The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-14
.asllrillR @HniOn.
VIM. CAMERON 4 CO.. Publishers.
The Movements Of Gen. Butler-Gen.
6illmOre's Corps Brought from
CharlestOn-What is TO be DOne-On
the Eve Of Marching,
lCorespondenceof the \. Y. Tnbune.l

GEN. Buffers HEAD' RS, MAYA, 1864.
In April, Gen. Grant came to Fortress
Monroe to consult with Gen. Butler as
to what operations could be undertaken
in this Department in cooperation with
the Army of the Potomac. Gen. But
Ter suggested two plans. The first re-
quired much larger force than could
be spared, even for the purpose of a
decided success here, inasmuch as it
rendered victory elsewhere decidedly
uncertain; and left strong probabilities
of disaster for which this success would
not compensate. The second plan was,
therefore, adopted by Gen. Grant and
preparations made to reinforce General
Butler by the 10th Army Corps, under
Gen. Gilmore. Since that time Gen.
Butler has devoted himself with I'M
firing energy to the perfection of his
plan, and the necessary arrangements
Of detail The undertaking is hazard
Gus, and will prove one Of the boldest
attempts of the war Nothing has been
spared on the part of Gen. Butler and
those in command under him to render
success certain, and the feeling prevails
the plan will be indicated step by step
in, succeeding letters Suffice it to say
that every possible contingency has
been thought of and prepared for.
The greatest secrecy has been preserved,
and even now, as the initiatory move
ment is making, the whole affair is
shrouded in mystery. One Of the most
important objects was to throw the
rebels off their guard as to the destina-
ton of the expedition. The troops
were, therefore, gathered at Yorktown,
and as Gen. Gillmore's forces arrived
they were encamped at Gloucester Point
on the opposite side of the York River.
| Reconnaissance were sent out on both
sides of the York River from.time to
time, and latterly brigade was trans
ported to West Point, lumber, timber,
/ piles, DC, sent up, and the construction
of docks for the landing of troops COM
menced, and is still being vigorously
prosecuted. Forage, commissary stores,
quartermasters stores, and all the
necessary accomplishments of such an
! expedition were forwarded to Yorktown
and Gloucester Point, and now barges
laden with supplies are in the river APP
parently ready to move up with the ex-
petition to West Point The effect of
these operations has been TO keep the
rebels on the qui vive; signal station
has been established near at hand and
a late reconnaissance disclosed that the
enemy had thrown their pickets for
ward to this side of New-Kent Court
House, and " re strengthening their
position at Bottoms Bridge and along
that line.
The rebels, to divert Gen. Buffers
attention, threw part of Gen Picketts
force into North Carolina, and attacked
Newbern, where they were handsomely
repulsed by Gen Palmer They after
ward attacked Plymouth with what
result is too well known. Gen Butler
was not to be deferred from his main
purpose by the buzzing of flies, and
concentrated his forces in North Caro-
lima by the evacuation of Little Wash
ington, and other movements. This
enabled him to draw from the forces in
that State a small body to augment the
main body here The withdrawal of
the 10th corps from Morris and Folly
Islands was sufficient indication that
Beauregard and his force would be
wanted elsewhere. Hence we hear Of
that redoubtable chieftain at Peters
burg, with from $4,000 to $4,000 men,
en- route for Richmond and Lees army.
1t is understood here that he has join
ed Lee The rebels withdrew their
forces from North Carolina, and have
also gathered all available troops from
other points. These are left in and
around Richmond, to act as circum-
stances. require.
The transfer of the 10th Army Corps
from Charleston to Gloucester Point
has been effected without any loss, and
the troops arrived in fine condition,
and are now in excellent spirits. On
the first of May Gen. Butler telegraph
ed that he was all ready and awaiting
orders; Gen. Grant replied that he
should attack Lee on Thursday morn
ing. This meant for US to move the
night before, that is tonight To-day
the embarkatiOn of the troops COM
mences at Yorktown and Gloucester
Point, details of which will be given by
another of your correspondents. Gen.
Kinks division of colored troops is en-
barking here, and viii join the feet as
it passes on its way up the James River.
The whole feet is conveyed by Admiral
Lees squadron of monitors and gun
boats. The movement commences at
dark, and by tomorrow noon q landing
will probably have been effected at a
point near Richmond and Petersburg
Gen. Gilmore arrived this morning,
and assumes command of the 10th
Corps. The 18th is under command of
Gen. W. +. Smith An order was yes
terday issued at Yorktown by the Med
ical Director, Dr~Suckley, that every
man who could not march ten miles
and then fight should be sent to the
rear. Knapsacks and all superAuous
baggage have been diepensed with, and
the troops are in light marching order
and ready for fight Everything now
depends upon the successful landing up
the James. If we can continue to fool
the rebels as has thus far been done,
we shall succeed in getting firm grip
upon the throat of Lees army-that is,
his supplies Tomorrow, therefore, a
general attack viii be made, and sounds
Of Grants and Buffers guns viii be an
swered by Sherman from Chattanooga
and from Banks on the Mississippi
God grant that this campaign shall be
at least the beginning Of the end!
81 v..oe Dice. UvuoIgfFor