New-York daily tribune., 1863-07-02


during the week of Ewel's advance. Confused
kilograms arriving from day to day have been
sifted and commented on but go far without
certain results. 1t is known that York was
occupied in force-the memorable poltroonery
or treachery of its Burgess, David Small early
ascertained that fact. WrghtsyllIe was also
taken. 1t seems certain, however, that Get
tvsbnrg was held by strong column OF the
enemy. Mt least for few days. But, except
ing cavalry, there is no account OF the pres
ence of any other Rebel infantry force than
tbosa above mentioned, anywhere beyond the
limits of the Cumberland Valley. For any
thing that now appears, thirty thousand men
NAV have been the authors of oil the alarm
that spread northward and eastward OF the
mountains during the days from the 2ith to the
30th of June, inclusive. What was Lee doing
with the rest of his troops
1t is difficult to believe that tho column
which captured York was pushed forward 80
far, and along line which was immlnently
threatened with an attack in flank, unless u
was very strongly supported, or unless Lee
was strongly impressed with the belief that
Gen. Hooker did not intend in any event to
move so far northward as TO uncover Baltimore
and Washington. But as soon as Gen. Lee
was informed Of the removal Of Gen. Hooker,
his plans seem to have been suddenly aud ex-
tensvely modified. The troops at York were
reunited at once with the main body, where
ever that was. Gen. Ewell at the same mo-
mcnt was recalled from Harrisburg, and as II
magically, the willy and cautious Rebel com
mander gathered his forces in defensive posi-
ton, summoned in his outlying detacbment',
resumed his communications, aud coDcen'
trated in the Cumberland Valley the whole
strength of his army. simultaneously with
tho news Of these movements, came the an-
nouncement Of Gen. Meade's advance, the re-
occupation of York, aud the swift pursuit oi
. the retiring Rebel columns by Pl-asantons =
Cavalry. Noting so far as possible the direc-
ton of the Rebel retrograde marches, We may
assume that Lee has steadily kept at least one
corps intact in the Valley during oil his man
euyers elsewhere. Ile means therefore, 10
/ fight bis great battle where bis retreat to the
Shenandoah cannot be cut of, aud bis e1pe-
ditions which have threatened different points
on the Susquehanna, have consisted wholly or
mainly of flying columns, and have devoted
their energies Ia pIundering the country OF
supplies rather than to serious strategic oPer-
atons.
The news received yesterday is neither deci'
siye nor especially significant. a cavalry fight
between P.easnbton aud the Rebels Is reported
at Hanover Junction-which probably means
Hanoycr-with a victory on our sidc. Al
engagement at either place is little singular
uule. Gen. Meade has advanced IN another
direction than that which be was expected t.
take. The same telegram which aunounce'
the cavalry contest places Lees army between
Gettysburg aud Chambersbure. aud mysteriou.
| " intms,es that u battle has probably becr
fought; stating also that heavy cnunonadiDa
has been heard at Harrisburg IN the direction
of Carlisle. where there can scarcely be any
J forces Of either side. Another day may bring
news that shall be more precise aud intel
ligible. We await il with confidence that
Gen. Meade will be found t. have moved with
as much Judgment as celebrity, aud TO be in a
position 10 force n decisive battle.