The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-10-16
ton Creek cut off all approaches to Ale,.odria

ton Creek cut off all approaches to Alexandria
To the south Of Fort Richardson is a deep
hollow, in which is encamped Gen. Blenker's di.
vision, numbering 20, 900 men to the right Of
this encampment on high bill is another forti
fca,ion called fort Blenker. From the ramparts
OF Fort Richardson one can see nearly all the
forts along the Potomac, also Munson's, Upton's
and Masen's Hill. Arlington Mills are two miles
directly west of Fort Albany; the road leading
to these mills, although turnpiked is rough and
stony; passing over hills and through gorges,
lined with thick clumps of dsarf pines, persim-
mons and dwarf chesnuts or chinkapins. The
scenery at the Mills is gorgeous; the hills around
are rough and rocky, covered with evergreens
the rayines are dark and tortuous, and almost
mpenetrable; over its rocky bed down the steep
hillside tumbles the slvery stream that dashes
upon the time-worn water-wheel Passing along
from Arlington Mills, through the thick woods,
over all kinds of distractions, we arrive at Bal.
ley's Cross Roads two miles distant from the
mills and four from Fort Albany. Five roads in.
tersect at this point; three or four buildings are
seen, but they are dapidated and ball.riddled.
Tie Garibaldi Guard and the German Ninth, of
New York, occupy the place at present. One
week ago the rebel pickets roved through the
woods within forty rods of Bailey's Cross Roads.
All along the road can be seen the picket stations;
rude huts constructed of rails and brush, rifle
pts, from behind which the pickets stole shots
at each other. Three fourths of mile to the
right OF Bailey's is Munson's Hill two large
cornfelds intervene our pickets occupied one,
the rebels the other. Munson's Hill is seven
miles directly west of Washington; it is consid.
erably higher than any hill Immediately on the
Potomac. From its summit the eye can range
over the whole country Tor a distance of ten
miles Had the rebels strongly entrenched them.
selves on this hin and on the adjacent hills, it
would have been quite difficult for our troops to
dislodse them. Guns well mounted on this hill
would have cut of all approaches either east
south or west. The rebel Notifications are of the
meanest character, a mere rim of earth thrown
up around the crest of the hill Of course they
were intended a feint and also as a protection
TO their accommodating forces our troops have
fismonnted the old quaker gun and spiked it
have also scattered the stove pipe battery in ev
cry direction. At the present time the 37th New
York hold the hill the Michigan 9th is encamp-
ed in pine swamp at the foot of the hill On e
halt mile to t'e right of Munson's Hill is Upton
Hill; west OF that is Murray's Hill, and one mile to
the southwest is MasOn's Hill; the last mention
ed are all higher than Munson's Hill. Our troops
are erecting forts on all these nights, hence it
may be set down as a fixed fact that the rebel
troops will not have another view of Washing
ton unless brought in as prisoners. Within two
weeks Washington can be as well defended by
10000 men as by 200, 900 !; neither on Arlington
flights nor within ten miles of there can gener.
| al engagement take place there is no place
where more than 4, 900 men can be brought into
action at once. There is no use of finding fault
with the policy of Gen. Scott or Gen. Mcclellan.
Within four months Washington has been encir-
cled with powerful Notifications; 200, 900 troops
have been concentrated here, disciplined and put
on complete war footing, so that now where
10000 troops can defend the city, Gen. McClel
| and finds himself at the head of lSG 900 enthu.
siastc brave troops, 60 batteries and s, 900 cava
~, nearly ready to push the " war into Africa.
As to the future movements of troops you
will be duly advised; undoubtedly within si1
weeks the question as to the independence o.
the southern rebels will be settled, and much te
their shame and dissatisfaction
The Michigan sth is encamped on Meridian
Hill. Capt Elder. Lieutenants Cottrel and Chap
man, and the whole company are all well and il
excellent spirits. All quiet in and around Wash
ington. But more anon.
Very truly, yours, F. G. r.