JUNE 2d.—Very warm and cloudy.
There was no general engagement yesterday, but heavy skirmishing, and several assaults at different points; and a dispatch from Gen. Lee says they resulted favorably to our arms.
A dispatch from Gen. Johnston says his men are in good plight, after combats enough to make a battle, in all of which the enemy suffered most.
The local troops (Custis’s battalion, etc.) were ordered out today. I have not understood to what point they were ordered; but it indicates the imminency of a battle. Lee has not less than 80,000 men–veterans.
I saw, to-day, Gen. Beauregard’s plan, dated May 14th. It was addressed to Gen. Bragg, “Commanding Confederate States Armies.” He suggested the falling back on the defenses of Richmond, and detaching 15,000 to the south side to crush or drive away Butler. He would then not only return the 15,000 to the north side, but bring over 25,000 additional to crush Grant.
This scheme was rejected by Bragg on the 19th, after consultation with the President and the Secretary: the latter indorsing his concurrence in the rejection, the President not committing himself in writing. But Beauregard was ordered to attack Butler without delay, which was done, and successfully; but he was not crushed, and still threatens our railroads with a portion of his army, while the rest has been sent to reinforce Grant.
Nevertheless, Beauregard is here with some 20,000, and Lee did fall back to the defenses of Richmond.
Congress has passed a bill increasing the compensation of themselves 100 per cent. Perhaps they will not adjourn now, but remain and await events.
Senator Hunter and the Secretary of War promenaded the Square yesterday afternoon in a long “confabulation,” supposed by some to relate to political matters.
5 O’CLOCK P.M.–Heavy and quick cannonading heard some eight or ten miles east of the city. It continued until night, when it was raining and cold; and Custis had no blanket, not anticipating such a change.