From Lnle Bcbrl Paper!*.
XEW V'oKK, February 5.
Richmond papers in announcing the
confirmation of Lee's appointment ns
General-in-Chief, says he will remain in
the field with the army around Richmond,
lie has published an appeal for arms and
calls for the delivery to the authorities of
all in the hands of the citizens.
General Breckinridge is expected to
assume the position of Secretary of War
tomorrow.
They have a story in Richmond that
troops from Thomas' army to reinforce
Gen. Grant in front of the rebel capital
have recently passed over the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad.
A Committee of the North Carolina
Legislature recently had a conference with
Jeff. Davis, and it is said that they urged
a more vigorous prosecution of the
war.
An Atlanta correspondent of the Rich
mond Dispatch says that it will require
several months yet to rebild the railroads
in Georgia that Sherman destroyed. He
also says it is folly to attempt to disguise
the fact that in North Carolina. South
Carolina and Georgia there is a wide
spread dissatisfaction which, if not timely
cheeked, threatens to produce the great
est disasters. Governor Brown has call
ed an extra session of the Legislature to
meet on Wednesday next.
It is stated on good authority that !
Beauregard had reached Augusta, and
taken charge of affairs in that de
partment.
The Yankee raid up Chowan river is
said to have been abandoned before they
accomplished anything.
Several days since a party of Yankees
landed at Shoals Bay. on the lower James,
and destroyed all the property on Mr.
Arena's plantation, stealing and killing
nil his stock, destroying all his available
farm m.chinory, and burning and car
rying off his large crop of grain and pro
\ isions.
On Saturday evening last the Bth Illi
nois Yankee Cavalry encamped two miles
north of Dumfries, on tho telegraph road.
They were accompanied by wagons, and
were supposed to be on tho way to Fred
ericksburg. The weather was very cold
and the roads in such a bad condition that
they returned toward Alexandria on Sun
day. They robbed .Mr. Funis of all his
forage and provisions. On Monday a
body of Yankee cavalry were three miles
west of Brentsville.
Gen. Lee is said to have remarked that
he saw and appreciated the difficulties
surrounding us, but he was hopeful and
confident; that any compromise now
would procure but a truce or armis'iec,
and would bean unmanly shrinking from
present duties and ontailing upon our
children trials which we should meet and
overcome.
Sherman's army are reported to be
burning all the goods and houses along
their lino of march. Prisoners taken
vary in their statements as to Sherman's
destination.
An expedition of 15,000 strong was
reported fitting out at New Orleans, to be
landed at Pascngoula. Its intended des
tination is supposed to be Mobile.
Tho Richmond Umjnirer of the 3d,
says: On the whole we believe the Con
federacy has given up the idea of making
a present of itself to England, France
and Spain, and that however willing we
might bo to give up slavery as the price
of independence, there is no more talk of
offering that as a bribe to some foreign
power in order to induce it to do for us
what we should confess we in > n hleto do
for ourselves. In short, the whole coun
try has recovered from its temporary
nervous affection, brought about by the
failure of Hood's campaign and capture
of Savannah, and again looks calmly at
the situation, which is found to be en
couraging. After all Congress may be
congratulated upon finding itself steadily
employed upon its*£iv.it and pressing
business, tho turmoil of peace resolutions
having blown over, all vague crowing
of those who wished to see something
done looking toward peace being in some
sort oppressed by the departure of three
eminent citizens to Washington on
the hopeful errand, there is now leisure
to attend to business.
Missouri Male Convention.
ST. LOUIS, Wednesday. Feb. 1,1805.
After three days spirited debate in
Committee of the Whole, the Convention
amended and adopted tho third section
of the State Constitution defining the
qualifications of voters:
The section takes a wide range, and,
among others embraces the following pro
visions:
"No person shall be deemed a quali
fied voter who has been iu armed hostili
ty to the United States, or alter the 31st
of July, 1861, to the Government of this
State, or who has ever given aid, com
fort, countenance or support to the per
sons engaged in such hostility or disloy
alty, communicated with theui, advised
or aided persons to join them, manifested
adherence to theui, or expressed hope for
. the triumph of their cause over the arms
of the United States, or has ever, except
under overpowering compulsion, submit
ted to the authority or been in the ser
vice of the so-called Confederate States,
or been connected with any society inim
ical to the Government of the Uuited
States or this State after July 31, ISGI.
or been a guerrilla or a bushwacker, or
who has harbored such, or left this State
to avoid the draft, or who has not enroll
ed himself, or who has been a Southern
sympathizer, or who has, after haviugex
crciscd the elective franchise of this or
auy other State, under the claim of alien
age obtained exemption from military ser
vice.'"
