by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 15TH.—Clear and cool; warm late in the day.
It is rumored now that the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten miles below the point on this side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is leaving, either crossing to the south side (probably to cut the railroad), or embarking in his transports for no one knows whither. So, this attempt to take Richmond is as bad a failure as any. Grant has used up nearly a hundred thousand men—to what purpose? We are not injured, after withstanding this blow of the concentrated power of the enemy. It is true some bridges are burned, some railroads have been cut, and the crops in the line of the enemy’s march have been ruined; but our army is intact: Lee’s losses altogether, in killed and wounded, not exceeding a few thousand.
A report of an officer states that the James River is not fordable anywhere above for forty miles.
There is a rumor on the street that the head of Ewell’s corps (commanded by Gen. Early) crossed the Rappahannock, yesterday, at United States Ford. If this be so, there must be consternation in Washington; and the government there will issue embarrassing orders to Grant.
The spirits of the people here are buoyant with the Western news, as well as with the result of Lee’s campaign.
The death of Gen. Polk, however, is lamented by a good many. The operations of Forrest and Morgan are inspiring.
