The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1862-07-05
out in various directions during the day, aud
preparations were made for obstructipr the

out in various directions during the day. and
preparations were made for obstructipr the
roads.
At dusk new panic was created by the die.
covery that bales of hay had been piled over
and about all the large masses Of subsistence
stores on the landing, indicating the probs.
bility that it might become necessary during
the night to apply the torch to them to pre.
vent their falling into the hands of the enemy.
| While all these preparations are going on in.
dicatins the probable intention Of evacuatine
the landing on shore, the numerous steamers
and tugs. probably fifty in number, had been
busy towing down the river to West Point, Z
distance OF nifty miles. through its tortuous
with stores. The vessels that we're scattered
about in the vicinity were also collected toceth
er in separate groups, and anchored in the stream
where they could be easily and rapidly taken
IN tow by the steamers when the time for til. ir
removal arrived. And in order that the reader
may imagine the scene here presented, it may
De proper tor him to understand that not less
| than seven hundred sail of vessels were two DAYS
previous at anchor at the White House, and
landing, and stream, along for eight or ten miles
down the river.
liz the meantime the work on the construction
OF the railroad bridge over the Pamunkey, just
above the landing, was steadily progressing, a
large force OF workmen being constantly at
work. This fact in conjunction with the evident
movements towards speedy evacuation, be.
wiidered the speculations of the uninitiated, but
COL ingalls,, under whose direction the evacus-
tion was progressing, moved about as coolly as
a summers morning.
The morning train brought down the crafty
ing news that the forward movements of Gen.
Hooker had been entirely successful, and that
ne held the enemy's camp and rife pits. About
one hundred more Of the wounded arrived, and
were removed, with the Others to the hospital
steamers, where the Sanitary Committee, with
large corps of surgeons, and the numerous Sis
tiers OF Charity in attendance, did all III their
power to render the poor fellows comfortable
There are also large number of volunteer fe.
male nurses in attendance, who are unremittine
in their attention and kindness to the sick and
| wounded.
The reports from the front on Thursday eve.
ming continued favorable, heavy diminishing hsv-
ing taken place on the right, resulting in the
repulse OF the enemy, and few more of the
wounded arrived, who reported everything pro
crossing most satisfactorily, while all the indica.
tons we're that general battle along the whole
line would take place next day (Friday) The
trains were kept in motion all night carving
forward munitions of war, while the wagon
trains we're still lining the roads with commisssry
stores.
THE GREAT ALARM.
On Friday morning the first item of news from
the front received by telegraph was gratifying
announcement that Stonewell Jackson and Ew-
ell, in attempting to turn the right flank, were
repulsed by Gen. Mccall with his Peunsylyania
Reserves, and driven back with great slaughter
This attempt Of Jackson was made at three
o'clock in the morning, and had closed at six
o'clock, With a signal victory. This repulse is
said to have been one of the most decisive and
destructive of the war; the enemy being put to
a complete rout, with very light loss to our for
ces. Although at night, and intended for sur
prise, the gallant Pennsylvanians we're found to
be wide awake. There was, however, every in.
dication of general battle along the whole line,
and Gen. Mcclellan, in order to be ready for all
emergencies gave directions to Gen. Casey and
Col. ingalls, to make every preparation for the
instant removal or destruction of all the supplies
at White House, should the result of the impend
ing battle render such course necessary, his
force being deemed too small to render the sue.
cessful defense of his position certainty against
such a movement of the enemy as might ensue.
The steamers and tugs were all in early requi-
sition, and were moving down the river with
long trains of transports in tow. The vessels
nearest the landing were also stored full of com
missarv stores and munitions, moved out in the
stream. The immense piles Of boxes of crackers,
barrels of pork, and other stores along the land
ing we're again covered over with bales of hay 80
as to be ready at moments notice to apply the
torch for their destruction, if it should become
necessary
There was also great commotion among the
crowds of contrabands, who have been found
most efficient lahorers, and who have been used
to great advantage in the commissary and mum
. ton departments. They soon understood that
danger was apprehended, and on being assured
!, by Col. Ingalls, that they would not be lett be
, hind to meet the vengeance of their masters,
, went to work with renewed energy. Stores and
munitions everywhere disappeared from the
landings with great rapidity, and we're being
{ packed on the wharf boats and vessels contigu-
Gus. The wives and children Of the contrabands
also soon made their appearance, and, with bum
, dies and babir, took position on the coal.boats
as they were Eated out into the stream.
The mail steamer, which should have left for
, Fortress Monroe at o'clock in the morning,
, was ordered 10 be detained, and at 9 o'clock 4
, dispatch was received that general battle was
progressing along the whole line, the enemy hav.
| ing renewed the attack to flank Gen. Porter's
position on the right wing At IL o'clock a
, second dispatch announced that Gen. Porter
, had driven the enemy before him and repulsed
them three times with terrific slaughter, and
Was then ordered by Gen. Mcclellan to fall
back. This dispatch was signal for renewed
energy in the work of evacuation, and oil the
Quartermaster's papers and valuables, and the
chests of the Paymasters we're brought on
board the mail boat.
The family of Quartermaster Engle was also
brought on board, with bis horses and carriage,
and the horses Of Assistant Qusrtermaster Saw
tell. The household furniture and the servants
of these officials also soon followed, which in
creased the excitement among the suffers and
! army followers. Some of the suffers became so
panic stricken as to sell out their stocks at half
price, and fastened on board the boat, while
some determined to hold on and take the chan
; |ces. There was an intention on the part OF
Gen. Mcclellan to evacuate the White House as
soon as his movements in front should be per
fected, there was no doubt, but whether as
necessity or q strategic movement could not at
that time be foreseen.