The fourth section provides for the
registration of voters throughout the
State.
The Lower House of the Legislature
has unanimously authorized theGovernor
to appoint an agent to procure reimburse
ments from the United States for money
expanded by the State iu repelling in
vasion.
t/Sf At Hamilton. Canada West, oo
Thursday morniug, the Ontario pork pack
ing establishment and its content-", ex
ceptiyj: tlie safe, was destroyed by fire
The loss is estimated atsloo,ooUj iusur
tu iiox SIUUjOOU.
Special Dispatch to Pittsburgh Commercial.
PEACE.
WASHINOTON, Feb. 2.
Tho following is the full text of a
doulle leadel leader in this morning's
t'hronick, supposed on all hands to he
from Colonel Forney, and to be seini-ofli
eial:
'• There is t»o much discussion about the
propositions of peace between the Gov
ernment of the I niteil States and the
disappointed leaders who have compelled
a largo portion of our people to take arms
against it, that we should he indifferent
to our own frequent, early, aud recent
expressions on the subject, if we did not
take some little part iu the debate. The
subject itself is so vast, that it taxes the
greatest and appeals to thesmallestminds.
Transcending ordinary topics and evanes
cent follies, it demands the attention of)
every one who thinks, or talks or writes J
upon it. We can best understand how i
they feel who have suffered the fearful j
punishment of rebellion against the iusti- j
tutiona of our common fathers by remem
bering bow much we comuiisseratcd them,
even with the sense of their dreadful
crime before our eyes.
"Pride, passion, and a haughty sense
of refusing to repent, have been the trifl
ing euuse of hatred among the families
of men, as among the families of nations.
Hut we cannot, before God we dare not,
deuy that it is hard to say I am penitent,
it is easy to say I forgive. How myste
rious is the philosophy of the human
heart? How full of pathos aud instruc
tion the prodigal son? Who ever read
the Viearof Wakefield without shedding
a tear, unless, indeed, he attempted to
outrage nature by showing that he had no
feeling.
"We know not that Commissioners]
112 oni the seceded or revolted States, are
in this same city of Washington, but we
hope they are on the ground. The more
distinguished or authoritative they are,
the more they should be welcomed. The
terms of reunion are few and briefly told.
The revolted States are no* sought to be
returned as captives, cr as inferiors, or as |
degraded members of the National family.
There is only one condition of restoration,
it is not tho abolition of slavery. To
that both sides have at last agreed—the
one because it desired, the other, because
it could not Jielp it. That condition is,
that the Uuion shall be restored."
To-day, at eleven o'eloek, President
Lincoln left Washington, by a special
train, for Annapolis, to join Secretary
Seward at Fortress .Monroe or City Point,
to hold ijn interview with tho rebel dep
utation. Messrs. Stephens, Hunter and
Campbell, accompanied by ouo of the at
taches of the White House.
Secretary Seward left here on the ear
ly train yesterday morning, accompanied
by Mr. Hubert ■). Chew, of the State De
partment. When the President left here
the commissioners had not arrived within
our lines, and his destination was Anna
polis. From the fact of his going onto
Fortress Monroe or City Point, color is
given to the report that the rebel deputa
tion has been allowed to enter our lines,
and it is understood that they arc now at
Fortress Monroe.
It is believed that the rebel Commis
sioners will be requested, as a preliminary
to any discussion of peace propositions,
to show that they have authority or the
color of authority to present as a basis of
negotiation, and all propositions less in
admissable than that of Confederate in
dependence.
The lifpul/liian of this afternoon says'
that indications arc that the rebel Com
! inissioners robed with greater power by
Jeff. Davis, is stated by the Richmond
I press.
Wanliiiiglon To|)i('SHiiil(Jnssi|).
During the debate on the Retaliation
resolution in the Senate, while Mr. Wade
was speaking about Blair's mission to
! Richmond, Mr. Johnson asked how he
| came togo there. Mr. Wade replied—
i I would like to know, if there is the pow
j cr iu the Senate of the United States to
!be informed on that subject. 1 intend to
j know why it was that any mau was per-
I milted togo with impunity through our
I lines aud confer with the arch-traitor of
the Confederacy and come back here and
go again. Mr. Johnson said he went in
a Government vessel the last time. Mr.
