New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-09-09

ascertained. knows whether the Rebels have crossed
the Potomac-whether, if they have crossed, they
have recrossed or if rot in what force they are at
present in Maryland. Some say that column Of
30 900 strong is already heading for Baltimore, while
others again tell that they crossed the river 81 the
ANYTHING. 1t il believed by few that their scouts
Dave been sent in all directions to prepare for their
coming in force; that cavalry will be the next
vistant and that infantry will soon follow. Those
scouts are already at Annapolis junction, and it is
prophesied that the railroad between here and Bs-
more will be cut within as hours, if, indeed, the city
which saw the first Massachusetts blood shed in the
Rebellion be not in the hands Of active Rebels before
that time. What the facts are, you will probably
know before you print TINS letter.
write the above for tie purpose Of showing how
ignorant we are here in Washington. We have ru.
mors in abundance, but it is impossible to arrive at
any positive conclusion from the testimony at hand.
II may, however, be considered az established that
tie Rebels have withdrawn their main force from
before the defenses Of Washington, and moved in
the direction of Leesburg, with what design only
their leaders know. II remains to be seen whether
they will dare in any force TO invade Maryland in the
presence of an army equal in numbers if not superior
to their own. Their recent successes. however, may
embclden them; and it is not impossible that if they
dare they Will succeed again, as they have done
hitherto.
The Court Of Inquiry which is to investigate the
questions connected with the recent battles and par
tcularly the conduct of several Generals belonging
TO the late Army Of the Potomac, will have an OF
portunity TO throw much light Of the causes
Of the recent disaster; AID il is hoped that the in
quiry Will be prosecuted until all those causes are
brought to light
have hitherto RETAINED from speaking of Gen
Fi,z John PoIters conduct at the second Bull Run
battle, for the that 1 was unwilling TO add
fuel to the army quarrels, which are already bad
enough, aud that in the absence of details Of the
facts and at this distance from the scene might do
injustice; but ii is certain that Gen. Pope came very
near arrestipg Fnz John Porter on the field for bad
conduct and it is stated by many witnesses that the
battle lost in consequence Of the failure of his
column 10 cooperate with other columns in Il COM
bined movement; that indeed, after exchanging
few shots, his whole corps marched away from the
field, much OF it hot stopping until it reached Cen
treville.
Some connect this conduct Of Gen. Porters With
Gen. Frsnkns delay in coming upon the field Of
battle, and Jump 10 very disagreeable conclufion-.
Since, however, the Court las both these matters
under consideration, il will be time enough 10 speak
Of them after il sta have arrived at a decision
Gen. Mcdowell, it is understood, courts inyesii-
,g,lion, and has asked for court of inquiry. His
friends assert that the finding will viHdicae him
entirely bu' they do not pretend that he has now
or can regain the confidence Of the soldiers, and
therefore fail to show that he ought 20 be- retained
in command There are rumors that Gen. Pope has
asked TO be relieved but ! do not hear them con-
irmed. To all inients aud purposes be is already
relieved
1t is affirmed to-day Oh good authority that Gen
Burnside is TO have command Of all the troops on
this side Of the river and TO lead the column that IL
moving 10 meet the enemy on the Upper Potomac.
The limits Of Gen. McClean's command do not, by
tie terms of the general order appointing him. ex
tend beyond the limits VI the Notifications OF Wash
iDgton and the forces defendingit.
The Court Of Inquiry, OF which Gen. Cadwallsder
IL President and Generals Mansfield and Casey
Associates, meets on Monday. The Hon. Joseph
Holt. Judge-Advocate General appears as public
Prosecutor.