New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-08-12
Increase CT Transports in fhc james River
The Ram Fever-Disease and Dis.
tress in Richmond.

From Our Special Correspondent
FORTRESS MONROE August 10, 1862
The retiring Of our forces from Malvern Hill,
which they held scarcely long enough to justify the
tone of The dispatch from headquarters announcing
its capture lie not the most interesting intelligence
we have from the James River. For the present its
character, in my estimation, is contraband II would
SEEM however, to give shade VI truth 10 rumors
that have for some time prevailed here, and even in
New-York also, ! conclude, aud TO indicate tho
real policy Of Gen. Mcclellan more certainly than
the houfish that "the Army Of tho Potomac had
again assumed the Offensive"
'Dunng the last few days there has been on sddi.
ton TO the already large number OF transports nero
and in the James River. Indeed, the principal de-
msnd appears TO be Tor transports and negroes, aud
the demand would seem ~ be answered 10 very
large extent, aud very promptly.
The ram fever, which was quite violent, in orr
james River foiila ten days sioce, aud which APP
peArs 10 rage with violence elsewhere, has almost
All sided. Tnis IL gratifying.
Norfai. Winter, Spring, and up to the taking of
the brain" was tRyPYJseIsef up, "Merrimae ON
began to be fearful was TO be succeeded by Ram
on the brain" or ono. 2 on the liver" Luckily,
however, the indication subsidized, and we hear but
little OF either though in truth there is danger Of
their temperance any day.
We continue 10 have reports through Rebel
sources aud not desig ned for publication in HE
TRIBUNE, of disease and distress IN Richmond. II
one-alf be true the condition OF that city is litlo
less than that of the plague, which the present
almost unprecedented hot weather cannot ful 10
aggravate. Tat many have fled is absolutely GER
tain, for considr rable numbers have reached Nor
folk where among the ReJels, the report, referred
" are scarcely denled,
Intelligent officers from Richmond direct, confirm
the opinion expressed by those coming before BEN,
that everything that Came under their observation
Indicated that the city ripe for a pee ilence.
Among other things IL is represented tnat N tho
burylng places in aud around the city large nu nbers
Of dead bodies lie unburied 10 state OF pu'reiac-
ton; while in the jails, hospitals and other places
where men are confined, dead bodies were suffered
10 remain in decayed state. There is also great
scarcity not only Of medicines but OF d!sofecting
material AS well as the disposition 10 maze use OK
what they have. A Lady recently arrived IN Norfolk
coptrms all previous rumors concerning the sanitary
condition OF tue Rebel capital
am requested by an officer Of the james RIVER
aota 10 call attention 10 the tact tia; no provision
has been made supply the gnnboats with ice, and
that as consequence not oply great Inconvenience,
but positive suffering ensues PARTICULARLY among tho
sick OF whom there is an unusual humber. Ice IL
sent 10 other otllas and squadIons, but not " idf
nor do the regulations OF the Government ailo" pm
waite enterprise TO supply the demand tlve con's
per pound is freely offered and but little can DO had
At that rate a.,
the bIockading squadron off Charleston at The
present time consists of seventeen vessels ana TIC
great vigilance IL regard 70 In%l loi' Ass oesn '
slituted.
Gen. VIM. +. Smith has returned to the Army Of
the Potomac. During his absence he has been ad-
yapced to MajoI-Generalcy, and be returns With
the commission bearing date win those Of Gems.
Porter, Frank lin aud others. The army has Jew
more really able officers than Gen. Smith.
The steamers Atlantic, Baltic, aud Vanderbilt
have been lying here for the last ten days. Jt VIII
be remembered that they were hurried away from
New.York on few hours notice, for an importsut
service, Us was supposed. c. D. b.