M b. John P. Mon bob, the Mayor of Now Orleans, 
the Boston Transcript learns, was formerly engaged 
in the clothing trade in Now York, and afterwards 
conducted the same bnsines in New Orleans. About 
two years since he wa? suspected of sympathy with 
the North, and at that time published a card indig¬ 
nantly repudiating the charge. 
The Rebels Finding out the Truth.—-A n 
editorial in the Richmond Examiner of the 23d ult. 
denounces the rebel Secretary of War for deceiving 
the Southern people by asserting that a great victory 
was gained over the National forces in the two days’ 
fight at Pittsburg Landing. The editor states that 
all the evidence collected on the subject goes to 
show that the Confederates were badly defeated , and 
as an evidence of the fact, he quotes Beauregard’s 
own letter to Gcd. Grant, the day after the battle, 
asking the latter, who was in possession of the field, 
for permission to bury his (Beauregard’s) dead. 
EcuPsrjiG Old Hickory.— One of the rebel 
Tennessee papers thinks that General Lovell had 
an opportunity to ** eelipse Old Hickory ” at New 
Orleans. Bo be had; and he did it. Only Lovell 
was the dark body and Jackson the light one. The 
compliment was extremely ambiguous. 
Terrific Bombardment.— A letter trom an offi¬ 
cer in Fort Jackson, in the New Orleans Bulletin, 
states the Federal fleet, in its attack upon that, fort, 
averaged one shell every twelve seconds, or Jive a 
minute , for nearly seventy hours. 
Mustn't Talk Saucy.— Gen. Burnside recently 
issued (he following Order to the people of North 
Carolina: 
‘‘Whoever, after the issue of this order, shall, 
within the limits to which the Union arms may 
extend in thiF Department, utter one word against 
the Government of the United States, will be at 
once arrested and closely confined. It must be dis¬ 
tinctly understood that this Department is under 
martial law, and treason, expressed or implied, will 
meet with speedy punishment.” 
It is a fact that there is a pretty fair supply of 
United States Treasury Notes in this city. It is a 
fact that they are sold and greedily bought up at 
fifty cents on the dollar, and it is also a fact that a 
certain class of traitorous individuals are exceed¬ 
ingly anxious to enter largely into the trade. Now 
these are significant facts; and the first question that 
occurs is, w-nere do these notes come from, and why 
are the shavers so eager to enter into the trade? — 
Biehmond Enquirer. 
Repulse of Gen. Banks. 
Judging from the action of President Lincoln 
in taking possession of the railroads of the United 
States for military purposes, (see Washington in¬ 
telligence,) and the proclamation of Gov. Curtin, 
of Pennsylvania, in ordering the militia of that 
State to report in Washington immediately, we have 
met with some serious disaster. What that is, wo 
arc unable to conjecture at the present writing, 
Monday A. M. We give such particulars as have 
reached us relative to the repulse of Major-General 
Banks: 
StsaSfcrg, Virginia, May 34. 
To lion. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:— Col. 
Kenly’s command of infantry and cavalry lias been 
driven from Front ltoyal, with considerable loss in 
killed and wounded and prisoners The enemy'F 
force is estimated at 5.000 10 6,000, and is reported 
as falling back on Front Royal. He probably 
occupied the place this morning. 
N. P, Banks, Major-General. 
Kenly's force consisted of the 1st Maryland regi¬ 
ment and a squadron of cavalry. While the fight 
was progressing; some New York cavalry came to 
their assistance. The fight commenced at twelve 
o’clock, and continued till night, when the infantry 
succeeded in surrounding them. The first fight 
and repulse took place east of the Shenandoah, and 
finding the force too great, Kenly retreated to the 
west side, destroying the principal bridge. He 
made another stand on the west side of the river, 
and mowed the rebels down with sbeil and grape. 
They fired, in all, nearly two hundred rounds. 
