The New York herald., 1863-07-10
THE SITUATION.


sharp fight took place on Wednesday morn.
inS Mt i've O'Clock, near Boonsboro, between the
unon cavalry, under Generals Buford and Xii.
patrick, and the rebel infantry and cavalry in large
force, under Generals Stuart, Hampton and Jones'
Artillery was used on both Sides Our troops
fought gallantly, but were forced to retire to
Beonsboro inch by inch, which they held to a
late hour, and then drove the enemy back three
miles 1t was reported that General Kilpat-
rick's force was surrounded and compelled to cut
its way out; also that General Fitzpatrick was
killed. Later dispatches last night however, con.
tradicted this rumor, although the General was
confined to bed yesterday from sickness. The fight
was not renewed yesterday morning. The rebels
were reported to have their pickets thrown out
nearly to Boonsboro, enclosing within their lines
the Antietam battle field and Shepherdstown cross
ing The main force, however, is considerably
west of this point and covers the three roads that
meet at williamsport.
1t was thought that the attack of Wednesday
was reconnaissance Of the enemy to feel our
position Oar loss was quite insignificant. The
loss Of General LIE, in the three days battles
must be nearly thirty thousand, oil told.
The skirmishing on Wednesday did not cease
until eight O'Clock in the evening. There was no
fighting yesterday; but last night General Buford
moved out with his division. and is pushing
the enemy towards Hagerstown, which the
enemy occupied, with his front extending
from Bakersville to Funkstown, and thence around
at a distance of from three to ive miles. None of
their forces in the Leighborhood of Sharpsburg
or Shepherdstown. The rope ferry at the latter
place has been destroyed, and the only means
of crossing in the possession Of the enemy are
at williamsport. II appears that the rebels
ter place, with which they built hatboats. They
sre ferried across by means of ropes stretched
across from shore to shore. 1t is reported that
che enemy has pontoon bridge near Williams
port but it is doubted whether it Is available at
the present stage Of the water.
General Lee is still sending over to the Virginia
shore his wounded and his supply trains, but no
troops have yet crossed. Ammunition is being
hurried over to the Maryland shore, and there is
every indication that he intends to give us battle
at Hagerstown.
Both armies are evidently preparing for a dscl-
sive conflict, which is now imminent at any mo-
ment. Our forces received fresh horses for the
artillery and large supply of shoes yesterday.
The men are said 20 be in fine spirits, md anxious
for battle.
Although the details OF the surrender Of vicks-
burg had not been received up to one o'clock yes
terday afternoon by the government, yet no doubt
was entertained OF the truth Of the statement Of
Admiral Porter.
Dispatches from Tullahoma represent the rebel
army of General Bragg retreating across the Ten
nessce river, completely demoralized and falling
to pieces. They burned the splendid bridge at
Bridgeport in their retreat towards Chattanooga.
The rebel General Morgan is still pursuing his
raid in Indiana. lie is around Corydon in large
force, and pushing towards New Albany and JEFF
fersonvine, where it is said large supplies are
stored. The greatest excitement prevails in the
State call has been issued for fifty thousanC
men by the authorities.
New York, made q successful raid from Newbern
N. c., within the past few days. as we learn by
despatch from General Foster. They destroye,
two miles Of the railroad at Warsaw, and for fv,
miles more all the culverts, as well as the tele
graph. At Keensnsvle an armory was destroyed
Large quantities Of small arms and quantities o
commissary and quartermasters stores were burnt
About one hundred and fifty animals and SOM
thirty prisoners were captured.
We give to-day the official papers relative Il
ahe mission Of Alexander n. Stephens and Mr.
ould from JED. Davis 70 Mr.. Lincoln, togeths
with very interesting account OF the affair from
our correspondent at Fortress Monroe. II is sa
that Mr.. stephens was the bearer Of proposition
for an armisticc, and that this time was selecte,
because Of the panic caused by the invasion o
Pennsylvania by Lee, and before any decisive
battle had beer fought 10 make said request.
The Richmond DispdcS says one story was the
Ms business was 70 sss about the exchange o
prisoners; another, that i was to inform Oh,
sderal government that IL private property is no
respected IN the Confederate States, and tn. rue.
Of civilized warfare strictly complied with on,
forces in the North will receive Instructions q
rc,aliate in kind.
The bark Sarah Bryant from Cbral,a,
VII ch arrived Acre yesterday reports being chapet
by agiyasssr 0p w W Of Jah. in latitude 40 81