Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-04-16
WEDNESDAY, APRIL Is, 1862.

10u ~" " uHuerStanu, accompanies the
expedition. Notwithstanding the many
obstacles IN the way of initiating balloon
at SO short notice, in consequences Of an
available position having to be secured
tctthtn tw0 hours after the first stream ot
gas passed into the balloon it uas Hogtjuo
N the ar at o'' attitude Of eight hpndyed
feet, with the Professor in the basket, In
consequence of the lateness of the honr
but general outline of the enemy's forti-
hcations could be ascertained, but suficient +
20 snow that the enemy was strongly en-
trenched.
Sunday Before Yorktorn.
10 day has been one of rest with the sul
dlers. There has been little or no firing from
the rekel forts, although during the afternoon
some twenty or twenty five shell were thrown
at and INTO tie forts on the north by Union
battery. Upon the forts named two rebel
uaSS were seen floating tQ day for the first
time. -
The most important feature of the day has
oeeh the balloon ascension, which, in point of
importance to the Government, has been one
Of the grandest balloon reconneisances cyar
mage. The first ascension was made at FIVE
O'Clock in the morning and then and tbera
the position and strength Of the enemy were
ascertained for the first time. Subse1uentIv
reconnoisances of from one to two hours were
made and important information gained
The fortifcations of the rebels are of the
strongest possible character, and sweep an
extent Of country of seven miles, EXTENDING
across the Peninsula from the York to the
dsmes river. Behind these Notifications they
nave a large reserve force, so that the entire
Strength OF the rebels at this point is rated
from twenty tTe to thirty thousand men,
lhelr forts are mounted with guns of the
heaviest calbre, and some of them are of n
continuous character for miles, being connec.
ted by earthwerks. The heaviest chain of
Iorts are on the west, although those on the
noreh--the point from which the firing was
nrst commenced on SatErday-are sufficient.
~ formidable to resist powerful attack
Ihere are other minutiG of these forts in our
possession, which it is not proper to make
known at present. Suffice it to say through
the msans of the balloon ascensions. made all
day yesterday, every information is in our
possession OF tho design and intention of the
rebels.
Gen. Magruder issued proclamation to
the soldiers of the rebel army on the 29th
uit; lie states that the enemy is upon them
ana that his numbers is far superior to theirs.
lie advises them to fortify themselves in ey
cry possible place, and control every inch of
ground. Three days ratiCns are 10 Je cook.
ed, and baked biscuits are to be carried in
stead OF flour. The fight, lie anticipates
VIII take place on the WarvicL river. In
conclusion, he adRises them to fire low.
John L. Quigg, correspondent Of the New
1ork Norlf, captured a rebel, supposing
nm to be the one who shot the Lieutenant
from Name. lie was taken to healouarters
Gen. Hamilton had his horse Knocked from
under him on Saturday. The horse Was kin.
cd and the General escaped jajpry.
A circular, ssaed by the rebels, was found
by one Of Gen. Hamiton's aids. The pur
port OF 1t vas full description of the present
onward movement, with all the details also
Gen. Magruder's plan OF defeating the Union
Two men of Martins Battery were buried
on Sunday morning, about III O'Clock. The
Chaplain spoke in very appropriate and
feeling manner. The bodies were inferred
under large tree.
Condition Of tic Roads.
The roads, on account of the severe rain
on Saturday, are almost impassable, and the
transportation of goods is very difficult; the
consequence is the troops and horses are
placed on short allowance.
AT II o'clock there was nothing of anv CON. !
sequence occurred except an occasional dis. !
charge of heavy pieces by the Union gun
boats.
Affairs on Monday.