The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-02

THE SITUATION.
The Army of the Potomac has had great con-
fict, terminating in a grand success, before Rich
mond. General Mcclellan telegraphed to the War
Department yesterday (another Sunday sensation)
the account of a desperate battle fought on Sa-
turday on the banks of the Chickahominy. Gene
raj Mcclellan dates his despatch from " the field
OF battle" at noon yesterday, and Says We
have had desperate battle, in which the corps
of Generals Sumner, Heintzleman and Keyes have
been engaged against greatly superior num-
bers. Yesterday at one o'clock the enemy,
taking advantage of terrible storm, which
had flooded the valley of the Chicka-
hominy, attacked our troops on the right flank.
General Casey's division, which was in the first
This caused a temporary confusion, during which
the guns and baggage were lost, but Generals
Heintzeman and Kearney most calamity brought
mp their troops which checked the enemy. At
the same time, however, we succeeded, by great
exertion, in bringing across Generals Sedgwick
and Richardson's divisions, who drove back the
enemy at the point of the bayonet, covering the
ground with his dead. This morning Sunday
the enemy attempted to renew the con-
fict, but was everywhere repulsed. We have
taken many prisoners, among whom is General
Pettigrew and Colonel Long. Our loss is heavy,
but that of the enemy must be enormous. With the
exception of General Casey's division the men be-
haved splendidly. Several fine bayonet charges
have been made"
1t is evident from this despatch that the battle
was indeed terrible one, and the victory complete,
although in the absence of details, it is impossible
to give the exact location Of the field or the extent
of the loss. The order issued by General Mcclellan
to his army on Monday last, however, which we
publish in another column, in our correspondence
from the Chickahomny-and more soldierly
and mastery order never was written
foreshadows the conflict then approaching
which is now announced in his official
despatch. The most intense excitement
prevailed in Washington yesterday on the receipt
Ian were bafhed and struck dumb. The immedi-
ate occupation of Richmond may be now looked
for. A very brief time will serve to diminish the
distance between General McClellan's army and
the rebel capital, and the result of his advance
cannot now be doubted.
We give to-day further particulars Of the evacu-
alton of the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, by the
rebels, and sketch of that place and its vicinity
which, at this juncture, will be read with great in
terest.
Major General Dix left Baltimore by steamer
yesterday for Fortress Monroe to relieve General
Wool from his command at that post. General
Wool, it is said, will take the place Of General
Dix at Baltimore.
It will be seen by the extracts from the New
Orleans True Delta and Picayune, which we give
to-day that the press gracefully acquesces in the
order Of the Military Commandant of that city, APP
pointed by General Butler. The temperate and
rminently proper proclamation Of General Shep
ley as the True Delta admits it to be, win be re-
sponded to by the citizens in accordance with q
resolution passed by the City Council, authorizing
Che election of "a loyal citizen of New Orleans"
Tor Mayor, in place of Mr.. Monroe, now confined
In Fort Jackson.
\ The capture Of prizes by our navy Of late is
worthy Of note. We publish in another column
m account of the arrival Of the prize steamer
Patras, recently captured while attempting to run
into Charleston harbor. The vessel and her cargo
was valued 1t $500, 900. In addition to this the
blockading squadron has already captured the fol-
lowing steamers The Circassan CBritisb), Der.
muda (British), Swan, Labuan British, since re-
btored), Magnolia, Florida, Ella Marley, stettin
(Brtsh), Calhoun, Lewis, Wallace, Fox, and the
rebel gunboat Planter, run out Of Charleston by
loyal contrabands. The aggregate value Of these
bessss is over IS, 100000.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The steamship City Of New York, from Queens
Down on the 22d Of May was of Cape Race last
Saturday on her voyage to this port. Her news il
Tour days later than the advices BY the Europa
bud, being telegraphed in detail from st. Johns
Newfoundland, is Published in the HERALD to day.
synopsis of the points Of the report appeared
b. our columns yesterday morning The news by
bic City Of New York, taken In connection with
to letters Of our correspondents In London. Paris