The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-22
TIKI, SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
The most exciting news we have to record to-day
ia that which reaches us from Harrisburg, to the
effect that the gallant Indiana regiment Of Colonel
Wallace, which has been SO active in dispensing
the enemy at Romney, has been surrounded at
Cumberland, Nd, by force of over 10 900 rebels,
commanded, no doubt by General Joe Johnston
aud al. chances of retreat cut off, This disastrous
intelligence reached Harrisburg yesterday, and
Immediately strong force, consisting of Colonel
Biddles rifles and Colonel Simmons infan
try regiment were ordered to start, with
four days rations, to the assistance of
Colonel Wallace's command. They left last
night by way of Hopewel and Bedford, and we
must await with anxiety the result Of their mission
The regiment of Colonel Wallace is composed Of
very brave and daring set of fellows; the same
who, before they left Indianapolis, knet in front
Of the State House and took an oath to " remem-
Der Raena VISTA" and there can be very little
doubt. we think, that in the present desperate
emergency they will make gallant struggle,
whether vanquished or relieved.
The anticipated conflict in the neighborhood OF
Washington did not take place yesterday as ex,
pected, the rebels, in this instance, as in many
others, having retired before the approach of the
onion army. When General Mcdowell advanced
his outposts at daybreak he found that the
rebel pickets-which were almost within speak
ing distance on the previous evening-had
been called in, and that the rebels had fallen
back. 1t thus became evident that some other de.
eign than an attack in the direction Of Washington
had been decided upon, and accordingly the orders
for all the regiments to hold themselves in readi
ness for an immediate march were countermanded
Cor the time being; but it appears that the orders
to march were again issued to FIVE regiments later
In the day, showing that all danger of an attack
had not been dissipated by the sudden withdrawal
of the rebels.
General Mcdowell meantime, continues to ad-
vance his lines. Five thousand of his division
moved yesterday from Balls Cross Roads to tho
vicinity of Falls Church, point about three miles
distant from Fairfax Court House, and the same
from Vienna. A reconnaissance in the direction of
the latter place yesterday afternoon proved
that there were $500 rebels there, and it
was thought that if they should be reinforced a
battle is inevitable at that point.
There appears to be stirring times about
fortress Monroe. The outposts of the Union
forces at Hampton and the vicinity were driven in
On Wednesday night by a superior force of the
rebels, who have been actively extending their
lines towards the fortress. A battery of five guns,
strongly supported with men, has been recently
thrown up within four miles Of Hampton. General
Butler has however sent forward a strong de-
tachment, consisting of Colonel Duyree's Zouaves,
the Third New York Volunteer regiment, Colonel
Townsend, the Steuben Volunteers, and two pieces
Of artillery, all under the command Of Captain
Smith, of the United States Typographical Engi-
neers to make reconnaissance, and it is quite
probable that our next news from that quarter
will bring an account of a sharp skrmish.
The rebels have not abandoned the line Of the
Potomac in the vicinity Of Harper's Ferry. They
still continue to annoy the Union troops on the
other side of the river. Colonel Stones command,
which is now at Poolesville, opposite Leesburg, is
harrassed by the fire of the rebels in that neigh.
bofhood. The Union troops return the fire with
their rifles across the river occasionally shooting
down the rebel artillerists at their posts while
loading their guns. Colonel Stone reports that
with some artillery he could do good service in
disodging the enemy.
We learn from Missouri that the State troops
(rebes) who had been concentrated in large
force at independence, had moved to Lexington,
where it is thought they intend to make q decided
stand against the Union army Of General Lyon.