The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-20

The Plans OF Jefferson Davis and the
| Southern RevolutfOnists.
1t Is evident from the intelligence that has
reached us for the last few days Of the move
ments of the rebel army towards the line of the
Potomac, that the generals mediate the cross
ing Of that river, both above and below Wash
ington, in the course of two or three days, with
an army variously estimated at 100000 men,
100000, and even 10000. It is for this purpose
they are erecting such formidable batteries at
Aqua creek and Matthias Point, in order that they
may close the Potomac against our cruisers
and transports, and pass over the river in safety
upon RATS and fatboats under the cover of their
heavy guns. AS that part of Maryland is full
of secessionists the rebel troops will be aided
by the local population. That wing of the
army commanded by Beauregard will pro-
badly march upon Annapolis, the possession of
| which would cut off our communication by sea
with Baltimore. Their accomplicesin the latter
city will then destroy the railroad bridges, SO
as to stop achievements from the North, and
this will be the signal for the rising of all the
seccssioaists throughout the State. Baltimore,
! of course, is expected to fall into their hards
Meantime the other wing of the Southern army,
| under Johnston having crossed the Upper
] Potomac, will effect a junction with Beaure-
| CARDS force, and both will march from the
north upon Washington, thus isolated. On
that side the city has no defences of any &C.
count, and if assaled by sufficient force will
probably be captured, togetherwith the RSesi-
dent and oil his Cabinet.
This brilliant operation &C ,omplished, Jeffer-
son, Davis and his generals will pause. He will
| declare an armistice and will issue proclama-
ton to the effect that he desires peace; that it
| is not his intention to invade the Northern
States; that lie does not want to have any more
war between the two sections, and that he is
ready to settle the questions at issue peace
ably. He therefore calls convention of dele
gates from all the States, with the exception of
New England, to meet at Baltimore, or Wash
ing.on, or Richmond either for the purpose Of
recorstructing the Uni'n by emitting the New
England States, and giving new guarantees for
the security OF the institution Of slavery in
the South, and providing for its protection
in the Territories; on, if this cannot
be agreed upon, then to arrange the terms of
peaoeabIe separation of all the free from all the
slaveholding States. This was the plan Of Wise,
Mason and Others last fall, and it is now again
revived There is thus terrible struggle at
hand.
Now, as weat the North do not want recon-
str1lction nor separation, but the constitu-
ton and the Onion as they are, it be-
comes necessary Cor us to- put forth all our en-
ergies in sending forward reinforcements as fast
as possible to Washington. There are some if
teen thousand troops in and around New York.
They ought to be despatched Immediately, be-
fore communication is cut off by the rebels.
Fully fifty or sixty thousand men will be needed
in addition to tho force now at the national capt.
tai SO that regiments whose numbers and Or
ganization are still incomplete will have to
march at once. Even detached companies will
benow acceptable Whata change has come over
the spirit of the Cabinets dream! A short time
ago they refused perfect, we'll drilled regiments,
and it seemed to be comforting high favor
upon any regiment to accept it into the
service of the government. Now they are glad
TO get any kind of troops, and will acoept all
that offer. The circular from the War Depart
ment which we published yesterday, shows the
urgency of the government and tie imminence
of the danger: IL is the opinion of military men
of sagacity that unless large force from the
North is forwardedspeedily to Washington there
is every probability Of its capture by the Con-
federates.
of fho milf
ments now in operation, the government ought
to proclaim martial law in those districts of the
Northern States where there is danger of dis
turbance. The object of Davis aad the other
rebel chiaftains in calling convention is to d.
vide the North and break its unity. Till now
the North las been united. The policy of the
Confedarates is to create a peace party vt the
North, which will have the effect Of splitting the
people, and thus distracting our counscls and
paralyzing our efforts to re-estabiish the Union.
In order, therefore, to anticipate any hostile
movements in the Northern States, the govern
ment ought to proclaim martial law where there
are, any symptoms of disafection, and where
there is any chance Of sympathizers afording
aid and comfort to the enemy.
Jefferson Davis and Jenkins After tho
Linco1ns.
For some time past remarkable coincidence
Of objects has been observable in political and
| fashionable movements. Jenkins in the North
| and Jeff. Davis in the South have been busily
engaged hunting down the same game. They
| are both death upon the Lincolns.
| All the world recollects how pertinaciously
and indefatigahly Jenkins followed up the
President and his family in transitu from Spring
| field to Washington. Every incident of that
memorable journey, from the honored chiefs
casual remarks about the weather, down to the
Hilarious witticisms of Master Bob--every al
teration in the Presidential costume, from the
last change of linen to that historical climax
the donning of the military cloak and Scotch
cap--was recorded with conscientious minute
ness that has never been surpassed even by the
reverential chronicler of the Virgin Queens
] prOpresses