Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-05-31
FROM GENERAL McCLELLAN,S ARMY.
lEnrresnon of the Philadalnhia lxaaa

HUGERs FARM, on the Chickahominy, MAY 1.
creek, and from the denominations made by the
rebels on the other side IL 10 expected that our
men will meet with considerable opposition In
crossing. Colonel Twins 49th Pennsylvania
has had the post Of honor during the morning
The whole regiment has at times been guarding
the creek. Their orders were not to Are unless
the rebels attempted to cross the river, and this
they b I'd not the daring to attempt.
The party doing picket duty on the other side
was part OF a regiment Of Iouaves, uniformed In
red caps and breectes and white shirts-a very
conspicuous uniform. They were posted in an
the creek, would withdraw into a dense wood
and attempt to draw them on, but our officers re-
strained them.
Our pickets several times attempted to draw
the enemy's fire, as many as twenty Of them
grouping together for the purpose; but the rebels
refused. Their purpose evidently Is to draw our
men on into the woods on the opposite side Of the
creek, and then attempt to snare them
The Chickahominy at this point Is about sew
enty feet wide, and at the site Of the burnt New
Bridge is about twelve feet deep, though at other
points II Is considerably less. The other side Is
very swampy, and the bridge to be erected will
be one hundred and thirty feet long. The engi-
neers made an examination Of the banks this
morning, In order to Ascertain the most suitable
protection Of our pickets, but the rebels made no
opposition The old bridge was built on piles
which are burned of down TO the waters edge
and the engineers thought II would be better 10
struct the old one, and are now diligently at WORK
TO accomplish their object
TUESDAY MORNING, May 81 The storm Of yes
terday continued until this morning when the
wind veered round to the north, and the sun shone
out Ia all his wonted glory. The rain fell in such
copiOuB quantity, however, that II was idle to
think Of marching any distance, especially as our
route would lie through an enemy's country, 30
that the order was countermanded. The sun
being out so bright during the day. will soon dry
up the roads, and, a. the Pontoon bridge 10 ready,
we will no doubt march this afternoon
During The night battery Of artillery was sent
to the creek to protect the working party but no
annoyance was given by the rebels.
For about the last thirty minutes-it IL now
about p. m.-we have heard sharp firing or T.
the right, some six or eight miles distant in the
dir ection Of Gen. Porter's division, and have no
dou b: but that we W ii be ordered to advance
some time during the night or morning. So
eral battle may be brought on before night
Just a. | finished the above paragraph, q lull
began between the reports, and In few minutes
they ceased. About half an hour afterwards we
ceased altogether. About seventy reports were
heard. The mail will be closed before will be
able to ascertain the cause.
THE BALL OPENED.
A few minutes later, after occasional hots the
affair on our right 10 becoming somewhat serious
The reports Of the discharge and explosio of the
shells can be heard very distinctly; while volIey
after volley Of musketry peals upon the ear The
firing OF artillery Is very sharp; while the sound
Of the muskeisy 10 at times almost continuous.
The balloon 10 up, on line almost directly 10
the west Of our encampment, and apparently In
the vicinity Of the engagement.
Our men are becoming very much inter
ard stand In excited groups in various parts OF
the encsmpment, watching the operations Of the
and artillery, and debating on the prospect Of an
imned ate advance.
A short time ago, when the pickets were re
lieved, and were leaving the creek, the rebe ID
n N q M nj llarr and Fo.,.
shells after them, but without doing any damage
Our fresh pickets occupy the same line, but have
not been molested.
The men are in good spirits, ready and spelling
for the d. ht.
THE REBELS ouT.sgNKRALED-rHE cHIcKAHoM.
my no DEFENsE.
Correspondence OF the Philadelphia Inquirer
THREE MILES BEYOND BorToM's BRIDGE, MAY
25-The information derived from the prisoners
taken at w illbimsburg was to the effect that the
Union forces would be obliged to fght terrible
battle before they could cross this insignificant
stream-the Chickahominy. The enemy, no
doubt, intended to make this river the line OF
their defense; but, thanks to the skill OF General
Mcclellan and other scientific officers their whole
plans were futile. Three hundred thous and men
could not now defend Richmond, according to
peculiar dispositioH Of The Union forces. They
are obliged to fall back 10 the outskirts Of Rich.
mond, and form new plans. They are completely
out generated.
Thousands OF troops crossed Bottoms Bridge
today, pushing on 70 take part In the great fight
for the maintenance Of the Constitution a. handed
down to us by our fofefathers.
The Chickahominy river ut Bottom bridge Is
Of little account-some ten m lies down stream
near Long bridge, the river begins to look some.
what respectable. The mules In the army train
could almost drink Il dry at this point. The
shore on each side Of the river IL low and wet
probably very good meadow land. Dense woods
are on the hills adjoining these meadows.
The shores OF the Chickahominy could be
made very strong for a dsfensive position, and
the enemy no doubt Intended to avail Themselves
Of these natural defences, but science and genius
knocks all their props from under them, and
away they 60. Thus Il will ever be, while we
have such man n Gen. Mcclellan At the head
Of our army.
ANOTHER GRAND AFFAIR-rKs ENEMY DRIvRN
FROM THAR PosITIoN-A SUCCESSFUL RECON.
NoIssAscE.
MAY 26th Gen. Nagles brigade started ont
yesterday afternoon q reconn ,issance, for the
purpose OF asctrtaining where the enemy Were,
AID also took possession tf q cross road, some
nine miles from Richmond.
The brigade mGved cautiously along the main
road, ana when In The neighborhood Of the cross
roads came across tie enemy In force, cons sting
Of artillery. infantry and cavalry. Firing com.
menced with spirit on both sides. Gen. Naglee
opened the ball. and made 10 hot that the enemy
beat q hasfy retreat, when our forces took theif