Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-31
FROM GEN. McCLELLAN's Army.
TCor,esnOpdanca Neu Yoyk yVo,ld

miles from Richmoud.) May "a -One thing is
certain, whether Richmond be empty or not we
are not there. But slowly and surely we advance.
The tndomitsole Stoneman, from his position,
can galop to- the cipital in an hour. New Bridge,
on the route we are pursuing, Is seven miles from
Riehmord. The enemy IL not nearer than the
other side OF the Chickahominv al this bridge,
which II twelve miles north OF bottoms Bridge
and eight miles north Of the railroad crossing.
New Bridge Is partially burned. The railroad
bridge was saturated with turpentne, and set on
caused tue incendiarieS to withdraw, and the
bridge thus saved Is now vigilantly guarded.
Cavalry skirmlshes have not been numerous,
the rebels Withdrawing generally upon our ap-
pearance. Yesterday morning, at Coal Harbor,
two miles east of here, few shots were ex-
changed, in which d member OF company T., Gth
cavalry, was shot through the neck and mouth,
being severely but not fatally wounded. The
enemy made no further resistance, but retired
precipitately to the other side of the river.
The telegraph daily informs you how far we
march, and wnere we are. IL is not c0ntraband
for me, therefore, to say that the advance Of this
wing Of the army Is snug up the ChickahOminy.
The advance Is well supported, and the disposi
ton OF the troops cautious in the extreme. Every
approach TO our lines, front, flank and rear, is
guarded well. NO muIderOus surprises here.
NEW BRIDGE.
As already stated, this bridge is seven miles
from Richmond, on the main road from White
House via Tunstal's station thither IL is called
New Bridge to distinguish II from Bottom
Long, Jones and Turnpike bridges, as well
ther end Of 1t is partially destroyed 1t Is mostly
| made of dirt and soggy logs and would not burn
when the rebels essayed its destruction.
II EFwHAT SWAMP
L This IS the reply of the inhabitants to the nu-
merous inquiries OF soldiers how far its 10 "the
Il Swamps." The truth 10 there Is no swamp I'm
this vicinity. There is no river. Properly speak
ing there are bridges The Chickahominy
here is mere "brook !" possibly "creek }" TWEEN
1 ty feet from bank TO bank, fringed with willows,
hanked By meadows, in places low and miry,
water In the stream two and three feet deep with
| soft bottom. "Chickahominy swamp" begins
six miles lower down, grows formidable at Bot
toms Bridge, anywhere below which The ground
| is impossible FOR either army. When ready, have
no lear OF our ability to cross and Iecross here
with success.
WHAT OF THR ENEMY?
Twice forty-eignt hours are up, yet we are not
n Richmond. The signs Of the other day failed
Being very close to the place where the battle
must be fought, II fought here at ALL Il must be
admitted that we have very quiet enemy In
nim TO attempt to surprise US. He can't do that
Our advance has been slow, secure, but certain.
Our communication with the water base, is well
open. Oar approaches are al protected We
know Just where We are, and how, II necessary,
to get out OF the enemy's reach In twinkling,
provided we Ind him attempting an unexpected
movement
Yesterday. under the sheltering cover OF a prom-
inent officer, who knows the difference between
what a correspondent may do and what he NAV
not, had long look al the country on the other
side OF the HOminy as the troops call II. lThey
say II takes It's name from the chickens and hom.
4 iny that abound, hence Chicken .hominy ~
With strong glasses we scanned the fields and
/ woods for a mile or two. Evidences OF the pres
ence Of the enemy were less than on the previous
day. A battery OF artillery, visible on Wednes-
d+y, was invisible yesterday. But half dozen
pickets could he seen. A sergeants guard and a
small wedge tent could be seen d short distance
beyond New B.idge. One solitary Eecesh, In. his
shirt sleeves walked his beat just at the bridge.
i telescopic rife in the hands of sharpshooter,
conld have made food for dogs OF him from
where we stood.
/ THE COUNTRY.
1 From the White House hither, by this road is
a delightful ride OF eighteen miles. The enemy
did not pass through here in force. Therefore
there was no destruction Of property visible On
every other hand we have found people and lands
stripped The nature of the country to the north
of tie Richmond and York River Railroad much
resembles New England. Parm houses and man.
sions look antiquated, but prosperous. People
generally are al home. A few trihing supplies
eau be obtained, such an chickens, eggs, vegeta-
bles, milk, &c for which payment 10 exacted
either in specie or Richmond-ci city shinpLdsteys!
| The Treasury notes Of both Issues are refused.
great deal Of difference in the ralEs Of COnfed-
crate Treasury note and Richmond bank due
nil based On 4 ca pital composed Of said notes
Nice distinction, certainly. But the simple ones
don't happen TO see IL.
| Hanover county il situated between the Pa
| munkey and Chickahominy rivers, is about 3j
miles ia length from n0TthWeSt Ia southeast, lO
miles in BREADTH and one Of the most thickly,
| settled and best GUILTY. regions Of the State.