The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-12-13
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Condensed by the salem Gazette

There is no change to report in tho posi-
ton of the army Of the Potomac. Several
Reconnaissance were made last week IN Dill
fcrent directions, but no enemy was discov'
ed. In fact, it is believed that the rebel for
ces are agsin falling back opposite our right
wing-probably with view to strengthen
their forces still more on the lower Potomac,
where they now most apprchend an attack
Scouts report that Flint Hill and also Fair
fax Court House are entirely deserted by the
rebel pickets. ''
The Washington correspondent OF the
New York Times presents tho following
views: .f ..I.l. t.'.H
A great battle will not take place in front
of our lines-nor is it important that there
should That the whole army will not 60
into Winter quarters here, is doubtless true,
while, contradictory as 1t may seem, 1t is
equally true that there will be no general ad-
vance on the enemy 8 lines unless he ceases
to hold them in force. Neither is the cam
paign to be transferred to South Carolina
What then is to be done with the army
The policy is 10 hold IL IN hand here aud sup
PLY expeditions that are 10 be fitted out against
Me Srmhern coast. A demonstration may
be made on the enemy's batteries down the
Potomac, which may uncover his right wing
and change somewhat this programme but
the former policy will be the ruling one. "A
AL IN 900
propriety Of this. The public expect and
want large and Successive expeditions to DO
sent along the coast; but where are the men
to come from who shall compose them =
Nothing could be more unwise than to send
only raw recruits. They will need the best
drilled soldiers we have, and where are they
to DO obtained, unless from our camps here !?
But how can they DO furnished from WASH
ington, IL there Is to be an advance? We
have now too lew, instead of too many SOL
diers on hand for such movement. 1t is,
therefore, inevitable that the naval expedi.
tions, or an advance movement here, must be
given up. Which would wise policy Sc
le,t. and which wouldeve the people prefer?
The troops that haze been longest IN camp must
accompany the fleet and the new recruits be
brought in to supply their places. and drilled
till ready for use. We need, and must have,
in war like this, some great camp OF in.
struction; and where should 1t DO but here :?
This is common centre, as near rs can be
obtained. Here they will be kept ready for
defence, should the Capital DO assailed, or to
be sent to Annapolis or Fortress Monroe, for
coast service, as soon as prepared. Such er.
ped,iions as tpe contemplate cannot be supplied
ip,th troops this Winter ercept from the Army
of the Potomac, and such supplies cannot be
furnished if We should meet with u defeat in
front, or, even if victorious, il VIC design to
follow up success and "march on to Rich.
mond."
"One thing is certain we want our best
troops to attack the enemy's lines, II they
are TO be attacked at all. Or we want our
best troops to operate on the coast, II any
are to DO sent. We can hold Washington
and spare troops for other purposes, but we
cannot assume the offensive here and do 1t.
EASTERN VIRGINIA.
A portion of the troops sent to the East
ern shore of Virginia have returned to Bal
timore. Secession is reported to DO dead in
that section of the Old Dominion.
FORTRESS MONROE.
w.,.,.,, .o,,o, v,,h
'o"' "00' ,e,'
his officers, and they unanimously came to
the conclusion that demonstration ought
to be made upon Richmond from that point.
Gen. Wool is, therefore, anxious that the
Government should give him the requisite
number or men and means. The subject is
hoso,o ,ho Covcr,mcnt
TIE orrhN ro'oAA''
The headquarters Of Gen. Banks division
have been removed to Frederick City, Md,
and the division Post. Office has been cstab-
I;.hod there The telegraph report from
p,l,u;,,. c,,,,,,s.
-, AZ. ,;,, ,ho ,roons
oh 'ne,i'l"i na .o -, cha iIn;on;sts bere
w. NJ e. s md s,rine. were thrown out, and
even some ayowed secessionists joined hearth
" in the greetings. Some OF the latter have
extended the hospitality OF their residences
to the officers OF the army.
"r MISSOURI.
MI ..., >, ,e,,r. :, Missouri; doe, not
III, s.L.nnv State "a Jeso,,,ed by
80. sea-. ,v,o ,,,,asr ;nJis.
".D,..,.,,. g., ,.;ond. ami s,ss
"". m.,,..s h..; ..r.I an ;mnort,nt order in
uos,ronoo 40 affairs there. An rebels and all
vho aid the enemy are TO be arrested, and their
property Is to be confscated and sold; those
found in disguise as pretended loyal citizens are
to be shot, rebels who commit hostility will be
nunisbed according to the rules Of war; destis
80, ,,,.,;.,. vho have h.en driven from their
homes nv the rebels. are 70 be quartered in the
49,. .ra t.d and clothed nj the expense of
A.. .o....;or;s,s These are stringent meas.