, 1862-04-12

shooters.-G1nbeafso on York River.
Correspondence of the Philadelphia Inquirer J.
NEAR YORKTOWN, Sunday, April 6.
The most important feature Of the day has
been the balloon ascension, which, in point Of
importance to the Government, has been one
OF the grandest balloon reconnofssances ever
made. The first ascension was made at five
o'clock in the morning, and then and there the
poElt1en and strength Of the enemy were as-
connoissaaces Of from one to TWO hours were
made and important information gained.
Ihe Notifications Of the rebels are Of tile
strongest possible character, and sweep an ex-
tent OF country Of seven miles, extending
across the peninsula from the York to the
yamcs nyers. Behind these Notifications they
nave large reserve force, SO that the entire
strength Of the rebels at this point IL rated at
from twenty-five. to thirty thousand men.
Their forts are mounted by guns Of the heayi-
est callbre, and some Of them are Of contin-
nous character for miles, being connected by
eafth#orks. The heaviest chain Of forts
arc On the west, although those on the
the North-the point from which the aring
vas first: commenced on Saturday-arc eufii.
elently formidable to resist powerful attack.
There arc other minutir Of these forts In
possession Of our officers, which 1t is not
proper 70 make known at present. Suffice it
TO 6ay that through the means of the balleon
aeeensions, made yesterday, every information
Is IN onr possession Of the design and iutcu-
ton Of the rebels.
: Gen: Maggruder issued proclamation to the
soldiers Of the rebel army on the 223th ult. He
stafcs that the enemy 10 upon them, and that
ms numbers is far superior to theirs. He ad-
Ylbes them to tortny themselves in every DOS
s1ole place, and to contest every inch Of
ground. Three days rations are to be cooked,
and baked biscuit are to be carried instead Of
Hour. The fight, he anticipates, will take
P!aee On WARWICK river. In lnconclusion he ad
yises them to fire Low.
Heavy firing, probably proceeding from our
gunboats. has been heard on the river all day.
John L. Qu1ggg, correspondent of the New
York HoTld. captured a. rebel, supposing him
him to be the one who shot the Lieutenant
IRON Maine: He was taken to headquarters.
Gen. Hamilton had his horse knocked from
under him On Saturday. The horse was killed
and the General escaped injury.
a circular, issued By the rebels, vas found
by one Of General Hamilton's aids. The pur-
port OF it was full description Of the pres
en- o1#ard movement, with al the details;
aa7so. Gen: MagrudeE's plan Of defeating the
received this information from high source,
seveIM weeks ago, or they conld not have col
the circular out 50 soon.
a d!yaalqn took the Newport News road,
beyond their camp, came to Young's MiHs. st
Deep creek. Some rebel cavalry and infantry
were here encampmed, who dispersed upon
the arrival Of the Union forces TheY fired
yutley before leaving, shooting one of Tire
Union soldiers in the shoulder. They left a
camp. in perfect order-drcs burning and "A.
tione being cooked.
The division rested here on Friday night.
and then advanced, intending to form innc.
ton Nth the other portion OF. the army be-
fore Yorktown.
1t ha1fpast fous O'Clock on Sunday sitter.
noon no shots had been fired fornearan an hour,
~I1ev1ous 70 tarse O. clock the enemy attempted
tosL9englneh their works, but the Onion bat.
teI1es soon stopped them with few gheU.
During Sunday the sharp shooters were
Withdrawn, with the exception Of 4 few "a
p'cSets' During the afternoon one gun Bag
depressed by the rebels, and about dark one
enot Hss fired at squad Of men who ware
Viewing the enemy with q Elasa; It was 4
splendid line shot, but did NO damage. The:
enemy seem to haYe the range Of tic whole
:, It WIS reported at dark on sunday evening
Ient another OF the sharp shooters had been
>: The sharp shooters hare covered themselves
#1th glory; so hare the .arti1eEists, Tn to
eunuay evening the infantry; reglmants have
Deen IN the background the aTtilIerists and
snEaaIp-snooters Eap doug nearly all the work.
Inc troops seem anxious for an attack. md
spt AZ Of It with great euthugiagu.
Abo At dark the: enemy appeared on their
ea1thHorka, as if desiring al attacE. 4 shot
ION t, the piekcts sent them helter skelter to
Previous to the going down Of tie sun, Pro:
lessor Lowe made an ,4seension in his bailoon:
Inc enem5's works arr. yeiY exteasiye-th6
ceHt1e FORMING cufYet OF, ,Rof6e.lhpe shape