The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-02
AFFAIRS AT ALEXANDRIA.

ALEXANDRIA, June l, 1861.
The earnest hope entertained by many in the North
that secession would dwindle away before the United
States forces and loyalty Its head not treasured
by inter view with prominent ct!zens OF Alexandria,
who express their grievances in the strongest language
The officers In command exert themselves to their utmost
TO create better feeling, with partial success.
Tho experience gained from this occupation will doubt
less lead to great discrimination in the future selection
troops for this purpose.
Colonel Stone while in command here gained great
favor among the citizens for his efforts to subdue some
unruly spirits among the military whose conduct
very Injurious effect on successful dissemination OF
Union principles
There many unsatisfactory rumors aoat with refe.
renee to the movements Of General Lee.
The present unprotected situation of Aexan.
dria treasures many, as 1t is not believed that
the movements Of the Virginia forces win be
DO conducted unnecessarily to hazard the lives Of
Southern women and children or the property Of
Southern citizens Is unlikely that there viii be move
ments warning us Of any engagement that may occur
as operations by the commanders of both forces con-
Quoted solely on the quarter hair principle. This ucer
ainty breaks the rest of officers soldiers and civilians
There ives some rneasiness last night.
The Michjganders and Zouaves busily employed
throwing up breastworks, aud will soon have finished
very strong forticaons which in Of an advance
movement of the federal troops will serve as an import
ant protection in retreat An advance from this point
at present. does not seem feasible, the occupying OF
more interior points would only serve 10
weaken the position Of the federal forces.
The strengthening Of this point q protection TO
any movement that may be made via Harpers Ferry,
seems more the purpose of the government. The hume
rous sxrmshes that occur each magniaed into bat
tles and examination into their uthruness seems to
be the most generous reporter for the public
in their present state OF agitation. There but one one
telegraph instrument in this city which mostly occu-
pied with government business
General Mcdowell Visited Alexandria this afternoon
to examine the state Of the defences. A force Of
two hundred workmen was sent here from the Wash
inQton aqueduct to aid in throwing up earthworks
Suers HILL back Of the city. These works are now
In very forward state. They much more extensive
than is generally supposed and when completed will af
ford perfect protection TO the city, covering the APP
proaches from all objections An extensive grove on the
East is being chopped away by squad Of zouaves 10
give more perfect range in that direction which now
the only weak point. The fertilization will shelter from
two 10 three regiments and perfectly impregnable
The -four csptured ct Clouds Mills had all been re-
moved to Camp Wilcox before the attack hst night
About ESQ bushels of wheat and quantity of feed yet
remain. The mill is stu strongly guarded.
The Pocahontas s now stationed here in place OF the
Pawnee, sent to Aqua creek.
The Fourth Pennsylvania regiment arrived at Alcxan
dria to-day.
A heavy rain commenced falling this evening There
no anticipation Of any attack here the campaign for
the present being confined to guerilla warfare.