The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-06
THE SITuATION.


THE SITUATION.
1t ia said that the CITY of Washington is swarm
ing with rebel spies from Baltimore, whose pre-
sence has been readily discovered by detective
police from the latter city. 1t ia also stated that
regular communication is preserved with the rebel
headquarters. despite the assiduity of the Post
Offiee Department in cutting OFF the mails. If this
- permitted to continue it, is idle for the COM
manding generals to exercise SO rigid supervi-
sion over The press as they have recently imposed
1t will be seen. by our telegraphio news to-day,
that an interview took place few days ago be-
tween General Mcclellan and the newspaper COR
respondents at Washington, with regard to the
publication of military news, and that certain
agreements were entered into.
Majos General Mcclellan appears to be partcu.
larry impressed with the necessity of withholding
all information of his movements from the local
press Of Washington, owing to the want of faith
manifested on the part of some of tho journalists
shere, and it certainly seems bn 1T that if
Northern States are denied diligence
Of ermy movements for publication az
matter of precaution, those journals which
may more readily fall into the hands of the rebels
should not be furnished with such information as
may prove Of service to the enemy.
A report from the Potomac feet states that the
rebels have large body of negroes at work
throwing up Notifications on Mosquito Point, at
the mouth of the Rappahunnock river.
Brigadier General Pierce, who commanded the
Union troops at the disaster of Big Bethel, has
issued official report, in which he states that he
acted on that 0ccaaon strictly according to orders
which he afirns were given by his superior officer
without any knowledge of the position or the
strength of the enemy. He says that his command
was composed of raw troops, and that they
had only twenty rounds of ammunition each, and
his light artillery was furnished with but twelve
rounds-not sufficient to sustain fire of five min
utes duration. He states further that he demanded
court OF inquiry, in order to place the blame Of
he was met with the reply that an investigation
might reveal something to the injury of the service.
From the army of General Banks, near Hatper's
Ferry, we hear of small picket engagement which
took place yesterday morning at daybreak. por.
ton of the Twenty eighth New York regiment
CROSSED the river at Point of Rocks, and found
picket Of the rebel cavalry at breakfast. They at.
tackled and dispersed them, killing three, woundng
five and taking seven Of their number prisoners.
The United States gunboat Crusader has sue.
ceeded in securing six American vessels, which had
been seized by the rebel privateer Sumter. The
Crusader proceeded from Key West to the port of
Cienfuegos, in Cuba, in search of the Sumter, but
found that the prvateer had sailed, leaving six of
her prizes. however, lying at anchor in the harbor
Captain Craven, Of the Crusader, had an inter.
Wow with the Spanish Governor Of the town, and
explained to him that the crew Of the Sumter were
regarded as pirates by our government, and would
be treated as such if captured. He then took pos
session Of the ak American vessels and conveyed
them safely TO Key West.
Governor Gamble, Of Missouri, has lust issued a
proclamation to the citizens Of that State in which
he calls upon oil those who are enrolled in the
State militia now in arms against the fede.
fal government, who were called out by
his predecessor, Jackson, to return to
their homes, promising them protection if
they do 30. He appeals to the sheriffs
Of counties and other magistrates, to exercise all
the authority vested in them by law, in arresting
and Furnishing every one who may break the peace,
modest his fellow citizens, or retain arms. the
property of the federal government. He also
notifies all those citizens of other States
who may be in arms within the boundaries
Of Missouri lin the rebel ranks), to with
draw to their own States, as Missouri
does not need nor desire lien presence. After
the issue of this proclamation, Governor Gamble
receSei despatch from the Var Department, stat
Ing his promise of protectiou to all those who NAV
lay down their arms would be sustained by the 20.
verrment. In several counties Of Northern Mis-.
sour committees Of safety have been appointed TO
suppress rebellion, WITH the assurance that IL they
cannot effect that purl use, the military power will
bs used to its utmos xtent
Congress finishes g, eoecial war session to-day,