The New York herald., 1863-12-04

THE STU ALTON.
The position of the Army of the Potomac was
unchanged yesterday. We publish in our columns
to-day very interesting and most elaborate
account OF the advance from the Rapidan the
attack at Mine run, and the falling back
OF our lines to Brandy Station. It is DE-
scr'bed by one Of our special correspond
eats in the field. The cause of General Meades
reverse movement to the north bank of the
RaPdan was simply that the enemy we're found
to be too strongly entrenched and protected by
abatts on the right and a succession of dams
which raised the water in the run to nearly five
feet. while the margin was wholly unfit for
heavy operations in consequence of its swampy
nature. The position Of the enemy on the left
was 30 strong that it was found impossible to dis.
lodge them. General Meade having made a careful
survey of all the enemy's works and having con-
suited with his officers decided that it was advisa.
BILE to fall back, being convinced that he was on
the wrsog road to compass the defeat of his ad.
and that of the enemy is estimated at 800.
The news from Chattanooga states that Bragg
has been reinforced by Joe Johnston, near Dalton.
Some rumors were afoat that the rebels had made
raid across the Chickamauga river at Red House
Ford; but they are not traoeable sofar to any re.
liable source. II was reported by desertcrs that
JNhp
wounds received in the late battle at Rnggold, on
che 27th ult
We have an account Of the attack Of General
I,ongstrcet on Saturday night, which continued
nearly all night by skirmishing and cannonading
On Sunday morning the rebels charged on Gene.
raj Ferrero's position at Fort Saunders, and
seven hundred men, including two hundred and
thirty-four prisoners. Our loss was only twenty.
five men. General Burnside offered and General
Longstreet accepted truce until seven o'clock
in the evening. to take care of the wounded
and dead. The fight was not renewed up to
morning. at which time our dispatches are
rebels were captured is not confirmed Des.
patches from General Foster at Cumberland Gap
yesterday say that he may be able to damage the
rear Of I.ongstreet's army on its retreat into vir.
ginia.
Reports from Fort Smith, Arkansas, represent
the rebel Generals Marmadukc, Price and Cabel
a. being in force the Little Missouri river, and
contemplating an attack either on the fort or on
Little Rock.
MIsCELLANE0Us NEWS.
The steamship Scotia, from Liverpool on the 2lst
ard Queenstown on the 22d of November, arrived
at this port about two o'clock this morning. A
digest Of her news, telegraphcd from St. Johns
Newfoundland, was published in the HERALD OF
last Tuesday morning.
A grand demonstration of the citizens of New
York. in favor Of prosecuting the war with re
newcd vigor and of suppressing the rebellion
took place last evening in the Cooper Institute
Mayor Opdyke presiding. Strong resolutions il
favor Of the object Of the meeting, calling upor
Congress 70 increase the pay of soldiers to twenty
dollars per month, and lauding General Grant,
recent victories at Chattanooga, were adopted
and speeches were made by Mayor Opdyke, Mr.
Gilbert Dean, Judge DAILY, Hon. Mr.. Kelly Of
Philadelphia; General Daniel Il. Sickles. Jane,
Brady, Parke Goodwin and others. The grea
bpcech OF the evening was that of General Sickles
whose appearance on the platform was greetcc
with tumultous applause, and whose remarks wer,
listened TO with the deepest attention. He ap
pealed TO the people TO treat with kindness
gratitude, honor, respect and consideration th
private soldiers who were h, ably discharged
and then there would be no dinic uty in repenisl
ing their armies. Letters from President I.ncol
and General Dix were read. On the whole, tn
denomination was significant one.
The regular monthly meeting of the Chamber
Commerce WAS held yesterday, A. A. Low, Esq,
The chair. The only business transacted was n
election Of the following mcmbers:--Judge Wiiai
Marvin. Geo. A. Jarvis, Charles Anderson, ii.
ingalls, and William Scott. The Chairman cac
attention to the opening OF the canal communic'
ton between the Mississippi and the seaboard, au
said that, from interviews which the committe
appointed by the Chamber had had with the head
OF departments at Washington, 1t was evidcr
that no money would be appropriated at preser
for any other object than tina, Of carrying on II
var, after which the Chamber adjourned.
The Board Of Aldermen met yesterday, but a.
1surncd TO Monday next, without transacting al
0osiness.