Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-04

Our army is now extricatod from the mala-
rious swamps of the Chickahominy, and are
on the high ground Of James River"
The following lie the conclusion of the Bal
timore americans account Of the recent affair
before Richmond
Washington, jane 29.--Since closing my
letter from White House, find myself very
unexpectedly in Washington city, and in pos.
session Of most reliable information from
White House and other points on the PENN
sula, nearly a day later than is contained in
my letter.
IL appears that telegraph communication
between White House and Cen Mcclellan
was not broken until nearly | o'clock on Sat
urday, and then the wire was cut at the dis
patch station II miles out. Tunstall's sta
ton, miles out was in our possession until
4 o'clock in the r. NJ At White House the
operator heard a strange signal coming over
the wire. On going to the instrument he was
heralded with what the Union soldiers call the
rebel national salute 81 say to you take no.
tice." This was the signal for final evacua-
ton, when portion of the infantry forces
Immediately embarked on board the steam
boats in waiting Tor them.
The last Of the transports were moved off
by steam tugs, and few articles scattered
about on shore fired. The hole was Of very
small value, and thus, Of the many millions
worth Of property here few days ago, per-
haps not $4,000 worth was destroyed. In
the midst Of this closing scene in the beauti-
full Chickahominy region, ! regret to have to
state that some vandal set fire to the White
House, and it was entirely consumed
The enemy made his appearance, in con-
siderable force at the White House, about
Saturday evening and though he found
neither bread for man, nor hay for beast was
welcomed with heavy showers of grape shot
from the three guu-boats, which were ragged
along in front of the landing. They were sup
posed to be 80, 900 strong, and unless they
brought their havetsacks, must have gone
supperless to bed. In the best of times
found starvation staring me in the face, at
White House, and hope the rebels found no
better fare.
The cavalry at the White House guarded
the departure Of the last horses and wagons,
which moved off at the final evacuation and
joined the forces of Gen. Stoneman, who were
lowering in the vicinity all day. After pass
ing their trains off and securing their entire
safety, Gen. Stoneman, with the entire force,
moved off in direction that am not at lib
erty to state.
Gen. Casey reports that he lost not a man,
nor did he leave soldier behind-not even
a contraband.
AT 10 O'Clock on Saturday morning Col.
ingalls, and Capt. Sawtelle were before York
town with an immense convoy of vessels
and steamers on their way to the new base
of operations on the James river. They
would doubtless move down Immediately to
Fortress Monroe, and await the instructions
of Gen. Mcclellan. A number are, however,
already up the James river under the pro-
lection of the gunboats.
A letter from White House, the Goth, states
that Capt. Spencer, Of the Amy, has been ar
rested by order Of Gen. Mcclellan for disloy-
atty, and placed on board the gunboat Mar
blehead. His uncle was judge in Maryland,
and had lately been arrested for treason
whereupon the Captain laid down his sword |
and refused duty.
rebel mail captured, states that Boaure-
gard had arrived at Richmond with the main
portion of his army, that 10000 had been
sent to reinforce Jackson, and that the latter
would at once attack the right flank of our
army, while Lee would make desperate at
tack in front.