Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-04-16
GEN. M'CLELLAN'S MOVEMENTS
ADVANCE TO YORKTOWN, VA.

On Friday the 4lh, that part of she army Of
the Potomac recently concentrated at Old
Point, advanced in the direction of Yorktown.
twenty -four miles distant. The enemy's
works at Yorktown and vicinity were fully ex-
amined by Gea. Mcclellan and were found to
be very strong, and approaches difficult. The
water batteries Of York and Gloucester are
said to be much increased. The right
signed to Gen. Morrif's Brigade, OF Gen. Por-
!ers Division, two companies OF the od Penn.
sylvania Cavalry, and portion OF BerdeD's
sharp shooters acting as sktrmishers. Moth
ing of interest took place until their arrival at
Big Bethel, twelve miles distant, where they
met the oHter pickets OF the ireSefs. The
troops were delayed there for two hours in re-
constructing a bridge which had been destroy
ed. The rebels retreated before the advance
of four skirmishers to Haysrd's creek, to
some abandoned earthworks. Fonr shots
were fired here by the rebels. from two field
pieces, which were soon siIenced by the 4tI
Rhode Island battery, when the rebels beat
hasiy retreat, taking their pieces with them.
The main body OF the army have rested for
the night, while Gen, Morrill's Brigade ad-
vanced three miluS to Cucksville, and six
miles from \ Yorktown, and there epcamped.
By seven O'Clock on Saturday the column was
again in motion. and az ton O'Clock was IN front
of the enemy's works at yorktown. The first
shot fired was by the rebels the shell passed
over the heads of General Porter ara staff,
without exploding. The batteries of Grifhn's,
the Sd and 4th Rhode Island, and the 9th
Massachusetts,, were now placed in position,
replying TO every shot sent by the rebels. The
cannonading continued, with but slight inter-
mission until dark. About four hundred
shots were fred by both parties during the
day The loss on our side was three killed,
and six wounded. The position of the rebels
is strong one, from present Indications
Their Notifications extend some two miles In
length and mount heavy guns. The ground
in front of their works is low and swampy,
making it utterly impossible.
On Sunday morning some shots were hred
by our men, bntapparently no response by the
enemy who, it is reported were changing the
location of their guns. The rebels have two
gunboats on the York river. II it were not
for the picket firing, no one would imagine
that a battle was going On-the morning being
beautiful and clear and the birds are warbling
forth their spring notes. The men of the
right amused themselves by catching oysters
in the ere eks, in the morning. The men are
ready for action yet, SO lar, but iittie mas
been done, apparently. 1t is said the enemy
is evacuating his batteries on the right
REBEL on white charger, has been seen by
our advance all the way up from Big Bethel.
He was within fifty yards of Company q,
Capt. Robson Sd Pennsylvania Cavalry, on
Sunday morning. He turned and cursed the
Federals and then vamoSed. He rides very
fast charger. At Camp "Misery" he was be-
hind the rear of the flying Mississippians.
The troopers swear they will have that white
horse. :,
On Monday morning the weather was cold
and stoamy, which continued up to ednes-
day morning. Our gallant troops braved the
exposure to the storm undaunted ana met
il with Characteristic ingenuity in the way OF
improvised shelters. The enthusiasm and
anxiety to meet the enemy is unabated. Ii
has been raining and the weather is unfavor-
able for military operations. The creeks are
much swollen and low grounds covered with
water, making the roads almost impassaoe
for empty wagons. Information received mere
shows that the rebels have a force of sixty
thousand, which is rapidly adding up by
troops from, the neighborhocd of Richmond,