Kenly received a musket shot in the neck during 
the first attack, but continued on horseback until 
the close of the day, when he was placed in an 
ambulance perfectly exhausted. The last, tight 
took place about four miles this side of Front Royal, 
his effort being to fall back in order, expecting 
re-enforcements momentarily from Gen. Banks. 
A member of Knapp's battery who escaped, says 
the Maryland regiment fought with indomitable 
bravery, and that Col. Kenly led them on frequently 
to bayonet charges. He also says that on the third 
approach, Ashby displayed a white flag until within 
pistol range, when Col. Kenly ordered his men to 
cease firing. The white flag was then thrown down, 
and the enemy rushed on our troops, cutting and 
slashing, and refusing all quarter. Lieut. Pusbave 
and Major Miller are both reported wounded and 
prisoners. 
IIkadqcakters. Marti vs kurgu, May 25, 2.40 P. M. 
To Hon. E. M. Stanton: —The rebels attacked us 
this A. M. at daybreak, in great force. Their force 
was estimated at 15,000, consisting of Ewel's and 
Jaekson’s divisions. The tire of the pickets began 
with the light, and was followed bv artillery until 
the lines were under tire on both'sides. The left 
wing stood (irmly, holding its ground well, and the 
right did the same for a time, until two regiments 
broke liue and fell back. We were ordered to 
withdraw, and the troops passed through the town 
iu considerable confusion. They were quickly re¬ 
enforced on the other side, and continued their 
march to Martinsburgh, where they arrived at 2 
P. M..—a distance of twelve miles. "Our trains are 
in advance, and will cross the river in safety. Our 
entire force engaged was less than 4.000. consisting 
of Gordon's and Donnelly’s brigades, with two regi¬ 
ments of cavalry under Gen. Hatch and two batter¬ 
ies of artillery.' Our loss was considerable, as was 
that of the enemy, but cannot now be slated. We 
were re-enforced by the loth Maine, which ditl good 
service, and a regiment of cavalry 
N. P, Banks, Major-General. 
Headquarters, beyond MAKTiNsnuROH ,} 
May 25, 5.46 1>. M. '5 
A prisoner captured this P. M., says the rebel 
force in our rear is to be strengthened—that their 
purpose is to enter Maryland at two points, Har¬ 
pers Ferry and Williamsport lie confirms all we 
have heard in regard to the rebel force. We all 
passed the Potomac safe—men, trains and all. 1 
think of making a march of thirty-live miles. 
N. F. Banks. Major-General 
Dispatches received by the War Department, 
state that Gen. Banks has fallen back on Harper’s 
Ferry. The enemy are reported to be in large 
force, and many reports state that the rebel force 
has left Richmond and moved north to take the 
offensive. Our troops are being rapidly re-enforced. 
Rumor says that Gen. Jackson is advancing to the 
support of Ewell and Johnston, and there are also 
statements that there is still another force behind 
him. Prompt measures have been taken to meet 
the emergency, it truly reported. 
The following was received at the War Depart¬ 
ment at 11 P. M. on the day of date: 
William sport, Md., May 26, 4 P. M. 
To the President:—l have the honor to report the 
safe arrival of my command at this place last even¬ 
ing at 10 o’clock, and the passage of the fifth corps 
across the river to-day with comparatively little 
loss. The loss of men in killed, wounded and miss¬ 
ing in the different combats in w'hich my command 
has participated since my march from Btrasbnrgh 
on the morning of the 24tb, I am unable now to 
report, but have great satisfaction in being able to 
represent, that, although serious, it is much less than 
might have been anticipated, considering the very 
grout di-parity of forces engaged and the long 
matured plans of the enemy, which aimed at noth¬ 
ing less than the entire capture of our force. Details 
will be forwarded as soon as possible. 
