Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-07-31
FROM WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, July 30.-Many rumors are
flying concerning the reported advance of the
rebels, but it is believed that none of them are
worthy of credence. party of rebels were
observed last night engaged in sounding the
Potomac at Coon's Ford, above Great Fails.
Beauregard has sent parties of troops into
Loudon county, Va, to purchase provisions
and wagons.
Gen. Mcclellan has issued an order forbid
ding departing soldiers taking arms with Them
A false alarm occurred this morning, four
miles back of Alexandria. The men were I'M
der arms for an hour, but nothing happened.
Two companies of federal troops went out
yesterday, on the Fairfax road, ten miles from
Alexandria, but saw no traces of the enemy.
A slave, who has just arrived from Springfield
station, reports no rebels at that point, but con-
siderable numbers posted at Brown station,
five miles above.
Gen. Anderson paid his respects to the sec
rotary of war to-day. Gen. Mcclellan is on
the Virginia side actively engaged In a reor-
ganization of the army.
The rumors current here several days, of the
intention of Beauregard to cross into Mary,
land near Edwards Ferry, are not generally
credited. The simple fact that the rebels have
not crossed over and made a descent on the
federal capital before this, in the apparently
indetensble condition of that wing of our line
is considered proof positive that they well I'M
derstand in doing SO, that they would place
themselves at the mercy of Gen. Scott, who
doubtless would not be displeased, should they
try such an experiment.
As to the rebels moving on Washington by
way of our entertainments across the river,
either at Arlington Heights or at Alexandria,
the idea is considered preposterous, as they
would in such case be more effectualy routed
from our defenses than were our own forces
before theirs No one believes Beauregard, or
Lee, or any rebel commander, would commit
so grand blunder.
The present position of our lines across the
river, indicate that forward rather than
retrograde movement is contemplated by the
commander of our army of the Potomac.
The bill which has passed both houses, pro-
hiblting the sale of intoxicating liquors to
soldiers is in accordance with reforms institute
ed by Maj. Gen. Mcclellan and is highly
commended. He has issued an order restrict
ing the absence OF both officers and men from
their camp, and has appointed Col. Porter
provost marshal of this CITY,
In accordance with request of the presi-
dent, several congressional delegates have fur
nished him list of suitable persons from their
state to be appointed to high military grade.
The president asks this to assist him in making
selections. 1t is not conclusive, as all the Of
fcers of volunteer regiments will be subject to
examination by the military board to be appoint.
ed by the war department as to their fitness,
and incompetent officers will be rejected
tits understood that government has assur-
ed Gen. Mcclellan of its readiness to accord to
him the very best material in men and NUM-
ton, and of its cordial co operation in every
wav to render his forces efficient.
T. w. Lander was appointed brigadier gen
eral, this morning, and will have command of
the Rhode Island, and part of the Massachu-
sets regiments. This excellent appointment
was made by the earnest recommendation OF
Gen. Mcclellan, Gov. Sprague, aud Senator
Carlisle. He had been previously offered the
command of the Rhode Island troops by Gov.
Sprague.
Ex-Gov. Stevens of Washington territory
has accepted the colonelcy of the Highland
ers.
Six government clerks resigned today, ow-
ing to the passage of an ordinance by the rebel
Virginia legislature, that any Viginian holding
office under the government after tomorrow
shall be forever banished from that stBte. 1t
also provides that any person undertaking to
represent Virginia in congress shall be deemed
guilty OF treason, and his property confiscated
to the use of the state Other designations
will probably take place to morrow.