Wade responded—Yes, 1 understand he
went in a Government vessel. Ho had
no more right to be on board that vessel
on a mission to hold communication with
the arch-traitor and devil than he had
to be on his road to the lower regions in
a vehicle furnished by the Govern
ment
1t is a notable fact that every member
of the Cabinet and Chief Justice Chase,
were on theHoor of the House when the
vote on the constitutional amendment was
taken.
Parties owing cotton in North Curoli
na are endeavoring to get passos through
the lines to secure it from being burned
by rebels. They allege that Hardee was
induced to spare cotton left in Savannah
on ihe earnest representation that our for
ces would allow it to be sold for their sup
port, and the threats of citizens that
they would follow his army if the cotton
! was destroyed. In consequence of Sher
man's course no more cotton is to be al
lowed to fall into the hands of " Yankee
invaders.
The ' statement in a Richmond paper,
that Mr. Blair on his second visit to that
city, brought a letter from Mr. Lincoln to
Davis, is untrue. The President has iu
no way, mannci or shape officially coun
tenanced the visit of Rlair to Kiehmond,
though privately they have had his full
concurrence. It is doubtful whether, in
future, any " missions" to the rebel capi
tal will receive even the private consent
of the Executive.
8*5?" The Missouri House of Represen
tatives, on Wednesday, adopted a concur
rent resolution instructing members of
Congress to introduce a bill for retaliato
ry treatment upon rebel prisoners in their
hands.
In tho Louisiana State Senate on
the 17th, Mr. Hills introduced a resolu-
I tion which passed to a third reading, re
, questing their delegation iu Congress to
| vote for the amendment to the Constitu
| tion prohibiting slavery, and pledging that
the Geneia! Assembly will ratify the
j AiuiiiuiuiijX if adopted.
£hr American <£itUcn.
THOMAS ROBINSON. - - Editor.
m. W. mm * n. Publisher.
BUTLER FA.
WEDXEBUAY FEII. 8, IMS,
" Liberly and Union, Now and Forever, Ona
and 'nseparable. - —O. Webster.
#OT'New York and Marylaud have
both adopted tho Constitutional Amend
ment.
Mr* Our neighbor of the Herald seems
to think that Legislation disfranchising
deserters, &e., is unconstitutional. Will
the Jfirahl please inform its readers,what
particular provision of the Constitution is
violated by such Legislation?
—On the third inst., West Virginia,by
her Legislature, adopted the Constitu
tional Amendment lately passed by Con
gress, aud 011 the same day passed an or
dinance by a unanimous vote, abolishing
slavery in the State.
BPf;, J. B. Davis, who was arrested at
Newark, Ohio, a short time ago, as be
ing the former keeper of the rebel prison,
at Aneersouville, Georgia, and who con
fessed that he was tho bearer of dispatch
es from Richmond to Canada, has been
sentenced to be hung at Johnson's Island
on the 17th inst.
We detained the issuing of our
paper last week untill Wednesday eve
ning, hoping by that time to have recei
ved the quotas of the various districts of
our county; but finding they were not
yet ready, wo issued that part of our ad
dition necessary to supply most of our
Southern and Western mail,and then wai
ted till between 8 and 0 o'clock, Thursday
evening, at which time we received the
dispatch announcing the allotments AS
desired. Before midnight of that even
ing it was on its way to our readers. For
the benefit of those, therefore,who recei
ved our first addition of last week's paper
we retain it this week; those who received
it last week will therefore excuse its re
production. The following is the dis
patch :
ATXEONRNT CITY, Feb, 2,
T< Tno«\* ltnmvsn?i. Ksg —-Nell qnotiisof IliitlerCo,
after deduct in all credit* announced at till* office, from
lUrrisburg, provlous t<> the- first of .limitary, Ixo6.
Ruflhlo * DU Franklin 13
Clinton U Centre 12
.Middlesex 14 I'ronpect 4
AdutiM I . ' tatkl-tnd 4
Cranium y 1" Donegal «
Jack mm 18 >llller»Uown :$
lUrn,..n> 6 k ail view 15
7,«diou"idc rmicord
••'orward 16 Clay 12
Penn 4 lb ad v 7
.lettci•«..!) II Worth 14
Sivml.mgh Sllpi «- rvreck 12
Wintiidd . i) Centi eville •'»
Clearfield 4 Cherry 7
Summit 7 Wellington II
lliltler 12 Parker 15
duller Wo 2" Allegheny 11
(.'••unoqiieiieeeting Is Venan«o. S
Uocuier II Mmlon 7
Muddy creek x Moreei £ IJanhvllie 11
C. K. ANOERRON.
l'ence ICiimorM.
