THE NORTH WESTERN IREEDMEN’S AID COMMISSION unsigned, rccognr the 1 V md i r SBmg Ueed f ° f 'cbe National r ,amen have, upon d;, ie consultatio „,:a ed themselves toder the [ and offer to the , .pie o e to become the :,nunei s ag jj avc gjf tg trans -110 t LdB long down-trodden and bit *y oppressed people, now at length, ; the good providence of God, inspired rith the hopes of individuality and man • -ivl. Assured by the experience of -ergani -at ions earlier in the field, that the peo ple universally desire te do all in their power for the relief jpf these sufferers, the Commissien congratulate themselves upon the opportunity afforded them oft facilitating a charity so eminently wise and .just. The basis of the organization is swsh as to mate the managers directly amen able to the donors, under ‘constitutional ■imitations, and ■every endeavor 'will be used to conduefthe enterprise efficiently, ( conomically and acceptably. The Com mission finds its origin and constituency within the North-West, and is responsi ble to no foreign body. It succeeds to the work vigorously inaugurated by the bvirth-Wcstern Freedmen’s Aid Com mittee, whose members, it will be seen, have alt been included in the new Com mission. • The Western Freedmen’s Aid Commission, heretofore represented on this field by- the Rev. H. W. Cobb, has in a handsome manner signified its readi ness to yield the territory to home cul ture, and has withdrawn its agent. Anil the Rev. R. E. Markham, hereto fore' representing the American Mission ary Association, has united his interests with those of the new organization. It is now hoped -that the entire North-West will unite upon the catholic platform offered, and that the results will be Lund to justify a wise and economical concentration of power. It is the pur pose of the Commission to aid in reliev ing the pressing physical wants of the Frecdmeir; and in addition, to do what may be found wise and practicable for their social, intellectual, moral and spiritual welfare, leaving the formation of churches entirely to separate ecclesi astical action. The character of the contributions most needed, may be described as follows: Money : which will be required in generous sums, to carry out so extensive a work, to establish and sustain the necessary agencies, to purchase many things not contributed in sufficient quantities, and to provide as far as practicable, schools and teachers in lo calities where large numbers of freed people are congregated. Clothing : Second-hand garments for women and children, and, which is preferable, materials for clothing— chiefly, coarse blankets, linseys, jeans and heavy osnaburgs, coarse woolen socks and stockings or yarn, and shoes. Cooking Utensils : Pots, pails, ba sins, tin cups and -plates, knives, spoons, &c. Medicines : Cough and diarrhoea medicines are needed in large quantities. Food : Farina, &c., for the sick. Teachers : Male or female; compe tent, having strength, courage, fortitude, and a heart for this work,-willing to go for small salaries, and able to endure hardships as good soldiers of Christ. There are probably not less than forty thousand, chiefly women and chil dren, now within our lines, between Cairo and New Orleans, for whom no adequate provision has been made. The majority of them have no shelter but what they call “bush tents,” fit for nothing but-to protect them from night dews. -They are very poorly clad, many of them half naked, and almost destitute of beds and bedding, thousands of them sleeping on the bare ground. The Gov ernment supplies them with rations, but many unavoidable delays arise in the distribution, so that frequent instances of great destitution occur. The army rations, beef and crackers, are also a kind of diet they are not used to, they have no facilities for cooking, and are almost ignorant of . the use of wheat flour; and even where provisions in abundance are supplied, they are so spoiled in cooking, as to be neither eatable -nor wholesome. Add to these difficulties, the helplessness and improvi dence of those who have always been slaves, together with their forlorn and: jaded condition when they reach our lines, and we can easily account for the, fact that sickness and death prevail to a fearful extent/ No language can de scribe the suffering, destitution and neg lect which prevail in some of their “camps.” ' Contributions should be sent to John V. Farwoll, Esq., (of Cooley, Farwell & C 0.,) and will be acknowledged month ly in the Chicago - Tribune. Boxes of clothing, etc., should be