The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-15

THE 81 TU ALTON.
All the reports from Harper's Ferry confirm the
report that the rebels have evacuated that posi-
ton. They burned down the bridge across the
Potomac, about mile above the Ferry, OF day
Light yesterday morning, and at about eleven
O'Clock the bridges crossing at Martnsburg and
Eheppardstswn were also on fire. The govern
ment buildings were in conhagratiOn at last
accounts, the machinery having been re-
moved into the interior few days ago.
All the batteries and troops have been withdrawn
from the Maryland side. Fearing a sudden attack
the rebels had thrown eight car loads of provisions
into the river. The garrison to the number of be-
tween ten and twelve thousand had marched to
Leesburg and Winchester, thus indicating that
their destination is probably Manassas Junction,
where no doubt grand stand will be made. It
is said that number of troops still remain at the
Ferry, but these are probably intended to cover
the retreat of the main body.
Leesburg is the capital of Loudon county Va,
and lies within three miles of the Potomac and $50
miles north of Richmond, and about thirty-seven
miles from Washington. 1t is handsome town.
of about 1000 population, situated in the midst of
a fertile, highly cultivated and picturesque coun.
try,with streets well paved and houses substan-
TALLY built. 1t has three churches, bank a
Court House, An academy and one newspaper
Office.
The greatest activity prevails in and around
Washington. Every regiment IN the capital is
now under marching orders, and several of them
moved quietly across the Long Bridge last night.
An important order has been issued by General
Mcdowell from the headquarters of the Depart
ment of Western Virginia. at Arlington requiring
the commandments of the different brigades and re-
giments to report to him statements of all the
damage done to private property in the occupa-
ton of the federal army, whether by the destruc-
ton of crops, the cutting down of trees fences,
and the lands and buildings occupied, with view
to remunerate the owners of the same
We learn through person just arrived in Balti-
accounts Of the affair at Bethel have been received
there and welcomed with the widest demonstra-
tions of joy. 1t was circulated by the Confede.
rate authorities that Generals Butler and Pierce,
with 5000 men under their command had been
routed by the garrison at Bethel, which only num-
bered 800 men, and that one hundred and fifty of
4La ed hoI ham I'D nd hmm
dred wounded. The bells throughout the city were
rung on the occasion, and Mr.. Davis made
speech to the people, in which he said that this
victory was q bright harbinger of many more,
and that it showed what the sons of Virginia
could do in defence Of their soil against Northern
mercenaries, &c.
The road between Richmond and Manassas
Junction is said to be alive with rebel troops
who are drilling at every station. Re-
ports appear to have been carefully cir
culated throughout the South that the army of
the United States is composed almost entirely of
oregners-Germans and Irish--and that belief
no doubt prevails to some extent. The object of
spreading this rumor is probably to impress upon
the Southern troops the idea that they are not
about to meet their brethren in fratricidal war.
fare, but band Of foreign mercenaries.
The federal troops under General Lyon, in Mis-
souri, are being still moved towards the western
part OF that State. In addition to the companies
who took up positions along the line of the Pacific
Railroad few days since, seven more companies
went In that direction yesterday. In the mean
time General Lyon and staff, with 500 men two
sections Of light artillery, horses and ca mn eou
page, apparently intended for long march left
TT. Louis in a steamboat on Thursday, for some
point up the Missouri river, supposed to be Jeffer
son City.
Its reported that Governor Jackson and stat,
together with all the dsunionist troops left Jefer-
BON City yesterday it is supposed for Bonneville
Or some point in that locality, burning two rail
road bridges behind them. General Lyon, it was
thought, would pursue them in hot haste. and is
not improbable that we shall hear of a collision
between the two parties at no distant time.
The Wheeling Convention ia still in session. hut
As yet has come to no decision conclusion. The