The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-01
THE SITUATION.


THE SITUATION.
We publish to-day very full extracts from the
esbsl newspapers of Richmond, Norfolk, Peters
burg and Atlanta, Ga, relative to the capture Of
New Orleans, in which an almost universal opinion
Of surprise at "the disaster" is expressed. The
rebel journals appear to regard it as something
mysterious, while they do not pretend to deny its
truth. Some Of them are disposed to hold tho
Secretary of the Navy to blame; others are in q
fog a. to the conduct of Gen. Lowell They all ad-
init that twas disaster wholly unexpected, as they
were "deluded' with the representation that the
city was securely defended; but they console
themselves with the reflection that General
Lovell's army is now free to cooperate with
Beauregard at Cornth or at some other indefinite
point with some other rebel force, and drive "the
vandals' out of the Southwest. The whole tone of
the rebel press indicates that the occupation of
New Orleans has completely taken them by sur
prise, disheartened them, and thrown them back
upon dismal course of argument and logic, by
which they endeavor to make the best of it.
The comments of the rebel journals upon the
condition of affairs in Virginia are hardly more
hopeful The Richmond Examiner says that large
reinforcements have been sent by Gen. Mcclellan
to Gen. Mcdowell, on the Rappshannock and that
a junction between Gems. Banks and Mcdowell is
imminent, in which event fierce battle north of
Richmond may be expected within week. II
says that the rebel government is hurryng up re-
Inducements in that direction, and urges speedy
attack on our troops as the best means of protect
ing Richmond.
The same paper says that the destiny of the con.
federacy is trembling on the result of Yorktown.
If successful, it viii give us six mouths for carry
ing out the CONSUMPTION act, aring and equipping
large army. and launching feet of Merrimacs
but, II unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.
The Memphis Aca,anche says that the Southern
people are fast losing all confidence in their river
defences, and It is generally admitted that the
Union army can be no longer successfully resist.
ed, and also intimates lack of confidence in the
stability Of the Southern confederacy by advising
its patrons to invest whatever money they have
In real estate, while purchases can be made with
the money now In circulation which is principally
rebel Treasury notes.
News from General Banks column states that
the rebel General jackson had retired some six
miles farther South since Monday. It was re-
uorxad that fba Couarnor ~ No~th ~a.ota. IT,
T. Clark, had been arrested and imprisoned at
Richmond in consequence of his alleged Union sen
timents. Three thousand rebels, under Gen. Edward
johnson, are posted few miles from staunton but
In . position easily accessible 70 escape in
case of General Mroy's approach. The most re-
liable news from Gordonsville is to the effect that
s*tere are only four brigades there, not Numbering
is 900. Gen. Longstreet. with bis command has
gone to Yorktown.
A despatch from Cairo. dated yesterday, says
that steamer just arrived from Pittsburg Ten.
'nsssse. report. serious skrmish between the ad.
vance Of the Union army. 5000 strong. and large
body Of rebels. Eve miles from Corinth-
The Union army was victorious. No mention is
made Of losses on either side. The Unonists took
large number Of prisoners. Cannonading was still
heard whom the steamer left.
Another despatch from Cairo, received at Chicago
Yesterday. says that an arrival from Tptonville
reports that heavy cannonading was heard
throughout Monday night and Tuesdayin the direo'
ton Of Fort Wright. There being no arrival from
the feet since Monday noon It is apprehended that
the rebel feet at the fort has been reinforced by
gonboats from New Orleans, and attacked our
feet. This was not expected. The last advfces
from the ness, however, soy that Commodore
Foots d fully prepared To meet the enemy
fugitive who arrived q. Cairo yesterday from
Memphis states that merchants Of a~owed seces
don proclivitss ore removing their goods 70 places
Of concealmsnt and security, and that large mum
bsrs Of families are moving away daily. II Is cur
rsntly reported In Memphis that Besuregard ha
over $4,000 men at Corinth, and no hope Is fen o
his successfully resisting General Hslleck, who 1
believed to have zoo, 900 men.
We have received information from rcliabl
source that certain parties In this city are giNn
practical aid and comfort 10 the rebels. II our 10
formation be correct two secesscniste, recently .,
rived here from the South, brought on quantt
oftobacco valued at and sold here for City thou
sand dollars, which gum they invested in arm
clothing and hats for the rebels These goods wer
south Of Nashville, where they will b
taken in charge by the rebel authorities. TIL
boxes containing them are marked With a dia
mond. n our authorities on the line Of rout
n