marked “ North Western Freedmen’s Aid Commission, care of Col. R. B. Mason,'Chicago 111,” The residence of the donors should also be plainly marked upon the box, and duplicate invoices of contents made, one to be placed in the box, and the other sent by mail to “ Rev. C. 11. Fowler, Box 3795, Chicago, 111.” All communications upon the general business of the Commission, should be addressed to Rev. Mr. Fowler. The first annual meeting of the Com missionwiirbe held in the City of Chi cago, on the second Thursday of April next. Contributors of sums not less than five dollars will be electors. A contribution of twenty dollars, or up wards, at one time, constitutes a life elector. Persons wishing to act as elec- tors, will please have their names en rolled when their contributions are made Rev, R. F. Markham and Rev. H. W. Cobb, are our authorized agents. The Post Office address of the first is at Wheaton, Dupage Co., 111., of the sec ond, at Chicago, 111. Hon. John M. Wilson, President; Rev. R. W. Patterson, D. D., Vice President; Rev. 0. H-. Fowler, Cor. Secretary; Rev. J. R. Shipfierd, Rec. Secretary; John V. Farrell, Esq., Treasurer. Rev. Joseph Haven, D. D.; Rev. Robert Patterson, ©. D.; Rev. W. C. Jackson.; Rev. John B. Stewart.; Col. R. B. Mason.; Rev- N. D. Williamson.; Kev. Edw. A. Pierce.; Rev. T. M. Eddy, D. D.; Rev. J. CL Burroughs, D. D.; Rev. N.. Colver, D. D.; j. H . Muhlke, Rev. H. N. Bishop, D. D. Chicago, HI., January 10th, 1864 [We learn that a fortnight age, the N. W. Freednaen’s Commission bad four agents and ten teachers employed, and were increasing weekly. The Vice President, Rev. R. W. Patterson, D. D., was at that‘time on a visit to Washing ton to further the important ‘objects of the Commission.] DONATION VISIT IN THE WEST. Mr. Editor: —Now that you are in the way of chronicling ministerial re membrances, surprises, &c., will you please publish an “ old fashioned dona tion visit” on the frostier? It was given by the people of Clermont and vicinity to the subscriber, on the 29th ult. The number in attendance was larger than we have ever before seen on suck an occasion in this place. And, -though this people have just completed their :house of worship, and have been doing what they could to furnish it, the donations were more than on any simi lar ooeasion, amounting to $155, mostly in cash. ’ This, though a large and liberal sum for this people, is but an item in tke whole amount raised by them for be nevolent objects since last October. It is an evidence of a disposition on the part of people at the West, as well as at the East, to “drive the wolf from the Study door.” We think this disposi tion exists here, and only needs favoring circumstances to call it forth. Besides, we have not forgotten a very ancient saying, or exhortation’ of a wise and good man; “ Trust in the Lord and do good: so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shaft be fed.” For the very agreeable visit-and the material aid rendered us, we are under great obligation. Ciias. R. French, Clermont, Fayette County, lowa February, VHh, 1864. A NEW CHAPEL IN WILMINGTON. Hanover St. Church, Wilmington, has just completed and dedicated a hand some and commodious edifice, called “Olivet Chapel,” in the suburbs of the city. The services were held on Sab bath, Feb. 14tli; a sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. W. Aikman, and an address delivered by Thos. M. Cann, and the Scriptures were read jmd prayer offered by Rev. Mr. Dickerson, of the Baptist church. The cost was $4OOO. A Wilmington paper says: The chapel is situated upon a hill, commanding one of the prettiest views in the city, overlooking the town on the east and north, and the country to the south and west. It is built of brick, with projecting portico in front and re cesses for pulpit in the rear, and is sur mounted by a tasteful bell tower. It presents with its pointed slate roof and ornamental style a very pretty appear ance from every side. The audience room is a large room 'about thirty by fifty feet, no Space being lost by door way or pulpit, the ceiling being pointed though not framed against the roof. It is seated with pews, which while they present the usual appearance, are so ar ranged that each alternate seat can be divided in two portions, thrown around and turned into a square for the accom modation of a Sabbath school class. It is the best and most convenient arrange ment that we have seen. CHARACTER OF OUR SOLDIERS. Our correspondent writing from Camp Convalescent, adds the following elo