From the Richmond Whig, 7/3/1862, p. 2, c. 1

THE YORK RIVER RAILROAD. – The President of this road has displayed commendable enterprise in proceeding to re-open communication with the lower country. Accompanied by Captain P. G. Coghlan, of the Virginia Ordnance Department, and Mr. John McFarland, Master Machinist, he went in a hand car, on Monday, to the bridge across the Chickahominy. The party arrived there in time to save the bridge from destruction, the Yankees having planned its destruction by leaving a locomotive and two flats upon the track over the trestle work, which were enveloped in flames when the party reached the spot.

All along the railroad from the vicinity of Seven Pines to the Chickahominy are evidences of the hasty departure of the Yankees. On Tuesday, overcoats, muskets, cartridge boxes, drums, bayonets, etc., were still visible on either side of the track for miles. At Savage's the debris of the immense quantities of stores destroyed was still a smoking heap. On one side of the road was a pile of several hundred axes, which had been in the midst of a bonfire. Here and there along the road were boxes of crackers, barrels of rice, pork, dried fruit, and other articles. The air was redolent with the smell of burnt coffee.

Havoc and destruction were everywhere visible. The deserted camps of the enemy were objects of great interest. The tents had mostly disappeared, but in all other respects the evidences of recent occupation were apparent. The fortified camp, just this side of the Chickahominy was a very strong position, and could not have been stormed without immense loss. Altogether, there is much to repay a visit to this section of country, and we doubt not that as soon as the road is re-opened to travel, hundreds of people will repair thither to gratify their curiosity.

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