We take some additional items from our latest New York files:
The movement on Richmond.
The New York
Herald, of the 4th, in an editorial summary of the situation, says:
‘
The rebel leaders at
Richmond evidently fear that, while strengthening our army on the
Rapidan Gen Grant has not weakened the victorious army at
Chattanooga.
Jeff Davis, therefore may well be some what uneasy concerning the safety of
Atlanta, while all the help that he can muster is required for the defence of
Richmond.
The withdrawal of
Longstreet from
East Tennessee is of itself equal to a heavy reinforcement of
Gen Thomas, and it is probable that
Gen Sherman —
Gen Grant's chief in command in the
West--will take good care that no further reinforcements from
Georgia are sent forward to
Gen Lee.
’
Thus it will be seen that in securing
Chattanooga we head off the enemy to a very great extent on their interior lines of communication.
While we were not further advanced in the
West than
Nashville or
Murfreesboro', it was almost impossible to prevent the concentration of all the rebel reserves of
Georgia and
Alabama in the army of Lee. if required.
Now, as our army from
Chattanooga may pounce upon
Atlanta, if not strongly defended, and thus cut off the subsistence of
Richmond,
Johnston, with a large force, must remain in
Georgia, at all hazards to
Gen Lee. In this view
Gen Sherman holds the right wing of
Gen Grant's forces operating against
Richmond.
Gens Butler and
Baldy smith the left, and
Gen Meade the centre with the heroic old Army of the Potomac-and all under the watchful eye of the victor of
Vicksburg.
If successful on either wing or in the centre
Gen Grant wins the game.
But right, left and centre, we anticipate his complete success.
The councils of the military authorities are kept remarkably secret.
Heretofore, on the eve of battles some idea could be formed of contemplated movements; but now they are matters of mere speculation, both among prominent civilians and even army officers.
The almost confidence, how ever, is reposed in those having the direct conduct of affairs, and due credit is given for their wisdom in preventing premature disclosure.
A telegram from
Washington says:
‘
A most remarkable reticence is observed with regard to the movements of
General Grant.
Flying rumors prevail, as a matter of necessity, on the eve of all great events, but nothing is known of the intentions of the commanding General beyond the fact that he and his army are ready for the crisis which is approaching.
We are told that the only fear is that
Gen Lee will "attempt to escape" from his position before
General Grant moves upon his works.
It may he a vague fear, however, which need not distress those who are anxious upon the question.
It is far more likely that such a sagacious strategist as
Lee has proved himself will not change his base, except it be for a stronger position.
’
An official dispatch from
Gen Banks states that, notwithstanding the "surprise" on the 8th ult., the loss of the enemy on the two following days was considerable, that the last fights were a disaster, and so forth Further details of the
Red river expedition, containing many points of interest are given by our correspondents to day.
Gen Banks has fallen back to
Alexandria, and all the transports and gunboats except the
Eastport have arrived safely down to the falls at that place.
Gen Beauregard is said to be placed in command of the rebel forces in
North Carolina.
There is no news of importance from the
Southwest to-day.
The
status quo appears to be rigidly preserved as wide be seen by our interesting correspondent from various points in that region.
There was a caucus of a number of the republican
Senators to day, and it was decided to sustain the resolution now before the Military Committee respecting the restoration of
Frank Blair's commission.
It is understood that it will be amended in the Senate so as to provide that he shall not be recognized as an officer in the military service, and recommending his dismissal, as his commission is held illegally.
Major Gen Peck has been removed from command in
North Carolina, and
Gen Palmer has been assigned there.
A letter from
Newbern, dated the 29th ult, has the following intelligence about Yankee affairs on the coast.
It has been learned through various sources that the rebel force that attacked
Plymouth consisted of eighteen regiments of infantry, three of cavalry, and sixty pieces of artillery Twelve of these regiments were borrowed from
Lee's army; the balance were
North Carolina State troops.
Three sections of the artillery were taken from
Kinston, two sections from
Tarboro', four sections from
Raleigh, and the rest from
Richmond.
Deserters report that all the three now at
Plymouth consists of two regiments of infantry and two light batteries of artillery.
They also state that twelve regiments of the original force that attacked
Plymouth have been sent to
Kinston, including two cavalry regiments.
It is evident that the rebels are playing a sharp game, and from present intimations design, to visit
Newbern at an early day, the distance from
Kinston to this point being less than from
Plymouth.
The command of the rebel forces of this State is now given to
Gen Beauregard.
Hoke has been promoted to a
Major General and
Pickett has been assigned to duty in the rebel army of Virginia.
It has been ascertained that the ram built at
Kinston came down the Nense river a few days since to a point four miles below the town.
There, owing to its unwieldy proportions, it stuck fast.
This ram draws nine feet of water, and evidently will never be serviceable as the river has fallen several feet within the last few days, and in some places is unnavigable.
It is stated that the rebel ram
Albemarle if taken down the river could not again go up against the stream, that she is now held up by two tugboats and is leaking badly from the effects of the steel projectile fired from the 200 pounder
Parrott in the water battery near
Plymouth.
This shot is said to have shaken the ram from stem to stern.
The pilot who brought the ram down the river was in the town of
Plymouth two days previous, taking observations.
A rebel brigade, under the command of Coarse, computed at about 2,000 strong, is still between this point and
Kinston.
The day before yesterday they advanced to within fourteen or fifteen miles of the town, and then marched back.
It is somewhat of a mystery that the rebels do not either make an active movement against
Washington or leave for other parts.
It is shrewdly suspected that they are embarrassed by their own success, as it would require a large force and much time to escort the prisoners and to remove the spoils from the conquered town of
Plymouth.
Or else they are, like Tam O'Shanter's mother, "nursing their wrath to keep it warm," and design to pay us here a stormy visit.
Another and plausible supposition is that they fear a rough welcome when they do come, and prefer to stay at home.--At any rate, the next few days will remove all doubts as to their designs.
A dispatch from
Fortress Monroe says:
‘
The steamer O L
Clark, from
Port Royal, has arrived.
She reports: On the 1st inst, off Frying Pan Shoal, spoke gunboat
Vicksburg cruising for blockade runners.
The
Vicksburg reported as follows: Captured on the 30th ult the schooner
India, loaded with palm oil and sugars, evidently for
Wilmington.
Also chased a side wheel steamer on the same day, but lost her that night.
’
