Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1862-07-09
The Engineer Corps was detailed for this
duty, and also to defend the approach to the

place.
Holg tie Retreat icds Conducted.
The retreat was conducted in the most per-
feet order. There was no trepidation or haste !;
no smashing up of wagons by careless or fast
driving and not a single accident of any con
sequence is believed to have occurred. A
drove of $500 fat cattle, under the charge of
Col. Clark, chief Commissary, of McClellan's
staff, were successfully driven along. They
had been brought up from the White House,
and narrowly escaped stamping by the rebels.
The forage of the army had all been con-
sumed the day before, thus relieving the train
of an immense burden. After approaching
within about five miles of the river the train
was divided, part being sent by each of three
roads which convergad near the landing.
The soldiers regarded retreat as the carry
ing out Of part Of q necessary plau-the only
dissatisfaction expressed being at the leaving
behind so many Of the sick and wounded
Plenty of provisions and medicines were left
for them, however, and if they are permitted
to use them, their situation for some time to
come will be much better there than with the
army in the midst of conflict and alarm.
Care ofate Sick aud Houaaed.
At Savage's Station, the Government had
made arrangements for the sick and wounded
as they were brought from the field. 1t was
under the care Of DR.. John Swineburn. Dr.
Brunot, cf PIttSburg, Penna., arrived on Sun
day with corps Of surgeons and nurses
How many Of these remained with the pa
tlents am not able to state. There is re-
port that large part of them ran away when
the army left. 1t was certainly severe test
of their philanthropy to be lett in rebel hands.
The demand for nursing and surgical at
tendance was so great shat large numbers
were obliged to wait long hours before their
cases could be reached. The worst cases
were attended to first but there was and have
been a great many who never received atten-
tons at all.
Tie Approach TO James Ricer.
When an aid of General Mcclellan rode
back and reported that the way was all open
to James River, thrill of relief ran through
the whole line, and the sight of the green
field skirting its banks was indeed al oasis
in the terrible desert of suspense and appre-
hension through which they had passed
The teams were now put upon lively trOt
in order to relieve the pressure upon that
portion still in the rear.
Gen. Mcclellan expressed the opinion that
with a brief time to prepare, the position
could be held against any force the enemy
can bring against US.
The following is an account of the battles
fought in front of Richmond on Sunday, Mon
day, and Tuesday, the ST., 9th, and 7th days
of the engagement:
On Sunday morning the corps of Sumner
and Franklin were left iu the works at Fair
Oaks, with instructions to evacuate and pro-
tect the baggage and supply trains on their
way to james river. They had hardly left
their position, and were falling back on the
railroad and Williamsburg turnpike, when
the enemy discovered the movement and i'm
medlately started in pursuit with their whole
force.
So rapidly did they approach that our off,
GERS had barely time to place our men in
position to receive them, before they were
upon them.
The enemy advanced to an attack about 2
o'clock, which was promptly met by our men,
The battle lasted until dark during which
the enemy suffered terribly. They al anced
in a solid pass 10 within short distance of
our artillery, and the effect Of our guns on
their ranks Was fea1faI. They were killed
and wounded by hundreds
At dark the enemy were repulaed, and
forced TO abandon their position. This bat
tie took place about one and a half miles above
Savage Station.
While the battle was in progress other i'm
pOrtant events were trauspiring The rail
road bridge over the Chichahominy was burn.
ed, and u train of twelve cars under full
head Of steam, was raG overheard. All the
and GaaYtermaztcr stores we're
cowmttei to sEe flames, together with 4 large
amount of ordnance stores.
The large house at tie station, and the ad
Joining grounds were filled with our 81 * and
wounded, whom it was impossible to remove,
and were left under the charge Of our surgeons,
with all the necessaries at hand for their COM
fort. Ihey number about seven hundred,
and are now in the enemy's hands.
The troops which had fought the battle of
Sunday retreated, under the cover of night.
to White Oak Swamp Bridge, distance of
about twelve miles, there to await the ap-
proach Cf the enemy.
The disposition of the troops on Monday,
the 9th day, was as follows:
Gen. Smiths division, supported by Gen.
Naglee's brigade, occupied the right of the
bridge, while Sumner and Franklin's CORPS
were on the left. Heitzleman's corps, with
McCalPs division, was posted out on the New
Market road to meet the enemy, who was ap.
preaching from tne direction OF Rlchm0nd.
The enemy came up boldly early in the fore
noon, having beenheavily reinforced by troops
that had fought the battle of Friday on the
opposite side of the Chickahominy.
At about 2 O'Clock it became evident that
some portions of our lines must give way, as
the enemy were evidently throwing fresh
troops into action. Our troops in front of
the bridge now fell back to within three and
a half miles of Turkey Island Bridge, where
the fight was shortly after renewed, and con
tinued with great determination on both sides.
The loss on Monday was very heavy on
both sides. During the day all the cattle and
q greater part of the transportation had safe.
ly crossed Turkey Island Bridge. Some
rear wagons were abandoned and fired on
this day in order to make room for the ar.
tillery.