Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-06-26
PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

PROGRESS OF THE WAR.
So far as relates to outward, visible results,
observable by non-military men, we can hardly
report progress in the war during the last two
weeks. Several minor engagements or rather
encounters have taken place, but nothing i'm
mediately or prospectvely decisive has been
done or suffered by our armies.
Another week has passed. without any battle
at or before Richmond, although the imminence
of general engagement seems 10 be daily in
creasing. 1t is generally understood that the
rebels have been considerably reinforced within
the last fifteen days and there is little reason to
doubt that Gen. Mcclellan has received an ac-
cession to his strength of at least 10000 men.
The latest reports lead us to believe that Beau
regard is on his way TO Richmond, but with
what additional Forces if any, it is of course
impossible to ascertain. There can be no doubt
that the rebels intend to give us battle at Rich
mond and indications are that it will be de-
csive engagement. 1t is not improbable that
Gen. Burnside may make his appearance In the
direction of Petersburg and act in conjunction
with Gen. Mcclellan. The movement at Cum
berland Gap looks as if Gen. Haleclx was
about to send considerable force toward Rich
mond from that direction. If these are parts
of the general plan it is not unlikely that sew
eral days will yet elapse before general en-
gagement, unless the enemy should force us to
an earlier fight. In the absence of official in
formation and during the silence of the press
we can only speculate upon the probabilities of
the result FROM the outward symptoms. There
is as yet no opportunity for a critical diagnosis
1t appearsthat serious fighting has occurred
in the vicinity of Charleston. Our forces are
slowly but surely putting themselves in position
to command that city, and they will soon set
down and complete the conquest at their leis-
ure.
The possession of Cumberland Gap gives us
the control of East Tennessee, besides cutting
off one of the most feasible lines of retreat of
the rebels by the Virginia and East Tennessee
Railroad The occupation of this point and
the advance of Gep. Mitchell, who is near
Chattanooga will virtually end the rebel domin-
ion in East Tennessee, and lead to the arming
Of the loyal men in that oppressed section in
their own defense.
Jackson is yet pursuing his brilliant career in
that part of Virginia between Manassas and
Richmond and, unless our forces there divide
ed up among Banks, Fremont and Mcdowell
are united, he will be likely TO keep that valley
in a ferment for some time to come, if he does
not endanger some one or more of the divisions
of our gallant army He is able, shrewd, pos
sessed of an intimate knowledge of the country,
and surrounded by inhabitants who keep him
well informed of all our movements If Sigel
could have command of the 10000 men he
would drive him to the wall.
Gen. Buffers rule at New Orleans is certain
ly forcible and it appears to be judcious
From our files of New Orleans papers the
progress of Union sentiment in that city is en-
couraging. Business is improving. The am
cunt of cotton and sugar destroyed is very
small, compared with the amount on hand and
which will soon find its way to Northern ports.
the cotton burncrs-a lot of miserable desper-
adoes-do not meet with any favor either from
Gen. Butler or the inhabitants Our troops at
and near that city are remarkably healthy.
Our army at Corinth has ceased its pursuit
of Beauregard, and will probably make its head
quarters near that place for the present The
enemy in that section is 50 demoralized that it
will he impossible to find any considerable
number Of them to whip, and the great bulk of
our troops can he better employed for few
weeks elsewhere.
The expedition up the White river in Ar
kansas reached st. Charles on the 18th, and
destroyed the rebel batteries there The en-
emy's loss in killed and wounded was 1875 be-
sides number OF prisoners, among whom was
Col. Fay. Our loss was caused solely by the
escape of steam from the boiler of the Mound
City in consequence of rihed shot penetrating
the steam draw. Most of the crew of that
vessel were either killed or disabled