FROM GEN. M’CLELLAN’S ARMY: Letters From Our Special Correspondents; A Hard Battle Expected Before Entering Richmond (5/29/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 5/29/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

NEW BRIDGE, CHICKAHOMINY RIVER, Va., Monday Evening, May 26, 1862.

Within the past three days the disposition of the whole rebel army before Richmond seems to have been changed. Instead of the rebels retreating, with all their supplies and camp equipage toward the city, they are coming from it in large numbers, and are evidently determined to make a stand between it and the Chickahominy River. It was ascertained beyond a doubt that five days ago, but a small force of the enemy -- say six thousand men -- occupied the ground between us and Richmond. It was then supposed that our march into the city would be easy and rapid, and that an opportunity would soon be given the Union citizens of that place to demonstrate their delight at being liberated from the secession yoke. But now the aspect is completely changed, and numerous indications favor the belief that our onward progress to Richmond is to be hotly disputed by the larger part of the rebel army. Every hour troops are pouring out of Richmond and disposing themselves along the line of the Chickahominy, being at some points only a half a mile from it.

Gen. STONEMAN, who, for the past three days, has been encamped a short distance north of Mechanicsville, thought it prudent to retire to a point about half a mile this side of the town. This fact alone, however, does not prove that the enemy is gaining ground, for it was expected when the General occupied his position beyond the town, that he would not remain there a long while.

Gen. STONEMAN with his force still holds -----, but how long he will be able to do so, unless reinforced, it is impossible to say. He may with his command,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Gen. M’Clellan’s Army: Letters From Our Special Correspondents – 2-3
Late and Important: Further Particulars of the Battle at Hanover court-house – 3
From Gen. Halleck’s Army: Picket Skirmishing Prohibited by Gen. Halleck – 3
Natchez, Mississippi – 3, 5
The Surrender of Natchez, Mississippi (map) – 4
From the Mississippi Flotilla: Unmistakable Preparations for a Forward Movement – 5-6
News from Washington: The President Exercising the Functions of Commander-in-Chief – 6
The Destruction of the Merrimac: An Explanation of the Reason Why It Was Done – 6-7
Beauregard at Richmond – 7
Editorial: Conquering the South – 7
Editorial: Punishing Rebels – The Confiscation and Emancipation Bills – 7-8
How to Pierce Iron-Clads – 8
Change in the Rebel Situation Before Richmond – 8
Drawing it Too Strong – 8
Arms for the New Troops – 8
Destruction of the Merrimac – 8
Another New Man-of-War – 8-9
The First Naval Conflict between Iron-Clad Vessels – 9
Surgical Aid Wanted – 9