The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-01

l. 10
TEN THOUSAND REBEL TROOPS AT THE GAP-orHER
TROOPS ALONG THE LINE OF RkILwAY-rHE
REBELS WISHING TO COAX THE NORTHERN
TROOPS INTO AN AMBUsH-THE ROUTE TO WASH
NGToN WELL GUARDED, ETC.
The following statement lie made by gentleman who
has but recently arrived IN this city the Gulf sates
having LETT there about Nay 20:-
Having travelled through large tract Of country he
and bis party among whom were several ladies' arrived
at the Manassas Junction Saturday evening, Nay Is
They passed through Richmond, Gordonsvlle and Cui-
pepper Court House, at which places our informant
large bodies Of troops drDg and secession Gags flying,
was also the case at the principal cities through which
he passed hs road TO this point. Al. Manassas juno
ton the party had to stay all night during the next day
and night, and until Monday morning. Our informant,
the esore had good opportunity to lock around him.
Beug armed with English passport, every courtesy
was shown to him. and especially to the
ladies' Of his party, by the officers Of the
Southern troops. While in conversation with a
Major Of the Confederate army that about
four thousand troops were at that time located In the
vicinity Of the Gap, aud he himself very large
space Of ground, over mile In extent, covered with
tccts. On the train by which his party travelled
fteen hundred troops, and by Wednesday las. IL was
confidently expected that at least body Of ten Thousand
men would be gathered together at this point Thesame
train brought the truck six large brass cannon
and eight others taken st Wilmington said to be
on the grounds ourinformant saw the carriages, but
Wen eqapped i is mistaken idea that they are poorly
require for active operations.
During conversation with one Of the officers,
the latter. Be sa,dmawe are fully aware that
1t ia part Of the plan of the Northern troops to
get Of this Cap and we are fully prepared
here and we win coax them on until we get them withia
our nea and hen we will give them what they will not
should fail and that we do mean to do) the first time
those behind will rush down upon the invaders like
avalanche"
The country in the neighborhood Of the Gap is hly
and well wooded, suitable for any amount Of guerilla
warfare, especially when carried on by persons &C
ed are determined to fight desperately. There liz a
general disbelief not only here, but all over the South
Of money raised is not only exaggerated but perfectly
fabulous
on Monday morning the party left for Alexandra.
they could go no farther by rail, but must
take stage Their baggage was very rgidly
s @
rifle company Of about eighty men. Having arrived at
Fairfax Court House, they determined to stay there all
cavalry and small body Of infantry, doubtless home
guard On Tuesday morning, at seven o'clock, they re-
On
at the tollhouse-he first picket station Of troops
Here the senries stopped them, until Of the party
accompanied by federal soldier had visited the officer
in command and had obtained pass for the whole This
requisite document having been procured 1t had to be
shown at about every two hundred yards; but the
hitition acted "open sesame" and they passed
into the city They found the troops very orderly and
kind, and were most agreeabiy disappointed with the
conduct Of the Fire Zouaves about whom they had
variety Of rumors and statements greatly to their detr
ment. The city was very quiet and dull large number
of the houses being closed At past two
O'Clock p N. they left the city for Washington, and
had to keep their pass all the time In their hands to show
to the sentries along the route until they passed the
Long Bridge. When they arrived in Washington, all
further trouble ceased and they once more found them
selves In free country, where they could do they
pleased and 60 where they chose. The next day they
proceeded North, and arrived safely in this city