The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-04
The Union Troops Prepared and
Eager for Battle.
Condition Of Affairs on the
Potomac River.
Official Advices from Gen. Rosen.
Grams Command.
ADDITIONAL ARMY APPOINTMENTS,
&C., &C., &c.
our SPECIAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 8, 1861.

our SPECIAL WASHINGTON DISPATCHES.
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WASHINGTON, Sept 8, 1861.
REPORTED DEATH OF JEFFERSON DAVIS.
negro, arrived here from Manassas tonight, reports
chat JEFF Davis died at O'Clock on Saturday
ing. This report is believed by members Of the family
resident here His physicians have long expected from
the condition Of his health, that If at any time eshouh
be subjected to proracted and extraordinary mental
exertion no would die suddenly. The report of his death
IL believed here.
EXCITEMENT AT THE CAPrAI-ARrILLERy PRACTICE
THE CAUSE.
The whole city the qui viue to day. The known
proximity of the Union and rebel forces excited expectation
During the forenoon the booming Of heard
distinctly from several points Speculation rife.
general attack had been made, thought some.
Old women were nervous. Boom banged big gun
down the river, and boom banged big gun up
the river, and thump went dull ssound Of a big
gun in the distance between. 1t has since been
ascertaned that the firing up and down the river pro-
ceeded from the trial Of guns at the Navy Yard and
artillery practice at the Chain Bridge. The intermediate
sounds occasioned by the fire OF rebel from
Munson's Hill, to try whether they could reach our
pickets either at Baieys Balls Cross Roads, any of
the dwellings Of Union men that had not already been
rNdled.
THE TROOPS EAGER FOR BATTLE.
Our troops have manifested much spirit and determine
ton They anxious for brush with the rebels, and
only withheld by the force Of discipline from rushing
upon their outworks, and driving them back from the
Potomac. The rebels have five thousand men at Spring
field station about two thousand at Annandae, and bat
terry erected about midway between Clouds Mills and
Bentons Tavern about and half miles from Clouds
Mills.
sKIRMsHING AT RAILEY's CROSS ROADS.
The report that four of the Fifteenth New York
regiment killed at Baeys Cross Roads this after
is incorrect
The rebels on Munson's Hill be dis
tinctly seen with a good glass, and their
movements rendered perfectly visible. Most Of each
morning is devoted drill and small bodies of troops
can distinctly performing their various evolu
tions.
SUPPOSED DEATH OF THE REBEL COLONEL STEWART.
It is supposed that the officer reported killed Friday
afternoon the side Of the rebels Colonel Stewart
He a snowy individual, fond of display, and it
probably he who hit in the skirmsh in the neghbor
hood of Baleys Cross Roads on Friday last
The flags at half mast may have been account Of the
death of Colonel Stewart, of JEFF Davis but the pro-
liability is that they were ON account Of the latter.
CONFIDENCE IN GENERAL BANKS.
The confidence awakened by General Banks, when in
command Of the Department OF Annapolis including the
city Of Baltimore. is undated. The people Of West
ern Maryland have faith in his frmncss
man, and his ability commanding officer. They
rely upon his skill and ability to prevent crossing Of the
rebel army into their fields and resides Where General
Banks is he 10 to prove himself general no
general Those who know him do not fear the result.
He has military reputation to make, political repu-
tation to lose. We believe he will win.
OFFICIAL DISPATCHES FROM GEN. RosENCRANs.
Tho telegraphic dispatches received from Gencral
Rosencrans to-day show that all is well in that section,
likely to be taken.
AFFAIRS ON THE POTOMAC.
Fifteen twenty vessels have arrived here within the
twenty -four hours and with exception tho
report all quiet down the river having batteries
and the Virginia shore. The exception is the
schooner Charles West which arrived last night and
ports while opposite Matthias Point the captain had fine
glass through which he trying to get peep the
rebels when shell whizzing his head, and
dropped in the water, about four hundred yards
beyond his vessel. He made further
observations in that locality At the the Potomac creek,
below AQUA crock and above the Maryland Point, he
noticed some commoon Just above the old steamboat
landing the mouth of the creek taking his glass; he
saw the thick blackberrics, apparently throw
ing mp ntrcnchnents and twenty thirty horse and
teams hauling earth. One team had six attached,
and appeared TO be drawing gun.
A Virginia refugee, who picked up by the Tgress
reports that the rebels are constructing batteries at
Cockpit Point and opposite Budds Ferry about forty
miles below Alexandria. He states that the officers in
charge of the batteries have orders not to fire any
vessel until all the works are completed.
The steamer Alger from Philadelphia, arrived here
to-day, and reports that the rebels have greatly
strengthened their batteries at Aqua and Matthias creeks
and may need immediate attention. They will not be
allowed to close the Potomac to our navigation.
officers of the loa state that from Aexandris to the
Rappahannock river, distance OF nearly $50 miles, not
soul is visible the Virginia Shore the whole coun-
try bearing the mark of desolation No houses
cattle or animals Of any kind are seen, and
not o particle Of smoke to note the habta-
tion of a single individual is perceptible Complete
silence AMI loneliness pervade the whole extent of coun.
try as though had been devastated by pestilence
TIE RECENT SEIZURE OF VESSELS AT NEW YORK.
The seizure of ships at New York. noticed in an article
from The r. tune not under the conGscaton act as
popularity known passed during the late session
of Congress That oct has reference TO property devoted
to the tho rebellion with the assent of the owners
The seizures referred made under the Presidents