The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1864-05-07


hundreds, abont three miles higher mp
James river, in Chesterfield county, where
tney landed force variously estimated at
from ten to flftecn thousand men. He
counted forty.one transports, and others
could he seen In the distance, coming up
James liver. This large floti'la was con-
voyed by three iron-c.ads (monitors) ana
four wooden gunboats.
Bermuda Hundreds Is near the mouth Of
the Appcmsttox river, on its western bank,
and but ten miles from Drewrys Bluff. 1t
also within two or three hours march oi
the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad.
The preparations at Fortress Monroe for
the expedition have been very extensive
Three hospital steamships-the State Of
Maine. Connecticut, and New World-all &C.
company It, and all the hospitals at Old
Point have been cleared ont to receive the
wounded.
The chief Of the iron clads which accom-.
pany the transports is the Oaondaga, an en-
tirely new vessel, just finished In New York,
which arrived at Fortress Monroe last week.
II is claimed by the Yankees that in her all
the defects of the Ericsson monitors are
avoided, her turrets being built ona heavier
and stronger plan, her ventilation better,
and her deck but fifteen inches above water.
Her guns throw dfteen-inch shot and rified
shell.
It was rumored on the streets yesterday
that the Yankees had struck the Richmond
and Petersburg railroad at Port Walthall
Junction, but this report is not confirmed,
and last night our troops were still in pos
session Of the post.
The following telegram was received here
last night:
PETERSBURG, May 6-Our forces were
skirmisbing with the enemy's forces near
Port Walthall Junction at & o'clock this
evening.
GEO. E. PICKETT, Maj. Gen. Comd'g.
We learn, in addition to this, that later in
telligence announces that the enemy had
been driven back.
ADDITIONAL FORCE OF TRANSPORTS AND
oUNBOATs IN THE RIVER.
Last night Intelligence was received here
that 35 Of the enemy's gunhoats and trans.
ports had passed Harrison's Landing, and
seventy were in sight, making 1o5 in all.
Six of the squadron came up, and one OF
them, the leading vessel, was blown up By
torpedo. The other FIVE then landed their
troops at Curles Neck.
At last accounts there were several gun
boats in sight OF Gregory's farm, 21a miles
from Chsffin's Bluff.
OF YANKEE GUNBoAT By A
ToRPEDO-AIL ON BOARD BLOWN UP.
From dispatch received at the Navy
Department from Lieut.. Hunter Davidson,
in charge Of submarine dcfences, we lean
that Yankee gunboat run foul OF one of
the torpedo sentinels in the James river
yesterday morning and was blown to atoms.
He says there ''is hardly piece left as big
rs row. boat"
The explosion occurred at Deep Bottom
near Atkins Landing, about 10 miles below
the city, und not soul on board escaped
the disaster.
THE MOVEMENTS ON THE PENINSULA.
Tie Yankee force which has been at West
Point for week broke up their camp on
Thursday, and when last heard from were
in the direction Of Cd Church,
IN Hanover county. They number about
1 600. It is said that Gen. Butler is with this
force, though from other sources We hear
that he is with Baldy Smith on the other
side Of the river.
They have advanced up to the bridge
which crosses the Chickahouiny river.
In King William county, the force named
burned the dwellings Of Col. Hill and Mr..
sanford, and ravished a negro woman, be-
sides committing other outrages of SINH
lar fierdish character.