The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-19

Of the pc pie here to vic the scenes that have be-
historic From citizens Of the village, who
speak from their personal knowledge, derive a con.
rrnaon OF the following rscs:First that The accounts
that were published IN the BERAID OF the strength Of
the rebels and the position Of their batteries sub
staptiay correct, and that the number OF troops
rather under estimated than otherwise; second that
General Jobnstons retreat conducted without haste
precipitation, and that he carried off all his artillery
military stores third that in the destruction Of the
works be ecrupulousy respected and caused ~ be pro-
hcted all private property, without distinction Of
owners fourth, that the evacuation forms part Of a
plan agreed upon by General Beauregard and himself,
relating directly to maneuvres near Washington.
During Friday morning, while the fire was raging
hercely, the two fire engines Of the village were
brought out, manned by soldiers from
the Tennessee regiments, and were kept
in constant operation. To this humane and
thoughtful policy the part Of Gen. Johnston many
families 1t that they are sleeping securely
under their own ROOFS instead of gazing sadly
charred backened beams of their once happy homes
If this act Of clemency initiated in the further progress
Of the war, the contest viii be robbed OF one Of ito
terroYs.
ia now known that 10 900 troops In ALL left Hsrpers
Ferry was thought that they might make stand at
Charleetown which only five miles distant. But intel
sence from that village shows that only about 200
5000 passed thcre and that they went to Winchester
Charlestown is little than railway station and is
entirely ndo'ensble It supposed, too, that they
might make stand at Leesburg. But that place Is
occupied BY federal troops, who found their arrival,
token Of the presence d the seoessionists Rumors
In this city, coming from the only sources
likely to know anything reliable Of Southern
movements, say that while about 5000 Of his troops
have gone to Front Royal the Manassas Gap Railroad
that the main body under General Johnston person. Is
marching nearly south across tho country, and will
strike the Manassas Gap Railroad at Salem thirty miles
from HArpers Ferry II this theory be correct land IL
seems probable) 10 probable that General Johnston il
there Joining his forces then with those Of Gene
raj BcauregArd these two officers have now IS ooe men
ready 10 march Washington, with powerful train of
nsd artillery and with reserve body Of 10000 more
q their heels nom Fredssicksburs Culpepper Cor
dorsville and I.y achburg.
No provAons were destroyed by General Johnston
cspt two oads Of bread 700 stale 70 sat Two trains
Of baggage cars, Of eleven cars and Of en
filed with provisions and sent to wfpchester Three Of
these cars had contained corn oats and rye used for
feeding he borses and this grain thrown into the
river In order that the might be used 70 transport
the provkions.
The papers in . day or two viii contain sensation
stories about not Of posoped coffee and sugar. which, It
10 said seized at the Ferry its way 10 Baltimore
There 10 not word Of truth IN This story from begin
nirg TO emf.