tpatitoq.
Wednfastbkic Yebiniaryl, 1145.
.believe..thattherois no longerany
necessity re - -withhold'ftem the public the
information that a, large portion o f G eo.
Thomas' army lufs joined Gen. Grant, and
that offensive operations against Rich
mond will be renewed in every short ; 88e
on a scale hithdto =approached in point
of magnitude. Not less than 200;000 ef
fectiye men in the armies of Meade, Sher
idan and Sherman will encircle the rebel
caPital v and we hazard little in predicting
that Richmond will be occupied by our
troops before the Ist' of May, and most
likely at a much earlier period. Gen.
Cotteh's command is among the reinforce
ments sent to! Grant by Gen, Thomas.
It is understood that Gen. Lee is pursuing
the lithe policy, and the rebellion is now
represented in but a single army. He is
rapidly concentrating his forces, and will
probable hazard the fate of treason on a
grand battle. He must either do that or
• allow himself to be driven out of Riebmond
by the severance of his lines, and we pre
sume he Al not surrender the rebel cap
ital without a' struggle.. If unsuccessful
in that engagement, then must the war be
practically ended. There is everything to
encourage loyal men. The cause of Right
seems to be-,on the threshhold of its
crowning victory.
THE MONO OF THE TEPEES
The Americtui people have for several
vests past been on tke tiptoe of expecta
tion, to see the rebellion rapidly fall to
the ground, and peace again restored to
their; distracted country. The loyal ar
mies have everywhere been successful,
and treason wherever it dared to present
afront has been boldly met_ and terribly
overcome. It is true that Gen. Lee still
has an army in Richmond, yet he is so
,completely cut off from the country he
dared defend, that to leave the spot he
holds is to him irretrievable ruin. At
this time the entire coast of the Missis
sippi is loyal to the Union. The State of
Louisiana is ,old in her declarations for
a repreientation in the Federal COngress.,
Arkansas is ready to renounce secession,
emancipate Slavery and return to the
Union. Missouri, by the largest majority
she has ever given, has elected a radical
Union Governor and amended her consti
tution so as to forever prohibit the trafic
of Inman chattels. Kentucky is wisely
deliberating upon her course, and the sen
timent of her people is directing affairs in
thastune.ehannel. Tennessee is side by side
with Missouri in the abolition of Slavery
and in returning to place herself under the
.is of the Federal government. Ala
bamais isolated and at the mercy of Thom
as' victorious army. Georgia has been
crossed by the noble and gallant Sherman
without any opposition ; Savannah, the
gem'of the South, is now enjoying the
blessing of our government, and the in
fluence of a kind and conciliatory policy
of Gen. Sherman, is, fast worldng oat
grand results in Georeia,„ the wealthiest,
and beat State of the South. Fort;Fisher
has been captured which hives us' control
Of the Port at Wilmington, and shuts off
the'only door that gave the. rebels mate
rial assistance by supplies from foreign
powers. Gen. Sherman's - gallant army
is moving on Charleston, and the fierce
determination which characterizes tise
brave boys, will soon make the Pahnetto
- State feel what she long has'deserved, the
rain and desolation of war. Charleston
the nest, of treason, will soon be in the
possession of the Federal army, and with
the fall of this city, the entire Atlantic
coast is oars.
Then for future operations we have the
army of Gen. Thomas in excellent condi
tion, flashed with Hood's defeat and ready
to move anywhere. We have the invinci
ble army of Sherman conquering and to
conquer. The army of Sheridan ready
for the Spring campaign ; and the: noble
Terry who is not wanting in all the essen
tial elements of a great General. Grant
stands with one hand upon the throat of
the Rebellion, holding Lee's army at bay.
He' is: ready any moment to replace re
straint by constraint. Tltis in brief is the
position of our armies. All are in excel
lent i,ondition. They stand in point of
cool courage and daring !unsurpassed by
the soldiers of any age or any nation nation—
They have braved much, have endured
many Privations and hardships, and by
their undaunted heroism have shed im
mortal lustre upon their national arms.
But this is not all, yet even this State
of affairs if; so encotOging that to doubt
of success, is sheer „blindness or what is
worse, treason. The Rebel themselves are
now at war with their own rulers; the
conflict is terrible and growing more so
every day. Every newspaper brought
from the South, comes filled with the re
ports of angry discussions, and fault find
ingwith those is power, !who a r e not cap
able of doing more than they have done
to bolster up a bad cause. The whole
,ebel organization, military and civil, is
now growing.underinternal differences of
the gravest sort. The lack of military
success; the sad and humiliating defeats;
the extreme scarcity of all the necessary
munitions of war; the destitute condition
of transportation ; the worthless condition
of their currency ; the general disaffection
among their leaders themselves; the dissat
isfaction of the people and the rapidly
growing feeling favorable to reconstruc
tion and reorganization ; the request of
many of their States for re-admission to
the Union ; these things not vague chime
ras, but stubborn facts that speak to the
reason, are working out for ns a' success
as complete as the conquering legions
now under the " Stars and Stripes."
We have an army out side, and the hearts
of the people of the South in the inside,
working out the great problem, which
sooner or later must be announced to the
world, that the Rebellion is subdued, the
Union saved, and the government of the
rafted States reconized as supreme.- ,
• There is one thing yet remaining tb the
Southern people; and it-is discussed by
mak nf titeir ablest men.
.The
tkin 6f Jeff . Davis, the abolition of their
Congress and toe investiture of Gen. Lee
with. dictatorial_ and astante power--
This must elearlYbe We hist, resort for it
is the surrender of national power and
private freedom, and when the time
arrives to accomplish this, new factions
will spring up, and more terrible oppo
sition be manifested by those who are
satisfied that the rebellion has prated a
failure. The surrender of the liberties of
the Southern people will not take plate.
There are those among them who are jeal
ous of their rights, and whose lives are
examples of ambition, to attain positions
of influence and respectability. Such men
will never submit to the will of a despot,
no matter N l thai may be offered by such a
step. The history of the world is full of
examples efmations that have resorted to
this form of government one time or an
other, and every instance too proving a
s i gn al failure. The Emperors of Rome
wielded their power with despotic will.
