FROM RICHMOND AND VICINITY: The Strength of the Rebel Army Prior to the Late Battles, About 220,000 (7/15/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 7/15/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

BALTIMORE, Monday, July 14.

The American, of this afternoon, says:

"We learn from Mr. WM. AIREY, of this city, who escaped from Richmond on Tuesday last, that the rebel troops in and around the city prior to the recent battles were estimated at from 217,000 to 220,000. Large reinforcements from the direction of Petersburgh had been arriving for the previous ten days and nights which were said to be from the coast, but our informant could not ascertain whether any portion of them were of BEAUREGARD's army. They arrived by railroad, and were marched during the night toward Hanover Court-house. Gen. BEAUREGARD had been in Richmond several weeks, suffering from a severe attack of fever, and was still at the Spotswood House, [???] in his room, when Mr. AIREY left.

Gens. MCCALL and REYNOLDS are neither of them wounded. After remaining a day at the Spotswood House, they were taken to the officers' prison.

A gunboat on the plan of the Merrimac, though much smaller, is rapidly approaching completion at Richmond, though great difficulty is experienced in [???] iron for her armor.

The obstructions in the James River were considerably weakened by the recent freshets. One of the shaken vessels had so swung around that the Teaser was able to pass through, and was soon afterwards captured.

Fort Darling has been greatly strengthened, and the batteries are iron-clad. A whole division of the army had crossed the James River on a pontoon bridge to assist in its defence against any land force.

The bridges destroyed by Gen. MCCLELLAN in the vicinity of Hanover Court-house have not been reconstructed.

The forces of Gen. JACKSON had moved off, it was thought, toward Fredericksburgh, and it was said would again strike a blow in the valley.

[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.

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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 Richmond and Vicinity: The Strength of the Rebel Army Prior to the Late Battles, About 220,000 – 2
The Capture of Murfreesboro: The Rebels, Six Thousand Strong, Reported to be Marching on Nashville – 2-3
The Army of Virginia: Address of Gen. Pope to his Officers and Soldiers – 3
From the Mississippi River: Important Order by Gen. Grant in Memphis – 3
News from Washington: A Bill from the President to Carry Out his Emancipation Policy – 3-4
Excursion of Mrs. Lincoln in New-York Harbor – 4
Editorial: President Lincoln’s Emancipation Policy – An Important Movement – 4-5
Editorial: The Confiscation Act – 5-6
Editorial: The Business of To-Day – 6
Every One Can Do Something – 6
A Practical Suggestion – 6
The Reported Capture of Baton Rouge – 6
The Green Mountain Boys First in the Field – 6

[C19fan]

Over 200,000 troops in the Confederate Army around Richmond???? LoL!!!! Sounds like McClellan feeding the press his poor assessment of Confederate strength.
The ANV prior to the Seven Days was at its peak strength with 92,000 men.

[LuxAerterna]

Strength of 220,000? Good grief. I guess McClellan had to come up with this nonsense to cover up his own incompetent performance.