The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-05-09
WAR NEWS.
WIsp,NeroN. Nav q. 19

the evacuation of Yorktown last night
We now occupy the enemy's works.
They left a large amount Of camp equip !
age and guns, which they couldn't destroy
for fear oI being seen
HEAEeuARTERs ARMY OF PoToMAo, :
... May 4, 1869.
To E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War
S1R:-We have ramparts, guns, am
munition, camp equipsge, &c. We hold
the entire rebel works, which our engineers
report very strong. have thrown ou; all
my cavalry and horse artillery in pursuit.
supported by infantry. l move Frank
Inns division, and as much more as can
be transported by water,to West Point To-
day. No time shall be lost. Gunboats
have gone up York River. Gloucester
is also in our possession. l shall push
The enemy to the wall.
(Signed) GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.
From she army correspondent Associ-
ated Press at Yorktown
We entered the enemy's works at FIVE
this morning, which their rear deserted
four hours before. Everything was found
in utter confusion. About fifty pieces
heavy artillery were left, spiked. Wo
found large amount Of medical stores,
ammunition, camp equipage, tents AID
private property Of officers.
Negroes from there say the rebels
threw a large amour. Of ordnance stores
into the river.
Several deserters have come into our
lines. One states that the rebels evacu-
ated owing TO the near approach OF our
parallels, and that they feared the success
Of our gunboats 10 York and James rivers,
which would cut off their communication.
Gen. Johnston gave orders to evacuate
Thursday, to commence the following
morning, which was done.
Magruder is said to have strenuously
opposed evacuation, saying that, if they
could not whip the Yankees here, they
could not anywhere in Virginia.
Gen. Lee, the Rebel commander-in,
chief, arrived at Yorktown on Wedres'
day, and examined McClellan's works
minutely, after which it is supposed he
recommended evacuation, deeming his
works untenable. ...
Deserters agree that their troops wer'
much demoral;zed and disheartened wher
the order to evacuate was given, as all an
ticipated fight there.
The rebels haG 100000 men on th
J Peninsula; also 400 pieces OF field artil
t lery. 1t is believed the rebels have fallei
n back TO Chickahominy Greek, beyon'
r Williamsburg, where it is expected the,
will make stand.
. Gen. Sloneman commands large lore
. of cavalry and artillery, and is pursuing
o the enemy. He will probably come u
r with their rear before night, if they re
3 main near Williamsburg.
. The gunboats have passed Yorktown
; and are now shelling the shores on thei
l wav up the river. Following them ar
, numbers of vessels loaded with troops
effect landing
: An official report just received says th
i enemy left II guns in their works
l. Gloucester Point. Guns and ordnanC
}, stores were also left.
a Another deserter just come in repor
q jeff Davis came with Lee on Wednesday
', and, after a consultation with promner
= officers. all agreed to evacuate except Me
o gruder. ...
o HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF PoroMAc.
0 May Arm.
:, Hon. E. NJ. Stanton.--Our cavalry an
y horse artillery came up with the enemy
!. rear guard 10 their enrenchments, abor
d two miles this side OF Williamsburg.
brisk fight ensued. Just as my Aid lci
@ Smiths Division Of Infantry arrived G
h the ground, and l presume carried h
d" works, though l have not yet heard Il
10 event The enemy's rear is strong, but
10 have force enough up there to ensure q
~ purposes. All along the lines their wor|
10 and am now fully satisfied of the co
d. rectness Of the course have pursued.
or The success is brilliant, and you mi
I'd resi- assured that its effects will be Of Il
W grestest importance.
- !" There shall be no delay in following I
IN i, the rebels. They have been guilty OF Il
O. most murderous and barbarous condu
d in placing torpedoes, within The work
!, near wells and springs. and near the fit
10 staff, magazines, telegraph offices, in ca
10 pet bags, barrels Of Hour,&c. Fortunate
10 we have no; lost many men in this ma
ner some or killed. and perhaps
o' dozen wounded. shall make the pri
20 20 oners remove them at their own peril,
re- (Sgned) GEO. B. MCCLELLAN.
in WAsHINGroN, May 6.-Official dt
~ patches received here indicate that q
H. enemy are in large force and strongly e
u u trenched near Willamsbu and that tn
adj adj Intend to dispute at that point the furlh
ed passage Of our army.
ne There had been some brisk fighting
ST. which Gen. Hancock had taken two l
es doubts and repused Early's Rebel Bri
NO. 10, ade by briIian; bayonet charge in Il
mr. engagement.
er Gen. Hancock's forces are said 10 ha
OF killed two Rebel Colonels, two Lie
It'd Colonies, and captured one Colonel a
Cw l5O prisoners.
,bt Gen. Mcclellan highly complimel
'rd Gen Hancock's conduct. At the time
fe, the sending Of our dispatches our Il
lat was not known, but it was supposed
or be considerable in proportion TO the exit
cir ,,f tho anoaunmant ne the fiuhi was We