France has seen its rulers, royal, republi
can and despotic. Napoleon contrived by
the despotic power which he exercised to
shake all Europe. and yet his power was
his wealmess, and at last invited him to
the death of an exile. Cromwell was
clothed with absolute power, gid yet
failed in his purposes. So too of Freder
ick in Prussia and Charles X in Spain.
In all these instances great interests were
at stake, and great efforts used to achieve
result's, but the last attempt was a failure
and all was lost. When all is put at the
disiposal of one man and that fails, there
is no resort, all is gone. We believe this
to bathe ease with the rebellion, and we
:do not hesitate to say, that even the con
ferring of absolute power upon Gen. Lee
could not turn the tide of affairs one whit.
It is not within the scope of any human
power to give victory and replace defeat,
to a cause like the Southern rebellion.
The heart of the rebellion is surrounded
by a power that cannot be overcome, and
to clothe Lee with greater powers than
he posseses to-day, would only be giving
a wider scope to use the army now in his
immediate command. He could not re
cruit it, and greater power would be sim
ply nothing at all practically. The pa
pers themselves expose their weakness.—
It is clear that madness rules the hour.
It requires but little acumen to know,
that when the rulers of a country are at
war, while the country is itself rapidly
sinking, that 'country must fall so much
the sooner as the discord is greater. The
signs of the times indicate peace at no
distant day. And when it comes our
hind will be stronger more powerful and
wealthier than ever before. Our nation
will stand out regenerated, purified and
disenthralled. The States will be united
Upon a common basis, with freedom the
foundation stone, and our people enjoy
the envy and admiration of the world.
THE BLAIR MISSION ENDED
We cogess to disappointment in the re
sult of the mission of Blair to Richmond.
When he first went there we attached lit
tle importance to it, and supposed that it
was a vcdnutary effort on the part of Mr.
Blair to feel the rebel pulse without any
great confidence in success ; but when ho
returned, confered with the President and
oily with him on the subject, and entered
a government steamer that had been kept
waiting for him, to renew his intercourse
with the rebel leaders at Richmond, we
supposed that there were substantial hopes
of adjustment. Mr. Blab has now return.:
ed from his second visit to Richmond.—
Just what transpired, or what answers
were given to his unofficial propositions
to close the war on the basis of the integ
rity of the Union, we are not advised ; but
enough is known to dispel all hopes of
immediate peace. It is evident that the
rebel authorities have refused to entertain
any proposition looking to the re-union
of the States, and the southern people, al
though widely disaffected. are not yet pre-
Pared to end a causeless, wicked revolu
tion by deposing the authors of their des
olation.
—For the present, therefore, we must
dismiss the hope of peace, -except as it
may be strengthened by the crimsoned
triumphs of our heroic armies. With
their dominions desolated, their currency
utterly worthless and their credit hope
lessly destroyed ; their -armies shattered
and dispirited by successive disasters ;
their last port closed to add to their al
ready fearful wants; and the most appal:
ling despotism the fruits of their fidelity
to treason, still the power thaTwas con
ceived in perjured ambition,aud has mark
ed its tread with hecatombs of dead and
wide-spread bereavements, has vitality
for a crowning sacrifice, and it is to - be
made. The broken columns oillood have
been gathered up and are marching to
Richmond under General Johnston. Tim
thrice defeated army of Earley has aban
doned the Shenandoah, and now has its
position on Lee's left, with a new com
mander in the person of General Gordon._
Davis has been virtually deposed from
military control by the action of the rebel
Congress, and Lee is made generalissimo
of the entire rebel armies. Buckner will
doubtless surrender Charleston, if neces
sary, to join Lee, or will certainly transfer
the major part of his force to join the
death-struggle for the rebel capital. ; Thus
will Lee have supreme power, and about
him for the last desperate:':eitort of trea
son, will be the whole available force of
the rebellion. After Missouri, Tennessee,
KentuckyAouisiana, West Virginia, the
Missie ; sifipi river and nearly the entire
coast, have 'beet wrested from the hosts
of erime,,the responsibility of 'saving the
shattered remnants of the confederacy is
thrown upon Gen. Lee, and he must stake
all upon a grand struggle with the con- -
bined Union armies under Graht.
Nor is treason alone in concentration.
Gen. Grant, with that admirable foresight
that has ever marked his management of
great campaigns, commenced the policy of
concentration ' when Sherman cut loose
from Atlanta and swept. thmngh to the
coast:- That triumphant and invincible
army, under the greatest of our Lieuten;.
ants, is moving alien Richmond. It may
attack Charleston or any other Iloint or
points on the way ; but the objectiiepoint
is:Richmond. When grant wants
-man on the James or on Leo's rear. he will
Ile there. Gen. Therms lured Hood to
the very fortifications of Nashville to corn
pass' his 'destruction. When all things
were ready, he turned upon his unsuspect
ing foe, and rooted him with terrible loss
in men and nearly all his artillery. In
despair Hood retraced his steps, leaving
thousands of killed and wounded behind
him, and fully five thousand deserters.
His army was practically destroyed, and
has now lost its identity in the aritry of
Lee. Thomas thus nobly fulfilled the
task assigned him, and vhile a portion of
his army appeared to be pursuing Hood,
the main body was consummating the great
plan of Grant by moving to join the hosts
about to encircle the doomed capitalof trea
son. Already isMost of Thomas' army in
supporting distance of Grantto operate
against Hichmond, and Couch and other
well tested and most trusted commanders
are leading the western heroes to the final
straggle. Gen. Sheridan's victorious le
gions are also in line at the proper place
for the great struggle, and it is confidently
asserted that the Hero of the Valley will
lead the Army of the Potomac to its
crowning victory., -
Such are the movements and such the
purpose of the two opposing military lead
ers. Gen. Lee has every available matt
that treason can furnish; and Grant has
over two hundred thousand soldiers, many
of them jus't from victorious fields, to
strike the last blow for Liberty and Law.
