The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-29
THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.

THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.
While the federal troops continue to fortify the
strong positions they have chosen on the heights
from Georgetown to Alexandria covering Wash
ington General Scott is either making prep ara
tons for further advance movement into Yr-
einia, or 10 meet the rebels should they attempt
70 advance upon the national capital. The
fac. Of the Seventh regiment being re-
tanned at Washington, and the fastening
Of additional troops from New York and
other points. show that blow will probably soon
be struck The position held at Alexandria was
Strengthened yesterday by the accession of the
Seventy first New York regiment.
Nc attack had been made as yet upon Sewall's
Point or Norfolk. A larger force is needed than
ia yet at the disposal of General Butler. That
eaterptising soldier, however, has made
some progress in the direction of Rich
mond He has advanced several miles be-
yond Hampton on the peninsula, between the
James AID York rivers and with $500 men has
takeu possession of point on the James river
called Newport News, and proceeded TO fortfy it,
with view to commence operations for the de-
struotion of the rebel batteries on both rivers so
a. t make them free for the fleet As this move
uent viii probably be dispatched, we may ex-
pect to hear Of collision in that quarter very soon
IT !, stated that Col Durvee s zouayes were twice
fred at BY the secessionists since they arrived in
tat vicinity As these are ugly customers to
deal with the Southern troops had better let them
alone.
So much for the centre and left of the line On
tie right large body Of troops, under General
NcCleiland, were ordered to advance on Harper's
Ferry from the west by way of Wheeling. But
the secessionists at Harper's Ferry, having dis
covered the movement, proceeded beyond
Grafton by railroad and destroyed three bridges
between that point and Wheeling, and there is
little doubt that they have burned or blown up
ali tie bridges between Grafton and Harper's
Ferry. The distance between these two points is
one Hundred miles At Harper's Ferry they have
detained twenty FIVE engines and the coal trains
il order 10 form them into barbados, or proba
bly to use some Of them for the transport Of
treops and munitions of war from the inte-
rlor Of Virginia Near the Point Of Rocks
they have also succeeded In barricading the road
by blowing down upon the track the immense
rock which they failed 70 move on the first at
tempt That obstruction, however, can easily be
disposed Of by blasting when the federal
troops obtain possession Of the place. Either
this movement indicates fear of attack, or it
= done in order to guard against the capture Of
Harper's Ferry or to prevent an attack on the
aank OF the secession troops while they partially
abandon il 10 make raid into Southern Pennsyl.
y,nia or Maryland.
n lie centre Of the Southern line Of opera.
important post Of Manassas Junction, which
keeps open the communication with Har-
per Very for reinforcements and supplies, and
troops were being accumulated in the rear at
striking distance to sustain this point, which IL
srong 10th BY nature and by art. To seize this
VII be the object Of General Scott at the earliest
moment, and fierce battle may take place in
that vicinity.
From Cairo VIC have the important intelligence
that permanent fortifcations are being erected
there, and that regiment has been sent TO Birds
Point, opposite to il on the Missouri shore. which
commands Cairo, to seize and fortify il.
We learn that the Confederates, at last e..
couats, had at Norfolk 10000 troops, at Richmond
~ 900. and at Fredericksburg 10000 making at
these three places alone 40 900 men. They have
a. least from 20 900 TO i5 900 more troops at other
points in Virginia.
1t will be seen from the news that a case Of
tsbess corpus has been raised in Baltimore as
another has been in st. Louis, and that the
Judges in both cases have decided against the
righ. Of the government to refuse obedience
to the writ. Now, Captain Mcdonald was found
IL arms against the government, and Mr.. Merry.
nAn acknowledges having broken down the
bridges TO arrest the progress OF the government
troops. Whence II Is evident that the secessouists
eisim the protection Of the law when It suits them,
1.-THE case Of the negroes demanded lsop Gen,