The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-16
THE SITUATION.

LIE 81 Il u n
The rebel pickets around the camps about
Washington have exhibited good deal of acti-
witty for the past few days. At Annandale, Baey's
Cross Roads and other points, they have made
advances upon the Union pckcts and have been
fallen in with in considerable numbers, several
shots being exchanged on both sides, and a few
of the rebel cavalry scouts picked off, II would
appear from all these Indications that the rebels
are closing up, as far as safety will! permit, towards
the defences on the Potomac.
The difficulty with the Seventy ninth New York
Highland regiment at Washington has been settled
10y TIE prompt, energetic and soldierly action of
Gen. Mcclellan. The regiment went over to camp
Yesterday in good order to the Marysnd side Of the
Potomac, opposite Alexandria. The leading
disaiected soldiers lave been put in irons
and are in confinement. court mar
tiai has been ordered to try them
Tor INSTRUMENTATION in refusing to march into VIZ
GINA when ordered. Upon learning a the mutiny
Gen. Mcclellan ordered the Provost Marshal, Col.
Porter, to surround tho Seventy -ninth with force
Of cavalry, infantry and artillery. which was
promptly done. Gen. Mcclellan then issued the
following proclamation, which worked like
charm on the discontcnted memberships
General Commanding has heard with the
deepest pain of the acts of INSTRUMENTATION on the
part of the Scventy-ninth regiment. Without at
tempting to enter into a discussion, of the causes
it is sufficient to say that they are frivolous and
greundicss; that these acts have thrown DISGRACE
upon the regiment and the service, and taking
place at this tine. they give rise to the strongest
gmcnt have forced upon the Comma ading General
an issue which he is prepared 20 meet. Tic
men are ordered to lay down their arms
aud return to duty All those refusing 10 do so
will be fired upon Immediately. II they comply
with the order the ringleaders only will be pun.
ished The colors Of the regiment are taken from
them, and will be returned only when ,heir conduct
in camp shall have proved that they understand
the first duty OF a soldicr-obedieuc and when,
the field Of battle, they shall have proved their
bravery The names of the leaders in this revolt
will be sent to the Governor of New York, to be
placed in the archives of the State
The second Maine regimen. were treated with
similar rigor. Sixty-two Of them have been sent
20 Tortugas, to work as unarned iabcrers on the
Notifications during their three years term of en-
listnent
The good effect Of the vigorous course adopted
by General Mcclellan upon the army generally
will be manifest In time of war the strictcst dis
cipline is essential in every capacity, from the
highest to the lowest. Without it the commanding
general can effect no movement with certainty or
success. General Mcclellan appears resolved to
maintain high state of discipline at all hazards
and in such resolve les the only safety for the
army and the national cause.
Nor is is it only in compelling order in the army
that General Mcclellan is showing the force of his
character, and the wisdom which he has gained by
experience. In everything that can conduce to
high state of efficiency in the troops under his com
mand he is displaying the greatest activity.
Camps of rendezvous and instruction are to be
established in the vicinity of New York, Harris
burg, Pittsburg, Cincinnati and other large cities
for the benefit Of the volunteers. These schools
will be presided over by officers of the regular
army, and there can be no doubt that they will
prove most valuable in the construction Of q wei,
disciplined army.
We give some further particulars to-day of the
late battle at Davis creek, Missouri but they do
not alter the facts already stated in any ma,era,
way, save that the loss Of artillery by the Union
troops is now put down at five guns instead O,
four, as previously stated. The body of General
Lyon has been embalmed, In order to be sent to
his family in Connecticut
From Fortress Monroe we hear that tho rebel
pickets in the vicinity of Hampton are very bold
and active in their approaches upon our lines. On
Tuesday night their scouts attempted to cross
Hampton creek, but they were fred upon by the
Union pickets aud imme liatey retired.