From the Peninsula.
We are permitted to make the following extract from a private letter, dated Yorktown, Va., April 16, 1862:‘ "The long-talked-of and looked-for attack on Yorktown is at hand On Saturday, April 5th, the enemy appeared in large numbers near this place Between ten and eleven o'clock A. M., the ball opened, and a very heavy cannonade was kept up along the whole line, which extends from Yorktown to the Warwick river, until night. The battle raged with great violence, but as it was fought almost entirely with artillery, and our forces having breastworks for protection, there were very few casualties on our side. The loss of the enemy must have been quite severe.
"The Yankees have been within 1 000 yards of our lines for twelve days, and have kept up as almost incessant bombardment during that period. On yesterday (the 15th) the fight commenced early in the morning, and continued during the forenoon with its usual effect; but in the afternoon the attack became general. The enemy concentrated a large force near the centre of our lines, and charged three or four times, but our brave boys successively repulsed them with heavy loss, (reported from 500 to 600,) while our killed and wounded do not exceed 100. Col. McKinney, of the 15th North Carolina regiment, was killed while gallantly leading on his men. He was a brave man, and much beloved by his regiment.
"It is truly wonderful that our loss has been so small, as we have had shell, shot, and ball flying around us in every direction. Our men are in fine spirits, feeling confident that the enemy will be repulsed with great loss, and our arms crowned with one of the most brilliant victories on record."
A postscript to the foregoing, dated the 17th, 12 o'clock, says that the cannonading has again commenced. A general engagement is daily expected.
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