Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-08-08
From CEN MeCLELLAN's ARMY.

Last night. between and o'clock, the re-
bels opened fire on the centre Of Gen. NcClel-
lan's army, which continued for about an hour
and half from rebel batteries of fling artil-
lery opposite the anding-some above and
and some below. They threw shell OF
six and twelve pounds, round and con-
ical, and not one-third Of them cxplod-
ed The firing was intended. no doubt, for
our camps, but many Of the shot fell far short
and thereby did some little mischief to the
shipping which was lying at the landing
at anchor in the river. as the shells pass
ed over the thickest Of the vessels --
Several vessels and steamers were struck
by fragments Of shells but no one was harm
ed by them. IL is reported that 9 of our
men were killed and only 3 wounded. 1t
being in the dead Of night and our army ex-
pecting an attack in front, caused some delay
before our guns opened fire--some half an hour
to an hour-when the siege guns we're brought
to bear upon them, and in less than 40 min
utes, the rebels were sienced. The firing
was very brisk while it continued. Many Of
the shells were thrown over many Of our
camps but did not explode. All the explo-
sions which took place exploded much short
of the camps and this accounts for so few
being injured.
1t is thought that the motive Of the rebel.
in this action, was to draw the federal gun.
boats down the river to enable their boats
the new Merrimac, &c, to pass out.
The rebels, it is estimated, threw over five
hundred shells which lay, this morning scat
tered profusely over the field, aud some lodg
ed in the masts Of vessels All that is known
of the fate of the rebels is that they fed, anC
this morning the trees where they had the
batteries, presented shattered appearance
and many were cut completely down.
HEADQUARrEHs ARMY OF THE
PoroMAC, Aug. 4
Ever since he firing upon our shipping al
Mail boat landing by the enemy's batteries
our troops have occupied the opposite shore.
Yesterday a reconnaissance was made from
that point back into the country to within Il
miles from Petersburgh. IL was conducted
by Col. Avefill, and was composed of $50 o
the 9Th U. S. and $50 Of the Sd Penn. Caval
ry, with four companies Of the lst Mich. In
fantry. At Cox's Mills miles from the riv
er, they encountered the 18Th Virginia Caval
ry drawn up in line. Our men charged OF
them, when they broke and ran. They drove
them to their encampment at Sycamore Church
- Ulllth luIlutts Nutu lNtN hEdll lNiUltt
but only to run second time leaving benin,
all their tents and camp equipage aud com
missary stores, which our troops gathered to
gether and burnt The rebels had six mel
wounded and two taken prisoners. Aite
securing the country snort distance furthe
they returned TO the river
There is no further evidence Of rebel gun
boats on the river this side Of Fort Darling
Information received here goes to show tina
the new Merrimac will not be ready for tire
weeks
Two Of the gunboats we're yesterday en-
gagged in Smelling the opposite shore at Cit
Point
HEADoUARrERs ARMY OF PoToMAc,
Tuesday, Aug s.
The Richmond papers of the ID inst, /
giving an account of the night eugagemer
/ opposite the mail boat landing. acknowledge
that they had one man killed and six wound
/ cd
A large force Of infantry, cavalry and art
lery left camp last night for Malvern Hill
No report has yet been received from them.
Lieut.. Col. Switzer has arrived with 50
men, the balacc Of our sick and wouudc
from Richmond, making a total of 1000 r,
ceived since the army came to the jaime
river
About 5000 rebel prisoners have arrive
here from the North, TO be exchanged und,
the new arrangement.