The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-09-27
Tho War In tho West.

The constant raising and marching Ot
troops with our extensive naval preparations,
have caused US to look mainly To Washing
ton and the South as the SCAT Of war, and
thus to lose sight, in great measure, oftho
preparations going on at the West. Ever
since the frst outbreak, Missouri has been in
u constant ferment. and when by romo ef-
fcicnt stroke we have supposed that the back.
bone of the rebellion there was broken and
the predatory bands dispersed. the quiet has
been only for n short tirc. While we werc
attempting to re-establish government and
peace, McCulloch and Price have rc-doubled
their energies to Increase their ranks and
commence anew their scenes Of destruction
and plumber. This warfare Is the desperate
resort OF the rebels 10 retard and break up
the grand expedition which will soon move
down the Mississippi. And 1t has been -
far successful that the most energetic meas
ures. without regard 10 expenditures. must
he made before the State can be placed in
security.
Recent accounts from those qualified to
Judge, say that preparations are going for
ward on the most extensive scale that can bs
imagined. The camp at the Fair Grounds.
near ST. Louis, present scene OF activity
hardly To be described. Gen. Fremont has.
by his energetic coure. a,tonished every one.
Ills ideas Of wha, is needed seem TO bayc
extended 80 rs TO comprehend the whole
detail Of war on its most gigantic scale. A
visitor Mt the camp ground sees hundreds OF
men employed in putting up row oi quarters
for the army half mile long. while houses
of more pretcnsions for officers quarters rise
in day. II lumber is wanting. = tclegnphic
order to Chicago brings q half million fe-t to
the spot within Two days. AIcn are constants
ly pouring in from Illinois AMI Iowa. Ken
tucky IL sending some excellent regiments OF
cavalry, but they are deficient in arms aud
equipments.
50 enthusiastic are the people OF the Wat
that IL is thought hundred thousand men
can soon DO concentrated ut 81. Louis and
Carlo, If it l. possible 10 furnish them with
arms, equipments and clothing. Nothing
since the Crusades has raised up such % frrror
as the intended expedition down the Misis-
sippi. II Is the universal theme among tho
old and Young. and they wish 10 be ready To
start soon after the first fro-ts. The Western
people all regard the Mississippi as their own
river and the great highway To the oce,n.-
The planting Of batteries near Memphis TO
stop navigation made the blood hill IN tho
veins Of the Western bDatmcn. and tie feel
ing has extended to the whole population.
The collecting Of soldiers and their equip
ment does not entirely absorb the tune ~
Fremont and his efficient staff Their Is
work 10 b. done on the water, and crafts arc
being prepared such as science IN war or
peace has never before invented. There are
now constructing Mt st. Louis, and at Mound
City, seven miles above Cairo. seven steamers
ons hundred and seycnty.6ye feet long and
forty feet wide. built MS massive M timber
Gun DO placed, and apparently impenctablo
TO any cannon shot. Over this there Is TO 10
a casing of iron plates three inches thick, ex-
tending below water line. They arc b. 10
fitted with stern wheel and double engines
entirely out Of reach Of shot, and over all,
extending the entire length, is To be slop-
ing roof, which is 10 b. cased with iron. -
that the craft will resemble hugo turtle,
which no missile can penetrate. They will
have heavy armament, calculated TO she'll
any town at distance Of three miles, while
the men who work the guns are protectedby
4 casemate. In addition 10 Ties every
steamer can be pressed into service 10 follow
the gunboats with the main army. whilea
thousand fatboats can be easily flowed alta
safe distance IN the rear. with the PROVISIONS
and eauipago for this great army. hssaP-
posed that the army will consist OF at least
pne hundred and 6Hy thousand men. whilo
these great preparations are going on Missouri
nost H. taken care of: and when our nrmy
,nee take. the field, with the necessary bat.
cries and large corps Of cavalry. (thcrca
much needed and efficient arm, 1--WE have faith
o believe that We shall soon SEQ an end to
he Outrageous destruction Of railroad bridges.
nd 10 guerilla warfare. the cnormitics Of
rhich savages could not surpass.