Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

July 31, 1861

Page 3

FROM WASHINGTON

Washington, via Louisville, Ky., July 25

The Federal Pickets at Falls Church, were drawn in on Wednesday morning.

The War Department is engaged in effecting a thorough organization of the army. The old system is to be changed. Reliable officers will be provided, subject to examination by a Board of officers, appointed by the War Department.

Two young men, Bradleys, one a Theological student, have been arrested at Alexandria, under the charge of being spies from Manassas.

The Federal Pickets have been withdrawn from two miles outside of Alexandria.

It is reported throughout the North that Volunteers to the amount of eighty thousand, have been accepted.

France and England are undoubtedly discussing the American Blockade Question, with a view to making proposals.

The N. Y. Herald says the memorable route has thrown the Government back upon the defences [sic] occupied three months ago, which will result in their assuming the defensive before the fall of the year.

All letters issued from the War Department since the defeat of the Federal army at Manassas, contain the following:--“Your Regiment was accepted with the distinct understanding that this Department will revoke the Commissions of all officers who prove incompetent to command.”

The Washington correspondent of the N. Y. World says the Confederates are largely encamped between Fairfax and Centreville.

Col. Bartlett, of the 5^th Mississippi Regiment, has been brought to Washington as a prisoner.

Two Regiments of Indianians have returned to Indianapolis, and have been mustered out of service. Three more are on their way home.

The N. Y. Tribune demands the resignation of the whole Cabinet upon the ground of incompetency.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]