Negociations have failed-,--the olive branch
has been rejected by the authors of this
war, and the terrible arbitrament of the
sword alone can give us 110-ce. There
cannot be Protracted war. It must be
brief, but it may be sanguinary. It may
cost many noble sacrifices;" but the:great
issue cannot be doubtful. We shall have
peace em mid-summer, and over the ruins
of the last organized army of traitors.
They have willed it so—we must accept
the struggle, and when victory shall have
crowned our efforts, there will be no
fountain of treason remaining to poison
the life of the rescued and regenerated
Union of our fathers.
Ma. BLAIR arrived at Baltimore from
Richmond on Thursday last. Notwith
standing the first reports to the contrary.
it is now accepted that the rebels refuse to
treat upon any otkr terms than the ac
knowledgement o their independence.—
The question 4 Peace is therefore again
entrusted to Gens.. Grant, Sherman, Sher
idan and Thomas.
Mn. M'CLuaE reatia bill in Place in the
House last week providing for the adjudi
cation of all military damages on the bor
der. Under the amended constitution one
bill could not provide for adjudication
and payment, as but one subject can be
embraced in a bill. Cr
'WE have seen a letter from a distin
guished officer of the Army of the Cum
berland, in which he states that Hood lost
5000 men by desertion on his retreat from
Nashville.
Tics Washingt, on corespondent of the
Tribune asserts positively that Gen. Sher
idan will snpercede General Meude in Ow
command of the Army of the Potoinae.
Jos. B. WELSH, Esq., of Washington county,
has been elected, atcthe special election held on
Tuesday of last week, a member of the-House of
itepresentativ4in the place - of Dr. Reed,deceas
cd. The district is composed of the counties of
Washington and Beaver, and we understand that
the Union majority is large. Mr. Welsh is an in
telligent farmer, and will make a creditable mem
her. He is a brother-in-law of Hon. George V.
Lawrence.
WE have received a copy of the second edition
of the Tribune Almanac; in which Gen. Koontz
appears properly in the list of members elect t 9
the next Congress, and it gives also the new U. S.
Senators ehosen in the several States. with com
plete election returns from all the States of the
late Presidential vote Every family should have
a copy, and especially should every• politician
keep it for reference. Shryock has it.
Cot,. Qu AY, formerly chief clerk of the Military
Department at Harrisburg, and now member of
the House from Beaver, -has become one of the
editors of the Beaver Argus, with Mr. Ratan as
associate. tinder their administration the Argus
has put on a brighter face, and the spirit of im
provement iR manifested in every department of
the
paper
FROM THE. SOUTHERN COAST
Details of the Capture of Port Fisher—
The Part Taken by the Navy—The Laud
ing and Assault—The Explosion—List of
Officers of the Minnesota.
Correspondence of the Franklin Repository.
- R. S. STEAMER MINNESOTA,
/ OFF NEW INLET, N. C., Jan. 16, 1865.
We are now able to present to the loyal North
the would-be Christmas gift. The expedition con
sisting of the grater part of the N. A. Squadron
and the transports sailed fromßeaufort. N. C., on
the 23th inst., and arrived off New Inlet the same
_day. As when the fleet sailed from Hampton
Roads, on the 14th of Deeember,•the weather'
was delightful, and the sea very calm. It was in
fact, more pleasant at sea, than in the rough har
bor of Beaufort. Early onthe morning of the
13th inst., the fleet was under wayland the °fri
gates and smaller wooden vessels stood in shore
about five miles from Fort Fisher to assist in dis
embarking the troupe. Atter the woods had been
sufficiently shelled to remove all danger (rather to
remove the Hobs) the frop began to land in our
boats, and 6303 P. M. they were safely landed
with little or no-resistance. In the mean -time,
the New Iron-sides, by odds the most formidable
vessel in the Navy, and the Monitors had taken
position near the Fort, and were battering away,.
each shotapparently telling on the enemy's works.
When the boats had returned, although late in
the day, the vessels covering the landfng of the
troops, joined the iron-clad fleet, and until 6 P.
M. the roar from our batteries was terrific and
our proximity to the Fort fmablesins to lodge the
majority of our shells where they could not but
do an immense injury to their works. Our fire
was so incessant that there was only an occasion:
al reply, the enemy being compelled to remain in
their bonib-prmifs. The iron-clads remained in
position during-the night, firing betimes, and the
wooden vessel; retired a short distance. The ill
owned Friday proved rather favorable 'to our
cause.- The next day the iron-clads and smaller
wooden vessels continued the work of demolition
but the ffigates didn't leave their anchorage.
There was no liecesmiti for bringing the whole
fleet to hear upon the Fort at once, for the troops
were able to hold their own ;" besides, much
more accurate firing could be done with a few
batteries, than when the whole fleet was engaged,
-:there being less smoke to contend with.
Hiving received orders, the night of the 14th
Mid, to-he ready for action early in the morning.
Cl)e Itanidin ilepositarn, 414tuitbersburs,
and being also informed that the assinit would be
made in the afternoon ; daylight found ns waiting
for the order to take position. Presently the sig
nal was made, and vessel afteriessel tamed maj
estically into position, the ft-Iga first led by the
lfmetasota.
,We had not been firing long when
the order was given to man and arm all boats.
Now the landing party selected from the fleet be
gan to disembark, and the gunboat* continued the
fire to prevent the "Johnies" from coming out of
their dens (bomb-proofs) while the tars were land
ing. Z By noon the sailors and marines, composing
the landing party, were all ashore, and the fleet
was in position-for the last grand bombardment.
The signal was made-to fire rapidly, and thence,
till the time of the assault, these - ate can be better
fancied than described. Each vessel wallet to
vie with the others in showering their destructive
missiles upottthe works of the enemy. The mu
sic of our batteries contrasted very strikingly the
music we were once accustomed to hear on Sab
bath. It was not as harmonious us the church
organ; to be candid, we yet feel the effects of the
dreadful roar from our batteries, and I have - no
doubt the confederacy will till it ceases its exist
ence.
At 3 P. M. the steamer ,whistle was sounded;,
the Rimini for the assault and the fleet erased fir.'
Mg, save an occasional shot to the left of the Fort,
to prevent any assistance from that direction.
