Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-06-01
LATE SOUTHERN NEWS.

We have before us the Richmond Examiner
of the 18th of May. 1t states the total number
of prisoners consigned to the Libby since the
first battle OF Manassas, in July, 1861, to have
been something over 81 200; also, that bakers in
Richmond now charge LBS per loaf for bread
The Examiner says" Grant is reported to
have crossed the Pamunkey at Hanovertown
and to be moving down probably for the point
known as Piping Tree in New Kent county,
some fifteen or sixteen miles from Richmond.
OF the movements OF Lee 1t would not be
prudent to speak, but the reader may be we'll
assured that he has his eye upon his adversa-
ry and will be prepared for him whenever and
wherever he may show himself. Lee has never
yet been surprised or outgeneraled, and it is
not likely that he will be in this instance. Sc
far the armies have only been manGuvering,
but the battle will likely come off in few days.
Deserters from Grants army sayithat he does
not intend to fight, but is going to lay siege to
the city and try the spade and shovel as he did
at Vicksburg.
The Examiner admits the repulse received By
Fitzhugh Lee in his attack up Buffers en-.
trenchments as follows:
"We have some further particulars Of the
affair in Charles City county, in which Gen
Fitzhugh Lee ventured a partial attack on a
force OF the enemy entrenched near the James
river. The statements Of the great strength Of
the enemys Notifications are fully corrobo-
rated.
They were strongly intrenched behind liue
OF Notifications stretching out from the river
in the form of horse shoe: before this ran a
ditch some ten or twelve feet deep and some
fifteen to eighteen feat wide, and an abattis
made intricate and impenetrable by the inter.
twiping of wire with the limbs and branches of
the felled trees. So formidable and complete
were the Notifications that we are told by an
officer who participated in the affair, that it
would have taken our men two hours to get
into their works, had there even been not a
man inside Of them.
The force Of the enemy. too. was consider
ably larger than was first supposed. Besides
fair N I'M yrar 4
boats in the river playing upon our men all
the time with grape and canister. Under the
circumstances Gen Fitzhugh Lee thought it
unwise to make the sacrifice 1t would have
cost to carry the position, and retired after an
unsuccessful assault upon portion Of the
works. in which We had some 60 men killed
and wounded,
From the Trans. Mississippi.
CLINTON, LA, May 81, via SUMMIT, May
o6.-Banks has escaped from Alexandra by
way OF Simsport. A. J. Smiths corps has gone
mp @ Naschez and Ficksburg. The balance OF
his army Is in full retreat towards New Or
leans, being now at MorjanZa, on the west
bank Of the river MAJ. Gen. l.. Candy has
arrived and assumed command, Banks having
gone to New Orleans. 1t is reported. aud be.
Leyed to be reliable, that Lieut.. Gen. Dick Tay-
lor is crossing at Atchafalaya river, twelve
miles below, where Banks crossed. Banks
troops are reported on good authority to be very
much demoralized.
Within the last six days the batteries belong.
ing TO Scott's command, have fired into five
dHAte Transports, Gripping tuTee seriously,
knocking out the steam pipe of one, and driv.
ing of the gunboat that came to her relief The
loss OF life is not known. Three stopped at Cat
Island for repairs. The forces In the district
are rapidly increasing. and Dol. Scott is ready
Tor any advance the enemy may make
Gen. Lees Army.
From the Richmond Examiner May 2sl
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, NEAR ASH
LAND, May 27, 1884, IL m.-Both armies are
certainly again on the move. Some Of the
enemy's prisoners who have just been brought
in, say that Grant commenced the work of re.
crossing the the North Anna river yesterday,
and that the move occupied all last night.
About ten o'clock last night the enemy opened
upon Jordon's division a fierce cannonading,
and shortly afterwards assaulted his skir-
mishers, with q line of battle, bat were re.
pulsed. This, Of course, was mere faint.
There was some firing this morning between
their rear guard and our skrmishers, but it
has not amounted TO anything. Grant Is now
moving rapidly around to our right with his
whole force, and corresponding movements
are Oh foot on our side to meet those OF Grant.
A day or two will probably reveal to rs the
new situation. Meanwhile we must bide our
time. 1vANHOE.