The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-21


POTOMAC By THE REBELs.-From the account we
published yesterday of the vigorous attack on
the Resolute, Fairfax and Lydia Anne by the
rebel batteries on the lower Potomac on Satur-
day, as well as from the previous attack on the
Seminole and Pawnee, both of which had mar
row escape, it appears that the river, if not en-
tirely closed, is nearly SO, and that it is ex-
tremcly dangerous for ships to attempt to pass.
Indeed, it is only in fog that it is now
deemed safe to permit them to proceed
In addition to an immense long line Of
batteries on the Virginia Shore chain
has been extended across the river which
viii intercept all ships of deep draught,
and, if they persist in trying to surmount
the obstacle, will render them targets and
insure their destruction. We are informed that
there is a Union force stationed on the Potomac
to prevent any vessels going up or down at
night, in order, we suppose, to cut oil commu-
nication between the rebels in Virginia and
Maryland, and also to guard against the passage
OF the lower Potomac in force by the rebel
army. But it seems the vigilance of our cruis-
ers does not amount to much, when heavy
chain, capable of resisting the transit of YES
sells, could be thrown across without their
| knowledge. Were it not for the protection of
| the schooners loaded with hay-a defence in
vented by the captain Of the Unon-it is pro-
bable the Resolute would have been destroyed
AS it was, she was nearly sunk, and the Fairfax,
after being riddled, was captured by the insur-
| gents. There is no battery on Matthias Point,
! which is at very narrow part Of the river, be-
| cause OF the swampy nature Of the ground,
| which does not permit the erection of batteries.
| 1t is stated that vessels drawing not more than
eight feet OF water, and hugging the Maryland
shore, may still escape. But it is evident
that even then there is great risk; for
that on Saturday one shot passed clear over
the vessels attacked and struck the Maryland
shore. four miles being the distance between
Shipping Point and Stump Neck.
The object OF these batteries, which are sup
| ported by force Of some twenty-five thousand
men, is either to protect the crossing Of large
force into Maryland on the first favorable OPP
portunty, or to prevent the ascent of the stores
required at Washington for so large an army
OF men and horses-a serious impeachment, as
the railroads have not the capacity for so much
| freight. Perhaps both objects are intended by
the erection of these formidable batteries, or
the design may be to draw down large force
from Washington for the purpose of capturing
the works. Ifthe latter be the intention it may
be realized a little sooner than the rebels
desire. Certainly, on the Maryland side, oppo-
site to their guns, counter batteries ought to be
constructed, to dismount them, or, if a crossing
should be attempted, to prevent its accomplish
mont. On the whole, our operations on the
lower Potomac have not been very credtable
to us. 1t is time to do something to astonish
the audacous rebels who swarm on its right
bank.
REBEL CONSPIRACY IN THE LATE STREET Con-
MIssIoNEE's OFFIcE-Major General Gustavus
W. Smith Of the rebel army, but lately the in
cumbent of the Street Department of this city,
is now acknowledged to have carefully organ
lied, before he left, an anti-Union combina-
ton. which, under the various names of peace
party, &C., extended it's ramications through
aid Of the South. as soon as the armies of Lee,
Beaufegard and Johnston should have crossed
the Potomac, occupied Maryland and advanced
upon Philadelphia. Tho greatest CONSERVATION
has been created among some Of our corrupt
local politicians since the partial develope-
-ments that were recently made on the subject
in the columns Of the HERALD, lest their iniqui-
tous ntrigues, and completely with treason
should be further exposed. The public is al
ready pretty well aware who General Smiths
political associates were, and by whom he was
sustained in carrying out his plans. He was
hand and glove, during the entire period Of his
political career here, with Tammany Hall lead
ers, by whom he was made a sachem of the Old
Wigwam, and over whose secret Vaccinations
he was enabled to exercise with his statesman
like and superior mind, an overwhelming inf1u-
ence. 1t was from Tammany Hall that the
delegation to the Syracuse Democratic Conven-
ton was sent, which supported the abominable
ninth resolution; and though, since they re-
turned home, popular indignation has compelled
them to retract the foul aspersions they had
| cast upon the President and withdraw their op-
position to the means he has wisely adopted to
| crush out rebellion, they none the less, while
at Syracuse, were arrayed in antagonism against
the war. The Ethiopian has not changed his
skin and there is no doubt that these same indi-
| viduals now SO active in securing for them
selves portion of the spoils that are to be
distributed at the coming election, will use
| their patronage, if they should be permitted to
obtain it, in covert hostility to the government
| and the best interests Of the country.
| AMERICAN EXPENDITURES IN EUROPE FOR WAR
PuRrosEs--The report that our government
had despatched an official to Europe with a,,-
thority to expend large amount of money
there in the purchase of woollen goods for
army purposes has very naturally excited
great deal of dissatisfaction among the manu-
featuring classes of the loyal States; and the
manifestation of that feeling has led to coun-
termand Of the order similar statement was
made some time ago in reference to the purchase
of transport vessels used in the Crimean expe-
| diton. 1t is quite right that neither of these