The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-07-04

II The following, from the New York Tri-
bune, givss clear account Of the situation In
Virgins:
The city was full Of startling rumors yester-
day, in relation to the state OF ahairs with tho
Army Of the Potomac. From . variety OF
sources, the authenticity OF which 10 unques-
tiouable, we learn that the latest sdvices nom
Mcclellan, received In Washington, up to noon
o'clock. p. n. Up 70 that time he had success
fully carried out . plan which he had pointed
out some time ago, ~ one which he was very
likely 10 put In execution, should circumstances
render Il expeiient ~ do 20. That plan WAS to
swing his right wing toward the rear. includ-
ing the divisions VI FitIjohn Porter. Hooker
and Hancock, being all the forces which lay
north Of half way between Bottoms Bridge
and New Bridge, while at the same time. no
advanced his lett wing toward the James River.
and opened communication with the gunboats.
The attack Of the enemy In great fVrce on
the right wing, last Thursday, rendered II cx-
pc,lient to resort TO this strategic movement
sooner than was intended. OF course, this
change Of position necesstated change u tho
base Of operations, and White House Landing
was ordered to be abandoned, In conformity to
the prearranged plan.
Under the direction Of Gen. Casey, this Diff
cult undertaking was accomplished with entire
success. All the sick and wounded were care
fully shipped of. the ordnance and commissary
stores placed on transports, and the troops
and property embarked for James River, the
refuse len behind, watch did not exceed 5000
in value, being given to the flames. The mile
and a half Of steamboats,, with large number
Of sloops, briggs and schooners, moved on,
under convoy, and yesterday were Mt Turkey
Island, on the James River, about eight miles
below Fort Darling, and fifteen from Richmond,
as the crow flies.
To return to Mcclellan and the army. Aftcr
an interruption Of nearly ~ hours In his inter-
course with Washington, during which he WAS
completely isolated from his communications,
and, ns Il were, buried in the Chickahominy
wilderness, so that the most painful apprehen-
sions began to be entertained for his safety, the
head Of his left wing emerged from the swamp,
and touched the James river, yesterday, near
Turkey Island Bridge. OF course he immed-
ately opened communication with Com. Rodg-
ers of the James river hotilla, and through him
with Washington, to the great JOY Of oil who
were favored with the glad tidings. The result
Of this movement may be briefly stated. IL We
are not mistaken, ere many hours his mile and
half Of team transports may relieve his wea-
~ soldiers Of the fatigue Of marching To Rich
mond, by landing them within easy approach
To the rebel capital, after the gunboats shall
have sufficiently smoOthed the road thither.
In thus returning 10 the original plan Of tho
campaign frustrated for time by the pres
ence of the dreaded Merrimac, and extrica,ing
our gallant army from tho Inalarious swamps
Of the Chickahominy, placing them In the pure
atmosphere and on the high grounds of the
James riydr, great advantage has been gain:
ell. Of course; this has not been obtained
without n heavy cost OF life; but he enemy
has equally, IL not more severely suffered, Mt
our hands, and we tiust that the time has come
for making the campaign against Richmond
"short. sharp and decisive"