Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-09

Yorktown. The country in most instances,
is laid desolate, and but few Of the houses
are occupied. On merging from a cover of
woods we came in view Of Williams burgh
and the enemy's earthworks. At the time no
guns we're visible on the enemy's works, but
a regiment Of cavalry could be seen approach
ing, about mile of, in line Of battle. Capt.
Gibbons reserve battery was then ordered to
the front to move on the enemy's approaching
cavalry, while portion of the 9th cavalry
were deployed as skirmishers to the right
and left
The fire from the battery was very effective
on the enemys cavalry, but did not change
their course. About 200 yards to the right
Of Gibbons battery was an oarthowork, which
had all the appearance Of being deserted,
when all Of a sudden our troops were opened
upon by deadly fire from artillery posted
behind the works. a the same time the
rebel cavalry continued TO advance until they
were checked by charge made by portion
Of the lat and 9th cavalry, which was per-
formed in most admirable manner. In more
instances than one was hand-to-hand en-
counter with the enemy, but strange to relate,
none Of our men were made prisoners, while
we captured about rs of the enemy, among
them Capt. Frank Lee of the 3Oth Florida.
Capt Gibbons had horses killed Lieut.
DcWolf was mortally wounded One gun
was lost by sticking fast in the mud. Lieut.
Benton, Of the LIST cavalry, and 10 men Of the
same regiment, were wounded. Lieut.. Nc
Clollan, of the 9th cavalry, was slightly
wounded, as were also / 2 others.
Lieut.. COL kress, of the lst cavalry, had
his horse shot under him while engaged in
a hand-to-hand encounter with two Of the en-
envy. lie escaped with a very slight bruise,
Private Noble Irish, of Maj. Bankers Nc
Clellan dragons, had his horse killed, and
was severely woun-cd in the leg, by the ex-
plosion Of torpedo while passing through
Yorktown.
The rebel cavalry was forced by our men
to abandon their position, but want Of infant-
ny prevented our men from advancing on the
encmys works. IL being evident that it was
useless to attempt further operations, the
troops fell back about 200 yards to await the
arrival Of infantry. Gen. llancock's brigade
soon after arrived, but it was deemed advisa-
bic to defer further operations until to.mor-
row. We have information that the enemy
are stll on the retreat beyond Wlliamsb burg.
The rear guard Of the enemy is very strong,
as was shown to-day.
ADVANCE NEAR WILLIAMSBURG,
Monday Evening, May 5.
When my dispatch was sent last evening
the indications were that our troops would oc-
cupy Williamsburg without much opposition.
The first indication of the enemy's rear
guard being reinforced was the fact of their
pressing our lines, about o'clock in the
morning, showing determination to resist
our advance. Sufficient reinforcements had
arrived Iuvtvfr lao r,ftrEf 10 ny,ahla 20, ant
either on the defensive or offensive. About
o clock the enemy opened on our troops
posted on the left, composed OF Gen. Hooker's
division and other troops of Gen. Hcntzle-
mans division.
The action in this vicinity was very heavy
at times. The loss in killed and wounded is
not known but is supposed to be consid-
cradle on both SIDES The enemy was
repulsed at all points General Poets
brigade, stationed to the right of General
Hooker's division, soon after became engaged.
Here the firing was very heavy for about two
hours, during which they were handsomely
repulsed. in making a charge Our loss here
was about 80 killed and IS wounded.
A brilliant victory was achieved about 5
o'clock in the afternoon by Gen. Hancock's
brigade, assisted by Kennedy's and Wheeler's
phkhtIltbs ntl lAu uttH bIutItu 10 tue
right to feel the enemy, and if possible turn
their left wing. Here they were met by Gen.
Earle's brigade, consisting of the 9th North
Carolina and seth Virginia regiments, with
a squadron of cavalry, who advanced in line
of battle. Our troops, who we're quickly
prepared to receive them, opened a heavy FIRE
The enemy advanced steadily within 200
yards, when General Hancock ordered a
oh h., ,ol i
with the greatest courage, The enemy's line
broke, they became panic-stricken and fed,
leaving their dead and wounded, numbering
so of the former and 40 of the latter. We
also took 200 Of them prisoners. Among
their killed and wounded was the Colonel
and Lieut. Colonel OF the 9th North Carolina
regiment. Our loss was II killed and about
40 wounded.
Among the enemys dead were the bodies
of the Lieut.. Col and Major of the oath Vir-
ginia, together with several other officers
There dead were buried by our troops, and
the wounded cared for.
The conduct of Gen. Hancock and his
brigade on this occasion has excited univer-
sal admiration. A stand of colors belonging
to the cavalry engaged was captured, and
is now on its way to Washington
W iAAh NAN hNNu VI Dfhs AlunNANh NuNNtNh W.
came known shout went up from tens of
thousands of Union troops, which made the
country resound for miles around. Gen.
Hancock remained for the night in the two
works of the enemy.
/ Gen. Mcclellan arrived on the field at 8
o'clock, and Immediately rode to the front,
where mis- presence among his troops was most
joyiully hailed He Immediately assumed
command in person.
The rain has poured in torrents all day
The troops suffer much from exposure, but
none complain.
/ From information received from the pris-
oners taken, the enemy will make decisive
stand at Williamsburgh, achievements hav-
ing been arriving all day Gen. j. f. John
son is in command. Jeff Davis was at Rich
mond at last accounts.
The enemy's works are very formidable,
and extend across the peninsula this side
of Williamsburg
BALTIMORE, May 6.
Among the prisoners is the Chief of Engin-
GERS on General Johnston, staff He states
that the rebel army at yorktown amounted
to $4,000 men. He gives deplorable account
of the condition of their army. He says
they will be unable to make a stand any
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