From Richmond

(Times Correspondence)

NEW BRIDGE, Chickahominy River, Va.,

Monday Evening, May 26.

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 towards 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, 60,000, 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 a being liberated from the yoke of Secession.  But now the aspect is completely changed and numerous indications favor the belief that our onward progress to Richmond is to be hotly contested by the larger part of the rebel army.  Every hour the troops are pouring out of Richmond and distributing themselves along the line of the Chickahominy, being at some points only a half a mile from it.

A deserter just arrived from a Georgia regiment, states that between Richmond and Mechanicsville, and about one and a half miles from the latter place, three Georgia regiments have encamped since morning.  He says Beauregard arrived in Richmond last Saturday, and a most vigorous attempt will be made to save the city.

Last night our gunboats in the James River threw a few shells into the rebel batteries, but with what effect we did not learn.

Yesterday we had cars running from West Point to the Chickahominy river.  We are no fairly fixed for getting supplies and ammunition to the army.

A deserter who came in this morning, reports that the main body of the Confederate army is on the North side of the railroad.  The brigade of Tennessee troops, to which he belongs are doing picket duty on this side.  The rebels claim 150,000 men, but 80,000 he asserts, will cover their entire force.

Much dissatisfaction exists among them on account of the conscription act and many would gladly lay down their arms did not pride forbid.  The leaders are determined to make a stand, having chosen a position near Richmond for the purpose.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 31, 1862, p. 3