quent tribute to the character of the defenders of Union:—■ I have always had faith in our noble soldiers. God bless them! I always have wept for the quenching of so many bright 4 «ycsing. lifes- . Sub lime and sacred are the bloody marty doins made by this cruel war. History will apotheosize the names of the fallen. But since I have been permitted a somewhat nearer and better insight of the, devotion and heroism of our men, ■of their faith in the cause, of their aston ishing patience, fortitude and courage in the hospital and on the dying bed, . I love them better than ever. I am proud to receive their warm grasp, and -hear them say, “ God bless you Chaplain !” HILADBLPHI A, THURSDAY, PEBB.U AR Y §5, 1864. and I am proud to return that grasp and say, “ God bless you, my brother !” More intelligent and agreeable young men cannot be found than among our citizen soldiery now in service, having left in many, instances good situations, and comfortable incomes for the mainte nance of our national integrity and unity. With such men in our cause, men who have carried into it so much principle, so much conscience, so much intelligent patriotism, so much calm devotion, so much moral harmony, and so much prayer and character,'who can for an instant doubt, that “cur quarrel is Just,” and who would not give them his sympathy and be willing to make any sacrifice to promote their physical com fort and their spiritual and eternal well being? ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The Rev. Epher Whitaker, of Sodthold, L. 1., pastor of the Presby terian church, acknowledges the receipt of a special donation, exceeding in value two hundred and twenty-five, dollars, and including one hundred and -two dollars, (192) in cash, with a complete set of Dr. Sprague’s Annals. Sweden. — Henan’s Book has been is sued in two separate translations in Sweden. Vhe publisher of one of these translations announced that in the last number would be given a preface by a clergyman in Stockholm, well known for has advanced theology. Many were induced to subscribe for the work by the desire of possessing this imputed re commendatory discourse: But to their sad disappoinsment, when the preface is published, it is found to contain a very severe and depreciatory critique on Re nan’s book, as paltry, and without any scientific foundation, Here, as else where, Renan has become the instru ment of causing men to read the Bible, and learn more concerning Jesus Christ. Death dp a Pious Officer. —The Christian Chronicle, describing the death of Col. J- Richter Jones, who was re cently killed near Newbern, says: “A bullet went entirely through his body, and he died Instantly, in the arms of his faithful body-servant, exclaiming, ‘My God, my King.’ In the last letter ever received from him he remarked, that each letter written he expected would -be the last. “But/ said ha, ‘to depart and be with Christ will be far better.’ Col. Jones was baptized many years ago, by Rev. Dr. Gillette.” * . Military movements of some importance have been made in the Southwest, during the past week. It is evidently the inten tion of Gen. Grant to give the rebels no rest until they throw down their arms and sub mit. The indications are that there will be a most vigorous campaign during the com ing Spring, and that,in the Southwest, at least, the rebellion will receive a fatal blow. We hope it may be vigorously pushed in the East, also. The new levies of troops which are pouring into the field, together with the old veterans who are re-enlisting, will be able, with judicious generalship, to do much towards crushing odt whatever life yet re mains in the slaveholders’ rebellion. Senate, Feb. 15.— A bill defining the rank, duty and pay of Chaplains was re ferred ; they are to have the pay of a Major of Infantry, hold religious meetings twice a week, and keep the libraries for soldiers’ use. The enrollment bill was called up, and the Senate, by a decisive vote, refused to recede from its position; a Committe of Conference must be had. The deficiency bill was taken up ; it was voted to increase the salaries of all the Assistant Secretaries and First and Second Assistant Postmaster- Generals, after the close of this financial year 10-$3,500 per annum i the House bill as amended was then agreed to. House. —Mr. Stevens reported a bill grant ing public lands to the People's Pacific Hail road and Telegraph Company by the north ern route. Mr. Windom offered a joint resolution, which was referred, proposing to amend-ihe Constitution, so