The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-25

The latest news fbom General McClelans army
yesterday represents that portion of his forces
have crossed the Chicahominy both at Bottoms
Bridge and the railroad bridges. Several other
bridges are being constructed to enable the army
to cross in masses. The rebels are not concen-
trated in any large body in the vicinity of our ad-
vance, although strong guard is posted on the
opposite side of the creek. One of their camps,
at New Bridge, was shelled pretty severely by
two of our batteries yesterday, when the enemy
retreated with their baggage precptately.
General Marcy and some members OF Cen
eral McClellan's staff were present at this
operation. 1t has been ascertained positively that
the rebels are awaiting the advance of our army
at point between three and four miles in front of
Richmond, and as our advanced posts, under Gene
raj Stoneman, are within seven miles of them, it
until the whole army can be brought up to support
him. The rebels have always boosted that they
ambitioned fight in the open field; but now that
an opportunity is offered, they appear to shirk
it by retiring behind their earthworks. We may
expect, therefore, either repetition of the affair
of Yorktown, or q terrible contest and q certain
defeat of the enemy.
We give several extracts to-day from the Rich
rnond press, which show the desperation to which
tho people there are driven by the immediate
presence in the vicinity of General McClelan's
late hoa
ton. in obedience to Q resolve of the Legislature
declaring that the city shall not be surrendered;
and at public meeting of the citizens the aid Of
every man capable of fighting was called for. The
Dispatch conjures every one to leave wife and
friends for glorious hour to be devoted to the
republic" The condition of Richmond is repre-
scented az deplorable.
The people Of Norfolk remain intractable and
She city authorities ohstinatey refuse TO take the
oath Of allegiance; but General Wool j. determined
10 bring them to their by refusing to aid in
Tree rights Of citizens until they accept the pro-
section Of the United states government.
General Banks states, in a despatch from stras-
burg, that portion Of his command, under Colo
mel Kenly, had been driven back from Front
Royal. with severe loss, on Friday by force of
rebels amounting to some FIVE or six thousand.
We learn from Cincinnati that the rebels met
with severe defeat at Lewinsburg on Friday
morning. Colonel Heth, at the head OF 5000
1ucn, made attack on the Union forces
nnder Colonel Cpok, numbering only 300
driven back with heavy loss, and four cannon
Iwo hundred stand Of small arms and hundred
prisoners we're captured Among the latter we're
Dne lieutenant Colonel, Major and several
officers Of inferior rank. Our loss wa only ten
kiiIed. forty wounded and eight missing.
CONGRESS.
In the Senate yesterday. q resolution fixing the
hour Of meeting at eleven o'clock was laid over
"A bill was introduced to legalize and confirm the
oct Of the President accepting volunteers under
Che act Of the 22d of July, 1861, and to authorize
oitional to those under shat act The bill was re-
serred TO the Military Committee Mr.. Wilson in.
troduosd bill TO amend the Fugitive Slave act
The bill donating lands 70 agricultural colleges
was taken up, and after speech from Mr.. Har
Ian, Of Iowa. In its Avor, 1t was postponed till
Tuesday next. The consideration Of the Tax bin
was then resumed, and having reached the one
hundred and eighth section the Senate adjourned
gill Monday.
In the House Of Representatives, Mr.. wicklife.
Of Kentucky, rose 10 what he considered priv.
legged question, and presented preamble and re-
pollution rchcarsing the main facts respecting the
recent collision Of the civil and military authori
lies on the subject Of the execution Of the Fugitive
Slave law, and providing for the appointment Of a
select committee 10 investigate oil the circum.
stances. The Speaker decided that the PROPOSE
lion was not privileged question The debat,
bn the Con6scation bills was then resumed ans
continued till the adjournment
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The Madrid Fpoco, Of the 81 Of May, states that
The squadron destined for the Pacific Ocean. undei
fhe command Of Admiral Pinson, viii be ready te
pail in a few days and win touch By the way 81
khe ports Of the Argentine republic.
The new Canadian Ministry. although not def