August 1.
Jefferson Davis issued an address to the people of the States in rebellion, calling upon them to hasten to the camps of the rebel armies, all persons who had absented themselves without leave, and granting an amnesty to all who should return to duty before the expiration of twenty days. (Doe. 113.)--the English steamer Peterhoff was condemned at New York, by the United States Prize Court, for carrying contraband of war at the time of capture.--A party of rebels made an attack upon a one of the new Union batteries, in course of erection on Morris Island, S. C., and were repulsed with considerable loss.
The funeral of Brigadier-General George C. Strong, who fell in the attack on Fort Wagner, July eighteenth, took place at New York City.--the monitor Canonicus was successfully launched from the works of Harrison Loring, at East-Boston, Mass.--the Fourth and Seventh United States army corps were discontinued by order of the Secretary of War.
This morning General Buford's cavalry division crossed the Rappahannock River, at the Rappahannock Station, and shortly afterward encountered a brigade of Stuart's rebel cavalry, which they attacked, The rebels were soon reenforced by the balance of General Stuart's command, who fought with obstinacy, but they were driven back to within one mile of Culpeper. Here a division of infantry made its appearance, and the Union troops, finding they were in danger of being outflanked, slowly fell back, followed by the enemy's artillery, cavalry, and infantry. General Buford soon secured an eligible position, and for some hours held the whole rebel force at bay. The fighting was obstinate, and the loss on both sides severe. The Union troops, although greatly outnumbered, heroically held their position, and repulsed every assault of the enemy. General Buford was shortly afterward reenforced by the First corps of our army, and the combined force soon compelled the rebels to cease their attack. The loss of the Nationals was one hundred and forty, sixteen of whom were killed.
The Richmond Sentinel published the following this day: “A lecture at the Bethel meeting-house, Union Hill, to-morrow forenoon, is announced. The subject is, ‘The Northern States of America the most likely location of the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, in which the Beast and the False Prophet will be tormented.’ The lecturer will have the prejudices of his audience on his side.”
