The New York herald., 1862-11-06
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
The army Of General Mcclellan is surely and
rapidly cutfankng the enemy. In addition to the
gaps in the Blue Ridge already in his possession
ae took hold yesterday of Ashby's Gap, the enemy
having retired. No large force Of rebels could be
observed between that point and Winchester
where they seemed to be in considerable num-
oers- though the whole valley was visible from
he mountain, and General Mcclellan made careful
observations there. Generals Pleasaaton and
Avcril. with their cavalry and artillery, occupied
pledmont on Tuesday night and, pushing on from
'ssnce. took Possession OF the town of Markham.
dicr spirited siirmish. The approaches to Ma
nassas GAP and Chester Gap, on the left OF the
Blue Ridge, are now commanded by these gen.
erals
Information from Manassas Junction yesterday
says that the portion Of General Sckles' command
sent forward to look after the Orange and Alcxan.
dria Railroad found it in pretty good condition
nearly up to Catletts Station. So is the Manassas
Railroad clear up to Thoroughfare gap. The rail-
road bridge at Broad run was found partially
burned by the rebels, and its supports partly
&wed through Tt can, however, be easily and
quickly repaired Kettle Run bridge was found
uunjured. Our troops hold the country in the
vicinity Of Brentsyille, and have driven in the pa.
trolling rebel parties upon warrenton junction.
They. however, continue to scout down as low as
Cat.ett's Station. Information received Tuesdsy
night indicates that The total rebel force at War.
renton Junction is not more than three thousand
infantry, with corresponding numbers of cavalry
and artillery.
0eneral Carl shurz occupies Thoroughfare Gap,
and Colonel Stephen McGroary, with the gallant
Sixty.1rst Ohio regiment, is on the other side. Il
isrumored that Generals jackson and Lee are at
Culpeppsr with strong force.
The forces of General Porter made reconnois-
saucc on Tuesday through Smokers Gap, and had
brisk skrmsh with the rebels on the banks Of the
Shenandoah and drove them across the river.
BY the arrival OF the United States steamship
Florida from Port Royal at this port yesterday, we
uusG tuC pdulW Euf hSuluEs VI Tie QcAtu Oi zen.
Mitchell. and the account of bis obseluies,
simply but impressirely conducted. The malig-
nant fever which carried of the gallant general ID
sbating Ia that vicinity, and the prospect Of re-
covery Tor those smitten with il is considered
very hopeful. General Brannar, who is now in
command Of the late General Mitchers district has
issued official report Of the recent battle on the
railroad Pccotaligo. which we give in another
column. The general resul1 of this action are
already familiar ~ our f.sders but the details
furnished by General Brannan embodying the list
OF casualties will be read with great interest.
For the full protection Of commerce on the Mis-
sissppi river, Gen. Sherman and Admiral Porter
have offered the protection Of our gunboats to all
vessels plying between Memphis and Cairo. Per.
mits can be obtained from the Board Of Trade
The gunboat convoy win leave each place three
times q week, and all steamers can put Themselves
under their protection.
The Richmond papers Of the lst inst. contain some
interesting items. The Hhis says that the order
issued by the rebel Secretary Of War, extending
the enrolment Of coDsoripts 10 all men between
eighteen and forty.Gvc, is promulgated under q
law which is unpopular, II not odious," among
the people. The same paper says that General
jackson has destroyed all that portion Of the Bal
timore and Ohio Railroad from the North Noun
tain to shcpherdstown, tearing up the rails and
turning the ties. The large machine sLops ant
depot buildings at Martinsburg were also fred ant
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The regular monthly meeting Of the Chamber o
Commerce viii take place at one O'Clock to-day
Hon. Townsend Harris, late Minister to Japan
will be present on the occasion, and probabl.
make short address TO the Chamber.
At regular meeting of the Board Of Education
held last evening, report was received from tn
City superintendent from which IL appears tha
che aggregate number Of pupils under instruction
h ~ several public schools, during the year end
iag - ths soth Of September, was i73, being
= inoeoogo a 1884 over the number In attend