REBELS AT MANASSAS GAP.
I am informed by a gentleman who came to-day from his farm beyond Manassas Gap Junction, in Madison County, and a resident of Washington, that he found no difficulty in obtaining passes through the rebel forces, and was treated very courteously by them. The Railroad being entirely destroyed from Manassas Gap to Centreville, he came in the baggage wagons of the First Regiment South Carolina Militia, commanded by Col. MAXEY GREGG, a distance of eight miles. All the distance on the mountains, pickets are to be seen within hailing distance of each other.
The regiment is one thousand strong, and were accompanied by two hundred negroes, who carried their masters' arms, knapsacks, and in many cases an extra hat. The guns were strapped on to the backs of the negroes. A peculiar feature was a full negro band. On arriving at the encampment at Centreville, eight miles from Manassas Gap, the Colonel elevated the Confederate flag upon a fence, and ordered the negro band to play Dixie. This gentleman says they played elegantly. They are waiting there expecting an attack at Manassas Gap.
The rebel forces expect the Government to make the attack between Centreville and Fairfax Courthouse, but if not attacked, they will not attack one forces themselves. This is important, as they are thus acting under the instructions of their Commander-in-Chief.
There was no conveyance from Centreville to Fairfax, where there are about twelve hundred Confederate forces. He was passed by our troops to Washington without difficulty.
Additional regiments are expected from South Carolina, who will join the First South Carolina Regiment. They intend to retire from Fairfax to Centreville, and there resist our forces. Whether they have brought their negroes to do the first fighting, or to play, presently, "Yankee Doodle" and "Hail to the Chief " for Gen. MCDOWELL, is problematical.
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David Upton