The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-06-26

THE SITUATION.
The Council of War was attended yesterday Of
Washington by Gen. Scott and some of the militia.
ry cheftains, together with the President and Ca
binet. The whole programme of the war was dis
cussed but the details OF the conference we're not
permitted to be divulged. 1t is understood, how
ever, that the conclusion come to was that the
Union army was fully prepared for any emergency,
and that decisive blow would soon be struck.
No movement Of any importance took place yes
terdsy ameng the troops on the line of the Po-
tomac. The pickets of the United States Army
now extend from Georgetown to Hsrpsrs Ferry
in an uninterrupted line, the advance guard Of
Colonel Stones command meeting those of Gene
raj Patterson Of Monocscy. The rebels are dis.
covered to be cutting up and barricading the
reads from our lines on the Potomac to Fairfax
Court House for the purpose Of impeding an ex-
pected march in that direction.
The various rumors as to the propositions made
by the leaders Of the Southern confederacy for
peace and reconstruction of the two sections of
the country, appear to resolve themselves into the
simple fact that, as we learn, Jefferson Davis has
addressed communication to President Lincoln
proposing peace, on the. groupds merely that, as
the United States government must be convinced
of the impossibility of conquering the South it
should do now what it must eventually do
md
the independence of the Southern. confederacy.
He does not propose that Congress shall pass any
act relative to slavery nor does he refer to the
payment Of the expenses Of the war, or the with
drawal of troops, as reported in other quarters,
but simply that, as the sanction of Congress will be
necessary to rstfy the recognition of the Southern
government he suggests that no progress be made
on either side until Congress meets; and he pledges
himself that no aggressive act on the part of the
South shall take place Il his proposition
is favorably considered until it is ascertained how
Congress will act in the premises. he gives
succinct statement Of the strength and resources
of the South, and compliments the United States
government for the activity with which it is pour.
ing troops into the field, and he concludes his
letter by saying that :" the spectacle Of four
hundred thousand men-let - ny brothers
thus arrayed against each other, with the most
destructive weapons Of modern warfare in their
hands, is o sight from which the patriot turns
away appalled,. In Heavens name let us not
drive them into actual conflict. If possible let US
avert collision the horrors of which will have no
parallel" No answer has yet been returned to
this communication, nor has the administration
the slightest intention of making any compromise,
or entering into any negotiation with the rebels,
upon the basis ORR. Davis propagation.
The balloon excursions of Professor Lowe have
resulted 80 far in discovering several scattered
camps of the rebel forces in the vicinity of the
Union lines toward Fairfax Court House, and
Lieut.. Tompkins, of the United States cavalry has
beea despatched with his company anda portion
of the Connecticut troops, to make reconnois-
ments, however, has yet reached headquarters.
Important news from California was received in
Washington yesterday to the effect that the rebels
of that State are about to proclaim the southern
portion of it below $500 a separate State, and
to ally themselves with the Southern confederacy.
1t is said that strong party in New Mexico,
Arizona and Nevada Territory is in favor of the
project, and prepared to second it. 1t is probable
that the government will take vigorous measures
to repress this reasonable movement in the
Golden State.
Affairs at Fortress Monroe remains in stotu quo,
but "Reminiscences continue to be made without
discovering any indications Of attack on the part
of the rebels. The camp at Newport News is
being strengthened and railroad is in course of
construction to bring the different points of occu
patton into closer connection.
Intelligence reaches us from Western Virginia
that the late garrison of Harper's Ferry, $4,000
strong, is now in camp at Frederick, and the re-
mainder distributed between Bunker Hill, Rom.
ney and Charlestown, and it was reported that
5000 of them were in camp about thirteen miles
beyond Philippi. Several regiments of Ohio Union
troops were moving from Camp Dennison into
Western Virginia.
BY the steamship Europa, which arrived yesterday
at Halifax, we learn that the English government
had ordered that sixteen gunboats be prepared i'm.
mediatey and despatched to the coast of North Am
erica The charter of the Great Eastern as a Cana.
dian troop ship was officially announced to Parlia.
ment The London Times says that England will
edo her du'y' In the American crisis and let the
feders'e'- G Mon government we presume) edo
tb.i'' as u -'ea.est j'iwy Trglana could DO them