The New York herald., 1863-07-09


The news from the armies of Generals Meade
and Lee to-day Is most important. despatch
from Frederick last night says that our forces oc.
cupied Hagerstown yesterday "after fight" but
decisive character is imminent to-day.
freshet, amounting to an absolute food, has
prevailed in the Potomac, Monocacy and Patapsco
rivers and all the smaller streams yesterday, ow-
Ing to the heavy rains. Property to consdera-
BILE extent in cattle and crops was destroyed
The prospects of retreat for Gen. Lees army are
consequently diminished. The position Of his forces
up to noon yesterday would seem to show that
his line of infantry was drawn across from Funks-
town, Nd, to Falling Waters In the rear Of this
'ine the enemy were endeavoring to get their am
munition and artillery across tie river on canal
boats and other contrvances; but the prospects Of
succeeding were very small, considering the state
u the river and the absence Of pontoons. which,
It is said, even IL the enemy had them-and that is
very doubtful-could not resist the current. II
was thought that General Lee would make stand
between Hagerstown and the river, and at q
late hour last night it was reported that
the old battle ground Of Antietam would
probably be the scene Of another terri
no portion Of Lees army has crossed the Potomac
up this time and that he is resolved not to give
up the campaign in Maryland without another
general engagement Our cavalry, meantime,
under Buford and Pleasanton keep making attacks
on his lanks and rear.
The fullest details Of the battle of Gettysburg
pondent on the field, and are well worthy of care
full perusal.
An order has been just issued by the President
for the calling out Of 900 troops at once under
the Conscription act.
The surrender Of vicksburg to the Union forces
of General Grant-if it needed any confirmation
is amply confirmed now. On the Sd inst, at eight
O'Clock IN the morning, Major General Bowen and
Colonel Montgomery entered General Grants lines
blndfolded under flag Of truce, with o PROPOSE
tion from General Pemberton to stop the efrusion
OF blood by appointing three commissioners on
each side to arrange terms. General Grant replied
that such an arrangement was unnecessary; tina,
an unconditional surrender OF the garrison wal
the only proposition he could accept, but q,
the same time that he and his officers were
ready to testify to the distinguished gallantry with
which the defence Of vicksburg had been con
Quoted. On that afternoon General Grant met
General Pemberton between the lines, and afte,
an hours consultation settled the surrender
General Pemberton urged that the soldiers might
be parolcd and furnished rations TO carry them tC
their lines. Our previous reports do not indicate
however, that General Grant assented to this pro
posal. The number Of prisoners, wounded &c., u
Is said win be eighteen thousand, Of which twev,
thousand are in fighting condition now The i'm
mediate cause Of surrender was said to be the ex
haustion Of supplies and ammunition and The
failure Of Johnston to como to their aid.
The victory Of Gen. preptiss over The rebels al
Helena, Arkansas, which We announced Yesterday
is fully confirmed by more recent information.
Tho number of prisoners taken Som the enemy
was twelve hundred, while their loss IN killed and
wounded amounts to nearly six hundred.
Tkc people Of Kentucky appear TO be conside.
taby excited still about the intention Of tie rebels
10 overrun the State. On the 9th inst. they were
seid to be within fifteen miles Of Lexington, an,
thu people were making preparations for gene
ysl fight.