Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-07-10


near Turkey Island, which is about ten or
twelve miles above City Point.
The Engineer Brigade of Gen. Wood
bury preceded the army, and constructed |
corduroy roads where they were niece ssa-
ry. At the Four-mile Creek, bridge
was built across the run. AT the White
Oak Swamp Creek two bridges were also
constructed by the same valuable corps.
One for the passage of the main army
train, and the other to accommodate Gen.
Heintzelman's Division, who, with Hook
err and Richardson, covered the retreat.
AS the army resumed its march on
Monday morning, information was receiv-
ed, through Gen. Richardson, that the
enemy were pursuing, and orders were
given to destroy the bridges.
The Engineer Corps was detailed for
49, It, a"d also to defend the approach
to the place. A wide space OF trees naa
been felled across the creek, and the "
ade deployed as skirmishers at the right
and left of the passage. Ayre's battery
of six guns was also left to hold the posi-
ton, and was stationed on the hill over
looking the swamp.
The retreat was conducted in the most
perfect order. There was no trepidation
or haste; no smashing up of wagons by
careless or fast driving, and not single
accident of any consequence is believed to
have occurred.
THE APPROACH TO JAMES RIVER.
When an aid of Gen. Mcclellan rode
back and reported that the way was all
open to James River, a thrill of relief
ran through the whole line, and the sight
of the green fields skirting its banks was
indeed an oasis in the terrible desert of
suspense and apprehension through which
they had passed. The teams were now
put upon lively trot in order to relieve
the pressure upon that portion still in the
rear.
Gen. Mcclellan and s;4ff rode ahead
and took possession of the old estate known
as Malvern Hills, owned by B. f. Dew,
one mile back from Turkey Island Bend
1t is large, old-fashioned estate, origi-
nally built by the French, and has near it,
in front, an old earthwork constructed by
Gen. Washington during the Revolution
airy war. 1t has a spacious ward, shaded
by venerable elms and other trees. A
fine view of the river can be had from
this elevated position. Gen. Mcclellan
expressed the opinion that, with brief
time to prepare, the position could be
held against any force the enemy can
bring against US.
Exhausted by long watching and IA
tigue, and covered thickly with the dust
of the road over which we had passed,
MANY of vthe officers throw themselves
upoa the shady and grassy lawn to rest.
The soldiers also attracted by the shady
trees, surrounded the house, or bivouacet
in the fields near by. ....... ST..
Gen. Mcclellan Immediately addressed
himself to the task of preparing dispatch
es for the Government.
THE FIRE IN OUR REAR
At 2 o'clock P. NJ, firing was hearc
in the direction of White Oak Swamp
where it was supposed Ayres was hold
ING in check the rebel force who were at
tempting to cross. This continued fo
nearly two hours, when sudden anC
heavy firing began further to the left il
the direction OF Charles City Cross Road
At this point an immense body of frest
troops, with artillery and cavalry, ha,
made their appearance direct from Rich
mond. and were engaging our batterie
still left to guard the road.
Orders were sent Immediately to pu
, the troops in line of battle; and Gems
, Porter's and Keyes' commands were 500
on the way up the bill, returning fror
their comfortable encampment beyon
. Malvern Hills. By II o'clock P. NJ
the road was thronged with these troops
with artillery and cavalry, fastening t
resist the advance of the enemy.
Members of the Staff and messenger
with important orders to the command
ing officers. The wagons were drawn u
on the right of the field a. kind of
temporary breastwork, and the troop
were disposed in line of battle at tn
i, westward, from which direction the en-
, !, envy were advancing.
THE GtNBoATs BROUGHT INTO ACTION.
The firing now became incessant, tn
e explosion of shells constant and most ter
Y rifle from both lines, and the roar of mus
kerry, mingled with the shouts and cheer
0 of the contending forces. IF we coul
y have seen them, and estimated thei
: strength or number, it would be some re
/ lief, but they were advancing, apparently
:. to within less than mile of our position
( under cover of woods. 1t was very evi
t dent that our men were being driven in
and that, too. by an overwhelming force
At this juncture, two of our gunboats
= the Galena and Aroo. took moved forwar
: some halt mile and opened fire upo
the left with their 54-pounders, the shell
| exploding in the edge of the woods alon