Now that which was lxifore merely play on our
part, became a reality. The marines and "Blue,
Jackets" first started on the daring enterprise,up
the beach (the best man . foremost) apparently
without the notice of the garrison until they near
ed the Fort, when a galling shower of grape and
canister, as well as musketry was poured upon
them, making sad h. - voc. But the brave trailer
boys, little daunted by the messengers of death,
flying thick and fast about them, pressed on till
sonic took shelter in the rifle-pits and behigil thj
stockades. It was impossible to climb the ram
parts without the aid of ladders, and as po mortal
man could stand the volleys which were then
poured among our daring men, those that were
not already killed or wounded were obliged to
retreat fur safety. Many brave souls were strewn
upon the beach, and, avtmt was more cruel, those
that were too severely. wounded, to Make their es
cape were latterward shot in cold blood. A sur
geon from the Minnesota who it•seeema did not
_fear death, was killed whllejin the act of dressing
a Wound. 01 the two hundred -and forty that,
left this ship for.the 'assault, fifteen were killed,
twenty-five wounded and two Missing. But this,
then apparently fruitless sacrifice of lives, aftei
ward-proved to be the means of our success; for
while the attention of the garrison was drawn by
the approach of the "Jacks" on the sea-face, the
soldiers entered the opposite side of the . Fort, and
- with little n.siEttince succeeded in gaining a foot..
hold, which they so gallantly maintained; and,
which resulted in the capture of the entire garri
'son, after a sanguinary contest of seven hours.
Never was there known a more hotly•contea4l
piece of ground. Foot by foot the soldierSurres
ted from the adversary, until 10 P. M. when their'
vociferous cheering told us of their victory.
The Reba attempted to land troops undercover
of the night, but the anxious eye of Admiral Por
ter espied their movements and directed hismou
iter fleet to pay the proper Bakke.. It was, indeed,
magnificient to see the balls of fire 'dart though
the air, illuminating the water, when, without
them, was perfect darkness.
The most distressing occurrence sint4the com- -
niencement of the attack was the explosion which
took place in the Fort this Morning. Hilndreds
of unconscious soldiers and sailors were either
• blown in the air or buried iu the ruins. Torpe
does had been concealed in every available
and attached by means of wires to objs.cts we
would be likely - to come in contact with. It
wasn't even safe to bury their dead, for some of,
these wire were attuelioa. e,, eo.rpoeo. WO weed,
not comment on the inestimable worth" the cap,
tare of Fort Fisher Is to the Union, for everyone.
knows that it was the key to the Confederacy.
The rebels were aware of it and thought its cap
ture a thing impossible. In it they staked their
all, as seen by their able defence, and the ranks
Were as 'determined to win. All honor to the
brave soldiers who have added new laurels to
their already imperishable renown.
Since Terry was successful in his &St assault.
why Could 'Butler have not been likowiie, when
the garrison was not half so strong ? 'Butler,
Butler, your "flog is dead r , '
Conceiving it may be of interest to some I ap
nea a list of the officers of the Frigate Minneso-
Aft, which bore so conspicuous a part in tho bou t .
bardment, and capture of the formidable works
on Federal Point:
Commodore Cortaruznding—Joseph Lamaism
Exeeutire Officer—Lieut. Corn. Jason Parker. -
Lientenaturs—K 8: Stnyvesant,. E. P. Woodward.
Paymaster—C. C. Upham.
Acing Master—Theodore WiTlhotr. -
Aetwg Estairns—J. W. Willard. W. * C. 'Wise, Signal
06toor ; Jianes Birturistle, wounded in the annuli
O'Connor, wounded in the assault ; Wm. IL 'haulage.
Passed Asst. Surgeon—John Paul Quinn.
Asst. Fargeon—Wm. S. Fort, Wm. I,unirehaw,
killed in the woman_ -
Captain, of Marines—Goorgi3 Butler.
Lieut. of Marines—Geo. M. Welles.
Acting ;Miff Engineee-A. Eddowes. let Alen.
Engineer:3om E, Coope r ; 2d,oGity Sampan. John E.
Cron : 3d, Wm. R. Mott, Snowdon Bell,larees D. Lee,
John C. Kuper.
Captain's Clerk--0.11. 3l'Curdy.
Paymaster's Cierk-3L B Moody.
Acting Nance's Mates—J. Alllo9Menill, Jos. M.
wounded in the assault; Tunas Eager, John 'Brown.
Boaensain—Willlam Banker.
Sailmaker--T. Odion F.sett.
Grnizer—Bchert A. Gross.
Carpenter-0. E. Goodsoe. 0. B.
The Assault on Judge Kelley--,Prompt
Action of congress in the AtTntr—The
Brooks and Butler Coat rov eray—
Amendment to the Enrolment Act—
Burning of the Smithsonian—Promo•
tion of Capt. Theo. McGowan.
Correspondence of the Franklin Repository.
The past week has been one of considerable
excitement . both in mid out of Congress, The
outrages and unprovoked assault upon Hon. W.
D. Kelley by A. P. Field, one of the
Delegation to Congress, called'for the promptae;
tine of Congress to vindicate its dignity, which
it did by denying him the privilege of a seat on
the floor, until the committee shall report upon -
the rights of the delegations to•inats as members.
This man Field is pretty far advanedd in years,
yet retains all that old and peculiar spirit of chiv
alry, which southerners in bitter days considered
essential to a '; tien-bred" gentleman He is
very profane in the most ordinary conversation
and even in the presenee of ladies. This unpro
voked assault with a knife is denounced by almost
every person. and the wonder hoW Hon. Thomas
Corwin, our Minister to Mexico, could stoop se
low as to appear before a Squire and plead the
case of Mr.:Field, is causing considerable goo
eip.
Some days gil3C(3 when Mr. Brooks; of \ew
York, was venkingdenouneing the Pennsylrnitia
Legislature as a den of corruption, &c., he made
use of the following language in regard to. Gen.
BUtler: •
" I am bound to say an eflbrt was made to con
trol the city of New York during the autumn
election. The, government sent there a gold rob
ber in the person of a major general of the Uni
ted States. Robber as he was of the public treas
ure and major general, ho dared not exercise con
trol orer the actions of those whom the gentle
man from Pennaylvania (Pr. , Schotield) has cell
ed thieves tuid robbers."
