Year: 1861

A glance at the map Of the United States will
perhaps astonish those who have never reflected
how short is the distance from Eastern Tennessee
to Port Royal Harbor, and may suggest a posi-
bility of cntting great rebellion into two small
pieces.


The idea of an acknowledgment OF the South
ern Confederacy, or Of peace on any terms ex-
cept absolute submission to the law of the land,
has not been ascertained, discussed or proposed,
nor has any communication, of any kind, on any
subject, been held with any Power or person rep
resentng the rebels.


1t is believed that the rebellion reached its cul-
mination some time since. That its full power
is understood and appreciated, and that it has
been losing force for more than two months. The
most perfect confidence exists in the ability of
the Government to make a rapid suppression of
it hereafter. and the restoration Of the power of
the GovTnment over the entire Union, is believed
TO be fixed fact in the future, and within the
coming year.


In reference to our foreign relations the Gov
ernment are perfectly assured of their entire cor
diality. They believe that when the rebellion
broke out, it had for time the advantage Of
finding the nation in repose. and England and
France did appreciate the ability Of the Union
force, really thinking perhaps with the South,
that could lot raise hundred thousand men
to fight for the Constitution. With half mil
lion in the field, with a strong navy. and credit
in the money market at home, which makes our
credit perfect abroad, it is understood that are
a very different nation from what they took US to
be, and we have now their profound respect,
which is growing into admiration. England. the
Government feels satisfied, entertans no idea of
recognizing the Southern Confederacy. and it is
even more decided in It's views than France, al
though the known report of Prince Napoleon is
believed to settle the latter country firmly in its
sympathies with the Union.


The Commander-in Chief is fully aware of the
anxiety of the public mind for decisive move
ments, but at the same time he understands his
his responsibilities, and appreciates the magni-
tude of the work to be accomplished. He has
no idea of going into winter quarters at Wash
ington. and the story that bad roads and muddy
travelling will soon make an advance impossible,
is considered ridiculous. The army will make
its own roads, whenever and wherever il advan-
ceS, and though progress may be slower in wet
and wintry times, it will not be seriously
tarded.


The future condition of the country, after the
rebellion is ended and the power of Government
restored does not, for the present at least, enter
definitely into the consideration of the Cabinet.
There is 3 general belief in the Importance of rec
ognzing he power of the central government.
aud this NAV imply an idea of centralizing power
in a greater degree than heretofore. But that
will be a subject of National consideration, with
which the Administration has nothing to do


InacOnclusion, may add that the President
aud Cabinet find but one source of weakness in
the National position. This is in the variable,
capriciOus and fretful humor of the people. The
great desire of the Administration is that the peo
pie shall quietly and calmly permit their repre-
sentatives to manage the Government and the
war according to their best of judgment, and not
by force of local or general public opinion, en-
deavor to dictate n policy, or divert the Govern
ment from any line of action they may have
chosen. In short, the Administration earnestly
desire that the nation shall exercise that ealmness
and patience which we have taken repeated occa
sion to inculcate, and if this is done they have
perfect confidence in the future.