Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-10-04

on them. I. 81. ID.
Vrom the Philndelphla Americana
The REBELS Probably Going TO Rich
mond.
In all probability the solution of the
movement Just made by the rebels is in
their resolve to give up the north OF Vir-
pinia altogether, and To retire on Richmond
for the winter 1t is reported that the pick
cts ON the Potomac above are called in,
and that so far from any such strengthen
ing of the batteries below Washington as
would imply n determination TO hold the
river, or make crossing there, they are
really withdrawing from them also. The
forward movement they have made at the
great falls of the Potomac is probably
feint to cover the retreat, and 1t Is likely
that two or three dashes at our forces will
be made at points found to be weak enough
for their purpose, in order to retard the
movement they expect General Mcclellan
10 make after them when they do break
camp. But these feints ought not to mis-
lead the Union army an hour. Assured
that they are preparing to leave for Il e
warmer climate of Richmond, the most en-
erpe,ic movement should be made to put
their march in haste and disorder, convey
ing 10 the body of their forces the impress
sion that they arc retreating before superb
or strength, and are in danger of annihila-
ton.
There are many reasons for this retro
grade movement. The menace OF Wash
ington was a good demonstration in its
time and served the rebel cause well.-
They might possibly have done even more
than they did, perhaps might haze taken
Washington itself ut one time but that
great success would not, as they now seei
have settled the case and ended the war.
A great demonstration nf resistance in
front of Washington was the next best
movement. and this was well done, all
must admit. The time is up, however. for
this mart of the play. Two hundred
thousand men gathering IN their front,
without a single aggressive movement
while being gathered, but now ready to
move in series of Irresistible columns
admouish them that it is time to abandon
the attitude they can no longer maintain.
They must retreat to a lower, line of
defences, aud they can find no solid
holding ground short of Richmond
The great question, is, can they find it
there? If unmolested they would go
into comparatively comfortable winter
quarters in the buildings said to be in
nrenaration for them at Richmond but
| il is hardly probable that they will be suf-
fered to 90 quietly, or TO Sit down in secu-
curity when they get there. Richmond
will be q far better wintering city for -
hundred thousand Of our troops than for
the same number Of theirs, because 70 us
the sea would be open, and the railroads
leading TO tue North would be rebuilt aud
actively worked. The WOODEN clothing
that a6ounds in the Union army is.far bet-
/ g., nuh
| ton forced ON the seccssionists. The inge-
Nous lies their deserters have told us
\ about a force of two hundred thousand
men. well clad and well fed, mean only
that they have half that number, or less,
aud these i'll clad. and suffering from many
wants. They can supply few OSduoue Of
these wants at Manassas junction, but If
they can get TO Richmond in safety they
will moderate all of them, and will get
along in toierable comfort.
The whole policy of the real government
of the Uuion is scarcely consistent with
the ease of the rebels during the winter,
that season being our active time, and that
for which we have waited as we'll as pre-
pared. The army now encnmped at WASH
lington does not contemplate going into
winter quarters until after an active cam
paign. Just AS the rebels are anxious to
retire and lay up for q time, the Union ar
my desires 10 be led forward 10 the seat
and centre Of the rebellion. 1t will be so
led, without doubt. If the rebels make
that centre at Richmond, and stake all on
their.hold Of that place, the trial of strength
will necessarily be there Z; and If they go to
Montgomery, or some point further South,
they will certainly be followed.
Great events are evidently at hand, and
great opportunities opening for active and
energetic movements. Gen. MeOielIan's
army will be found ready to act as the
emergency may require, we are confident ;
and Il the rebuilding and working of a
railroad 70 Richmond is the next necessity
it will be done as promptly as the defenees
were erected at Washington. II these de-
fences are now rendered superfuous by
the retiring Of the enemy, they will stand
as a monument of this giant rebellion
which time will not readily obliteTate.-
Blu; this is anticipating things little, and
hght may still be thought necessary
| feature of the rebel programme In order TO
enable them to retire with the sort of lau-
rels deemed necessary atthe South, which
are exaggerated and false accounts Of the
yalOr displayed In every fght they en-
! gage IN.