The New York herald., 1862-12-05
THE SITUATION.

We learn from the headquarters of the Army Of
the Potomac that it was rumored yesterday that
train OF wagons, loaded with ordnance stores en-
route for the army. via Occoquan and Stafford, had
been captured near the former place, and it is
6ered that the report may be true. Deserters are
GScting and unreliable. II is currently reported
Dat Stonewa Jackson has joined the forces con.
fronting rs, and has his headquarters eight miles
from Fredericksburg Hampton's Legion is scour
and occasionally picking up some of our folders
The rebel pickets are erecting substantial houses
along the rivers edge, evidently contemplating a
permanent possession Of that locality Work upon
the rebel batteries is still prosecuted vigorously,
and additional guns make their appearance daily
Many Of our batteries have been protected by
ealthworks, and extensive Notifications, command
ing the encmy's position, rapidly approaching
completion. The health Of the troops is very fine,
and tue roads are in good order. The prospects
therefore for some immediate active operations
are cheerful
General Pope examined yesterday in person
before the Court Martial trying General Fitz Jehn
Porter on the charges brought against him by the
Chief OF General Pope's staff. At the conclusion
OF his testimony General Fitz John Porter offered
in evidence the following letter Of General McCel-
lan'f, written q lin froin the War Department at
Washihgton dsted "SeI .amber I, $3.50 p. NM
Major General Poi,-ER. Centre,ie Comma ndng
Sixth corps
ask OF you. for my sake, that of the country
and Of the old Army Of the Potomac. that you and
all friends will lend the fullest and most cordial
cooperation 70 General Pope in all the operations
now going The distresses of our country the
honor Of armies, at stake, and all depends
now upon the cheerful cooperation OF all IN the
field. This week is the crisis Of our fate. Say
che same thing to all my friends in the Army Of
the Potomac, and that the last request have to
MAKE Of them ia. that for their country's sake
they will extend 10 General Pope the same sup-
port they ever have to me. am ia charge al TIC
dcfenccs Of Washir gtou. aud am doing all can to
render your retreat sal, s'rould that become ne.
cessary.
GEO. b. MCCLELLAN, Major General.
| The tone Of this letter-wrtten under such be.
cuar circumstances will be observed, resem.
blcs closely, in its patriotic and sell. sacrificing
spirit. all that be has since written in an unofficial
manner and all that he has said in bis brief
farewell addresses to the army and the people
who greeted him on his route to retirement. His
voice was then, as now, for the Union and the
government at all hazards, and without any regard
for self. For the country and the army he speaks
with ell the impressiveness and vehcmence Of a
patriot and . soldier; for himself simply he says
mot word.
II 10 said that General sigel now demands an in.
vsstigation into the statements made by General
Pope regarding his conduct, as embodied in the
report Of General Halleck.
y The annual report Of Mr.. Secretary Chase upon
She financial Affairs Of the country will probably
.bs sent into Congress at its session to-day.
The ncws from the Southwest is imrortapt.
General Grant telographs from Abbevilc. pissis.
sppi. 10 Genera! Halle.k thai his troops are in
y~TA-