Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-07-07
FROM TEE SEAT OF WsFs IN VER.
GENFA.


Especial Correspondence OF the memphis Appeal
The FedcrGLs recrOss the Potomac in force-The Con-
fsderotes fall back topggrd Winchesf General
Johnston adrGnciHg to meet the Ensmy-A battle
ineUita5le-Departurs of Gen. POlk-HOH. Henry
Nay in Richmond Movements Of Gen. MagrUder-
Bethel reOccgpieG-BuH III in trouble, etc.
RICHMOND, July 4.
Much excitement exists to-day on account
of an expected collision between our f)srces,
under Gen. Johnston, and a column Of the
enemy, numbering $1,000, under command Of
Generals Patterson and ,Cadwailadsr. A bat
tie is certainly imminent, ssd before this
reaches its destination, the telegraph will have
informed you of the result. The enemy began
the crossing of the Potomac on Tuesday, at a
point between WilliansPort and Shepherds
town, and nearer the latter place. Gen. jack
son, Of the Virginia army, who commanded a
force Of 1000 men near Shepherdstown, fell
back toward Gen. Johnston, who is advancing
bis entire strength, from the vicinity Of Win
chester, in the direction of the enemy, with a
view to give bin battle. There was SEINE
skirmishing between Jackson and The enemy's
advance guard on Tuesday, in which our men
took foTty-fve OF the federal cavalry prisoners,
besides killing and wOunding many more. The
diminishing was kept up Yesterday, but with
what result I cannot learn. The cOmmunica-
ton by telegraph between this city and Win
chester is interrupted, and we must rely, to a
great extent, upon the mails for information OF
The movements Of our army. The war Office
has its special c~ouriers, 1 suppose, but very
little ever reaches tie public ear through that
source.
Much anxiety is felt on account Of the sup
posed disparity in numbers between the enemy
and Gen. Johnston's command. It would not
be prudent to publish the number Of the confed-
crates, but your readers may rest assured the
odds are not larger than those at which it is
deemed entirely safe to fight the Yankees.
When it is considered further that the main
body Of the Gnemy's troops consists Of Penn
syivanians, all apprehensiOns may cease.
They have left a record at Csrro Gordo scarce
Iy less brilliant than that Of the Indianians at
Buena Vista.
Msior-General Polk, having completed his
arrangements with the War Department, will
depart for Tennessee Tomorrow. Business Of
Importance with Gov. Harris may require a
short stay at Nashville; but he will certainly
be in Memphis early in the coming week to
assume the command Of his department.
The near approach Of the meeting OF the
Confederate Congress, the exciting state OF
affairs throughout the couatry, and the mo-
mentary expectation Of important military
movements in this neighborhood, are attract
ing aither large numbers Of distinguished men
from all parts OF the South. Even Missouri,
Maryland and Kentucky, are represented ty
leading public men. Among those whose Wis
its have excited most interest, I may mention
Hon. Henry May, Of Baltimore, recently
elected to congress over Henry Winter Davis,
who reached the city yesterday. His pre- ence
here, Just on the eve OF the meeting of the fed
ersl congress, exciLos much ommsnt The
recent usurpations Of the military authorities
in Baltimore, which have overthTown every
vestige Of civil liberty there, and reduced the
people of that city to a condition of abiect
submission to the will Of the dictator who
reigns at Washington, are supposed to have
something to do with his visit. This, Of
course IS al buEnlse. WI. MdJJ II Is 5dluJ
will return to Washington in a few days to
take his seat in the congress which commences
its called session to-day.
You have been informed OF the sudden re-
treat Of Gen. Magruder's advance-guard from
Bethel, toward Yorktown, before a force of
$4,000 of the enemy, The were reported to be
marching upon him under command Of Gen.
Butler. The information proved incorrect,
no such forward movement having been made
by the enemy, who, if reports be true, are still
employed in attempting to settle the question
as to whom the blame Of the defeat at Bethel
should rest upon. The Baltimore papers Of
the q say that a strong effort vii! be made to
have Gen. Butler recalled. The movement
originates with toe New York volunteers, bu,
will, it is said, receive the support Of almost
the entire command at Fortress Monroe, who
will unite in a petition for a new commander.
l trust no such misfortune, "a his removal, /
NAV befall the South. While the enemy are
discussing this question, Gen. Magruder has
re-occupied Bethel in force, and is daily
strengthening his position. Richmond will
never be reached BY way Of Yorktown-cer-
tainly not by the 20th Of July. So l predict.
NTRGJNTTTG /