The New York herald., 1862-05-08
SH EET.
New York, Thursday. May 8, 1ssA.


THE SITUATION.
The intelligence from the Army of the Potomac,
at present the cynosure Of all eyes, is of the most
satisfactory character. General Mcclellan, in one
OF his bulletins, says, Every hour proves our vic
tory more complete;" that more guns had been
taken from the rebels, and that prisoners were
constantly arriving. In his despatch to his wife,
the General states that "the Quaker army" were
doing well. He further asserts that he was in oc-
cupation of Joe Johnston's headquarters of the
previous day. He winds up his latest despatch
with GAN goes WELL"
The news from Fortress Monroe states that
rumor was current there that the rebels had
crossed the Chickahominy in their fight from
Williamsburg, and had destroyed all the bridges
in their rear. General Mcclellan was still hotly
pursuing them. By this mode Of procedure, it
would appear that the rebels intend to carry out
the plans mentioned in the Richmond papers-vis.,
that of making their main line of defence
along the banks Of xhe Chickahominy river.
d
stand. there is but little doubt that Gene
raj Franklin, who arrived at West Point
sometime since, will attack them in the rear, and
with effect. If they do not make stand General
Franklin may be able to head of the greater part
Of the retreating forces, and thus bag goodly
number Of prisoners. Either way the prospect
appears clear, and, in the Army Of the Potomac,
"all goes well."
The name of o General Ricketts, is mentioned
IS among the killed At Williamsburg. 1t was natu-
rally at first supposed that it was the Captain
Ricketts, (of the "Ricketts battery that took such
an active part in the battle Of Bull run and who
was wounded, taken prisoner to Richmond, and
subsequently released on parole and exchanged),
as he had recently been appointed . Brigadier
ington dispatches it will be seen that General J.
B. Ricketts, alive and well in that city yester
day. and was about to take q command. The
General Ricketts, who was killed was a rebel off,
Ger, doubtless belonging to some of their militia
forces.
The news from New Orleans is of momentous
and important character. The naval operations
formed one OF the most brilliant actions of the
present war-. Eleven rebel gunboats were de-
stroyed, two forts, one on each side of the river
the narrow channel Of which they completely
commanded by heavy cross fire, captured, and
The hesvy chains which barred the passage broken
by our naval squadron. The contest lasted four
days and five nights, and was remarkable for the
endurance of the besiegcrs under CALLING frc;s
But another circumstance arises from this en-.
gagement that is curious as well as important.
The battle between the Merrmac and our fleet at
Hampton Roads demonstrated the fact that wooden
ships could not stand against iron-clad vessels-of
war. This, OF course, revolutionized the whole of
the European navy, and old country monarchs at
once set about making iron vessels, cutting down
iine.of ships and putting on them powerful
iron armor, DC. In fact, wooden walls were
pronounced entirely useless. But in this fight we
fnd that an old wooden steam frigate, the Missis-
sippi, completely conquers and sinks the noted
HOn-Clau gunDOaJ OF tne IeDclS. NnAt VIII DC tHc
result Of this contest' Will the age Of iron cease,
and European nations again return to their old
wooden walls?" 1t would appear that it must be
so. The universal Yankee nation has always
proved puzzle to the governments Of the Eastern
hemisphere, and If these contests do not make rs
q still greaterpuzzlc We do not know what will.
The action between the Verona and Webster is
ono which reminds US Of the palmy days Of Paul
Jones, and OF his engagement, while commander Of
clio privatcer Providence, with the British frgate
Scraps. The Verona, crippled and sinking, as it
were in her dying struggle, administers to her
opponent final blow, Of sdch force that both yes
sells 70 down together. Further comment is un.
necessary.
From General Banks corps VIZ learn that the
Fifth New York cavalry, while making q recon
noissancs towards Harrisouburg, encountered a
body OF Ashby's cavairy, upon whom they charged
with their sabres, and succeeded in driving them
within two miles Of the town. Ten rebels were
4 killed and six taken prisoners. Our loss was small
'ag We have intelligence from North Carolina TO sLs
I I'd inst. BY thc United States steamer Haze, Cap
taia Williams, which arrived here yesterday from
. Newbcrn. There " nothing particularly ncw
from General Burnsides division. The 1oors
vet. being permitted rcst after taer continued
a at.-s- - fAs