The New York herald., 1862-03-30
THE SITUATION.

Our Army of the Potomac is forcing back the
rebels towards their detences. portion of Gene
raj Summers division drove large body of them
from the Warrenton Junction on Friday. recon-
noissance made beyond the railroad junction at
Ems point was pushed as far as the Rappafa mock
river, the enemys cavalry retreating before them
and burning the bridge over the river in their fight
Dur troops sheled them at the bridge, but did not
prevent them from destroying it. Much more
damage could have been done to the enemy while
conveying their siok and wounded across the river
but humanity forbade it.
Our troops occupied Shipping Point on Friday,
and found that all tho rebels had left it some days
previous.s
Everything at FORTRESS Monroe remains quiet.
The anxiety as to the future movements Of the
Merrmac naturally remaius unabated. The rebels
have beeu very busy for the past two or three days
with their tngboats between Craney Island and
Pig Point, the suppostion being that they are
strengthening their fortihcstions and increasing
their force in that vicinity.
We publish to-day . pretty full list ss far as
ascertaned, of the killed andJ wounded at the
battle OF Winchester. The totaloss, including
the missing, is put down at 7ls; but as many of
ste regiments engaged pursued the enemy to- Stras-
,arg. it is impossible just now to obtain an acsu-
'ass account of the killed in the absence Of the mus
.ert rolls. Gen. Shields has written an informal
account Of the battle to friend in Washington,
which we give in another column, showing the
mode by which Jsckson's forces we're drawn into
The trap, together with some further incidents Of
he battle and the scenes on the Aeld after the
scton.
The news from the Mississippi ia not very i'm
portant. Several of the rebel gunboats and trans
ports came up towards New Madrid On Wednesday,
within range of our batteries at Biddle's Point and
opened fire, but they were forced to return after
brief engagement. 1t is reported that the enemy
have constructed batteries the opposite side of
he river to prevent General Pope from crossing
and taking them in the rear. The attack by our
yunboats was renewed on Friday with greater
vigor than for some time past. The enemy ap.
oeared to have mounted gnns Of longer range thss
hose hitherto in use.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
In the State Senate at Albany yesterday, the
bills to enable Westchester county to acquire
ands for the construction Of Harlem bridge, and
amending the law of 1860 relative to the police
courts Of this city, were passed. The bills author
zing the Excise Board Clerks to take afdavits and
amending the law relative to taking testimony Of
witnesses out of the State, as we'll as others of
minor importance, received favorable reports. A
bill to encourage investments in small sums in
State stocks-the same that was brought forward
in the Assembly the previous day-was introduced.
Concurrent resolutions were introduced In favor Of
commission Of Eve. to be appointed by the
Governor and Senate, to hear such cases
pending in the Court of Appeals as may be referred
TO them by that Court. The resolstion
approving the Presidents late special Mes
sage was made the special order tor
Wednesday evening next. Tn the Assembly, the
bills amending the incorporation act of the Society
Tor the Relief Of widows and Small Children, in
relation TO life insurance companies dividends, to
facilitate the construction Of the Adirondack Rail-
road aud incorporating the Presbyterian Board Of
Foreign Missions, were passed. Third readings
were ordered on the bills to prohibit suspension
bridges at ferry landings, and to increase the fees
for hawkers and peddlers licenses. The bill to
prevent the building Of private wharves in this
port was defeated. The Metropolitan Health bill
was again considered. After long debate, vari.
nus amendments being proposed and rejected,
progress was reported, and the bill referred to q
select committee of nine, to report complete. The
Speaker announced the select committee on the
Assessment LAWS.
In the Court Of General Sessions yesterday
Judge McCunn rendered decision adverse to the
motion Of counsel for DR.. Chas Cobe, for arrest o
Judgment, he having been convicted of a misde
meanor in causing the death Of an infant while pro
ducing abortion. Mr. Blankman moved for
mitigation Of the sentence which was also denied
The City Judge said that the defendant had beer
tried before for similar offences, but escaped pun
Lshment. and that the penalty he was about to in
0ict was justly deserved. The sentence was one
gear's imprisonment in the penitentiary. william