My command encountered the enemy in constant 
succession of attacks and well contested engage¬ 
ments at Strasburg, Middleton and Newton, and a 
point along between those places, and at Winches¬ 
ter. The force of the enemy was estimated at. from 
15,000 to 20,000 men, w ith very strong artillery and 
cavalry supports. My own force esnaisted of two 
brigades—less than 4,000 strong, nil told—1,500 cav¬ 
alry. 10 Parrott guns and C smooth bores. 
The substantial preservation of the entire supply 
is a source of gratification. It numbered about 300 
wagons. On a forced march of 53 miles, 38 of which 
were performed in one dav—siihject to constant 
attack, in front, rear and (link, according to its 
position, by the enemy in full force— in the panics 
of teamsters, and mischances of river passage of 
more than 300 yards, with slender preparations for 
ford and feiry—I lost not many more than 30 
wagons. A full statement of this loss will be for¬ 
warded forthwith. 
Our troops are in good spirits and occupy both 
sides of the river. N. P. Banks, 
Major-General Commanding. 
by the explosion of a shell. Gen. Stoneman sent 
two squadrons of the 8th Illinois cavalry, under 
Mftj. Clendenin, three miles further up the river 
and caused to be destroyed the bridge of the Rich! 
raond and Fredericksburg railroad. Mechairicsrllle 
which is now occupied by our troops, iafivo miles 
f rom Richmond. Gen. McClellan and staff visited 
the newly acquired section of country this afternoon. 
Headquarters, Buhdat, May 25th. — General 
Negly’s brigade is now encamped five miles beyond 
Bottom's Bridge. To obtain this position they were 
forced to engage the re’el Gen. Stuart, with his 
brigade, composed of infantry, one of cavalry and 
two batteries of artillery. Our loss was two killed 
and six wounded. The officers engaged suppose 
the rebel loss to be between 50 and 60 killed. A 
number of their dead were left on the field. 
There is nothing of interest from the vicinity of 
Richmond to-day. Contrabands who come in say 
the inhabitants of Richmond are leaving as fast as 
they can for Dansville. All those capable of bear¬ 
ing arms are compelled to remain. Very few sol¬ 
diers are in the city, all being in their camps. 
wagons jolted. To miss the track either way was to 
get into deep water; but the stream was at length 
forded. 
General Schenck pushed on, and when beyond 
Franklin, while about selecting a camping ground, 
he received a dispatch from Gen. Milroy, informing 
us that the enemy, some 14.000 strong, had made 
their appearance in his immediate neighborhood, 
and would undoubtedly attack at daylight next 
morniug. This was received at 3 o’cluck, and at a 
place some 22 miles from McDowell. Gen. Schenck 
ordered on some 1,500 men, with the cavalry, and 
DeBeck’s artillery, determined to reach McDowell, 
to lake part in the fight, if lie could not relieve 
Milroy. 
There is something very impressive in a night 
march. The solemn tramp of the silent men, made 
musical by the regular click of the canteen, as it 
strikes against the bayonet; the ugly, obstinate rat¬ 
tling of the artillery, as it jolts along, as if conscious 
of its power, and scorning to be quiet: the dim out¬ 
lines of hills on either side, between which the 
masses move on; all go to make up a scene one 
does not readily forget. Hours wore on, without 
Interruption, other than short rests on the roadside, 
or the dashing by of staff officers, carrying com¬ 
mands or encouraging the men. These last were in 
light marching order. The heavy knapsacks bad 
been laid aside, and the good follows stepped regu¬ 
larly along as if fatigue were impossible. At day¬ 
light they were within ten miles of McDowell, and 
by ten A. M. entered the town. As our troops 
emerged from the gorge upon the plain of the town, 
the long line of the rebels was seen filing down the 
road of the mountains opposite. The scene was 
exhilarating. The little army, expecting to be over¬ 
whelmed by superior numbers, had watched out the 
long hours in weary anxiety, and now, when the 
dear old flag appeared, cheer after cheer went up 
the mountains, to which our men responded heartily 
while falling to the right and left, as the artillery 
rattled in on double quick to the strains of the Star 
Spangled Banner from the band. This, was not with¬ 
out effect. The rebel army checked its march, 
taking possession of the mountain brow, where it 
looked impudently down upon its proposed victims. 
