June 3.
Major-General Robert W. Lee was assigned to the command of the rebel army in front of Richmond, in consequence of a slight wound to General Johnston, and, upon assuming his important position, issued an address to the army, which was read at the head of the regiments. Its sentiments created the liveliest enthusiasm. [23] The address informed them, in a very few words, that the army had made its last retract, and that henceforth every man's watchword must be, “Victory or death!” The response was cheers from all the regiments.--Petersburgh Express, June 5.
The Twenty-fifth regiment of New York volunteers, under the command of Col. Bryan, left Albany for the seat of war.--Gen. Hooker made a reconnoissance in force on the Williamsburgh, Va., turnpike, reaching a point within four miles of Richmond. The rebels were not numerous; their pickets were visible, but they fled on the approach of the National troops.
A letter was published in the Richmond Dispatch, said to have been found in Gen. Casey's tent at the battle of Fair Oaks. It details a plan for the occupation of the Southern States “after the war.” --(Doc. 130.)
The sentence of death pronounced on six persons at New Orleans, La., for having violated their parole, was this day commuted by General Butler, who confined them at hard labor on Ship Island, during the pleasure of the President of the United States.
