The New York herald., 1862-11-02
THE SITUATION.


Our reconnotering parties in the front are kept
actively engaged. Portions of General Pleasan-
tons cavalry went as far as Philmont Yesterday.
four miles from Snickersyille. and drove about a
hundred of the enemy out of the town. The
rebels are lying in large force in the vicinity of
Snickers Gap, on the west side of
Blue Ridge, and have a mass of troops
in the Shenandoah Valley, beyond the
Gap. The pckets of the enemy had some
sSirmishing with our own at different points in
the vicinity From the fact that heavy firing was
heard at Purcellvle it was thought that General
Bayard was attacking General Stuart in that loca
ilty. balloon reconnaissance of Professor Lowe
from Bolivar Heights yesterday discovered the
rebel cavalry in large force near Charlestown, and
three sections of q battery posted SO as to CON-
mand the turnpike.
Further rumors of peace propositions are aAoat
We learn from Frederick that it is stated on relia
BILE information that proposals for peace will be
made from Richmond after the next general en-
gagement takes place.
We give considerable space to-day to an inter.
esiing document relative to the present war and
its origin, being defence of his course at the out.
break of the rebellion, by cxPresident Buchanan
1t is indited as reply to the letter of General
Scott lately given to the public, but as far as it
goes it is not at all likely to convince the people
that the administration Of the late President is not
IN great measure, responsible for the caamities
which have beiallen the republic.
We learn from Port Royal that two Anglol cbel
Eeamers-the Anglia and Scota-were captured
on the 9th ut. by our cruisers. The latter is
valued at 100000 and the former at 100000
Both prizes were taken into Port Royal. The
rebel steamer Minnaho was chased and driven
ashore at the same time. She was bound for
Charleston, with stores for the rebels. General
Mitchell and his two sons (aids) are sick with
malarious fever at Beaufort. General Brannan is
In command there.
despatch from Lexington, Kentucky, recounts
the curious adventures of three hundred recruits
for the Third Tennessee Qnion) regiment who
.cached there yesterday almost unclad-without
shoes, hats, or, indeed, garments OF any kind. II
5 said that they marched by night. and kept con-
sealed in the woods by day. During the journey
hey ran foul Of General Breckinrdge's rebel en-
campnient. but judciously turned aside. They
encountered snow fifteen inches deep in the noun.
ains. They came from twenty-five miles beyond
Cumberland Gap, through Hopkins Gap, and had
ncither arms, wagons, nor provisions,
1t was rumored at Cairo yesterday, based upon
news from Cornth-brought in by prisoners taken
by our scouts-that Mobile was captured by our
forces. Further particulars, however, are not
furnished.
EUROPEAN NEWS.
We have news from Europe to the 10th Of Octo-
ber-a week later than the adyices Of the Austria
asian.
Our files by the Edinburg and telegrsphic report
rom the Arabia at Halifax indicate that the
scheme for intervention in American affairs by
England and France has received check in Cabi.
net circles in both countries, while the ''recogni-
ton" idea has been almost entirely dissipatcd In
England.
Mr. Cladstone's late speech at Newcastle was
pretty generally regarded by the journals as an
expression OF his own individual opinion, and not
a. rejecting the sentiment Of his colleagues in the
ministry. He has delivered another address at
York, in which he himself admits that he
"alwsys' entertained the same convictions with
respect TO division Of the Union.
The British Cabinet has, however, given very
jacided contradiction to'Mr. Gladstones Newcastle
theory Of Southern nationality, for Sir George c.
Lewis, the Secretary Of State for War has made .
speech In which he denies the right Of the rebel
states TO European recognition on the ground that
they "have not yet accomplished their indepen.
dence."
Lord Palmerston had delivered speeches, during
q rural tour, on variety Of subjects home and
foreiga, but did not allude TO the American qucs-
ton.
Att banquet given to Lord Palmerstoni in South
amptou, the Earl Of Hardwick-speaking In the
presence Of the Premier--when responding TO The
toast Of the House Of Lords, expressed his satisac
ticn st the discretion which, up TO that moment
the Minister'S had displayed in the policy Of non
intervention they had adopted In the struggle Ii
America. He also expressed approval Of the sen
uments enunciated by Mr.. Gladstone, that Jcner
son Davis had succeeded In forming In th
5outhcrn States great and Independent nation
This sentence produced immense cheering, and on
pr two marks Of disapprobation.
n. Thouvensl, Minister Of State Of Franco, ba
yesignsd his position In the Emperor's Cabinet
hf. Thcuvenel was regarded % q warm of3cis
friend Of Mr.. Blidsll and the Davis government.
Mr.. Cladstoue'B speeches Attracted tha a4far