The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-06-17
WASHINGTON, June Is.

To Maj. Gen. Dir:-The movement Of
the Army Of the Potomac to the south side
of Richmond across tho james River, has
progressed far enough TO admit the publica-
ton Of general facts without danger OF pre-
mature disclosure. After several days OF
premature preparation, the movement COM
menced Sunday night. Tho 18th army corps,
under command OF Gen. Smith, marched to
White House and then embarked on trans-
ports for Bermuda Landing. Wrights corps
and Burnside's moved to James Bridge, where
they crossed the Chickahominy, and marched
thence to Charles City on James River
Hancock's and Warren's corps crossed the
Chickahominy at Long Bridge, and marched
thence to Wilcox, on James River. The
James River was to be crossed by the army
ct Powhattan Point. A dispatch from Gen.
Grant, dated Monday evening at half past
Eve o'clock, at headquarters, Wilcoxs Land
ing, states that tho advance Of our troops
had reached that place, and would commence
crossing the james River tomorrow (Tues'
day), and that Smiths corps would com
mence arriving at City Point that night
No fighting was reported during the move
ment except little cavalry skirmishing.
Yesterday Tuesday, at ono O'Clock p. NJ,
Gen. Grant was at Bermuda Landing, and
dispatch from him dated three O'Clock OF
that day, says: Our forces will commence
crossing James River to-day. The enemy
show no signs Of yet having brought troops
to the south side Of Richmond.
Our movement from Cold IIarbor to the
mouth of James River had been made with
great celebrity, and 50 far without loss or &C.
cident.
An unofficial dispatch dated at Gen. But
ler's headquarters, 2.20 p. NJ. yesterday,
says that Smiths corps was coming on,
5000 having already landed:
A dispatch from Gen. Shermans head
quarters, dated at three o'clock yesterday
NJ, near Kenesaw, states that tho General Is
at the front, advancing his lines on Kene-
saw.
Another unofficial dispatch, dated three
o'clock last night, reports some advance to-
day; that Gen. Thomas has gained ground,
and that rebel brigade Is nearly surrounded.
Il further reports that the rebel Gen. Polk
was killed to-day, and his body sent to Mari
eta.
In another part Of Gen. Sherman's East
Mississippi division, our forces have not met
with success that has attended competent
commanders.
Gen. Washburn, at Memphis, reports that
m expedition consisting Of 5000 cavalry,
5000 infantry, and sixteen pieces OF artil.
lery, sent out from there fow days ago un.
der command of Gen. Sturgis. encountered n
arge rebel lorce on the 10th inst, under the
command of Forrest, at Guntown, on the
railroad running south from Corinth, and
after severe fight, in which our loss in killed
and wounded was heavy, our forces were
worsted.
Sturcis was at Collinsvillo. retrcating to-
wards Memphis. Dispatches state that with
the troops that had lately arrived, Memphis
was safe.
Gen. Sherman having received the news OF
Sturgis' defeat, reports that he has already
made arrangements to repair Sturgs' disas-
ter, and has placed Gen. A. j. Smith in
command, who will resume tho offensive
again Immediately.
No other military intelligence has been
received by this department since my last
telegram.
(Siguod) E. NJ. STANTON.
Secretary Of War.