Some teu days ago we were informed by
sensation writers, that Jeff. Davis and co.
were willing to make peace on whatever
terras they could get. A few <1 ays later
these reports were all contradicted, and it
was also avered that independence or sub
jugation was their only alternative. Since
then, however, Mr Seward and Lincoln
have been at Fortress Monroe—have met
the rebel commissioners—have returned
to Washington. This is all that is abso
lutely known. It seems to us that Mr.
Lincoln would not have gone down with
out having some assurance that on honor
able peace was possible ; and we are not
without hope that good has been accom
plished. Some seem fearful that the
fruits of four years of war may be thrown
away ; we are not of that number. We
feel quite sanguine that the unity of the
country is not only sale, but that it must
be a frre country —on minor matters,
doubtless, there may be concession. While
the ciime of Davis and eouapauy can nev
er be wiped out, still we believe that, it by
so doing, the Administration could unite
the whole country against European in
fluence in America, the people would ac
uiquiesce in a general amnesty.
Tennessee.
We have on ourexehange list the Knox
ville Whig, edited by Parson Brownlow;
it arrives however very irregularly. The
issue of January 25th is just received—it
is full of interest. The Loyal people of
the State have been holding a convention
in Nashville—itlasted six days. Duriug
which time many questions of great in
terest, both to the present and future,
were discussed. It final y adjourned af
ter having framed a constitution to bo
submitted to the people on the 22d of
this mouth, for their approval or rejec
tion. They also nominated Brownlow for
Governor. They will, at the same time,
vote for members to the legislature, which
is to meet in Aprii next. Gov. Johnston
(Vice President elect,) addressed the con
vention at length on the duty of the hour.
Meetings are also anuouueed in the Whiy
to be held in various parts of the State to
organize for the approaching ejection.—
This is indeed a hopeful sign from Tcnnes
iue, lor itl iuji'Lti Oiicc finally arrayed with
the loyal States and it, 111 the future, pro
tects Kentucky. There seems to be no
doubt that by the first vf May, thi* State
will have resumed her former position as
*a State in the Union.
An K\pin mil ion Wanted.
"Our neighbor of the Citizen, recent
ly in speaking of u certain individual,
said that at the outbreak of the rebellion,
said person was one of that class of poli
ticians who endeavored to frighten the
Administration into preserving the peace.
Well, at a convention held at Harris
burg, in February, 1861, which has since
been characterized by our opponents as a
" I'cace Convention," as a " Convention to
coerce the incoming Administration into
anti-eoercion," &c.,a gentleman,about the
height figure, aspect, carriage and style of
conversation of the present editor of the
f'ttize 1, was on the floor, and took part in
the proceedings, and on inquiry it was
ascertained that he went bg tho name of
Thomas Robinson, and answered, or came
when he was so called, and that he was a
Representative in the Assembly from tho
western part of the State, probably Hut
ler. We suppose he must be credited
with frightening Mr. Lincoln hut of the
city that evening, cloaked and hatted so
that tho greatness of the wearer was con
cealed ! As none but delegates, or those
claiming to be such, were admitted into
the Convention, how did Mr. Robinson
sneak into it? We merely ask for infor
mation."
The above is from the Herald of last
week, and brings to mind, some things
that had almost passed from our recollection
The only wander to 11s is, thatany Demo
cratic editor should ever wish to refer to
the political history of ISO 1 ! If there
is auy such thing as a party committing
"tho unpardonable sin," certainly tho
Democratic party of 'Ol, committed it.—
.lust at the time when loyal men, forget
ting all that bad passed, should have rush
ed together as brothers, in defence of the
national flag, just at the time when treas
on bad unmasked itself; after having ma
tured its defensive fortifications under the
protecting folds of a Drinocratio Admin
istration! In the winter of '6l, the De
mocracy of Ohio, had in State Conven
tion, resolved that the incoming Admin
istration would have to eouquor 21)0,000
Democrats in Ohio, before going south
to "coerce their southern brethren 1"
The Democracy of New York done like
wise. Their friends in Pennsylvania felt
anctious to keep pace with their brethren
east and west, and thoroforo determined
to meet instate convention in llarrisburg*
on the 22d of Feb. Again the thought
recurs, how can tho Democrat who still
professes attachment for tho Union, refer
to that humiliating day in our national
history ?—a day which saw Jas. Buchan
an, under the coersive influence of men,
fiigh in his administration, refuse to al
low the soldiers of the Republic to parti
cipate in celebrating that day so dear to
every true American ! the day tint gave
to the world the father of our liberty!—
The day, too, that witnessed the Presi
dent elect, Mr. Lii.coin, under the pru
dent advise of Gen. Scott, take his leave
of the Capital of our own State, in the
darkness of the evening, to avoid the
felonious assault that was meditated upon
him by DDemocrat,t t, on his way to Wash
ington! What Democrat that is not dead
to every speak of political honor, can refer
without a blush, to tho 22d of Feb. 1861?
