Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-06-24

Meade nlovang htS forces TO the South of
Richmoad,-- Gen. Grant at Bermuda
Landing.- Gen. Sherman -Aduance-
ing,--Rebei Gen. Polk Killed.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, June l5-7 Am.
TO Mqj. Gen. Die:
The movement Of the Army Of the
Potomac to the south side of Richmond,
across the Chickahominy and James riv-
ers has progressed lar enough to admit
the publication of some general facts,
without danger of premature disclosure.
After several days preliminary pre-
paration the movement commenced Sun
day night. The 18th corps under com
mand of Gen. Smith marched TO White
House and then embarked on transports
for Bermuda Landing. Wright's 18th
corps) and Burnside moved to Jones
bridge where they crossed the Chicka-
hominy and marched thence to Charles
City on the James River. Hancock's
and Warren's corps crossed the Chicka-
hominy at long bridge and marched
thence to Wilcox's on the James river.
The James river was to be crossed by
the army at Powhattan Point.
A dispatch from Gen. Grant dated
Monday eve., 5 l2 o'clock 'Headquar--
ter's Wilcox's Landing states that the
advance of our troops had reached that
place and would commence crossing the
James river tomorrow Tuesday, and
that Smiths corps would commence ar
riv:ng at City Point that night, that no
fighting was reported during the move
ments except little cavalry skirmish--
ing.
Yesterday TUESDAY, afternoon at
o'clock of that day he says: 'Our forces
will commence crossing James river to-
day. Tie enemy shows no signs of yet
having brought troops to the south sides
of Richmond. Our movement from
Coal Harbor to the mouth of James river
had been made with great celebrity and
so far without loss or accident.
An unofficial dispatch dated at Gen.
Buffers headquarters, 2;20 p. IN. yester-
day, says that Smiths corps was coming
on, 5000 having already landed.
A dispatch from Gen. Sherman's head
quarters, dated at O'Clock yesterday af.
ternoon, near Kenesaw, states that the
General is in front, advancing his lines
to Kenesaw.
Another unofficial dispatch, dated at 8
o'clock last night, reports some advance
to-day, that Gen. Thomas has gained
ground, and that rebel brigade is near
ly surrounded. 1t further reports that
the rebel Gen. Polk was killed to>day.
In another part of Gen. Sherman's
(East Mississippi division, our forces
have not met with success that has at
tended competent commanders. Gen.
Washburn at Memphis reports that the
expedition consisting of 5000 cavalry
and 5000 infantry, and 16 pieces of ar
tillery, sent out from there a few days
ago under command of Gen. Sturgis, en-
countered large rebel force on the 10th
under command Of Forrest at Guntown
on the railroad running south from Cor
inth, and at severe fight, in which
our loss in killed and wounded was heavy
our forces were worsted.
AT the last accounts Sturgis was at
Collinsville retreating towards Memphis.
Dispatches state that with the troops that
had lately arrived, Memphis was safe.
Gen. Sherman having received the
news of Sturgis' defeat, reports that he
has already made arrangements, and
placed Gen. A. j. Smith in command,
who will resume the offensive immedi-
ately.
No further military intelligence has
been received by this department since
my last telegram.
E. M. STANTON, Sec'y of War.