The New York herald., 1862-01-01


THE SITUATION.
The reconnaissance of the pickets, made from
the centre of the Army Of the Potomac within the
past few days, has established the fact that the
pickets of the rebels have been withdrawn two or
three miles back from their former position. The
Inference was that the rebel army was going into
winter quarters.
The Court of Inquiry, in Che case of Colonel
Miles, charged with being intoxicated at the battle
Of Bull run. has honorably acquitted him of the
charge. The decision is furnished in a report of
Reverdy johnson and R. s. Gilett, in which they
declare that the bulk of the evidence produced on
the trial goes to show that the charges are entirely
mistaken for Colonel Miles, was open to the charge
OF being intoxicated on that day; but as no accusa
non has been Brought against him. his name is
withheld 1t is time that justice should be done to
Colonel Miles. after the protracted and otter post
poned investigation to which his case has been
subjected.
The expedition of General Burnside, which Is
about to sail from Annapolis is said to be ready to
start at two hours notice. 1t was learned from
some contrabands taken in small canoes of Back
river, In the Chesapeake Bay yesterday, that the
Inhabitants of Yorktown are in state of great tre
pidation, fearing that the destination Of General
Burnside's expedition is the York river and that
grand attack is to be made on Yorktown. 1t is
said that General Magruder telegraphed to Rich.
mond for permission to destroy Yorktown by fire,
and that he was directed not to do so except in
case of the greatest emergency. Meantime, the
rebels are fortiying both sides of York river.
Rumors were circulated yesterday in Louisville
OF general engagement in Southern Kentucky,
the particulars of which have not been stated in
any q0arter on reliable authority. despatch TO
the Cincinnati Commercial from Indianapolis re-
peats the report of fight in Kentucky but at
what point is not stated. Gen. Buell.. it is stated
on the same authority, had ordered regiment of
fusileers and regiment of light artillery to Green
river The rebel cavalry of Gen. Buckner were said
to be within short distance of the Union piekcts,
near Green River bridge, and an attack by him
upon Colonel McCook, with the expectation of
destroying the bridge, was considered probable.
In anticipation of such an event. all the Union
regular troops were thrown across the bridge on
Monday morning. Of the battle which has been
reported TO have occurred n paducah the partcu.
lars whereof were said TO have been suppressed
by telegraph. we have no authentic information
In fact, all the intelligence from Kentucky needs
confirmation 50 far.
Since the advance Of Gen. Pope's army in Mis-
souri, everything is said to be quiet. The rebels
are making no demonstration. II was rumored that
the people Of Arkansas refused to allow the rebel
General Price to enter that State with his army
except those regularly enlisted. II was said by
fugitive who was captured and taken to Spring
field by the rebels, and made bis escape from
them, that Price had taken possession of all the
houses in that city for the use of his soldiers turn.
ing oil the women and children into the streets.
that he had unloaded his wagons and was prepar-
ing for long stay.
The Toronto Leader, of the 9th December, on
the faith Of a statement made by the Halifax,
Nova Scotia, Express, of the 18th ultimo, repeats
the ramor TO which we have before alluded, that
John G. Brecknridgc, and Mr.. Hunter, of vir.
gins, took passage on that day on board the
Canada, from Halifax, to represent the rebel con.
ieaeracy in place Of Mason and SlideI.
ny 'ee Asia at Ha!ifax--on her way to New
fork-a'd the Etna at this port yesterday, we have
news rom surope to the 22d Of December, 1861,
seven days later.
England contineed her preparations for war un.
der the pressure Of avery intense and genera, ~.
cisement' stimulated ans promoted by the daily
enasions Of the ministerial nod ar.,ocr.,;o n....
Troops we're still mastering for service &, c.,.a,
although the HERALD repors show ,os
the Austrslasian, Persia, Adriatic, Pas,n. VI.
and other vessels had already been oe,n.,ot.,
filed with the most efficient regiments in ps nj,
ish service, TO North America. All the avarnh,.
vessels 10 the British Mediterranean feet had bee,
ordered to assemble at Gibraltar to proceed. az
WAS supposed, TO the same destination.
President Tincoln's Message TO Congress had
been received in England. and elected a vast
amount Of attention. 1t Is quite evident however.