The New York herald., 1862-01-07
New York, Tuesday, January =, 1864.
THE SITUATION.

New York, Tuesday, January =, 1864.
THE SITUATION.
Nothing of Importance occurred in the army Of
the Potomac yesterday. The rebel pickets opened
q brisk fire on Sunday night upon the pickets of
the Sixty-nnth regiment, Irish Brigade, COM
manded by Colonel Nugent. The fire continued at
intervals all night, but the enemy could not be
seen, as they were ensconced in the woods. The
Sixty-ninth returned the fire, and Lieut. Col.
Kelly had his reserves quietly put in order for an
attack, without creating any alarm in the camp,
but the rebels made no further demonstration at
daylight
Gen. Mcclellan was so far improved in health as
to be able to ride out yesterday. A Cabinet meet.
ing was held last night and sat until ten O'Clock.
Mr.. Seward, who arrived in Washington, was pre-.
sent. The purpose or results of the meeting have
not transpired.
The battle of Balls Bluff was made the subject
of an animated discussion in Congress yesterday on
sresolution of Mr.. Roscoe L. Conkling, of New
York. calling upon the Secretary of War for an in
vestigation into the causes of that disastrous af-
lair. The resolution was adopted by the House,
although the War Department had already declared,
In reply to previous resolution of Mr.. Conkling,
that an investigation into that circumstance was
incompatible with the public interests.
Our troops in Western Virginia had a brisk skir-
mish with the rebels at Huntersvile on Saturday
morning, which resulted in complete success. A
body of our men, numbering seven hundred and
forty, and consisting Of portion of the Fifth Ohio
Second Virginia. and Brocken's cavalry, made an
stack on Huntersville, which was defended by
four hundred rebel cavalry and three hundred and
dty infantry, and after an attack of an hours du-
ration the rebels were defeated with loss of
eighty killed and wounded. No one was killed
on the Union side. The enemy retired from the
town, leaving eighty thousand dollars worth of
army stores and clothing in the hands of our
troops.
With reference to the advance of the rebels on
Hancock, Nd, which we reported yesterday, we
have later advces, dated yesterday, showing that
General Lander has arrived there with strong
force, and also that General Jackson, with large
body Of rebels, one twenty -four and two twelve
Founders, appeared opposite Hancock, and threat
ened to shell out troops unless they evacuated
General Lander gave them O fitting re-
'ponse. They commenced shelling, which con-
tinued up to the latest advices on Sun
lay night, doing lttleinjury to the town
and none at all to our troops. At an early hour
yesterday morning the Third brigade left Frederick
Tor Hancock, leaving the Forty sixth Pennsylvania
At williamsport. The preparations of the rest of
the division are complete, and they are awaiting
marching orders. Latest accounts state that the
rebels have retired from the vicinity of Hancock,
the fire of the Union artillery proving too hot for
them.
The United States steam transport Vanderbilt.
from Port Royal on the morning of the Sd inst,
arrived at this port yesterday morning, bringing
the important news Of the victory over the rebels
on the LIST inst, in brisk fight near Port Royal
ferry, about twenty-five miles from Hilton Head, of
which we before published the rebel account. The
expedition which achieved this victory was a
combined military and naval one and was under
the joint command of Brigadier General I. l. Ste
vens and Captain Rogers of the flagship Wabash
The troops engaged consisted of the Eighth Mich
igan regiment, Pennsylvania Round Heads, Fiftieth
Pennsylvania, Seventy-ninth New York Militia,
Forty-seventh and Forty-eighth New York voun-
teers. The naval vessels consisted Of the gunbosA
Ellen, Seneca, Pembins and Ottawa. General Ste
vens's brigade advanced on Port Royal on the lst
instant and took possession of the rebel batteries
after short resistance Of the rebels. The
brigade was assisted by the gunboats,
which sheled the batteries. General Ste
vens then followed up the blow until he
arrived within six miles Of the Charleston
Railroad. flag Of truce was sent by the rebels,
who desired permission to collect and bury their
dead, which was granted. One hour was allowed
for that purpose, after which the rebels fell back
upon the Notifications the railroad, which are
very extensive, leaving behind them one large gun,
which they had spiked. The rebel force engaged
was estimated at eight thousand men, under Gene
rails Gregg and Pope. The federal force engaged
was four thousand five hundred men. Our loss
vas nine wounded-one mortally, Major Watson
of the Eighth Michigan regiment, who has since
.,Icd. The rebel loss is not positively known, but
;, Il said to be pretty large. The Union forces
ss,ed with great GOODNESS and determination. Ir
smother column may be found full lists Of both this
ssssss engaged, General Stevens, who is now il