New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-12-27

The Rebel force, stretched from i've miles ABOVE
Port Royal to Tobago Bay, is variously estimated
nearly all from North Carolina, and under command
of Of the Hills, but which one have been una
BILE TO learn.
These Rebel Generals, l have been informed, have
changed their commands lately, 30 that u ID quite
difficult to tell exactly where they are. When lett
the right wing day before yesterday, was told by
deserter that they were in front Of Gen. Sumner.
To-day have been told by one OF the same trust
worthy persons that they in front Of Gen. Frank
Inns extreme left. 1t is Of but little consequence,
however, who commands these ubiquitous fellows,
long il Is certain that hey are always IN 'front.'
Of somebody and ready to fight upon the first good
opportunity.
Having successfully repulsed the attack upon bis
CENTER Gen. Lee now undoubtedly, cOntempates q
movement on his right, near where Con. Burnside
made his first feint. Rebel plckets thinly posted,
extend as far down rs Urbana, and under
cover OF the night to this side and exam
Inc our lines. Night before last, information was
received from trusty black, who came over the
river on frai raft, that the Rebels contemplated
another dash upon a squadron OF the 18th Penney l.
vania Cavalry, who now guard the extreme advance
on the left. MAJ Kenan had his men properly
posted, and would have captured the whole party
had not some Of them, without orders, fired their
guns before the party were fairly within range.
Upon discovering that their enterprise had been
divulged by one, they sprang TO Their rata ana
n,
two or three. who were seen to drop IN the river.
Ono hundred bead OF fine, fat cattle, which had
been selected with great care, and purchaaed Tor
the Rebel army by Phelan Lewis, awealtby planter
in Westmorellnd County, were yesterday seized
and appropriated 10 the use Of our own roldiers Mr..
Lewir strongly protested against the seizure, and
wrought himself up TO terrible pitch OF intigns-
ton ON account of 1t, and demanded, with very
pOmpous manner. immediate payment or good re-
ceipI for what he termed his private property. lie
received tue usual receipt with these words written
and underscored beneath it, 81 believe Phelan
Lewis to be disloya man and traitor to the Gov
eminent Of the United Ststes." What would that
receipt be worth to those who speculate in them IN
Warrington
-Four thousand cavalry, now guarding the river
from Elk miles below Fredericksburg 10 Tobago Bay,
are subssting entirely upon the rich planters In the
valley. Not an ounce Of food Of any kind has been
brought to them from the depot at Falmouth. Men
and horseo are living upon The very beet the valley
can produce and doubt IL there 10 q table IN New
York on this Christmas day covered with greater
variety of dishes than many beneath the tents and
booth huts OF our cavalry officers Tne sailors, too.
upon the gunboats ere really getting tipsy upon the
domestic wine they have managed to get hold of by
some underground transportation.
10 the general paee OF hen.roosts and cellars the
faithful servants OF which we hear 20 much, are by
no means mere idle spectators. Ihey have always
been accustomed TO having AT least full week Cor
their Christmas sports, and being fully aware that
the First of January lsrapidly approaching IN many
Of tie negro huts they are jublgnt beyond descrp-
ton. Our soldiers are dining finely to-day but
doubt ii they farDg more sumptuousiy than their
colored brethren. passed long row OF negro huts
uron oEo OF old Ftzhughs plantations this morning,
and found the blacks enjoying themselves hugely,
como singing and dancing, others were eating
and drinking, a few old crones, ugly as Satan, were
lying In the warm sun seemingly indifferent whether
the world moved or not but the great majority eyi-
H.. hat h.ffe da yyQ Il
them aud that the presence of tho National army in
their midst would hasten its approach.
In these negro huts all was JOY, and mirth, and
pladnes. but ia the big old mansion not far Off all
was darkness, discomfort and gloom
Tho proprietor was Mt home, but no Christmas
dinner wAs being prepared for him. Two cons were
IN the Rebel army, and one III u Rebel hospital,
wounded and dying. His daueh ters had gone within
the Rebel lincs upon the approach Of our army.
Alone he sat by his freside, cursng his negroes the
Yankees and the world generally.
But all thesc wealthy planters are not traitors to
the Government OF the United States. Several
members Of the old and numerous Taylor family
believe to be at heart still with us, although they
have not the courage to openly avow their loyalty.
While nearly all their neighbors shipped all the
slaves, who did not run away, TO the South, they
have not sent away single one, and have told them
they were free TO 20 north whenever they desired
to. In one or two instances wages have been Of
fered them, and the negroes have promised TO re-
main, whether the army fell back or not.
What many of these planters most desire is pro-
lection. Said one of them 10 me to-day, estimated
to be worth a m0n " / care not under what Coy
eminent live, il am only projected In the enjoy
ment OF my property. Mr. Lincoln may emancipate
all my slaves, but while dong so he should certain
Iy protect from the persecution and the despot-
ism Of the Southern rulers. Once us in this
valley that your authority 10 10 be permanent, and
two-thirds OF the old Wings will soon be with you,
az they have IN truth always been.
The weather if mid and pleasant, and the
troops seem TO be ia the hes, OF sprits Gen. Burn
sides letter has had most happy effect. He IL
more popular than ever, and whenever the soldiers
catch glimpse Of him they cheer vocierously until
he has passed out Of sight. begin 10 have faith in
Gen. Burnside. and believe he will yet accomplish
something great for his country. Mp.