as to prohibit Slavery throughout the United States and. Territories. Mr. Arnold offered a resolution declaring “That the Constitution shall be so amended as fo and prohibit sla very wherever it exists/’ Mr. Holman moved to lay the resolution on the table. Motion disagreed to by Yeas 58, Nays 79. Mr. Arnold’s resolution was adopted; Yeas 78, Nays 62. A bill for a ship canal around Niagara Falls, was reported. A bill for a Uniform System of Bankruptcy was also re ported. The House then took up the Sen ate’s amendment to the Internal Revenue bill, Mr. Stevens moved concurrence in the Senate’s amendments, which, he said, was a better revenue measure than the bill as it passed the House. He explained the amendments at length. Fernando Wood replied, and the debate was continued, without voting, until the hour of adjourn ment. Mr. Davis, from the Select Com mittee, reported a bill giving certain States, whose Governments have been usurped or overthrown, a Republican form of Govern ment. It provides for the appointment of Provisional Governors, charged with civil administration, until, by means of elections, the [State Governments can be re-establish ed ; all slaves in such territory are declared free, and any person hereafter in the Rebel public service is declared not to be a citizen of the United States, Senate, Feb. 16 On motion of Mr,. Lane, df Kansas, the Senate proceeded to the con sideration of the bill, setting apart certain lands in Texas for the use’of persons of Afri can descent. Mr. Lane addressed the Senate at length on his bill. The bill to give all soldiers the same pay was, then taken up. Mr. Wilson proposed that the bill should CONGRESS. take effect from, the Ist of March next. Mr. Garrett Davis, proposed to amend by dis banding any negroes organized as soldiers, and if any shall hereafter be employed it shall only be as laborers and teamsters ; and if they are slaves, their owners shall be paid just -compensation for their services; and if any slave is lost in the service the full value of him shall be paid to the owner out of the United States Treasury. Mr. Davis advo cated this foob’sh sentiment in a speech. - House. —The Senate amendments to the Internal Revenue bill were taken up. That one refusing to put a tax on whiskey. on hand (Fernando Wood's idea) was agreed to—Yeas, 73; Nays, 77. The sliding scale was also voted down, 105 to 141. (This put 70 cents a gallon on liquor made up to July, and 80 cents thenceforward.) The amendment striking out the additional 20 cents per gallon on adulterated spirits was agreed to. - Senate, Feb. 17.— Mr. SumMr presented the memorials of the Synod of the Reform ed Presbyterian Church,-(0.5.) and of a mass convention of the Christian people of Allegheny city, Pa., praying for such amend ments to the Constitution of the United States as may promote changes with respect to officers, slavery and other matters. Re ferred to the Committee on Judicary.— Mr.'Browd offered a joint resolution for the immediate abolition of slavery. The Printing Committee reported back the bill authorizing the printing of 10,000 copies of the report of Gen. McClellan, with an amendment reducing the number to 5,000. Amendment adopted. Mr. Sumner offered amendments to the Constitution as substi tutes for those reported from the Judiciary Committee. They are to extirpate Slavery, abolish the three-fifths slave representation and repeal the clause under which fugitives are caught. House.— Mr. Hopper asked leave to intro duce a resolution authorizing the Secretary of;the Treasury to sell any surplus of gold in the Treasury. Mr. Cox objected. The resolution was read. It provides that the Secretary of-.the ■ Treasury be authorized, from tiraeftp time, at his discretion, to sell any gold coin in the Treasury over the amount which, in his opinion, may be re quired by.,the Government to pay the inter est on thejpublio debt and for o.ther purpo ses. Some debate occurred, and the resolution was finally staved off by objec tions. Mr.:*-Farnsworth proposed a joint resolution of thanks to re-enlisting,soldiers. It was unanimously adopted. The. House agreed to strike out the 20 cents additional tax on adulterated spirits, and also the pro posed tax on spirits on hand for sale. The House disagreed to the Senate’s amendment of the sliding scale on foreign spirits, retain ing the additional tax of 50 cents. With these exceptions, all' the amendments of the Sen ate were agreed to. The House has asked for a Conference Committee on the amend ments disagreed to. The