The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-08-09
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
WASHINGTON AND VICINITY.

Tho war news is not Of especial impor-
TANGO. Each day shows our army, in its va
rious departments, to DO in better condi'
ton than ever, and to be steadily improving.
Tho Provost. Marshal Of Washington is eI.
crting himself to tho utmost to carry into
effect Gen. McClellan's orders concerning the
discipline Of his camp. Both officers and
privates who arc found at hotels or about the
streets without q proper permit from their
headquarters, will be at once arrested and
severely dealt with. The good effect Of this
strictness is clearly apparent.
Two important general orders have just
been issued by Gen. Scott. The first, which
has probably been called out by some indis-
erection IN the matterof searches for arms in
suspected houses, directs that all searches for
arms, traitors or spies, and arrests Of offend.
crs, in any military department, shall only
be made by authority Of the Commander Of
the department, except in cases Of urgent
necessity. The second order announces the
dissertation Of Mount Vernon by bands of
armed rebels, and expresses the hope OF the
Commandcr-in.C Chief that should the opera.
tions Of tho war take our troops to that d.
rcction, every possible respect will DO paid
to the sacred precincts.
A despatch to the Tribune says our troops
occupy farm adjoining Mount Vernon.
Advices from Washington state that the
army can be prepared for forward move
lnent in few weeks, at the most. Col.
Corconn is reported to be still alive, and mol,
wounded.
ALEXANDRIA, Aug. Q
The execution OF private Murry. OF the I'd
n. II. regiment, for the murder Of Mary
Butler, took place at o'clock this after
noon. In order that his fate might be
warning to all evil disposed soldiers. the scat
fold was erected upon the walls OF Fort Ellis
worth, aiJrding an unobstructed Wow ~ all.
All the regiments in the vicinity Of Alcxan-
dria were present, and notwithstanding 90.
600 men witnessed the execution, every thing
passed OF without unnecessary excitement.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3.
There IL rumor to-day that larg, body
of rebels had crossed the Potomac at Chain
Bridge. II probably originated out OF
visit Of Gen. Mcclellan there with the usual
escort of cavalry. II has been observed that
rebel engineers have for several days past
been making observations In that vicinity
Gen. Mcclellan has visited the neighborhood
daily, and posted himself in regard to their
movements. There is no danger OF nm nc.
tack from that quarter. although 1t Is beyond
question that the enemy are making vlgilant
Reconnaissance there TO ascertain II that po-
sition may be turned Or carried. They can
not afford to cross the Potomac higher up,
and will not cross there.
A surgeon In the rebel army has written
home to Winchester, stating that the rebel
loss at Bull Run Is not less than COCO killed
and wounded.
II is rumored that the Potomac Is block
AIDED By rebel batteries at Matthias Point and
AQUA Creek. The master Of one transport
says he Is afraid TO come up.
GENERAL Ranks DIVISION.
A reporter says ga visit to many Of the
camps yesterday gives . gratifying idea Of
the good order, cleanliness and general good
health which prevails. Most Of the hospi.
tai cases are confined to diarrhGa and dysen-
terry, none Of which arc Of serious nature.
wrrERS VIRGINIA.
The telegram says that tho Kanavha val
ley is full OF rebels. but II would seem that,
at the present time. there Is no rebel army
West OF the Blue Ridge. In Western virgin
Ia. A strong body OF rebels 10 IN the n ortn-
eastern part OF the State, near komncy, inc
rcmains of Gsrnett's troops which were pur-
.ued A. far a. Oakland. when Gen. McClel-
Ian ordercd their recall. The body ID now
Watched BY the Federal forces.
General Co.'s brigade (now about $500
stronc) continues 10 move slowly up the
valley Of the Great Kanawha. Tho rebels
under wise are still retreating. One theory
il that they are endeavoring to decoy our ar.
my into some Of tho mountain passes and
attack II.
MARYLAND.
1t appears tina. tho Now York Sth rssi-