Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1864-02-15
The Expedition Against Richmond
GEN. Buffers scheme.

Correspondents Of the View York World
Ff7" WASHINGTON, February 3.
IL will be remembered that in the month Of
December Gen Butler visited Washington, had
a consultation with the President and Secretary Of
War, returned to Fortress Monroe and immedi-
ately thereafter all the rebel prisoners we're
placed under his control He had n scheme of
great magnitude, as | understand, the initial por-
ton of which 10 make plea of fair dealing
with the rebel Commissioner Of Exchange, offer
just equivalent for MI prisoners held by the
rebel authorities and settle the grand difficulty
which had arisen out Of differences between Gen,
Meredith, his predecessor, and Mr.. 0uld. He
soon released 500 prisoners, as an earnest OF his
good intentions, and Mr.. Ould responded with an
equivalent, but Immediately thereafter notified
Gen. Butler that, as he was under the ban OF out
lavry, proclaimed by JEFF. Davis. no further com
munication could be held with him. Gen. Butler
returned Characteristic answer, and stated that
unless he was recognized lac would discontinue
all communication by flag of truce. Since then
the flag has not been used for communication be-
tween Gen Buffers department and the rebels.
ANY one who understands Gtn. Buffers char
acter knows that he IS very sensitive TO affronts.
He no sooner received the rebuff from Mr. Ould
than he proceeded to arrange means by which he
might accomplish his cherished object-tbe re-
lease of she prisoners at Richmobd-and possibly
make capital for himself by foray upon the
rebel seat of government. As soon as he had
conceived this idea and communicated il to the
Government, he set about putting il into execu
ton. As the development of his plans would
not uncover Washington. nor materially withdraw
troops beyond calling distance therefrom in case
of panic, he pei United to put il in execu-
ton.
But Gen. Butler alone was powerless He had
but few troops under his command. and could not
hope for assistance from the Army of the Poto-
mac in the way Of troops. His department in
cuded North Carolina and he drew a few troops
from that quarter 10 Fortress Monroe He then
persuaded the Government that Gen. Gilmore's
forces could readily be spared for a few weeks,
as-while Admiral Dahlgren was nactive-it
would he useless to attempt any military demon
stratiou upon Charleston The bureau at Wnsh-
ington consented. and portion of Gen. Gil
more's command was Withdrawn from Morris
Island and joined to that of Gen. Butler
When all was ready Gen Butler organized his
forces and rang the bell for the curtain 10 rise
with the army Of Gen. Meade. The pieces were
all arrayed upon the cheSs-boArd: the veterans Of
prepared with his reinforcements and had chosen
potion Of Gen McClelIan's hard earned terri
ritory as the theatre of his advance f.s
The scheme compromised less than
surprise OF the Richmond garrison and a re-
lease Of our prisoners Of war held in vile durance
there. 'ia B. .
Gen. Halleck was distrussful Of success; Mr..
Stanton was willing to make the dash IL only for
the glory of the thing; and the President, oc-
cupied as he is with bis scheme for reconsfruc-
ton. merely gave asserting nod, and, thus
fortified.
On Saturday mornng-the precise time for the
movement OF the Army Of the Potomac-the adj
vance began. Gen. Wistar marched from York
town 10 Bottoms Bridge, and crossed the Chick
ahominy. He did not surprise the rebel garrison
there. nor did he march into Richmond, because
the enemy were informed Of his movement IL Is
said by the papers Of that city through n Yankee
deserter. and were prepared for him. He found
the roads obstructed, and failure met him upon
the outset.
The return was accomplished in comparative
safety, partly because the rebels did not choose
to follow, and mainly because there but little
force In Richmond to pursue the retrograde
movement. A portion of the enemy, more ven
turesome than their comrades. made an assault
upon Gen. Wistars rear. but fortunately did no
damage. nor did they greatly hasten the return
movement
The Army of the Potomac did not exactly
march up the hill and then march down again,
but accomplished their part Of the reconnois-
sance. They crossed the Rapdan and met the
enemy, with whom they had a sharp conflict. On
the return they lost two pontoon bridges, and a
portion of the force had fight pretty sharply to
cut their way out from certain grayback sur
roundings. The loss will not exceed 900. The
500 killed, wounded and prisoners. .