The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-11
New York, Tuesday, jane III, 1851.
THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.

THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.
The movement of troops from the vicinity of
Washington in the direction of Harper's Ferry
which, as we announced, was to have taken place
yesterday morning, was duly carried out. Three
battalions Of the District of Columbia militia, to-
gether with two Connecticut regiments, one New
Hampshire regiment, and the New York Ninth,
left yesterday, and were to unite at point three
miles above Georgetown and then advance to
place known as Edwards Ferry, on the Potomac,
half way between Harper's Ferry and Washing.
ton.
The concentration of troops from the East and
West on Harpers Ferry, now in progress, will
probably leave the troops in that position no al
tentative but to surrender or retreat if the latter
course be possible. 1t was believed ia Washing
ton yesterday that the evacuation of that point
had already commenced, and when we consider
The vigorous measures now in operation to sur
round it. it does not seem improbable that the
funors may be true.
The rumors Of an attack by the mob on the
Second Michigan regiment during its passage
through Baltimore ON Sunday, proves to be untrue,
the regiment having arrived safely at Washington
yesterday. The report originated in the fact that
the troops were entering the cars rowdy
standing on the sidewalk threw a stone which
struck the orderly sergeant of one of the compa
MES on the leg. The sergeant imme diatly fred on
his assailant, who was seen to fall. Beyond this
there was no disturbance. On the contrary, the
regiment was received with much cheering and
enthusiasm by the people of Baltimore.
Major General Banks arrived at Fort McHenry
yesterday, which he will make the headquarters
proceeded to Frederick to take command there.
1t is said that the breastworks erected by the
federal troops on the Virginia side of the Potomac,
in which some of our New York regiments took
so brave part, are of monstrous kind, and ex
tend for ten miles, from Alexandria to the Chain
Bridge, mounted with heavy batteries, line of
defence which renders Washington impregnable,
and has enabled the government to advance so
many of the troops, recently stationed there, in
the direction of Harper's Ferry to carry the COM
templated strategic movement in that quarter.
In consequence of the detection Of Tennessee
the Postmaster General has stopped all mail COM
munication with Memphis and Nashville, and have
issued orders to Postmasers to send all letters ad
dressed to these points to the dead letter Office.
The forward movements from the West on Har.
pers Ferry continue to progress, Gen. Williams
brigade of three regiments having arrived as far
in that direction are not inactive.
The destruction of dam No. 4, on the Potomac,
as previously reported, has been followed by an
attempt to destroy dam No. S yesterday, which
was resisted by the Home Guard of Clear Spring
and Wilamsport. At last reports an engage
ment was going on there.
general impressment of all persons between
sixteen and sixty is said to be going on in Viz
ginia, which may account for the fact that large
numbers Of virginians were escaping across the
river and taking shelter on the Maryland side.
From Annapolis we learn that the Thirteenth
(Brooklyn) regiment had made an excursion to
the town of Easton, on the eastern shore Of Mary.
land, where they captured thousand stand of
arms six field pieces, and one sloop belonging to
the rebels
Late news from Texas informs us Of a sad state
OF affairs there Constant fears are entertained of
attacks from hostile Indians, and the women and
children are flying in large numbers to the forts
for protection. The farmers are renewing the
old border practice Of carrying their rifles at their
backs while their hands are on the plough.
At New Orleans the state of war is being Sc
vereIy felt in total suppression Of trade. The
people are represented as dissatisfied with the
action Of the Southern government, and especially
with the delay In attacking Fort Pickens before it
was reinforced. Some idea prevails Of putting
more active officer than General Bragg in com
mand who will attack the fort az once.
Our European adyices are to the I'd of June.
The interest attached to the American rebellion
question remained unaba!ed 1t appears as if the
feeling ia England, Parliamentary and out of
doors, in favor Of the Confederate States had
slightly declined. Lord John Russell submitted TO
the House Of G .mmons correspondence between