The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-07-11

The larger portion Of the army supplies were
at Fair Oaks. Here We were obliged to
burn vast quantities, for the lack of transpor-
tation.
At II o'clock midnight the transportation
train-the head of which was across the rail-
road, on the road crossing the railroad at
Savage's station-began to move toward
Charles City, following the direction taken
by Morel's division in the afternoon. The
transportation train was preceded by long
line of artillery.
! AT 3 o'clock Sunday morning Gen McClel-
Ian ordered his tents to be struck, which, hav-
ing been done, he, with his staff and body
guard, proceeded to Charles City.
! Gen Smith was ordered to hold his posi-
tion on the Chickahominy till The train was
at safe distance, and then to follow, acting
as guard to the rear.
At about daylight on Sunday morning Gen
Smith began to retire over the same road
that the transportation train had taken.-
Gems Sumner, Keyes and Heintzleman also
began to bring their forces round so as to
make their front extend at right angles with
the rear of the wagon train.
AS soon as the enemy disce,ned the move
ment he began to close in, but did not press
hard until later in the day.
BY noon all our artillery, except that which
was required to protect the rear of the retir-
ing column, also all our wagons, had arrived
| at Charles City. Gen McCall's division came
next. Then followed other divisions in reg
ular order, Gems Hooker and kearney bring
ing up the rear and GOVERN 6 the retreat.
( On two or three occasions the rebels made
attempts to flank Hooker and kearney, but
they were unsuccessful each time. The re-
treat was conducted in perfect order.
The main body of the army was now at
Charles City, distant from the James river by
one road six miles, and by another fifteen
miles.
! McClelan's object was 20 reach James riv-
er at point opposite Turkey Bend.
During the day the Eighth Illinois Cavalry
had been sent over the road, fifteen miles in
length, and which ran through dense )ods
in a circultous manner, to ascertain if it was
clear.
, They reported favorably, and at about dark
train of transportation wagons, preceded by
the Eighth Illinois cavalry, commenced NOV
ing toward James river. keyes' corps brought
up the rear of this column. The column
reached point two miles west of Carter's
landing at an early hour Monday morning
without accident and without meeting the
enemy.
The other road, which was nearer Rich.
mond, was not so free from the rebels. In
the morning a squad of cavalry Was sent
out to reconnoitre, and found the enemy in
possession of the road at a point five miles
from James river. He did not know then
strength, bat concluded it was not great.
At o'clock in the morning. the pickets
brought word that a squadron of rebel caval-
~ was coming down this road toward the
Charles City road. We sent up two pieces
OF artillery and planted them in concealed
position SO as to command the range of The
road upon which the cavalry was approach
ing. When they had come sufficiently neal
voley of canister was poured into thei
column, which caused them TO retreat in ;
precpitate manner. A number were killed
and several wounded.
Gen Martindale's bri igade then marched u;
and occupied the ground at the point where
the two roads meet.
At about the time the column moved or
the fifteen mile road toward James river
Morell's division, McCall's division. and
large amount of artillery were sent forward
to open the way on the upper road. Thi
they succeeded in doing after having severa
slight skirmishes with the rebels. They wer
obliged to move cautiously, however, and di;
not reach Turkey Bend till after the column
; that took the long route had reached tn
point near Carter's landing.
a train OF wagons was then sent forwar,
on the six mile route, and was followed b
infantry.
Gen Mcclellan arrived at Turkey Bend OIL
Monday morning.