Civilian & Telegraph

The Great Battles.

As stated in our last issue, the rebels attacked Gen. McClellan's right wing on Wednesday, the 25th ult. The fighting continued each day until Tuesday, the 1st inst., when it ceased—the rebels ingloriously skedaddling from the invincible loyalists. Day after day our troops, worn down from the previous days' fighting, bravely and successfully resisting a force three to one, until the army arrived at Turkey Bend, on the James river, on the 30th. The enemy here made a dash to crush our brave troops, but were beaten back at all points with heavy loss. On Tuesday the enemy again rallied, and attacked our whole line, when Heintzelman ended the day by hurling his entire corps upon the masses of troops before him, when they again retreated. They were taught a lesson on that day which they will not soon forget; and so terribly were they cut up that they have considered "prudence the better part of valor," and have not showed themselves since except in small squads. This act of McClellan in forming a new base of operations in the face of a foe three times his own number, and fighting him all the time, shows him to be the greatest general of the age. It was accomplished without any loss of stores, all having been secured. We lost 24 pieces of artillery the first day, but in the subsequent days' fighting this loss was fully compensated for by the capture of 40 guns from the enemy. The enemy admit a loss, up to Monday night, of 30,000, and it is estimated that they lost at least 10,000 in the battle of Tuesday 1st inst., making the total loss of the enemy 40,000. Our entire loss is estimated at from 12,000 to 15,000 killed and wounded, and about 5,000 prisoners.

The fighting on Tuesday was terrible, although attended with comparatively small loss on our side. McClellan had placed his artillery in such a position that it mowed the rebels down by thousands. They brought up brigade after brigade, and division after division, but as fast and as dense as they came, they were repulsed. In some places the Rebels stood erect and used the piled-up bodies of their comrades as breastworks. Our artillery used little else but grape and canister, and its practice told with horrible effect upon the rebel ranks. On Wednesday they renewed the battle for a couple of hours, and then retired in confusion.
Gen. McClellan has issued the following address to his troops, which shows the still fine condition of the army notwithstanding its desperate conflict with almost overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and its ability still to act on the offensive:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Harrison's Landing, July 4, 1862.

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac! Your achievements of the past ten days have illustrated the valor and endurance of the American soldier. Attacked by superior forces, and without hopes of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing your base of operations by a flank movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of military expedients. You have saved all your guns, except a few lost in battle, taking in return guns and colors from the enemy.

Upon your march you have been assailed day after day with desperate fury by men of the same race and nation, skilfully massed and led. Under every disadvantage of number and necessarily of position also, you have in every conflict beaten back your foe with enormous slaughter.

Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history. None will now question that each of you may always with pride say, "I belong to the Army of the Potomac."

You have reached this new base complete in organization and unimpaired in spirit. The enemy may at any time attack you—we are prepared to meet them! I have personally established your lines, let them come, and we will convert their repulse into a defeat.

Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people. On this our nation's birth-day, we declare to our foes, who are rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this army shall enter the capital of the so-called Confederacy; that our National Constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, which can alone ensure internal peace and external security to each State, must and shall be preserved, cost what it may, in time, treasure and blood.

(Signed) Geo. B. McClellan,
Major General Commanding.