The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-07

THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.
No important movement of troops is reported
from the seat OF war since our last issue. We are
reliably informed tina. the Navy Department is
about to adopt the suggestion which we made
a few days since, and put all its available
vessels at once into active service on our
coasts. Orders have been issued to the com.
mandants of all the navy yards to push
on the work now on hand with the utmost speed.
There are la ships of war now ahoat, all Of which
will soon be stationed at the different Southern
ports of entry.
A gentleman just arrived at Washington from
New Orleans reports that the trade of
the South is in a most deplorabie condi.
ton. He states that Louisiana, Mississippi
and Texas are suffering the most of any of the
Southern States. In the latter provisions are
becoming so scarce that the people will be in
starving condition when the blockade of New
Orleans is complete.
The government have received intelligence that
duStIld TcLuseS w dCCepL MIs AuSOu DuIluSdWS
as Minister at Vienna in consequence of his being
the author of the bill In the last session Of
Congress raising Sardinia to first class mis-
sion. This course is viewed with more surprise
because of the fact that Austria is known to be
friendly towards the United States government
Indeed, the administration have been informed
from reliable though unofficial sources that the
Austrian, French and Belgian governments
have issued orders prohibiting the furnishing
of arms to the Southern States, and that large
orders already received in these countries will
not be permitted to be filed. A marked change
is said to have taken place among the continental
governments with regard to the conflict now pro.
crossing in this country. The active preparations
going on in the British navy indicate that an i'm
mense squadron is about to be sent into Ameri-
can waters-nominaly to the Gulf, but doubtless
to cruise along the entire Southern coast.
1t wasrumored in Washington that the seizure of
dispatches at the different telegraph Offices had re-
vealed the curious fact that one of our recently
appointed foreign Ministers had sent information
to the rebels at Fort Sumter of the intended rein
forcement of that post by the government-intelli'
gence which led to the precipitate attack upon
the fort by the rebels.
Reliable information has been received at Wash.
ington that Southern troops are arriving at Rich.
mond to the number of nearly fifteen hundred
day, by train, some of whom are Immediately
despatched to Manassas Junction and some to Nor.
folk The number of troops concentrated at these
two points must therefore be very large. 1t is posi-
lively stated by gentleman who is familiar with
the person of General Beauregard, that he is now
atManassas Junction but it is evident that there is
considerable mystery as to his whereabouts. A
few days ago he was reported to be near Mem
phis, Tennessee, but his presence at Manassas
Gap or at Richmond does not indicate with any
certainty that he has assumed command at these
points, inasmuch as, in his own orders issued at
Charleston after the capture of Tsrt Sumter he
announced his intention Of pepaicAg to Corinth to
take command Of the department Of the Mississippi
The rebels succeeded in burning down four rail
road bridges on Wednesday night, between Fair.
fax and Alexandria strategic movement which
may embarass the operations of the federal
troops in their movements in that direction.
Affairs at Harpers Ferg begin to assume
more threatening aspect Jefferson Davis and his
staff were to have arrived there on Wednesday to
inspect the batteries and look into the condition
of the troops. 1t was thought that he would take
command in person, but as that post is under the
charge of General Johnston, a very able officer,
it is probable that the conduct Of affairs there
will be left to him. General Patterson,
commanding the United States Army at Chambers
burg, has issued proclamation to his soldiers,
promising them that they will be soon led against
the enemy reminding them that they are not the
aggressors in the war, but that it is their duty
simply to punish sediton, to protect loyal citizens,
and, foccason should arise, to suppress servie in.
eurrection.
The Harriet Lane bad brush Yesterday with