Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-06-21
Correspondence of The World
FORTRESS MONROE, June 10.

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| The movements of army and naval Off
GERS for the past few days led us to suppose
that some very important scheme was on
foot, and that demonstration of consider
able magnitude was about to be undertaken.
The gunboats were collected below and
around Fort Powhatan; the sentinels on
board were required to exercise unusual
vigilance, and every preparation was made
for a grand movement OF some character
All inquiries failed to solve the mystery of
these proceedings, and we could therefore
do nothing more than speculate and await
the coming event.
There was unusual activity ON the west
side of the river, under the direction of the
military commanders; roads were prepared,
and all natural distractions removed, as If
in anticipation of the arrival of reinfol ce-
ments. Early on Tuesday morning the
mystery began 10 be solved. Under the di-
rection of General Witzel pontoons were
prepared 10 span the James near Fort Pow
hatan, and within full sight of 1t. 1t was
soon disclosed that Gen. Grant had effected
change Of base, and that his whole army
was near the banks of the river, waiting to
make the transit of that stream. Soon the
river was filled with transports rapidly as
cending, and foremost among all we could
discern the flag of the Eighteenth corps.
The boats passed up, and the troops effected
a landing at Bermuda Hundred and Point
Of Rocks. Awaiting myself of an opportu-
nifty, proceeded up the river to witness
the crossing of the remaining corps OF Gen
eral Grants army. -IH IN;
The pontoons were laid at Powhattan
Point Between Wilson's wharf and Harri-
sons landing. The scene on the north side
of the James was brilliant in the extreme.
Here were troops assembled who had taken
part in the trials and fatigues of General
Grants movement from the banks of the
Rapidan. They were dusty and fatigued
after their long march across the Peninsu-
la, but confident of eIe long, reaching
their destined goal. General Hancock oc-
cupied the right of the army, and his corps
seemed proud of the honor, and were buoy
ant with the hope that their position would
throw them first into the fight. AT an early
hour the pontoons were prepared, and the
army began to cross. The measured tread
of the men was broken as they entered up
on the bridge, and at a route step the
troops marched upon the newly laid
structure. The view from the shore was
grand. Here was an army of immense
strength, fresh from fields black with
smoke and red with blood, marching with
flying banners and bright hopeful faces
"onward to Richmond" None doubted
that the right path had been found at last
though many remembered with sadness
that grand army which, less than two years
ago, occupied position but few hundred
yards from this very spot, under the lead
ership of one who, had his counsels been
needed, would have marched them to VIC
tory over perhaps this very route. Column
after column made the transit of the bridge,
and almost as far as the eye could reach.was
a sea of glittering, moving bayonets and
waving flags. There was ample scope fer
enthusiasm, and the spirits of the men were
not restrained as they welcomed the south
shore of the James and closed up their
ranks with faces set Richmonward.-
All day and far into the night the almost
endless column moved across the pontoons
but no accident or the slightest untoward
incident marred the execution of the plan.
Occasionally the popping of musketry could
be heard in the distance, on the south bank,
skirmishing with small parties
Of the rebels, but nothing betokening the
remotest approach to a general engagement
was heard or seen. The various naval ves-
sells in the vicinity were crowded with
sailors, who looked on in no little astonish-
nent at the novel proceeding of an army
crossing a stream, where not the slightest
of bridge existed the day be-
ore. Early on Wednesday morning every
hing was over, and that spot on the north |
'ank which was a populous military camp
m Tuesday morning was almost deserted.