Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-06-16
Army Of the Potomac.

Movements Of Part Of the Eth Cozps-
I Operations Of the Fourth. Division on
i'sse CAicbdaoainy Erection Of fbrti-
foations--f1iitges Pia Dag--!Stateg.y Of
f Good SAdrpshoossr-Sheridan's CIV
airy on Another Raid. -
/ DssfAroH STATION, june 6.-The fret
and Fourth Divisions Of tho Fifth Corps
reached herc. this morning; 1t was 3
o'clock A NJ. when the men began the
march. When day dawned. the Rebels
on tho south side Of the Chickahoininy
observed the moving column, and opened
on it with two guns of very heavy calibrc.
Several men were injured while marching
in the ranks.
Colonel Hofinan's brigade, Of the
Fourth Division, Immediately took pos
session of this side of the railroad bridge.
A barricade was thrown across the rail
road about half mile below this station.
Between us and the Rebels fows the
Chickahominy, sinuous, sluggilst
stream, bounded on either side by jun
giles and increases, from which is contin-
ually arising unwholesome dampness and
noxious yapors. At this point the stream
is not more than one hundred yards in
width; the brigade is three times as long.
All the track is in excellent running
order. A little rusty from long dlsuse,
but still quite complete, with switches
and side tracks in good repair. During
the afternoon, the Rebels mounted hca-
w piece of ordnance upon truck, and
approached within short distance of the
bridge. They threw some six-inch shell
over our men, which elected considerable
criticism from those happening to make
narrow escapes.
Rifle pits were dug. AM long line of
Qualifications begun. For a time the Skin
mishers were friendly and convcrscd with
each other across the river Before dark
they were using every species of .ttaesse
to cause each other to expose their body
TO be shot.
Few of our peaceful readers imagine
how skillful and inventive Il successful
sharahooter must be ere he enters the
ride pit. which may prove his grave. 1t
is not enough that he be an excellent
marksman. Your good sharpshooter is
always fine stratcgist. In front of the
Second Corps, Barlow's Division, l be-
liave, is Reb:l battery Our fortified
skirmish line is within few rods Of the
cncmy'5 entrenchmcn;s. This battery
for some days annoyed us exceedingly.
Throughout the entire day shell after
she'll would be dropped among the troops
in reserve. Shells are noisy missiles -
They seldom effect great damage, unless
used upon hear, masses, within easy
range.
4 screaming shell Is little moro than
moral effect. have known brigade OF
infantry to b. concealed in the woods,
while the Rebel shells appeared to burst
with wonderful precision in their very
midst. Scarcely man would be hit
Upon new troops the effect is terrifying.
There is no man, however brave or cour-
sgcous, but will vince and shrink when
he listens, for the first timeA- the burst
ing Of shells. One soon gets accustomed
to them. and an old soldier will calmly
smoke his short pipe and speculate upon
the chances of one bursting in some spot
close by which he has selected.
One morning the Rebels around this
battery iscoycred small lunettc irmo-
dately in front 1t had grown up in
single night. Twenty men lay concealed
in this small trench. They were but
few yards from the dark ,nuzzle of those
cannon. The Rebels attempt
to work the guns, All efforts are futile
When Rebel shows his head email
let Of white smoke curls slowly above the
small! semicircle where our men are con-
ccaled. The Rebel falls. In this way
We render the onca formidable, battery
useless. During the day it is quiet--at
night they use it freely, 49,.
All the old lodges are freely practicei.
\ man put his hat on the end Of ramrod,
and holds it above the pit In tricc il
is pierced with dozen bullets. Another
exposes his own person slightly, that an
associate may get single fair pop at .
Rebel" Great quantities Of powder and
lead are thrown away About sunset
every night, both sides cndeayor to pash
out their respective skirmish lines. 1t
frequently happens that both sides open
with cannon and musketry, and keep up
a continual uproar for half an hour.
Already there have been two such &C.
currences, which, to those not upon the
spot. would assume the magnitude Of a
fearful night attack Barlow's and Glib
bou's divisions. of the ID Corps, are so
near the enemy great precautions are ne
c,ssary to ward Of collision. Two nights
ago there was savage rattle of musketry
and showers of grape and canister ex-
changed. Every one thought a bloody
battle had been fought, Next morning
| discovered that scarcely dozen men
had been struck.
Bottoms Bridge is not quite two miles
from here. The Rebels had cut the sup
porting timbers. but were driven away
before they could complete their work OF
destruction upon the timbers OF the
bridge.
A train Of cars came to the station to-
day from the White house. Near the
river is large sawmill. A large guam
tity of lumber was here. 1t was loaded
on the cars and carried off.
The cavalry have gone on another raid.
Whatever the undertake to do will be
well done.
From New Orleans.