New-York daily tribune., 1862-05-06
Shocking Barbarity Of the Enemy.
Torpedoes Scattered about the Works.
PRISONERS REQUIRED TO REMOVE Them.
THE REBELS COUNCIL OF WAR.
A MUTiNY IN THEIR RANKS.
HsApouARTERs Army OF THE POToxAc,

y
To the Hon. Edwin ". STANTON, Secretary Of Var:
SIR: Our cavalry and horse artillery came up
with the enemy's guard in their intrenehments
about two miles this side of Williamsburg.
brisk fight ensued. Just my Aid left, Smiths
Division of infantry arrived on the ground, and
presume carried his works, though have not yet
heard. TIE enemy's rear is strong, but have force
enough up there to answer all purposes.
We have thus far II heavy guns, and large
smounis of tents, ammunition &c. All along tbs
lines their works prove to Lave been most fornid-
able and am now fully satisfied Of the correctness
Of the course have pursled. The success is bril-
liant, and you may rest assured that its effects will
be Of the greatest importance.
There shall be no delay in following up the Rebels
TIE Rebels have been guilty of the most murderous
ard barbarous conduct, in placing torpedoes within
tie abandoned works, near wells and springs, and
near fagstafs, magazines, telegraph offices, In car
pet-bags, barrels Of -four, &c. Fortunately, we
hsve not lost many in this manner-some four
or five killed. and perhaps dozen wounded. l
shall make the prisoners remove them al their own
peril g. b. MCCLELLAN, Maj. Gen.
To the Associated Press.
HKlDeuARrEK,, SR,R WILLIAMSBURG, May 4-P. NJ
The advance of the forces under command of Gen.
Sonemsn with the view of ascertaniDg the position
Of the enemy, reached this place, two and a haf
miles from Williamsburg, about two O'Clock TINS
saerncca On the road from Yorktown. The country
pnosi irslanses was laid desoiate. and but few OF
tht borses are occupied.
On emerging from a cover Of woods we came in
view OF Williamsburg and the eneiny's earthworks
Atthe .i,ne no guns were visible on the enemys
works, but a regiment OF cavalry could be seen ap-
poaching about one mile Of, il line Of battle.
Can't. Gibbons rcsesve battery was then ordered
tbe from, TO open on the enenys approaching
ayalry while portion of the 9th Cavalry were de-
poyed as skirmishers TO the right and left.
The fire from the battery very effective on the
enen,y's cavalry but never changed their course.
About 200 yards to the right ofGibbOns battery was
A. eaybwork, which had all the appearance Of beng
deserted. when all Of a suddsn our troops were
openedupon ty deadly fire from artillery posted
behind the works. At the same time the Rebel cav
airy continued advancing, until they were checked
by charge made by a portion Of the LIST and 9th
Cavalry, Which was performed in most admirable
manner.
In more instances than one it was a hand to band
encounter with the enemy, but, strange to relate,
pone Of our men were made prisoners, while We
Cant. Frank lee of tie Sd Florida Infantry. Capt.
Gibbons bad fourteen horses killed. Lieut.. DE
Wolf wac mortally wounded. One man was lost by
seling fast in the mud. Lieut.. Benton Of the Is,
Cavalry and ten men OF tie same regiment were
wounded.
Lieut.. Mcclellan Of the 9Th Cavalry WAS eighty
wounded. as were also twelve others Lieut.-Col.
KIess Of the LET Cavalry had his horse shot under
hin while engaged in hand 70 hand encounter with
two Of the enemy lie escaped with few slight
tni.es. Private Noble Grish Of Major Barkers
Mcclellan DRAGONS had his horse Killed, and was
severely wounded in the leg by the explosion Of
torpedo while passing through Yorktown.
Tie Rebel cavalry was forced by our men to
abandon their POSITION, but the want Of infantry
prevented our nen from advancing on tie enemys
works. II being evident that it was useless TO
attempt further operations, the troops fell back
about 1OO yards 70 await lie arrival Of infantry.
Gen. Hancock's brigade soon after 8rriyed, bat it
was deemed advisable to de.or further operations
until tomorrow. We have information that tie
enemy are ttll On the retreat beyond Williamsburg.
The Fesr-s4rd Of the enemy il very strong, as wss
shown Ic-isy.
LATER.
MosDAl MoISISG, hay l1R
IL commenced raining about o'clock tlis morn
ny, 'nd has eonuhued heavily up TO this time.
1h,ie was ho news IRON Williamsburg as it il yet
/ to- euly in the morlisg 10 hear
We vii! occupy Williamsburg es,,v tliy morn.
ing.
From there our cOnne viii depend upon that
taken by the enemy.