The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-07-22
THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

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THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.
The exciting events which have transplred
in Maryland during the last two weeks have
diverted the attention from the great and
noble work Gen. Sherman and his hardy he
roes have been doing in Georgia. As will
be seen by dispatches published this week,
he has been steadily and surely pressing for
ward until he has besieged Atlanta-the
stronghold of the rebels in Georgia. The
long march, the hard fights, the indomitable
patience, the abundant resources, and the
inexhaustable strategy of Sherman are illus
trated and rewarded by his possession Of she
Chatahoochie river. Nothing in the defences
proper of Atlanta can offer such hope of OBJ
stinate resistance as the position which John
ston has now abandoned. 1t is hardly prob
able that Johnston has fallen back eight
miles to the rear of Atlanta, as one report
has it, thus virtually Welding that strong
hold. 1t is generally believed that Atlanta
is strongly fortified, and it would seem to be
the hight Of folly for Johnston to evacuate
the place without show Of fight. But it
matters but little whether he has reiterated
or not, for if he hasn't Sherman will soon
drive him out, which will amount to the same
thing.
The raid into Maryland is over. On the
18th the rebels sent small force of cavalry
and infantry to the 'front.' Of Washington as
if about to invest that city in force, and at
the same time the main body of raiders were
moving off south by way of Edwards Ferry
toward Leesburg, with their booty. The
rebels got good deal Of plumber and fright
ened the people of Pennsylvania and Mary
land. The raiders lost some men, especially
at Monocracy, bu: are probably satisfied
with what they have accomplished. 1t ap
pears now as if they would get safe &c
Richmond with their plumber.
But little actual fighting has taken plac
before Petersburg during the last week. Tn
usual amount of skirmishing has been goins
on, but no serious fighting has been done
1t is reported that Gen. Grant has concen
trated his forces, and that he is approaching
Petersburg slowly but surely as he did Vicks
burg. Many of the officers belonging t
the army Of the Potomac who have been i
Washington have gone to the front, expect
ing lively times.
Several changes have been made in con
manders of the forces in and around Wasl
ington. Gen. Tyler relieves Gen. Lew Wa
lace in his command at Baltimore Gen.
p. Howe has been ordered to the comm an
of our forces in Maryland, vice Sigel orde
ed to report to Hunter. COL n. w. Wis
we'll is made military governor and proves
marshal Of the forces at Washington. The,
are to be more changes in the army of II
Potomac, and it is reported that one or tv
of the former corps commanders will be n
called.
Those who write to inquire, says the III
bune, whether the payment of $500 comm
taton exempts for three full years from q
drafts, are informed that such payment,
made at any time prior to February las
does so exempt. In February the law W
changed so that the payment of So
thenceforth exempted only for tie ,mpendi,
draft; while since the passage Of the act
this month there is no communication wbateyt
All who are henceforth drafted, and g
found liable, must serve in person or by su
stitute.
Several prominent Rebel sympathzers
siding at Bladensburg and vicinity were
restec Friday and sent to the Old Capitol
the military authorities for fraternzng W
and giving information to the Rebel invade
By direction Of President Lincoln, the
DER calling for the services Of the militia a
volunteers Of the District of Columbia b
been rescinded, and they are according
mustered out.