The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-08-27

levies are now moving forward to their
destination, 60, ,000 reinlorcements could
be given Pope and Mcclellan within the
week. H e.a So
From the New York Herald.]
Our James River Correspon-
dence.
OK BOARD SrEAmTUa AMEs A. STEVENS,
August 16, 1862.
The Army Moocmeats Recently Psrforn,ed
The Danger Of the Movenae,lt-The
Glorg of Harrison's Landing Passed
Away-The Success Of the Mouen,eat-
Gen. Nc cClellon Opposes the Change Of
Base.
The noble Army Of the Potomac, which
has earned for itself an imperishable fame
as well as for its noble commander, and
has, notwithstanding the immense obsta-
cles placed in its way. pushed its masses
to within four miles of Richmond, and,
force, maintained its advance position, is
now quietly, cautiously, and with swelling
heart; vending its way on the swampy
peninsula towards Williamsburg, from
thence to be forwarded to its next base of
operations. That the chivairous and gall
liant young commander, Gen. George B.
Mcclellan, will safely bring his army
through have not the slightest doubt:
To eyacnate camping ground in the
FACE Of the enemy, gained by heavy loss,
every inch of its soil having been disputed
by true mcn's steel and precious blood, is
a task which can only be accomplished By
a master mind to prove a success.
Harrison's Landing, or Harrison's Bar,
as it is termed, where the. Army of the
Potomac had taken up its base of opera
tions after the disasters of the memorable
seven days battles, has ceased to exist as
our rendezvous, and was finally evacuated
by horse, foot and artillery; and the rebels
may now take defiant possession of the
spotas soon. as they please, provided they
have learned to appreciate the vicinity of
our gunboats more than former events
Justify. Unlike the evacuation of White
House, the leaving of Harrison's Land
ing was conducted quietly and in good
order, and the government is not at this
time the loser of one dollars worth of
property consequent upon the removal.
The movement has been going on-or at
least an order to this effect was issued more
than week ago-and it is known as a
certain fact that Major General McClel-
Ian has stoutly protested againstits policy,
and even went SO far as to repair to For
tress Monroe, from there to hold tele-
graphic communication with the authori-
ties at Washington, and if possible to in
duce them to alter their plan of opera
tions.
General Mcclellan contended that, mas
much as Pope has drawn the largest por-
tion of the rebel forces to the Shenandoah
valley, our army could march into Rich
mond within twenty -four hours after re-
ceiving orders to that effect. But the Ar
my of the Potomac must leave its ad-
vanced position, give up the hard earned
laurels won on the peninsula, and return
where? Probably to place where stereo-
typed dispatches may be sent every day
that g everything is quiet on the lines Of
the Potomac. !" There is not man in
McClellan's entire army, who has the fac
.ulty to reflect upon the state of affairs,
that does not hang his head in mortifca-
ton at the idea Of a retrograde movement.
Every one regrets it, and the question
among them naturally arises, ssWhat are
we to do next?p Time however, will tell,
and it is not the mission of correspon-
dents at this crisis of national affairs to
speculate in advance on movements of
military nature.
A number of batteries, with all their
accoutrements complete, have been ship
ped on transports for the past week; but
this was only a preliminary of future
events. The outpost pickets were strength
ened and advanced, and when it was found
that the enemy was not within ten miles
of us, and the road clear to williamsburg,
the final orders for the evacuation were
issued and everything got in readiness
Captain James Il. Jones, the efficient
Harbor Master of the Armyof the Poto-
mac, at once proceeded to collect his feet
of transports, steamers, tugs, schooners
and barges, not emitting several large
steamships which are attached to this ar
my Every available craft was at once
loaded with government stores, rations
and forage having baeu stopped several
days. ago. The actual movement COM
menced on the 18th inst
Friday morning dawned on our encamp-
ment at Harrison's Landing, bright and
alear, and, although everybody expected
to hear of leaving at once, still some hope
was indulged in that the plans of the gov
ernment might be altered and we allowed
to remain. The centre of attraction was
the Office of Colonel Rufus Ingalls,, Chief
Quartermaster General of the Army of
the Potomac, and as long as his tent re-
manned standing alongside of that Of Cap
tain G. 6. Sawtelle, Post Quartermaster,
no one deemed it necessary to pack up
But about ten o'clock A. M. all the desks
and effects of the Quartermaster' De-
partment were transferred to the steam
boat Long Branch, and then it was mani
fest that all others might make ready to
start. Colonel Ingalls,, however, repaired
to General McClellans headquarters and
marched with the army overland
sg- There are already fled thirty thons-
and applications for appointments under
the Tax law. Put the applicants in the
armyl