Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-06-23

Cincinnati says:
Vsandigbam is still at Dayton. All is reported quie
here.
A despatch from Chicago says:
The Illinois Democratic Convention met at Springfield
yesterday and nominated delegates to the Chicago Con
vention.
A despatch announcing the arrival of Valandgham
in Ohio received with great cheering and resolutions
adopted pedgug the convention to stand by Ohio
in pro ectipg him.
IRON BUTLER's ARNY-PLAE TO CAPTURE PETERSBURG By
MOVING sTEALTHILY AND SUDDENLY THE CITY
STARTING OF TIE RIPEDITIOE-wHY IT FAILED.
[Army Correspondence of the NsW York Herald.
In General Buffers tent council of war was held
Generals Gilmore and Kautz had arrived shortly aft
sunset, and remained in consultation with the CON-
handing General for several hours. During the still
hours Of the night troops moved down and
to the easterly side of the AppomattoX river pOntoon
bridge hundred feet in length, had been thrown
the river about quarter OF mile below Point Of
Rocks. They numbered about four thousand aud Wer,
composed Of infantry, cavalry and artillery. Generals
Gilmore and Kauiz were in command.
Between midnight and two o'clock this morning the
troops crossed noselessy and safely General Gilmore,
with the infantry, regiment OF cavalry and of
General Hncks colored troops to enter the city by
one OF the country roads. General Kautz with his
cavalry was to enter by the turnpike at the south side
of the city, and destroy the iron bridge at that place.
If they found u possible to hold the city they were
do So But the principal object to destroy the i'm
mense quantities OF Government stores at that point
General Butler had laid his plans for the capture of
Petersburg with great ski 1t appeared almost impos-
sibe that the expedition SHOULD prove failure. The
rebels we're known to have very respectable force
our 'front.' aud to prevent them from annoying the rear
Of ths column commanded by Generals Gilmore and
Kautz be had determined to engage their batteries dur
ing the whole day. With that object in view he pro-
ceeded to the front shory after six o'clock this
ing and remained az the signal staten in thsvicnity Of
Fort Wisconsin during the whole day.
Our gunboats had received orders to pay their re-
spects to Fort Clifton. This is the strongest OF the
rebel works on front. The firing from the CommO
dore Perry and other gunboats station, in the Apo
mattox river was beautifully accurate The report of
heavy guu was heard, and in few seconds it was fol-
lowed by lesser report The she'll had burst right
side the rebel works. as the white puff of smoke ndi
Gated Firing was continued the whole day from our
batteries and also from the gunboats The cues in the
rebel Fort Clifton replied feeby, and either of very
small cabre or the ammunition they use is of an infe
ror quality for not one in dozen OF their SHELLS came
at ali near our works.
short distance to the rear of Fort Wisconsin q sig
nal station is in course of erection. Il is immense
combination Of poles boards, les aud puleys From
the top splendid view oil the adjacent country can be
obtained During the whole day it has been occupied
by number OF officers and others interested in the
success of the expedition. Glasses we're eveled in the
direction Of Petersburg and all waited with breathess
interest for some sign that Gilmore and Kauz had
reached and entered the city. The shells thrown from
our batteries aud gunboas were from this lookout sta
ton to burst directly in and the rebel works.
After the lapse Of few hours the rebel guns replied
but feebly and it very evident thatour fire too
severe for them.
The expedition to facilitate and insure the success of
which all the above mentioned PRECAUTIONS had been
taken by General Butler took up its line of march for
Petersburg about o'clock this morning were
dry and in capital marching condition. Skirmishes
sent ahead and also placed on either flank After
marching unmolested for about two miles, Gen. Kautz
nth his veteran raiders turned sharply Of to the le
and Ger eral Gilmore with regiment of cavalry, the
infantry coored troops and several pieces of artillery
went to the right They to reunite their forces
in the city OF Petersburg. But imam proposes and God
disposss."
The line of march of General Glmore's troops was
through pleasant country. Vegetation of all kind,
grew with the greatest uxuriance. The fruit was fist
ripenng the trees. On either side of the road we're
fields Of wheat clover and grass almost ready for the
sickle of the reaper or the mowers scythe Occasion
ally house was seen, from the windows and doors o.
which faces, both white and black, gaze with word r..
m.nt and alarm on the passing troops. Large numbers
Of quail started up, aud occasionally frightened
rabbit scampered across the road.
In short time few shots were fired at General Gil
more and his staff, while riding at the head of tie
column None of tho shots, however, took effect The
Generals escort pushed ahead, and again voey was
fred. This lime soldier was wounded and seyetal
horses MANNED. Until the column arrived within
about two miles Of Petersburg, the skirmishng con-
nued, but no large force of rebels was encountered
On arriving in sight of Petersburg General Gilmore
accompanied by Brgader General Foster reconnotered
the enemy works. and found that Beauregard for the
defence of the city, had thrown up q most elaborate
and perfect series OF works. few mounted men were
ordered forward when the fact was ascertaped that
the WORKS we're folly manned and the rebels on the
alert to receive troops.
During General Gilmore's march up from the river
woman had come forward with the intelligence, that
Beauregard had received information of our intended
as early as one O'Clock, p n. on Wednes
day. twelve hours be troops began to march,
SIZE iuther added that being in Petersburg on We'd
nesday for the purpose of making purchases the
orty.eght hours, the Yankees were coming up on
Thursday.
After giving the subject due consideration and cor
ulting with his staff officers, General Gilmore deci d. /
o return to the AppomattoX. No word had been re- |