The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-07-09


tugs were passed, having large numbers
of vessels in tow, and at West Point, forty
miles below White House, not less than
300 vessels were at anchor, whilst the
numerous steamers and tugs which had
brought them down. were preparing to
start up for several hundred still up the
river
About seven o'clock Friday evening
numbers of wounded commenced arriving
from the front of the lines, with the most
of whom I had an opportunity
Of conversing.
Those engaged in the repulse of Stone
wall jackson represent it to be most dis
astrous. He came down on them expect
ing a surprise, but found them all mo-
mentarily expecting him, having been in
formed by Mcclellan two days previous
that he was coming.
Instead of surprising us, the enemy re-
ceived the first shot, and after two hours
fighting retreated in confusion.
The wounded represent it to have been
a most terrific encounter, the enemy CON-
ing from Richmond in such dense masses
that the shell and grape poured into them
as they advanced made great gaps in their
lines, which were Immediately filed up,
but they still moved forward most deter
minedly and exchanged showers of balls,
which were destructive on both sides.
But when Gen. Porter ordered a bayonet
charge they retreated in double quick.
They again rallied and approached our
lines a second time. when some terrific
slaughter ensued. This time their artil-
lery being better served, was more efec
tive.
On coming to close quarters they were
again repulsed and driven back further
still. This stwice-fought over battle ground
was now literally strewn. with dead and
dying.
Gen Porter then a second time fell
back to his position, and waited an hour
for the enemy to renew the assault. They
finally came on in increased numbers,
having been largely reinforced, and were
again received with shell and grape, caus-
ing great chasms in their ranks.
A third time the enemy bore down
most bravely and determinedly on our
lines. and this conflict was the most severe
ly contested of the whole; but when the
bayonet was brought to bear they fell
back, and were pressed towards Rich
mond fully mile beyond our original
lines.
Again the fourth time Gen. Porter fell
back to his first position when an order
was received from Gen. Mcclellan to con-
tinue his retrogade movement slowl y and
in order Soon as it became apparent to
the enemy that was the purpose of Gen.
Porter to retire, they pushed forward again
boldly and bravely when they were check
ed by the entire reserve force, consisting
of the New York 9Th and 10th and two
other regiments under Col. Warren, Act
ing Brig. General, this fresh force held
the enemy in check while the force which
had previously borne the brunt Of the
battle moved steadily back in good order.
The enemy made fierce attack on the re
serve but cannon were posted at various
points of the route by which they were
retiring towards the Chicahominy which
occasionally poured in shot and she'll upon
them and checked their movements and
enabled the troops to move back in the
most admirable order
At one time in this retrogade movement
the reserve force Of Gen. Sykes, charged
on the enemy with the bayonet and drove
him back mile. In this charge the gal
liant New York 5th- and 10th drew forth
the plaudits of the army by their shrewd
ness and bravery in which, they however
lost about hundred of their members.
Cheers went up along our whole lines at
this gallant repulse which was at 3 Z. M,
and the enemy did not renew the attack
during the balance of the evening but
turning his columns towards the White
House The division of the enemy dis
patched in that direction was estimated at
20 to 10000 men Of all arms.
From the foregoing think [ have con-
clusively shown that the object of Gen.
Nj 'Clellan, long before the battle on Fri
day, was to abandon the White House.
and also draw in his right wing across the
Chicahaminy That he has accomplished
this most masterly movement with but lit
tie loss in comparison with his punish
ment Of the enemy there can be 10 doubt,
and that he has strengthened his position
by constructing his lines and changing
the base of his operations to the James
river is equally self-evident. There he
will have the cooperation Of the gun
boats
Although hope may be father to thought,
I wager that Gen. Mcclellan is in pos
session of Richmond by Sunday next
LATER.
It appears that the telegraphic eom-
munication between White House and
Mcclellan was not broken until o'clock
Saturday, when the wire was cut at dis
patch station, II miles out.
The last of the transports was moved
off by the steam tugs, and the few articles
scattered about on shore was fired. The
whole was Of small value, and thus Of the
many millions of property here few days
since, probably not $4,000 worth was de-
stroyed.
In the midst of this closing scene, I
regret to have to state that some vandal
set fire to the White House, and it is now
entirely consumed
The cavalry at the White House guard
ed the departure of the last of the wagons
and horses which moved off at the final
evacuation. and ioined the forces under