The New York herald., 1862-04-12
THE LATEST NEWS FROM YORKTOWN.
Despatch from General McCIellan-Ths
Siege Progressing Favorably.
WASHINGTON, April IL, leo2.
General Mcclellan telegraphs the Secretary OF Was
that nothing of interest has occurred to-day hs 1oh)
The weather and roads little BETTER and operations
are progressing favorably.
The Rebel Com nders at Yorktown.
THE REBEL GENERAL JOSEPH Z. JOHNSTON.


Joseph Eccleston Johnston the present c0mmandern.
Chief Of tho rebel armies Of the Potomac and who said
be present at Yorktown with the chief conspirator2
Jefferson Davis, born in Virginia about the yeas
1904 and is consequently some Gtysev years of age
His education supsrintended with much care, and
the intellect Of the youth developed itself with astonsh
ing rapdity. After the usual school instruction, young
Johnston was adopted by the United States, and was
brought up in the Military Academy at West Point.
at our cost, and under our fag On leaving West
Point he was appointed to the Fourth artillery. and
served that capacity I'll 1885, when he became Grss
lieutenant and Assistant Commssary Of Subsistence
very desirable berth. In 1888 he appointed frst
lieutenant Of Typographical Engineers, and served in
that capacity through the Florida war; obtaining for hts
services tho brevet of captain IN 1S46 hc became full
captain, and served first with the Engnsers and next
with regiment Of voltguers, throughout the Mexican
war, receiving two brcves for distinguished conduct
Az the close Of the he retained in the Topo,
graphical Engineers, and enjoyed life OF agreeable
in the government service until 1850, when be was
placed the head Of tho Quartermasters Department,
with the rank Of brgadier general. Tho appointment
was made in juno 1s6o when General Scott foresaw tho
,roube looming IN the future. II Is to be presumed
that in placing General Johnston in the RESPONSE
bs position Of Quarermasier General be placed implicit
reliance upon his loyalty After resgnng his post in
the Union army General Johnston entered at into
the service Of the socaed Confederate States When his
resignation was first sent In to the United States govern
meat some Of the Virginia papers, in noticing the fact,
omitted the in his name; whereupon he wrote letter
askng correction, that the Johnstons were Ok
Scotch origin, while the "Johnsons' English. He
has been sometimes con,ounded with General Albert s.
Johnston formerly OF the Second cavalry, who received
the brevet title general for services in the
MEXICAN war; and who recently fell AZ the head OF the
rebel army the rout Of Pttsburg Landing The follow
ing from tho special Manassas correspondent OF
the Charleston Mercury, written in August last, may
not be unworthy of preservation here giving as does
personal description Of General Jo. johnston
In companv with General Walker, of Georgia. who has
been ordered here from Pensacola and Captain Hart
ston now Of his volunteer aids, made pleasant
visit to some Of the neighborng camps and to Generals
Johnston and Reaurcguard, this morning General john
ston headquarters the Junction about mile be-
yond Boaurogard, comfortable and prettily situated
farmhouse lie is about fifty years OF age. His hair,
originally very dark, is becoming streakod with silver,
and lines Of his face deeply marked Of tall and
commanding appearance with finely cut and expressive
face firm mouth and chin, adorned with sn, closely
cut musache and imperial easy and cordial IN hs nam
ncs hs s one of the moet attractive leaders have met,
and js csiauated should think make acceptable
and uopular az well able commander for our voun-
teers Major Rhstt, OF our city, Ia acting on hisstsf
TIE xEBEL GENERAL ROBERT y. LEE.
General Robert +. Lee, called III. Hero Of tho Revo-
Iniou by his rebe friends was, at the earlier pcriod
Of the rebellion, Conmander.in Chief OF the rebel
army. This oicsr was born in the state OF Virginia
about the year 1s0s His father the distinguished
General Henry Lee (caled oy his contemporaries, in
familiarity Harry Ies), the known friend and euogist
of the Father OF his Country In fact the whole family
Of lee always until row, devoted their energies and
ability TO the cause OF the young republic and TO tho
union and integrity OF this government Tho presene
G,nsrsi Iee-whcss name the subject OF this
msmcir--marrled tbs daughter Of Mr.. Custis, hhe
rsp-sssntsiivs Of the Washington family, and, by
This marriage, became proprietor OF sho Arlington
.ststss, and, through Mrs Washington, OF large
pe.,sssicus in the county Of New Kent The young
man. who possessed high order OF ability, graduated
h honor at wcst Point In tie year 1922 Shortly after
This ns visited Europe where hs elegant manners and
an. seau,remsu,s secured him TIRE m'rse 70 Tho best
,oee,v OF tho European capitals During the Mexican
,.r bs vss entrusted BY Generals Scott and Totem
wi,h the important charge Of sns Engineering De-
n.,,msrS OF the army In Mexico From tie
s,,,,ra OF San Juan duloa up 10 the. storm
"a. OF the capital OF tho Montszuras, the genius
az ree was triumphant every obstacle, and tchn
IN ni,ltary circles has been ehsasur accorded greas
oreait with ohor Cheers for the successful coaJct of
that memorable campaign. General Lea was formerly
colonel Of engineers in the United States Army pre-
y,ous 70 his joining the rebels. who made him a
major general o 10 said 10 DO Sureror IN talent TO
Bssussgnd and ccnsiGsysd enc Of the best eus'nsst