The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-06-22

That he intends to remain on this side of the
Potomac. if he can, is evident enough. He has
built substantial bridge over the canal and
the Potomac river at Williamsport and also a
pontoon bridge across the river at Shepherds
town. opposite Sharpsburg. And this explains
statement in our Baltimore correspondence
that Lee had pontoons in his train when setting
out on his march. Our correspondent, at the time
Of writing supposed the pontoons were collect
ed TO cross the Lower Potomac by corps which
Lee had left behind him at fredericksburg and
which subsequently moved towards Dumlres
and Occoquan. But it is more likely that Lee
desires to have pontoon bridge to connect his
new base of operations at Sharpsburg with
Gordonsville and Richmond, whence he must
derive at least his supplies of ammunition
Suppose, too, that heavy rain should so swell
the Potomac that his forces on the south side
might be severed from those on the north, or
in the event of losing battle on the northern
side and desiring to retreat, he would be placed
in serious predicament If left without q
bridge. What Hooker's army is now doing 1t
Is contraband to tell Suffice 1t to say that at
any moment we may hear of terrible collision,
which will probably prove decisive battle
for or against the federal arms. If Lee should
be badly defeated in general action in Mary
land or Pennsylvania he would hardly be able
to effect retreat, and if not, that would be
fatal blow from which the rebellion could
not recover. But, on the other hand, If Hooker
should now give battle and be utterly routed,
the fate Of Washington would be sealed; and
what, after that, would be the probable destiny
of the republic is prospect which we do not
wish to contemplate,
Importane from Msxioo-Facts Concern
lar ing the Fall Of Puebla.
We publish in another column information
obtained from reliable source as to the cap
ture by the French of the city Of Puebla We
were not inclined, when the news Of this vlcto-
ry first reached here, to credit the astounding
details. We could not understand why General
Ortega, with SO large force should have sur
rendered ct discretion, instead Of cutting his
way through the attacking forces, or at any
rate making the attempt. 1t had been con-
ceded by the French that the Mexicans were
defending Puebla with the greatest courage
and determination, when suddenly we heard
that in largo numbers they had most unaccount
ably surrendered
1t now appears, upon the testimony of
Judge Lane, our Consul at Vera Cruz, who
has just returned here, that the capture of
Puebla was but barren victory. The French
got the city; but it's defenders were gone. Co.
monfort did not relieve the starving garrison of
Puebla. Hence they were forced to abandon the
city; but the French did not capture the seven
teen thousand troops and nine hundred officers,
as they reported. These all escaped, after de-
stroying all the munitions and small arms they
could not take with them, and spiking all the
cannon. The French, when they first reported
the capture of Puebla, made great flourish Of
their intention of sending to Martinique the SOL
diers captured, while the officers were to be
forwarded to France. A month elapsed with
out their arrival at Vera Cruz, and then
the French accounted for this by asserting that
General Ortsga, his officers and the troops had
violated their parole and escaped. 1t is evil
dent that there Is no foundation for such an &C
cusation. Had the French really captured the
Mexican army they would have held them and
endeavored TO make terms with the Mexican
government The whole affair was evidently
grossly misrepresented for the purpose Of affect
Ing the public mind in France. The truth,
however, will soon overthrow the subterfuge,
and the French people will learn that the cap
ture of Puebla was but the advance Of one step
on most difficult and dangerous road.
To capture the city of Mexico and keep their
communication open with Vera Cruz the French
will require large force-not less than one
hundred thousand. Napoleon will find il hard
matter to continue this Mexican expedition,
now that so many of the opposition have been
elected to the French Chambers. The people
have always been averse to this expedition,
which they had the good sense to esteem in its
proper light-that is, a. grand filibustering at
tempt to rob the Mexicans Of money and land il
possible. Its non-success has rendered it all the
more unpalatable to the French people, and the
Emperor will find it hard matter now to carry
on this war.
1t will be seen by our European advices TO-
day that unfavorable reports from Mexico had
produced a marked sensation in France. Ma
poleon was sending out large reinforcements o.
men and heavy supplies of war material tc
Forey. Five Mexican Consuls, living in France
had been arrested and brought to trial fol
spreading falre news about the war. One o
them offered to 60 to the Tuilleries and prove
to the Emperor that he had been deceived
respecting Mexico, and was losing both men ant
money in that country. The prosecution wen
on Notwithstanding, and the court acquitted al
the prisoners ="
STRAWBERRY PLANTS AND THE WEEKLY He
RALD.-The Tribune, having nothing else to re
commend it, has again fallen back on its straw
berry plants, and pulled them extensively OF
Saturday last. The fact is that the Week.,
HERALD, the cheapest and best newspaper o
its clu~e In the world is pushing the poor weak