Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-05-23
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.

tney nave Doth sworn 10 uphold ana defend.
LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
The following letter was written by an in
telligeht manufacturer of the State of New
York, now sojourning at Washington, to a
gentleman OF this place. 1t will be found of
much interest at this time, though written
several days ago:
WAsHINGTON, May Ia, 1861.
GEN IL. Since left you on my passage
to Pittsburg,and thence here,I have witnessed
but one continued scene of enthusiasm, which
seems to have complete possession OF the
minds of all the people. Even foreigners
who are travelling within our borders have
caught the spirit, and action is demanded on
every hand. You have no doubt looked with
much interest upon every move, expecting
soon to be able to determine what are the
particul lars in the great programme and might
suppose would at least discover it, being
here at headquarters where indications would
necessarily be Swallowed forth; but not a word
or syllable is uttered, by which any person,
except those who are the immediate advisers
in the War Department, can form an idea of
what is to be the movements Gen. Scott is
engaged, and has been for some time, on the
general plan, and at the same time Is looking
sharp to the defense of this city, and watch
ing the movements Of the enemy. | have no
doubt that it IS determined upon to distract
the rebels by a grand strategic movement
which shall prevent their further action, and
give the Union element in their midst Oppor-
tunity to make its power felt. And, in the
meantime, hold Maryland, which is in reality
rebelous, but from the fact that the Union
element is allowed to speak, her mob are
powerleSs, not being able to WELD as strong
an arm as the Government. And the Gov
eminent must keep its strong arm upon them
or ii will have to cut them up. The posses
sion of this city seems to be the aim of the
rebel leaders. Gen. Beauregard has been on
Arlington Heights, and no doubt has all his
positions chosen, and has planned to she'll the
town moderately, and in the excitement move
a force in the rear; but MARYLAND is now
chained up, and cannot move, and the only
way they hope to accomplish their purpose is
to excite the mob to commit some act By
which the Government in retaliation will burn
Baltimore, which will cause the people of
Maryland TO rise, move at their command
and attack the city in the rear. And to this
end, the rebels are moving a strong force to
Harper's Ferry and terrifying Jefferson Rock.
700 Alabamans went up yesterday with two
pieces OF cannon, field pieces. They meant
to have had the steam gun there. but 1t Is safe
in the hands of the Massachusetts, 9Th, at the
Relay House. do not think it practically
of much value. think it is too complicated,
and a we'll directed shot at it would burst It's
boiler or disarrange its gear so that it would
be useless. think there will be a move from
her. to Harper's Ferry soon, but it is not
known for certainty. The BOYS here are
eager for a brush they are in good spirits
and are getting in excellent discipline. |
think Scott will let them 90 up and take the
rebels at Harpers; there Is about 5000 there
and we have a few rifled cannon which can
reach them beyond their gus, and drive them
away from that position, and then the mob In
Maryland will have no aids to back them,
and will be harmless. Then take Richmond
and all will be well, until fall then we
can move into the Gulf States and soon finish
up the Job. But it will not do to let this CITY
be without a strong force, so long as the enc
my is on the opposite side OF the river. with
no force between it and the enemy. | think
by making a demonstration against some
place, south OF Richmond, then while the enc
M are Golng their best to beat Us oil. sud-
der desdent upon that town would possess IT.
and then by putting up Notifications il might
be held this / think would hold the border
States, and in reality he half the work nee
essary to complete the job. But il is of little
use to speculate upon the plans. Ihave con-
hdence IN the Government: they are doing all
they can. and As fast as can be expected. and
will continue with energy to the end There
are about 10000 troops here from one to two
thousand arriving every day. They are or
derby and attend strictly to duty went
down to Fort Washington on Friday last. on
a Government steamer about 800 troops
there: have everything in gooI ordrr.and the
best of feeling prevails. This Fort is ten
miles below this city and commands the river.
have visited very many OF the camps about
the city. and as far a. l can Judge, the prep
aration is being as perfect as possible in re-
spect to discipline, both officers and men of
the respective regiments seem vieing with
each other, to see who can be best. Mas
sachusetts, Rhode Island and New York seem
a triangle, which is almost equal in its sides,
in point of discipline.
Yours truly, J. K. s.