The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-04

New York, Tuesday, June 4, 1861.
THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.
While the events of the last twenty -four hours
have developed no very important change in the
condition of things at the seat of war; yet have
reliable information that movements of decisive
character are on foot which point to the i'm
mediate advance of federal troops into the
interior of Virginia within thepresent week, and il
may be within the next forty -eight hours. The
occupation of Fairfax will be the first measures the
New York Fire Zouaves, the Michigan regiment,
and the Fifth Massachusetts, regiment, probably
forming the advanced guard, and most of the other
regiments now on the Virginia side of the Potomac
following.
Several regiments now in Washington and its
vicinity received marching orders yesterday to
cross the Potomac, and take the place of those
advancing upon Fairfax. Information, which is
said to be positive, has reached General Mcdowell
that the rebel troops at Fairfax are under orders
to offer no resistance to the federal army, but to
fall back on Manassas Junction The resistance
offered by the rebel pickets to Lieutenant Temp
kins company of United States cavalry, which
led to their brilliant charge through the village, ON
Saturday last, was contrary to orders, as there
was no intention to make a stand there
In the event of the approach of any
portion Of the federal army. It is said that the
intention Of General Lee was not to engage the
federal troops until they reached q certain point
to which he hoped to draw them, while in the
meantime he designed to throw out his troops so
as to take them in the rear; but as General Scott
has q happy fashion, in making his movements, of
leaving no rear to be attacked, it is exceedingly
probable that General Lee will be disappointed in
his calculations. 1t is evident that the rebels are
making strenuous efforts to defend Manassas
Junction, which it is the policy of our govern
ment to take possession Of The Importance of
that point to both parties may be seen by refe-
renee to the map of that place, which we furnish
in our columns to-day.
The arrival of the First Cdaine) regiment and
the Seventy ninth New York; Highland regiment
at Washington last night, makes the number of
troops now at the capital and its vicinity amount
to $4,000 men. The outposts on the Virginia side
continue to be disturbed by constant alarms,
arising from sudden attacks by the pickets of the
enemy. For instance, on Sunday night, about
twelve o'clock, squad Of secession caval.
ry made a dash at the out-posts of the
Twenty eighth New York; regiment, and fired
upon them. The alarm was instantly sounded and
the regiment turned out, and scouting party DIES.
patched in pursuit of the enemy, who retreated.
The fire was returned by the outposts of the
Twenty eighth, with what effect is not known,
a. the night was exceedingly dark.
While an advance movement is on foot in the
direction of Fairfax and Manassas Junction, an
other move is Immediately to follow towar Is
Harper's Ferry. Fifteen thousand men from Ohio
are to push on in that direction. Eight thousand
men from Pennsylvania, and strong force from
Baltimore and the Relay House are ordered to
march to the same point. A government agent
who has just arrived at Washington from Har.
pers Ferry, brings information that there are four
teen regiments of rebel troops there and at Point
of Rocks that heavy batteries have been erected
both on the Virginia and Maryland sides of the
river, and that arms must be abundant
there, as the troops who arrive from day
10 day are Immediately furnished with
weapons The government agent states
that some curious ideas exist among
INC secessionis ts as to the condition of the
Northern troop ). He was asked if many of them
were not cooi ed men, and if the majority were
not Germans nd Irish. He answered that there
were several c,olored regiments among the troops
at and around Washington and that large mum.
Der of the United States army were foreigners,
an announcement which " as received with loud
applause. So much for the impression existing
"a the South of the great atriotic movement
which prevails in the Northern, states IN defence
Of the government, the constitution and the laws.
Highly important intelligence rea, hes US from
III. 'cinnati, in relst;on N an orro. ,ent of the
eder. VI troops stationed at Grafton, Va, win tne
sbeIs "a that vicinity. Two columns Of @eneral
cclellan> Us Command, consisting of the Frs 'Vir'
ni& Younte ers' under colone, Kelly, and the In di,
"a volunteers, under Colonel crttenden, marched
N oDday night. twentp miles forward, Is far as !,
. t. wa Of PhillR's' and surprised corps |