bill to establish a Bureau for Ereedmen’s Affairs was discussed. Mr. Cox apposed the bill. Mr. Washburne of Illinois replied. The Senate’s resolution of thanks to Gen. Thomas was taken up, when Mr. Garfield moved to add the name of Gen. Rosecrans. The resolution was re ferred to the Military Committee. Senate, Feb. 18. —Mr. Wilson, from the Committee of Conference on the part of the Senate Enrollment bill, made a report, which, after a partial reading, was ordered to be printed, and made the order for to-morrow. The house provision for the $3OO commutation is agreed to, with a pro viso that it shall exempt for no longer period than one year, and that at the expi ration. of_<:hat_titue.BUch persons shall again be liable to draft! 'The bill as reported also frees cdlored persons who may be drafted. It provides that such troops shad not be as signed as State troops, but shall be mustered intothflpservice as United States volunteers. A joint' resolution was passed authorizing the-transfer from the land to the naval service of such soldiers qualified for seamen as the President may deem necessary. .House. —The bill providing for the Gov ernment obtaining possession of Rock Is land, 111., on which to erect an arsenal, as heretofore provided for bylaw, was passed, Mr. Boutwell reported a bill, which passed, Enabling commissioners or guardians of lu natics,'appointed in the several States or foreign countries, to act within the District of Columbia. The proposal to authorize the sale of gold by the Secretary of the Treasu ry was taken up, and a long debate followed, after which the resolution and pending amendments were recommitted to the Com mittee on Ways and Means. THE WAR. Virginia.—Major Larmer of the sth Penn sylvama Reserves was shot dead on the 15th inst., ,in a skirmish with guerrillas, two miles east of Brentsville. We lost in the skirmish, beside Major Larmer, three cav alrymen killed and one wounded, and two -ysoners. Lieut. Senddeter, Commissary wCoLpfcCandless’ Brigade, is supposed to have beeircaptured. Several of the rebels are said to have Wed killed or wounded. A scouting party sent put from Beverly to Webster county has returned with seven teen prisoners. Among the number is the notorious guerrilla chief Dan Durkey. A scouting party has also; returned from Poca hontas county with five prisoners, of whom one is Major Adams of the 43d Rebel In fantry. - A scouting party sent from Gen. Gregg’s command at Warren ton captured at Piedmont, twenty-eight of Mosby’s men. West Virginia. —The Cincinnati Commer cial has a dispatch from Lodisa, Kentucky, saying that on the 14th instant, Col. Gallup surprised the Rebel Col. Ferguson’s com mand in Wayne county, West Virginia, captured 60 prisoners, four of whom were commissioned offioers, 80 stand of arms, a number of stolen -horses, and supplies of forage and ammunition. This Ferguson is the person who recently captured Gen. Scammon. ; The report further says that 500 Union prisoners, were released. .North Carolina.—We have North Caro lina news to the 13th ult. There have been no important war movements. Gen. Foster has put everything in order for a proper reception of the rebels, should they make another attempt upon his lines- The Ra leigh State Journal, a Rebel print, has given up the ghost. TheVnotorious Rebel naval officer, Gapt. Coxsefcter, was drowned off Wilmington on the 10th inst., while trying to escape from the captured blockade runner Fannie and Jennie, The purser of the vessel was also drowned. ' We have Newbern dates to the 17 th inst. Our men made a raid to Lake Phelps on the 22d of Jamiary, captured a number of guer rillas, and destroyed some rebel property. On.the 26th, a foray was made ten miles be yond polerain, on the Chowan River, when our men succeeded in capturing and de stroying 200,000 pounds of. pork, some to bacco, cotton, horses, mules, wagons, &c. Some prisoners were taken and one man killed accidentally. On the 29th, a move ment was made toward Windsor. The bridges and cantonment near Windsor were destroyed—horses, mules, wagons, ammuni tion, and clothing were captured. Two pri soners were taken and several prominent citizens were brought away as hostages for persons confined at Richmond. On the 2d inst. we captured several cart loads of pork travelling fori Dixie, estimated at 3,500 pounds. Tennessee. —A Chattanooga dispatch says the information from the Rebel army is contradictory. Some declare that John ston’s entire force is around Dalton ; others say large portions, including the artillery