The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-08-08
FROM McCLELLAN'S ARMY
Highly Important Movements

FORTRESS MoSRoE, August lit is ru-
mored and believed that the new Merrimac
has come down as far as Fort Darling. One
thing is authentic, that the federal gunboats
have passed up the river beyond Harrison's
Landing.
A detachment of infantry and cavalry
from McClellan's army made a reconnois.
sance down the Chickahominy and came
towards Williamsburg till they met our
pickets. They then returned and reported
not having seen the enemy.
Last night between IL and l o'clock the
rebels opened fire on McClellan's centre
for about an hour and half with four bat
teries of artillery, opposite the landing, some
above and some below. Not one third of
their shells exploded. Several vessels were
struck by fragments of shells, but no one
on the fleet was injured. After half an
hours delay, our siege guns opened fire,
and in less than forty minutes the rebels
were sienced.
If the motive of the rebels was to draw
our gunboats down the river they were diss
appointed, as none have made their appear
ance. Nothing further has been heard of
the rebel Merrimac No. 2.
WASHINGTON, August 3.-[Special to
Times. There was a report in Washing
ton on Saturday that General McClellan's
army were embarking on transports for the
purpose of changing the plan of advance
upon Richmond. The rumor was start.
ling to the general public, but gratifying
to the more thoughtful, who think the suc-
cessful performance of such change would
greatly improve the situation. The rumor
had it's origin, no doubt, in the expedition
that has just effected an important move
ment across the James River.
FORTRESS MONROE, August 1.-The
steamers Baltic and Atlantic arrived with
1000 rebel prisoners, from Fort Delaware,
to be exchanged--General Pettigrew
among them.
Nothing new Leard from the gunboats
above.
Newberne advices to the Both are re-
ceived. M. J. Calvin, Company G, 23d
Massachusetts regiment, was shot in the
street, while doing guard duty at night. The
shot was fred from house and is the fourth
attempt to murder guards. All inhabit-
ants in the neighborhOod have been secured
and all suspicious characters jailed. Six or
seven adjacent houses were demolished.
FORTRESS MONROE, Aug. 3.-One divi-
sion of General Burnside's corps has left the
roads and sailed in direction quite the oppo.
site of James river and HarrisOn's Landing.
The other divisions are embarking and will
sail very soon. Great secrecy has been
observed in making the movement.
New York, Aug. 5-A Fortress Monroe
letter in the Tribune says that the number
of our troops who crossed James river is
10000.
NEW York. Aug. ga letter to the
Tribune says Mcclellan sent large force
across the James river on Saturday, mostly
from Fitz John POrter's command.
HEADo'Rs ARMY OF Potomac. Aug. 5.
Richmond papers of August I'd, in giving
an account of the night engagement oppo.
site mailboat landing, acknowledges one
man killed and six wounded.
A large force Of infantry, cavalry and
artillery left camp last night for Malvern
Hill. No report has yet been received.
Lieut.. Col. Switzer arrived yesterday
with 592 men, the balance of our sick and
wounded from Richmond, making total of
1000 received since our army came to the
James river.
About 5000 rebel prisoners have arrived
here, to be exchanged under the new ar
raDgement.
General Barry has commenced to employ
contrabands in the construction of earth-
works.