Gcnerafl Schenck and Milroy agreed that, with 
their small army and entire lack of forage, McDowell 
was not tenable. How to get out in the face of a 
superior force was the question to solve. They 
determined upon a bold move, and that was, instead 
of waiting to be attacked, to march out and assail 
the enemy. Alter fighting long and hard as they 
flowers fresh from yesterday’s rain, and humming 
birds hovering around the honeysuckles, it was hard 
to realise that an army was bivouacked within easy 
call and that the pickets of an enemy were but two 
miles away. 
The correspondent of the N. Y. Evening Post 
dates “Twenty miles from Richmond, May 17th,” 
and says:—My quarters last night were with Gen. 
Stoneman, Chief of Cavalry, at Prospect Hill, near 
the point where the railroad crosses Black Creek, 
and three miles from the crossing of (he Pamunkey 
river. Gen. Stoneman has occupied the advance 
position since the departure from Yorktown. The 
country from this place to the Chickahominy has been 
cleared of the rebels, and in fear of our pursuit they 
have burned the bridges and retired to parts un¬ 
known. We have not yet followed them to their 
boasted line on the Chickahominy. 
Yesterday Gen. Stoneman, accompanied by some 
com panics of cavalry, made a recounoissance toward 
the river at a point between the railroad line and 
nearly to Bottom's Bridge, finding the enemy’s guns 
in position and some infantry to support them. Ho 
afterward proceeded in force to take the battery, but 
the enemy hastily retreated after throwing a few 
shells. 
Fifteen miles to Richmond. — A reconuois- 
sance was made to-day five miles further towards 
Richmond, leaving but fifteen miles of woodland 
and stream between our forces and the rebel capital. 
It is probable that the army will immediately break 
camp and follow. 
Confidence Restored.— The white population 
in the vicinity of New Kent Court House are regain¬ 
ing confidence and returning to their homes, finding 
that peaceable citizens are secure in the presence Of 
our forces. Many of them converse freely upon the 
war, but express the hope that “Confederate notes 
will never be below fifty per cent, discount”—from 
which remark it is to be inferred tbut their seces¬ 
sionist proclivities are not yet eradicated. In fact, 
peace is expected as soon as we occupy Richmond. 
The farmers are making preparations to plant and 
sow the same as ever, and it will be highly neces¬ 
sary, for the country is drained of everything eat¬ 
able, or that will feed horse flesh. Not a pig, cow, 
horse, mule, or sheep, or poultry of any kind, has 
been saved from the ravages of the Confederate gov¬ 
ernment and their army. 
Prices. — The stories of high prices are in some 
instances not applicable to this country, but in 
others they are applicable in the extreme. Salt is 
sixty dollars per sack, and no Confederate notes are 
taken in payment. Groceries of all kinds are ex¬ 
tremely high; boots are twenty-five and fifty dollars 
per pair, and few are to be had. Corn and wheat, 
however, are no higher than in New York. Bnoon 
is from forty to fifty cents per pound. 
Sentiments ok the Planters. — There is a 
growing feeling of security among the planters as 
they become acquainted with our army, and but for 
the petty depredations of a few lawless soldiers a 
very favorable impression of the Northern people 
would be left upon the minds of those who have 
been taught to hate them. A member of the Vir¬ 
ginia Legislature, E. T. Lacy, who lives here, tells 
me that the Legislature will have no members from 
the counties north of Richmond, and that a quorum 
will hardly be present from other parts of the State. 
He thinks that Virginia is virtually gone, and be¬ 
lieves that the Confederate Government have re¬ 
moved everything from Richmond, and intend to 
give up the city without tiring a gun; and that the 
only defence the rebel army is making now is to en¬ 
able it to get safely across, the river, and not let ns 
press too closely upon its retreat. 
