The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-19
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
Our intelligence from the seat of war to-day is
highly important and indicates further retreat of
the rebels. A gentleman who arrived in Washing
ton yesterday afternoon, direct from Richmond by
way Of Manassas Junction, reports that there are
only 10000 rebels at the Junction now, but that
the defenoes were elaborate and extensive. There
were, however, l60 railroad cars at the depot,
which had arrived from Richmond since Sunday
On that day General Beauregard went to
Richmond when q military consultation was
held after which the sailroad cars were despatched
TO the Junction. In the opinion Of the gentleman
who brings this news retreat to Richmond has
becn decided upon. where great stand will prob
ably be made.
The advance columns of Gen Tyers division
fright wing) of the Union army under Gen. Richard
son, is reported TO have had brisk engagement
yesterday with rebel masked battery at Bulls Run,
three miles from Centrevlle. 1t would appear
that portion of the rebels retreating from Fair.
fax Court House took up q position near Bulls
Run, and opened fire on Richardson's troops
After two hours fight General Richardson found
that his force was not strong enough
TO storm the battery under the heavy
IRE of the enemy, and he sent back for
achievements, which were Immediately forwarded
to him, and at last accounts heavy firing was
going on in that direction, indicating renewed
attack.
The grand army pushed on in the direction Of
Manassas early yesterday morning, as will be seen
by our reports to-day
We have the precise position of the different
brigadcs from the official report of General
Mcdowell, dated yesterday, which we give in
another column. The First division, under Gene.
raj Tyler, was between Germantown and Centre
vile; the Second, under Colonel Hunter, Of the
Court House and about to move to Centreyile;
the Fifth, under General Miles, at the crossing
under orders to march on Centreville. One Of
Colonel Heintzelmann's brgades was at Fairfax sta
ton, but tho other had not reported itself. The
rapidity of the advance of the Union army and the
equally rapid retreat ofthe rebels are forciby illus
trated by one fact stated in General McDoweNs
report, that the rebel piekets near Fairfax were at
their post when the place was occupied by the
Union forces and they supposed that was their own
army which was still in position there, and actually
entered the camp of General McDowell's troops.
The rebels had taken to flight so precipitately that
tbey evidently had not time to call In their pickets.
The rumors of masked batteries along the line to
Fairfax proved to be fallacious, as nothing was
found by the advancing army except few in
fantry breastworks, and those OF the rudest con-
struction; and with the exception Of feiled trees
anda few earth barricades at deep cuts in the
road, the troops met with no obstruction.
Several trophies taken at Fairfax Court House.
many of them very curious affairs-hsve been for
warded to US by our correspondents, and We give
an interesting description Of them in another
column.
With regard to the movements of General Patter.
sons division II is reported that he has not proceed
from Bunker Hill to Winchester as expected, but
took the road TO Charlestown. 1t was discovered
that Winchester so well fortified in that direc
ton. as to render al approach dangerous, and
hence the change Of plan.
1t is reported, however, that General Patterson
received information yesterday morning that
General Johnston had retreated FIVE miles beyond
Winchester. Harper's Ferry was garrisoned BY
Union troops yesterday, the road being now open
from that PORT to Charlestown.
We learn from Missouri that fgkt had taken
place in Galloway county between Colonel Mcneil
with about six hundred men and enc thousand
rebels under General Harris, in which the latter
were completely routed Twelve Of McNels men
were wounded.
From Fortress Monroe we have intelligence Of