Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-08-02

lDhNOEh ~ IN VAL - ~ We
Notwithstanding the repeated assurances
that Washington is safe. we certainly have
cause in our own mind to fear that in IT, pres
ent state Of defense there is great approhen-
sion that it is not sufficiently protected to pre-
vent its falling into the hands Of the rebels
should an immediate attack be decided upon
by them. The Washington correspondent Of
the New York Times says:
According to my authority, General Lee. who has
now you know, set hia corps daraoe In notion I'M
der the pretex d attacking army IN Western Nir-
gna, really intends direct his upon the upper
Potomac, which he will cross at distance " about forty
miles from Washington. Once there he will be joined
MARYLAND, aud will then attack Washington, on its un
fortified and deenceess side. Al the same time, Beau
regard will make a movement against Mcclellan, whom
he will keep busy within his own lines, thus preventing
his taking part in the defence Of the city Johnston will
be eft 10 watch and councfact Patersnns movements
a strong column will be against Butler from ltich.
mond. and Pr, or the chevaer Of the bOwieknife and
Hcnningsen, the companion Of Walker the hllbusier'
will dslodge Rosencranz from the position he occupies IN
Western Virginia. Such, according 20 the Information
have received is the plan the rebels have adopted
The above seems to us not at all improba-
bic, and our fears are strengthened from the
fact that every oxertion is being made to
strengthen the Notifications on the Virginia
side Of the Potomac Additional fortiica-
tons are being thrown up and every prepare
ton is being made for defense, where but a
short time since the movements indicated
nothing but offensive operations. Add to this
the significant fact Of the withdrawal Of troops
needed to rcpel a threatened attack, and their
removal TO Washington, and it seems TO us
hat the cause for alarm for the safety Of the
Capital, is by no means i'll founded. Ac-
cording to our telegraphic dispatches, the
rebels are already in strong force before
Hampton, one of the outposts of Fort Mon
roe, and the probability is that it will be sur
rendered or burned; yet the present emer
genoy at Washington demands that that pos
should be weakened by the Withdrawal Of q
part Of its force to give greater security tC
the Capital
We would not needlessly give credence tC
an alarm at this time when alarms and panici
have proved so disastrous to our army. bu
certainly the movements of the rebel leaders
the more significant movements of the Fede
eral troops indicate a fear on the part OF Gov
eminent that such an attack will be made
and no more opportune time than the presen
has presented itself since the outbreak Of the
rebellion. Large numbers Of our thre,
months volunteers, whose time has expired
have already gone home, and their place j.
supplied by those of less drill and less ex.
porience, and Of course less prepared for sue
cessful offensive or defensive operations. Thi,
fact is undoubtedly well known to the rebels
who will now hasten an attack on the capita
if such has been any part of their programme
We certainly think that affairs look squallJ
about Washington, to say nothing of the
doubtful position of Fort Monroe, and VIC
await with anxions suspense the develop
ments Of the present week
IV~ Our dispatches yesterday served il
part to dspel the fears which we entertained
when commenting on the safety Of Washing.
ton yet the stationing Of vessels both above
and below Washington, and the sending o
troops up the Maryland side of the river. arc
Of themselves significant that government
thought it best to guard against contingenoie.
and against the possibility Of an attack We
still believe that such a move was contempla-
ted but government may have acted with
such promptness as to prevent the consum-
nation of the plans. We certainly hope that
such will prove to be the case.