Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-05-22
Southern Tovemcnt..

SOuNhcEn
The we'll informed Washington correspondent
of the New York Journal of Commerce writes as
follows under date of the 18th inst, in reference
to the probable designs of JEFF. DAVIS and the
leaders of the Southern rebellion:
The Northern journals and perhaps the Lincoln
Administration consider that this city is safe
and secure from capture. 1t Is safe no doubt
from the raid of irresponsible bodies that was
looked for in February. 1t is ieagainst more
formidable and regular attack which might have
been made upon it any time before the 2oth OF
April. But it does not follow that it is also safe
from capture by well appointed army OF sixty
thousand men, such as is now gathering at Rich
mond, Norfolk, Harper's Ferry, Winchester and
various other points in Virginia.
Since this city was pronounced safe, the Con-
gresA of the Confederate States has declared war
against the United States, and is now engaged in
secret session in making vigorous preparations to
carry it on.
1t is the announced belief and demand of the
Southern army that they should be led to Wash
ington The Virginia authorities, it is true, do
not wish to pass the limits of that State, in the
war, if they can defend themselves without such
aggression. But Virginia must yield to the or
ders of the Congress of the G. s. A, or to those
of the Davis Administration, or to the views OF
President Davis himself, should he, upon his ar
rival in Richmond, be proclaimed Dictator for
the war, as is not only possible, but very probable
Those who have visited Montgomery lately,
and who also have the advantage of an acquain-
lance with the military character of JEFF. Davis,
express the opinion that he will not come to
Washington till he comes TO stay.
He will neither be too hasty nor too slow in the
movement. 1t is easy to see that he is yet undo
termined whether to attack Fort Pickens first, or
delay that till after campaign at the North
ward. He will not long remain inactive. There
are already thirty thousand troops within radius
of fifty miles around Richmond, and every day
swells the numbers of excellent troops from the
South who are coming to Harper's Ferry, Norfolk
and other camps in Virginia.
have seen a number of we'll Uniformed persons
from Virginia within few days past, who state
that the character of the troops they have seen,
both those from Virginia and other States further
South, is, no doubt, of high military order
They speak particularly of the cavalry, which
they saw is superior Almost every member OF a
troop is n landhoider, STAKEHOLDER and rides his
own favorte horse, and is armed at his own ex-
pense, with sabre, pistols, and carbine. 30 with
the rifles; they are said to be very efficient, be
cause composed of experts in the use of that
weapon.
Then again, the South has the advantage OF
ready means of railroad transportation, at little
or no expense. Again they have got number
of the best officers of the United States army
They have any necessary quantity of artillery
and small arms.
In fine, it is not safe to assume that General
Davis will not with such force strike a blow nj
Washington very soon-just soon as he can
Get ten thousand troops from Tennessee-who
are considered the most brilliant fighting men IN
the country Besides, he will certainly have
Kentucky with him just rs soon as Mr. Breckin-
ridge and Gov Magoffin shall be able to carry
the project of appropratng three millions to arm
the State. Union of Kentucky inform
me that by this plar, alone, Kentucky can be
taken out of the Union and into the Southern
Confeleracy As soon arms are put into the
hands of the militia and drilling commenced, and
military enthusiasm excited, the State will rush
out of the Union.
If blow be struck at Washington before au-
tumn, it will probably be about the lst of July
1t must be easily seen that Washington is not now
i'm position of defense against such a force as
Gen Davis cin bring against it by, or before, the
LIST of July No attempt has yet been made to
occupy and fortify the many naturally strong
strategetic positions around the city. Besides, i
the city is to be defended it is not by means of al
action within it. but beyond it, so that if defea
be suffered in the first battle, there may be some
thing left to fall back upon.