This language coining to the ears of Gen. But
ler, lie demanded an explanation. The following
is a copy of the letter:
WASHINGTON, Jan. P.O, • 1865.
Janus Brooks, hi. C., House of leepreseataziees:—
i find in the Daily Globe of the 7th instant it_
repeat of your remarks in the House mi the 6th
instant, an extract from which, personal to me,
is appended. I have the honer to inquire wheth
er your remarlu are correctly reported, except,
perhaps, in the misprint "xeld" far " bold and
WASHINGTON
WASIIIINGTOF CITY, Tan. 27, InS.
also whether therein, animalifination.,
eipla
nation or limitation: made
_hy.yofiether th - att ap
pears in this report.
_The gentleman who-hands
you this will wait or tall for your iinswerit tiny
time or place you may designate.
- B. T. BUTLER, Major General.
Mr. Brooks construed into a challenge to mor
tal combat, and in the debate abOut Mr. Field
brought the matter before the House. The de
fence of Gen. 4atler was promptly taken np by
Messrs. Stevens, of Pa., and Boutwell, of Mass.,
and documents and correspondence laid before the
House that completely vindicated Gen. Butler in
regard to the $50,000 bank seizure in New Or
leans; and places Mc. Brooks in a disagreeable
position before the House and country. Almost
universally the letter of Gen. Butler is construed
as it was by Mr. Brooks. Congress took 'no ac
tion in the matter, nor do they intend to. -
~-Senator Wilson introduced an amendment to the
entelling act, of which the following is a brief
summary.
I. It provides that persons enrolled and liable
to be drafted may be accepted as substitutes.
2. That no one furnishing a navy substitute
shall be exempt unless that substitute is brought
in person to the board of .enrollment and is there
accepted,
3. That any person who knowingly brings. for
enlistment a convict, an insane or drunken per
son, or deserter, or shall defraud in matter of
beguiles; shall be liable to one -thonsand-dellars
fine and two 'years.' imprisonment.
4. That any mustering officer who'shall muster
in such person, shall, upon conviction, be dishon
orably dismissed.the service.
5. That all State or local bounties shall here
after be paid in instalments—one-third at muster
ing in. one-third at middle of term of service, and
oue-third at the end, unlers sooner discharged hon
orably; if killed, balance to be paid to his heirs.
6. That every district shall make up by addi
tional draft or recruiting, its loss from desertieus
and discharge on accotint of physical disability
existing before milihtinent.
7. That all deserter} shall be disfranchisedfor
ever; including all who have deserted heretofore
who shall not report Within sixty days.
On last Tuesday the Smithsonian Instifita
caught fire, through the carelessness of 'the per
sons having it in charge, for which they can make
no 'excuse, and was nearly consumed. TIM fire
is supposed to have originated from a stove pipe
setting fire to ajoist, and that as-msmell of burn
ing`vveod had been experienced for three days, it
had been smouldering all that time in the cock
loft. The under portion of the building being fire
proof, most of the. museum 'colleetiomwas saved;
ab was the library and -Professor Rerrillia resi
dence. The large collection of apparatus, the
most costly and Valuable in the country, was en
tirely consumed. Ali the books and records in
the Regent's room, 'including the effects of the
founder of the InStitlition, James Smithson--the
library of Bishops Jolln's of Virginia and the Beau
fort, S.C, library, pl4sed there by the Government
foitnifeleeping, were all destroyed. The Sarco
phagus: brought fro M Syria was broken._ .The
elegant collection Indian paintings belonging.
to Stanley, valued ail aver $25,000 were all bop-
ed. The statue of the Dying Gladiator Was en
tirely ruined, being rushed and burned into lime
stone. Had it net been fr the timely frrisal of
aßegiment of the Reserve corps, what little was
not burned would have been carried off bypiieVes
and curiosity hunter. The House called for an
investigation.
The numerous friends -of Captain Theodore
- McGowan will be pleased to learn of hiS further
promotion, as Will be seen by the following order:,
ICEADQuarrEits bzrairrstrarr OF WAstriN'orox,
• 220 ARMY Coals, imivary 1865,
GENERAL OROF.RS, SO. 19:
CdPt. Theodore McGowan, Assistant Adjutant
General, is hereby announced us Asilstant Judge
Advocate of this Department. He will be obeyed
and respected accordingly. By command of
May. Gen. C. C. isms.
C. H. RAYMOND, 4ss't Adj't General.
The weather is still extremely cold. The ice
in the Potomac has stopped all nasigaticin. Mail
communication with the army is-by way of Bal
timore. •
.-Two . meinhessififLtha-rfauss , iesterday voted.
againstthe resolution of thanks to Major'General
Sheridan and his command. They were Chilton
4. White, of Ohio, and Benjamin G. Harris, of
3laryland.
HARRISBURG
Debate on the Filling of quotas—Bounty
Jumpers—lnteresttusa Divorce s e
The quote of the State—Compahles Au.
thortzed to au the Pres'ent call.
Correspondence of the franklin Repositoryk !
lartruanunn, January- 28, IB6i.
While nothing of special public moment has
been considered in the legislature this week, the
proceedings have nevertheless been at times un
usually animated. The most spicy debite of the
session was had yeaterday on joint resolutions of
fered by; Mr. McClure to require each sub -district
to fill its.quota of troopsifrom in; own residents.
It was negatived by the Military committee, but
came up on the public calender yesterday, and
elicited a very animated debate. ' Mr, McClure
spoke in support ,of . his bill, and reflected with
some severity upon Philadelphia and 'Other wl3al
'thy localities for purchasing the men to' fill their
quotas from the poorer districts, and leaving the
families of the recruits a charge, in many instan
ces upon the charity of the people of the districts.