The people are loud and bitter in their curses of 
the rebel loaders, and of South Carolina and Massa¬ 
chusetts. “If,” said Mr. Lacy, “we could push 
South Carolina and Massachusetts out to sea, and 
let the hot-heads eat one another up, it would he a 
blessing to the country.” The New England sol¬ 
diers are not at all liked in Virginia; they fight 
too well. 
The Country.— The country along the Pamun¬ 
key is fertile, and has fine mansions, but in the 
interior, through the entire peninsula, the land 
wears a desolate and unfruitful aspect. Ten miles 
below, near the Chickahominy, I saw a free negro 
colony, containing a population of about three hun¬ 
dred persons. The only rebels seen in the vicinity 
yesterday were straggling soldiers, deserters and 
others, to the number of about one hundred, who 
had hidden, and were waiting the approach of our 
army. They report that there is no rebel army this 
side of the Chickahominy, excepting al'cw companies 
of cavalry, who are staying behind to pick up strag¬ 
glers and watch our advance. 
Bottom's Bridge. — Bottom’s Bridge is fifteen 
miles from New Kent and the same distance from 
Richmond. The bridge has been destroyed, to¬ 
gether with one below and two above that point. 
The stream, however, can be forded, except at high 
water, hut the country is low and swampy, both be¬ 
low and above, and oilers a good place for defense. 
AFFAIRS AT WASHINGTON 
During the week various rumors have been in 
circulation to the effect that the President had 
determined to issue a new call for volunteers. The 
number required has been stated at all figures from 
50.000 to 100,000. It now seems that the lowest 
estimate has been derided upon. This is to fill up 
regiments which have been thinned out by sickness 
and wounds, and to form a reserve tinder drill for 
the future, which may be ready at the decisive 
moment and points. 
The Secretary of the Treasury has appointed 
George F, Dennison, from the neighborhood of 
New Orleans, as Special Agent and Acting Col¬ 
lector, to open the port at the earliest practicable 
period, in order to carry out the President’s procla¬ 
mation. 
Collectors will be appointed for Beaufort, N. C., 
and Port Royal, S. C., as soon as proper persons can 
be selected; the object of the Secretary befog to pro¬ 
cure the services of those resident in the South, and 
who, in addition to efficiency, will be acceptable to 
all parties concerned. 
The following is a copy of the instructions trans¬ 
mitted to the various Collectors of Customs: 
Trbascry Dkpaktmrmj-. May 23. 
Sir: — In pursuance of the provisions of the proc¬ 
lamation of the President, made during the block¬ 
ades of Beaufort, Port Royal, and New Orleans, and 
the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, 
pertaining to entry at those ports, no articles con¬ 
traband of war will be permitted to enter either of 
said ports, and you will accordingly refuse clear¬ 
ances to such vessels bound to those ports, with any 
such articles on board. Until lurtlier instructed, 
you will regard as contraband ot war, the following 
articles, viz:—Cannon, mortars, firearms, pistols, 
bomba, grenades, fire brick, flints, matches, powder, 
saltpeter, balls, bullets, pikes, swords, sulphur, hel¬ 
mets, or bounding caps, belts, saddles and bridles, 
always excepting the quantity of said articles, which 
may be necessary for the defense of the ship aDd 
those who compose the crew, Cartridge bags, and 
the material for percussion and other caps, clothing 
adapted for uniforms, resin, sail-cloth of all kinds, 
hemp and cordage, masts, ship timber, tar and 
pitch, military persona iu the service of the enemy, 
dispatches of the. enemy, and articles of like char¬ 
acter with those especially enumerated. You will 
also refuse clearances In all cases when in your 
judgment there is ground for apprehension that any 
goods, wares, or merchandise shipped at your port 
will be used for the aid of the insurgents. 
