Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-12-30
NEWS FROM REBEL SOURCES.
The Situation Georgia.

TThe Savannah Republican of December 90,
the last number issued while the rebels were
in possession Of that city contains the follow
inf interesting letter from the rebel capital:l
RICHMOND, Dee. IL have not written you
regularly for some time past, because there
was little to communicate, and because the
situation in Georgia occupied all minds, and
filled all hearts with apprehension. The
weather has been bright and and dry, and
such as one seldom finds any where else at
this season of the yeaY, and which is known
here as the Indian summer. But 1t is now
raining, with every prospect of a continuance
of wet weather for some days to come. We
learn by telegraph that 1t Is raining in North
Carolina and South Carolina, and, indeed, all
the way from here to Georgia.
While Grant has not been altogether idle, he
has undertaken no movement that looked to an
early resumption of hostilities. The dash
against Stony Greek uepot by a few hundred
Federal cavalry, and the destruction Of the
buildings and a few supplies at that place
was an exception enterprise, and had no con-
nection with an general movement OF the
same character was the attack upon the bat
terry at the Howlitt House, by three monitors
and as many batteries on the north side OF the
James. These demonstrations were made,
doubtless to prevent Lee from sending REIN
forcements to Georgia, and perhaps to ascer-
tain whether any movement of troops to the
South was being made. They have been ac-
cepted here, however, especially by the ne VS.
papers, as indication Of renewal OF the attack
against our lines. The organization OF all the
negro troops IN the Federal army into dis
consequent shifting Of bodies of men from one
part of the lines to another, though made with
out hostile INTENT and with no other purpose
than here alluded to, have also rved to
strengthen the belief that Grant was preparing
for offensive measures. As for myself, know
of no foundation for such q belief.
That fresh instruments of troops from the
valley have reached the James, is not improb.
able; though there is more reason to believe
that they have been sent TO the coast of South
Carolina and Georgia to cooperate with Sher-
mo Ira fc nf thon inin han tkaf
any considerable body of men has been sent
from Richmond to Georgia, OF course he may
avail himself Of the circumstance and recon-
mence hostiliries, especially IL he can procure
reinforcements from Sheridan. 1t Is well
known that the latter, In pursuance of his plan
of campaign in the valley, has sent q heavy
and Fauquier counties, to devastate that pic
turesQue and fruitful region, and to render IL
impossible for Early to subsist his army either
in the valley or the Piedmont district.
1t IS not to the Potomac, therefore, that the
enemy looks tor protection of his capital, not
the troops who follow the banner of Sheridan
but TO he tbsrren waste" the wide, black
desert, which theoFederal incendiaries have
made on the Shenandoah and beyond the Rap
panannock. When their diabolIcal WORK shall
have been completed it will be impossible to
and then the major part of the vandals who
have blasted that lovely district may be sent
to other fields to renew their devilish work
Meantims the troops on both sides near
for some time in the work of preparing winter
quarters Lees army is in good spirits and
quite strong enough for Grants present force,
The men are not discouraged in the least and
were never more firm In the resolution to.
win their indeoencence or perish in the at<
tempt. rs =
Itis reported that the Committee on Military
Affairs in the House Of Representatives have
agreed upon bill for the increase of the army.
II is said tnat all local preachers not exercising
pastoral care By regular appointment over some
church, and all physicians who have not been
practising for ten years; il able and within con-
scripting age, will be required to perform
military duty. There is an additional pro.
vision In regard to physicians under forty "a We.
who are exempted, which relates to the fees
that NAV be charged by them for professiouaI
services. & - :.
Many ministers Of the Gospel took an active
part in the Secession movement, and 1t seems
to be the opinion Of the committee that they
hould be required to practice their own pre.
cepts, and show their faith by their works.
Editors, printers, and pYessmen are LEFT WHARF
hey were under the existing law; bnt all other
about newspaper oficee, snch as re- ;
poIters, bookkeepers, and carriers, if under
orty. i've, will be sent to the field. The bill
will be reported TO- day, probably, or to.mor.
'ow, when we shall know what are its pro-
1ieions In regard to planters, farmers, mechan-