Rut to answer the interogatary of the
I/'raid. The Democrats of Hutlcr coun
ty selected for delegates to said conven
tion, three gentlemen who had proved by
their successful resistance of tho charm
ing countenances, the 'speaking eyes' of
many a fair damsel, through many a re
curring leap year, that their predelictions
in favor of l. nion were not strong enough,
at least to disqualify them from being
trusted in such «. convention as was soon
to assemble at the State capitol! The
gentleman arrived iu due time, and regis
tered themselves at good Democratic ho
tels. When, however, they wished to
have rooms assigned them, two of them
were shown quarters in another building
some distauce from the hotel. Although
many were the summer suns that had pass
ed over their heads, their native modesty
and virtue had suffered but little in their
contact with ths outer world; and there
fore, when on looking around iu their new
quarters, they imagined they saw quite a
surplus of lady servants, they at once lie
came uneasy, whether for their reputa
tion or character we arc unable to report.
I'bey bad subsequently called at the hotel
where wcwere stopping, and made known
their unhappy situation to some of our
Rutler county friends. Soon after, on
coming in we were informed of their ner
vousness. It at once enlisted our sympathy
and, after having consulted with our col
league, Mr. G., we at once set out iu
search of them—extended a share of
our room and lodging, and made them
our guest while they lemained, which was
not long. They at once seemed quite re
lieved of their former embarrassments,
and in a much better frame of mind to
discharge the responsible duties intrusted
to their keeping ! At the termination of
the first days proceedings one of them (we
suppose disgusted with the character of
the body) declared that he would with
draw, and placing his ticket of admission
in our hands, suggested that we might go
into the Hall next day and observe the
doingsof the convention. Accordingly,in
company with his colleague, already men
tioned, (whose appearance in height, age,
manner of walking and even manner of
talking, resembled the present editor of 1
the item fit, Mr. Col!.) Wo were very
politely assigned a sent by their senior col
league. It'we not much mistaken we
were Dot the only out sider who wan ad
mitted ton seat inside the llall. It is but
just to the gentleman with whom wo wont
into the eonventiou, to say that, exhibi
ting a prudence rather rare on the occa
sion, he did not disturb that body by
any "lengthy remarks," but Rat quietly
aH thougH contemplating the beauties of
naturo from some elevated spot, from
which his eyes were charmed by the land
scape around him, in early May, with
the exception of an occasional variation,
when some spouty orator would in the
couase of his remarks happen- to get of an
excessively vindictive epithet on "Abe.
Lincoln,"or an exceedingly tender and af
fectionate expression towards the llebel
leaders or their cause, on which occasions
rising to bis foot—his lungs inflated to
their utmost tension—ho would give vent
to a burst of cxtetic joy !
V, o are free to admit that we felt some
what unplcsent in being in such close
proximity to such an unpatriotic assem
bly, wo did not remain long however,
within the Hall, but quite long onough
to form a very unfavorable opinion of the
sentiments and doings of tho convention.
A ftcr they had adopted a sot of resolu
tions, which, though not so bold as those
! of the Democracy of Ohio and New York,
still had the same car marks—a motion
was made, that a copy be sent to the Gov
ernor of each of tho Southern States, to
be by him laid before the Legislature of
the State ; this motion was passed unani
mously. Some one, however,a little more
shrewod than his fellows, perceiving that
this was exhibiting the cloven foot too
plainly, moved to amend by including al.
the States—the motion was taken hi he in
order and passed unanimously. A third
motion, however, that a copy be scut to
"Abe Lincoln," was voted down by the
most emphatic responce yet heard. One
delegate near us, feeling that one vote on
the negative of this motion was notcnough
repeats, "110 ! </— n him, ice won't recog
nize, him." After the taking of this vote
many members made for the door, as
though they felt quite comfortable having
relieved themselves of the accumulated
venum of some months. We supposed
that, having once more reached the open
air, they would not return, but in this wo
were disappointed, for in a short time they
made their appearance, their throats fresh
ly moistened and their vocal organs all
re adjusted for another hours emphatic
voting on almost any subject on which
the Convention might chance to deliber
ate. About this time we left with strange
feelings, when reflecting on the charac
ter of tho Convention. It is true, there
was talent there, and doubtless some pa
triotism too, tho latter however, seemed
sadly out of place.
