The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-08-06

Of advance upon Richmond The rumor vas
startling to the general public, but gratifying to
the more thoughtful, Who think the succesfsl
performance Of such change would greatly in
prove the situation Of the army. The rumor
had iu origin. no doubt, in the expedition that
has just effected al important movement across
the James River.
Fortress Monroe, Aug. 2.
The steamers Baltic, Atlantic, and another
arrived With 5000 rebel prisoaers from Fort
Delaware, to be exchanged Gen. Pettigrew
amo.g them. Nothing had been heard from our
gun boats above. Newbern advices to the 30th
are received.
A special to the Tribune says The Govern
ment is now fully prepared for the plou Of Bor-
der State secessioni.ts, whether in Maryland or
Kentucky, and will instantly crush any attempted
treason. Gov. MsgOfiin, Of Ky, is watched.
at is expected that the President and several
Cabinet members, will be present at the great
war meeting on Wednesday night at the east
front of the Capitol.
1.-The clerks of the Departments will soon be
granted two hours each day for drill exercise"
New York, Aug. 4.
A special to the Tribune says that Ohio, IndI.
ana and Kentucky will be formed into one indie
pendent Military Department, with Comman.
ding General whose headquarters will be at Gin.
cinnati.
A letter to the Herald. dated Hilton Head,
3lst, says the rebel ram which has for long
time been in process Of construction at Savan-
nah, 10 completed, armed aud ready for the ser
vice. All accounts which come to as represent
her as very formidable. She is of light draft,
great power, and has q very heavy armament
Already the rebels are making the necessary
soundings, preparatory to bringing her down the
river.
Two steamers carrying the rebel flag. and en-.
gagged in the performance Of the above service,
came within range of Fort Pulaski's guns on Fri
day, but we're compelled to retire.
Admiral Dupont is making every preparation
to receive the monster.
HEAQuARrxRs ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
August 3.
Mai. Gen. Haleck-the accommodating column
under Gen. Crawford, crossed the Rapidan and
pushed forward to Orange Court House, yester-
day, and took possession Of that town, which
was occupied by two regiments of the enemy's
cavalry, under Gen. Robertson. Eleven of the
enemy we're killed, aud Fifty two taken prisoners.
Among the latter are one Major, two Captains,
and twO Lieatensnts. Our loss was two killed
and three wounded. The enemy retired in such
haste as to leave their wounded in our hands,
The railroad and telegraph line between Orange
Court House and Gordonsville we're destroyed.
(Signed) JOHN POPE,
Major General.
MOVEMENT TOWARD PETERSBURG.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE PoroxAc,
August 4.
Ever since the firing upon our shipping at the
mail boat landing by the eneny's batteries, our
troops have occupied the opposite shore. Yes
terday a reconnaissance was made from that point
back into the country to within fourteen miles
of Petersburg. 1t was conducted BY Col. Ave.
ril and composed of $50 of the Fifth United
States and $50 of the Third Pennsylvania Caval-
~, with four companies of the First Michigan
Infantry. Captains Castor and Bowen of Gen.
NcClelan's staff, accompanied them. At Cox's
Mills. five miles from the river, they encounter
ed the Thirteenth Virginia Cavalry drawn up in
line. Our men charged on them. when they
broke and ran. They drove them to their en-
campment at Sycamore Church, two and half
miles further, when they again formed, but we're
ingloriously put to flight leaving behind all their
tents, camp equipage, and commissary stores,
which our troops gathered together and burned
The rebels had two horses killed, six men woun.
died. and two taken prisoners. Our loss was one
horse killed. After securing the country a short
distance further, they returned to the river
There is no further evidence of rebel gunbOats
on the river this side of Fort Darling lnforma.
ton received here goes to show that the new
Aerrimac will not be ready to operate for three
weeks vet. Two of the gunboats we're yester.
day afternoon engaged in Smelling the opposite
shore above City Point. The health of the
troops has improved ever since they began to re
ceive fresh vegetables, which were ordered to be
issued to them by Gen. Mcclellan.
New York, Aug. 4.
A Fortress Monroe letter to the Post saws
Burnside's corps has embarked and is moving
of. The gunbOats are all under orders When
they strike the spill nters will fly.
Washington, Aug. L.
A special TO the Post, says, in answer to a
deputation Of prominent citizens who waited
on the President to-day, to urge the acceptance
of NEGRO reUimpnfs President ;noolr ra,I;oa
that he could not accept negro regiments. but
would accept as many as offered as laborers.
This. it is understood, is the settled policy of
the Government.