New-York daily tribune., 1861-07-09
A FLAG or TRUCE FROM THE REBELS.
Dispatches from Davis and BeaGregard.
CONDITION OF TIE REBELS
THE MEASLES In THEIR CAMP.
Special Dispatch to The n. Z. TrIbass

WASHINGTON, Monday, July 8, 1861.
The first flag of truce from the Rebels has
come within Gen. McDowelrs lines, and its
bearer is now with Gen. Scott.
At 3 or A o'clock this afternoon, Col. Porter Of
the 18th infantry, was making thorough recon-
noisance with his staff and 20 picked regular
cavalry, when they espied, as they rode
over the brow Of hill, the head Of what
might be a column of Rebel cavalry in
Gray, turning a piece of woods at its foot.
They were preparing to charge the foe, what
ever his numbers, when they caught sight of a
flag of truce, and ordered q halt. An officer
rode out of the rebel ranks, who announced him.
self as Lieutenant-C Colonel of the Confederate
army bearer of dispatches from President Davis
and Gen. Beauregard.
He handed his credentials, in the shape Of
pass, and an open letter to Gen. Mcdowell from
the latter. Col. Taylor was sent in escort Of an
officer to Arlington House, and the rebel caval-
ry, who turned out to be only % strong, turned
toward Manassas, from which they said that they
had started this morning-a story which the
condition of their horses, fine animals in excel
lent trim, did not bear out. Col. Porter con-
tinued his reconnaissance to within several miles
of Fairfax.
Col. Porter expressed himself disappointed that
it had not been an affair of fighting, instead of
flags. From conversation with the men, who
looked not bit in the humor Of fray, but ex.
ceedingly melancholy and careworn, it appeared
that the rebels are suffering greatly from the
measles. The cavalry appeared to be picked
men, and were armed with carbines.
1t was cleaned in conversation with Col Taylor
that his package contained letters from both Beau
regard and Davis to the President and Gen. Scott,
but that they related to some trining matter, no
thing more important than exchange OF prisoners
Col Taylorwss handsomely entertained at Airing
ton House. He was told that he might look about
as much as he pleased. "The more you see, the
less you'll like us" said one of Col. Porters staff.
He was put upon his parole not to leave with
out seeing Gen. Mcdowell, who was in the city.
Late in the evening, Gen. Scott telegraphed to
Arlington to have him brought over with his dis
patches, and he is now at Headquarters.
The impudcnce of the traitors in sending an
officer here with flag of truce for any purpose
whatever, except Is a preliminary to laying
down their arms, awakens general astonishment
1t may be that JEFF. has heard Of the Presidents
Message, the hearty response of the country to
ts recommendations, and the preparations for
grand advance, aud is moving toward peace
openly, as his emissares have been for weeks
secretly. But this is hardly probable yet aud
the conclusion of the officers who coDyersed with
the messenger that his business was not Of the
gravest Importance, is probably the correct one.
COL Porter is in command of q splendid brig
ade, which will form part of the column of the
center under Col. Hunter. II comprises 500 or |
900 regulars, the 9Th and l4th New-York, and
GrifEns West Point Battery. Several hundred
marines are to be added to it before the advance |
is made This brigade will be reviewed and in |
spected tomorrow afternoon, and visitors are |
warned to come before many days if they would
see it where and as it is.