The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-17

THE 81 TT ALTON.
II is evident that the +" situation" is rapidly
assuming a character from which some decisive
result may soon be expected, whether it be con-
Hict between the contendng forces, or retro
grade movement on the part Of the rebels which
may render an immediate collision improbable or
unnecessary.
The defences on the line Of the Potomac are now
in a most complete condition. Every accessible
poict where crossing can be made, from Aqua
Creek to Willamsport, is occupied by federal
troops But while our forces are pushing for.
ward, the rebel troops at Manassas Junction are
said to have commenced backward movement,
and are supposed to be retiring on Richmond. The
teams of the farmers in that vicinity have been
believed at Washington that with the evacuation of
Harper's Ferry and the threatening attitude which
General Buffers advance up the James river
assumes in the direction of Richmond, that the
rebels cannot now safely withdraw their forces
from the latter point for attack on Washington.
General Scott, as we are informed is confident
that 80 Far from having to meet an advancing force
of the rebels he can compel them to retire out of
Virginia and Tennessee altogether, and the ad
mirable disposition he has made Of his army so
far would seem to indicate the probability
of such a result, unless some unforeseen cir
cumstauces should arise to thwart his plans.
The effect of being compelled to abandon Virginia
without serious engagement would be most dis
piriting the rebel troops, it, indeed, it did not
wholly demoralize them.
1t is known that the body Of troops, Of which
Colonel Stiles New York Ninth regiment form
which is the western terminus of the Manassas
Railroad. There were said to be 800 of the rebel
forces from Harper's Ferry in the town, but the
probability is that they will retro before the fede.
raj troops. Two skimishes took place on the road
as the troops adyanced one between the battalion
ofMajor Smead and body of Virginia cavalry,
opposite Point of Rocks, in which two of the lat
ter were killed; and another skirmsh above Great
Falls on the Potomac, between detachment of
the Washington Constitutional Guard and the
rebels, in which one Of the latter fell.
Fortress Monroe and its vicinity continue to be
strengthened by the arrival of additional troops.
Col. Webers Twentieth New York volunteer re-
giment of Germans reached there yesterday. Fiji.
teen additional regiments are expected there,
among which are On efficient corps of artillery
from Fort McHenry, and q regiment Of mounted
rfemen whose services will be found highly valua.
BILE to act against the Virginia light cavalry.
When these regiments arrive at the Fortress the
lines will be extended several miles farther from
that point. The peninsula will soon II an immense
intrenched camp seriously menacing Richmond.
The news is stirring from the scat Of war in the
West The secessionist Governor Jackson, of Mis-.
souri,, was continuing his fight with great rapidity
from the capital, Jefferson City, from which the
arrival of General Lyons forces drove him so hur.
riedy. An important movement of federal troops
is to be made of once towards St. Louis. Eight
regiments are to be encamped within two hours
march Of that cty--four at Bonneville and four at
Caseyville. camp of four more regiments
meantime will be established at Quincy.
1t is said that the State militia (secessionists)
have full sway in the counties Immediately Dor.
dering on both sides of the Missouri river, from
the Kansas frontier to Bonneville.
Advices reached General Scott last night that
an attack on Cairo by General Pillow, with some
10000 men, was threatened to take place on to.
morrow, the 18th inst, but that General prentss
felt perfectly prepared to resist him should he
make the attempt. General Pillow, it appears
had been promised aid from Kentucky and Mis-
sour, by Governors Magoffin and jackson; but the
recent activity of the federal forces in these States
is very likely to prevent any assistance being
given from that quarter.