The New York herald., 1862-09-21
THE SITUATION.

Reports received from headquarters Yesterday
represent everything quiet at the front, with tie
exception Of some skirn,ishing by our troops,
cavalry and infantry. The latter crossed the
river and proceeded mile inland, without serious
opposition, capturing six guns, which were
brought back TO the Maryland side, and are now
pointed against the enemy. The ford was so mar
row that only one wagon could pass, deep water
lying at each side Of the ford.
The rebels, under the ruse Of a flag of truce for
vilege which was humane'y scceded to them by
General McClellan-took advantage of the armis.
tice on Thursday not to bury their dead, but to
transport their army across the Potomac. Thus
at midnight, they had succeeded in getting
nearly their whole force across. and by daylight
Friday morning all but the rear guard
had gone over. Go muck for tho honor Of the
rebel chiefs. 1t was stated st last accounts that
they were posting artillery on the opposite shore
to prevent our troops crossing. General McClel
Ian. however, IL it should be necessary, can well
afford to keep them in their present position as
long he plcascs. Every hour weakens the re-
treating enemy, and gives time for fresh troops to
come up TO our army, az they are now doing
from PENNSYLVANIA. Meantime. while the rebels
are engaged with Mcclellan in the Upper Poto.
mac, why may not Richmond be assaiied from be-
low,
Our troops entered Sharpsburg at FIVE o'clock
Friday morning. They found the place con-
siderably damaged by our Shells though no loss Of
HE with one exception, had occurred among tie
sessizcns. The rebels had consumed all the provi.
sions in the town during their stay: but the
supply was 70 inadequate to the wants Of
the starving army that many Of the hungry
soldiers are said to have actually wept
with disappointment ana despair at finding their
wants unappessed, furnishing they were. II
is unnecessary 10 say, therefore, that our men,
der but they were fortunately provided from the
rear. Upon surveying The whole field Of the late
action the rebel loss wes found 10 be more heavy
than was supposed. No less than $500 rebels
were lOuNu ldu Dttu
inferred the day before. The rebel loss in killed
and wounded viii not amount to less than
eighteen OF twenty thousand, while we have cap
tured fully five thousand prisoners.
The succinct history which we give to-day OF
the capture Of Harpers Ferry by the rebels re-
heyes the memory Of the gallant Colonel Miles
from all insnuations against his honor and loyalty
II will be seen that the place was not surrendered,
nor was the position on Maryland Heights aban.
doncd until there was no further possibility Of
holding either point. The recapture of Harpers
Ferry by a portion Of Burnside's corps, though
very confidently stated in some quarters, does not
appear to be satisfactorily confirmed.
Further details Of the late grand battle are pub.
iisbed ia our columns to-day, furnished by our
special CORE spondcnts who we're on the field.
They will be found highly interesting, graphic and
complete.
our Louisville correspondence contains most
interesting account Of the battle at Muniordsville
Ky. II appears tAat Bragg, Humphrey Marshall
and Kirby Smith have combined their forces.
II is said that Louisville, and not Cincinnati, is
Che object Of attack by the rebels The forces of
Buell. and Bragg had undoubtedly come into co..
lision. The news Of General Mcclellan victories