The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-05-08

They doubtless expected that our forces would ad.
vance from White House; for q strong force had
been sent up there to repair the wharves, to
fell trees and make great show. This WAS
done in broad daylight, and with largo feet OF
transports evidently awaiting the preparations for dis
embarkng This work prosecuted with great vigor
during the day. while Of the transports were sent
st further up the river their advance being covered By
the gunboats General Butler had given the most posi-
tive orders as soon as darkness SGT In to rc-embark
every all possible haste In reaching the
rendezvous Ncwports Ncws. THIS movement was &C
compshed during the night and the whole force was on
its way up the James river shortly after midnight In
the meantime the rebels who felt confident that the ad
vance was be made by the way Of White House,
hastily Withdrew their forces from the James
river. At the time they engaged General
Butter and Admiral Iee quietly, quickly and with
certainty advancing to occupy and to hold the ground
just vacated by the unwary rebels This whole move
ment is full o tho most consumnate strategy, and has
completely thrown the enemy on their guard.
THE Neutrality-suspicious. We ARE TO LAND.
This has been OF the finest days Of the season. just
enough air stirring make IL pleasant. Everything
promises best results and advancing without
let hndrance. AS there Is doubt that this
letter viii not reach you until after we have fully effect
ed landing, can cay that our destination Is City
Point, or perhaps Bermsda Hundreds. We may, how
ever, meet with resistance at Fort Powhatan II
VIC should do not doubt for . moment that tho 70.
suit will bc discournging TO the rebels To give your
readers some idea Of the magnitude Of the notla par
tcipating in this movement, append the names Of the
naval vessels ana the Transports
THE RIVER FLEET.
The following s list Of tho fotlla and It's ofcers:
Commander
Acting Rear Admiral SAMUEL PHILLIPS LEE, q. 8. N.
Stat.
Fleet Captain, Commander John s. Barnes.
Fleet Engineer, benjamin r. Garvin
Flagship
onondaga, Captain Melancthon smith.
Tecumseh Commander 3. A. Craven.
pcus, Commander -.
6augus, Commander -.
Atlanta, -
Eutaw Commander II. O. Blake.
0sceoia, Commander J. N. u. Clitz,
Sassaeus. Commander r. H. Roe.
Commodore Perry. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Foster.
Commodore Barney, Acting Master J. M Wliam&
Mount Washington, Acting Master II: II; Haynss
Commodore Jones, Acting Master j. q. Barclay.
Stepping stones, Acting Master d. A. Campbell.
Commodore Norris, Lieutenant Joseph Fyne
General Putnam Acting Master II. II. savage
Poppy, Acting Ensign Miller.
Cohassett, Acting Ensign o. Asserar.
Zouave, Acting Masters Mate j. +. DagGes.
Hupchback, Acting Master X. q. Lce
Delaware.
Young America
HytrangIa.
Shokokcn.
shawsheen, Acting Master II. A. Pbeion:
ruK NAVAL
Commander.
Brgsd'er General CHARLES X. GRAHAM.
StoE
Captain Sampson, Quarsermsster
lieutenant W. H. Buitard, Aid dde-Camp,
Lieutenant X. ID. BENSON, Abide Camp.
Flagship, Charles Cham bcrlain Captain HarrM
Jessup, Lieutenant Badenhuser.
Flora Temple, Lieutenant Chambers
Foster.
keuo.
General Burnside.
s. l.. Brewstcr,
snsased In The sxpsdson M tAs ysuss Y,vsy are more