Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1861-06-14

The plan was first suggested by jeff.
Davis. 1t was warmly seconded by Gen.
Beauregard, and Gen. Lee has cordially
assented to it. 1t involves, of course, the
fate of Gen. Johnston and if he does
evacuate his post, it will be so much
strength added TO this line. The posi-
bility of being defeated on this line is
hardly entertained by the rebel leaders.
A lady, however, asked jeff Davis on
Monday evening what they should do if
the Northerners forced them back from
Manassas. There will be few left, Mad
am replied JEFF, to be forced back
But ifsuch is our fate, we have other lines
to defend and other hands to defend
them
While thus guarding the Northern APP
proaches, the rebel chiefs are not unmind-
full of the fire in their rear threatened by
Gen. Butler. 1t is feared at Richmond
that there is deep significance in the
apparently dlatory movements OF that
officer. You will remember that in a
former letter described the preparations
that had been commenced, in order to de-
fend Richmond from an attack from York
River, and the impressions that prevailed
even there, 1.-TWO weeks ago. that if Rich
mond was attacked it would be by troops
sailing up York River and landing twenty
miles from the city. These preparations
have been continued ever since, and al
though not completed, are already iormi-
dablc. They consist now of the numer-
Gus batteries along York River, on which.
it is said, million of dollars have been
expended of extensive breastwork and
intrcnchments, and both masked and open
batteries, at the place where they must
land aud Of earth works and tortliica-
tons from that point to the city, and bat
teries on the hills in the suoubrs. So that
while fearing a possible attack from Gen
Butler, they are prepared to give him q
warm reception.
Look out, therefore, for all sJrls of ru
mors OF an attack on Washington. Bu'
believe them not Let the eye Of the Oh
server be fixed on Manassas Gap June
ton. There the first battle will be fought
and it viii be a bloody one
The Heralds Washington correspond
cnt write as follows concerning the move
meut on Harper's Ferry:
{ " As old Thomas almanac used to say
about these times look out FOR squalls.
the movement forward tonight of six Of
eigh, thousand men towards Point o
Rocks from this city is most positive evi
dence that decisive and early action Is t.
take place. The fact that so tormidabI,
a number of men are moved away from
this District, through Maryland, wher
our forces before Washington on the west
upon Arlington Nights, are menaced by
forces at Manassas Junction, is sutiicien
to show that the rebel forces at the latter
place will be struck with CONSERVATION by
the news from their friends at Harper
Ferry and Point Of Rocks before they
will have an opportunity of hearing o
any movemen, from here through Mary
land.
The Charleston Mercury is becoming
alarmed in view OF the great and ener
getic Preparations of the Administration
for crushing the rebellion. and It's issue O
the 3lst ult., gives expression to this feel
ing thus:
Might and day. for the last two month
has tie Northern Government been max
ing herculeau efforts in its department O
war; Preparation on the most gigant
scale has gone on steadily and undaggini
under the intelligent and able superin
tendence of General Scott. An immens
body of volunteers have been thrown int
camp, and are drilling eight hours a da
under competent officers Of West Poin
training. The arms at hand have bee
distributed, and all who are to enGag
soon in battle have been thorough
equipped with the best weapons. Factc
rics. tor the manufacture of cannon, rifle;
sabres, bayonets and ammunition Of ever
description, are in full operation in III
North during the whole "a hours {
each day.
Agents have long since been ser
abroad to Europe to procure and forwar
as fast AS possible, cargoes of improve
arms, which have begun 10 arrive. Grea
efforts have also been made for the heatl
comfort and supplies of Northern troop
, Energy and promptitude have charat
terized their movements both in Mary
land and St. Louis, and their succe:
along the border has, so far, been con
plete. They have, in the West, obtaine,
and secured the great repository of arm
for that section, equipped our enemes {
St. Louis, Illinois, Indiana and Obi
leaving the resistance men Of MiSsou
poorly provided, Kentucky unarmed an
! overawed, aud Tennessee also, with
meagrc provision for fighting, depender
on the cotton States for weapons of Dc
tense. Maryland has been cowed an
overpowered, Washington rendered q
r secure as may be, while Virginia is II
vaded, and Richmond threatened wit
, capture.
In all the military proceedings Of til
: North, since the fall of Sumter, have bee
eminently wise. For the purpose of owe
, towering, disheartening and gaining ii
| first advantages which, both at home an
, abroad, are of immense importance, I'll
concentration of all the forces availabl