FROM GEN. M’CLELLAN’S ARMY: The Midnight Demonstration of the Rebels; THE AFFAIR NOT A SURPRISE (8/4/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/4/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Our Special Correspondent.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Friday, Aug. 1, 1862.

At about 1 o'clock this morning the rebels opened a rapid fire from three batteries of six guns each, planted on the South side of James River, at three different points. One battery was stationed on the bank nearly opposite the Harrison House, another opposite the mail dock, and the third opposite the Westover House. Judging from the unexploded shells, the pieces used were 6, 10 and 12-pounder field pieces. They also threw two or three shells filled with petroleum, evidently for the purpose of firing the shipping, but their range was faulty, consequently no damage was sustained by them.

The event was not wholly unanticipated by us, as we had received an intimation the day previous that the rebels were preparing to make demonstrations from the other side of the river. To meet the emergency we has had, during the day, heavy siege-guns, numbering altogether seventeen, placed in battery at points along our bank. In a few minutes the siege-guns were got to work, and gave the enemy a tremendous shower of 20 and 32-pounder shell.

Five or six gunboats were also got into action, and sent a continuous stream of metal into the woods.

The damage sustained by us, as far as could be ascertained up to the time of the departure of the mailboat, amounts to 3 killed and perhaps 10 or 12 wounded. The names of the killed are JOHN BOOTH, Co. C, Rusk's Lancers; JOHN DOVER, Co. A, Maryland Battery, and ----- CHITTING, Co. I, Seventeenth New-York Regiment. The latter was on guard duty at Gen. PORTER's headquarters. Among the wounded are First Lieut. B.P. LEARNEED, CO. A, First Connecticut Artillery, who was struck in the side by a fragment of shell;

[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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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/4082861/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

From Gen. M’Clellan’s Army: The Midnight Demonstration of the Rebels – 2
Important from the South: The Conference of the Rebel Military Leaders in Richmond – 2
Important from New-Mexico: Military Despotism – 2-3
From Gen. Pope’s Army: Arrest of Citizens of Rappahannock County – 3
The Guerrillas in Missouri – 3
From the Western Flotilla – 3
Affairs at Vicksburgh: The Daring but Unsuccessful Attempt of Col. Ellet to Destroy the Rebel Ram Arkansas – 3-4
Important from Washington: Energy and Determination in the Conduct of the War – 4
Base-Ball Match: Newark, of Newark, vs. Union, of Morrisania – 5
Editorial: The Future of the War – The Government and the People – 5-6
Editorial: The Union Prescribed For by Dr. Vallandigham – 6
Editorial: The Great Navy-Yard – Philadelphia or New-London? – 6-7
A General Military Drill of the Citizens – 7
Not a Surprise – 7
General City News – 7
Brooklyn News – 7

[M Kehoe]

Hi Professor.

The writers of the NYT shouldn’t use “we” etc when writing an article about a battle. I’ve said this before I know. The Editorial board can take “artistic license.”

Little Pinch has definitely carried out the tradition.

5.56mm