He showed also that the system had given. birth
to the most appaling frauds alike upon the sot
.diers and the gevernment, and read in Supportof
his position n memorial sent to congresisigned by
Major Henry and, other prominent citizens of
Philadelphia, stating that net over oneifourth of
the men enlisted and paid by that city ever reach.
ed the front,—threek fourths of them being merely
bounty jumpers, who escape in many cases by the
connivance - of officers, Mr: Cochran, ever alive
to the interests and fame of PhiladClphia, defen
ded that city and opposed the-bill as did Mr.Ruil
diman, a new city. member of much tromise;t,
.bil
the Speaker came from the chair and SuppOrtOd
the bill in a speech of singular force.; The hour
,of adjournment closed the debate without avote.
Its fate is doubtful, us all the very wealthy dis
tricts prefer to, bus' their men andloa/ themselves
with debt, to putting hi their own citizens, or al
lowing a draft. ,
Mr. M'ClureTread in place a bill to adjudicate
all the military damages not examincxl by a corn
ruimien. It is sabstantally the same law ender
which the Meister commission examined claims
a year:age. it makes no provision forpayment,
as two propositions cannot now be embraced in
ono bill . 'lf any measure is proposed for paying
these'claims, it must boa separate law As yet
no hill for payment has been offered.
If anybody wants a divorce—l mean any pretty
woman, let her come' to the Pennsylvania legit
lature. Sheneed not perplex hei atterneys be
fore -making the' attempt, to prove that her bill is
constitutional. It dont make the slightest possi
ble tdifibrenT. One. bill passed both !branches
this week in which the courts have unquestioned
jurisdiction ; but the woman is pretty, young, and
importunate t the divorce committee is humane,
practical mid energetic, and the bill went through
'with a flourish... '
The quota of Pennsylvania under the late call
for troops has been the subject of much corres
pondence by the State officials with the War
Dqiftritneut and the Provost Marshal General.
It must be rinnembered that last year the quota
of the State Was 61,000 on a call for 700,000 men.
Pennsylvnuia . filied her iuota, or nearly so, and
now a cull is' made, for dtficit!wies foi 300,000
inen, and our quotii of the deficiency was at first
given at 67,000. What new systein of arithmek
tie Gen. Fry has adopted is not known; but the
i• oldest inhabitant" seems to be ignorant of the
system. How 67;000 could be the deficiency of
the State on a quota of 61,060,0 puziled Gov.
Curtin that be eventually come hi- the Occlusion
that Gen. Fry dirin't harm mak ; gloat figure-
wort' in general. and less' if pnaalisk, about the
EMI
proper calculation of quotas. Since the first
quota was assigned the dovernor tailed the at
tentiottof the Prornst Marshal General frith°
palpable error - hell:ad committed, - and alew days`
thereafter a new quota was forwarded, some .
23,006 less than the first. It is rumored that
since then another quota has been officially pro
mulgated, and it is probable that Gen... Fry inay
get our just i!paota ascertained in fifteen or twenty
efforts*. * The Governor thisweek was authorized
to raise fifty full companies under the present
1..
call, and mustering ieutenants will be appointed
at once. None oth r than experienced men need
apply. - - ! -
Hutchinson is t is prince of landlords. :The
United States is ev r crowded, and its landlord
is ever amiable, ob • g, and pleases every body.
His table is always graced with the bestthetnar
ket affords, Lad he as the faculty of making all •
comfortable: wheth , r or no. He also keeps' the
Railroad Restauraa. in the Pennsylvania Depot,
and has demonstrated that such an institution
can be kept itt first class style, furnishing 'good
meals at all hours. Under his management the
United States does now double the business of,
any Hotel in liatrishurg, and it would do much
more had he more room. He has already levied
controbation on all the houses adjoining his Hotel,
' and now thinks of adding a story or two'next
season. HonAcE.
For the Franklin Repository.
SCIENTLFIC.
Rain and other meteoric phenointnn appear
more freguent.when the earth is inconjunctiotrWith
or opposition to a planet, especially when at new or
full moon. If correct, the explanation might be
that the magnetism of the earth is increased by
its relative position with the planet, sun and
moon, like bar tnagnets, side by side increasing
its ele,etrical condition also. If the curious ob
serve their almanacs and the weather at these
periods and find the theory correct, after:a fall'
trial. we ask thew to publish it. • TOWER.
LOCAL ITEMS.
G6SSEP OCR FRIENDS.—Once again in
Chambersburg, the city of cinders, of ashes, of
huff—re-burned brick, of desolation. On my
passage up to the dear old town I pictured to
myself the ruins as they had been so vividly im
pressed upon my mind some mouths bete*, and
with a sad heart dreaded the renewal of the pain
ful associations. As the train rolled over the
Susquehanna, I wistfully gazed upon ,the '; Capi
toline hill," and inwardly-prayed that the TJegis
lance might .be influenced by Providence or
sonmthing else to hearken to the petition Of our
Representatives, and be induced by Hook or by
Crook (not meaning our RePreseutatives—forgive
the fuo, gentlemen,) to grant some aid oi com
fort to the fallen great of my native town; 'ff only
to shame the soulless press of New York,!which
has so persistently sympathized the Rebel
despoilers of C., for no other - reason that I could
ever see, excitpt that M'Causland is aNew York:
-er. The river crossed, Mechanicsburg, Carlisle,
Newvillo and Shippensburg passed, my he l fut be.
