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Newspaper
Wooster Republican
Location
Wooster, Ohio, United States of America
Date
May 08, 1862
Page
2
Reports say the Confederate army abandoned Yorktown with heavy guns and stores, retreating up the Peninsula. Union gunboats and transports pursue toward York River as Richmond, Norfolk, and the Old Dominion may fall under Union possession.
Despatch from Fortress Monroe reports Yorktown evacuated by Confederate forces. Union troops occupy enemy works and seize camp equipage, guns, and stores. Gloucester Points and York River gunboats shell shores as Gen. McCuginas pushes pursuit toward Williamsburg and Chickahominy Creek.
Special dispatch from Fortress Monroe details the evacuation of Yorktown as Union forces entered at dawn without firing a shot. Porter's division kept up a brief exchange, batteries were silenced, and the fort and town were found empty with rebel guns spiked.
The report notes a fortification line at Fort Magruder with many guns, some spiked or carried away, and works varying from sturdy to poor. Rebels fled under guard at night while fires burned along the peninsula. Balloons saw through dense woods as forts relied on remote approaches and heavy Columbiad guns from the Norfolk Navy Yard.
Report from Wasameron on May 6 describes mass rebel desertions beyond Yorktown. Rebels began dismounting and moving supplies to Williamsburg, with 2,600 sick and wounded sent to Richmond. Mutinies, disheartened troops, and several killed in an explosion are noted, plus deserters tallying over 70.
May 4 7 P M Brigadier General Gro B McCretray notes cavalry and horse artillery pressed enemy rear guard near Williamsburg. Smith's Infantry arrived and may have taken works. He cites strong works, plans to pursue, and reports several friendly casualties from torpedo booby traps.
Official dispatches from Washington report Confederate forces near Williamsburg disputing Union passage to Richmond. General Hancock led a brilliant bayonet charge, repulsing Early’s brigade, taking one colonel and 150 prisoners, with two rebel colonels and two lieutenants killed. McClellan praises Hancock while noting uncertain Union losses.
Cairo dispatch says steamer Walsh arrived from Pittsburg Landing as Union forces advance. Weather foul with twenty four hours of rain. Rumor says Gen Pope's army seized Corinth Sunday with five regiments captured.
Cairo reports Memphis refugees bring news of Federal troops occupying Baton Rouge and Union gunboats passing upriver. Gen Butler lands in New Orleans as cotton is seized. Large mass meeting of Union supporters expresses joy while small rebel opposition at Baton Rouge fades.
A report from near Farming ton dated May 3 describes a sharp attack on an enemy force of about 4500 with four guns and cavalry. Union regiments charged and carried the position, the Rebels left 30 dead, tents and baggage behind, and fled in confusion. Cavalry seized Booneville, damaged rail lines and two bridges. Union losses were two killed and twelve wounded.
General Dumont led Walton and Smith Kentucky cavalry with Wynkoop Pennsylvania cavalry against Morgan and Wood at Lebanon Tennessee. About 900 rebels were defeated in 90 minutes of fighting. Many slain and 150 captured. most horses and arms seized. Dumont in pursuit, prisoners due tonight. Morgan reported killed.
The Norfolk and Petersburg papers report New Orleans evacuated and fallen to Union forces. They warn of further coastal loss, urge southern armies to protect supply lines, and note cotton and tobacco stakes, with calls for unity and resistance.
Mayor Jo n Mowkoz writes from City Hall April 26 1862 stating New Orleans is defenseless and cannot surrender to Union forces while insisting residents remain loyal to their city government. He appeals to Farragut to respect residents sensitivities and avoid flag changes as troops occupy the metropolis.
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