The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-30
MCLlLIAU'S ARMY.
FIVE MILES FROM
RICHMOND.
A SERIES OF BATTLES.
HOWELL COBB DEFEATED

MCCLRLLANs HEADQUARTERS, May "a.
II From Army Correspondent of Associ
ated Press.] The driving of the rebels
from the vicinity of New Bridge by our
artillery yesterday, was followed today by
a reconnaissance, composed of the 4th
Michigan, Colonel Woodley, and squad
ron of the End Cavalry. Thirty men Of the
4th Michigan succeeded in getting between
four companies of the 9Th Louisiana and a
brigade of the enemy and attacked them
Unexpectedly, killing 60, wounding Is and
capturing IS. We lost killed, MORALLY
wounded and slightly.
Today Stoneman's brigade, together with
Davidson's, advanced from New Bridge,
up Ohickahominy, to Elllson's Mills, on
Bills Greek. Here they encountered four
regiments of rebels, with nine pieces of arr
tilIery and some cavalry.
The 9th and 9th regiments under How
ell Cobb were posted to arrest our advance
to Mechanicsville.
After about $50 rounds from our artil-
lery. the rebels withdrew.
A portion of Davidson's brigade follow.
ing, but night coming on, encamped with
in six hundred yards of the enemy. At
daylight the batteries on both sides opened,
but the fra was too hot for the rebels and
they retreated.
4 dispatch from Gen. Mcclellan to the
War department says there were skirmish-
es today. We drove the enemy from Me-
chanicsville in seven miles from New
Bridge.
The 4th Michigan about finished the
Louisiana Tigers. Fifty prisoners were
taken and fifty killed. Our loss ten killed
and wounded.
Two squadrons Of the 9Th Illinois, un-
der Major Clerderin, were sent up the river
and destroyed the bridge Of the Richmond
and Fredericksburg Railroad. Mechanics
vile, now occupied by our troops, is five
miles from Richmond.
SUNDAY, May 25th.--General Negley's
brigade is encamped five miles beyond Bot
toms Bridge. To obtain this they we're
obliged to engage the rebel General
Stuart's brigade. Our loss was two killed
and six wounded. The rebel loss was sup
posed to be about SO. Contrabands from
Richmond say the inhabitants are leaving
for DanvilIe, North Carolina. All who
are capable OF bearing arms are compelled
to remain.
BoTroM BRIDGE, May 23.--[1ribmN's
special Intelligent slaves in zen. Keyes'
camp this morning, stated that yesterday
noon when they left Richmond the rebel
army was moving out of the city north.
ward to the lair ground. Those who know
the position say that it is about two or three
miles out on q high commanding platoon.
We understand this position is being forti-
fed and that the enemy intends to give rs
battle there.
New York, May 27.-The Herald's
correspondent reports the 4th Michigan
regiment, in the recent skirmish on the
Chickahomisy, fought and routed an entire
rebel brigade.
Petersburg papers report that on the
18th eighteen of the MOnit0rs's crew were
surprised by the rebels, nine made prisoners,
and the balance reached their boat and pull.
ed for the vessel, but were shot at and eight
killed.
The Louisiana Legislature has appropri-
ated 100000 to remove the women and
children and decrepid persons from Rich.
mond to place OF safety. The rebel army
was encamped within few miles of Rich
mond
Rebel account say the Mayor of Vicks
burg replied to the summons OF our gunboat.
that Mssissippians never surrender.
Martial law is in force in Charleston
The papers and citizens are fearful OF the
surrender of the city.