The New York herald., 1862-04-11
THE SITUATION.

~~o "As"ASenco irom IOrktown To-Day Is OF
character to awaken the most intense anxiety, and
fastea public attention upon that point a. the
scene ofs coming struggle upon which the whole
fate Of the rebellion may hinge. A single day may
now bring forth results Of the most momentous
Importance. A conflict in which quarter of
miiHon Of men will be engaged, upon a battle
ground strengthened by the enemies defences.
which cover the whole breadth of the peninsula
from the York to the James rivers, and number
ivo hundred guns, supported by an army
which every hour is increasing by reinforce
ments from Richmond, cannot but prove the Wa
terioo of the campaign. Our army will not pre-.
sent an unequal front to the enemy; and, fighting
under the eye Of their gallant young commander,
General Mcclellan, whose sagacious plans have
been crowned with victory in so many other quar-
ters, the troops will unquestonably maintain
credit for courage and endurance in the coming
fght commensurate with the reputation for dsci-
pline which they have already obtained while un.
der the training Of the Commander in Chief on the
Potomac. Heretofore the wretched condi.
ton Of the weather, the constant rains
which have swollen the creeks and flooded
the low lands, have deferred the operations of
our troops. Meantime it has been ascertained
that. with the aid of sixteen transports and four
steamers. the rebels are bringing heavy reinforce
ments from Richmond, and that they will have con-
centrated hundred thousand men at Yorktown
ere the fight begins. Gen. Jos. Johnston and
Je6. Davis are both reported to be there to
superintend the approaching conflict. It is fur
ther rumored that the Merrimac, with her convoy,
comprising the jamestown, Yorktown and Teszer.
are watching an opportunity to come out from
their position at Craney Island some dark night
aud participate in the fight at Yorktown. With
such preparations in progress, the approaching
contest cannot but be looked for with even greater
interest than the battle at Pittsburg, which wa )
the crowning victory Of our arms in the South.
west.
The details which we give to-day OF the late
grand battle at Pittsburg Landing afford further
proof that il was well fought and terrific contest
The President has issued q proclamation calling
upon the people, Of all ligious denominations, TO
offer up prayers to Almighty God in their several
places of worship upon the next Sabbath which
shall succeed the receipt Of the proclamation,
thanking Him for the favors which have been
granted TO the nation the successes which have
attended the arms Of the government armies, and
implorng a speedy restoration of unity and peace
TO the country. This appeal from the Executive
will. no doubt, meet with an obedient response in
but in those portions Of the border States and en-
the Atlantic coast where loyal communities have
been rescued from the despotism Of rebellion.
Later intelligence from Island No. 10 puts us in
possession Of the important fact that the surrender
of that place has resulted in the capture of five
thousand rebels, with one Major General yMakalD,
and three Brigadier Generals (Gault, Walker and
Schaum). We also took about So 900 solid sho, and
immense quantities of ammunition, together with
two hundred hogshead Of sugar and several
hundred barrels Of moasses eighty cannon, foui
hundred wagons, one hundred and twenty-sis
horses, sixty mules, five thousand stand of arms
thirty pieces Of light artillery, and great quantities
OF blankets and clothing
Our army on the Rappahannock is doing WE'LL
The country between Manassas and warrentou
has been effectually cleared Of rebel scouts.
Greatly to the advantage Of our forap.
ing parties, great amount Of hay. grain
and straw has been found through Prince
William cesnty. which the army is taking nossos.
sis8 OF, recsipting for the same in due form.
nsessville is occupied by our forces Mapy Of
tss Inhabitants remain, but appear indifcren, "a
tAs aS Tsass Of the Union army. Tue rebels az