Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-08
The Situation of Affairs.

The course of the Administration at the present
time appears to be of vigorous and energetic
character. Troops are being rapidly concentrated
in the vicinity of Washington in such force as
may change the original designs of the Southern
leaders upon the Federal Capital There can be no
no doubt, fromthe fact that all the Southern troops
actually in motion are observed in every quarter
to be advancing towards the North and from the
fact that large bodies of men are quartered in
Richmond, Harper's Ferry and other points on
the Southern border, that the intention of the Sc
cessionists was to make attempt upon Wash
ington, and, as preliminary measures, to seize the
navy yard at Norfolk, the arsenal at Harper's
Ferry, Fortress Monroe, which commands the en-
trance to the Chesapeake and Portsmouth. which
faces the Norfolk (Gosport) navy yard. If they
had accompl shed all these maneuyres and sue
ceeded in making Baltimore the basis of operations
against the Federal Capital, Washington would
have been completely surrounded by hostile troops
and cut off from all communication with the
North.
But the rebels we're foled in this attempt. They
were too slow for the prompt action of General
Scott and the capital is with its garri-
son of Is 900 and the hordes of troops which are
organized all over the North ready to pour into
it at the word of command There are probably
not less than quarter of a million of men in the
different Northern States enrolled at present, of
whom about 6S 900 are qualified for active SER
vice in the field. 1t is not estimating
the number to say that 200 troops, from all
points of the North, are at this moment ready
to march tor Washington, independent of the
men already there, and those guarding the rail
road from Annapolis. That the Government is
resolved to carry on the war vigorously, and to
the bitter end, is evident from the fact that it has
Just decided to receive out of the $4,000 yolun
teers called for 10000 men to serve Tor three
years, %, 900 for five years. and l3 900 out oi
the regular army to serve for five years, besides
enrolling $4,000 sailors for the navy. An add
tional call has been made upon Pennsy ylvania fol
twenty regiments of infantry and one of cavalry
all OF which have already been rendered to tht
Governor for the service of the United States
Government.
Intelligence received from Harrisburg last nigh
intmates that prompt movement is about to b,
made from Pennsylvania at once which may re
suit in the occupation of Baltimore by Felera
troops within forty eight hours. 1t is certain tina
troops are being hurriedly concentrated at CAM
Scott and Chambersburg; to the latter point te'
brass field pieces and large quantity of ammu
milton were forwarded within few days.
The Government has decided to establish al
arsenal at once at Rock Island City, Illinois, il
place of the Harper's Ferry Arsenal just destroyed
Rock Island City stands the banks of tin
Mississippi lo2 miles south west of Chicago.
is situated at the foot of the Upper Rapids, whic
extend nearly fifteen miles, and i'm low stages o
water obstruct the passage of vessels drawing
heavy draft. In the channel is an island fron
which the city derives its name, three miles i
length, presenting perpendicular front OF lime
stone from twenty to thirty ieel high; the channt
to the east of the island has been damned, so a
to produce an immense water power above, nm
leaving fine navigable channel on the west side
1t is very probable that the arsenal will be locate
on this island. and its geographical position seem
very favorable for the purpose.
Our dispatches from Harrisburg represent tha
city to be full of loyal Marylanders and Virgni
ans who have fled from the reign of terror
those States, many of whom are joining the volur
teers in defence of the Union 1t is said that th
/ Baltimoreans are determined to resist the pass
age of the Pennsylvania troops through Marylan
notwithstanding the reaction said to exist ther'
but the other hand it is stated that the Penn
] sylvanians are ready for any emergency, and tn;
if they are attacked, the city of Baltimore
doomed
! 1t is manifest from all the intelligence whic
reached us up TO late hour last night, that wa
like preparations are being pressed on by the go'
ernment in vigorous fashion, which will astol
ish and may dismay the leaders of the Southel
insurectonists before many days are passed.
Y. Herald, April 80.