Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-18


WHAT THE REBELs THINK or M'cLELLAN's
NEW POSITION
The Richmond Erpmina Of tie 7th has
been received here. In discoursiug on Gen.
McClellan's present position il says: I'VE
believe all that was known In that city yester-
day outside of the several circuits Of bureau
cracy was that the enemy has taken a strong
position with one Of his Aanks resting on the
James river about Berkley completely under
cover Of his gunboats, and his extreme right
reaching TO Herring creek, where his position
i, defended by an almost impassable rayine
1t was supposed that the enemy would have
been attacked Yesterday, but there had been
no fighting up to the last accounts we have
had from the lines 1t is not to be supposed
that the enemy had selected these pleBtations
as the scene Of his last great stand without
good reasons The first and most apparent
of these Is that the Westover Landing is per-
haps the very best on James river, and the
stream % and down being broad aud deep,
affords both excellent sea room and anchorage
for his gunboats and Transports but this is
by no means the only advantages Of the posi-
! tioa On the west Of Betkey are deep Ta-
/ vines running from near the Charles City road
ON the nurth TO James river, making sue
c.ssful attack from that quarter next to inn
possible Within quarter of mile from
where those ravines begin Herring Creek eros
sos the Charles City road, and running in
south -eastcriy direction, skirts north and east
tho plantations Of Berkeley and Westover,
and cmpnc. into the James river. Al the
/ extreme eastern boundary Of the latter the
whole cuuse OF the creek is one impassable
! marsh, which also ON the northern and eastern
bank extends to the heights of elevation
/ long range of hills that overlook Westover
aud Bcrklcy, which offer an excellent position
for their heavy guns. u will be seen that
protected ON the south by the river and his
sunboats. ON the west by impossible rayinos,
aud on the north and east by Herring creek
and the heights OF elevation, the onemys
position presents but one unimprognable point,
the piece Of level country northwest of West
over, from quarter 60 half mile IN width
lying between the head Of the ravines and
/ the point where Herring creek crosses the
/ Charlus City road But it is certain that the
enemy with his immense resources of men and
machinery will in very brief period obstruct
by art this only natural entrance TO his strong
hold. Already it is within range of his gun
boats, aud Of his siege guns planted on the
elevated hills Another day may see it strewn
with felled timber and bristling with field
batteries. In enumcratng the advantages
secured to the enemy by his present position,
his superior facilities for transpor alton must
bg admitted
FOR Instance oi nearly 'h''ty "i'ea ui'
steamers and transports arc running up to the
very doors Of his tents. FOR the oeneht oil
the distant reader we may properly say some
thing of the character OF the country TO whleh
suddenly and unexpectedly the seat oil wal
has been shifted.
Ten days ago, when Gen Mcclellan oeleag-
uerod Richmond with the exception OF about
five miles OF the Chlekahomlny low ground
has occupied the most barren and az the same
time the worst watered and most unhealthy