New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-03-14
THE ARMY OF THE JAMES.
Continuance Of had Weather High Water
In the James-The Rebel Rams Ex.
pectcd-Preparatiens for N Early Ad.
vance-Rumovs Of Sherman and Shcr.
Aan-Mni. Gen. Ord.

idan-Mnj. Gen. Ord.
From Our Special Correspondent.
HDQRs. ARMY OF TIE JAMES. March 6. 1865.
The Richmond and Petersburg lines" are
still overshadowed by dense cloud Of mist which gives
no promise Of fair weather for time to come. As
consequence Of the continuance Of rainy weather the
James is still swift and swollen, although il is lower
than on yesterday.
on The LOOKOUT FOR TIT HTBEL FANS.
The present high water In the river induces many to
believe that another visit viii BE- undertaken by the
emy's iron. clads and than usual vigilance is ex
erclsed by our feet in view Of the possibility Of such
contingency The second coming Of the enemy's IN.
wieldy and III sholon wni,rcraft would be hailed with
uneigned delight ny .ey Jolly tar on duty in the up
per James. and hey wond inangurate conflict with
their an gousts with the fullest confidence TO its
issue That tie win again attempt another raid
below Du. Gap is probable, for. bockadcd at Rich.
mond they at present. they poweressto hat N
Us ard but membranes upon the existing "Coufcder
ac," It~1ccia be unreasonable 10 suppose fora mo-
ment that have neglected sny preparation for their
reception.
THE VOTE OF PRffARATIoSs.
While Sherman with his army is "smoDg the pines'
Of North Carolina and sheridan at the head Of for.
mldable column Of dashing troopers. supposed to be
maneuvring in the vicinity OF Lynchburg. the long
sinuous line OF army begins exhibit unwonted
animation and puts threatening and belligcrent
aspect as II only waiting for the forward" which Is
to enable them to fn important part in the closing
scene Of the great Rebellion drama. Reviews always
indicative OF the speedy approach Of the campaign
as the clouds which precede the storm have already
been initiated In the armies above and below the James,
other not wanting that active opera
| the AZ oil ornia a
Of fair weather.
It IL but truth to say that apprehension Is felt In
regard to Sherman Of whose movements the Rebel
papers sptefuly persist in saying nothing 1t is evil
dent from the tone Of the Richmond papers that he has
as yet. had no general engagement with Johnstons
forces but the confidence real ASSUMED Of the Rebel
press and the absence Of and tangible indications Of
Lees intention to abandon either Richmond Peters
burg odds must be confessed TO the universal anxiety
TO learn Of Shermnns Whereabouts and prospects. 1t is
likewise plain that the enemy bases his future tenure
those two points npon his ability to prevent junction
Of the armies Of Grant and Sherman ON event which
would precede the evacuation Of these cities by only
few hours.
DrsERTERs STORIES.
Quite number Of Rebel deserters concur In the
statement that torpedoes have been planted around
Petersburg and Richmond, and that tunnels and mines
have been dug along their lines for the reception Of
powder wherewth to atomic our advancing columns
in case Lee compelled to abandon those two strong
holds The story Is not an improbable one, and may or
may not be true.
| THE DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA.
| The Lieutenant. General could probably have not
made more fitting selection for the responsible duties
of the position than Major Gen. T. O. c. Ord. command
Ing the Department Of Virginia and the Army OF the
JamesL" The discrimination intelligence and assiduity
displayed BY Gen. Ord mark him possessing all the
requisites necessary TO the proper discharge OF the
ouerous duties Of his Office Whether galoping to the
front on tour Of observation along the line or in his
Office busIly engaged In the transaction OF Official busi'
ness Gen. Ord is always the same ardworkng officer
and the same courteous gentleman He spare no pains
10 become thoroughly conversant with the necessities Of
bis troops and omits no to promote their per
sonal comfort and soldierly efficiency As commander
of tho Department of Virginia he 10 intrusted with the
regulation Of Negro Affairs in the districts Of the
Eastern Shore, Fortress Monroe. and Norfolk.
The new free labor system created in those districts
by the Presidents Emancipation Proclamation, and the
consequent temporary confusion which snsued from 90
great social revolution rendered the appointment Of
military superintendents In those districts not only ad
visabIe but imperative. They were accordingly sp
pointed by Gen. Butler their province being to nsugu.
rate and superintsnd freeabor system calculated to
satisfy the whites while insuring reasonable compen.
sation tho negro TO encourage industry and 70 pre-
vent feuds between the freedmen and their employer
lie showing the proprety and necessity Of the measures
adopted and exhibiting the superiority OF the present
| oyef the former slave.labor reSimI TcG.