Daily Richmond Whig

The most important news of the day is from the West. Accounts from Springfield, through Northern papers, state that the Federals have abandoned Springfield and retreated in the direction of St. Louis. The object of this movement is probably to concentrate a large force on the Mississippi and attack Columbus. We infer from Gen. Johnston's call on Gov. Harris for the militia of Tennessee, that such is his interpretation of it. The Governor has promptly responded and called out 80,000.

The enemy on this side of the Potomac have been making reconnoissances in force during the past few days—which has created the expectation of a battle in that quarter.

It is reported that the Federals have invaded Accomac and Northampton counties with 8,000 men, and now have military occupation of them. The Confederates had nothing but a few militia, who, we presume, dispersed before such a force.

The enemy are certainly closing upon us. All their movements indicate a general advance, with the view to their cherished object—a winter campaign in the South. We trust our army and our people are prepared to meet them.