, 1863-03-31
The WAR IN virginia,
The Situation on the Potomac,
Deserters---Refugees---Rebel Pre-
parations, &c.

Especial Dispatch to the Chicago Tribunc7
WARRINGTON, March 81, 1853
Gen, Hooker eaid to Cor Curtin during the
visit Of the latter to Falmouth, that he COM
n'anded the finest army on the planet, He
reported that Gen. Hartsuff is president of
thu court martial for the trial Of Col. D'Utas-
81, which Is soon to convene, though there
is probability Of his being assigned to other
duty. Major Thcopholis Gaines will be Judge
Advocate.
Gen. Dix's officers report that preparations
are making for the evacuation Of Richmond,
whence large quantities of supplies are being
sent away. They believe the display Of force
i'll front Of Hooker q mistake, and think the
rebels are concentrating everything against
Rosecrans.
Gen. Hooker does not credit these stories,
but ii i too muddy to test thelr correctness.
NAsHlSGToS, March 30-Tle Shenandoah
Valley from Front Royal to Pcrryyille, having
never yet been fully drained Of its agricn1.
taTa1 supplies, like other portions Of the
State, may account for the reported presence
in that section Of Fitzhugh Lee, who was
reported to be lurking about Front Royal
With his scouts and. pickcts, ranging down
among Bull Run Mountains. They recently
puIEcu l4c temporary DT1QME VIII WHICH our
forces had replaced the stone bridge over Bull
Run, deEtroye Cd in the first campaig n. There is
no doubt that rebel agents are collecting
grain and other supplies in Loudon and F4s.
qutar counties.
The roads in Virginia are fast drying up.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE Po7onAc,,l
March q. 1853.
The enemY's. picAets are visible for several
miles, but their troops display themselves
very little. The main body Of the rebel army
lies back about fifteen miles from Fredeficks-
burg. 4 large force has recently been sent to,
and Is Eow near Port Royal.
Yesterday, Lieutenant and three Ser
Eeants, al1from one company, came into our
lines Hundreds Of others would come but
for the difficulties in crossing the Rappahan-
mock Descrters rcport great suffering in the
rebel army, and muah disadection among the
troops.
New YORK, March 90.-The New York
Ii.Ns special from Washington says:
!. DcscTters returning to the army are rapidly
basis Of careful returns, the army Of the Po-
toH,ac is receiving acquisitions from this
source at the rate Of two or three regiments d
week.
Information received from the Army Of tho
Potomac shows that II is in splendid physical
and moral condition.
The outposts Of our army in front ct this
city are daily approached by numbers Of ref1-
gees from the South. Many come in absolute
restitution, ha1i naked and halt starved.
Under recent orders, they are compelled to
turn back Of await permission from the DEPART
ment here to enter our lines. These people ali
| tell the same story of destisution In The South
and the impossiblity to procure supplies and
| food.
A Fortress Monroe iatter reports thai an
| extensive fire in Richmond DESTROYED ucarIy
| 10000 bushels Of corn,
| Jamee River Is being strongly fortified by
the rebels. Fort Powhattan is being casema-
ted with railroad iron. The rebel force be-
tween tho Blackwater and Richmond Is nosrly
| 5000. all is quiet at Suffolk,