The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-21
THB SITUATION.


Everything around Washington continues peace
able All rumors of an attack by the rebels at the
Chain Bridge, or in other quarters, prove to be
untrue. and for the present, at least, the capital j.
unmoiested. What the future disposition of the
rebel army may be remains to be seen. day or
two, however, may bring forth some startling
events.
The organization of the army of the Potomac
Ia rapidly progressing under the vigilant control
of General Mcclellan. The Secretary of War has
issued another important order-which we publish
to-day-for. the speedy construction Of regiments
and parts of regiments, with o view to augment
the army as fast as possible, by facilitating their
muster into the service.
The administration of the oath of allegiance to
government officials is developing some curious in
cidents. The Mayor of Washington, Mr.. J. G..
Berrett, upon being rendered the oath yesterday,
fused to take it.
The court martial which has been trying Col. J..
II. McOunn, of the New York Thrty-seventh regi-
ment. for unofcerlike conduct, has found him guilty
of the charges, and he has been deposed from his
command Of Colonel of the regiment, and broken
of all military rank. In critical times like these
misconduct in commanding officers deserves, as it
has received in this instance. q peremptory rebuke
and punishment.
The call for additional troops receives q ready
response in all quarters. Governor Andrew, of
Massachusetts, has issued spirited proclamation
to the citizens Of that State which we give to-day.
The Western States are coming forward also with
several regiments, Indiana offering thirteen in ad-
dition to those already in the field.
Active military operations continue in Missouri.
We learn from Cairo that battle took place on
Monday night at twelve o'clock, at Charleston, be-
tween the Union force, about $50 strong, consist
ing Of the Twenty-secon Illinois regiment under
command of Colonel Dougherty, accompanied by
Lieutenant Colonel Ransom, of the Eleventh Ini-
nois regiment. The rebel force was estimated at
500 to 700 men, and commanded by Colonel Hun
ter, of jeff Thompson's army. The Union force
was victorious, completely routing the rebels,
killing forty and taking seventeen prisoners.
Captain Haeman, with fifty mounted men, left
Birds Point at about six o'clock the same evening,
for Charleston, to join the forces under Colonel
Dougherty, but failed to form junction with
them. They met party of rebels about one hun
dred strong, and gave them battle, killing two and
taking thirty-three prisoners they also captured
thirty-five horses, without the loss of man.
Rumors were rife at Jefferson City that an attack
on that place was intended. There are three
thousand five hundred Union troops there to de-
fend it. The rebels under General Price were said
to be in possession of several important positions in
the southwestern part of the State, such as War.
rensburg, johnson, Georgetown and Sedlia, in Pet
tbs county.
Gen. Siegel had arrived at Roa. An officer
with flag of truce was despatched to seek the
body Of Gen. Lyon.
Gen. Price, of the rebel army, has issued
bombastie proclamation to the citizens of Mis-
souri,, the purport of which u.s. that he is in COM
msnd of an army whose objects is to protect
the homes and iresides of Missouri against the
assaults of the usurper at Washington, and so
FORTH The town of Commerce, about forty miles
above Cairo, which had been taken possession of
by the rebels some time ago, was retaken on Mon.
day night by force of 500 Union troops sent for
ward by order of General Fremont from Cape
Girardeau.
The city of Galveston, Texas, was subjected to a
pretty severe bombardment by the United States
war vessels South Carolina and Dart, on Monday,
the 9th instant. They continued to throw
shells into the city for half an hour, do
ing considerable damage. The batteries on
shore responded, and it was thought tina.
the South Carolina had received some
hurt, as it was observed that she was undergoing
repairs after the fight was over The citizens of
Galveston sent protest on board, under flag Of
truce, against the alleged violation of the rules of
war in Smelling the city without giving notice to
remove the women and children These facts we
learn from Southern sources
by Tie Oauaua, ou cape Itace, we nave news
from Europe to the 18th of August. The Ameri.
can question claimed undivided attention in Eng
land. and the London journals are filed with
speculations as to the probable issue of the con.
fict, both regards the future rule of the North
ana South, and the effect of the blockade on the
commerce Of foreign nations. The London Post
the government organ, observes that if England
should "be compelled to drift into the quarrel''
the blame will rest with the government in Wash
ngton. which is "manifestly Incompetent to main.
tain" the blockade. Other papers take almost the
same view of the subject. Two vessels had arrived
in Europe from the blockaded ports, viz:-the &c.
pos. from Savannah. 1t Deal. and the Kaler, from