The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-01

THE sITCArION OF AFFAIRS.
No attack on Alexandria was made yesterday,
as was anticipated General Mcdowell was on
the alert all day, but not rebel showed himself
in that direction.
II is confidently stated that General Scott in
tends TO make most vigorous onward movement
as soon as his plans completed, with view
to occupy Richmond before the 4th of July.
So 900 men will be pushed on into the interior
of Virginia towards Blue Ridge; 10000 under
General Patterson will invade Virginia from
Eastern Pennsylvania; 10000 under General Nc
Clelland, from Ohio will cut their way down to
Winchester and Srasburg by the turnpike road
from Grafton, avoiding the line of the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad; and Is 900 men under General
Butler, aided by naval force, will make their
way up the James river. A strong force will be
collected in Western Virginia in addition to
Colonel sherman's corps do'W,ee for the pro.
lection of the Unionists there.
Important news was received between four and
Eve o'clock yesterday, by the Keystone State,
which reports having passed the steamers Free
born and Anacosta, off Aqua Creek, engaging the
rebel forts there with apparent effect. Aqua
Creek is ffty-fve miles from Washington, and is
the terminus of the Richmond and Fredericksburg
Railroad. This intelligence is in measure confirmed
by the arrival of the Catalina yesterday from Fort
ress Monroe with dispatches for General Scott. Her
chpmander reported having seen the men mount
ing Elk guns at the Creek, and the Freedom and
two other steamers were lying off at anchor. The
Cataline further reports having seen a number of
men throwing up batteries at Ragged Island Point.
I This report came from Captain Dahlgren, who
states that the batteries opened fire on the
Freedom, Water Witch, and Anacosta. The YES
sells replied, and brisk fire was kept up on both
sides for an hour, till the ammunition ran short on
board, and the vessels hauled off. Upon receipt
of the despatch, two ships of war, with plenty of
ammunition, were sent from the Navy Yard. They
twelve o'clock, and the fire will be reopened on
the batteries this morning
The sixty-ninth, Eighth and Twelfth New York
regiments are likely to have brush with the
rebels to-day, and it is not at all improbable that
an attack will be made on Alexandria. The reg
ments referred to had advanced six miles back
and were under orders to push on to Fairfax
Court House this morning to drive out a body Of
fourteen hundred rebels who are in possession
there. An advance of four thousand rebels from
the direction of Dumfres was expected in Alex
andra last night, and the federal troops were pre-
pairing to receive them.
Great activity is preserved at Fortress Monroe.
Troops and ammunition are constantly arriving,
the garrison now amounting to thirteen thousand
men: and large bodies were moving into the in
terror, it was thought, with the intention of making
for Norfolk by crcuitous route. Up to Thurs
day evening no less than four hundred and fifty
slaves, including women and children, had fed
into General Buffers camp, and they report that
general uprising of the slave population was ex.
pected.
From Manassas Junction we learn that the earth
works erected there by the rebels command both
roads to Richmond and Harpers Ferry, for about
four miles, but it was rumored that the secession
lists had ceased the work yesterday. There are
said to be IL 900 men there.
The retreat of the rebel troops from Williams.
port towards Martnsburg is confirmed by the
statement of gentleman just arrived from there
1t appears likely that General Johnston is calling
in all his outposts to Harper's Ferry,
The trouble is not all over in Baltimore. The mob
made a hostile demonstration upon the guard Of
the Twelfth and Thirteenth regiments (from what
State not reported, while protecting the baggage
which had been thrown off the track by the riot
ers. Cheers were given for JEFF Davis, and three
shots were fred at the troops. 1t is thus evident
that The rowdy spirit of Baltimore is not yet sub
dued.
FROM st. Louis we learn that the Unionists il
missouri are determined to crush out secession bv
force lis also stated that General Harvey has
been removed from the command of that depart.
ment, and General Lyon appointed in his place.
Major General Banks will be appointed 70 \ now
military department Cd The Atlantic and General
Fremont, who was to leave Liverpool on the 18th,