at Kingston, having gone to reinforce Long street. John Morgan is said to be in the vicinity of Dalton, with a considerable cav alry force, preparing for a raid. General Watts, of Alabama, has telegraphed to the citizens of Selma to prepare to receive non combatants from Mobile, as that place was soon to be attacked by the Unionists. Dispatches from Cumberland Gap report no new movements. Longstreet’s army was at Strawberry Plains under marching orders. Deserters come in freely. A Memphis dis patch of the 12th says that Gen. Smith’B cavalry expedition camped last night at Holly Springs, and will probably be next heard from through Rebel sources. We learn from South-east Tennessee that the refugees are leaving that State and Geor gia by thousands. Many of them are in a starving condition. Large numbers of de serters from the Rebel army continue to ar rive at Chattanooga daily. Louisiana.— By the arrival of the. steam er Creole, which left New Orleans on the 11th instant, we have four days later ad vices. There is no war news. The Era of the 11th contains a report of the largest gathering of the people that has been wit nessed since the days of the last Presiden tial election, the evening previous, to ratify the nomination of Michael Hahn for Gover nor. The nominee was present and spoke at length. Resolutions in favor of a Free State were adopted. Mississippi. —A private letter received at Str, Lous, dated Vicksburg, Bth, from an eye witness says, that Gen. McPherson's Corps crossed the Big Black River, fifteen miles east of Vicksburg on the 7th. Hurl but’s Corps took a parallel route; from Vicks burg, crossed at Messenger’s Fork, five miles above McPherson’s pontoons. Each column was fourteen miles long. The force sent up the Yazoo was to prevent a flank movement to cut off the “ track.” The iron-clads will try to reach, Granada, to co-operate with Smith’s cavalry, and drive Forrest’s Rebel command toward Canton, where Bishop Polk’s conscripts . are said to be fortified with cotton bales. A dispatch from Cairo giv.es further de tails concerning the advance of Gen. Sher man’s army.' It passed through Jackson, Miss.,; in two columns, driving the enemy so precipitately across Pearl River that he left his two pontoons and two pieces of ar tillery behind. Our forces seized provisions and supplies and swept on, reaching Me ridian (140 miles) in the short space of ten days after leaving Vicksburg. Large num bers of deserters bad- come to our army from Tennesse, Kentucky, and Mississippi regiments. Refugees report that great fear is felt by the Mobilians at the threatened attack upon the city. The Rebels have there a garrison 0f'15,000 men. Georgia.—A despatch from Chattanooga says that Gov. Brown of Georgia, has ordered all citizens, with their property, to move to the east side of the Chattahoochie River, on pain of having their property confiscated. Gen. Sherman s: troops have destroyed the bridge on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, thereby severing the connection between Gen. Polk’s forces. Mobile rebel papers re port a battle at Enterprise, Miss., with un known results. Florida.—Gen. Gilhnore makes an official report to the War Department of the Florida expedition up to the 9th inst. The rebels fled from Jacksonville after sinking a steamboat and burning 270 bales of Cottdn. Our forces had taken 100 prisoners, eight pieces of serviceable artillery, and much property, without the loss of a man. The steamship Arago has arrived with dates from Key West to the 15th, bringing intelligence of the capture of three blockade runners! all flying the British, flag, by the United States schooner Beauregard. They were all loaded with merchandise, cotton, and turpentine for Nassau. Two of them were'Sloops, and one is reported-to be a craft of smaller dimensions. They had on board in all thirty-three bales of cotton and five barrels of turpentine. Arkansas. — The St. Louis Democrat’s Fort Smith special says: The coming State elec tion will be held in about thirty-six coun ties. There will be no opposition to Judge Murphy. Arkansas will be represented at the Louisville Freedom Convention. Captain Durham of General Bank’s staff has arrived at Little Rock with important dispatches, relating to future co-operations for the ex tinguishment of the Rebellion in the trans- Mississippi Department. , Intelligence from Fort Smith, Arkansas, announces the retirement of the Rebel Gen. Price to Mexioo on a continuous fur lough. The arrival of refugees'froin Texas has been numerous, but recently the Rebels have made it difficult for refugees to enter the Union lines in Arkansas. Texas.