The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-07-03
The Situation.

At the close Of our last weeks report. the
pickets Of Lees invading army were within
twenty-five miles of Harrisburg according
to our latest report. Events have shown
that thcy could only have been scouts for no
very considerable force of rebels passed
through Hagerstown until last Thursday
week. At that time Hills corps, which APP
pears to be the centre OF Lees army, follow
ing Ewell's, the advance, which advanced to
the east Of Hagerstown to Gettysburg, com
,uenccd the advance north Of that place.
But whatever were the different positions at
that time, it is now certain that Lees forces
are scattered through Western Maryland,
and the rich section of country from Hagers-
town to Carlisle which latter place they hold.
They have also taken possession OF York,
southeast of Carlisle and below Harrisburg.
Therefore il would seem that without cross
ing the Susquehanna. Leo equally threatens
Baltimore and Harrisburg, while If tho re-
ports are true, he is pushing a corps on to
menace Philadelphia, too. At this time OF
writing, We are not disposed to believe that
any large part of Lees command has crossed
the Susquehanna, or advanced farther than
York. We hazard the opinion that these
largo reports, concerning the immense num-
Der OF men which threatens tho three places
above named, arc greatly maSnifcd. Lees
object appears to be to cover as much unde-
Tended territory as he can, while he gathers
immense supplies for his scanty latier, while
Longstrect's forces are guarding the way OF
his return whenever the position of our army
becomes too threatening.
In the meantime we have no reason to sup.
pose that our Army is inactive. Gen. Hooker
has been removed and Gen. Meade has SUI
perseded him. All reports agree in repre-
senting the new commander as an accom-
plished officer, and that the army has con-
fdence in him. Reports also confirm the
statement that the authorities at Washing
ton are confident Of their ability not only to
drive the invaders into tho Potomac, but
mako his retreat disaster.
In tho absence, then Of positive informa-
ton We are to consider the position Of affairs
in and around Washington favorable, and
wo are strengthened in that conviction by
that greatest of all prophets of success or
defcat-the price of gold, which amid all
the exciting reports OF the past week has
boon steadily quoted at l46 IL and therea-
bouts.
1t is reported that an advance on Rich
mond has been made by Dix aud Foster, the
latter re-enforcing Dix from North Carolina.
We are inclined to credit il, because it ought
to DO done and now seems to be the auspi.
cious moment for accomplishing it.
An advance has been made by Gen. Rose
crans with complete success. He started on
the oath inst, diminishing oil the way, the
rebels retrcating until he arrived at Beach
Grove near Haver's Gap when pitched
battle took place between several brigades ON
each side, resulting in the total route of the
the rebels with the loss of, one report says,
5000 prisoners.
Gen. Grant is progressing as our reports in
another column will show, and no fears Of
his failure Is entertained in any quarter
What little news we have from Gen. Banks
il favorable.
On the whole. wo are inclined to be hope
full and confident, and trust that we shall DO
enabled next week to announce important
successes, -. O.
LArxR.-Gold has declined to Ia.