FROM RICHMOND AND VICINITY: Late Intelligence from General McClellan’s Army; NEWS FROM THE REBEL CAPITAL (7/17/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 7/17/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Tuesday, July 15, 1862.

The position of the main body of the army near Harrison's Landing remains unchanged. Yesterday a squadron of the Sixth United States Cavalry went out a mile beyond the picket line for the purpose of preventing surprise to a fatigue party on duty at a point in the rear. The enemy's videttes were discovered half a mile in advance. For upwards of three hours the two parties sat quietly on their horses watching the movements of each other, until at length the enemy became exceedingly restless and showed signs of hostility. The Sixth allowed him to advance a few yards and then gave him a volley from their carbines. A few shots were fired in return by the rebels, after which they turned about and galloped off to their original position. No one was injured on our side. The enemy lost three wounded and one taken prisoner. The prisoner is of a dull, stupid temperament, and little inclined to conversation. Nothing of interest or value was elicited from him.

At night the picket relief was posted on the line occupied by the cavalry, consequently our pickets were advanced one mile.

As to the matter of advancing pickets, however, we might safely, as far as meeting the enemy in force is concerned, take three thousand men and walk straight to within half a mile of Savage's Station. The main force of the rebels is not less than fifteen miles from our exterior line. That would locate them on Trent and Gaines' Hills, the former of which is on the west and the latter on the east side of the Chickahominy.

[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

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4078870/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Richmond and Vicinity: Late Intelligence from General McClellan’s Army – 2
From Gen. Curtis’ Army: Safe Arrival of the Command at Helena, Ark. – 2
Another Battle in Arkansas: Defeat of the Rebels up White River, by Col. Pitch – 2
The President and Slavery: Conference between the President and the Border State Members of Congress – 3
News from Washington: Congress and the Confiscation Bill – 3-4
Editorial: The Great Work of the Present – 4-5
What are We to Do for Guns – 5
Employing Negroes in Our Camps – 5
Emancipation and Foreign Intervention – 5-6
The Battle on James Island: Note from Gen. Benham upon Gen. Stevens’ Report – 6
The James Island Fiasco – 6