Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-05-07
INTERESTING WAR NEWS.
IMPORTANT FROM THE POTOMAC.
Evacuation of Yorktown and Gloucester

FORTRESS Monroe, May yorktown was
evacuated by the rebels last night, and our
troops now occupy the enemy's works. A
large amount OF camp equpage and guns,
which they could not destroy, for fear OF being
seen, were left behind.
HEADQUARTERS Army of the Potomac, May
4th, 9 O'Clock, a. in.-.To the Hon. Edw. Staun-
ton, Secretary Of War: We have the enemy's
ramparts, their guns, ammunition, campiequip-
age, etc., and hold the entire line of his
works. which the engineers report as being
very strong. | have thrown all my cavalry
and horse artillery in pursuit supported by in
fantry. will move General Franklin's di.
vision. and as much more as | can, by water
up to West Point to day. No time shall be
lost Our gunboats have gone up York river.
l omitted to state that Gloucester is also in our
possession. 1 shall pursue the enemy to the
wall. q. B. Mcclellan, Maj. Gen. Com.
HEADQUARTERS Army OF the Potomac, 10
a. m, May 4.-From the army correspondent
of the Associated Press: This morning at
five O'Clock your correspondent entered the
enemy's works, which the rear of their army
deserted four hours before. Everything was
found to be in utter confusion, as though they
left in great haste. Between forty and fifty
pieces of heavy artillery have been left in their
works, after being spiked, together with a
large amount OF ammunition, medical stores,
camp equipage. tents and private property OF
their officers A negro, left in the town states
that large amount of ordnance stores were
thrown into the river 10 prevent them falling
into our hands. Several deserters have sue
ceeded in running into our lines. One of
them, very intelligent man from New York,
who had been connected with the Ordnance
Department ever since the works at I orktown
had been constructed, states that the rebels e.
vacuated owing to the near approach of
parallels covering the immense siege works
of OF thav fao bo pf
OF the Union gun boats in the York and James
river, by means Of which their communication
with the ourter would be cut off. The order
was given to evacuate by Gen. Johnson on
Thursday to commence the following morning
which was accordingly done. Gen. Magruder
is said to have opposed the measure, stating
that if they could not whip the Federas here
there was no other place in Virginia where
they could that he swore in the presence of
his men, who vociferously cheered him losing
complete control Of himself. Gen. Robert
+. Lee, Commander.inC Chief, arrived at York
town on Wednesday, al minutely examined
the works OF Mcclellan, when he is supposed
to have recommended the abandonment of
the works, deeming them untenabe.
The deserters all agree in stating that their
troops were much demoralized and dissatisfied
when the order was made public, as they all
anticipated having an engagement at that
point. They also agreed that the rebels had
one hundred Thousand men on the Peninsula,
together with 400 pieces OF artillery. From
the best information received they have fallen
back to Chickacoming Greek, beyond Will
liamsburg, where it is expected to make a
stand. Immediately on the facts becoming
known, the troops were ordered under arms
and are now in motion from the right and left
wing of the army. large force under the
command of Gen. Stoneman. consisting OF
cavalry, artillery and infantry, are in advance,
and will probably come up with the OF
the enemy before night, if they remain near
Williams sburg.
The gunboats have passed above Yorktown
! and are now shelling the shore on their way up.
! Following them is large steamer and vessels
| loaded with troops, who will effect landing.
| Magruder swOre he was not afraid of M'Clel-
Ian, if Lee was, and that if he could not sue
cessfully fight him here, he could no where.
| Only one man was left in Yorktown and he
| was a negro.