Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-07-09
The Great Battle-the situarion-the Result.

The Great Battle-the SltuaIiOn-the Result.
We had hoped to be able to-day to present our
readers with full account of the results of the great
victory over Mcclellan and of the capture or total
rout of the Grand Army" but the incoherent and
contradictory rumors daily received leave us near
ly barren of authentic information as we were.at
our last issue. The battles of Monday the 30th of
June, and Tuesday the 1St of July, as the facts
slowly come out seem to have been the most disas-
trous to both sides, of any that had taken place
Tuesdays contest, especially while it was marked
BY the most intrepid valor the part of the Con-
federate troops was at the same time signalzed as
the occasion of the most deadly havoc among our
troops.of any during the entire war The enemy
was posted in almost impregnable position, with
fifty to eighty of his best guns to bear upon the as
saants in front who advanced to the attack. OF
course the order to attack him in thai position
obeyed by our gallant troops, but it the knel
of death to thousands 1t would seem that many
of the charges ordered during the progress of this
battle were given without the advantage or precau-
ton of "REMINISCENCES and hence the havoc among
our men. We learn that heavy censure rests upon
some of our chief commanders for the wanton reck-
eSsneSs of life exhibited, especially in the Tues
days fight. A commander may be daring and
courageous but he is unfit for his position who un
necessarily exposes the lives Of his men. In few
hours after this deadly charge the intrepid Jackson
moved upon the enemy's flank and drove him from
his position with small loss. The next morning.
Mcclellan was rc;reatng.
Since Tuesday the Ist there has been no regular
battle. Mcclellan has been slowly moving towards
Al. 4 l..
been attacked and captured.
Various statements are made in regard to the
condition and position of McClellans forces. 1t
seems to be qnite certain that he has kept up con-
slant communication with the gun:boats James
river although it has been understood that have
had forces there to intercept and prevent all such
communication. lie has managed his retreat with
evident skill, nlassng his forces, saving most of his
cannon, and sending in advance of him what stores
he could preserve, and his wounded in wagons
These are said to be on James river in large num-
bers as seen from the South side.
The rumor that large part of his force had
reached the river and gone down in transports to
Fortress Monroe, we believe wholly unfounded.-
The river below City Point is said to be full of gun
boats and transports. The former doubtless EN-
ploycd in affording cover to those who have
reached the river while the latter have brought re-
Inducements and doubtless have carried off many of
his wounded.
The Examiner appears to be confident that a
large force Of the enemy is still surrounded by our
forces in Charles City County, though there were
rumors that the most of McClellan's forces had
reached Westover on the river RunorS at Peters
burg of fighting on the river seem not to be well
founded.
The prevalent opinion seems to be that Mcclellan
though badly whipped, is not yet conquered, and
that he will entrench himself the river and await
reinforcements. The idea is, he will then try his
luck by movement the South side of James
river Our commanders are on the alert, and it
would seem that an attack on the South side is an
tcipaed, as we learn large force has been ordered
to Petersburg.
The losses of Mcclellan must be INN snse, in
killed. wounded prisoners, cannon, small arms, all
kinds of stores and equipments, but our readers
will pardon if We not specific in our details,
which we dare not attempt because of our utter
inability to arrive at the truth Before Christmas,
we hope to be able to relieve the general anxiety to
know all about these matters, which the govern
ment fails to give officially to the public