gan to beat in unison with my "co-sufferer," and
by the time the long whistle Mowed, my nualety
was about instipportable. Dowri brakes—stop—
I put on a becoming air 01 melancholy, M3eding
only a clean white handkerchief to take a Promi
nent ',art in a funeral, and stepped slowly and
steaddyTrom the platform. About two I, dozen
friends rushed at me, to welcome me, asT inno
cently thoright--=and--offered me—oil Stock;
asked me about—oil stock; fairly greasCd me
with—oil stock. ' I never was mhre surprised in
my life. Talk about oil on the brain, here was
oil on the entire constitution; oil in oceans over
our head and ears ; oleganious oily oily; oil such
as David never dreamed of when Dr. iWatts
made hinrsay -
r ' . .31y head thou dolt with on anoint"
" How are you old fellow, don't you ; Want
some Imperial at 5?" ;` Why, I'mvery
glad to see you, let you have five, hundred
shares Sterling at 3." "Bless you, my dear
sir, if you wont some Jersey Well at 2 can
spare you some." "Hollins, —, delighted to
welcome you back, here's where you get the real
genuine Hopewell." "Why—l am proud to wel
come you, Chambersburg's favorite son. I have
saved for you, especially; a thousand shares of
Burning Spring and Ruble Farm at 2." "Huzza
for —, let us present him, as he hailS from
Brooklyn, with two hundred and fifty shares of
Pittsburg and 13woklyii Petroleum stock, price
1," "Welcome to C.,"1 shouted in inharnionious
concert some six or eight well known vpices—
"here comes our old teacher. Bay some Pitts
burg and Cherry Rua, one dollar, one tWenty
five, one fifty, one seventy five, two, two tiventy
five, two fifty, two seventy-five, THREE!"; -Sur
prised, astounded, amazed and confounded, as
Rhetoric bath it, I knew not what to do,
particularly as my speculative capital waallmited
to fifteen dollars._ I had braved the hackman df
New York and of, Philndelphia, had escaped the
pretzel mongers of - Lanciaster, had avoided the
temptations of the Harrisburg apple and cheinnut
women, had passed unscathed through the loafers
of Carlisle, and the Inzzaroni of Shippensbing, to
be boiled in oil as was St. John of 'old-14 least
'hothanks, if they didn't succeed, to the brat's
that tried it on the aforesaid saint. I rdipA
through their fingers, promising all liberally, and
hurried up town. In front of a seared and black
ened ruin- I encountered a young lawyer, who
wanted to put me down for some Cherry Run.
Ten steps further oa, a young doctor stopped.
, his sleigh to ask, "How is Sterling 1" Thinking
of £. s. d., exchange on England, I answered
"about 2 25," and lams of course laughed at
Again I was hailed (Salve !) by a tearneil D. D.,
who asked me "whether I had seen the notice in
a. newspaper of the oil well that Herodotas had
apOken of some two thousand and odd years ago,
on an island in the Levant." Next I encountered
a preacher, who called my attention to the singu
lar fact that "Jacob, 1760 years Ante Chtistum,
had poured oil on the top of the pillar he had pet
up at Bethel, (not Big Bethel) when he vewed a
tenth as a royalty." Then I name acres/1i an old
black woman, who Seeing inn limp slightly, re
commended Seneca Oil. Met a school teacher,
who entertained me with an erudite discourse
upon the oil the ruicient athletes used. Heard
an old man pray at family worship for peace, in
this wise : "Pour ail upon the troubled waters."
In the evening there was no- gas, and it was re
ported that the gas company had been changed to
an oil company. I was agreeably surprised to
-find that every family had an ample stock Of Ker
osene op hand, of which they were by no means
econoatictd,'each one hoping by consumption to
enhance the value of their stocks. In attempting
to amuse a domestie circle of young America, I
glided into the realms ; of natural history, and
having made the acquaintance of a Nantucket
man in Brooklyn, was naturally carried by my
imagination into the wonders of the great deep,
with the usual accompaniment of seals, walruses,
whales. I informed the admiring audiende that
the whale, -- when fully grown, sometimes reached
the length of seventy feet, and a circumference of
forty feet-and has been knownto prOduce twenty
tons of pure oil. Now this would have affected
my youthful mind, I know. But a young two
pan' old drore me within myself by exclaiming,
"Why, uncle What's that to a five hundred
barrel oil well, every day 7" I made a faint show
of resistance by citing the uses of whalebone, and
and the, enormous torpedo • power of the huge
mammal's tail, but an for no use. I have been
informed that two young men locked themselves
np one entire night, for the purpose . of swapping
oil stocks, and that they made off of each other,
the one—seven hundred and fifty dollars, and the
El
February 1, 1865.
other twelve hundred: An old; oldroari; who has
been a wicked infidel all his life, is now a con
sistent church member, owing entirely to the
frequent mention of oil in the Scriptures. How
wonderfully compensatory are Nature's - laws!
Oil is good for a burn. We have beep burned,
is good for our burns.. Could anything
be plainer? - . ll . ll
Now, dear gossips,-I am done. for 114 week.
Four months' absence has made me regard "you
more than ever before. Hereafter I- shall soar
into the realms of science and art, and shall no
more attempt to soothe. You don't need It. You
require nothing but t a little legislative aid Where ,
with to rebuild and to invest in oil. Fare-WELL!
P. S. An estimable lady friend asked me whY
I wrote about street cars and lager-bier saloons,
when there were so many better places in ; New
York that I might describe. When I told her
that a ride cost five cents, and a glass of bier
ditto, and that "'the, better places" coat $2,00;
she saw the point; and I have since heard that
sheis taking up a subscription to establish your
gossip as a missionary in New York. He'll dons
well as most missionaries
P. P. S. (Just before going to press.) The
missionary money has been raised. After eon
sultation with my. friends, I concluded tiluvest
it in Pittsburg and Broofthin Petroleum eilatoelt.
The funds thus liberally raised and so judiciously
invested have not eshausted the supply, and if
our friends want any they can call* upon my
•
friend, Wm. G. Reed. 41
COURT PROCIIRDINGS.—The second week of
oar court was well attended and did not adjourn
until Saturday afternoon. The following. eases ,
were disposed of:
Rebecca Morrison vs Henry Kruger, Jr , now
for the the use of J. H. Miller. Feigned issue
under the SheriiPs Interpleader act to test the
ownership of certain cattle, sold by the Sheriff on
execution. Plaintiff takes a nonsait. Sharpe ' for
Pit ; Ki :well for Deft.
T. M. Carlisle, lintviving partner. of Robinson
& Carlisle vs the Executors of Dr. S. Phreauer,
dec'd. An action of swinish to river Rl*
fees as the Attorneys of Defendants., Judgment
confessed for $5O. Reilly and Sharpe, for-PM:;
Kimmel' for Della.
Robert Taylor vs David Teeter. Appeal from
Justice -Htuninan ; judgment confessed. for VC.
Stenger fur 1-Iff. ;Keyser for Deft.
Emanuel Kuhn vs the the Executors of Wash•
inn Crooks, dec'd action of covenant, verdict
for Defendants. Sharpe for Deft.; Kimthell for
C. 4. W. Wolfe va Wm. Christ. Appeal froth
Justice Efamman ; verdict for defendant. Kim
mell for Plff.; Brewer for Deft.
Solomon Reber vs Win. McGrath, Sheriff of
Frunklin county. •Trespass. This case involved
the ownership of about :3ptl bushels of Rye, sold
by ttie Sheriff at the property of Jacob Myeta,
Jr., which rye the Plaintirelaimed as his proper
ty : verdict for Defendant. Sharpe for PIT ;
Rimmell and McClellan for Deft.
James Martin vs Michael Ding and Abraham
Eiisman. Foreign attachment Judgment con
fessed for $BO. Brewer for Flit Kimmell for
Deft. •
John and Elizabeth Snyder is William Christ.
Electment. Plaintiffs take a nonsuit. Sharpe for'
Puffs ; Bicwer for Deft • -
John lOU:house vs William Eyster. Replevin
for a gray mare. Plaintiff takes a nonsnit.—
Douglas for Plff.; Stambaugh for Deft.
In the ease of Com. vs James Johnson, an am
icable settlement was made between the par
ties. "
Quite a number of cases were continued for
next term and several were settled by the par
ties. Judge King dispatches business with com
mendable promptness and by his uniform courte
sy has made friends of both suitors and attor
neys. •
A LEADING DESERTER CAGED—The Fulton
Republican of last week says that for months past,
or ever since the September draft, one J. Nelson
Sipes, Esq., the embodiment of Pence Democra
cy ; the man who that he might have t his name
stricken off the enrollment previous to the first
nine months' draft, declared upon his Oath that
were his wife or children to be assaulted in his
presence, and brutally ill : treated before his face,
he would not, in retaliation, raise his hand for
their defence, so everlasting peaceful was he; the
mad too, whom the Locofoco party of Fulton
county, because of his opposition to the Govern
ment, looked upon but as a " little lower than the
'angles ;" and the Very same man whom these
same Locofocos at the late October Election not-
Withstanding their knowledge of the fact that
even then he was skulking among the mountains,
a fugitive from the draft, a disgrace to his friends
and family, elevated to the position of District
Attorney, has eluded the vigilance of the - Provost
Marshal and the rilitary. But at last Nelson has
-‘ 4 come to grief." On Saturday last a seined °frit
itary, under the command of Special Agent,Efeke,
while out on a scout, discovered the non-acting
Diatrtct Attorney, making tracks through a wood.
Chase was made, and soon the game was over
hauled and,captured. He wad brought to town
under a select military escort, and temporarily
lodged in that burglar, proof building familiarly
ycleped "the jail." Herehe was keptuntll Mon
day morning, when he was taken to Chambers
burg. from whence, doubtless, ho will speedily
be sent to the front." Sic transit gloria Grati
fies.
LEGAL ADVERTISEMENTS:—For the informa
tion of Executors, Administrators and others ao-,
ting in a fiduciary capacity, we publish the fol
lowing Act of Assembly passed at the last sea
sion, with the order of Court made in pursuance
thereof:
As Act relating to the publication of legal advertise
ments in the county of Franklin.
SECTION 1. Be it enacted by eke Senate and Roma o f
Representatives of the Coatmontreaki of Patruyivaafa
General Amiably Ind, and it it hereby matted by chea
t/typify of the sane, That all Mend other advertise
ments required to be published the labs of this Com
monwealth, lathe county of , F all notices in cases
pending in, or under, process lousing out of the courts of
said county, auditors` tmtioes, estate noting, Bcdkes of as
signment far the benefit of creditors, notioe of the tiling of
assignees', - trustees', executors', adrokristraton% and guar
dian, accounts, sheriffs', elections', administrators', aisig.
nen', and all other judicial sales, andall, and every ethernbtice, of whatsoever kbad, requiredto be published, shall
be directed by WI said court of Franklin county, to be
publishedin the two papen published In Clounbersbmg,
having the larvst number of subscribers, within the said
county of PrankiM
HENRY C. JOILNISON,
Speaker of the Douse of Representatives.
Jolly P. PENNY,
Speaker of the &mato.
ArmtovED—The twentieth day of Amil Anna Daudet
one thousand eight hundred and duty-four.
A. G. CURTLY.
ORDER OF COVET.
And now to wit, January 9th, 1965, It is ordered and
directed, In pursuant* of the Act of 91111 April A. D.
1964, that all notices hereafter ordered to be published, in
the several Coarteof this county, shall bepublished in the
two weekly umorpapere called the R6POBlll5lllt and
Spit*, published In the Borough of Ohambersburg, Provi
ded that this shall not prevent the parties from palliating
in any other of the newspapers in the county In addition to
those above named.
AreptlitmEyrs.—The folywing appointmeabt
were made by the PenusylvaalaConthreneeofthe
United Brethren -in Christ, at their last session
in Baltimore:
Chmarberrearg District—J. W. 2=4 chamben
btuv, J. Dickson; Dig Spring, Z. A. Colestook; R wk i .
Sprang, J. P. Bishop ; Greencastle and Altodal. Monk J.
C. Smith, one to Ito /applied; St. Thomas dazj_tn_be ,
t s . zpgi n ed g ae ; wa i al: i do., 8. 0 Y. m‘toio.m? carnalemm . ;4
patisbarS Circuit, It A. Schliet n e . ; Littketown, J. G.
elhordf; Path Valley, T. B. Jopes • r earlieleldissiou, to be
,
supplied.
ork Diatrid—N. Altman, P. E.; Baltimore Gem"
Station, J. A. Sand; Baltimore English Station, D. Eber
ly ; York, S. Erb ; Mechanicsburg, W. D. Bober • Stdre.
raaWOV ,I2 I J. Baltzell, G. A. Sruipp; Manchester Circuit,
S. Enterline ; Jefferson do., W. H. Cranmes;'LlrarPool
Circuit, W. Bomberger ; York Springs do., F. Young;
Perry do. B. Brown; IskesburgMbr4on, J. C. Weidle•
WE invite the attention of contractina to an
advertisement in another column, arldlig proPo -
Bah for material for a boapital at creliOralr*
'r4acka.