The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-16
The Battle at West Point.
AZ, 900 UNION vs.. 10000 REPLIES,
The FIERCEST BATTLE ON THE
PENINSULA.
THE GREAT FLANK MOVEMENT
THE GALENA AND OTHER GUNBOATS
GONE UP JAMES RIVER.

WASHINGTON, may y.
The Star says the Secretary Of War has
the following, taken from the special corres-A
pondence of the Baltimore Americam:
The divisions of Franklin and Sedgwick,
numbering about twenty thousand men,
have been landed at West Point, twenty
miles above Williamsburg, at the head Of
York river, and the division of General
Porter is now embarking on steamers for
the same destination, together with the
Rhode Island and other batteries, and the
river from Yorktown up is lined with steam
transports. No doubt is entertained but
that they will intercept and cut of the reb-
els, unless they escape across the James
river.
General Mcclellan has advanced twelve
miles beyond Williamsburg, and has had
several skirmishes with the enemy, routing
them with heavy loss.
The embarkation of troops for West
Point was progressing with great rapidity,
AID heavy battle had taken place on
Wednesday, forenoon, between the troops
under geAerals Franklin and Sedgwick,
and the rebels under Lee who were endeav-
orlng to make their way to Richmond.
1t is said to have been the severest bat
tie on the Peninsula, and the rebels were
totally defeated and fanked, being driven
back towards the forces under General John.
ston on the Chickahominy. The whole
number of the Federals killed and wounded
was 300:
The enemy were driven back by our gun.
boats with great slaughter. They had not
less than 10000 men whilst our whole force
was not over 10000 landed. Had it not
been for the gunboats they would have been
| defeated.
Deserters from the enemy report there
was great excitement at Norfolk this morn.
ing, that General Burnside with a large
force was within few miles of Weldon,
and that the rebel troops are evacuatiDg
the city at all possible speed. Sewall's and
Fig Points, they say, are already abandon.
cd and preparations are making to destroy
the Navy Yard and other public property.
Heavy firing has been heard in that di-
rection but the particulars are not known.
Yesterday the advance guard of our cav
airy had skirmish with the rear guard of
the enemy, about seven miles from here.
The main body of the enemy has retreat.
ed across the James River. The general
impression with military men is that the re-.
bells have made their lao+ etond in Virginia
For distance of some ten miles beyond
Williamsburg the road is lined with army
wagons left in the retreat of the enemy.
! FORTRESS MONROE, May 8.-The iron
ship of war Galena, and the gunboats
Aroatook and Port Royal, started up
james river this morning. They have
passed Days Point battery, and heavy fir.
ing has been heard up the river since their
departure. They will cut off the river
communication with the rebels south of the
Chickahominy instantly.
| After the gunboats started, the rebel tug
j. B. White came out in front of Newport
News, having left Norfolk this morning
with crew of two citizens on board, on q
mission to Tonnery Point. By previous
consent they ran over to Newport News
and surrendered to Gen. Mansfield.
Sewall's Point is being evacuated. The
Monitor, Naugatuck, and several gun0oats
have just left for Sewall's Point.
DESPATCH FROM MCCLELLAN.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 9--12 Mo the
War Department 81 heard few minutes
ago that the Galena was aground off Hog
Island. I judge not badly for the reason
that Com. Rogers does not throw over his
coal. have sent him all the assistance he
| asks.
My troops are in motion and in excellent
spirits. They have all the air and feelings
of veterans it would do your heart good
to see them. have effected junction with
Gen. Franklin. Instructions have been
given so that the navy will receive prompt
support whenever and wherever required.
(Signed) GEO. B. MCCLELLAN,
Major General Commanding.