The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-07-04

pieces Of cannon. II is stated by some Of the tel
egraphic reports thay'the rebels numbered 10, 900
men, but II is not likely that more than half tina.
number, probably not more than 1000, were in
action, If only five regiments were engaged, as
stated. The first stand was made at the farm Of
Pofterfeld, situated on tho common road, near
haynesvile, where the rebels offered firm re-
sistance TO the advancing columns Of the
Union army; but they were ultimately
driven back, leaving the field scat.
tend over with knapsacks, canteens and blankets
giving evidence Of a hasty retreat. Their loss Of
course has not been definitely ascertained but the
result Of the action may be gathered from the fol-
lowing official report Of General Patterson, for.
warded to headquarters at Washington
BACK RIVER, EAR MAxT NssuRa, July 2, 1851.
10 Coonel f. ID. Town End Assistant Adjutsnt GsneIa
ier Wlismsport at six O'Clock this morning for this
ppoe and drove and routed the rebels who were about
ie,c00 strong, and who had -four guns now occupy
heir camp with the loss regret to say Of three killed
and ten wounded
r. PATTERSON, Major General Commanding.
There con be no doubt that this action was
brilliant and euccessful, tho troops Of General Pat.
terson conducting themselves admirably, and
achieving decided victory over the rebels in the
first engagement where the two forces met in such
large numbers since the opening of the campaign.
The news from Europe by the Persia brings US
some very important information with respect to
the progress and prospects Of the European coali-
tion-of France, England and spain-sgainst the
integrity OF the Union.s This is embraced in the
letters Of our correspondents in Paris and London
and the extracts from our foreign files published
this morning.
We give the exact text of the article lately pub
lished in the Moniteur, in which Napoleon fore
shadows the recognition Of the rebol oonfederacy
as an independent Power. 1t is interpreted by
our Paris correspondent exactly in the sense in
which we read the translation received by the
Etna, and the writer adds that its words have been
embodied in a diplomatic circular adore ssed by
NJ 1honvenel 10 the French ministers at foreign
Courts, as illustrating to them the exact position
of his Majesty the Emperor towards Italy and
America.
Messrs. Mann: Yapcey and Rost, the rebel Com.
missioners, were in Paris They reported that
Great Britain would soon recognise the rebel gov
eminent, but the statement was not very gener-
ally credited, although it was believed, both in
Paris and London, that the British Cabinet were
very anxious 10 do so if its chief members had
plausible excuse.
Captain Russell, who was commissioned
by Napoleon to report to him on the
performance of the Great Eastern during
her late trip to and from New York, was
also in Paris, and volunteered it would seem, the
opinion that two separate republics would, of ne
cessity, bave to exist here. Mr. Russell also
addsd hat in his opinion, the armies would not
engage In any serious conflict.
1t is added that Napoleon will &C. with 'can-
uon'' in the matter, corresp only for the
time with the Cabinet in Washington
Secession was advocated openly in London by
many emissaries of the rebels.
The public mind of England was bee ,nine very
much excited on the question Of an interruption
Of the cotton supply. Considerable distress existed
already in Lancashire and much apprehension as
to the consequences likely to result from empty
cotton warehouses and idle mills, is expressed in
the DaOers