The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-27
THE SITUATION.


We have no important military movements at
tie seat of war to record to-day. Outpost Skin
mishes along the line of the Union army, on the
Virginia side of the Potomac, compel the troops
to maintain q constant vigilance and activity,
harrsssing to them, yet amounting to little of
any importance in a military point Of view
The same may be said of the several small
brushes which the gunboats on the Potomac and
ic the vicinity of Fortress Monroe are continually
engaged in with the scattered forces of the rebels
at diferen. points along the banks. The immedi-
for some days past would seem TO indicate the ne
cessity of fearful collision ere this yet so far
such result has been avoided.
It is lamentable to behold half million of men
with arms in their hands, face to face with each
other, thus arrayed in hostile attitude by the
nachinatons of few scores of politicians though
apparently without the heart to strike decisive
blow-Ehile their combined arms could be so
much better, and more chesply employed against
those foreign powers which have not hestated to
demonstrate their hostility to the republic in this
momentous crisis Of her history.
The Pawhee made an attack on the rebel bat.
teries at Matthias Point on Tuesday evening, where
< q force of eight hundred men were assembled.
The rebels fed in all directions before the fire of
the Pawnee. Aparty from the ship was landed,
and found the batteries unfinished. They secured
come camp equipsge and uniforms. but there
were no guns mounted there.
A gentleman Just arrived in Washington, from
Manassas junction. with pass from Gen. Beau.
regard, states that the troops there are in good
condition and that the defences extend seven
miles from thence towards Fairfax Court House.
They are expecting an attack from the Union
troops, but do not intend to make any aggressive
move themselves.
Information was received in Washington yester-
day that the rebels had organized plan to seize
the California steamers, obtain possession of the
treasure and attach the vessels to the navy of
of the Confederate States, by sending large
number of secessionists on board as steerage pas
sengers, with instructions to rise up against the
crew when at sea, take command of the steamer
and bring he rinto Southern port. How far this
bold measure can be carried out remains to be
seen; but we opine that the California steamers
are not to be caught SO easily.
Two or three small skirmishes have taken place
in the vicinity ofFortress Monroe between the gun
boats and the rebel scouts. The Monticello while
on reconnaissance up the Rappannock, landed q
boat load of men at farm hoSse owned by . friend
Of the pilot, and while being entertained there
they were surrounded snd fred upon by. a large
party of rebels, who wounded two Or three
Of their number. The Monticello, observing the
tfeacherous attack, at once opened fire with shot
and shell, completely. .disparGag the rebels, and
not cessir until the farm house was entirely de.
Quaker City also had little affair
zen Bay. While landing boats
point the rebels opened fire upon
ras returned vigorously from the
d the enemy scattered and fed
iboat Union, of the Charleston block.
tooka prize in the shape of the British
ella, 300 tons burthen, bound from
Charleston, with goods contraband
ewas sent to Philadelphia.
from Western Virginia that Gen. John
inchester, with 1900 rebels, and that
lying that place. Gov. Wise, with
90 troops and an effective artillery
,ved from Stanton to Lewisburg, it
til the intention OF intercepting the
Fps, who are reported to have gone up
VIA river. Gen. Cadwalader, who had
Potomac with 1000 men on TuesdaJ
hing information that Gen. Johnston
hing with an immense force, with
ther side of the river, where he is
H NEWS,
o;menf Cnl 7 Mcleod Muir