The New York herald., 1865-02-27
RICHMOND.
LARGE INFLUX OF DESERTERS.
AVERAGE ONE HUNDRED PER DAY.
South Carolina Troops at the
Head.
~~~~
The Rebel General Lee Gone
South to Direct Operations
Against Sherman.
General Joe Johnston in Command Of the
Rebel Army at Richmond,
90, DO. &C.,

Mr. .. CadWallnder's Despatch.
CRY Porr, Feb. Is, 1885,
fHs AzaN QUIETLY AWAITING DEVELOPMENTS.
The fcverish feeling Of anxiety expectation that
has pervaded the Army Of tho Potomac for few days
past s now dying out. All settling down into the
sensible opinion that the rebels in condition to
attack with any hope Of success they shrewd
sensible to throw away lives they lily spare such
a fororn attempt. Tho enomy has been in commotion
for nearly week. Troops have been moving from point
TO point along the line. Deserers declared Lee in
tending to attack and surprise His growing despera
ton would be apology for the venture There was
then some reason for the vigilance manifested by for
week past TO thwart the execution OF any such purpose
we're 1t seriously contemplated.
REBEL MOVING PETERSBURG RICHMOND
Yesterday several passed from Petersburg Rich
mond loaded with troops which gave life to the old
port of rebel evacuation The popular expectation is
astonshngy ardent and widespread. Scarcely officer
private be found in the army who does not so
firmly believe they will shortly evacuate that he is
ceedngy creduous the question and willing believe
the widest rumor.
CONTINUED DEsERTIoSs soLDrERy.
Desertion has really become fearful from the rebel
army Nothing like it was ever known before. Since
Sherman rumphal march into South Carolina and the
fall Of Charleston the troops of that State for the
first time to have grown disheartened, and are now
coming to in great If not greater numbers than any
others. One entire company in on the Sixth corps
front yesterday morning. after daylight bringing their
and equipments and individual straggle in at all
hours. We receiving hundred per day
regularly.
rHE REBEL GENERAL LEE CONE soUrH-JoHNsroS
RICHMOND
The Richmond papers state that Gen. j. r. Johnston
has been assigned to command by Gen Lee but sngu-
lary for them even omit what II is where he
will servo On the 23d they ntimated that his
ing Beauregard in command of the army In front of
Sherman foregone conclusion. II Is apparent
from other of information that quite different
disposition has been made of him An escaped Union
soldier from Richmond prison brings the news that
Johnston is In command of the rebel army defending
Richmond and that Lee started South two days ago
join the forces ndcr Beauregard TO take the immediate
direction Of affairs II nesessary and to determine the
general features OF operations in that quarter in any
event There is very little doubt Of this being true.
Heavy operations may certainly be expected within the
next few weeks.
ARRIVAL or GENERAL SINGLETON JUDGE HUGHES Al
GENERAL GRANTS HEADQUARTERS.
General Singleton and Judge Hughes arrived ut Gene
raj Grants headquarters this morning. II Is understood
tina. they Richmond by permission OF thu
President to make attempt to bring about nj
honorable peace The attempt may be made good faith
but possessing the least practical knowledge
the subject expects anything but modification and
plcaon TO result from such missions The confcdcracy
Is materially stronger to-day for the peace oss
at Fortress Monroe So II will be from all succcssors
until other battles have been fought and other feelings
and inclinations born Of victory defeat