The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1862-05-15
Affairs in Virginia.

starting for Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where they are at
present confined.
Affairs in Virginia.
WASHINGTON, April 10.
Gen. McDowell's division yesterday marched from
Warton Junction up to fredericksburg. This march
was disputed by one regiment of infantry and one of
cavalry and a battery of artillery. They made
distinct stands, but were driven across the Kappa
hammock. Our loss was FIVE killed and sixteen
wounded.
The rebels burned the bridges over the river at
Fredicksburg Our troops have not yet occupied the
town. Small parties have crossed and recrossed the
river to the outskirts, but have been warned by the
loyal citizens not TO venture too far, except in force.
A large body of the rebels. which occu pied the place
until recently, have gone to Yorktown.
WASHINGTON, April 81.
Gen. Shields has been nominated n Major General.
Gen. McDowells headquarters will be Immediately
removed TO Fredericksburg.
On Friday a flag of truce crossed the Rappahannock
to communicate with the municipal authorities, all Of
whom remain. The City Council have called q
meeting. after the appearance of our force, and
appointed a committee to confer with the Federal
General relative to the occupation of fredericksburg
and the protection of private property. The Council
at the same time adopted a resolution declaring that
since the adoption of the ordinance Of secession, the
city had been unanimously in favor of, and still was
firmly attached to the Confederacy, surrendering
only upon condition of protection TO private property.
Arrangements were perfected for getting the commit
tee to the Commanding General, Saturday.
Much valuable information had been obtained
from loyal citizens of Fredicksburg, who have crossed
to Falmouth. Most of them affirm that so soon as
we take possession of the city, and there is no fear
of the return of the rebel soldiers. a majority of the
remaining citizens will be found loyal.
A vast amount of grain and other forage was stored
in the vicinity OF Fredicksburg. much of which
belonged to the rebel army. The enemy, besides
destroying the bridges, burned three steamers and
20 schOoners loaded with corn.
Gen. McDowell's design to advance on Fredicks-
burg has been kept secret, and was not publicly
known here until the suburbs of the town were
occupied by him. Our army is now in full occupa-
ton.
Affairs at YOrktown-Va.
WASHINGTON, April 16.
4 telegram from Gen. Wool, at Fortress Monroe,
last night, says everything is very quiet, and weather
very favorable for operations at Yorktown. 1t is
probable that Gen. Mcclellan will soon be able to
open his batteries on the enemy's Notifications.
Several dispatches to the New York papers state
that an officer who left the army before Yorktown
reports that Gen. Mcclellan is in the best of spirits,
and is sanguine Of his ability TO drive the rebels out
Of Yorktown and Virginia. The same officer says
that when he left. the enemy were burning their bar
racks-an evidence of preparation TO evacuate, in
expectation of being speedily driven out.
Davis aud General Jos. Johnston are both at
Yorktown, Johnston in command. The number of
rebel troops there cannot be less than 100000.
The rebel position extends across the peninsula
from Yorktown to Warwick. near the James river.
The formation Of the land and peculiar bend enables
them to command with their fortihcatiOns all the
roads up 10 the peninsula.
Generals Lee and Johnston are both reported there
one commanding Yorktown and the other War
wick. Magruier holds subordinate command, and
is with the reserve at Williamsburg.
According to reports OF deserters. the rebel forces
number $1,000, Of whom 10000 are reinforcements
from the Rtppahannock.
Our Generals are pushing forward preparations
for the assault upon the enemy's works, and not
many days will elaPse before Yorktown will be ours,
aud Richmond threatened.
Our sharpshooters hold advanced positions under
the Rebel batteries. from which they continually har-
rass the enemy. One sharpshooter belonging to the
California regiment has almost wholly prevented the
Rebels from using n large gun in an important posi-
ton from n well selected rife pit. He keeps a con-
slant watch on the gun, and for two days scarcely an
attempt had been made to fire is without the rebels
losing some OF their men by the well directed shot.
The forces before Yorktown are stated 10 be hourly
gaining ground.
that the present position of the Merrimac controls the
mouth of James River, and that she will probably
remain where she is TO prevent our gunboats from
going up the river for the purpose Of Smelling the
Rebel right wing. which rests on the right bank nea-
Warwick.
A gentleman who left Fortress Monroe asserts that
our troops are in the beast Of spirits. In conse-
ouence of the storm much delay has been occasioned.
Gloucester Point. directly opposite Yorktown. has
quarters OF a mile wide the Rebel batteries have a
fair sweep at any g~unboats attempting to get near
Yorktown. The country between James and York
rivers is known 10 be of a soft and marshy character.
During the rainy weather it Is almost impossible to
move artillery. 1t may readily be imagined what
are the difficulties against which orr army has con-
tended.
Affairs in Tennessee.
ST. LOUIS, April Is.
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