Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1862-07-07

Of the river, the train was divided, part
being sent By each Of three roads which
converged near the landing, The soldiers
regarded Il as the carrying out Of part Of
a necessary Plan---the only dissatisfaction
expressed being at The leaving behind Of
50 many Of the sick and wounded.
Plenty Of provisions and medicines we're
left for them, however, and IL they are per-
mitted to use them, their situation for
some time 20 come win be much better
there than with the army in the midst Of
conflict and alarm.
cARE or THE Sick AxD WOUNDED.
At Savage's Station the Government had
made arrangements for the sick and woun-
ded IS they were brought from the field.
The worst cases were attended to frst, but
there was and have been great many who
never received attentions at ALL The en-
tire area in the back and on both sides Of
the house was covered with the wounded,
and there were also some twenty large
tents pitched in the garden at the east Of
The house, filed with sick and wounded.
Many poor fellows who were scarcely
able 10 drag themselves along, chung to the
skirts Of their comrades, or hobbled along
on erutohes, apparently dreading more than
death itself, falling into the hands Of the
enemy. Many became so exhausted that
they fell by the wayside, and could only he
reused and helped forward BY the greatest
exertioB.
TIE APPROACH TO JANEs RIVER.
when an aid Of Gen. Mcclellan rode
back and reported that the way was all
open 10 James River 6 thrill Of relief ran
through the whole line, and the sight Of the
green fields skirting its banks was indeed
an oasis in the terrible desert Of suspense
and apprehension through which they had
passed. The teams were now put upon
lively trOt in order 10 relieve the pressure
upon that portion still in the rear.
Gen. Mcclellan and STAFF rode ahead and
took possession Of the old estate known as
Malvern Hills, owned by B. F. Dew, one
mile back from Turkey Island Bend Il
Is large, old-fashioned estate, riginally
built BY the French, and has near it, in
front an old earthwork constructed by Gen
Washington during the Revolutionary war
Il has a spacious yard shaded By venerable
elms and other trees. A fine view Of the
river can be had from this elevated posi-
tion. Gen Mcclellan expressed the opin-
ion that with brief time to prepare the
position can be held against any force the
enemy can bring against us.
THE TIRE IL OUR REAR.
At2oclock P. NJ, firing was heard in
the direction Of White Oak Swamp, where
it was supposed Ayres was holding in
check the rebel force who were supposed
attempting 70 cross. This continued for
nearly two hours, when sudden and heavy
firing began further to the left, in the di-
rectiOn OF Charles City Cross Roads. At
this point an immense body of fresh troops,
with artillery and cavalry, had made their
appearance direct from Richmond, and
were engaging our batteries still left to
guard the road.
Orders were sent Immediately TO put the
troops in line Of battle; and Gems. Por-
ter's and Keyes commands were soon on
the way up the hi:l, returning from their
comfortable encampment beyond Malvern
Hills. By Al o'clock P. n. the road was
thronged with these troops, with artillery
and cavalry, Fastening to resist the ad-
vance Of the enemy.
mt MA nUA - 1ABA
The firing now became incessant, the
explosion Of shells constant and most ter
rife from both lines, and the roar Of mus
kerry, mingled with the shouts and cheers
Of The contending forces. If we could
have seen them, and estimated their
strength or number, it would have been
some relief, but they we're advancing ap-
parently, 70 within less than a mile Of our
position, under coverof the woods. Il was
very evident that oar men icere being driven
IA, and that TOO, By aa oUerrhelIai5sg force
At this jucture two Of our gunboats, the
Galena and Aroostook moved forward
some half a mile and opened FIRE upon the
left with their 64-pOunders, the shells ex-
ploding in the edge Of the woods along the
hills where it was supposed the enemy
would attempt 10 turn our left No doubt
these terrific missiles had an excellent ef-
feet in deterring them from this enterprise,
and in retarding.
During the evening, and while the fight
was going on, crowds Of dusty men rushed
down to the river,and plunged in to bathe.
Considering the circumstances Of the army
this was hardly the time TO adjust ones
toilet.
mean time tne contest fa Geu VIII leftlbit
fury along our whole front and right. Ex-
plOding shells filed the air, and riied shot
| screamed overhead. So thick was the cloud
Of dust enveloping the field, that it was
/ impossible, except from the sound, TO de-
termine which way the tide Of battle ebbed
or flowed. The gunbOats kept up a dis
charge Of their heavy shells upon the enc
mys position. Provost Marshal Porter
meantime took charge Of the disabled and
sick soldiers, and conducted them 70 the
rear.
The days contest wound up by dimin-
uendo OF musketry, and by dark all firing,
except an occasional shot, had ceased
Il should be borned in mind that the wide
bottoms along the river separate the gun
boats in many places, some two miles from
the forces operating on the hills. The gun
boats Galena, Maratanza, Aroostook, Ma
raska and Port Royal, are near by, and
ought to be able to render valuable assist
ance to the army until It can be placed in
position 10 operate.