The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1864-06-06

s Sius 10 adopt an entirely different line q
Afew yesrs ago Ispent some months IN
tho neighberhood Of Richmond, and IN inc
country where Gen. Grant Is now opera
ting, between that city and Pamunkey rN-
err. 1t was in the Summer time, and Ire
member perfectly well the different roads,
streams, plantations, towns and objects o,
interest in that delightful part OF the va
Dominion. From the knowledge OF the
country which acquired at that time ana
from what have learned during the las,
few months in regard to the strength anu
extent of the Notifications of Richmond, l
am satisfied that the hard work OF zen
Grants campaign is yet to be done. "a"
that his gallant soldiers have gone tnrougn'
is as nothing compared with what Hes De
fore them IN the few miles that intervene
between him and Richmond. he Is now
south of the Pamunkey, with water base
on the York river, which affords him a
sneedy and perfectly safe mode Tor the
TRANSPORTATION of his supplier. So far, good
He IS now exactly where Gen. Mcclellan $
armv was this time two years ago. de mas
not vet crossed the Chickahominy. his
troubles will begin when he attempts to 90
90.
The places where an army can cross are
distant from Richmond as fellows: Az DOT.
toms Bridge, IL miles east OF the city: at
Summers Bridge, where Gen. summer
crossed his corps at the battle OF the seven
Pines. 10 miles east of the city; at Wood
hnrv's Bridge, near Cold Arbor, 8 miles
east or the city; at the Meadow Bridge, .
miles north of the city; at the Mechanics.
Vile Bridge, A miles east Of the city. All
these bridges either probably are, or GER
taiuly will be destroyed by the rebels
But that is a matter of small consequence,
They, and four or five Others at intervening
points, were built by Gen, McClellan's ar
nv, at the points most favorable for cossr
ipe: and Gen. Grants army will have to do
the same. The stream, although a small
and narrow one, is subject to frequent and
sudden rises, which cause it to overflow
mot it's banks for it has none), but the
country on each side for wide distances -
1t is this popularity OF the Chickahominy,
which renders it such formidable military
obstacle. From the Meadow Bridge on the
north, to Bottoms Bridge on the east, a
distance of Is miles, the country for half
mile on each side Of the stream, is vast
marsh or swamp, utterly impossible for ar
tillery, and nearly 80 for infantry, except
where roads and artificial causeways have
been made Dozens of these roads were
constructed by the patient labor OF McOlel'
lans army and if they have not been de-
stroyed, they will prove of immense service
to Gen. Grant. If they have been, new
ones will have to be constructed.
If the army crosses near Mechanicsville,
they will come at once upon the outer line
of the defenses of Richmond. Ifthey cross
at Bottoms Bridge, they will have fur
Their march of nearly eight miles to make
before they reach the first line Of the rebel
works. And then their further progress to
ward the rebel capital, or theirretreat there
from, will depend upon two things First,
the strength and extent of the Notifications
of Richmond, and the number Of troops
which Besuregard has there; ard second,
| the line of conduct which General Lee will
adopt with the main rebel army, certainly
100000, perhaps l25, 600 strong,
1t is understood here that the remainder
of the troops left at Bermuda Hundred will
very shortly follow General Smiths corps,
and Join General Grant in the valley of the
Ohickahominy, by water and BY way of
Fortress Monroe, Yorktown and White
House. 1t is only twenty eight miles by
the course of the roads from Bermuda Hun.
dred to where Grant was when General
Smiths corps left there. Why did they
not march right across the Peninsula, by
way of HaxalPs, Malvern Hill, Bottoms
Bridge and Cold Arbor? That it was judged
iuexpedient for SO large and effective corps
as that of Gen. Smith to make this short
march, proves the accuracy of the informa
ton in my last letter.
But when the troops of Gilmore shall
have followed those of General Smith,
and joined those of General Grant
the latter will then have all the
troops that he can have. II then, in the
progress of the siege, any serious disaster
befalls this army. can it be said that Wash
ington will be absolutely safe? This ques-
ton is not mine. 1t is one that engages
some attention at the White House just
now, even on the eve Of the Baltimore
Convention. MALCOLM.