The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-06

an nour when the firing became less frequent the sun
shono out bright and warm and the sky became clear as
crystal In the evening all firing had entirely ceased
ana the sun set In great beauty. Many Of our reg
mcnts were out on the open plain, going through
tho usual evening parade, and these, together
with the delightful scenery and the pleasant
weather, which was highly appreciated by everybody,
presented picture Of unusual splendor The mildness
Of the evening and the peaceful aspect Of the surround
ing scenery contrasted strangely with tho vancouver
ing Of troops and tho active preparations FOR the SIEGE
There had boon much firing during the day from tho
encmys side that IL supposed no had asccr
tanned the precise position Of camps and had begun
at last TO strive TO shell out Hence in tho evening
order promulgated 20 the effect that during the
pending operations small fires only would be permitted
during the day. and those DO exngshod at dark,
from which tnie until daybreak fires would be
permitted.
CONTINUATION OF THE cANNoNADE EFFECT OF OUR
RIFLED GUNS.
Worry carly on Saturday morning. an hour more before
dawn, the enemy opened sharp and heavy Ere rouslng
many Of soldiers from their slumbers. When day
light appeared soft haze hung the atmospheric but
by eight O'Clock the weather began TO clear on and the
remainder Of the day and beautiful General
Jameson general Of the trenches that day. One Of
his aids being Sick my scrvices volunteer aid In his
stead accepted Hence had excellent opportu.
concerning their evacuation and to witness their subse
quent occupation by troops. That Saturday
OF the most interesting days had had the right Of
line since the commencement of the preparations for
the siege Large detss from many OF the regiments
in all several thousand men-were usual working
FIRST parallel which nearly finished, and on
batteries and redorbis which were In process OF
strucon. The rich crimson uniforms Of the Fifth New
York zouaves formed pleasing contrast to tho darker
ar IT,
work was very picturesque sight. The rebels,
according to their custom, kept rather quiet during
few OF the morning hours little than occasional
shot boing nred but In tho afternoon they opened fire
and blazed away a usual We wanted 10 get the best
possible range Of the snemys works. both at Yorktown
and over the river at Gloucester before beginning regu
lar bombar dmcnt; replied with those big rifed
guns. The earth beneath fairly trsnbled at each dis
charge. rho sequel has disclosed the interesting fact
that since opened with that battery at each dis
charge the rebels trembed too Tho sound Of the shot
and. she'll from those Parrott guns a. they whised
through the air, NJ once fearful and beau
full. II seems strange TO write down such a sound
boautIfu when each revolution Of the projeculs ID
suggestive OF destruction and DEATH but nevertheless
the language I have used gives correct idea q the
sound. Tho shot which does the most ssecuton-whch
dismounts gun or kills a crowd Of men--is nstnctiyely
styled "bcautHul one. Any srsrist will talk In the
most philosophical manner Of tho beauty OF hs guns,
proicctiIss or Shots Az the engagement near Lees
s on the left OF line, few weeks ago. II will be
remembered that shot from tho enemy knocked down
seven out Of the ton who were serving one
Of our guns, killing three and woundng four.
Captain Mott, whose bravery 10 a. unquestionsd
AZ his tenderness OF heart, could not restrain
his admiration OF tho " splendid manner IA
which tho rebels served their artillery His words
WERE IN beautiful shot; but II killed and wouadsd
some OF the brsvcst and best had under my COM
mand." mention this in order 10 explain why have
called the singing OF the shell In the air beautiful
sound During greater portion Of the day. and until after
midnight the rebels continued firing, principally from
their largest FORT where their heaviest guns mount,
cd. Shells were bursting near where our were
working and camps further 70 the rear but when
the smoke tho frst fash Of the discharge Is seen,
soldiers appear to have convenient way Of getting
under coyer 90 that, after all the firing by tho enemy,
very few Of our men were injured. Our big
| paliery Ared lsisursiy, frequent changes 10 The
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