The Nevada Democrat., 1861-06-22

Condition or Affairs az IIarper's Ferry,
The Washington correspondent Of the N.
Y. Times gives The following account of the
cOnOitiOn of affairs at Harper's Ferry. The
information purpOrts to have been derived
from friend Of the writer, who went to
Harper's Ferry disguised as secessionist:
The number Of rebel troops at Harper's
Ferry be estimates at 5000. This includes
oil within ilve miles Of the railroad bridge.
These are all equipped, with the exception
of about 1000, who are but partially pro-
vided with arms. At least four thousand of
these men have only flint--lock muskets.
The bulk Of these men are all encamped on
the nights west Of the village. They have
one battery Of two six FOUNDERS, aud one
thirty-two FOUNDER, all on the Maryland
nights. They have four batteries overlook
inE the bridge, and from three Qgarters of
mile to three miles distant These CON-
mand The approaches from Manassas juno
tlon. These batteries consist In all of one
eixty-four aud five tbirty-two pounders.
In the rear Of the main force, back Of the
village, Is battery Of one sxty-two poun-
der, aud twenty twelve and six FOUNDERS.
These last command the approaches from
the West. All these guns are behind bar
ricades, formed Of two lines OF timber filed
in with gravel.
From oil appearances, their supply Of
provisions was very small. Until Tuesday.
salt pork and beef we're only fed. On that
day drove Of cattle was brought into
camp, and fresh meat distributed.
But few fthO troops are uniformed. They
are indifferently drilled, with the exception
OF the four regiments from Mssissippi-
about three thousand strong--who appear
to be efhcient men. They are very much
demoralized. the complaints being loud OF
the inefiiciency Of The minor officers.
The smallpox had prevailed, to what
extent my informant could not tell but
nearly al the men had been vacsinated.
Desertions we're of hourly occurrence, the
men running away from the abuse OF OFF,
GERS.
About four miles from the Ferry, at tho
little village OF Knoxville, The American
flag was kept flying, sustained by a small
band If determined Unionists. nv inform
AMI had occasion to test the fidelity of these
men. and knows that in oil things they can .
be relied upon.
The rebels at Harper's Ferry expect soon
to have an engagement with The Federal
army. They say they will never ask nor
grant quarter. The only Northern men
they express any fear to meet are the 9TH
regiment OF New York, OF which they an.
pear TO have holy horror.
Ny informant thinks that, unless there Is
on action within two weeks, the entire army
will be disspated. The under officers have
no disposition to drill the men, or to exercise
them In the duties OF the soldier and the
men have no respect or consideration for
the officers. All unite in heartily denounc.
Ing The Yankee, as they call all who come
from north Of Mason a..d Dixon's line.
The only gentleman my informant met
was Lieut.. Windham, of one Of the Mis-.
sssippi regiments, aud even he expressed
strong desire TO cut the throats Of Lincoln,
Gen. Scott. aud Secretary Seward, and
talked Of Northern troops as 'Lincoln's
hirelings." Lieat. Windham assures nv
informant that the rebels could eend fifty
thousand Of these birelings TO bell, aud then
be a match for fifty thousand more, pro.
viding that number was sent against them.