The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-28
A Flag of Truce Detained by
General Wool.
OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.

WASHINGTON, August q, 1861.
ADVANCE OF THE REBELs-sKIRMIsH WITH THE PICK
ETs OF THE NEW YORK THIRTY EIGHTH.
The report that the enemy had approached to the mmo
date proximity Of our lines the south side of the Poo
mac is verified It is not believed generally, however,
that the rebel army is prepared for immediate attack
The battery OF niue heavy guns mentioned in tho despatch
10 the HERALD last night is Mt Bancrofts Mills, the
Leesburg turnpike about three and half miles from
Bayley's roads.
Yesterday picket guard Of fifty of the Thirty eighth
New York Volunteers. under Captain bennett sent
cut from their camp, the Fairfax Theological Semi
nary to Baieys Cross Roads, about five miles distant.
captain bennett placed his main picket at the Cross
Roads, and stationed detachments at important points
In advance. One Of these detachments, number
Ing ten men, occupied a position on the Leesburg
turnpike, one and half mile from the Cross Roads,
on prominent hill commanding view of
the surrounding country This detachment remained in
undisturbed possession of the position until ten o'clock
this morning, when attacked by force Of
hundred of the enemy composed of cavalry and infantry,
with one piece Of artillery The attack made sud
denly that five Of the party made prisoners The
other five managed to reach the main picket the
roads in safety
The assaing party crept upon the guard under
Of thick woods side and cornGed on the other
ment they preciptated themselves upon the picket.
AS intelligence Of the attack reached Captain
Bennett, he started with the main guard to the relief
Of his men, but was very soon overtaken by
Captain Allison, Of the same regiment, tie brigade
officer of the day, who his way with
another company Of the Thirty eighth New York
volunteers &c relieve Captain benefits Guard Upon
suation The expediency Of attempting disloge the
enemy from the h it concluded to be unadvisablc
on accounts Of the great disparity in number The Union
force being not than that of the enemy
who also provide with cavalry and piece of ar
ery, withdrawn and the rebels left in possession
the hill.
The men of tho Thirty eighth New York regiment
made prisoners in this affair Augustus Gantz of Com
pany C; Samuel Van Duzcn of Company and Sergeant
W. Fairfield, Lorenzo Crook and John Tyler of Company D.
CAPTAIN FISH CAPTURED BY THE REBELS.
The officer Of the Thirty first New York regiment who
captured by the enemy Sunday last Baicy's
Cross Roads, was not Lieutenant, reported, but
Captain Fish. The Company to which he attached
were on picket duty in that vicinity and while he and
his two LieHtenans and eight ten
searching for Of the who had struggled
OF, they straycd about eighth of mile beyond
kne of picket, when they fred upon by large body
Of rebels. Several of the wounded, among
whom Captain Fish, who shot in the breast. At
TINS Junctufe MS morse stumbled, railing upon hm and
before he could exricate himself the enemy we're upon
him and made him a prisoner. Capt. +. from New
Orleans. The others of his party escaped
CUTTING OFF COMMUNICATION WITH THE REBEL.
STATES.
The Secretary of the Treasury has just issued circular
Of instructions to collectors and other officers of the Gus
TOMS calling their attention the of Congress further
provide for the collection of duties imports for
other purposes approved the 18th of July last and the
proclamation of the President Of the United States of the
10th Of August made in pursuance thereof both of which
annexed. In view of this act and the proclamation,
the Secretary directs and the officers the
customs to use all vigilance in preventing commercial
with the inhabitants Of the nsurrec-
ton excepting in the special in when it may DO
allowed by license and permit therein set forth.
The instructions of the I'd OF May and the 18th of July
last heretofore in force, will be regarded superseded
by the comprehensive provisions of the act and
procl maton The collectors and other officers of the
customs will report all seizures under the procia
nation to e proper District Attorney for such proceed
ings the law and facts may justify in each ousc,
frequently afterwards may be convenient report
their views in relation to the commercial intercourse
contemplated and the permits proper to be granted
withheld. In the forms accompanying the weekly
turns required by circulars Of the 9Th Of August last
b. mile TO the Treasury Department collectors and other
officers Of the customs will be careful to state what per
ms are asked for the shipment Of goods by whom asked
and the grounds on which the applications based
The secretary especially directs the attention of col
cctors and other officers to the firth subsequent sec
tons Of the act commonly known as the Force bill
THE CASE OF COMMANDER PORTER
The Navy Department is satisfied with the abundant
proofs which Commander Porter has presented in refua
ton OF charge against his loyalty his own affidavit
showing the alleged secession letter his son to be
forgery.
PATRIOTISM OF COMMODORE MONTGOMERY
Flag 0iRcer Montgomery, commanding the Pacific
Squadron whiting to the Secretary OF the Navy rca.
tive to the expiration of the two years service officers
and men saysa--For my part neither expect nor