The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-31

General Mcdowell received such information at
Alexandria yesterday as to lead him to expect an
immediate attack by the rebels on that point,
under General Lee. In consequence the greatest
activity Pre- walls there and Notifications being
rapidly thrown up on the approaches from Manas-
sas Junction and Richmond by the New York Fire
Zousyes, the Fifth Massachusetts, and other resi-
ments The reports of the number ofrebel troops at
Manassas Junction are varied and conflicting; but
il is said that General Scott and General
have positive information of their number, and
that i! does not exceed $500 men, and moreover
that their discipline is imperfect and their outpost
and picket service very irregular.
The troops in and around Washington are in
excellent health and in good spirits. The New
York Gsribaldi Guard reached there yesterday
morning, and marched to the Presidents house,
where they were received by Mr.. Lincoln and
Gen. Cameron. The Guard, together with the
New York Ninth received instant orders to pre-
pare fer long march. Their destination is said to
be the Interior of Virginia. The New York Seventh
Thomas yesterday that they have leave to return
home, and will be mustered ont Of the service of
the United States by Lieut.. Coggswell, of the
United States Army He complimented them
highly on their prompt service to the gov
ernmtnt in its hour Of peril. The President,
Secretary of War and Secretary of State also
passed warm encomiums on the regiment They
are to leave Washington at six o'clock this even.
ing
The President and Cabinet after due considefa-
lion, have decided upon the important action Of
General Butler with regard to retaining the fugi
tive slaves claiming shelter in his camp. The
course OF the General is fully sustained aud he is
ordered for the present to receive these fugitves
and keep an account of their value and the cost Of
their subsistence. This decision may prove Of
vast importance as the federal troops move far
Their South, for there is no doubt that numbers Of
fugitive slaves will seek protection in the federal
camps.
The Postmaster General has officially ordered
that. after to day, the postal service in all the
seceeded States Is at end. Mail matter for
these States, of every description, will, from to-
morrow forth, be sent TO the Dead Letter Office.
Western Virginia Is excepted from this proscrp.
ton; al! the mail matter for that district will
hence.or;h be sent to the Post Office at Wheeling
for distribution.
Harper's Ferry continues to be the seat OF
highly important military movements, and it Is
highly probable that decisive action win be
taken there within few days. Three brigades
Of Ohio troops we're advanced in that direction
yesterday by Gen. McClelland. -Four Pennsylvania
regments-n namely, the Sixth, Twenty first, TWEEN.
fy.thirl and Twenty -fourth-left Philadelphia and
arrived AT Chambtrsburg, ep route for the same
point, early yesterday morning Major General
KEN and staf arriving there few hours after
wards Il Ia believed that General Scott intends
to surround Harpo<'s Ferry with an immense
army, and military men Of high standing have ex.
pressed the opinion that he will take possession OF
that poin, within ten days without loss Of life.
There cannot be less than between 10000 and
$4,000 federal troops in the immediate vicinity at
present, the advance posts extending TO Grafton
1t Is said that the rebel forces there are greatly
alarmed by the approach Of the Ohio and Penn
sylvans troops. They have fallen back ten miles
from willismsport in the direction Of Martnsburg
With regard TO the number Of men actually at
Harper Ferry the reports arc very conflicting
one statement being that they amount TO 10000,
While on the otter hand We are informed that
General Scott has certain intelligence that they
DO not exceed 1000. The probability Is that
about 5000 or 10000 Is nearer the correct amount
hGenersi Scott succeeds, as he doubtless win,
on getting Possession Of the Manassas Gap juno.
ton, there will be no escape for Harpess Ferry.
From careful calculation, VIC ,rs satisfied TIA.