Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-08-28
SOUTHERN INTELLIGENCE.
From Manassas.
A letter to the New Orleans Picsyune dated
at Manassas, Aug. 10th, contains some para
graphs Of interest: - =.


at Manassas, Aug. 10th, contains some para
graphs Of interest
JOHNSTON AND BEAUREGARp.
have had the pleasure Of seeing Gen John.
ston. He looks like General He is about
i've feet eight or nine inches in height, good
form, very erect, handsome face, thick NOUS
tache, and beard somewhat sprinkled with
white. His hair Is slightly gray His organs
of benevolence and veneration are extremely
large, and his eye very full and large. He
should talk we'll and speak fuently. He has
the decided advantage over Gen. Beaurepard
"a far as appearance goes. Of the two at first
sight would prefer Johnston. The diHeren-
oes between the two are, / imagine, these
Beaurcgard is strictly a military man, and
looks chiefly at military results. Johnston
looks at political as well as military results.
Beauregard has most oautiouspess, and
think most determination, that is, Beauregard
would never give up, would fight even against
hope. Johnston, on the contrary, with his
large beneyolence, would look beyond mere
resistance, and would not sacrifice life when
there was no hope In fighting. Political and
other considerations would govern him. But
Beauregard would fight on and fight forever.
Johnston having less cautiousness, think
would make the most daring moves and the
most rash charges, and we all know that in
even apparent rashness is often the extreme of
prudence. Beauregard would probably. be
the safest commander in defence. Johnston
would create the greatest enthusiasm, and in
desperate charge would succeed best. Both
are able generals, and our rights are safe in
their hands. Either is more than the equal of
any officer in the Federal army.
wHY WASHINGTON Is NOT TAKEN.
What will be the next move? do not know
Can We arrive at any conclusion as to the
course that will be pursued? give my views
We claim only our rights We have never
proposed war Of conquest, or even intended
to invade any portion Of the Northern terri
tory. Old Abe, to raise an army and procure
enthusiasm North, gave forth that Washington
was in danger. Deluded by these false cries
volunteers to defend the Capital came forth
All the prisoners say that they were deceived,
and that they only volunteered to defend the
capital There Is not single act Of the Con-
federa.e States that could be so construed as
TO justify any reasonable man in coming to
the conclusion that the South intended to take
Washington. We have never claimed more
than is embraced in the boundaries of the Sc
ceded States. That is the whole extent of our
claim. Washington Is situated in that part of
the District of Columbia transferred by Mary
land, and just as long as Maryland remains
with the North just 30 long we will refrain
from any attack. The effects Of the last great
and decisive victory are not fully known. 1t
has its depressing influence North, and its ele-
waiting one South. 1t discourages snlistments
North and encourages them South. It closes
North the purse strings and opens them South.
1t convinces the North that they can only sue.
ceed by an immense sacrifice of life, by many
hard fought battles, and by an immense ex-
penditure Of money, and by war Of long du-
ration. 1t at the same time conyinces the
South that 1t can, will and must successfully
defend its position.
While all these various influences are ope-
rating North and South, would It be wise poll
icy to invade the District of Columbia? I
think not Would not march upon Wash
.v,1 a.
sissm? Would it not help Old Abe to recruit
his army and to raise funds? But if we re-
main strictly upon our defense, fighting only
for our legitimate bounds, will it not disarm
Old Abe Of one Of his most powerful appeals to
the North? We could, beyond doubt, be-
tween the 22d Of July and the LIST Of August,
have marched into Washington. Would that
have placed us in better position than the
one We now occupy? We can defend our
selves. Do we want more? The North, if
convinced that We can defend ourselves, will
it not yisld' But if we go beyond, and be-
come the aggressors, and attempt to take that
which does not lie within our bounds will it
not produce an armed resistance in the North
far exceeding the resistance which now can be
brought to bear against us In looking at
our situation have concluded that 1t is our
best policy to occupy the defensive position,
and to leave the fate Of Washington to the fu-
ture. IL Maryland ever secedes Washington
will Of course be abandoned, for no govern
ment would have its capital within the terri
tory Of another government. Leave Wash
ington, / say, to the future.
HOT WEATHER, DIRT, AND DISEASE.
The weather for the past four days has been
intensely hot. fear we may have muck sick
ness in September If great attention is not
paid to the preservation of health. The at
mosphere is impregnsted with all kinds of i'm
purities, arising from the battle field and the
camp. The fcetia odOrs proceeding from the
k01T aofx A<,a, L.
ofal and flth of camp, are enough to produce
fevers and epidemics He who has never Wis.,
tied fresh battle field and camp on q grand
scale can never imagine the immense amount
Of decayipg matter scattered about. This pu-
trid msss, exposed to the burning heats of
August and September, must have q very del
eteriols effect upon the health of the soldier
The filth at Manassas is beyond conception.
No one seems to consider what will be the re-
suit from it's accumulation. The soldier talks
over his battles and looks forward to other VIC
tories. Death is disregarded-a human corpse
Is regarded scarcely more than that of dumb
beast. The General Is actively engaged in plan
ing other campaigns or preparing for defense,
and all seem to forget and overlook the sani-
tsry laws which must be observed to preserve
health.
I hope DR.. Stone and other eminent medical
gentlemen here will take this subject In hand,
and cause every known means 10 produce and
preserve health to be used. If something Of
the kind 10 not soon done, We will lose more
from sickness than in battle. The vigorous,
strong. active and healthy can only win yioto-
ries. 90 ~--.E -
EVIDENCES OF DISSATISFACTION.
Portsmouth correspondence Richmond Exam
insr, 9Th inst. -
Yesterday the Portsmouth Transcript edited
by two Of the staunchest friends Of Mr.. Score
tary Mallory, of the Navy Department, de-
clared that II the Government "nnds its work
shops deserted In q short time we shall not be
overwhelmed with surprise, /" and "that not q
day passes that the new Government is not
losing popular confidence here" am ssrry
20 confirm the fidelity Of this statement; in
deed, the editors have stated the disease In
moderate style. They could not have been far
wrong had Il declared that we are on the verge
of local revolution. As evidence on this score,
the mechanics in the blacksmiths' department
threw down their trade implements this morn
ing, because of the arbitrary Government and
Insulting exsctions Of naval officers. They re-
tired in q body to the City Hall, and will I'M
queaionsbly despatch . committee 10 Rich
Al Il - - Lt.