The New York herald., 1862-07-31

THE SITUATION
No military movements are reported in General
McClellan's army since our last. Our oorrespon-
dence from the headquarters will put our readers
in possession Of everything Interesting transpring
there. The wounded and sick continue to be sent
down the river, and the personal attention to
their wants on the part of the Commanding Genera!
Is unremittng.
Two fugitives from the rebel camp, who arrived
at Harrison's Landing on Monday. stated that the
rebels Ut the dght at Malvern Hill were panic
stricken and retreated TO Richmond. They could
not be rallied. Hence the reasea for not following
our troops. Had we had few more men, they
say that General Mcclellan might have marched
into Richmond easily
report was prevalent in Washington yester
day, which originated with some contrabands
chat the rebels were evacuating Richmond. Large
bodies Of troops. il is stated, are crossing the
James river aad moving southwark. Il is pretty
troops means something very different from an
abandonment of Richmond.
General Pope reached his headquarters at War
renton, ya., on Tuesday at noon and was received
with enthusiasm. The secessionists appeared 10
be considerably exercised upon his arrival, but il
g said are not disposed to take the oath of ale
out the rebel cavalry Of Robertson from Madison
Court House an Saturday without loss The re
bells are making NO demonstration along the rail
road, near Gordonsville, though from Information
received there appears 70 be little aoubt that
General Ewen has quite IS barge force in that
vicinity ss we have before reported
II was rumored in Norfolk that che rebel
gunboat New Merrimac" and q ram, just
finished In Richmond, intend to run through our
6eet in the James river, and attack the Minnesota
and other vessels At Norfolk, and make an attempt
and, IL there be any truth in the rumor, our naval
authorities the river should be on the look out
Aspecial despatch fraa yicksburg. on the 23d.
rsoounts the gallant but unsuccessful attempt to
capture the rebel ram Askausas. It appears that,
according to agreement between Commodores
Davis and Faragut, the feet from below was
= engage the lower batteries, and the feet
sbove would engage the upper ones, while the
Eunboas Essex and Queen were in the meantime
% attack the Arkansas and tow her
out. In consequence Of Q Misunderstanding,
only . few shells were fred from the
nosssrs below, and had no other effect than
70 divert the fire from the Essex. which attempt
cd TO run into the Arkansas and jam her against
the levss, but the latter swung round and the Es-
sex grazed her side. A she passed she gave the
rebel craft three eleven-inch shot from her bow
guns. Upon finding herself unsupported abe
dropped down the river. The Queen, coming TO
her aid. ran into the Arkansas, making her trem-
tie rom stem TO stern. Recovering herself the
Queen ran on her again, but 80 forcibiy as to
strain her own works badly. Both boats then re-
turned up the river.
IL is TO be regretted that after such gallant
affair misconception Of orders should have
marred success.
The guerillas in the West are becoming bold
and troublesome. We learn from Louisville that
the Kentucky wandering bands. under Morgan
bok possession OF Russcllviile on Thursday after
iollision with the Home Guard. wounding captain
GKentncky volunteers and killing two lie tenants.
10 countersct tiis disassss, IL appears tat on tho
following day I sge party Of gus-illaa from Boone
county attacked Mount Sterling, and were repussd
by the Home Guard defending that place. During
che retreat the guerias were met BY . party of
the Eighth Kentucky Volunteers, under command
Of Major Dracht, who drove them back towards
Che town. where they we're again attacked by the
Home Guard. The rssul. was . complete STAN.
eight killed and forty.etsht taken prisoners. The
number wounded IL not known. The loss on
cur aide vas three wounded. This class of
marauders. which seems now 70 comprise
she remaining portion Of the rebel armies
IN the Southwest, have also shown themselves In
Missouri, having crossed the river from Arkansas
IN large gangs, and are now sncamped beyond the
State lins 10 the counties Of Howell and Texas
Dur troops stationed at Houston, Texas county
however, are said to be numerous enough 70 repress
any advance of the guerillas.
We learn by . despatch from Nashville, that .
rebel mail from Chattanooga has been captured by
our army. The letters contained vslusbls informa.
Lion. Beauegard has resigned, and gone 70 the
tpriugs In Alabama. Bragg 10 At yicssburg.
with twenty thousand men, but IL scarce of
bsrsss. An artillery company from Georgia could
aot 10 supplied with sither guns or horses,