You will be especially careful on applications for 
clearance, to require bonds, with sufficient sureties, 
for fulfilling faithfully all conditions imposed by 
law or departmental regulations, from shipper's of 
the following articles to the ports opened, or to any 
other ports from which they may easily and are 
probably intended to be re-shipped in aid of the 
existing rebellion, viz:—Liquors, coals, iron, lead, 
copper, tin, brass, telegraph instruments, wire, 
porous cups, platina, sulphuric acid, zinc, and all 
other telegraph materials, marine engines, screw 
propellers, paddle-wheels, cylinders, cranks, shafts, 
boilers, tubes for boilers, nre bars, and every article 
or component part ol an engine or boiler, or any 
article whatever which is, can. or may become 
applicable to the manufacture of marine machinery 
or the armor of Teasels. 
The Post-master General has accepted the tender 
of Spofford, Tiloston & Co., of New York, to carry 
the mails to New Orleans, and Key West mails will 
also go liy Government transports, sailing from 
New York. 
It has been ascertained from an authentic source 
that expenditures of the Government from April, 
1861, to the present time, have not averaged one 
million per day. This may be considered a refuta¬ 
tion of the exaggerated reports on the subject. 
News from abroad is healthful. It is ascertained 
that the rumors of intervention have been the crea¬ 
tion of the desire of the secessionists, and are un¬ 
founded in fact. 
Permission has been given to state facts in regard 
to the French Minister’s visit to Richmond. Ho had 
no instructions from his Government, nor had it the 
least knowledge of his intention. M. Merrier, con¬ 
versing with Secretary Seward, expressed his regret 
that he could not see r.ichmond and judge for him¬ 
self about the views and expectations of the insur¬ 
gents. Mr. Seward said he could go without any 
objection from this Government; that he wished 
every foreign minister would go and see for himself 
how hopeless the insurrection was. M. Merrier 
went unofficially. He heard and saw for himself: 
of course in no way acting or speaking for his Gov¬ 
ernment, or com promising his relations toward the 
Ulilted States. The President was previously con¬ 
sulted, and approved of his going. When he 
returned he called immediately on the Secretary, 
and afterwards upon the President, and communi¬ 
cated to them frankly his impressions received. 
He allowed no one in Richmond to Bay anything to 
him that he should not he at liberty to communicate 
to Seward, and lie neither communicated to the 
rebel leaders anything from this Government, nor 
anything from them to the Government. He held 
no official communication with any one, nor did he 
permit himself ’to receive official attentions. M. 
Mercier’B whole conduct in the transaction was dis¬ 
creet, loyal, and friendly. 
The telegraph this (Monday) morning, says that 
the city is intensely agitated by the intelligence from 
the Valley of the Shenandoah, (see “Repulse of 
Gen. Banks” in another column,) and the rumors 
and speculations increase the excitement. 
The President has issued the following order to 
railroad corporations: 
Washington, May 25, 1862. 
By virtue of the authority invested by act of Con¬ 
gress, the President takes military possession of aft 
the railroads of the United States, from and after 
this date until further orders, and directs that the 
respective railroad compunies, their officers ana 
servants, shuil hold themselves iu readiness tor the 
transportation of such troops and munitions- ol war 
as may be ordered by the military authorities, to 
the exclusion of all other business. 
By order of the Secretary of War. 
I. M. C. Meigs. 
Department of the E&st. 
Gen. Burnside has seized all the Commission¬ 
ers of the town of Edenton, N. C.—T. J. Bland, A. 
J. Glover, H. A. Bond, F. L. Roberts—and taken 
them to his headquarters at Newborn. The fifth 
Commissioner was not arrested, being confined to 
bis bed by sickness. They are held as hostages for 
the safe return of Mr. White, a Union pilot, who was 
seized by the Confederates while on a visit to his 
wife at Edenton. It is alleged that these Commis¬ 
sioners connived at Mr. White’s arrest, though they 
stoutly deny any complicity with the matter, and 
insist that they had no power to prevent it. Gen. 
