Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-12-05
From the New York World.


The uncertainty which walls General McClel-
JAMS intention with regard to an advance of
the army, tells awkwardly upon the comfort of
our troops at this inclement season of the
year. Cold weather has actually commenced.
Yesterday morning, for instance, half an iuch
of ice glazed the mud pools in Fairfax County;
last night we bad a snow.s storm, and to days
north easter is bleak and biting.
The soldiers shelter themselves as well as
they can, not caring to work at permanent
winter huts until they know whether they are
to enjoy their occupancy. No barracks or
cabins are constructing, except those always
to be required for the residence of the Capital
garrison. The horses of all cavalry regiments
across the river are etill picketed in the open
air. Not ten per cent. Of these animals are
even blapketed. We have scarcely enough
blankets for the soldiers, nor in fact, are there
many bIigades in the field, which do not con-
tain baJtalions whose overcoass have not yet
been received.
Winter is finally upon US, and for the last
two days 1t has beer bitter cold. This seems
TO most men, military and unmilitary, to settle
the question of an advance of the army. Yet
Mcclellan works on day and night, as if he
were getting ready TO move. If il we're 0cto-
bsr instead of the last of November, there
could be no doubt of it. His industry is uu-
iiriDg Night before last IL was dark as Egypt,
and across the river a driving snow storm was
EhkiuRy yet uCIlclidh uAiob AWAY Ou Nuo
right wirg of the army. He rode on through
the mud and storm, his Staff clatteriug behind
him, though they could not see him. He could
not see his own horse. One naturally inquiries,
why all this urgency2 II the army is quietly
going into winter quarters, things would be
iaken more easily. You can not shake off the
impression that a crushing blow is soon to be
struck; but when, and where, and howH Has
he got control of the elements, OF does he know
beforehand when the frost and rain will come
and go, that he so boldly pushes on his schemes
into midWinteI? That Mcclellan is steadily
working his wsy 10 some bold, decisive move
ment, many have no doubt, but it puzzles the
wisest military head 10 make it out.
see that Colonel Havelock, (the papers
have called him MsjOr Geperal,) brother Of the
late noble Hayeoek, of India, has been ap-
pointed on General MeClellan's staff. He is
an elderly gentleman, with apparently none of
the energy and force necessary 70 active
service, / do not know what he has done TO
entitle him to particular distinction. Have :
iGck had brother In The English army, gal
liant man, who fell in charge Of cavalry in
the Sikh War, in India. l don't know how
many feTeign officers, who shall seek our shores
during this war, il is proposed to employ In this
way, bot II is to be hoped they will be able TO
perform some real service for the salaries they
will draw. In the Revolution, foreign officers
of rank offered their swords 10 the Government
from deep sympathy with the cause Of freedom
in which we were engaged and, burning with
true zeal, were always found In the thickest OF
the fight. take it, IL is somewhat different
row. These numerous staff appointments re-
mind me Of q man In Washington, many years
ego, who was jocosely called Major. He cams
20 the Capitol after an Office Of some sort, and
was determined 10 have one, il 1t was only
that Of jail keeper. Some one asked bin Whal
hind Of Office be WsDtod. ooh" said be, 81
want one Of those 'siMeenriaIs. -. A gresi
many, now a days, seem to be very much in
the Majors condition.