New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-06-28
FRou pATTRRsON's COLUMN.


The monotony of the camps has been undisturbed by
any movement for the last two days. This evening.
however, Gen. Wynkoop's Brigade, lying at Funks-
town, has broken up and will march tonight toward
Harper's Ferry, either to Frederick, or down the
Pleasant Valley road, beyond Boonesborough, which
is the more direct route. The precise course and OBJ
ect of the movement are not yet known. Tho Union
lists of Frederick very anxious TO have troops IN
their immediate vicinity to protect them from any sud-
den outbreak of Secession which the recent suspicious
action of the Rebel Legislature insdiously providing
for armng traitors renders the State liable to at any
favorable opportunity. The movement of troops in
that direction is probably on that account for cannot
believe there is any intention to occupy HHpers
Ferry or advance again into Virginia from this point
Immediately.
It's too late for this movement on the grounds which
seemed ten days ago, Lot only to justify but impcra-
lively demand it. Why it not made directly after
the evacuation of Harper's Ferry by the Rebels and
the advance made across the Potomac by Gen. Cad
walsders Division, is to me inexplicable. The occu-
patton of this part OF Virginia may have been incom-
patible with the general plans Of the grand campaign
directed by the Commander-in- Chief at Washington,
and the full preparation of Gen. Pa!ersons column to
make such an advance with sufficient strong b
military affairs as confess myself, it does appear to
me that such movement was not only safely practical
BILE, but would have secured position of great adj
vantage over the enemy favoring, if not controlling,
future operations in that direction. One step in ad'
vance had been taken by the crossing of the Potomac
at Wiiamsport not only without opposition. but with
panic-sricken and flying enemy already beyond the
line of occupation which strategy and policy would
l. a ria farxa ard
step was as quickly retraced made, for no apparent
reason and certainly with the direct effect Of raying
the routed Rebels, and encouraging them to return
aglin to their old quarters, i not damaging influence
upon the character Of our Army.
The possession of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
from Harpers Ferry to Cumberland was obviously
in our power then as it is to-day with the forces
and army under command of Gen. Patterson, and be-
side the military advantage of opening and maintain
ing such a communication with Gen. McClellans
column from the West, the actual saving of property
subsequently destroyed by the returned rebels would
amount TO million dollars more, while the ysluo
of the relief to transportation the railroad and the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal which would have stimuli
taneously followed, cannot be estimated. To these
material considerations prompting the occupation OF
Virginia along the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad may
sons for aording protection to the suffering citizens Of
tho loyal counties of Berkeley and Jefferson particu-
lary who would rejoice in the opportunity III return.
ing to their outraged homes and rallying under tho
banner of the Union. What would have been the
moral effect of such protection upon the people Of tho
State at large effect upon the people of the whole
South, on which so much depends affecting the future
progress Of the War against Rebellion, suggest to tho
consideration of philanthropists and statesmen.
While Harpers Ferry not tenable for the rebels
who held it, it would have been impregnable against
their attacks when occupied by our troops They
not have maintained possession of the Maryland flights,
which we could easily have taken and commanded the
town, and they were exposed to flank movement
which would have cut them Off Once in our possession
they could not have approached Harper's Ferry, even
if they had dared to return which is not at oil probable.
They could have been kept south Of Msrtnsburg and
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad until the
full strength of Gen. Pattersons column could have
olcenraed in Virginia instead of here in Maryland,
ready for further advance
TIE Rebels left two 81. FOUNDERS and two 2i-pound-
ers at Hapers Ferry burning the carrisges), which
they were unable to in their flight, and with
these and the Rhode Island battery, and an army Of
1900 men full of fight, If the position have indi-
Gated could not have been successfully or at least gal
lanty held against all the force the Rebels could have
brought against it, then think we might as well give
no the war; Our military leaders may consider these
reflections prcsumption they at least the candid
views which circumstances the spot force me to ex-
prese and as one of the peore speaking TO the people
through the press claim and shall exercise the
right TO criticse and condemn where think there 10
occasion while at the same time shall gladly avail
myself of every opportunity to publish and applaud
whatever is creiiibIc 10 commanders and glorious
10 the arms and honor of our soldiers.
Capt. Doubledsy's heavy artillery, two 24-poundes
and one s.inch siege howzcr, in battery at Wiams-
port opened conversation with the Rebels yesterday
afternoon But the talk was all on side; they did
not answer the opening address, which seems to make
the supposon OF masked batteries having been planted
in the woods on the brow of the opposite hills improb
able Nine or ten shots fired from all the pieces,
and the aey of the gunnes and power of the guns
were clearly discernble. The first shot was directed
10 the house at the togae the road karnsburg,
about miles from the battery where the Rebels have
been exhibiting themselves for several days with i'm
punity and il knocked away the front soep carrying
disnay among lot Of Rebels eating their dinner
within the house. who were seen immediately leaving
in all directions like rats surprised in old wheat
stack! Other shots were in line, some falling short,
and others going the building just directed TO
test the guns 10 wish being entertained To destroy the
property. Doubledays orators will hardly command
Rebel audience again. n
wish TO correct a mistake made in my letter pub.
lshed in The TRIBUNE this morning, in which zee
wrote the name OF Hugh White for that Of John
Hughes the old citizen imprisoned at kartinsbuy.