The Portland daily press., 1862-12-13
The Rebels Smelling the City.
Our Troops Sleeping on their Arms.
Nearly ALI Our Army Across the Kappa
hammock.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PoToMAc, |

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF POTOMAC,
Friday, 10 A. NJ.
After occupying the river front of the city
last night, we lost about 100 men in killed and
wounded, while driving the rebels through the
city. They cred on our men as they advanced
through the streets, while secreted in and be-
hind houses. Not much mercy was shown
those who were caught.
This morning dense fog hid everything
from view, but now it is partially passing away.
The troops commenced moving at an early
hour, Gen. Summers grand division leading
the way over in front Of the city, to be follow
ed by Maj. Gen. Hooker's grand division. Gen.
Frankin's grand division, which crosses near
ly three miles below the city, is nearly over
At IA the first gun was fired, the engage
ment lasting about half an hour, the rebels
not making very spiritedreply. 1t is thought
the troops will all be over by noon.
Information received during the night and
this morning, from deserters and prisoners,
shows that the rebels have two strong lines of
batteries in the rear of the city, the first one
being one mile back, and the second mile
from the first.
The whole army is in rapid motion, and well
concentrated The troops are in good spirits
and anxious to be led upon the works. The
enemy have concentrated their forces, and it
is believed will give battle. Much will depend
upon the result of to-day. All feel sanguine
of success.
Erening.-At 10 o'clock this forenoon the
fog began to clear away, but before ii the air
was again thick, which continued until 2, when
it entirely disappeared.
AT IA the rebels opened with all their
guns posted on the first ridge of hills. Their
main fire was directed upon the city, which
was filed with our troops. These uns,which
were posted on the left of the ridge, were
opened on the large body Of troops which
crossed on the two lower bridges, and had
formed in line of battle, and were moving OBJ
Gquely down the river fronting the Massapo-
max. Although several of their shells expod-
ed over our men, none were injured. General
Bayards cavalry had five men killed while
endeavoring to ascertain the enemy's position.
The troops which crossed below are sleeping
on their arms tonight, the advance being
within three-quarters of mile of Massaponax
Creek, their left resting on the Rappahannock.
The enemy occupy the other side of the creek in
force. The guns posted on the bank this side of
river silenced the enemy's artillery after duel
of half an hour. This ended the fight for the
day. The only damage done by the rebel
shells thrown into the city, was to add so much
to its destruction. Twenty-Five of our men
were killed last night in the streets of the city
while driving the rebels out.
Nearly every house in the city has been
damaged more or less by the firing of the past
two days. Several splendid residences have
been completely riddled, as also the churches.
The fire appeared to be directed on the most
prominent edifces. Several cases of wanton
destruction of property occurred by our
troops when they entered, property which
could be of no use to the enemy. In many
houses the furniture all remained, showing
that their occupants left in haste. Some Of
our troops mistook the British flag tor secesh,
and tore it from the residence of the British
Consul. This morning the owner came over
to recover it, and the same was returned to
him. The main body Of the army is now over
the river, the balance being in position to cross
at any time. There is no indication of the
enemy evacuating. If they remain a battle
must Immediately ensue.