The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-06-26

THE SITUATION.
Affairs in front of Richmond are ominously in
dicatiye of grand denouement to the siege of the
rebel capital. From the movements of the enemy
on Monday night, and from information received,
general engagement was looked for on Tuesday
morning. The troops were all under arms at day
Light, and everything in readiness; but after a
slight demonstration by the rebels, and finding
themselves promptly met at every point, they re.
tired to their old position In conjunction with
this information, we have the dispatches received
ut the War Department throughout yesterday
afternoon announcing some important skir-
mishing all along the lines, which resulted
in taking some of the enemys redoubts and
driving him from his camps. Hooker's division,
with Heintzelman's corps, supported by General
Reyes, were in the action, and General Mcclellan
He says it was not battle, but that the advan-
tage sought was fully attained, and with little loss,
though the enemy resisted stubbornly. Our men
behaved splendidly, says the Commanding General,
and have done all that could be desired. The
object designed was entirely accomplished, and
everything was quiet at five o'clock last evening.
1t would seem from this affair chat the serious
action before Richmond has in reality commenced,
and the public viii consequently be on the qli cce
for further intelligence of the highest interest from
the Army of the Potomac.
The intelligence from other quarters is not very
important. Norfolk has been placed under mar
tial law by General vies because the city officers
refused to take the oath. From Memphis we learn
that White river is open to General Curtis army,
and that number Of prisoners and an immense
quantity of bacon were captured by our cavalry
on the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad at Cold
Water.
General Cartoons brigade Of Union troops has
entered Arizona. The advance guard, under Colo
mel West, reached Tucson about the 18th ult., the
rebels having previously abandoned the place.
The Stars and Stripes were again hoisted over the
ruins Of Fort Breckenridge.
CONGRESS.
In the Senate yesterday, the House bill for the
appointment of an Indian Agent for Colorado Ter
ritory was passed. The Judiciary Committee re-
ported back the Bankrupt bill, with q recommen-
dalton that it be postponed till December next
On motion Of Mr.. Hale, the subject was laid over
Gill to-day. bill to increase the revenue by the
reservation and sale Of town sites on the public
lands was reported. Notice was given of a bill to
repeal the act creating an agricultural department.
The bill to prevent Congressman and government
officers taking compensation for procuring con.
tracts was reported back by the Judiciary Com
mittee. The discussion Of the Coniscation bill
was then resumed. and continued till the adjourn
ment
In the House OF Representatives resolutions of
the Missouri State Convention on the subject of
emancipation were presented, and ordered to be
printed. bill for the admission Of Western yir.
ginia into the Union was referred TO the Committee
on Territories. The bill providing for the adjust
ment of the claims Of loyal citizens for damages
caused by the Union troops was taken up, and dis
cussed at considerable length. The House then
took up the Tariff bill, and after the adoption Of
number of amendments, adjourned.