Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-06-05
NEWS FROM THE REBEL ARMY.

AFFAIRS IN RIcHNoNp-THR FIGHT AT MRcHAN-
We have received az a copy W Of the Richmond Dis.
pdteh or the 27th- it does not contain much news
Of interest beyond the evidence IN It's advertising
columns, that absences are about as numerous
with them as with Us.
WHAT THE YANKEES ARE DOING.
In pursuance OF their son 70 Richmond" idea,
the Yenkees have transported rolling stock up
the Pamunkey river to the w hite House, and are
now running trains from that point nearly up 70
Dispatch Station, on the York River railroad
telegraph iine has been constructed and is now
working, from McClellan's heado uarters, at New
Kent Court House. to Washington city
THE sKIRMIsHEs OF SATURDAY
TO truthfully chronicle the past IL become our
duty, even at this the eleventh hour to speak of
events which transpired at the "time'' on Satur-
day: and although habituated to note successful
anal $, whenever our forces come within reach of
the foe, we must confess in one instance at least
that the opposing force out-generaled Us unmis-
taklbly. Semmes' brigade, stationed on the
Nine-Mte Road, were In hourly expectation of
the enemy's appearance (Saturdav morning) and
to repei their advance the Fifth LouIsian na were
thrown to the front, but whether with proper or
available supports, remains unex planned; some
wnst lnaifsrent, perhaps; Two coEp panies of
that regiment were ordered 10 guard the bri Age,
situate, we believe, Oh Garnett's farm, with the
remsi ihaef OF the regiment In support, with
stacked arms, &c
the bridge, and livery fusilade ensued much TO
our apparent advantage; but, while unconscious
ae tnckery, the enemy suddenly appeared on our
nins ana with greY impetuosity opened heavy
SSketfy nfe OF great destructiveness and precis.
Ion Staggered at this sudden and unexpected
movement, the 5th fell hack in good order but
with much rspiditv, successfully caring for their
kuled aad wounded That such gsllant and
nne regiment as the 5th should have been SO
roughly treated remains to be vet explained, al.
tnough upon all hands 10 10 universally conceded
that II followed from disgraceful "surprise !"
rhe loss from this ''affair" was extremely severe
from the shortness Of the engagement-not less
than fifty or sixty Of the 5th being rendered hors
dc somsat. Expecting further operations or de-
br gade hurried to the scene but to the presen nt
nothing further has transpired
Upon our left, also, the enemy appeared in
great force on the same morning, opening with
artillery from the high lands on the north bank
OF the ChickahominY Swamp Bridge, ME-
ehanlcsyiils turnpike,) at an early hour Appear
Ing somewhat TO the southwest Of the road-north
oank-on Lumkins' farm, their rife shot and
shell were evidently directed to Sizsr's farm. to
scour the adjacent woods and TO force an exhibit
uon OF our strength Their infantry and cavalry
In conslderabe numbers, were screened in the
woods TO the left and right, high above the
bridge on The road: but Captain Rosser, unaware
OF this, or gallantly Ind ferent, perhaps crossed
'ne bridge and gave battle, drawing of their
practice" from Sizer's premises, and monopo-
lining their whole attention.
The artillery duelio was beautifully conducted,
osser, With his corps of the w Washington Artil-
lery, dsshing Into close quarters In the most Inn
pudent manner, dealing canister and grape into
the enemy, Just discernible In the woods But
although suffering severely from his rapid dis
charges, the enemy attempted flank movement,
Il would appear, and long piece being sudden.
ly 6tou ht into play In dif ferent quarter OF the
Held, told effectively upon our infantry who, op.
posed seven to one, fell back In good order,
lie wing the place in possession Of the enc nv
Capt. Rosser was hit IN the arm By a piece Of
sheI, ane lost, We are Informed, Eeveral killed.
and wounded; yet, notwithstanding the odds
brought on ais pieces with great eclat, and to the
admiration OF hundreds Of non partIci pants anx-
ious spectators Of the scene Since the engage
ment tne enemy nave occupied the north bank Of
the stream, they are reported In considerable
force from the bridge to MeohanicsvilIe and are
reported sntrenching Strong cavalry pickets
are thrown out along our front In all directions
and picket firing 10 constant from sunrise TO eve
between our opposing forces. We are uniformed
whether the Tying artillery (Stewarts, we are
told had the honor Of participating In the sfair
Of Saturday