Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-06-02
FROM McCLELLAN,s ARMY.
[Correspondence Of the Philadelphia Pres

|
HUsER's FARM, VA, May 29.-The fual de-
cision Of the contest cannot much longer be de-
layed. Our army extends in a semi circle around
the city, from the railroad on the north to beyond
Bottoms Bridge OH the southwest The south.
western wing is closing up, and as II does so the
v,;nITe advanced, IN order 10 MAINTAIN the dis
lance from Richmond about the same with each
section. The hight wing IL at present the nearest
TO the enemy. Bottoms Bridge being consid-
cradle distance from Richmond, the troops cross
Ing at that point must make rapid advance to
be on 8 line with the centre and righ: wing. The
main portion OF Gen Frank in's corps will cross
at and about New Bridge; Fitz Ohm Porter will
advance from the north, as he at presents holds
the right wing: Gen Stoneman Is in the extreme
advance, and 10 not confined to any particular
route, he acts the part OF pioneer In clearing
the way for other divisions TO quietly approach
and "a Se possession.
Al We gradually approach the enemy, McClel-
Ian, with bis usual prudence, makes his advances
more slowly End cautiously, ard endeavors to
drive their advance in on the main BODY, without
risking an engagement, until everything Is ready
for the final contest.
The rebels appear in front OF our ckeis In con.
siderable force but generally are very QUIET and
the exchange OF shots Is very unfreournt ast
night the rebel pic ets on the Chickahominy,
above the New Bridge, approached 10 the banks
OF the creek, and Were very bold. One Of our men
jokinglv called out to our pickets 10 charge on
them, which called forth volley from the other
side OF the stream but was hurt on our
side, Is the rebels could see nothing to aim at
Our pickets Immediately ran 10 support their COM
raider, and some one cried out lake aim; fire 10
at which, the rebels turned and ingIorlously fed
There was not the least danger from our men, az
they ordered not TO fire unless the rebels cross
the stream. The swampy creek Is also imp,ssa.
ble except at the bridge, over which Gen. Stone
man advanced.
In those divisions Of the army W hich are now
resting their arms preparatory to the final ad
vance, the greatest order and quiet prevails, ana
the men are improving tine opportunity In various
ways Their Inuskets and other arms have been
carefully examined and cleaned. Their clothing
and equ pments have been overhaultd ard re.
paired, and when they finally go forward there
Will be no DELAY ne~ ded; end the men will be
able to Withstand considerable hardship after this
rest
ORDER OF GIN. Mel ELLAN-cROssING THE CHICK.
AHUMINY.
On the 18th ult General Mcclellan issued the
following order:
HsddqEoIfs,s Army of the Potomac.
Camp near Coal Halbor, Va, May IS. 1864.
1. Upon advancing beyond tue Chic kahomlny
the troops will 60 prepared for battle at a mo.
ment's notice and will be entirely unencumbered
l with the exception Of ambulances. All vehicles
will be left on the eastern side Of the Chicka-
hominy, and carefully packed. The men will
leave their knapsacks, packed with the wagons,
and will carry three day raIions. The arms will
be put in perfect order before the troops march,
and a careful inspection made of them, as well as
Of the cartridge-boXes, which, In all cases will
contain at least forty rounds; twenty additional
rounds will be carried by the men In their poe l.
Timber and calsson boxes are filled to their utmos,
capacity.
Commanders Of army corps will devote their
personal attention to the fulhlment Of these orders
and will personally see that the proper arrange.
ments are made for packing and properly guard
Ing the trains and surplus baggage, taking all
the steps necessary TO insure their being boug bit
promptly 10 the front when needed; they will
also take steps 70 prevent the ambul ances from
Interfering with the movement OF any troops
II then which must follow in the rear Of all the
L troops moving by the same road. SUFFICIENT
guards and STAFF officers will be detailed to carry
II out these orders.
The ammunition wagons will be in readiness
L 70 march 10 their respective brigades and bat
1 teries al moments warning, but will not cross
Il the Chicklhominy until they are sent for Ali
Il Quartermas,ers and ordnance officers are to re-
L main with their trains.
\ III. In the approaching battle the General Com
handing trusts that the troops will preserve the
discipline which he has been so anxious to en-
force, aud which they have SO generally observed
ii calls upon all the officers and soldiers 10 obey
1 promptly and iRteiligently ali orders they may
| receive; let them bear In mind that the army Of
l the Potomac has never Vet been CHECKED, and let
them preserve In battle perfect Goodness and con-
rdence, the suTe forerunners Of success. They
must keep well together, throw away no shots
rely upon the bayonet. Commanders OF feyi.
/ uenis are remiRded OF the great responsibility
/ that rests upon them; upon their GOODNESS jude-
ment and discretion, the destinies Of their regi-
| ments and succen Of the day will depend.
by command Of Maj Gen Mcclellan.
>. WILIAMs, A. A. g.