Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-06-05
western Virginia-MOvemen of In



diana troops.
1t is evident that Virginia is to be the theater
of the war during the summer months, or until
her submission is accomplished Orders were
received here on Tuesday for the immediate
movement of three regiments of General MORRIS
Brigade, those commanded by Colonel DUMoST,
Colonel MILRoY, and Colonel BENTON, to Graf
ton, Virginia, where large force will be concen
trated, under command of Major General Nc
CLELLAS Whether this column is intended for
operations against Harper's Ferry, or to make a
flank movement upon the rebel forces at Manas-
sas Gap, crossing the Blue Ridge by way of
Mount jackson, is not vet known, but it is un-
doubtedly intended to aid, in some way, the
forward movements in Eastern Virginia. The
Union forces will meet with no opposition
in their march upon Grafton, which
point is probably in possession of
the Federal troops. There can be no question
but Western Virginia is largely for the Union and
troops will be cordially welcomed by its inhab
itants. Middle Virginia, or Virginia valley, the
richest agricultural portion of the State is proba-
bly, divided about equally upon the issue of seces
sion, while Eastern Virginia is nearly unanimous
against the Union.
We are happy to notice that Gen. MCCLELLAN
in his address to the Union men of Western Vir
gnia, pledges the Government to respect and pro
tect their property and constitutional rights. He
says:
The General Government can not close its ears
to the demand you have made for assistance.
have ordered troops to cross the river. They come
as your friends and brothers-as enemies only to
the armed rebels who are preyng upon you
Your homes, your families and your property are
safe under protection. All your rights shall
be relgiously respected.
Notwithstanding all that has been said by the
traitors to induce you to believe that advent
among you will be signalizei by interference with
your slaves, understand one thing clearly: not
only will we abstain from all such interference
but will, on the contrary, with an iron hanc
crush any attempt at instruction on their part.
In these respects he occupies precisely the same
position as that announced by Gen. BUTLER, and
undoubtedly with the sanction and probably the
Instructions of the General Government. II
these pledges arerelgiougly adhered to the Unior
sentiment in Virginia will be developed with the
advance of the Federal troops.
While the Administration is active in prepar.
ing for a successful invasion of Virginia and
military occupation of the State. the Confeder
ates display no less energy and determination ii
their preparations for resistance. The prepare
tons at Sewalls Point, which commands Hamp
ton roads, is hourly being strengthened, and SC
are the defenses and approaches to Richmond and
Norfolk. We hear that there are 80 900 Con
federate troops within stricking distance of Har
per's Ferry and Manassas Gap, which is regarded
upon all sides stragetic point ofthe highest i'm
portance, is rapidly being fortified to resist
pected attack from the Federal forces. Here il
where the Confederates expect the first battle vii
be fought, and bloody contest it will be if it oc
ours If carried, it cuts off Harper's Ferry from
Richmond, and completely hens in the Confed
crate forces concentrated there. The opposing
forces in Virginia must soon come in collision
and series of battles fought as sanguinary an.
ever recorded in history.