Wehave thus given to the world,what un
der different circumstances, we would not
have felt at liberty to write,being partly of
asocial rather than a political character;
but being called upon to produce this piece
of perxonal history, we have done so ho
ping that it may be satisfactory. If any
thing further is wanting, our neighbor of
the Herald will please let us know.
More Alton! I'cacr,
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.
It is difficult to procure details
concerning the recent conference be
tween the I'resident and Secretary of
State, and the rebel Commissioners,
but it is reported that the President,
throughout t''e conversation, insisted
that he should continue the prosecu
tion of the war on the principle here
tofore declared, namely : Of com
pelling obedience to' the Constitu
tion, and on the basis of tho Union,
and admitting peace only on these
terms. With him there was to %c
no deviation from this course, so the
Commissioners were loft in no doubt
whatever on this material point.
The convention was conducted in
the most courteous and respectful
manner, and the commissioners re
turned to Richmond thoroughly un
derstanding the views of the resi
dent. Therefore if anything further
is to be said on this subject it must
come from the Confederates them
selves.
As heretofore stated, there was no
agreement upon any point at issue.
It is confidently asserted by intimate
friends of the President that no con
cession or prom ; se was made by him
in the least degree yielding the posi
tion above stated, and which he has
in public and private communications
maintained. Whatever may be the
speculations as to peace movements
jn the future, it is certain that there
will be no abatement meanwhile in
our military operations, but that the <
effort will be to prosecute the war
with additional vigor, so that our suc
cess may produce an early peace.
NEW YORK, February o.—The
morning papers throw no light upon
the negotiations between Lincoln and
Seward and the rebel Commissioners, j
The interview lasted sixteen hours.
According to the Herald'» correspon- !
dent the President is reported to have
proposed to Messrs. Stephens, Ilun- j
ter and Campbell, that if they wer- !
prepared to promise a return of their '
State to the Union, he wai ready to j
wave all minor questions, but that,
as Chief Magistrate of the Repub- j
lie, sworn to maintain the Union, he i
could consider no terms which invol-'
veditfl division, This grand point |
the rebels confessed they did not feel !
authorized to decide, and the nego.
tiation ended. The conference took
place on board one of the steamers
anchored in Hampton Iloads, where
the negotiations could not be Inter
rupted. The proceedings were con
ducted in a most cordial and frank
manner on both sides, but on the part
of Mr. Lin oln at least with equal
firmness. Great anxiety is felt to
hcarfrom Richmond.
The Peace Movement.
HDQRS. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 1.
On Sunday a flag of truce appeared on
the line near tlie center, nnd was tumid to
be a request in pursuance of an under
standing with Mr. Blair and Geu. Grant,
for permission to Lieut. Col. Hatch. As
sißtunt Adjutant General and Exchange
Commissioner, for Alexander H. Ste
phens. R. M. T. Hunter,and J. A. Camp
bell, to visit General Grant's headquar
ters. Owing to General Grant's absence
from City Point no reply could be sent
immediately. The matter was referred
to Washington, and after several commu
nications bad passed, permission was |
granted and a deputation was appointed j
to meet the gentlemen and escort them j
within our lines. After a few minutes j
spent in interchanging civilities, the par- j
ty came within our lines, at which mo
ment the troops on both sides united in a
simultaneous cheer. The commissioners
were escorted to the railroad in carriages,
where a special train was waiting to con
vey them to City Point. On arriving at
City Point they were taken to General
Grant's headquartcsr, where they spent
sjHint the liight. Messrs. Stephens and
Campbell looked much emaciated and
care worn, but Mr. Hunter appeared to be
halo and hearty' as did Col. Hatch. The
only allusion made to our difficulties, was |
the hope expressed by Mr. Stephens that
they would soon meet under happier aus
pices.
WASHINGTON, Feb 2. —Information
received from Fortress Monroe to-night
states that Southern commissioners, on
Tuesday morning, were on board General
Grunt'adispatcbboat, Mary Martiu. await
ing the President's order, as to whether
they should proceed to Washington.
