon expect to hear | liminaries of battle, and the esis caanenea deterred of our cavairy in their roar. many days, Sper aay a hertmopp gis to Falmouth last 6 an preceding, idettes Te Rich mond and Petersburg Railroad Bednera bille ae diutans spectators ot tbe pene Cat. ich came Wt Mager a beng niall haviastaiet A review of Major Gener im. jon of cay- Wasuinaron, May 8, 1864 —F airy js announced to take place at Mansileld to.mor Inteltigence bus been received that Butler's column has succeeded, after sharp fighting, in destroying a portion of the South Side Railroad, between Richmond and Peters- burg. SPECULATIONS OF THE REBELS. jo He the Fate of Richmond and Leo’s Army. THE EFFECT OF THE NEWS. The War News in Town. ‘The city was stirred up yesterday in a manner which has not been witnessed here for months. The war news threw everybody into the bighest excitement, and the most agreeable kind of excitement, becaure it was ocoa- (Richmond correspondence of the Mobile Rogister.| | *tBed by reported victories Kast and West for the arms: What Is Tucnaonn, Aprit7, 1804, | Of the Unton. From Meade, Batler and Burnside in Vir An impression prevatia in town that the women and J ginia, and Sherman out West, the intelligence was favor- children aro ordered into the country. In another Tumor is, that oncrat Brag har taut that yn | Sb'e, If not of 90 definite a character as might be desired, y has’ to falt back he wilh deplete the city of | ud the people hailed it im every part of the city Fo A cenit iertace ory un. |'as the forerunner of sure victory. Extras were necesrar i 1K to Bay; Since it follows ' ‘as 1 maitor of course that a siege would, of itself, drive | 8ued from this offlee, and were soon ciren- away all who were not obliged to remain. Henee 1 do | lated through the thoroughfares, lanes and alleys not ros arama iae i a My opine A } all over town. Kvery railroad car was visited by 8 news- more tru ys hat Charlottesville will be aban. ; domed if Lee i compelled to retire, In that event, the | 2°Y with bis bundie of papers, which sold like lightaing University would, a8 a matter of course, be burned by | at prices that paid the enterprising venders handsomely the enemy, whose vandal tastes would be regaled beyond | for thoir trouble, The streets resounded with the cries measure by the conflagration of that honored pile, tn which so much treason has been taught, and from which | Xtras, and even the ferry boats wore not without 80 many gailaut teat beste gpg of the vari- | visite from the newsboys, who leave no place and no ‘ous Southern tates—bave been sent tothe eld. It would ‘sons " be a grom pity 10 lose the University, just when Governor | “ule of Dereene, encallod apsn when cocustons lhe gen Smith had quicted the difficulties ‘and disseusions of | terday happen. The Herap office was besieged by yoars by appolnting a new Board of Visitors who are in | crowds of people who desired to learn the very latest harmony with the professors re are now only thir- scene iy-dveor lorty students at the Univoraity, and they are | “¢”0% from tho + ee rene more ads, net within the conscript age. "OC course, the | 4% to slow for these people, and expressions salary and eos of the profemors by no means sufice to | of dissatisfaction on @ccount of the moagre detatis support them, but Dr Maupin bas wisely decided not to been Clase the institution 0 long as there ta asingle stndent | ore 2} enirequent. What would not have Laka in attondunce. Once shut, there is no telling wheo the | DY some to learn the full particulars of the great battles doors of the University would open again, or under what | which bave already occurred? What « world of suspense canpinte=-25>) one of the untenanted buildings goog | and agony would have been ended among thousends in to rack 5 ‘Much to our joy , the long hidden sun came forth to-day, | his city whe bave friends, brothers, fathers and bus- and put a now face on nature, aod a brighter Hight 1p che | bands in the army and navy? Excitement among such eyes of mon. A week or two of days like this would dry ‘Ear cate sailictentiy for Gremt 00 put. to, excogsion his | “™ “Moral cnsegh; bet there ware etnes wives torent cherished purpose of manmuvering Lee out of Virj sprang from soother source—euch as curiosity, self-imter- Bat the raive are nthe Lae P fat peated Meg's and | est and even betting. It is believed that thousands of the spring must make amends for xceeding dryness tT le pest winter, Active operations ca theline of te | “lists were staked