The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-07-04
Evacuation OF our Position
-ox THE
CHICKAHOMINY.
A New Base of operations Chosen by
GEN. MCCLELLAN.
Richmond TO be Approached by James River.
GEN. BURNSIDE REPORTED IN REAR
OF FORT DARLING. IN FORCE.

lHC correspondent VI tnc DaltilnOrc AucI
lean thinks the object of Gen. Mcclellan
was to abandon White House and draw in
his right wing across the Chickahominy
which he accomplished with little loss in
comparison with the punishment he gave the
enemy, and thus strengthen his position by
contracting his lines, and change tho base OF
his operations to James River, where no will
have the CO operation Of the gunboats. II
the rebels attempt to interrupt his supply by
dash on James river, they will meet with
prompt punishment from the gunboats, and
so weaken their forces in front Of the city
that II will fall into his hands with but
slight loss.
NIw YORK, June 30.
The West Point (Va.) correspondent OF
the Post states that 1t was reported there
that our pickets were driven in on the after
noon of the Goth, at White House, and that
the shipping had all been sent to West
Point from White House.
A rebel mail captured states that Beaure-
gard had arrived at Richmond with the
main portion Of his army; that 30 1000 men
had been sent to reinforce jackson, and that
the latter would at once attack the right
flank of the army, while Leo would make a
desperate attack in front.
The Philadelphia Inquirer states that the
soldiers by the steamer State Of Maine report
that when they lett the White House on
Thursday, 1t was believed that the advanced
guard of jackson had driven in our pickets
i've miles of, while his main body was ten
miles in the rear. A Union regiment and
all the sick ut White House able to bear
arms were at once ordered out. Word was
sent to Casey's division, and oil the trees on
tho Pamunkcy river cut down, to give play
to the batteries OF the gunboats. All stores
and munitions were sent on board transports
which were anchored out in the stream under
the protection of gunboats.
PHILADELPHIA, june 30.
The following is the conclusion OF the
Baltimore Americans account Of the recent
affair before Richmond:
Washington, .trne 90. Since closing my
letter from White House, find myself very
unexpectedly in Washington city, and in
possession Of most reliable information from
White House and other points on the penin-
sula, nearly day later than IL contained in
my letter. 1t appears that telcgraphic COM
munication between White House and Gen.
Mcclellan was not broken until near one
o'clock on Saturday, and then the wire Was
cut ut the dispatch station, eleven miles out.
Tunstalls station, four miles out, was in our
possession until four o'clock in the after
noon, at which hour the operator ut White
House heard strange signal coming over
the wire. On going to the instrument he
was heraldcd with what the Union soldiers
call the rebel national salute I" say, o
YOU -ofa-!" This was the signal
given for final evacuation, when portion OF
the infantry forces Immediately embarked on
board the steamboats, in waiting Tor them.
The last of the transports were moved of by
steam tugs, and few articles, scattered
about on shore, fired. The whole was of
very small value; and thus Of tho many
millions worth Of property here a few days
ago. perhaps not $4,000 worth was destroyed.
In the midst Of this closing scene in the
beautiful ,Chickahominy region, regret to
have to state that some yandal set fire to the
White House, and il was entirely consumed.
The enemy made his appearance in consid-
cradle force at the White House, about Z o.
clock Saturday evening, and although he
found neither bread for man nor hay for
beast, was welcomed with heavy showers OF
grape shot from the three gunboats which
were ranged along in front OF the landing.
They were supposed to be 30 1000 strong, and
unless they brought their hayersacks well
supplied, must have gone supperlcss to bed.
In the best of times found starvation stare
mo in the face ut White House, and | hope
the rebels found no better fare.
The cavalry at the White House guarded
the departure of the last wagons and horses,
which moved of ut the final evacuation, and
Joined the forces of Gen. Stoneman, who
were lowering in the vicinity all day. AZ
ter passing these trains of and securing their
entire safety, Gen. Stoneman with the entire
force moved of in direction that am not
ut liberty to state.
Gen. Casey reports that no lost not man
nor did he leave soul behind, not even q
contraband.
AT 10 o'clock on Saturday morning Col.
Ingalls,, and Capt. Sawtelle were before
Yorktown with an immense convoy OF yes-
sells and steamers, on their way to tho new
base of operations on James river. They
would doubtless move down Immediately to
Fortress Monroe. and await the instructions
of Gen. Mcclellan. A number are, howey-
er, already up the James river under the pro-
lection of the gunboats.
Since un early hour on Saturday morning.
Gen. Mcclellan has been deprived OF his tel.
egraphic communication ut Washington
lie abandoned its use several hours before the
wires were cut, doubtless being fearful that
the enemy might, by placing magnet on
tho wires read his orders. Direct conmuni-
cation with Gen. Mcclellan is now being
opened, however. by the gunboats, up the
mouth of the Chckahominy, and oil will
soon DO right in this respect.
New YORK. June 30.
Rumor says that some officers from Gener-
al McClellan's army say tina: during the re-
treat of the right wing Gen. Mcclellan nd.
vanccd the left wing some five miles to n
lofty emincnce, where q largo quantity Of
charcoal was being used to heat hot shot for
Richmond, OF which place the position is
within easy Smelling distance.
Rumor also rays that Gen. Burnside has
landed in the rear Of Fort Darling, and all
his available troops, were ready te attack it.
An officer gives report that Richmond is
already on fire from hot shot.
These reports are given without youshing
their. credibility.