-—The George Washington brings advices from Indianola, Texas, to the Bth inst. Nearly all the trdops there were res - An expedition sent out in search of Rebels and lumber had returned. They found frio signs of an - enemy, but brought in a lot of lumber. Gen. Benton having gone North to testily in ah important'case at St. Louis, Gen. Fitz Henry Warren was in command of- the division during his absence. Important from Rebeldom,— Files of rebel papers have been received at Fortress Monroe. - The Richmond Examiner of the 20th has the following. An official dispatch to the War Department of the 18th inst., announces Gen. Sherman’s arrival at Quit man, on the Ohio and Mobile Railroad, without opposition, but he will not be al lowed to take Mobile without a desperate battle. The enemy’s advance was, without comparison, the boldest movement of the war. Sherman has from 25,000 to 30,000 men. They tear up the railroad and bridges in their rear. He meditates no step back ward. ' Mobile, Feb. 19,— Farragut has not re-, newed his attack oh Grant's Pass. His fleet lies in the Sound, the weather being too bad for action. No landing is reported yet in the direction of Pascagoula. The Richmond Examiner of the 17th pub lishes the following: Mobile, Feb. 15.- —Meridian was evacua ted yesterday. The Government property was saved. Capt. Adair, of Forest’s staff, has arrived. Forrest was at Oxford on the 9th. He was confronting a column of in fantry 6,000 strong, from Memphis via Her nando, and twelve regiments of cavalry via Colliersville. Sherman’s forces, 35,000 strong, are marching in close order, with Lee’s cavalry harassing their Janks, and picking up stragglers. Pascagoula, Feb.. 15.— The enemy's fleet including the flag-Bhip, have gone eastward, through the Sound, in the direction of Grant’s Pass. Four more gun boats have just appeared steering the same course. Mobile, Feb. 16.—Gov. Watts this morn ing issued a proclamation to the citizens of Mobile, that the city is about to be attacked, and exhorting non-combatants to leave. GENERAL NEWS. Gov. Smith has officially informed the General Assembly of Rhode Island that the quota of that State, under every call of the President, is full. With regard to the power of endurance jti negro soldiers, the correspondent of the Asa- York Tribune, at Fortress Monroe says that when the late expedition toward Richmond reached Bottom’s Bridge, where they found their game blocked, roll was called and it was found that while nearly one-half the white infantry had fallen behind in the long and rapid march, every negro soldier was up to the mark and answerd to his name.' The Colorado Legislature on the 16th inst., passed resolutions recommending the re-election of President Lincoln. The Post-Office Department of Canada having for the sake of uniformity consented to so modify the postal arrangemen t between the United States and Canada, of 1851, as to establish a uniform postage for letters of ten cents, the single rate between Canada and all parts of the United States,, it is ordered by Postmaster-General Blair that in future the international postage charge upon all letters between Canada and any part of the United States shall be ten eents the single rate for half an once or under, pre payment optional, without regard to differ ence of distance or route of conveyance. General Eremont writes to Major General Schenck, Chairman of the House Military Committee, that he reqeested to be relieved from tbo Army of Virginia, because he “ regarded the order which reduced him to serve under Gen. Pope as an unmerited insultthat since then he has been wait ing orders; that he was once promised a command but did not get it ; that he had kept part of his staff, to have their services when he should be called to active service; and that he has drawn his pay, “since the last session of Congress, to be applied where it might alleviate .distresses resulting from the war, and it has been.used accordingly.” The schooner Kenthas been seized in the Chesapeak Bay, and a large mail taken from her. Beside the mail, a lot of goods was found on board for Dixie, among which was a small package for Gen. Winder, Pro vost Marshal General, Richmond, with a number of excellent maps of the harbor of Charleston, and other important points of military interest; Beside the above, the captors discovered a deposit of gun caps, military braids, drugs, &e., which had been left on the