The New York herald., 1862-03-12

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INTERESTING DETAILS.
&C.. &C.. Go.
WASHINGTON, March H. 1869.
Tho advance portion Of the grand Army of tho Poto-
Monday produced in the city and throughout tho
camps Of ndescribable excitement two O'Clock
tho revelle sounded and preparations for the
march begun. Tho morning rainy, but the prospect
OF active life impaired chesrfunsss to the sOldery
that dedod the gloom Of the weather Fsw among
the officers. knew whittier they going, for what
purpose for how long time But the fact that thcy
wore to SO forward sufficient to excite the veest
emotions in the ranks OF soldiers who had bscn for
months anxious to have an opportunity to most
ths enemy and prove their prowess in defence Of the
constitution and the Union with their blood and If need
be with their lives There was no shrinking no hesi
cation. skuking. Many who the sick report
sprang from their beds and took their places in the
Fans although some Of them unable to sustain the
fatigue of the march and subsequently placed in
the baggage wagons. The movement was not attended
with the noisy demonstrations which characterized the
advance to Centrevilo last summer but 1t marked
with expression of cool determination and confidence
which manifested quietly but forciby in the step
and bearing and perfect discipline Of the who wore
marching to the battle noid
Tho advance was really began several days
ego. Tho movement of General Banks tho occupation
Of Leesburg by Colonel Geary and tho preparations for
an attack upon the rebel batteries along the Potomac
the seat Of the bogus government sot up by tho
adventures who are leading and trying to main
taia the rebellion. In 'front.' since Friday
last regular approaches have boen made daily towards
Csnrevs by portions Of General Frankns and General
NcDOwels divisions. On Sunday the Second and Third
New Jersey regiments. and asquadron Of tho Lincoln
cavalry occupied sangsers Station, the Orange and
Alexandria Railroad On Nrriving at this point detach
msot Of robel cavalry surprised In the skrmsh
chat occurred Lieutenant Hidden the Lincoln Cavalry
was killed at the rss Ars Of tho rebels, and sergeant
wounded. Three Of the rebels were killed and lieu
tenant and eleven taken prisoners On Monday st
noon detachment Of the First New Jersey regiment
under Major HATFIELD and Captain vansicklss entered
CeutrsviIs. They were followed bys company Of the
IinOon Cavalry, under Lieutenant Alexander Tho enc
mys picksts had retired before this advance Of
<orces along tho whole route. Al Csntrsvls II was Is
eraned the rebels had evacuated tho place late on
Sunday night, and retired, was said, to Gordonsvills
Extensive earthworks found here all the gum
Dad been removed large quantity Of beef and nour
Asd been lcft behind By the rssrsatins rebels was
reported Centrevls by contrabands who came into
nss that the rebel army had been leaving Manassas
Junction for several days. and that the forces remaining
behind only guard to the retreat.
The position In the advance has been assigned TO &C.
osral Mcdowell, act Of justice, 10 afford him IN
eppsrtunity retrieve the and msfortunss Of
the bstc OF the 2st Of July He bore himself proudly
- renterng the place the retreat hts army
on previous occasion had been ordered after the dis
astsss at Bull During the whole day every road
leading from the vicinity Of Washington towards the
rebel stronghold was thronged with masses OF well
trained soldiers moving silently, but firmly forward 70
aeld Of glorious triumph OF death. Il was grand
eight. the long and seemingly endless lines Of glitter
ing bayooots cleaned like jewsllsd serpent gliding
among the hills Followed by the heavy trampiug cavalry
cad tho loud rumblng artillery and countless trains Of
wagons.
In the city the departure Of the reserve brought the
whes population 70 thoroughfares leading towards
che various bridges From carly hour In the morning
che whole population astir and numerous blessings
end good wishes shouted by the watchers regi
msat after regiment and battery after battery marched
sternly and steadily towards the bridges About noon
Gen. Mcclellan, attended BY only few Of bis sta went
soross and from his headquarters 70 the Long Bridge be
ws greeted BY cheer upon cheer BY the crowds gathered
20 witness his advance to Richmond.
When General McClelans stan getting in readi.
cess a he headquarters the avenue the fact seemed
% b known ntutively instincvsy throughout the
asshbohood Of the quarters Of the Chief and
che mansion Of the President and Commander In Chief
crowd collected st General MeCslans quarters srov
0sg larger each minute and the patients In the
wagonsr hospital, contiguous TO Riggs Co.'S hank
Asd their heads protrudsd from tho windows 10
watch the movements Of the officers and boov
6uard who were 70 accompany the General
Ths greatest perpsxity prevailed among the news.
papee correspondents. Many Of them had been
sent forward unprsparsd for the practical work or
chroniong the exciting events Of tho battle field.
While they swolen with the importance Of their
issea, thoy had ideas rsspseting fts fulnmens
They managed 10 get mounted upon animals which will
dgurs upon the bills horscs but which
esrvoeabs thar the famous Rosnsnte Of the Knight Of
Il ManCha BY dns Of squirting and whipping they got OF
n the dirccton Of the sacred soil OF Virginia. leaving be-
mind them doubt In the minds Of those who witnessed
ths dsparuro whether they would return complete
IN al thcs parts after ths rough jcngs which they
were subjected Some Of the representatives Of poorer
nswspapcrs begged army horses, and sccommodas
si through shs influence Of political friends and these
gentlemen were pretty well provided f,r-quits a. WE'LL
IN feet, a. they deserved.
Gen. Mcclellan has .s-sa up his as>rters a. FsIrsx
oosrs House