The New York herald., 1862-04-22
TRIPLE EFT
Now York, Tuesday, April ~, 1854.
THE SITUATION.


THE SITUATION.
The siege of Yorktown is progressing with vigor,
but glance at our splendid map of the entire pc
ninsula and all the leading points thereabouts to-
gether with perfect picture of the three lines of
defences which the rebels have constructed, will
show the arduous task which General Mcclellan
has before him. But with large and valiant
army aud the skin which he brings into action the
result s not doubtful. 1t is hardly necessary to
adviss eur readers to preserve the map which we
give to-day an invaluable auxiliary in following
cut the coming incidents of the siege. We learn
from the Petersburg, ya.) Express that requisi-
George and Surrey counties for one half the ne
groes between the ages of sixteen and fifty years to
repair to williamsburg where the rebel General
Msgruder's reserves are posted, to work on the
Notifications there. which are designed to protect
Yorktown in the rear.
The news from the army Of General Banks re-
presents everything quiet near Sparta, the head
quarters Of the division. The the nearest portion
Of the rebel Jackson's force is reported to be
at McGaughteystown. near Harrisonburg, and still
on the retreat. with Ashby's cavalry bringing up
the rear.
Our special correspondence from the scene of
the late battle at Pittsburg snding. which wir be
found in another column, contains details of that
terrible action which will be read with intense
interest. Never, perhaps, were the horrors of
war more fearfully depicted than in the scenes
there represented upon the field of battle. The
nature Of the wounds received and the suerings of
the victims are 80 minutely and vividly described
"a to cause ashudder of horror in the reader. The
orders issued to his soldiers by Beauregard in that
vJn1ict-and since repeated by Magruder at York
town--to fire low, had evidently been faithfully
carrie out, as the condition OF the killed and
wounded verifies. Some of the operations per.
formed are said to have been hitherto unknown to
surgical science. The suferings of poor soldier
were 80 acute that his cries rang through the hos
pital ship night and day. Many traits of heroism
and patient suffering are here developed, while
friend and foe were treated with one rule Of atfec-
ton and one common sympathy. The determined
stand of the soldiers Of the Union has never been
surpassed by any troops, and covers the whole
army with glory.
The mission of the French Minister to Rich
mond forms an exciting topic with the rebel press
from which we give several extracts to-day. The
prevailing opinion expressed by the rebel papers
is that he is offering to negotiate commercial
treaty with JEFF. Davis and the object is hailed by
them with great delight; but we need hardly say
that whatever the purport of NJ. Mercier's visit
may be, il is not what the Southern journals seem
disposed to consider.
From rebel sources we have an account of the
opening Of the bombardment by our troops on Fort
Macon on Saturday week, and two days hard fight
ing there. The Richmond Dispatch says, that the
FOR. will. no doubt be able to hold out against the
invaders. The same paper speaks of skrmish
near Savannah. in which the Union forces suffered
q defeat.
We publish to-day some interesting accounts of
the late occupation of Falmouth opposite Fredricks.
burg. by our troops under General Mcdowell,
together with map Of the latter place There is
nothing new of Importance from there up to a late
hour this morning.
The official report Of Commander stellwagen.
describing the occupation Of Apalachicols is given
today, and will be found to contain some highly
Interesting details and incidents Of the terrors under
which the inhabitants suffered on his approach.
CONGRESS.
IN the Senate yesterday, in addition to petitions
i favor Of bankrupt law, and ship canal from
Lake Michigan 70 the Mississippi river, and memo.
riaIs in reference to the Tax BILL petition was
presented from free coored citizens Of the United
Bates, praying that territory may be acquired
patside the national limits for their COLOMBIA
lion, and suggesting Central America as a de-