The Richmond IH*patrh of Tuesday
contains the following:—Messrs. Ste
phens, Hunter and Campbell, Confeder
ate peace commissioners, who left here on
Sunday morning for Washington, stopped
Sunday night in Petersburg, whence tlicy
went through the lines to City Point yes
terday morning.
As they were making transit, their
character, and the objectof their mission
became known, when our troops set up a
cheering such as never was heard before,
and continued it until the Commissioners
; were out of sight and well within the
| Yankee lines, when the clamor was im
| mediately caught up by the Yankee sol
! dicrs, who cheered and hurrahed until
| they were hoarse, and amidst the deafen
i ing shouts of the two armies the Com
missioners went on their way. The next
! we bear of them will be through thcYan
! kee papers.
| BALTIMORE, Feb. 2.—A dispatch from
| Annapolis says President Lincoln, accom
; panied only by a servant, arrived here
| and left atone o'clock for Fortress Mou
; roc.
NEW YORK, Feb. 2.-—The WorM'*
Washington spec al to-night says : " The
| President's departure was looked upon in
t Congress to-day as giving the peace com
mission very serious tone, while through-
I out a very confident air prevailed that it
; would speedily result in something. The
peace commissioners come down today from
(!ity Point to Fortress Monroe. To-mor
row an interview will be held at the lat
ter place. It is well understood that if
these gentleman have peace propositions
that do not include the acknowledgement
of their independence they will be imms-
I diately escorted to Washington. The iro
• pression is hourly growing stronger that
! these informal negotiations are paving
| the way for peace."
Another special to the Vr'nrld says : 'lt
! is rumored ;hat Mr. Lincoln has gone to
confer with Jeff Davis in person.'
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.—A letter from
♦be Army of the .James, dated Friday 2d,
says:
11 is reported that the rebel fleet start
ed down the river early this morning, but
after proceeding a short distance turned
hack and anchored in the old position.—
It is thought they were apprehensive 112
not getting back as safely as they did be
fore, if they went as faras they did on that
occasion.
A good deal of firing has been heard in
the direction of Petersburg, one report
being that some new mortars were prac
tising on that city, while another repre
sents that there was an engagement of a
lively character between the two lines near
the Apppmatto?. The firing ceased at 5
p. m,
I'rum .WIMMOH rl.
ST. LOUIS, February 5.
The Missouri Senate yesterday passed
the following bill, which provides that
convicts, sentenced for a term of years, at
theexpiration of three-fourths of the time
of sentence, or, for life, at the end of 15
years, if their conduct should have been
such as to merit it, the Inspector shall
certify their good behavior, and recom
mend the Government to pardon them.
A bill providing that a person whose
husband or wife has been engagad in re
hellion against the Government of the j
United States shall be entitled to a di
vorce, oil proper application to courts.
A bill declaring that po license of any
kind be granted foreigners who have ta
ken the first steps toward naturalization.
Gen. Pope has issued an order dated
the 4th. assuming command of the mili
tary division of Missouri, embracing the
departments of Missouri, Kansas aud the
North West.
Beg- Artemus Ward says:—'• If lam
drafted I will resign. Deeply grateful
for the unexpected honor thus conferred
upon me I shall feel compelled to resign
the position in favor of some worthy per
son. Modesty is what ails cue. That's
whit keej>a me under,"
From Army of (Tie Pofomac;
Hugua. ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 2, 1865,
All the hospitals in the Field were
cleared a day or two since, the inmates
being sent to City PoiutGeneral Hospital,
where they could reoeive more care and
be in better quarters. This cliauge no
doubt gave rise to the various rumors of
an intended forward movement.
A deserter who came iu to-day reports
the return to our front of troops recently
sent to North Carolina to meet a Union
force said to be marching on Weldon.
The rebels in front of Petersburg have
been very jubilant for a day or twoindul
ging in frequent cheering, but on what
account is not known here.
Col. Ruggles, one of the oldest officers
in the army has been assigned to duty as
Assistant Adjutrnt Generalat these head
quarters.
NEW YORK, Feb. 2,—A Fortress Mon
roe letter says;
According to stories of deserters from
the enemy, the damage to the Danville
road threateus to become more serious.—
Thoy say there were only three weeks' sup
plies in Richmond at the time of the ac
cident, aud famine is threatened. The
Danville road is the only one that carries
supplies to Lee's army to any extent, and
with its loss the army must very soon suf
fer for provisions. The country back of
Richmond is filled with teams delivering
rations. Kvcu the cavalry have been
stripped of their horses to facilitate trans
portation. As nil rations that can be
brought into the city are needed for the
army, the markets aro completely denud.
