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Telegraphic.
HARRISBURG, June 16 — Midnight. — Dispatches received to this hour from Shippensburg, 11 miles this side of Chambersburg, show that the rebels are still at the letter place in force not exceeding 2,000, cavalry and infantry. Gen. Jenkins, who commands the rebel forces, ordered all the stores to open, which was complied with. The merchants were forced to take confederate money in payment for goods. To-day the rebels were drawn up in line of battle, anticipating an attack.
The rebel cavalry to-day occupied Littlestown, 11 miles from Gettysburg, but at last accounts have not advanced beyond that point.
Rebel officers at Chambersburg stated that they were only waiting for infantry to move forward. The authorities are inclined to believe, however, that they will not move farther north.
Farmers in the valley are sending their horses and cattle into the mountains. The rebels are gathering up all the negroes that can be found. Private property has been respected. They burned the railroad bridge across Yorkland creek, six miles this side of Chambersburg.
The authorities have information, which is not confirmed, that the rebels are at New Market, Va., with a force of 30,000 to 35,000.
The hotels are filled with delegates to the democratic convention. Messrs. Clymer and Witle are the two most prominent candidates for governor. Telegraphic communication with the ferry is still open. As far as is ascertained, all is quiet along the line. Harper's Ferry is invested by the rebels in the Virginia side. We have a large force on Maryland Heights, which is strongly fortified. The garrison has an extensive supply of stores and ammunition, and can stand a long siege. A Hagerstown report says the rebels are picketing all the roads, and not permitting any one to pass. The force that passed through was all cavalry, under Jenkins and Imboden, and did not exceed 2,500. All was quiet at Frederick, though the people were greatly excited and hundreds were leaving. The Baltimore council set to-day, and appropriated $400,000 for bounties. Enlistments are going on rapidly.
NEW YORK, June 17. — A dispatch to the Herald, dated Headquarters Army of the Potomac, June 15, says. The whole country south of the Occoquan is left to the enemy. It is reported that rebel cavalry are at Chambersburg, and that the enemy has appeared at Brooks' Station, five miles from Acquia. The rebels will undoubtedly follow us closely, though an engagement with the pursuing forces is not anticipated. It would probably be impossible to state where our next line of defense will be established, although the enemy doubtless will know before the publication of this letter, but Hooker is hastening with his entire army to the defense of Washington, and will occupy a position best adapted to defeat the plans of Lee.
To-day all is quiet. Whether Lee will attack us or attempt another experiment in Maryland, remains to be determined. In a few hours we shall be ready for him, and the ate of the rebel army of Western Virginia may be decided in a few days. Lee undoubtedly has an immense force between Warrenton and Culpepper, and those left at Fredericksburg, numbering nearly 20,000, will probably be added to that army so soon as possible.
The public may be prepared for another grand struggle near Washington, or a gigantic fizzle.
The Herald's Washington dispatch says, the march from Falmouth to the present position of the army was a severe one; many of the soldiers fainted, from the effects of the heat, and mules and horses gave out. In the 3d corps alone 20 men died by the way from sun stroke. A cavalry force was left behind to take care of and bring off those who were exhausted. The creeks and rivulets, and even the springs on the road were nearly dry, and afforded no relief.
Quite a large number of army officers left town to-day for the north, to aid in organizing and putting into the field the militia that has been called out by the president.
Rumors are current that Col. Forney has counseled the restoration of Gen. McClellan to command the army.
Persons report hearing cannonading in the direction of Centreville, at early dawn to-day.
It is stated that if Gen. McClellan should be authorized to issue a call for volunteers to repel the invasion of the border free states, all the soldiers recently mustered out of the service, to a man, would undoubtedly respond, and a large army of veterans would thus suddenly be improvised. A committee from Harrisburg waited on the president to-night to urge the adoption of this course.
PHILADELPHIA, June 17. — The Inquirer's special, dated Harrisburg, June 16, midnight, says: Our reporters, just returned from the front report that the rebels are picketed 47 miles from Harrisburg, at Scotland bridge, which was probably burned.
This morning the rebels encamped at three points around Chambersburg, 3,500 strong, under Jenkins. The rebels say a brigade, under Gen. Rhodes, is coming, and they have seized 200 horses to mount infantry. They have 15 pieces of artillery. The rebels injured no private property. They seized the flour mills near Chambersburg and placed a guard over them.
At Greencastle all was arranged to set fire to the government property but up to noon it had not been burned.
Citizens were at first allowed to leave Chambersburg, but afterwards were refused.
The design of the rebels appears to be to obtain horses and forage.
Additional artillery is on the way here for our fortifications.
The rebel force in Chambersburg sent a messenger to their force at Greencastle asking for reinforcements, as the Union forces had fortified, and were supposed to be in great force.