roadside by a blockade runner. The lot of goods that were packed consisted of the Blue Book and a number of copies of The Army and Navy Gazette of the United- States. The Union National Convention for the' nomination of a candidate for the Presiden cy, is to meet at, Baltimore, on Tuesday, the 7th day of June next. Each State having a representative in Congress will be entitled to as many delegates as- shall be equal to twice the number of electors to which such State is entitled in the Electoral College of the United States. A resolution was adopted inviting the Territories and the District of Columbia, to send delegates sub ject to the determination by the Conven tion of their right to vote. The steamship Bohemian, from Liverpool for Portland, struck on Alder’s Rook, the 22d inst., and was wrecked. Nineteen, lives are reported as lost. FOREIGN NEWS. By the arrival of the steamships Manches ter and Africa, we have European News to the 9th fnstV The great - war-cloud which has been hanging over Germany for some time, has at last, and a storm has com menced in which all Europe is likely to be enveloped. This will give our friends across the water something else to do besides busy ing themselves about our affairs. Great Britain. —The English Parliament was opened on Feb. 4. The Queen’s speech does not at .all to refer to American affairs r and announces with regard to the Schleswig- Holstein question- that her Majesty will continue her efforts in the interest of peace. • The Tories in Parliament severely cen sured the Government for Hesitating to aid Denmark. In reply, Earl Russell maintain ed that the English government had never promised to aid the Danes. Thejudgment of the Exchequer Chambers in the Alexandra case was to be delivered on Feb. 8. The Government is said to be determined to take the case before the House of Lords. France. —The Emperor of the French, on Feb. 1, received the deputation from the Corps Legislatif, which brought up the ad dress in reply to the speech from the Throne. The Emperor, in reply, expressed his satis faction at the general result of the debates on the Address, prolonged as they were, and remarked that-they reduced to nothing ac cusations which had been skillfully spread abroad. He spoke emphatically of the im portance of general agreement and the abandonment of chimerical hopes for an impossible future. For sixty years, he ob served, liberty was but an arm in the hands of parties to overthrow the existing Govern ments, and it was quite time that such an abuse should no longer exist. The Etnperor has declared in favor of non intervention in the German difficulties. Germany. —The news from Schleswig is highly important. The long-threatened, war may be said at last to have begun. On Sunday, Jan. 7, the ultimatum of the two German Powers having been rejected, a general 6rder to march was given, and the Austro-Prussian troops were in motion. On Monday the Prussian forces crossed the Eider and entered Schleswig in the direction of Gottborp and Eckenforde. The Austrian forces entered the Kronenwerk at Rends burg. The Danes retired, but not without firing a few shots. The whole of the Astro- Prussian cavalry continued to poujr into Schleswig. On Feb. 2, the Prussians at tacked the Danish forts at Missunde, a vil lage on the Schley, and after six hours’ hard fighting were repulsed. The Austrians, on Feb. 3, attacked Bustorf, a village one En glish mile south of the town of Schleswig. ' The Austrians, after a number of bloody engagements, continuing from Feb. 3 to- Feb. 6, have forced them to evacuate the town of Schleswig and the Dannevirke, their celebrated line of defence. The Danes were retreating to Fiensburg, pursued by the Austrians and Prussians.' The towns of Schleswig, Eckernforde and 'Schwansen, have proclaimed the JPrince of Augusten burg as Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, not withstanding the warning of the Prussian General Wrangel. The Bavarian Government is taking steps to call together a conference of the German States favorable to its views, in order to coriie to some decision, as to the course which they should follow in the Schleswig- Holstein movement. The Pirates.— The presence of Confeder ate cruisers off the Azores has led to the dispatch of a Portugese steam-frigate to>that quarter. A telegram from .Lisbon. states that the vessel was sent at the urgent re quest of the American Minister, on purpose to watch the movements- of the Confeder ates. -
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers