The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, March 14, 1862, Image 2

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1862
THE LATEST WAR NEWS.
A letter has been received in Providence, Rhode
Island, from Burnside’g Expedition, which states
that General Burnside was aware of the evacuation
■of Manassas by the rebel troops, and was accord
ingly devising measures to prevent a surprise. If
this he so (and we hope it i»), it will, to a great ex
tent, allay the apprehensions that have existed in
many quarters that the retreat of the rebel army
from Manassas was but the prolude to an attack
upon General Burnside in overwhelming force.
A gentleman who has arrived at Cairo from
Memphis states that great excitement still exists
in the latter city, and martial law bad been pro
claimed. The people were still debating the ques
tion as to the feasibility of burning the city on the
approach of the Federal troops. General Bragg,
with ten thousand men, had arrived thore, and had
been sent to reinforce New Madrid. Generals
Beauregard and Bragg were at Jackson, Tennessee,
superintending the fortifications erecting there.
All the negroes in the surrounding country had
been called out to work on the defences.
"When Beauregard arrived at Memphis he sent a
despatch to New Orleans, stating that if that city
wanted to be safe from attack it mast furnish him
with five thousand men to rendezvous at Columbus.
The first and second brigades of Home G uards were
immediately called out, but they peremptorily re
fused to go. The “Orleans Guards," a company
in which Beauregard, before the war broke out,
hdd the position of high private, and to which he
presented the colors captured at Fort Sumpter, was
the first company to refuse, his summons.
By telegraph from St. Louis we have the full de
tails of the Fort Craig battle, which was most des
perate; and, notwithstanding the loss of Captain
McCray, OB? of our most gallant officers, and Lieu
tenants Michlar and Stone, who alike evinced thoir
bravery by an honorable death, it would seem to
have proved indecisive. Our loss in killed and
Wounded is placed at 200 ; that of the enemy is
stated to have been much greater.
We publish in another column, from our special
correspondent following the army, a complete ac
count of the great advance movement of the army.
It presents a most graphic picture of the scenes
anc incidents which transpired upon the march,
and will be read with much pleasure and interest.
Congress Yesterday.
Senate.I—The 1 —The Naval Committee were inOtfUOtOtl
to inquire what method should be taken to recog
nize the bravery of John Davis, who had boon
brought to the notice of Government by the report
of Commodore Dupont.
Eesolutions of thanks to Captain Foote, General
Curtis, and Lieutenant Worden were adopted.
The case of Senator Powell, of Kentucky, was
discussed without action.
House.=A joint resolution was passed thanking
General Curtis and his command for the late victory
in Arkansas. .
The tax bill was considered. The fir3t section
was amended to give the Commissioner of Internal
Revenue the franking privilege.
Mr. Johnson , of Pennsylvania, from the Commit
tee on Roads and Canals, reported a bill to secure
increased railroad facilities between New York
and Washington. _
jSfoiinsylvnnia Legislature. «,
Sr.NATi:'w- , A remonstrance from our merchants
against a charge in the pilotage law was presented.
House. —The tonnage tax bill was taken up,
and occupied the entire afternoon session. A mes
sage was received announcing that the Governor’s
signature had been affixed to the bill providing for 1
fenoe viewers in this city. j
The Proposed Emancipation Policy.
A correspondent suggests that the adoption
of the emancipation policy proposed by the
President in his late message should be ac
companied by an act forbidding the inter-slave
trade. He argues that, if this is not done, the
Cotton States will eventually become tho
roughly Africanized by the large number of
slaves that will be sent to them. This view
of the subject is worthy of consideration j but
it is of secondary importance to the recom
mendation of the message itself. The dura
tion of the existing war will , in all probability,
depend greatly upon the policy adopted in refe
rence to the slavery question , and while it is de
sirable to avoid, as far as possible, such evils
as may loom up iu the distant future, we hare
many great duties of and imme
diate importance to grapple with. It is use
less to disguise or ignore the fact that some one
of the Protean forms the slavery question has
assumed was intimately cnnnectod with the
rise and progress of the Rebellion, and it is
natural to suppose that a satisfactory settlement
of this protracted controversy may have much
to do with its suppression. The question is
everywhere asked iu the free, the border, and
the rebellious States—what is to be done with
the slaves ? A final answer to this ever-recur
ring interrogatory is demanded by many con
siderations. It is due alike to the North and
the South—the enemies and the champions of
the « peculiar institution” —to those who wish
to foster, those who wish to destroy, and those
who wish to “ let alone” the whole matter of
domestic servitude. The preliminary votes
taken in Congress indicate that the message of
the President has made a favorable impression
■upon our national legislators, as it undoubtedly
has upon the great body of the American
people. It is a gratifying, though somewhat
rare sight, to find that some, at least, who be
long to each extreme wing, as well as some
who belong to the conservative classes of our
country, tinite in approving the policy recom
mended by Mr. Lincoin. Many men in the
North earnestly desire the abolition of slavery,
and will never rest content until some practical
steps towards the accomplishment of that end
are taken by tbe Federal Government; and yet
an immense body of the American people are
now, and always have been, resolutely opposed
to any interference with the domestic institu
tions of the several States which is not dis
tinctly authorized by the latter. The war will
necessarily inflict upon slavery the most terri
ble blow it has ever received. Shorn of its
power and prestige, it will never be in a posi-
J ' .to aicdAc insulting
, ]pM»"*nS!y tßre&teu najhnal ruin
as the penalty of a refusal to submit to aU its
exactions. But it is not to be supposed that
the war in itself will entirely destroy slavery,
or sweep away all the righto which tbe w„
and conflßt« T *vH orour-spuncry uav<j MllU-rreth
upon jATc-owners; and justice demands that
we should evince our willingness to bear a
portion of the pecuniary burden that will ne
cessarily fall upon them when their desire to r
emancipation, concurring with our own, ren
ders such a step practicable and mutually
gratifying.
The Abolitionist will find in the message an
assurance jhat the Government of the United
States is not indifferent to the cause he has
so deeply at heart; pro-slavery men gain from
it a new proof that the rights of the States to
regulate tlieir own internal affairs (while the
action of the Federal Government in its legi
timate sphere is not opposed), is as fully re
spected as ever; and the efforts of those who,
anxious to be relieved of the blighting influ
ences of slavery, fear the burdens which the
realization of such a wish would impose, find
in it a desirable assurance of assistance and
relief.
The American people have achieved many
great things—and they are pretie to believe,
not without good cause, that they can accom
plish almost any object that is really practi
cable and desirable. If the recommendation
of the President is endorsed by the favorable
action of Congress, they will have an oppor
tunity to peacefully and gradually remove
what, by other civilized nations, and by many
of our own citizens, is esteemed the greatest
blot upon our national escutcheon. Bash and
ill-judged action will be avoided, and the rights
-of loyal masters, as well as the freedom of the
Slaves, Will receive due consideration.
The Pennsylvania Rc wes.
On Tuesday night last that noble division
of the army of the Potomac, the Pennsylvania
Reserves, in which the people of this State
feel a just pride, were quartered at Hunter's
Mills, Virginia, in a beautiful country, sur
rounded by farm-heuses. They did not ex
pect to remain long in that position, however,
and no doubt have, ere this, occupied a more
advanced position.
It is said that the newspaper correspon
dents have been ordered away from Fortress
Monroe; but this precaution will not prove
very usefnl if prominent commanding officers
are permitted to send to the North for publi
cation such unofficial information as has re
cently appeared over their signatures.
LETTER FROM “ OCCASIONAL."
Wasuimitok, March 13,18G2.
The change in the command of the army
was caused by controlling necessities. Not
only could not the immense mass of men
in the army of the Potomac be handled by
one leader, hut it was literally impossible for
him to give proper attention even to this, if
encumbered by the vast and increas
ing duties of superintending all tho
other departments, far and near. Even
the thorough experience of General Scott
could not he wholly adapted to operations
conducted upon so wide, strange, and diver
sified a field. Much was indeed gained from
the programme he loft to his country when he
resigned active service: but subsequent ex
periments have proved that tbe only way suc
cessfully to prosecute this war Is by dividing the
military responsibility, and by leaving the Presi
dent perfectly free to oxercise the functions of
Commander-in-Chief. It has happened that
frequent changes of leaders have been essen
tial in all wars. It is rare that a great military
genius is found,hike Washington, Marlborough,
Wellington, or Bonaparte, powerful or disin
terested enough to select the right man for the
right place, or to transfer a general to another
division, and sometimes to dispense with him
altogether. There are so many factions in
tho army, especially in such an army as ours,
engaged in vindicating such a Government,
that no one soldier can do all the thinking
and all the planning.
Mr. Lincoln, President of the United States,
is made, by the Constitution, Commander-In-
Chief of the army and navy. He is supposed
to he above mere personal influences. lie
must, ol necessity, bear tho shame of defeat,
if such there be. He must hear, not only the
conflicting counsels of the Boldiers and the
sailors who fight our battles, but that also
which tbe military head of the army cannot
or will not always listen to, viz : The great and
irresistible judgment of the public! These
facts, added to the support of an able and tho
rough Cabinet, will show tbe justice and wis
dom of the three orders published iu tbe Na
tional Intelligencer of yesterday, and doubt
less in The Press of to-day. The President
can change or dispense with his Cabinet ac
cording as be may desire; and it happens that
the reasons which sometimes demand such
changes, are far less imperative than those
which compel the selection of new men in mi
litary and naval service. Who that remembers
the manner in which President Washington,
President Madison, President Jackson, Presi
dent Yan Buren, and President Polk, assumed
and discharged the office of Commander*n-
Chief of the army and navy, will not honor
Abraham Lincoln for the three orders referred
to? Under President Polk very few Whigs were
selected to high military positions, though thou
sands were in the ranks. Generals were ap
pointed and removed at Will, and no man was
permitted to occupy, an influential position
who attacked the object of the war, or did not
sustain the Federal Administration. It is
wonderfully different under Mr. Lincoln,
Recognizing the presence of hundreds of
thousands of Democrats in the army, and cor
dially upholding his Administration, he has
conferred upon Democrats a .number of his
best military appoiniments. A Chief Magis
trate who has been so generous and so impar
tial, will not he acquitted by posterity if he
fails in his high office. He must hear the
blame fo the mistakes of others, and share
the glory of whatever victories they may win.
He should therefore take care that his mili
tary subordinates are effective against the com
mon foe, and in entire sympathy with him
self. I have said this much, not by way of
defence of the President’s course, (for it re
quires no defence,) but to show the causes
and motives that led him to adopt it. No
patriotic citizen will require that it should
he defended. Its expediency and justice will,
of course, appear to, as they should be freely
admitted by, the friends of Major General
McClellan. That excellent young officer has
been cordially and warmly supported by Pre
sident Lincoln. In the more than nine months
! of his experience at the head of the army he
; has shared the full confidence of the Adminis
j tration. He was pre-eminently fortunate in £his,
| as in the good will and uncomplaining patience
of the people. Millions have been voted, and
hundreds of thousands of troops enlisted and
volunteered. He has had the unchecked se
lection of his own assistants, and, though
much criticised by those who have insisted
that he should advance against the enemy, has
been left free to take his own course. Now
that he has been relieved of the weighty re
! sponsibilities of other departments, and rc
i stricted to that of the Potomac, he can strike
S w ith effective promptitude.
The retreat of the rebels will greatly ernbar
! rass the movements of Gen. McClellan, and
i may compel an entirely different policy. As
, I write, I have information that a large num
| ber of regiments are returning to Washington,
i hut what course they will take when they
; reach here cannot be anticipated.
TJieir Occupation Gone.
It is evident that the European mission of
Mr. Siipeil and his co-mate, the author of
the Fugitive Slave Law, is virtually ended.
It is not to be expected that they will follow
the example of Mr. Yamcey and endeavor to
return to the South, simply because to act on
the Scotchman’s noted “ bock again” might
he unpleasant and unsafe. The determina
tion of the British Government not to break
the blockade was doubtless the result of a
mutual understanding with France and the
other great nations which have openly ex
pressed an interest in our Civil War, now
nearly concluded. The conclusion of Eng
land, in this matter, is what all the leading
Powers of Europe accept. When the news
of our recent brilliant successes reaches Eu
rope, proving the physical as well as the mo
ral superiority of the North, the governing
pow;ers there will rejoice at having avoided
any rash step, and Messrs. Mason and Slidell
will sink into as deep and deserved contempt
there, as is felt for them in this country. At
home or abroad, they are wholly innocuous
and unimportant now.
The journals which allege that the Border
Status will never consent to abolish slavery
forget that at the last session of the Legisla
ture of Delaware the chief topic of discussion
was a proposed scheme of emancipation, and
WB-heiicara that a majority of one branch f»-
measure, Jt ia SO me
interest of tnair estate to remove all vestiges
of the peculiar institution from her borders,
that it is scarcely possible a free discussion of
the suliject can fail to result in a cheerful en
dorsement of the plan proposed by Mr, Lin
coln in his late message. That one such ex
ample would speedily he imitated is at least
probable, especially in Missouri, Maryland,
and Kentucky; and a new era of abolition, by
the action of the respective States, similar to
that which existed shortly before the com
mencement of the nineteenth century, mi ght
be inaugurated.
General Bcrnside appears to have been
informed as early as the 3d instant of the rer
treat of the enemy from Manassas, and he has
probably taken precautions to guard against a
surprise from them.
Gekikal Johnston is reported to have
established a new line of defence from Stras
burg to Gordonsville, but the next movement
Of flw wrny tbe Potomac will probably de
stroy it.
The Mortab Fleet is afloat in the South
ern waters, but its exact destination and pre
sent position are wisely concealed from the
public. Captain Pohtbe will doubtless be
enabled to render effective service when the
proper time for action arrives.
Some of the straggling members of such
terrific companies as the « Louisiana Tigers”
and the “ Yankee Killers” were captured
without resistance by our troops during the
advance upob Manassas. AVell might Siiaks
feare ask “ What’s in a name ?”
The distress of the rebels in the vicinity of
Winchester may be more easily imagined tban
described, by those who read the painful intel
ligence that whisky has recently been selling
in that town for two dollars a pint.
Labgi Sals of Sui-ekior Carpeting, Mat
tings, Rugs, Ac.—the early attention of pur
chasers is requested to the large and attractive
assortment of 600 pieces English velvet, superior
tapestry, Brussels, heavy Lowell three-ply, and
superfine damask and plain Venetian atair and
hemp carpetings, rags, mats, white and red check
ered Canton mattings; also, stock of a city dealer
declining business, to be peremptorily sold, by cata
logue, for each, commencing this morning, at 101
o'clock precisely, by J. B. Myers A Co., auction
eers, Noa. 232 and 234 Market street.
ON THE ADVANCE!
From our Special Army Correspondent.
The order to advanoe was received oarly in the
morning. We had been expecting it patiently;
and when the rapid roll of the drum called up the
sleeping legions, they gladly prepared for the
maroh. It was clear and beautiful, and, under tho
lengthened shadows of the waning moon, the ra
tions were prepared, knapsacks were bundled up,
and the guns affectionately examined as to the Con
dition of their looks end priming. Where we were
going, nobody knew. IVc were in Virginia,—our
course was to the west, and westwardly the rebels
were securely entrenched. Johnson’s headquar
ters were within a day’s march, —we had three
days’ rations in our haversacks. “Take
nothing along but subsistence, arms, and a
blanket.” This is what evory captain told
his men, and if this did not mean a fight there was
no virtue in military language. What are those
quaint words of Walt. Whitman ? “ War-suggest
ing trumpets, I heard you; and you I heard beat
ing, you chorus of small and large drums!”
Drumming, trumpeting, and fifing—tumult, bU3tle,
and confusion—shouting, swearing, hurrying to
and-fro. The quartermaster is ready, and the
impatient teamsters are cracking their whips. The
commissary is ready, and tho pork and forage are
securely stored in huge wagons. The sutler is
always ready, but he is in a very bad temner this
morning, and thinks tho army will be out to piecss,
and the soldierß might as well stay in their camps
if they only knew what was good for them. We
are all ready now—let us take a oup of coffee. We
take a cup of coffee, and forward, march !
What are your ideas of an army on tho maroh?
I have no doubt they are very conventional —full of
majesty and music, and the pomp of war. A band
in the advanoe playing the Star-spangled Banner—
pioneers following with large whiskers, and heavy
axes over thoir shoulders —the officers in rich lac
ings and flaunting feathers—the men following with
a steady, precise, and measured step, every piece
mathematically exact—an occasional halt, of course,
to enable the ooloncl to make an eloquent and im
pressive speech. How mistaken wo very often are!
A marching army is a very monotonous and prosy
spectacle. The men creep along, oarrying their
pieces at will; some plodding on alone; some clus
tering in groups of eight or ten to hear au old
campaigner tell about Cerro Gordo and Monterey;
some sitting at the roadsido to rest their weary
limbs; some smoking a pipe; some prowling in the
adjacent fields to diseover a spring or running
stream; some reading a newspaper or a paper-co
vered volume. A halt for a quarter of an hour;
and the creeping multitude lie down under the
fences, on the roadside. Some steal a brief nap;
some commence a friendly game of cards; quarrel
over the aceg, kings, and queens; others replenish
their haversacks out of the farm-yards; and others
—shrewd fellows that they are !—make for the
nearest stream, and bathe their chafed and weary
feet. If in an enemy’s country, skirmishers are
thrown ont, keen, active, daring men, who prowl
among the fields and thickets on either side, and in
the advance, to discover any ambush or anticipate
a sudden attack. There is something exciting
about this, especially when in a wooded and hilly
eounlry. But, beyond the anticipation of danger,
and tho incident anxiety, an army en the march is
a dull, slow, tedious, dreary, and tiresome spec
tacle.
We pass beyond the lines, leaving the familiar
scenes of our early campaigning, Munson’s Hill,
Bailey’s Cross Roads, Fall’s Church, Lewins.villo,
and Langley’s. Every diverging road from tho
Occoqnan to the Chain Bridge is crowded with sol
diers. They push on in all directions—to the
north, to the south, to the west. Where each divi
sion went, nobody is supposed to know. McDow
ell’s marched towards Fairfax Court House. That
general commanded the centre of the Potomac oo
lumn, and to him was assigned the duty of occupy
ing Manassas, and tho field of his former misfortune,
ill-fated Bull Bun. We took the road leading
from Fall s Church. It was a country road, and
had never been piked or repaired. It was a fair
sample of Virginia roads, even after the genial in
fluence of the recent sunshine. The mud was deep,
liquid, deceptive, and tenacious. In some places
the road was ploughed up into ridges, in others
crossed by stagnant pools of muddy water. Occa
sionally we passed the ruins of an army wagon, or
the remnants of an unfortunate team. The rimless
spokes of a wheel, the fragment of a shaft, broken
poles and fence rails, were strewed along, partly
buried in the mud. Temporary bridges had been
erected, but they only served the convenience of
foot passengers. The infantry marched with but
comparative trouble. The horsemen, the ar
tillerymen, and the wagoners felt the effects of the
execrable roads, the poor horses suffering incon
ceivably.
Pleasant Fairfax was iound to be in a sad condi
tion. It is a fair type of a ruined town. Occupy
ing a beautiful site, the centre of a rich and at
tractive eeuntry, and inhabited by a class of aristo
[ eratie Virginians who lived ifi aillueueo and ease,
it must certainly have been an attractive dwelling
place before the war broke out. Since July last it
has changed wonderfully. I remember the ffiany
evidences of thrift and comfort it presented at the
time of toy visit oii the day of Bull Run. Then
were hotels and places of public resort—most of
the houses were occupied, and from many of
the residents onr Union forces received a kindly
greeting. Seven months of rebel occupation have
onisbed it. There is now not a single hotel in the
place; certainly not a comfortable inn. It was
only with difficulty a meal could be procured. It
was at a dilapidated tavern on the main street.
The rooms were bare; rails were tom from the
fences; the walls were traced with the names of
rebel soldiers and inscriptions denunciatory of the
Yankees, and offensive to every feeling of decency.
It was kept by a pleasant-looking old lady who
was very deaf. She had felt the effects of the war
in her ruined mansion and the scarcity of food.
She had not seen a piece of butter for months; salt
was almost worth its weight in gold. The rebel
troops had been allowed the fullest license. They
occupied her house without asking her consent, and
without giving her any compons&tiou. The old
court house was tom and shattered. The roof ad
mitted the rain and sunshine, and along the
caves a colony of cawing crows had taken pos
session. Most of the houses were closed. A few
negroes lettered around tho stops; anoooosional
resident would be seen travelling timidly and sus
piciously about. I saw but ono female, She
scowled from an uppeT window, and watched the,
movements of our troops with a kind of hateful
curiosity.
Occasional,
General McClellan made his headquarters in the
town. He occupies a small brick houße, very com
pactly built, with narrow windows. General Mc-
Dowell made his headquarters at a country house
about a mile from the town, on the road to Centre
ville. Two large tents are pitched in the enclosure,
where the members of his staff are quartered. On
taking possession of the town the General plaoed a
guard over it, with instructions to prevent all de
predations upon property and all interference with
the rights of the remaining citizens. As a re
sult of this proper precaution, the town
of Fairfax is as orderly and quiet as the city of
Washington. Thors is no drunkenness, no license,
no crime. Beyond Fairfax we pan into the coun
try bo long occupied by the rebel advanoe—for the
town itself was simply an outpost, where skir
mishing parties assembled for the purpose of
annoying onr pickets. The road is macada
mised and earii*-rvuour The farms and
wircumgs' along the road have been plundered,
every house I saw being deserted. Timber
had been bewn down—not a fence-rail remained.
One incident will illustrate the conduct of thedif
forent armies. A couple of negroes were engaged
in building a fence around a farm. They had been
engaged «l»ng the day, and had nearly finished
their work. “ I wonder,” said a passer-by, “ that
you are not afraid of the soldiers tearing away
your fence.” “ No,” replied the negro inhis pe
culiar vernacular, which I don’t care to follow,
“we aint afraid no more. Them who took these
down before won't, be back in a hurry, and them
who are ooming always minds their own business.”
This compliment was innocent and proper.
The approach to Gcntrovillc evidences the signs
of the elaborate military preparation of the rebel
leaders. The trees had been felled, and the houses
along the road were either destroyed or evacuated.
On either side of the road the country had boon
cleared, and the amending slope was oommandod
by long lines of fortifications. Without professing
to pass any opinion upon their efficiency in a mili
tary point of view, the impressions they made were
of a startling character. As far as the eye could roaoh
orowning the gently-ascending hill-side, there
were batteries, ditches, rifle pits, embrasures, and
abattia. They had been erected with great
csre, and showed signs of labor and skill. No
heavy guns had been mounted, and at the best
they could merely have been intended for the
nse of light artillery. Behind the fortifications
was the village of Centreville. It never made
any pretensions to a town. In its best days
there was nothing attractive—a few frame
houses, with large piazzas around them; small
dwellings and large 4>arns; one tavern at the
end of the town, where General Johnston had lii rf
headquarters. The' tavern was in the possession of
a couple of boys, the proprietor having gone off
With the rebel army. The t&vem was very dismal,
I was anxious to see it, having some pleasant and
unpleasant recollections of its proprietor, who was
there at the time of the Bull Bun battle, and at
whose house the newspaper men made their head
quarters. He was a violent Secessionist, but still
very kind aud gentlemanly. I stood talking with
him on bis porch, on the morning of that fatal Sun- -
day. “It’s a sad business,” ho said, “ this conquer
ing a free people. You see them out there—fight
ing and killing one another—but you must kill
them all, they can’t bo subdued.” The cannon were
roaring at the time, and the smoke of battle floating
densely over the sky. There was a garden around his
honse; everything was neat and attractive. Weeome
back to Centreviiie, and the great change that has
come over all things is in nothing more manifest
than in his little inn. The windows are paneless;
the palings ere torn from the fences ; the steps are
broken; tbe grounds are barren, and covered with
offal stones and the remnants of camp life. The
THE PRESS.—PHILADELPHIA, FRIDAY. MARCH 14, 1862,
Centreville, Va., Maroh 12,1852.
master has departed to serve the men who have
ruined his country and desolated his home.
About three-quartersjjf i mils beyond the town,
on an elevation commanding the road, were the
headquarters of General Beauregard. A flag-staff
remained, from which the Confederate flag had
floated. Around the house were the remains of
several encampmonts. Tbe huts had been de
stroyed, tbe chimneys only remaining. The regi
ments had departed some weeks ago with the
Goqeral when he went to Kentucky, and were his
favorite commands. From all I could learn, Beau
regard was the favorite of the rebel soldiery. The
prestige around his name, his buoyant, youthful
manner, his connection with the Southern aristo
cracy, his very name—novel and musical as
it is—endeared him to the hearts of his mis
guided and degenerate followers. “I'll tell you
how it was,” said a Virginian with Whom I
spent an hour at Centrerille, “they liked Beau
regard, because he wns a gentleman and never
put on airs, but Johnston was the meanest white
man we ever did see.” This Virginian, by the
tho way, was a representative man. He had been
a strong Secessionist, he said, and often ohoeredfor
Jeff Davis,.« because,” he oontinned, 11 one must go
with tho crowd, and when thero’s an army around
one must be careful. Every man around here who
voted against the Secessionist ordinance was ar
rested but one. Hewasan old Whig and did’nt
know too much. Some one told him the secession
of the State was a Democratic measure, and he
went against it. They let him off, and now he’s
gone with the anny.” I only give you these
rambling sentences as they come to.mymind, and
because they express the feeling of resident
Virginians. This one had been driven from
his home by a rebel general who wanted
his house, and had sent his family to
Gainesville, Now, he had returned and wanted
to live once more in his home, if the Union general
would give him proteotion. He spoke about the
rebellion: “We might as well give.jj up. Tr.-V
North is going to whip, and the sooner the better,
for then we will he out of our misery. I’ve seen
a good many of the Yankees, and they ain’t such bad
fellows after all. You can’t blame Virginia, for she
has been imposed upon. South Carolina pulled her
out and brought all this trouble. I would like to
see every one of the Carolinians hung, and that’s
tbe way we all feel.” He wanted to know how.the
people of the North felt, and whether the war had
ruined New York and Philadelphia. When told of
the peace and prosperity existing, ho exhibited a
great deal of surprise, and said the general opinion
was that our Northern country was desolate, and
our Northern cities as bleak and forlorn as Tyre
and {Sidon.
I rode over to Manasses. This celebrated place
is a heap of ashes. The rebels burned their stores,
their barracks, and the buildings, dismantling their
fortifications, end committing general devastation.
A large quantity of knives, sabres, and clothing
had escaped the destruction, and had been borne
away as trophies by visitors and soldiers. The forti
fications were large and more formidable, but not as
elaborate as those at Centreville, having been in
tended for heavy gnns. Fugitives were flocking in
from all parts of the country around. They were
the Only smiling f&ftSS we sa w, and seemed to enjoy
the advent of the Union troops. Our soldiers oc
cupied Manassas on Tuesday, the rear guard of
the rebels having left bat four hours before. The
ruins of their barracks were still
and in their hurry many valuable arms
were abandoned. Wherever they went they
destroyed everything. The bridge over Cub Run
was burned—the bridge over Bull Run was blown
up. A large flour mill was destroyed, and the
little town of Gainesville was reduced to ashes.
They left Centreville on Saturday, as I was told by
a resident, and were retreating all that day and
the next. No one anticipated their speedy depart
ure, and to the people around it was at once a
surprise and a relief. It is not known where they
will make a stand. Some think at Warrenton—
some at Gordonsville—while some say they will
not stop this side of Richmond. These are ail
conjectures, however, and you may receive them
as mere matters of opinion.
The details of the oconpation and the advance
have been told by the eager telegraph. I have
simply written what I saw and heard on this
memorable journey into the refuge and stronghold
of tbe enemy, avoiding many interesting facts,
which a respeotfor the high prerogatives of the
officers compels me to suppress. As to the num
ber and position of our forces, nothing can be said.
I will say, however, that they are all in good spirits
—eager to pursue the foe and anxious to follow
the retreating column into Bichmond. The coun
try all around is in our possession. From Washing
ton to Manassas the flog of onr Union floats once
More ever evidences of rebel triumph and tho scenes
of rebel tyranny and oppression. - It floats proudly
and forever, with no traitor remaining to mock its
glory by treason and perfidy. J. R. Y.
The Anderson Troop.
The Anderson Troop of Cavalry i« composed
of Pennsyvanians, who represent nearly all
sections of our State. It Is now stotioneq at
Nashville, with the advance guard of our army
in Tennessee, and, by the following corre
spondence, it will be seen that it has acquired
a deservedly high reputation:
OF TAB Amir, I
WASffweTwr, Feb. 19,1862. \
To Brig. Gen. D. C. Muelty Vommanding De
partment of the Ohio:
General : 1 am directed, by Major General
McClellan, to forward to you the enclosed extracts
from the iDßpection repots of Major J, Buford, As-
Mstant Inspector General, U. S. A.
The General wishes the colonelsof the regiments,
and the generals to whose commands tho regiments
belong, furnished with extracts of those portions of
the report referring to their commands.
I am, General, rery respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
N. B. Switzer,
Lieutenant Colonel and Aid-de-Camp.
i extract.]
odepeadent Company of Penn
sylvnnia Volunteer Cavalry, (Anderson Troops
Inspected December 20. 1361, near Louisville.
“ This company is 100 strong, composed of the
best men I have ever seen in the servioe—youn*,
active, and intelligent; good ideas, neat in their
dress and appearance, aDd under fine discipline.
The; bare just received their horses, watch are
good ones, and arc receiving excellent care. The
men and officers stay in camp, except when sent on
duty to the city. They drill constantly and study
their tactics, and seem to be in dead earnest to
make themselves good soldiers. Its arms are
SfitWj BPd Celt’s sw rattan revolver, Carbines
are expected to arnve daily (since received). This
is by far the best company I nave yet seen in the
department.” True copy—o. D. Green,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Capt. Palmer, Anderson Troop.
From Columbus.
A HEW REBEL LINE OF DEFENCE
The Columbus correspondent of tie Chicago
Times, of the 13th, writes as follows : :
From tbe best sources of inform&tbn at com
mand, I judge the rebels are forming anew line of
defence, extending from New Madrid end Island
No. 10 on to Murfreesboro. Heavy cannonading
has been heard for three days past in tie direction
of tbe island, probably caused by tryiflg range of
gurs after mounting. .
From appearances, the Tebel cannon and large
quantities of cannon-balls near the witer’s edge,
below the water-batteries, were rolled there not
for the purpose of submerging them ii the river,
but to be hoisted on,boats and taken iway. The
gun-carriages were plaoed there for tht same pnr
pw, doubtless, but, undoubtedly exposing an at
tack, they got scared and ran away. .
' Above the two water-batteries, the bne lowest
down the river being one hundred, and the upper
one twenty feat high, are oaves of oonsnerable ex
tent, some natural and some artificial, i They have
been fitted up very oomfortably, and Used as real.
dosoos by tbo artillerists. They are arranged with
rooms, and completely hidden from wow. There
are two places of egress on the land eiie, through
winding staircases among the clifis. Tlja ordnance,
previsions, and everything to be used tiy the artil
lerists bad to be landed from steamon. A steam
engine was discovered below the wattr-batteries,
for conveying water into the fort, as will as water
batteries. i
Continental Theatre.—Mrs. Chapman, the
Topsy of “ Undo Tom’s Cabin,” takes a benefit
this evening. She is said to represent tile character
very naturally. The piece has been a remarkably
successful one, and a fall house to-niglt will be a
substantial evidence of the public appreciation of
the lady’s talents. ' j . '
T. Buchanan Bead.—McAllister A Brother
have just published a striking lit. euess of the artist
poet, in a carte de visile, from a plotograph by
Gutekunst. Among their recent importations are
small full-lengths of Mr. Cubbltt, Lotd Mayor of
London; Earl Cawdor, and the late L*rd Herbert.
Mr. Bland, manager of the Washington Thea
tre, as will be seen by referring to oar advortising
columns, has engaged, for a few nights, Mr. J. S.
Clarke, the comedian. Mr. Clarke is unrivalled in
bis peouliar style of acting, and has just concluded
a highly successful engagement in New York. He
performs in Washington on-Monday evening next.
War Bulletin—Order Respecting Con
tracts for Arms.
War Department, Washington City, T>. C., >
March 13, 1802 - $
Ordered —That the Hon. Joseph Holt and the Hon.
Robert Rale Owen be* Bid they Arc hereby, appointed
m ft special commission to audit and Adjust alt con*
tracts* orders* and claim* on the War Department in
to ordnance* anus, and ammunition— ihetr de
termination to be Dual and conclusive as rvsprcts a de
partment on all Questions touching the validity, ezecu
tion f and suftis due, or to become due, upon speh con
tracts) ami upon another Questions arising between the
contractors And tbe Government upon the said coutracts.
2. Tbe said commission will proceed forthwith to in
vestigate ill claims and contracts in reipect to ordnance,
arms, and ammunition In the War Department, or pend
lug settlement, and adjudicate the game. All persons in-.
tweeted in such contracts may appear in persont bat not
by attorney, before tbe said Commissioners, aud be
heftrd respecting their claims at such, time and place as
the Commissioners shall appoint. Tbe chief of ordnance
and ail other officers in the department will furnish each
books and papers as the Commissioners may require.
Major Banter, ot the Ordnance Department, Is spe
cially ftMiftkttl to aid and assist tbeCoßiaitario&er* in
their investigations. All claims tliat they may award in
favor of shall be promptly paid. Ho application
entertained by ibis department respecting aay claim or
contract winch they shall adjudge to be invalid.
3d If, in their investigations, they shall find reason to
believe that any agent or employee of the War Depart
m«nt vh fiiretllr « Mwft? interested in any wn
tract for ordnance, arms, or ammunition, or received
any consideration for its procurement, they shall give
notice thereof to the claimant, and proceed to investigate
and determine the fact, taking such testimony as they
may deem proper; and If the fact of such Interest be
established, it shall be good cause-for adjudging the claim
to be fraudulent* finwis ftt STANm»
Secretory War.
FROM WASHINGTON.
confirmation of general tvler’s
APPOINTMENT.
ANOTHER VICTORY AT PARIS. TENNESSEE.
DESPATCH FROM GEN. HALLECK
OIR EXTENDED RAILROAD FACILITIES.
THE VOLUNTARY EMANCIPATION MEASURE.
New Order from the War Department.
THE CASE OF SENATOR POWELL.
THE COMMITTEE OPPOSED TO HIS EXPULSION.
HIS COLLEAfIUE FAVORS IT.
Pawenger Railway on Pennsylvania Avenue.
THE COMMITTEE TO REPORT UNFAVORABLY.
HOW MANASSAS WAS EVACUATED.
Special Despatches to “ The Press,”
Washington, March 13.
Message from the President—European
Railway System
The President, this morning, transmitted to the Senate
a message complying with their resolution of the 11th in
stant, requesting a copy of any correspondence on the
records and files of the Department of State in regard
to lailway systems in Europe. It embraces a report from
the Secretary of State, and several papers accompanying
it In regard to railway systems in Europe. Mr Seward,
in his report, says that farther information on this sub
ject may be found in the annual report of the Secretary
of State on foreign commerce for 1853, second session,
Executive document No. 85, House of Representatives.
These papers consist of a letter from Ur. Bigelow,
United States consulate at Paris, transmitting a careful
analysis of the railway system in Europe, perfected by.
Mr. Bfcktyitr, an American gentleman of fortune re
siding ib PftriS, Whl6li Mi*. BICUt.OW i&qilolUcl
sion to forward to the State Department. He says
««that bad our country been bound together by ways of
iron, under a system of railway administration adapted
to the country, it would have been impossible to have
organized ft formidable rebellion against the Federal
Government, and in case of such a rebellion, such means
of communication would have famished the most Im
portant agencies for reducing it."
Mr. Beckwith, in his analysis, says that tho railways
of France radiate from Paris towards the frontiers of the
Empire.
The Minister of tho Interior prescribes for the roadt a
special police, comprising a chief, thirty-one heads of
local departments, and numerous inspectors, who are
divided into three classes, portions of which are always
on duty along the lines.
The documents transmitted comprise a lengthy analy
sis, explanatory of the financial operations relative to
those roads. The funds for construction, he says, are
derived: Ist,from shares; 2d,from loans; and od, from
subventions of the Government. One of the charac
teristics of the French method, which Mr. Beckwith
thinks worthy of consideration, consists in having all the
trains in the empire worked by one time, which is sup
plied by the observatory at Paris, and regulated at all
points by telegraph.
Ilow Mauas§as was Evacuated—lmport
ant Fact.
I learn from authority, which admits of no doubt, that
the evacuation of Winchester and Manassas commenced
two weeks ago on last Friday, and ended at the former
place Tuesday night* and tho latter on Sunday night.
The rebels took their heavy guns from Winchester down
the Strasburg railway to Gordoneville. This was fol
lowed by those at Manassas, and a gradual evacuation
of infantry took place trom day to day until Friday and
Saturday, when the rear guard of ouly several thousand
evacuated in a panic, caused by intelligence of an ad«
Vance. This statement may be relied on.
Another Fight in Tennessee—Despatch
from General Halieck.
General Halleck has telegraphed the following:
Sr. Louis, lurch 13,1862.
Hon. E. M. Stanton
Our artillery and cavalry yesterday attacked the ene
my’s works one half a mile west of Paris, Tennessee.
The «nemy was driven out with a loss of one huudred
killed and wounded and prisoners. Unr loss is Captain
Bull, of the artilleiy, and four men killed and four
wounded.
A cavalry force was sent out from Lebanon, Missouri,
attacked one of Pjuch’s guerilla parties, killing 13 and
wounding 5, RDd capturing over 20 prisoners, among
whom was Brigadier General Campbell, the commander.
H.W.HALLEOK.
-Extended Railroad Facilities—Proposed
Completion of the Reading and Co.
' Itraihia Road-
The report made from the House Committee on Roods
and Canals to-day, accompanying a bill for increased
railroad facilities between New York and Washington,
sets forth that exigencies of the Government require
additional and more apwfly commanication, and that the
line should be inland, and safo from the dangers of fo
reign invasion, to winch the existing shore line is every
where exposed. This want, they say, can be supplied by
completing the Reading and Columbia Railroad, and the
—Aftfiardiuxly recommend that the Secretary of
the Treasury b&anthoiizcfl to
gage bonds the guarantee of the payment of the princi
pal and interest to the extent of *4so,o<%—one.half to be
£aid on the completion of half of the road, and the re
mainder on its completion.
Brigadier General Tyler's Appointment
Couflrmed.
Daniel Tyler, Esu., of Connecticut, was confirmed
to-day as brigadier general. Sir. Tyler graduated at
West Point in July, 1819, and was appointed second lieu
tenant of light artillery; On the 21st of May following
he was transferred to the-Fiftb Infantry, and in August
to the First Artillery. Re was made first lieutenant in
May, 1824, and was adjutant of the artillery school of
ptactice at Fortress Monroe from August, 1821, to Janu
ary, 1828. From 1831 to 1834 he was superintendent of
the contract arms serricoi and in May of the latter year
he resigned. In 1828 he translated “ Manoeuvres of
Artillery ” from the French. He was president of the
Norwich and Worcester Railroad from 1810 to 1814, and
of the Macon'and Western Railroad of Georgia from
1849 to 1848. Since 1819 he has held the positiou of
jraperintemWht engineer of the Cumberland Vaiiey Bail*
road.
General Tyler was among the first to offer his ser
vices to the Government whvn the present straggle was
cojntneiiced. He conunauded two divisions of troops,
both at the battles of Bull Bun and vrhtt’C hd
proved himself a capable and gallant officer.
Colonel Kerrigan as a Representative.
Colonel Kerrigan, who wab recently invo’uutarily re
lieved of his military command, took his seat in the
House to-day for the first time this session.
Contrabands Arriving at Washington.
A company of about twenty-five contrabands, from the
region recently evacuated by the rebel army, arrived here
to-day. They report that the resident sympathizers with
the rebellion ere generally hurrying their negroes South
waid.
The Contract Investigating Committee.
The Government-contract Investigation Committee are
now scattered. Mr. Dawbs is at Boston; Colonel Tan
IVvck and Mr. Fenton at New York, probably examin
ing l&td the feci and pefqtttelUs bf the Federal officers in
that city, and the affairs of the custom house generally.
Several other members of the committee are in the West.
A Marked Battery Discovered.
Accounts received to-night from the Virginia side re
present nothing of especial interest among oof troops.
According to the statement of one of our officers, a
masked battery of three guns was discovered yesterday,
on the Warrenton turnpike, between Gentrerille and
Bull Run.
Captain Bnchanan, of the Mernmnc, Not
Killed.
The Star of this evening says: if We are certain that
Capfr Buchanan, recently in command of t be rebel iron*
clad Bteamer Merrimac t waa not killed In either of the
late naval engagements near Newport News. One of his
knees was so shattered by a shot, however, that the
obancoi are that he will lose the leg by necessary ampu
tation.
Case of Senator Powell.
The report of the Judiciary Committee of tho Senate
on the alleged disloyalty of Senator Powell was under
consideration in the Senate. The report of the commit
tee is unanimous against the expulsion of Mr. Powell.
His colleague, Mr. Davis, spoke three hours to-day in
opposition to the report.
Evidence on Evacuation of Manassas.
The Committee on the Conduct of the War yesterday
and to-day bad several witnesses before them with re
gard to the condition of tho rebel fortifications at Ceo
treville and Manassas, and the time of their evacuation.
1 understand this evidence all tends to show that the
rebels’ so-called stronghold has been very much ex
aggerated*
City Railway.
The Senate Committee on the District of Columbia, it
is reported, have decided not to report House bill, as it
stands, for the building of a passenger railway along
Pennsylvania uvepue, There is an earnest desire among
the citizens for a road here.
FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
[BY TELBGIIArn MRKCT.}
A NEW REBEL FORTIFICATION AT SEWELL’S POINT*
SCOUTING PARTY FROM NEWPORT NEWS.
ARRIVAL OF THE GUNBOAT DACOTAH
Fortrbss Mokrok, Maich ls— Evening.—The rebels
commenced, yesterday, a small work of logs and sand
at Sewell’s Point, apparently to protect the single gim
first discovered there vn Saturday W*
The Seventh New York Regiment went out ou a scout,
from Newpovt New*, tMs- morning, and drove in t»w>
iel*l pickets up the James river
The new United States gunboat Dacotah arrived to
day from Roston.
Washington, March 73.—The telegraph reports fid
Quiet to-night at Fortress Monroe and Newport News.
The .Department of the Mississippi
St. La’is, March 13.— General order No. 2 of the
Department of the Mississippi states that martial law has
never been legally declared in Missouri) except in the
city of St Louis, and on and in the immediate vicinity of
the railroads and telegraph lines, and even in. these loca
lities military officers are specially directed not to inter
fere with the lawful process of nny loral civil court. It
is believed the timo will come when the> rebetiioTi in Mis
souri may be considered an terminated, and by none is
this more desired than by the General Commanding.
It also, states that ovideuce has been received at these
headquarters that Major General Sterling Price has is
sued commissions or licenses to. certain, banditß in this
gtato to nuthoriv.o them to rahns a guerilla tore* for the A pj ng e f Trace for KwfOlK Oil SniXlAVi
purpose of jdnnder and marauding. Gen. Price ought ; T k« p ra »™t Marel.nl o( Bal
to know that euch a coure. le contrary to the rulee of ; Bai-timobk, March 10.-The Provost Marshal o nai
civilized warfare, and that every man who enlists inanch timore, gives notice that a ting of truc« will be sent over
organisation forfeits his life and becomes an outlaw, kll , u Norfolk on SuudAy, the 16th inst. These lioldlog
persons are hereby warned that if they join any guerillas (B win present themselves at hie cilice before Torn
they will not, if captured, be treated as ordinary prison- : . . .. ~ „ n n.i.i-ii.u amt permits will bo srmntcd
cn of war, blit will be hung oe robbers and nurderers. : 11 dw U * • M 0,1 SaturJay, m\ yera.tsaiHbo cranled
Thotrllves shill stem* for thobirburUy of their gensral. : to iho number rumeO.
FROM WINCHESTER.
A SKIRMISH WITH COL. ASHBY'S CAVALRY.
Wiscurster, Va., March 13—8 o’clock P.M.—This
afternoon, a squadron of the Michigan cavalry pursued
Ashby's rebel cavalry several inllii. A skirmish ehStt id
nine miles hence, on the Stratfmrg road. The Michigan
men took six prisoners, including Second Lieut. Murray,
of Ashby’s corps.
Whsn Jwkffpn the town, he left unmolested
the railroad and rolling slock, consisting of fire locomo
tives, four passenger and fourteen freight cars.
A train for Harper’s Ferry -will start early in tho
morning for commissary supplies.
The telegraph line has just been complete! to this
place, making a complete connection with ail points.
A number of deserters hare given th emselves up.
The advance this morning was planned and led by
senior Captain B, G. Hamilton, with the impression that
our approach would be strongly resisted by Jackson, in
whifth CASS It Wc-tild have proved eminently successful.
Yesterday, Col. Mix, of the Van Allen cavalry, with a
squadron, pounced upon a party of rebel cavalry, four
miles west of Perry vllle, while they were breakfasting.
He wounded three of tne party an! took them prisoners,
Sfr WlMCOßyyfift, March 13—Noon.—Heavy oxploslons
were heard here atlO o’clock last night, la the direction
of Strasburg, which is believed to have been caused by
the fnemy blowing up a stone*arched bridge over Cedar
creek, in order to prevent tbe pursuit of Jackson.
The skirmish oh tho Sirasburg road was led by Maj.
Mix, of the Van Allen Cavalry. IZe pursued Ashby’s
flying scouts until he came upon tho main body of the
latter, taking the prisoners before Btatod. Lieut. Mur
ray, one of the prisoners, is a Baltimorean.
L&kt bight iS acknowledged by the Secession ladles to
have been the moßt quiet they have had for six months,
although several thousand soldiers were in town, and the
remark was added: “No wonder your arms are victo
rious from the excellent discipline of your troops.”
Colonel Leonard has been detailed for prOYOSt duty
order of General Hamilton, the military commander.
Among tho distinguished persons here is Mrs. Dan
dridge, late Mrs. Bliss, a daughter of the late President
Taylor. Her husband is an officer in the rebel army.
Col. Flauntleroy, late of the United States army, and
now a brigadier general of Virginia troops, effected Ilia
escape from this town on Tuesday, on hearing of our
approach.
Two locomotives, surmounted by the “stars and
stripes” and attached to a long train of carß, started for
Harper’s Ferry at 9 o’clock this morning. It carried a
large military mail.
A strong cavalry scout, which was sent oat last night,
failed to overtake Ashby’s Black Horse Cavalry, which
were t retreating on the Straßbnrg road. It is believed
that be succeeded in joining Gen. Jackson at Strasburg.
A few of his scouts may y*t remain on this side of Cedar
creek. &
The Battle at Pea Ridge, Ark.
FURTHER PARTICULARS.
SrnisuriELn, Mo., March 10.—(Special to the St.
Louis Republican.) —A messenger arrived at ten o'clock
last night, bringing additional nows of the recent battle
in Arkansas.
The engagement took place on Little Sugar Creek,
five miles this side of tho stream of the same name,
where a skirmish took place on the march down.
In anticipation of an attack on the south, General
OUfUs 6PiliFsi tb§ tP&IhS to be drawn up on the north
aide; but, unexpectedly, the attack was commenced on
the north side—being tbe roar of our army—by from
1,500 to 2,000 rebel cavalry.
General Sigel, with 800 men, protected tho train for
i&vml hours, holding the rebels Iu obeoU While tho teams
pushed backward to the maiu body.
While thus engaged, General Sigel was three times
surrounded, but be cut bis w r ay through each time.
The principal fighting on Thursday was dona by Gen.
Sigel in this way.
On Friday the engagement became general, anil con
tinued so throughout. Our officers behaved with much
gallantry*
The most exposed position was occupied by Cel. Carr’s
division, and the greatest loss was suffered by them. Col.
Dodge’s brigade of this division consisted of the F >urth
lowa, the First Icwa battery, tho Thirty-fifth Illinois,
Col. Phelps’ regiment, and the Twenty-fourth Missouri.
Tho Second brigade, under 001. Van Dorn, of the
Ninth lowa regiment, consisted of his own .regiment, tho
Dubuque battery and Col. Carr's regiment of cavalry*
A letter from Colonel Carr says the losses in the
Fourth and Ninth lowa, Thirty-fifth Illinois, and
Twenty-fifth Missouri are from 150 to 200 in each regi
ment killed and wounded. Only 300 of the Twenty
fourth Missouri were present, but they lost 29 killed and
A large siaokfr wounded. The Twelfth and Seventeenth
Missouri, Third lowa cavalry) and Eighth Indiana regi
ments lost about 40 each.
The First and Second lowa batteries lost about 20
each.
Among the wounded are Gen. Asboth, In the arm]
Col. Carr, in the arm] Lieut. 001. Fallighan, Lieut. Col.
Herran, and Major Coyle, o' the Ninth lowa. Besides
b?!Hg wounded, Lieut. Col. Herran was taken prisoner.
Col. Dodge had three horses shot under him. Lieut.
Smith, of the Second Qbio battery, was taken prisoner.
He jumped from tho wagon to make his escape, when he
was killed.
Among the rebel officers killed and wounded are Gen.
Ben McCulloch, killed; Brig. Gen Slack, dangerously
wounded ] Col. Mclutosh| killed j Col. B, H. Rifes, dan
gerously wounded; Col. Herbert, of the Third Louisiana
Volunteers, killed or dangerously wounded ] and Maj.
Gen. Sterling Price, slightly wounded.
Thirteen pieces of artillery wero captured by our men,
including one of the pieces lost by Gen. Sigel at Wilson’s
Greek.
OtirlOsS Id CblJmwtcd ai ftflOor I,OOOHUImI wAnndnl.
The rebel low is not known, but is supposed to be from
2,000 to 3,C00. A. large number of rebel prisoners—
probably I,soo—were taken, and more are being con
stantly brought in.
Two thousand Indians were engaged io the battle) and
eighteen of our killed were scalped by them.
General Price, with about 10,000 men, retreated north*
ward) and then took an easterly direction. General Jeff
C. Davis is after him.
THE WAR IN NEW MEXICO.
DETAILS OF THE FORT CRAIG BATTLE.
DESPERATE STRUGGLE WITH THE TEXANS.
DEATH OF CAPTAIN McCRAY.
200 UNITED STATES TROOPS KILLED AND WOUNDED.
THE REBEL LOSS MUCH GREATER.
gr. Louis, March IS—Tlie Eepublican has advices
from Albuquerque, New Mexico, February 23, which
state that the Texas rebel troops have made various sig
nificant movements in the vicinity of Fort Craig.
On the 18th they advanced a column of infantry, 1,000
strong, in line of battle iu front of the fort, and also
UAvsd a column of cavalry, 800 strong, to the west of our
defences. They advanced within a mile aud a half of the
work*, and halting, with the rebel flag floating in the
breeze, remained some time and then commenced a retro
grade movement. During the time ot the advance Col.
Cauby prudently concealed the greater part of his forcts
In the rear of the fort. When the enemy commenced re
treating, and the infantry was separated from the ca
valry, Col Cauby ordered Major Duncan to charge the
cavalry of the enemy with a squadron of dragoons and
mounted men, which they did in gallant style, the enemy
retreating before them until they arrived at a deep ra
vine. N
The Texan Infantry, in the meantime, advanced to tho
relief of the cavalry, and a skirmith took place at the ra
vine. Major Duncan, late in the evening, was recalled,
and the Texans continued to fall back. He reported that
the Texans had eight pieces of artillery in a battery,
masked in the ravine, but a short distance below where
the skirmish took place.
On the 19th and 20th the Texans crossed to the east
bank of the Bio Grande, in order, it is supposed, to take
possession of the heights opposite Fort Oralg. Colonel
Canby crossed and pursued them in force* when the
Texans on the heights fired some fifty cannon shots,
without damage to our forces. Col. Canby fired but two
shots, deeming it imprudent to waste his ammunition.
On the morning of tho 21st, two hundred Texan mules
were captured, with their wagon-master. Tne Texans
OB the Highland? are destitute of water. Col. Canby has
the pass to the water guarded by a battery aud a strong
force, and all the other outlets are guarded. The Texans
must either fight desperately for water or surrender.
When the express closed, on the morning ot the 21st
ulti, the booming of cannon could be heard In the direc
tion of Yalv&rde, ahh&uhelhg that the battle had begun.
Ad express has just arrived from Fort Craig, with news
of a seriouo conflict between our forces and the Texauß,
which lasted from 9 o’clock A. M. on the 21st until sun
down of the same day.
The fight commenced in the morning between a portion
of our troops, under Col. Roberts, and the enemy asross
the Bio Grande, with varied success, until 1 or 2 o’clock,
when Col. Canby crossed the river in force, with a bat
tery of ilx pieces, under Cftpt. McQray, of the cavalry,
but detailed In command of the battery, and, also, a
small battery of two howitzers. The enemy are supposed
to have had'seven or eight pieces. The battle commenced
by the iwtiUery, and skirmishing soon became goneral.
Towardt, evening, most of the enemy’s guns were silenced.
Thejvhewever, made a desperate charge on the howitzer
battery, but were ropulsed with great loss.
Captain McCray’s battery was defended by Captain
Plimpton's company of United States infantry and a
portion of Col. Pinos’ Beglmont of New Mexican volun
teers. TheToxans charged desperately and furiously
with picked men about strong, They wore armed
with carbines and revolvers and long seven-pound Howie
knives. After discharging their carbines at close dis
tance, they drew their revolvers and readied the battery
in. a storm of grape and canister. The Now Mexicans.
Cl pints' Regiment were panic-stricken, and inglorlouaiy
fled. Captain Plimpton and the Infantry stood their,
ground, and fought nobly till more than one half were
numbered with the dead. With his artillerymen cut
down, his support separated, killed, wounded, and flying
from tlio field, Captain McCray sat down calmly and
quietly on one of bis guns, and, with revolver in hand,
refusing to fly or desert his post, ho-fought to tho last,
and gloriously dice like u Ueio, Urn last umu by JiU giuu
The terribly in this charge. Many of
our officers distinguished themselves on this da . Mjtjor
Donaldson, who was the chief «d of Cohmel Cabby,,
acted bravely, and was cot splouc** iu evtry part of the
field His horse was wout-ded ia several places, bnr the
Major wns not injured. Kit Carson, iu command of a
regiment «r volunteers* ho wosaaeployed mi skirmishers*
did iuod service during tto twikm, and behaved-
We have, however, to nwaae the less oFLiouta. Mlehl&fr
and Stone, who, like C&»fc McCray, nobly and bravely
maintained the honor of our flag to the last, and glorio-iu
ly died, the death of patriots. Many other officer a e
wrnsied. Cur loss Is about 200 killed tunl wounded;
that of tho enemy v Wfewd to be much gi-ever. The
greatest confidence-is reposed in Col. Canby, and If tbs
volunteers will do their dnty, the Yoxaus will be driven
higloricnsly from Ihe country.
nxmn mmss-m session.
Washixotox, March 13,1863,
SENATE.
CASK OF MB. POWELL.
Mr. DAVIS (U.), of Kentuck?, asked that the ease of
Mr. Povr&U U U&, Afi tie Kentucky Legislature
were In session, and would like to have the ease settled.
He subsequently withdrew the request.
BE * ARD FOB HEROISM.
Mr. DIXON (Rep ), of Connecticut, offered a resolu
tion tkfc! tbe Committee on Naval Affairj pg in
structed to inquire what was necessary to be done in re
gard to John Davis, whose distinguished bravery had
been brought to tho notice ef the Govemmsnt by the
report of Commodore Dupont. Adopted.
THE NAVAL ACADEMY.
Mr. KENNEDY (U.), ef Maryland, offered a resolu
tion, that th& HbiHUfy of ihi N&V? IftfAFfft ftfcd Sdß&to by
what law the Naval Academy had been removed to New
port, B. 1, and the reasons for such removal, and
whether such reasons still exist.
captain foote.
The resolution expressing the thanks of Congress to
Cajpi&lh C. 11. Foote, and tha officers and men of the
Western flotilla, was taken up.
Mr. GKIMEB (Rep.), of lowa, said that he felt it his
duty and pleasure to call attention to the exploits of this
arm of tbe navy in the Western waters. In May last
Commander John Rodgers was sent to Cincinnati to pre
pare gunboats for the oporati&Bß !a the Western w&teM.
The Taylor, Lexington, ai d Conestoga , were built, but
when they first went to Cairo were laughed at. Since
that no rebel craft has been above Columbus. After
wards, in Heptember, Captain Foote was sent to take tbe
place of Commander Rodgers, mid charge of the gun
boAtft ( partly iron*clad) StiLouLu CarondeUt, Pitta
burgh , JSssex, ami Mound City , of thirteen gnus each.
He said that, so far as be could learn, the plan of turning
the enemy’s flank by golog up the Teunessee and Cum
berland rivers, originated with Captain Foote. He re
ferred at some length to the triumph of the gunboats at
Forts Henry and Donolson, and attributed the evacua
tion vf Columbus to tbe influence of tbe gunboats and
the mortur fleet.
He contended that this country was destined to be a
great maritime country, and the navy must be the right
arm of our defence. He referred to the gallant exploits
of tho navy elsewhere, under Commodores Dupont and
Goldsborough.
He said that ibe recent event at Hampton Roads de
monstrated that ordin Ay wooden boats were no defence
against iron boats, and no stone fortress was any obstacle
to the entrance of iron boats iu any harbor.
He referred in terms of high eulogy to Lieut. Worden
and Mr. Ericsson, and to the lamented dead on the Con*
gras and Cumberland.
The resolution was passed,
LIEUTENANT WORDEN.
The resolution of thanks to Lieut. Worden anil the
officers and seamen ol the Monitor was then taken up
and paesed.
CASE OF MR; POWELL.
Mr. DAVIS (U.), of Kentucky, moved to take up the
report of tbe Committee from the Judiciary in tho case of
Mr. Powell, Senator from Kentucky. Agreed to—yeas
24, nays 16.
Mr. Davis proceeded to speak in favor of tbe resolu
tion to expel the Senaton Ho said ho favored the reso
lution from a sense of duty ] from what he considered t»
be the instructions of the Legislature, and his own judg
ment on the subject. He thought his colleague entirely
misrepresented the view's of the people of Kentucky, and
that the majority of the people and the Legislature desired
his place vacated. He (Mr. Davis) came here determined,
if possible) to carry out the will of tbe people in vacating
the seat of his colleague. He said that in the time of
struggle and doubt in Kentucky, when it Was doubtful
whether she would turn rebel or not, the whole influence
of his colleague was thrown against tho Government and
in favor of rebellion, and he had endeavored by every
means to indoctrinate the people of Kentucky with trea
son to the Government. He referred to the State
Bights Convention held in Heuderoon, Ky«, in May,
where Mr. Rowell presiaed, and read the resolutions
adopted by that znoeting. He claimed that Jeff Davis
and his colleague worked together to destroy tbe
Government, and that the sebemors of secession
were alone respomible for the war and the conse
quent burdens upon the people. His colleague took
tbe position that the independence of the seceded states
must be recoguized. T his in itself was treason, fie re
ferred also to the neutrality proclamation of Governor
Magoffin, and characterized the concluding portions of
it &b blasphemy when connected with such diabolical
purposes. He then referred to the record of "Mi 1 . Puwull
iu bis votes in the Senate. He said ho ygjed g&giQgt (ft?
bill to raise an army or five hundred thousand and the
bill for the collection ’of imposts, against the admission
of the Virginia Senators, against the loan bill, and
the bill for the organization of the army, and had
piesonted a written protest against the bill to pnriiah
conspiracies. He also voted against the bill to in-
GFfeftßG the pay of ealdiurs usd hbtt-toififfiUaldhed
officers—against all of these, in company with
Breckinridge, Polk, and Johuson of Missouri. He re
ferred to the Mexicau war as a part of the great conspi
racy to which Powell, with Breckinridge, lent hitu
selves. The neutrality of the Governor of Kentucky
and of his colleague was opposition to tho (Jolted atatus ;
but that was i>ot the r culralHy >f the Union men of that
State. Kentucky bad then a traitor and a rebel in tho
executive chair] but that gallant Stato has nobly re
deemed herself since then. He referred to the conven
tion held at Frankfort, at which Mr. Powell attended,
and dratted resolutions, as a convention ot Secessionist*,
under the garb of poace. He said he was for the expul
sion of his colleague from no personal fooling or enmity
of any kind, but from a sense of duty, as he thought all
liia votes and actions had been against the Government
and in favor of the Secession cause.
Mr. POWELL (Dem.), of Kentucky, said he wished to
make a few remarks in reply to his colleague; but if
other Senators wished to speak on this question, he would
Wait until they Lad finished their remark#,
Mr. DAVIS said be knew no rule by which his col
league could prescribe the roles of debato. If he had
said anything which he (Mr. Davis) wished to answer,
he should retain his right to reply.
Mr. POWELL Baid he intended to ask no favors of his
colleague, as he was bis prosecutor. Nor hod he any In
tention rules for debate.
EXECUIIYE SESIQN.
The Senate then Went into executive session, and sub
sequently adjourned.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
GENERAL CURTIS AND COMMAND.
Mr. DUELL (Rep.), of New York, introduced a joint
resolution, which was passed, tendering tbe thanks of
Congress to General Curtis and tbe officers and men under
him for the late brilliant victory in Arkansas, and sin
cerely sympathizing with the relatives and friends of the
officers ana soldiers of ibe army who so bravely fell at
Pea Ridge.
THE TAX BILL.
The House, in committee, resumed the consideration
of the tax bill.
AMENDMENT PROPOSED.
Mr. RICHARDSON (Dem ), of IHinoi?, moved an
mucittimeu* turn rent, the revenue derived
from the bill shall be set apart for the purpose of buying
or obtaining by treaty territory outside of the limits of
the United Estates, on which to colonize free blacks, and
for the payment of the expenses of their transportation
thither.
Mir. MORRILL (Rep ), of Vermont, raised a point of
order, that this amendment is not germane to the first
section ol the bill, which provides for the appointment of
Officers necessary to carry it into effect.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Colfax) sustained the objection,
at tbe same time aa>ing that the debate must be confined
to Hi, scooiitl order.
Mr. RICHARDSON said the gentlemen from Ken
tucky (Mr. Wadsworth) and Pennsylvania (Mr. Sfe-
Teufc) seemed to express some fears, became they have
not sufficient confidence in the President, tbattlie money
proposed to be raised will not be properly appropriated;
but the Chief Executive had, in his opinion, by his pub
lic ftptet shown his ‘liepositloTi to abide by the law aud
uphold the Constitution. While he differed from the
President as to the best mode of doing other things, he,
in this, accorded t j the President a perfect honesty of
purpose.
Mr. STEVENS (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, rose to a
point of order, viz—that tha acts of the Administration
are nvt percent to thl? wij r
The CHAIRMAN remarked that the gentleman from
Illinois had tot yrt proceeded far enough to enable him
to decide on tbe relevancy of his remarks.
• Mr. RICHARDSON expressed his surprise, that Mr.
Stevens should now endeavor to restrain debate, when be
had permitted so wide a range yeaterday.
My, gjjbyENS reminded the gentleman that he <3id
endeavor to confine the debate yesterday to the merits oi
the bill.
Mr. RICHARDSON. resuming, said that tho gentle
man from Ohio (Mr. Bingham) on the other side, told us
yesterday, that the preservation of tho Constitution and
the Union was secondary with them—the primary object
With them being the destruction of slavery.
Mrl STETifiliS, meaning no fllarespecE io Mr* Bich
at dson, called him to otder for this remark, as being irre
levant to the bill.
Mr. RICHARDSON desired to say to his friends
on the other side that tho gentleman from Ken
tucky (Mr. Wadsworth) yesterday was subject to similar
interruption?. The gentleman from Ohio, (Mr. Bing
ham,’)' however, was not so annoyed. Ho had no desire to
dienes the first section of the bill; but be served a no
tice on his Republican friends, that he would bring them
from-day to day to tbe strict line of debate, and ho would
make them toe it every hour. Mr. Richardson then re
sumed his sent.
AN AMENDMENT
The first section was amended by giving the Commis
sioner of Internal Revenue the franking privilege.
COLLECTION OF THE TAXES.
A proposition to collect the United States taxes, through
State machinery, waß for a long time discussed—one side
arguing that-this would bo the cheaper and better mode,
and the ether that it was wholly impracticable and
worthless. The proposition was subsequently withdrawn,
and the committee-rose.
NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON.
Mr. JOHNSON (Dem.), of Pennsylvania, from the
Committee on Bo&ds and Canals, reported a bill to secure
isoreased- railroad facilities between New York and
WftfibiPSton. Recommitted,
STATE PRISONERS.
Mr. MAY (Dem.)', of Maryland, from the Judiciary
Committee, reported a bill providing for the discharge of
State prisoner*, and tor the courts of the United Statos to
take bail or recognizances to Becure the trial of the sane.
Recommitted.
The House then adjourned.
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE.
Habhisbueo, March 13,1862.
SENATE.
The Senate was- called to order alll o'clock by the
Speaker, rrayer by the Bov. Mr. Hay, of Harrisburg.
PETITIONS.
Mr. CONNELL,, two remonstrances from citizens of
Frankford agaiist the incorporation of the Frankford
and .Philadelphia Railway Company; also, a remon
strance Bgainßt extending the lien law to alterations and
repairs.
Mr. NICHOLS, three remonstrances againßt tho
Frankford and Philadelphia Railway.
Mr. SMITH, of Philadelphia, a remonstrance from
merchants of. Philadelphia against a change in the law
relative to pilotage.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.
Mr. OLYMER (Corporations), as committed, the bill
to incorporate the Delaware Steam Tug and Transporta-.
tion Company. f
Mr. SMITH (e&ue), as committed, the supplement-to.
the Delaware-county Farm Stock Association.
Mr, ROBINSON “(same), as committed, the supple
ment to the aot incorporating the city ot Philadelphia,,
relative to oertein officers.
BILLS INTRODUCED.
Mr. CONNELL, a supplement to the act incorporating
the city of Philadelphia, relative to the Board of Health..
Mr. McCLUBB, a bill directing the recovery, of tho
principal and interest due tho Commonwealth .by virtue*
of locations andofilce titles.
BILLS CONSIDERED, Ac.
The SPEAKER laid before the Senate a.comwunl-.
cation from ihe Auditor General, stating that tbe Brie-
Canal Company hod paid taxes amounting, to-$204,
within the past sixteen years. ..... „ _
On motion of Mr. BOUND, the bJU relative-to. ihe-
Milton Savings Bank was considered and passed..
On motion of Mr. KINSEY, the bill to incorporate the-
Altoona Academy was taken up and passed.
On luptioa of Mr. SMITH, of Montgomery, the bill to
extend the charter of the Goshenhoppen Mutual:Fire Xu--
gurance Company was takt-n up ami pmshL
On motion of Mr. CONNELL, the bill relative to-the-
Township Lino Koud Company was cctiilderod- luni
passed.
On motion of Mr. STEIN, the bill to>.c,hango the place,
of holding elections in the borough cf. Gatasauaua waa
con&tffred and passed.
tvi motion of Mr. SERIItLIi, the* supplement to. tha
act relative to courts ia Delaware county wna.lakoa up
and pasted
On motion of Mr.CYYMKIL the supplement- to tho act
hiying out a State scad iu the counties.of Lebanon and
' Htvrfes wa* enumderod and negatived by the- Senate-. *
Ou motion of Mb. CONNELL, the bill tofrwiwate
the Society of German Baptism of Gprmaiitoupn was
considered nud passed.
Adjourned.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Senate renssemUUd at 3 o'clock
Tht consideration o$ tbe reeolutiou&io favor of the abo
lition of slavery in tiie District of Columbia, and cn*
(lovsing the recommendations of President Lincoln for
tho gradual enansipation of the slaves iu the several
States, was resulted.
A lengthy discussion evsued.
Mcurs. WHARTON and BOUND advocated the pas
sage of the (evolutions, and Mr. POXAVAN opposed
tham. «
(f without taking any final action the Senate adjourned
until 1 Crl’look.
HOUSE.
The House rusembted at 10 A. M.» the Speaker »a the
chair.
Prayer by Rev. Dr. Ue Witt.
BESOLUTIOK,
Mr. DENNlS— Unsolved, That tha final vote upon
fe? Vm milled .a act to renvil aa act aeprered March
7, IBei, entitled “An act lor tbs commutation of the
tonnage tax,” and amendments now offered, or to be
hereafter offered to said bill, be taken at or before B
o’clock this afternoon, and that no member of the House
be allowed to speak more than once on the aaid bill and
amendments, nor speak more than 45 minutes.
Btr. CESSNA moved to strike out “& o’clock,” and in
sert “ 9% o’clock]” strike out «♦ afternoon,” and Insert
♦* evening,” and aod, “ and will b>ld an evening session#
commencing at 7)4 o’clock, If not sooner disposed of.”
Mr. WILLIAMS was opposed to limiting the time fop
each member speaking. He wanted the people of
Stato to know what the arguments were again it the bill
and also tbe replies. He wanted a fair hearing to the
railroad company, and a fair hearing to the people ef
the Hate.
Mr. ABBOTT was in favor of ending the controversy
to-day.
Mr. blanchabb *»|<i fen, Hie peerle venli set bear
half that was Bald here, and ir they tftef, they would not
believe one half of It.
The resolution, as amended, was adopted.
The House proceeded to tho consideration of the ton
nage-tax bill.
Mr. HOPKINS, of Washington, referred to tbe con
nection of tho iutoruts of tho Suubury aud Upls Rail
road with the Pennsylvania Raflioad. Under the act of
1861 tbe Stats received the bonds of the Sunhury and
Erie Railroad Company for 83,500,000* It was to be tho
first lien upon the road. The State has security lor those
93,500,000, held bonds of the company as first mortgage
upon the read; By tho liborality of the Legislature of
18G1 this first mortgage, held by the State against the
Sunbury and Erie Railroad Company to secure the pay
ment of the interest and purchase* money, was postponed
in favor of other parties who might furnish cnouey.
Tho claim of contract lacks an element In
hcontracts ”=to wit; “aconsideration. 1 ’ Now, wliatii
the consideration in the commutation bill 7 So far from
the State having received a dollar, they [it] absolutely
gave the Pennsylvania Railroad Company an accumu
lated fund of seven or eight hundred thousand dollars
foT the privilege of relieving these gentlemen from the
payment of this tonnage tax in future.
Tht? Stale may as vrell commute the dividends of
banks and other corporations as to commute the tonnage
tax of the Pennsylvania Railroad.
By the legislation of the past two or three years, In
cluding the bill for the commutation of the tounage dues,
at ießßt 820,000,000 of the people’s money have been
taken from them, and transfumd to two corporations.
1 iuight say, perhaps, to one corporation, because the
two have been merged into one. Let us pass this bill*
I presume, so far as the Sunbury and Erie Railroad
Company transaction is concerned, it in probably beyond
our reach* But that should net deter us from doing jur
duty, which is within our reach. Let us restore this
tummge tax, and relieve the people from raising an equi
valent amount from direct taxation. Tho people will
continne for years to come to bo ground down undertax
ation. This tux must either be restored, which now
amounts to four or five hundred thousand dollars, or an.
equivalent amount must be raised from the hard earnings
of the people of the Commonwealth. Chose ye between
tbf*hi Those who faVor ihn amendment of Ibe gentle
man from Lycoming will vote lor his amendment, and
thus put an end to the question. Those who favor to
rcstoro this tax will vole against his amendment, and will
vote for the repeal ot this bill Let us vote down this
and all kindred amendments, and let us vote for the bill
restoring to the treasury this amount of uiooeyi which is
justly due. I say it is demanded, in my judgftUfct, by
every consideration of duty, equity, and patriotism,
Mr. CHATHAM. Had it not been for the energy of
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, our Capitol at
Washington might have this day bten iu ashes. The
Smilmry and Erie Railroad will develop a mineral
wealth which will be superior to all that of New York.
Cripple tbe rdMirces 6f the Pehhfci> |v&nl& Railroad Com
pany and you cripple the regemees of Pennsylvania, be
cause the interests of that road are so connected with tho
Interest! of Pennsylvania, and especially Philadelphia,
that in interfering with one you interfere with the other’a
advancement. The tax on the developed lands along the
Suubury and Erie Railroad will bring iuto tbe treasury
more than has hern taken out by tbe act of 1861* It ifl
not only unconstitutional to repeal the act of last session,
but impolitic, unwiso, and inexpedient at this time, or
any future time, to interfere with any of the laws of
Pennsylvania. It is calculated to destroy the credit oC
Pennsylvania in the estimation of her own citizens, as
well as in the estimation of thote living outside of the
limit! of Penniylvaniiii
Mr. CRANK said that at an early day this company
took measures to dopreciato the value of tho State works
so as to be enabled to secure them at another day. In
July, 1857, the public works were sold for $7,500,000,
which cost tlio State near $19*000,000. The official re
cords will show that the company haye beep
sors. They took from fho Uomnicinwealtb certain pri
vileges and agreed on giving a remuneration. Tha com
pany are seeking now whether it is in the power of the
Legislature, through the Legislative department, to re
turn to the people what was taken from thorn last year.
