July 15.
General Patterson's division, in its advance upon Winchester, Va., had a very brilliant skirmish to-day with the rebels near Bunker Hill, about nine miles from Martinsburg. The Rhode Island battery and the Twenty-first and Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiments headed the advancing column, supported by the Second United Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas. When near Bunker Hill the rebel cavalry, 600 strong, under Colonel Stuart, charged the United States infantry, not perceiving the battery behind them. The infantry at once opened their lines, and the Rhode Island artillery poured in a discharge of grape and shell that sent the rebel cavalry reeling back. The United States cavalry then charged and pursued them for two miles, until they were entirely routed.--(Doc. 92.)
Brig.-Gen. Hurlbut issued a proclamation to the citizens of Northeastern Missouri, denouncing the false and designing men who are seeking to overthrow the Government. He warns them that the time for tolerating treason has passed, and that the man or body of men who venture to stand in defiance of the supreme authority of the Union, peril their lives in the attempt. He says the character of the resistance which has been made, is in strict conformity with the source from which it originated. Cowardly assassins watch for opportunities to murder, and become heroes among their associated band by slaughtering, by stealth, those whom openly they dare not meet. This system, hitherto unknown to civilized warfare, is the natural fruit which treason bears. The process of the criminal courts as administered in disaffected districts will not cure this system of assassination, but the stern [31] and imperative demand of a military necessity, and the duty of self-protection, will furnish a sharp and decisive remedy in the justice of a court-martial.--(Doc. 93.)
A peace Meeting was held at Nyack, Rockland Co., N. Y. Addresses were delivered, and resolutions were adopted, deprecating the present war.--(Doc. 96.)
