The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-18
THE SITUATION.

The grand army of the Potomac has made its
advance in gallant STYLE and reached Fairfax
Court House and Vienna yesterday, where the
Stars and Stripes were raised. Gen. McDowell's
official report Of the occupation of the Court House
appears in our columns to-day. The rebels
treville and Manassas, leaving behind them
large quantity of provisions, hospital furniture
and baggage. Another advance was to be made
by McDowells army towards Manassas at day.
break this morning. In the advance movement
from the Potomac the extreme right of the line
was commanded by Colonel Hunter; The right
oentre by General Tyler, who took possession of
Vienna on Tuesday night; the left centre by Col.
Miles. United States Army, who took the direction
6f the Little River turnpike and the extreme left by
Col. Heitzemanu, who went by way of the Orange
and Alexandria Railroad. The whole force in motion
numbered over fifty thousand men, Although the
roads at different points were found to be OBJ
structed by felled trees, and abatts of more CON-
plicated structure, these obstacles were removed
by the pioneers. The rebels appeared to retreat
Us the army advanced, as at no point were they
found in any considerable number nor were the
Union troops harassed by masked batteries. Fair
Tax Court House and Vienna were both evacuated
by the rebels before the Union army arrived.
Through the agency of our special correspond.
ents, who ace, mpany the advancing army, we
enabled to lay before our readers complete and
graphic account of the march to Fairfax Court
to.day. From the description we publish the
Apectacle must have been grand and impressive.
The spirit ofthe men was quail to the occasion The
utmost promptness was observed in preparing for
fhe start, and the whole immense column moved
forward, with cheers and songs, accompanied by
the cnlivening mnsic Of their bands. We may ex-
peo to hear of stirring times when the army reaches
the Junction, as General Beauregardi said to have
force Of 60, 900 men at and around that point.
General Patterson's division, in its advance upon
Winchester, had very brilliant skirmish with the
rebels near Bunker Hill, about nine miles from
Martinsburg. The Rhode Island battery and the
TwentyHrst and Twenty-third Pennsylvania re.
Eiments headed the advancing column, supported by
the Second United cavalry, under Colonel Thomas
When Bunker Hill the rebel cavalry 600 strong
under Colonel Stuart, charged the United States
Infantry, not perceivng the battery behind them.
The infantry at once opened their lines and the
Rhode Island artillery poured in discharge of
grape and shell that sent the rebel cavalry reeling
back. The United States cavalry then charged
and pursued them for two miles, until they were
entirely routed. There is very little doubt that
Gen Johnston has abandoned his position at Bun
ker Hill, and has fallen back towards Winches-
ter, whittier he is being closely followed
by Gen. Patterson, who it was said. was
only eleven miles in his rear yesterday If John
eton makes stand at Winchester fight is nevta.
BILE there either to-day or tomorrow
The Union troops in Missouri had another brush
with the rebels the day before yesterday, at point
called Millsville, on the North Missouri Railroad.
The Union troops consisting of eight hundred men,
were fred into at that point, as they came up in
Grain Of cars, and an engagement at once ensued.
The number of the rebels is not known, but seven
prisoners.
THE NEWS.