It is said that the agreement ef the company was to ap
pvApri&u M&nfey to eight tf ton rMltokd GAMp&hi&s, i&d
that tho bid is so interwoven together that it must fall in
whole or stand in whole ; that the Supreme Court can
not decide one portion unconstitutional, bat must de
clare the whole bill so. 1 maintain the contrary doc
trine. The bill of 1861 has to fall because the Legisla
ture of 1662 has tho constitutional power to repeal it:
bt a ftuat stand femuas this Lagislatuu
power.. .
Irrespective of any legal question involved, I believe
the people of this Commonwealth demand its repeal—l
; believe thev, demand that this question Bhnll be settled.
They wish to know whether now, when th9y are being
called upon for three times tbe taxation we hare yet
pressed upon thorn* that this source is left to thAm fer
erer. They wish that this thing be forced to au ulti
mate and Hnal decision, to know whether they have laws,
and whether a corporation has been donated, some say
S20,000,0(-0, some say 815,000,000, but I think safely to
be 8350,000 annually.
Mr. Tate deemed it his duty to vote for a repeal of
the tonnage tax.
EXECUTIVE MESSAGE.
The Governor informed tbe House that he had signed
and approved 11 An act relative to certain records in tho
city of Philadelphia“ Ah act to exto&d the Granite
Land Company of Philadelphia “An act to provide
for the appointment of fence-viewers in tl)d <jity of
FhiladHphiV*
At 12.64 the House took a becess till 3 o'etock.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
The House was again called to order at three o'clock.
The tonnage-lax bill was then taken up.
Mr. YIHCBKT dwtorol few) irvf) fvßr nmu
why tbe act of last session should be repealed. These
reasons were, first, that the act liad been procured by
fraud] second, thatic was unconstitutional; third, that
it was impolitic ; and fourth, that it was passed solely by
the numerical power of the House.
Mr. SHANNON argued that there was no contract On
tho act of last session, and to assume that there was
such was an insult to the intelligence of the people wf tbe
State. *
Mr. WORLEY thought that the Pennsylvania Bail
road Company Bhonld return their original charter.
Mr. RYuN favored the passage of the present bill.
Mr. SCOTT opposed it.
Tho House thou took a recess until half post strew
o’clock.
EVENING SESSION.
Tbe House reassembled pursuant to adjournment.
Tbe discussion ou the tonnage-tax bill was resumed.
Mr. ABBuTT reviewed the history of the Peumylvanta
Cetmur srte?m* IvbklU.
Mr. TRACY algo spoke upon the merits of the bill.
Mr. HOPKINS, of Washington, moved that the time
for the final vote on the bill be extended until eleven
o’clock. Agreed to. ’
The debate was continued at considerable length.
LETTER FROM NEW YORK.
(Correspondence of The Press.]
New Yoke, March 13, 1862.
Last night the levee of the Sons and Daughters oT
Vermont and their children, iu honor of the Seventh
Vermont Regiment, took place. A tamer, yet more pre
tending affair has not come off since tbe commencement
of the war. The grand effort Boomed to culminate in the
glory of ** a levee at the Fifth-avenue Hotel. 1 * The Go
vernor of Vermont and his staff were not present, and
not more than a hundred of the sons and daughters were
there to exercise their hospitality to the men of warm
heartfi who were on their way to oiler themselves on their
country’s altar. Perhaps, however, they may improve
upon the first effort on another occasion.
Yesterday the Chamber of Commerce held carnival
ovur tho exploits of Ericsson's Monitor. All were well
satisfied that with a go jd corps of such monitors Unde
«am might open a popular college for the Instruction of
rot-ela it, Ihe higher arts. It seems wicked contradiction
to Bft> that this dreadful Monitor is a great bUssinp, but
it is to, wj,d very providential at that.
Prof Agvy, Z j a ’ 8 jectwres here have been attended with
marked The Athena'um Club, under whose
auspices they Wve been delivered, have, 1 presume,
realized a profit out of the course. This was
needed to replenish establishment in the Fifth Ave
nue. The lecturer reaves *l,OOO for tho course. A
new course on «»Natnra, History,” by tbe same cele
brated professor, is aonou&* e( ] to be delivered at Irving
Hall, commencing to-morrow tvening.
The steamship Columbia sitilAt f rom ibis port for Ha
vana to-day, at noon. She took o«t several gentlemen,
who are not likely to return to thisco«ntry soon. Indeed,
If U. S. Marshal Murray could have h*! (he witnesses*
now out of reaoh, some cf these gentleman would have
been ruminating upon their treasures, gatbwri! from the
African slave irude, in ihe cily prison, iDfeie&l of sailing
for Cuba.
The following are the eatei
30000 US 6s’Blreg.. 93- I
60000 U 8 0s ’Bl coup. 93*
20U00 do 92^
9000 C 8 5a ’74 coup*. 80
BttTret»7Molgo.ltt
10C0 Tenn 6b *OO 61 %
8000 Miß6ouri.St>6s>.,s3*
50(0 do 63#
0000 do 53
7000 Illinois War L’n 89
IOOOCJev&TSEd... 86- ,
1000 Mich So 15t....
SOW 08AQ9p0,., 00
30 Bk of Commerce (8
6Bkot A merica,. 102
60CU AmerGold...B3olol^
25 Pacific Mail 9... 95
25 do 943,
The flour markot is. cyuiet nnd unchanged. Wheat U
dull but Urni. OYiuie sternly» with a bettor bWIBMSi
The provision market is generally quiet, awl there u
no change to advise.
Athts are- steady, with Bales of 25 bbls at S 3 for pots
and $5.*5 for pearls..
Breadstuff's.—l lie market for State and Western Floor
fe quiet, and without important change. The sales ara
7.000 (Oils at 86i2fia>5i86 far anpai Una Mt»t»j #0.0006.66
lor Mili-a Stale i #5.U5ai.S5 rot mioerflna Michigan, la*
disna, tybio, lowa, &c , and $5 60®0.75 for extra do,
including sbipping:brands of round hoop Ohio at 95.80®
6.90, and trade brands of do at $6®6.75. We quote—
Superfine State.... M .»» $5.25®6.36
Kxtia State 6.M>®6.j»
Common to good Western^tmuiiikutmi t.2505i9&
ExheloVta, Mitbigtm, ItidlftUfc, Obit), lit,., s>£JJ®6.Tt
Extra rouml hoop Ohio (shipping) 6.80®5.W
Extra round hoop Ohio (trade) 6.00®6.T0
Extra Genesee.**.' 6,76®T.00
Extra Bt. Lout . 6.75®7.00
Southern Flour is dull and unchanged} with soles of
OCO bbi» at $&.7.5*e for superfine Bttliiioore j ®oiio®T
for extra do.
Canadian Flour is very quiet, with Bales of 400 bbls at
$6.50® 6.50 for the reuse of extra brands.
Bye Flour is selling slowly at53.25®4.25 for the range
of fine and superfine.
Corn Meal- is quiet j we quote Jersey at $2.00, Brandy
wine 93.29, puncheons $16.51).
Wheat is dull, and there 1b not e&ettgh doing to estao
lielt quotatioM. The stock is light and not offered to aajr
c xtent except at full ratos.
Bye iadnliatfco®B4c.
Barley is steady at 82®95c.
Gala are inactive at 38®400 for Jersey, Wasters*.
Canadian,, and State,
Coni fe steady with a bettor demand; sales
bush©)* at &8)(®60c. for mixed Western In store aad.dq-,.
Uxored.
Bay remains firm and in gsod demand at 30®8Gc.for.,
shipping, and 75c86c. for retaß lots.
Hope—The market conUuiUW dull, with small sales at.
KAl&e.foPfifcW, M » 1L a
Oils—Linseed 1b quiot anl'steady at Bionfic. rinhoiw
ore hell firmly* but there is nothing of moment .feting*
Provisions.—rork is dull and unchanged sales,
ave 900 bbls» at sl3.so»iftG2K tor mess, aud JU.Q.B7 «•.
11 for prime. l)r*u*:b are uulet at MiSHe fdc
Wwtrni, timl ©s.*<; for fit/, P«>n» tolpti Yritbi
sales of 150 lvhla at 5505 50ror country
!cr country prim-. CialSwlZ 50 for rivya-Jiod, We-uecu,.
and 511®14.25 lor usjqo mess. Prime meca Bqaf is
11 erf honin air firm.o*l6.so*l7. BacoiU in moderate,
drmnnd; sales 500 boxes at 7c for short rib, C&c for lona
iili, and "ifc Tor short clear. Cut Heats ate uuiU. and.
Ann at s)i‘®7c Sw borne, Olid for uhrUdrrs.
Lmd is unckau&sd, with sales cf I.JOO los an A kola alt
7»8,'; r for Ho, 1 to prime kettle-rendered IVyshwn.
The Sittmjss Covbt. —Mr. Wilson, from, the
House Judiciary Committee, imported op, Wedae*-
da; the bit) reorganizing tbt> Suproma Ccixjrt,. as aa
nmendmsst to tEe Senate, »iU. It cowtitutaa olr
cuits as follows:
First. Bhode Island, Mf*k>achu,etts k Nh*. Hmapshlre,
Maine, as now.
Secosid. Vermont, Wow York, asaow.
Third. Hew Jersey, Tsnuuylvania, as now,.
Fourth Maryland,, Yirgiaia, Delaware, North Ca.
lolini,
Fifth. South Carolina, Georgia, Alatwyaa, Mississippi,
IVrlrta. __
Sixth. Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Tannessse.
Seventh. Ohti., Kentucky, Michigan.
FUV.it, TndlM»i 1M651*, Wlseatelr.
Ninth. Minnesota, lowa, Missouri, Kansas.
Except the last three, the oirouits are constituted
as by the new Senate bill. Michigan is added to,
the Seventh circuit. Illinois is taken from the
Ninth circuit, and put, instead oC Michigan^
Eighth elroutfi
of to-day’s stock bosrd
1700 «nmb Pref. g
100 N Y Croat 80.... S 4
ZOO do s*.
SO Frio K 36 <
•S» Erie B Fret 81*
450 do OIK
ICO Hud Blt B 37*5
100 do MO 37*
100 Harlem It pref.... 32
100 Mich Gen It 58
400 Mich 8 t N 1.... 24*
83 Mich 8 gt'd 43*
100 do ~,.,,,.590 49
100 111 Central gcp,b3o 08
100 Cler A T01ed0.... 47*
200 Chi AH 18. 57*
100 do bls 57*