Ed of all provisions, and everything eata
ble commands fabulous prices. Unless
something can be done soon the people of
Richmond will starve.
Deserters also report that Leo is togo
South himself for the purpose of leading
the forces operating against Sherman., aud
say Davis orders that General Sherman
must be defeated by all means.
Piapatcb totlie Pittsburgh Oommerctol,
From Ilarrlsltttrg.
IIARRISBURO, February 6.
SENATE. —Mr. Graham read a petition
from the Burgess and Councils of I.aw
rencevillc. asking power to levy an addi
tional tax of five mills, Also, for a ferry
over the Allegheny. Also, from citizens
of l'enn, Collins and Wilkins, forincrease
of tolls on the Fast Liber'y and l'enn tp,
I'lankroad. Also, of Manchester Coun
cils, against the annexatson of a part of
the borough of McClure township. Also,
one from nearly three hundred citizens of
the same borough of a like import. Al
so, a supplement increasing tolls on the
Kast (liberty and l'enn Township Plank
Road. Also, authorizing the levying of
additional and ari improvement tax in
Lnwreneeville. Also, relative to the ser
vices of Sheriff's notices on jurors, and a
penalty for delinquency of said jurors.—
Also, a siiplemcntary act authorizing tho
publishing of ordinances of Lawrence
vi 11c Councils in Pittsburgh papers. Al
se, establishing a ferry over the Allegheny
at Lawrenceville.
Mr. Bigham, read an act for the
hotter management of the Al'egheny
County Prison, constituting a Board
of Inspectors, appointing a Warden
and relieving the Sheriff of the care
of prisoners.
Mr. Iloge, one establishing a ferry
over the Allegheny at Pit Hole.
Mr. Bighaui, Incorporating tho
G'rty Run Coal Company. Also,
authorizing a single judge to hold
court for cases below homicides. Al
so, authorizing Commissioners to take
depositions.
HOUSE —The following petitions
were presented: By Mr. Glass,
against increase of Manchester fare.
Also, from Coal Exchange against
Miners Association.
Mr. Ilerron, against new school
district.
The following bills were read:
Mr. Alleuian, incorporating the Tub
ing Transportation Company, to lay
pipes anywhere within ten miles of
I Oil Cree l '.
Mr. MeKee, a supplement to tho
| Little Saw Mill Run Railroad.
Mr. Glass, incorporating the Cash
Insurance Company.
Mr. McKee, ncorporating a ferry
over the Ohio and Allegheny rivers,
in Allegheny county.
Mr. Ilerron, for the better man
agement of the Allegheny Bridge.
Also, incorporating the Girty Run
Coal Company.
Mr. Quay, incorporating the Brady
Coal and Oil Company.
Mr. Weizer. taxing ali banks five per
cent, on dividens.
The following resolutions were passed:
Isy Air. Cochran, of Krie,requiring the
ConimitUw of Ways and Means to inves
tigate all matters relating to oil in beds
of rivers, with a view to the protection of
State interests.
By Mr. Nelson, a resolution returning
the thanksof the people to Gov. Curtin
for his letter to the President relative to
the eoo&eriptkin. Passed unanimously.
Adjourned
—Mr. Albert I). Richardson, the well
known correspondent of the New York
Tribune, who had just escaped from the
prison at Salisbury, N. C.. will be prepared,
after the 11th inst., to deliver a lecture
entit'ed 'Twenty Months in Rebel Prisons.'
His long experience in Southern prisons,
his facility of description, and his well
known character as a truthful and candid
pian, render his testimony peculiarly
valuable. Application for the present
may be addressed to C. A. Richardson, 15
Corn hi 11, Boston.
—Mr. Prentice, of the Loisville Jour
nal, aays that if he "could infer the
determination of a people, from all the
highest military and civil authorities—
from President, Vic. President, mem
bers of the Cabinet, Senators, Represent
atives, Geuerals " &c.—the rebels whom
he saw recently during his Richmond
visit, are lasoluteiy bent upon the achieve
ments of their independence. Tin
citizens of Savannah, and every other
captured city were equally bent jn doing
a thousand wonderful things, not one <■
'whifih did th&y aUewjit, _ -->•