The enemy's fleet — Movements of McClellan's army.
The daring exploit of a few members of the Prince George cavalry, on
James river, opposite
McClellan's camp, last Saturday morning, has led to greater watchfulness on the part of the enemy, who seem to fear for the safety of their fleet of transports.
All the vessels have been drawn up as near as possible to the
Northern shore of the stream, where they are protected by gunboats.
The belief that a considerable portion of
McClellan's army is being withdrawn for the purpose of reinforcing
Pope, gains strength daily.
Information has reached us within the past week that large bodies of Federal troops were quietly crossing the
Chickahominy and marching down the
Peninsula towards
Fortress Monroe; but before giving currency to this report, we preferred to await further developments.
It is now asserted that observations from the opposite side of
James river show that many of the enemy's tents have disappeared, and it is also noticed that the vessels in front of the camp frequently diminish in number during the night. --That some important movement is in progress, seems to be well authenticated; and the utmost caution is observed, with the view of preventing the
Confederate authorities from learning its object.
It is presumed that
McClellan, unwilling to hazard another advance towards
Richmond from below, will hold his present fortified position with a sufficient number of men, protected by gunboats, while the business of conquering the ‘"Rebel Capital" ’ will be entrusted to
Pope, the idol of the present hour in Yankeedom, who is to have all the men and means necessary to make ‘"short work"’ of the enterprise.
