The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-07-07
THE SITUATION.


States.
THE SITUATION.
All the news from the vicinity Of Gettysburg,
accommodating as it does from every quarter, con-
firms the fact that the defeat Of General Lees army
on Friday was total rout. Perhaps the best evil
dence Of this is the number of prisoners which
now to nearly $4,000, or almost the fourth part
Of the rebel army. The troops of General Lee are
scattered in the mountains, whittier they were en-.
deavorng to escape towards Virginia. Since Fri
day there was no general engagement; but cavalry
skirmishes in the rear of the enemy are con-
tinually progressing. The rebels retreated by
latter place Generr' Lee probably now has his
headquarters Firing was heard in that direc-
ton yesterday. fight was also reported
at Fayetteville yesterday, and another at
Mercersburg, no doubt the operations of our
cavalry on the enemy's rear. 1t is remarkable
fact that the late seizure Of horses made by the
rebels from the farmers in Pennsylvania and Mary
land has turned out greatly to their Sdisadvan-
tage. The animals mot being trained TO the battle
field, have become so unmanageable as to render
their riders almost helpless when attacked by our
cavalry.
Dispatches from Harrisburg yesterday state that
General Couch has pushed forward all his effective
e. 60 NE 80 xho Do<o
mac. His advance is already in contact with the
enemy and aiding General Meade's army. Gene.
raj Lee, a. far as known, holds all the passes in
the South Mountain leading into the Cumberland
valley from Gettysburg. The troops under Gene
raj Pierce, formerly Milroy's command, captured
at Greencastle FIVE hundred prisoners, two wagons
The prisoners were stragglers making their way to
the Potomac, in company with wagon trains. Gen.
Pleasanton and General Stuart were diminishing
all day yesterday in the vicinity Of Bridgeport.
A heavy freshet came down the Potomac as far
Warrington yesterday. and it was stated that all
the fords from Falling Waters were rendered
mac are now six feet above the fording level It
appears that the pontoon bridge at Williamsport
was not destroyed as reported, the rebel General
Imboden having too strong force there to protect
il. so that Lees retreat into Virginia is not cut of,
as was supposed
General Meade has issued an address to his army,
congratulating them upon the recent victory. He
says, however, our task is not yet accomplished,
and the Commanding General looks to the army for
greater efforts to drive from our soil every vestige
Of the presence Of the INVADER
II ia stated on excellent authority that the rebel
General Ewel, the successor Of Stonewall jackson,
died yesterday from wounds received at the battle
Of Gettysburg on Friday.
News Of most important character reaches US
from sources beyond all question to the truth o.
the statement. The Vice President Of the re
bel government, Alexander H. Stephens, ant
Mr.. Commissioner Ould, came down tn,
James river on board the rebel gunboat Dragon
on Saturday. under flag Of truce, and requisite,
ington In order 10 present in person an importan
communication from Jefferson Davis to Abraham
Lincoln. Admiral Lee at once despatched :
Washington for instructions. A Cabinet meet
ing was accordingly held yesterday morning
aud II was decided that permission should no
be granted to these gentlemen to fulfil their mis-
sion whatever it was, to Washington. Admira
Lee was instructed to inform them that the ord
nary channels Of communication would suffice 70
the transmission Of any message they might hav
70 send to Mr.. Lincoln. Meantime the rebe
gunboat had steamed mp the James river Will
awaiting the reply from Washington.
The probability Of the return Of North Carolins
TO the Union is foreshadowed by the Portsmouth
vSrginian Of the I'd, which says:-'Reliable In
formation has been received here that the re,ur,
OF North Carolina 10 the Union Is an even, which
may be daily expected. disafeotion toward
the government Of JEFF. Davis, radical and wide
spread. exists in the State, and overtures hav
been made TO General Foster which wilrshortl
lehASo important results"
pf yhs arrival Of the steamer Cshawba