The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-07-31
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER,

WASHINGTON, July 30, 1861.
There is much speculation at the Department to-
day in regard to the position of the Confederate
forces, their commanders and intentions. 1t is re-
ported by some of the best informed that Gen. Lee
with seventeen thousand men and four batteries of
riAed guns, are at Leesburg; that these forces
will be Joined by Gen. Johnstons division and tina,
the main body will then cross into Montgomery
county, Md, and endeavor to cut off reinforce
ments from the North and outfank the city Of
Washington.
Other reports say that General Lee takes COM
mand of the forces in the Valley of the Kanawha:
but the first statement is most prevalent, and is
more generally believed. Every movement of the
forces on the other side Of the river is conducted
with all possible secrecy. 1t is estimated that fully
another month will be consumed in restoring the
discipline of the troops. The Generalization
caused by the rout has rather extended than other
wise. The engagement of the volunteers in
the first bloody battle az ainst their country.
men, has almost entirely obterated all feel
ing which naturally belongs to Chris
tian or even a human being. Grimes which
would probably month ago have shocked the even
then degenerate morals of these men, have during
the past week been committed with an impunity
that brings necessarily, upon their States and the
North generally, an opprobrium that cannot fail to
have its influence with those foreign nations who
anxiously watch every movement of the bellig-
erents on this continent. To great extent brutes
not men, now compose the army Of the Federal
Government.
Gen. Mcclellan was on the floor of the Senate
this morning, and attracted general attention. He
remained for some time in conversation with Sen.
ators Baker, Fessenden and Sumner. He is about
So years of age about five feet eleven inches high
well proportioned, and possesses an intelligent
countenance, which is bronzed by the sun. He was
President OF the Mississippi and Ohio railroad pre-
viOus to his present appointment.
Gen. Mcclellan has been thus far occupied in en-
aiming the ground which has been assigned him
has fofa IF thnu A.
practical discharge of his duties Tomorrow when
we may expect to read his proclamation to the
army under his control Gems. Mansfield and
Mcdowell still occupy their former departments,
though in subordination to Gen. Mcclellan. At a
late hour in the afternoon Gov. Sprague, of Rhode
Island, appeared on the Senate floor.
The letter of Minister Harvey plainly sets forth
what stated in former letter, that he acted in
consonance with, and perhaps under the instruc-
tions of the officials of the Federal Government
and il the dispatches sent by him were reasonable
is set forth by the Northern journals, then
either the said officials responsible for the
treachery, or Mr. Harvey's political destruction
was sought for by Seward, Bates, or whoever
dictated the dispatches. The incidental revela-
tons of Mr.. Harvey causes strong renewal of the
comment which formerly agitated the Republicans
when the question was first raised
Yesterday afternoon, Isaac Miller, Daniel Mo
ran, Peter McGinnis, Henry Dudley, Lewis Locke,
Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Simmons, and Alfred
beagle, workmen in the United States arsenal,
were arrested oy oruer OF the House committee, oil
which Mr.. Potter is chairman, on the charge of
being in reasonable league against the Govern
ment.
The body of Col. Cameron, / am informed was
not taken to Richmond, but was buried in the
grounds of the Methodist Church near Bull Run,
with all the ceremonies of a religious and Military
funeral.
A courier from Gen. Butler, arrived in the city
this morning. We may soon expect to hear of an
active movement in the neghborhood of Fortress
Monroe.
The only possible demonstration after Newport
News point, which can affect anything will be
against Yorktown, which is strongly intrenched
and is the key to Richmond from the southeast.
The Government is making every possible pro-
vision for the strengthening of the army under
Gen. Rosercranz. Heretofore daily complaints
have been received of want of proper supply of
food and clothing.