Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-05-07
Yesterday Afternoons Report
FROM THEPOTOMAC ARMY.

NEw YoRK, May 6.
A special to the World, from the head
quarters Of the Army of the Potomac tbs
4tb, at A. n says
Inc order to march was issued from
GeneraL Mesde's -beedsgafrthated through
ttRe army by 2P.M. General Gregg's cav
airy division, accompanied by portion of
the canvass pontoon train, moved yester-
day aftrrnoon towards Richsrdsviile and
were engaged until late at night repairing
the road to Ely's Ford. Soon after mid.
night that division moved to the Ford
above named to establish a crossing.
About midnight the Sd cavalry division,
with another portion Of the canvass pom
toon train, left for Germsnia Ford, five or
six miles above, to establish orossing.
1t is reported ct this hour, that both Of
tne above efforts were successful.
al Ihs issd5ysRes Of the SECOND corDa Gsuer=
midnight and moved down to Stevensburg
and Richardsville road, towards Ely's
Ford. The entire corps were on the
march before three o'clock this morning,
in the same direction, and expected to ef-
feet crossing soon after daylight.
The Fifth corps under Major General
1AAD1f OVAAAoA0gN AuUNAuH hb
the advance, consisting Of two divisions Of
infantry snd pontoon Of artillery, passed
through Srevensburg ct midnight, closely
followed by he remainder Of the corps,
all marching towSrds Germsnia Ford.
The 9th corps was closely succeeded BY
the 9th. under Sedgwick, which quilted
camp at 4 A. N. Both the 9th and 9th
corps are understood to be crossing the
Rspidan at Gsrmsnis Ford. The entire
movement resolves itself into crossing
the Rapidsn ct the two fords towards the
right flank Of the enemy, placing itself
after crossing on a line nearly parallel
with the river, between Orange Court
House and Charlottesville. At the pre-.
sent hour the movement is under way,
and there is probability that it will be
successfully accomplished without severe
opposition by Lee, to whom this bold push
must be more or less Of a surprise. II is
not probable any serious engagement will
be fought to-day. Cavalry skirmishing
and artillery dueling is likely to make up
the days fighting, unless the enemy con-
tests the advance in force.
The Worlds special says:
There is no doubt now, from intelligence
received from the battle field, but that Lee
has entirely abandoned his line on the
Rspidsn, and with his army taken roads
running south Of that stream to Orange
Springs, destined either for the entrsnoh-
meDts at Richmond or for position at
Hanover Court house.
There Is no indication Of rebel move
ment into the Valley Of Virginia, and the
fact Of Lees general retreat seems clearly
established.
The World says that assengers who ar
rived in this city from Baltimore last even
ing state that information has been re-
ceiYed there from rebel sources, as well as
from Norfolk and Fortress Monroe, that
General Smith, with g very large army,
disembarked on the south side Of James
River, not far from Fort Darling. His OBJ.
ject was, of course, a matter Of mere spec
ulation. It might he feint to distract
the rebels and prevent the sending Of re-
Inducements to Lee. But If it was in
earnest it meant that Fort Darling and
Petersburg we're to be captured and Rich
mond cut off from railroad communication
with North Carolina and the South.
If this news is correct-and it is gene
rally believed in Bsltimore-the occups-
ton Of West Point last Monday was mere
ly to deceive the enemy. Still all is mere
unsuthenticsted rumOr, and Smiths army
may be destined for West Point to co-ope-
rate with the left wing of Mesde's army.
The Times special dispatch says Culpep-
per is being strongly fortified, and will be
used as depot for stores.
Il is reported here to-day that strong
column Of troops under Generals Couch
and sigel is marching from Winchester up
the Shenandoah valley IS q cooperating
column, destined eventually to cut the
Virginia and Tennessee railroad, while
General Buffers force, or part Oft, strikes
the railroad at or near Petersburg, thus
severing sll railroad Communication be-
tween Richmond and the South.
General Butler took the field in person
at the head of the Army Of the Peninsuls
yesterday, and his host is marshalled by
such leaders as W. F. Smith, Gilmore,
Terry and Weitzel
An immense feet of transports and 3
strong squadron Of Monitors and gun.
boats convoy it up one Of those broad riv-
ers to the gates OF back door Of ofRichmond,
and perhaps iron elsds may once more
try the strengI5 Of tie rebel batteries on
the line Of the James, Psmunkey, and
RsppshsnnOek. The feeling prevails that
there is desperate work before this army,
but there is nerve and strength for il.
The iron -olsds lie in the still waters Of