The New York herald., 1862-04-16
IMPORTANT FROM YORKTOWN.

Progress OF the Siege-Activity oft Hos
ttle Armfes-Rebel Batteries at Giouces-
'ter-The Works Below Gloucester
shelied by Union Gunboats, &C., DC.
BxEoRx YORKTOWN, April Is, 1852
Yesterday morning, about two O'Clock, section OF
artillery was posted within half mile Of the reoei
works. the river, supported by sufficient infantry
to prevent them being captured. Fifteen shots were
fred the rebel sarthworks before they were able To
bring their guns to bear, when withdrew with
out damage.
Ane view yesterday obtained Of the position of
the rebels both at Yorktown and Gloucester from Fair
childs house, at the mouth eof wormths creek.
Twenty four guns seen in the water battery at
Yorktown and nine at Gloucester At the latter place
largo number OF w0rkmen engaged In erecting new
works.
At Yorktown the old works used during the siege OF
IFel still visible, and readily distinguished from
those OF recent construction Heavy guns were mount
Cd on the walls, and the rebel flag was flying
from its battlements The principal wharf was covered
with commssary stores whlo the river was dotted with
sails. Every appeared to be busy, as though the
uoming struggle depended upon his individual sxsrtions
Late in the Afternoon schooner, anchored short
distance above tho wharf, was burned.
ThsAotla yesterday afternoon engaged in Smelling
out body Of rebels who engaged in constructing
shore battery about four miles below Gloucester The
result Of the firing was not known.
On Saturday Corporal Walter H. Bean. Company E,
erdan sharpshooters what shot through the neck and
back while on picket.
Last night things wore remarkably quiot. slight
Nh over occurred this morning. but the made
tts appearance
Operations OF the Union Flotilla i'm York
WASHINGTON, April 49, 1862.
Tho steamer Yankee, Capt. Eastman, arrived at tho
Navy Yard to-day having left York river at six O'Clock
yesterday morning.
The Yankee about eight miles up the York river
on Sunday night and anchored Off Gloucester Point
where the steamers Penobscot, Marbehead and wachu
sstt already lying The rebel batteries at the Point
which said to be extensive, mounting mostly
100pound rHed guns tried the range OF their guns
the steamers about three O'Clock yesterday afternoon
shot falling very little short Of the Marblehead. Tho
vessels then dropped down the river and about three
miles below the Point discovered party OF rebels build
Ing battery on the north bank, whom the Yankee
opsaed Are al distance OF three quarters OF mile
The rebels seemed 10th to abandon their works, and
although the shells OF the Yankee fell in their midst
they did not leave the vicinity but took refuge in the
woods and behind some neghboring log houses. The
Yankee. after firing some sixty or seventy shot and
Bhcu during hour and half left the scene, the other
boats having come up to do their share.
A the Yankee was leaving, the boats OF the Marble
head the way 70 the shore 10 burn the houses
behnd which the rebels had taken refuge.
During the engagement battery up the river fred
some eight ten shot, but they fell far short Of thom
The guns in the batteries ut Gloucester Point said
be only in position 10 reach vessels below them in the
middle Of the river and light draught vessels ap-
proach within short distance Of tho Point with safety
. By hugsing the shore.
Fears Of tho Richmond People for the
Safety OF the City.
FORTRESS MONROE, April IA, 1862.
Richmond paper contains editorial exhibiting
considerable for the safety Of that city. II init
mates that the Monitor, Naugatuck and Galsna, all
armorsd vessels, might easily come up James river,
md by their invulneraby and powerful guns take and
keep possession Of the city To prevent such result
proposes that the channel Of James river shall be OBJ