Burnside intends to send one of the Commissioners 
to Raleigh, whither Mr, White has been conveyed, 
to demand his release. The Confederates threaten 
to hang Mr. White, and Gen. Burnside intends that 
all the Commissioners shall he executed in like man¬ 
ner in case the Confederates execute their threat. 
There is but little change in the condition of 
affairs at Norfolk. The Mayor and members of the 
City Council still refuse to take the oath of alle¬ 
giance. Gen. Wool had an interview with them 
yesterday, but they continued in the sulks, 60 that, 
he now refuses all intercourse with the people of 
Norfolk and Portsmouth. Gen. Wool sent up a 
proclamation to Norfolk, notifying the people that 
tlie matter was entirely in their own hands—so sood 
as they acknowledge the supremacy of the Govern¬ 
ment they will enjoy its fostering aid; but while 
they remain in their present rebellious mood, they 
will be cut off from all advantages ot trade and 
commerce, and the city will be governed by strict 
martial law. lie also assures them that no contin¬ 
gency can possibly arise whereby Norfolk will 
again be given up to the control of the rebel gov¬ 
ernment, and that those who entertain Union senti¬ 
ments can give expression to them with ample 
assurance of protection of all their rights as citizens 
of the United States. 
Most of the stores are now open, and the sale of 
such goods as they have is progressing. As far as 
can be ascertained no one is now willing to receive 
Confederate notes at par. Business ia mostly doue 
in small notes of the Virginia banks and other char¬ 
tered corporations. Government notes a,re received 
with groat avidity. 
The Union men of Norfolk still hold back, afraid 
to express their sentiments openly in defiance of 
the rebellious spirits around them. 
Quite an enthusiastic Union meeting was held at 
Portsmouth on Thursday night. Not less than 800 
were present, including many Union men from 
Norfolk. The course of the Government in refusing 
to allow provisions to come, there for loyal people, 
was severely criticised, and the propriety of such a 
course by no moans approved. The scarcity of 
provisions and necessaries of life is so great and 
prices so high that the poorer classes have to live 
almost entirely on fish and oysters. 
From the forces under McClellan, now in front 
ol Richmond, we have received the following 
telegrams: 
Tunstall’s Station, May 21.—The pickets of 
the enemy were driven across Bottom's Bridge 
yesterday by the troops advancing in that direction. 
They attempted to regain the post by the fire, of 
their artillery, but failed. Our batteries opened, 
shelling the woods on each side of the road. The 
advance under Gen. Stoneman reached New Bridge 
yesterday, within eight miles of Richmond, but 
found no enemy in force this side of the Chieka- 
hominy, which at that point dwindles down to a 
small creek. Six pieces ot artillery were found 
posted upon the opposite bank, but his purpose 
being not to bring on an engagement, he retired one 
mile from the bridge, and encamped during the day. 
While driving in the enemy’s outposts he had one 
man killed and three wounded. The whole army 
moved this morning early. 
McClellan’s Headquarters, ten miles from 
Richmond, May 23.—Our troops crossed the Chick¬ 
ahominy yesterday, both at Bottoms and Railroad 
bridae, and now occupy a position one and a half 
miles beyond. A few of the enemy’s pickets only 
were seen in front of the advance, under Gen. Stone¬ 
man, at New Bridge. A strong guard of the enemy 
is still visible on the opposite side of the creek. 
Their presence will not interfere with the crossing 
of our troops when the proper time comes. 
A large number ot men have been detailed for 
building a number of bridges at different points on 
the creek. 
A balloon ascension made to-day by Prof. Lowe, 
gave no assurance of the enemy being in any 
considerable force uear at band. From the beet 
information that can lie ascertained, the enemy have 
selected a position between three and four miles on 
this side of Richmond to meet the Federal troops. 
The advance ol the Federal army now befog within 
seven miles of Richmond, its further progress must 
necessarily be slow in order that the main body 
shall come up to be prepared to meet any emer¬ 
gency that may arise in approaching the capital of 
Rebeldom. 
