2

The War.

The telegraph has reported that General Scott has informed the president and cabinet that he intends to have possession of Richmond and Memphis by about the 15th of July. If this is the programme of the war, we may expect warm and bloody work during the coming six weeks, for the confidence and enthusiasm of the Confederates in their ability to resist and overthrow an invading army was never at a higher pitch than now. The well informed Washington correspondent of the Journal of Commerce gives the following information about military movements in the vicinity, and the prospects of the war:
The military operations in this vicinity appear to be coming to some head. The number of Confederate troops within thirty miles of Alexandria is increasing daily, and it is believed that they are well armed and equipped, and perhaps better prepared to go into active war than they will ever be, as their enthusiasm and confidence are at the highest point. Movements of troops from this side of the river to that, are going on. Regiments here are under orders to march at fifteen minutes' notice. The question is whether Gen. Scott is to order an advance upon the intrenched camp at Manassas Junction, or whether he intends to await an attack. On each side an attack is expected from the other. It is probable, therefore, that for some days skirmishes between advanced posts or scouting parties will continue to occur, and the effect of these is to produce mutual exasperation and irritation, and whet the appetite for the coming carnage.

The three months men are soon to be withdrawn from service, and their places taken by three years' men. All arrangements indicate on both sides, preparation for protracted war. The operations in western Virginia and on the Ohio and Mississippi, will, at an early stage of the war, be conducted on a large scale, under Gen. McClellan, now second to Gen. Scott in command in the United States army. A descent upon Memphis with an overwhelming force, by a flotilla and an army, is one of the greatest of the operations embraced in the programme of the war. As this will require much preparation, it may not be attempted till next winter.

The removal of the Montgomery government to Richmond will be, as we have abundant evidence already, attended with a transfer of immense bodies of southern troops to Virginia. They are pouring in from all the southern states, and the prospect is that the southern crop of wheat, corn, &c., will be ample to sustain them. The non-expost of cotton during the blockade of the sea-court, and the prohibition of its export except from southern sea ports, will cause a still further diversion of slave labor in the cotton states to the production of corn and cattle, during every successive season of the war. There will be less of luxury and extravagance, and perhaps even some lack of ordinary comforts, in the southern states, during a seven years war, and the same may be said of a portion at least of the northern states; but it is evident that on both sides, all the privations consequent upon the chances of the struggle will be accepted, and indorsed with resignation and hope of a more happy future.

There is much uneasiness here in regard to the state of feeling in Maryland. It has been reported that arms and munitions of war have privately been brought into the state, and especially into the city of Baltimore, and kept concealed. Those who are disaffected toward the government, but who are now quiet from policy, may, it is surmised, become rebellious should any important reverses be experienced by the federal arms. Should this be so, it is also believed that the state would be plunged into social war. It is reported that Gen. Cadwallader is to be assigned to another post, and his place supplied by a more vigilant and vigorous commander.