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.
The case of Gen Blair.
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.
Affairs in North Carolina.
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.
Blockade Runner captured.
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.
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