The Washington correspondent of the New York World says:

"The guard on the bridge across the Anacostia, on Friday night, arrested a negro who attempted to pass the sentries on the Maryland side. He seemed to feel confident that he was among friends, for he made no concealment of his character and purpose. He said he had walked sixty miles, and was going North. He was very much surprised and disappointed when he was taken into custody and informed that he would be sent back to his master. He is now in the guard-house and answers freely all questions relating to his weary march. Of course such an arrest excites much comment among the men. Nearly all are restive under the thought of acting as slave-catchers. The Seventy-first made a forced march, and the privations they endured made a honorable mention in the country's history. This poor negro made a forced march twice the length--in perils often, in fasting, hurrying toward the North for his liberty,! And the Seventy-first catches him at the end of his painful journey--the goal in sight--and sends him back to the master who even now may be in arms against us, or may take the slave, sell him for a rifle, and use it on his friends in the Seventy-first New York Regiment. Humanity speaks louder here than it does in a large city, and the men who in New York would dismiss the subject with a few words about 'constitutional obligations,' are now the loudest in denouncing the abuse of power which changes a regiment of gentlemen into a regiment of negro catchers. There is but one opinion among the troops in regard to their acting for rebels. 'Let them look after their own negroes,' is the universal sentiment. I do not think it strange that the ones who objected most strenuously to the arrest of fugitives were the old-time Democrats, for it is not unreasonable to suppose that their extreme pro-slavery opinions were adhered to rather from political expediency than from sincere conviction, and when the strain is taken from their consciences by the removal of that expediency, the 'let up' is rather refreshing to them, and they gladly seize the opportunity to show that they think it is a mean business. The discussion of this subject has incidentally brought up another, immediately connected with it. That is, the probable insurrection among the slaves of Eastern Virginia. Here the sentiment is markedly divided. Many assert that they would not raise a hand to put down an insurrection; some think the danger is a military weakness of which our government should take the advantage; others would willingly assist in the suppression of such an attempt. All are of opinion that ere long the question will be brought to a practical issue.