The war News.
The city was rife with rumors yesterday in connection with military operations on the north side of the
James.
It was known that skirmishing was going on between our forces and those of the enemy, but of the location and results, everybody, even the officials, seemed to be profoundly ignorant.
A report prevailed that the
Yankees were attempting a flank movement on the
Darbytown road, and that our troops were gallantly resisting their advance; but as the evening wore on, it was settled in the minds of the knowing ones that the location of the hostilities was
White's tavern, on the
Charles City road, seven miles below
Richmond, and six miles northeast of Chaffin's Bluff.
It was reported that the enemy was repulsed with considerable loss.
The object of this movement on the part of the
Yankees is involved in mystery, but if they seriously meditate an advance upon
Richmond by that route, they will be as signally foiled as they have been in every movement since the opening of the campaign.
Intelligence was received last evening of the death of
Brigadier-General Chambliss, in the fight of yesterday; but we have information which leads us to doubt the truth of this report.
It appears that his cavalry brigade was sent forward to relieve some of our infantry, who were in danger of being flanked.
They accomplished all that they were sent to perform, but
General Chambliss, while gallantly leading a charge, got within the skirmish line of the enemy, and is believed to have been wounded and taken prisoner.
General Chambliss was formerly colonel of the Thirteenth Virginia cavalry, and is a native, we believe, of
Greensville county.
The reported death of
General Wade Hampton was not credited in official quarters, and we may safely pronounce it entirely without foundation.
After the above was written, we learn that an official dispatch was received last night, which states that the enemy yesterday made a determined attack on our line between the
Darbytown and Charles City roads, and at one time broke through; but he was repulsed and our original positions were re-occupied.
The quiet on the lines in front of
Petersburg still remains unbroken, and public attention is almost solely directed to operations on the north side of the
James.
The number of troops thrown across by the enemy is not positively known, though there is no doubt that it is quite large, and composed of cavalry, artillery and infantry.
Deserters say that
Grant has lately been removing his troops with great rapidity, and that he has now left in front of
Petersburg only about one full corps.
This story is reiterated by deserters coming in at different times, and it may be true; though we place but little confidence in the tales of deserters generally.
Within a few days past the enemy has withdrawn his line of battle several hundred yards back from our centre, and his pickets now occupy his front line of breastworks.
This is evidently done to create the impression that the main body of troops have been removed from that point, and to invite an attack on our part.
As a feint to entrap our men, it will not succeed.
The twelve stand of colors captured by
Mahone's brigade, under
Colonel D. A Weisiger, on the 30th July, were received yesterday at the War Office.--They were brought over from
Petersburg by
Captain B. H. Nash,
Assistant Adjutant-General of the brigade, who was detailed for the purpose.
Mosby's Late exploit.
The following official dispatch, received yesterday morning at the War Department, confirms our account of
Mosby's recent exploit near
Berryville:
‘
"
Colonel Mosby reports that he attacked the enemy's supply train near
Berryville, on the 13th instant, captured and destroyed seventy-five loaded wagons and secured over two hundred prisoners, including several officers, between five and six hundred horses and mules, upwards of two hundred beef cattle, and many valuable stores.
’
"A considerable number of the enemy were killed and wounded.
His loss, two killed and three wounded."
Berryville is the court-house of
Clarke county, and situated in the northern part of the
Valley of Virginia, about eleven miles from
Winchester.
The Captured train was conveying supplies to
Sheridan's forces, near
Strasburg.
