The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1862-07-24

ding to rebel admissions, that they calcu.
late receiving very little more in that way.
But with what they have, and what they
are manufacturing, it is supposed that
they will be able to arm and snstain even
this large force 100000. The guerrilla
system of warfare is becoming very popu-
lar, large numbers of the male portion re-
sorting to il TO avoid conscription.
There is one thing that should be borne
in mind. The Abolition course Of policy
which has been carried on by Congress
does more to embitter the feelings OF the
Southerner toward the North. than all the
military expeditions which could be fitted
out. The emancipation Bill IN the Dis
trict of Columbia and the proclamation of
Hunter. Phelps and Fremont, as well as
articles in the Tribune, and other abolition
papers, are made use of by the leaders in
tho South and the Southern press to in
fla ne the feelings of hostility toward the
Union. and to strengthen the determine.
ton to establish separate confederacy.
1t is my opinion that the coufiscation
act will give additional force to the great
military movement which is now going on
in the South. 1t is the general feeling
that if they are to lose their property. in
any event. it is better for them to lose it
fighting in its defense. This. as l have
said, is the general feeling. and it is my
belief that they will fight to the last
against what they consider. and what they
are taught by their leaders TO regard, az
an Abolition war.
l have had evidences that there is a
Union feeling at the South; but, under
present circumstances, it dare not show
itself. for it would be accused of sympa-
thy with the Abolition Government at
Washington as it is called. Had Gen.
Nc Clellan been successful before Rich.
mond. and Abolition Legislation in Con-
gress ceased, have no doubt that beni
ficient change would take place in South.
ern feeling. and that they would be more
inclined to friendly feelings on the ques-
ton of a restoration of the Union. Let il
be understood, however. that ga long a.
| legislation is carried on in the interest o.
Abolitionisn. SO long will the South com
ba. 1t with arms, and seek. in a separation
release from what they consider, under
tie circumstances. as a 'hateful bond
In conclusion. may remark that about
eight hundred negroes escaped from the
vicinity of Georgetown, and that they are
now on North Island. about twelve mile.
below that place, where they supper
themselves by fishing and raising produce
as well as by foragng upon the property
of their former owners.
At the lime of the proclamation of JEFF
Davis, allowing forty days for all Unior
men to leave the South. l eudeavored t,
take advantage OF it. but was told that i
did not apply to me, as came within tn,
category Of those who were styled danger
GUS persons. l then attempted to get
pass to enable me to 90 to Europe. think
ing to get home in that way. but was tole
| was wanted for other purposes and cou!t
not be allowed to leave. Thus every Of
fort which l made. except the last one
fa:led.
From the James River Correspondence of the
Philadelphia Inquirer, Republican.
INFORMATION GLEANED-THE REBEL ARMY
ITS STRENGTH AND POSITION.
During the trip, your correspondent OBJ
tained much information from DR.. Weisel
and also of the representatives of the rebe
army. Lieutenant Miner and the men be
ing on parole, could not. of course. but re
main silent. The rebel army a. and nea
Richmond is said to number over 900,
600 men at the present time. In the re
cent battles they acknowledge loss o
oo,OOO, although there Is no doubt It wa
much more severe.
TIE strategy of General Mcclellan, ant
his successful retreat to the James River
are referred to in the most complime eatar]
termsby the rebels; but they also remarl
that he is just in the position they wishet
him to be. General Jackson, who, b,
the way. was not even wounded. mucl
less killed. has, with Stewards brigade
moved down the Peninsula and occupied
Sandy Point, between the Chickahominl
and James Rivers. below our army
Johnston and Magruder are above.
; Their intentions. as expressed, is 4
; throw up intrenchments on the river bank
for the purpose of harassing the gunboat
and transports. and then make sorti
against the army. Their heaviest loss
they say, was upon the last day, but OF tn
victories of the former days. and Of th
, grand eyents of the battlea thew rslat