Washington, May 24.—A dispatch to the War 
Department states: 
Three skirmishes to-day. We drove the rebels 
from Mechanicsville seven miles from New Bridge. 
The 4th Michigan about finished the Louisiana 
Tigere. Fifty prisoners and fifty killed. Our loss 
ten killed and wounded, the remainder fulling back 
to the railroad. The 33d N. Y. regiment were the 
first to enter the village. The houses showed 
unmistakable evidence of the accuracy of our 
artillery, some of them befog riddled in a dozen 
places. 
Col. Mason, of the 7th Maine, was slightly injured 
Gallant Bxploit in Western Virginia. 
We copy from the New York Tribune the fol¬ 
lowing account of a gallant movement performed by 
the combined forces of Generals Milroy and Schenck, 
in Western Virginia: 
When Stonewall Jackson was defeated by Shields 
at Winchester, he swore a mighty oath that in less 
than sixty days he would break up the Baltimore 
and Ohio Railroad, if it cost the lives of 60,000 men, 
himself included. Since then, Stonewall has met 
with many obstacles, and just now is being circum¬ 
vented by Generals Schenck and Milroy. 
While McClellan was held by the army in York¬ 
town, nearly all the rebel forces in Virginia were 
concentrated there. When the evacuation became 
necessary, these armies were at liberty to select 
other lines of operation, and Jackson was furnished 
with 14,000 of the very best on hand, and told that 
he could execute his oath. The only obstacle in his 
way was Gen. Milroy, with about 4,000 men at 
McDowell. Gen. Banks warned Gen. Fremont of 
the proposed move some days in advance; but Fre¬ 
mont had only Gen. Schenck in command of a small 
brigade at Moorefield, engaged in making ferries 
and building bridges destroyed by bushwhackers. 
Gen. Schenck w as ordered to push on to the relief 
of Milroy as rapidly as possible. The prospect was 
not flattering. To cross the south branch of the 
Potomac at Parkersburg, looked as if it would take 
np all the time neoessary to make the reserve avail¬ 
able. Gen. Schenck is not the man to hesitate. He 
might lose a few lives and some wagons, but that 
was better than the loss of Milroy’s entire brigade. 
So he tumbled his command into the only ford that 
seemed available. The water was three feet deep, 
the current furious, and bottom covered with huge 
stones, over which the poor horses stumbled and 
It cum and Incident*. 
Returns from the Soldiers. — Adams’ Express 
takes north daily, from Fortress Monroe, from $25,- 
000 to $75,000. money forwarded by the troops to 
their families. This, of course, only happens after 
a visitation by the paymasters. It is most credit¬ 
able to the moral character and strong habits of the 
Union soldiers. How much money do the rebels 
send home for the support of their families? 
Pleasant for Them.— Messrs. Mason and Slidell 
will have the comfort of reflecting that while they 
are engaged in representing the Southern Confed¬ 
eracy abroad, their homes are in possession of the 
United States Government Mason’s residence is 
near Winchester, and Slidell’s is in New Orleans. 
Coolness and Courage.— The 32d (German) 
Indiana Regiment has been noted for its gallantry, 
and in the late battle near Pittsburg Landing 
showed the greatest bravery and cooluess:— " As a 
proof of the latter, I will mention,” says Colonel 
Willich, “that when their firing became a little 
‘ wild,’ during the last charge, 1 stopped the firing 
and drilled them in the manual of arms, which they 
all went through as if on the parade ground; they 
then opened a deliberate, steady and effective fire.” 
The value of the rebel property captured on the 
high seas by our cruisers is immense. It is said that 
the Government's share of the prize money result¬ 
ing from the sale of the vessels and their cargoes 
will be sufficient to pay for all the vessels purchased 
for the navy. Commodores Alden and McKean 
will receive about $100,000 each as their share of the 
spoils, and many seamen will receive over $500 each. 