apes the openteg of the campaige, Rapidan will hardly begin before the first of Mi particularly as to where it would begin—whether in Vir- the roads permit; for amo not be — a gins or the Southwest. Our reporter heard of one heavy energy and diligence, to got his men togetl woil ia hand betore that time. Lee Is quietly watching bis game, fas Gas et grees, NE re a See What that game te will bo diselosed the moment Burn- | The excitement and crowds down town particularly wero fido’s Annapolis expedition lands, The Fredericksburg | kept up till s late hour last evening. correspondent of the Azaminer thinks Burnside will dis- embark at Urbana, pear the mouth of the Rappahannock river, and march thence upon ing @ Effect of the War News in Washington. Wasninotom, May 8, 1864. The movement of Wenoral Butler bas thus far been om). nently successful. Nothing bas yet been Beard from the co-operating column under General Schofield, It ig notiooable that there ts less excitement In Wash- ington to day than bas been manifested always after the great battles of the Army of tho Potomac, The whole coromunity appears to be filled with confidence in the ultimatdé€ind complete success of Grant, which has not been impaired by the news (bus far received, altbough junction on the line of the Chicahomioy, with a torce coming ap from Williamsburg and Fortress Monroe. But Urbana would be an ill chosen point; for he would have two rivers to cross before be comes within striking «lis co of Richmond. Port Royal, twenty miles below Fredericksburg, would serve his purpo#e much better, for there be would be immediately upon Lee’s flank and rear, and force him either to retire from the strongly fortified line of the Rapidan oF to divide bis army, What piece bay to play against Burnside? There ix Picket, commanding at Petersburg, and the yeneral, who ever he may be, commanding the forces between Weldon and Wilmington; tut the two united are not strong enough to be regarded as anything more than prone. Longstroet, 1 think, is the knight on which Lee relies to check Burn. fide’s movement on bis flank, Ip opinion, Long- | byymany the result is regarded as still doubtful. strect is Dot going into Kentucky, but ig held in readiness to apvear in the Valley, just as Jacksor®lid when MeOlel- The Exct it in Baltimore. Yam was before Richmond “and McDowell lay at Prederickt- burg, ready (on him. But Longetreet will bot attem| to repent Jacksou's | 08 rather to take a / Royal, The « to Burngide’s position wilt Be, who w or fail back first, and Grant utionby sending Wistar (But Bartiwone, May 8, 1864, There i# official news here of @ great victory over Leo's army, after two days’ constant and heavy fighting. Une account speaks of the rebel defeat as a rout. J The excitement in the eity is uabounded. Hulletine Lcd Afr dd ar erlielding or retreating, °° | are posted on tho newspaper ofices, in the principal Lee will do neither the one vor the other. /netvad | hotels and club rooms; these are all surrounded by hvuting he wilt concentrate, He wiil not even spare | ceowig, Near the street bullotine, 60 intense is the ex of (i Hingman to attend to Wistar, advancing up aeenet ala. The tortifentions aroued Richmond being | citement, #0 onger and animated tho people, the streets comploted and connected by telegraph, be will eatruat | are blocked, and police are in attendance to Keep order. $06 dereate of tBe caplial to Rementle Prevent i Teannet discover a secession ¢ympathizer to might. Srarreat Baruaice a Port Royal or eleewhe: Hancock's corps bore the brunt of an onset from Lee's covering the satural sreagth of ibe he nt A pn main army, but maintained its position till relief game, Burnalde may move up the nor Reppaben Wand unite with Graot’s left wing, extended | 824 the enemy was driven back. ae Tarreds. Staitord Cours House, Reiniorced by Burnside | There is. rumor that 129 bas Ie(t many, cannow and all the troops which can (ye dy ae Whe | tem thousand of his wouasted in our hands. fences at Washington, will Grant, fairy ; tefenome # nnciuvee Tee out. of" Virginia, and | Stocesses ta the Westand om tho Poniogula are likewise even out of Orange county, esay to carry by | alsoreported. fhongh those are great successes, the ftorm the fortined tine of ‘the Ravkdan, a6 Be ad | poputace scarcely notice them, ail their attention Deng Wo Longetreet henge oo his right flank and rear? -——— iio may, for bin (CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PAGE) Ho may, for bis luck bas given him oonidence and time