XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 20.

SENATE. – Messrs. Harris and King presented petitions from merchants of New York for a general bankrupt law.

Mr. Wade presented petitions for an efficient confiscation act.

Mr. Sumner gave notice that he should to-morrow call up the resolution for the expulsion for the Senator from Oregon, Mr. Starke.

Mr. McDougal moved to take up the Pacific railroad bill.

The Pacific railroad bill was taken up but before the reading was finished the morning hour expired and the confiscation bill was taken up.  Mr. Davis, of Ky., proceeded to speak at length upon it.

HOUSE. – Mr. Blake reported from the Post Office committee, a bill to establish certain post routes.

It declares the bridge partly constructed across the Ohio river at Steubenville, to be a lawful structure, a public highway and establishes a post route over it for the purpose of transmitting the mails, and that the Steubenville and Indiana RR. Co., and the Holliday Cove RR. Co., are authorized to have maintained and operate said bridge when completed.  Draws are to be provided for the passage of boats.

Mr. Colfax. From the Post Office committee, reported back the Senate bill providing that no person, by reason of color, shall be disqualified from carrying the mails, with the recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. Colfax said that not a single person of any color from any State had ever petitioned for this repeal.  No Postmaster General and ever recommended it.  No public opinion demanded it.  It would not only allow negroes to be mail contractors, and therefore officers of the Government, but Indians and Chinese also.  It would impair the securities of the mails, for in some States blacks, Indians and Chinese are not allowed to testify against whites, and if robbed while in their hands we could not procure legal testimony, as now, of the mail carriers against the robbers.  It would also allow slaveholders, contracting, to sue slave as mail carriers for them, instead of free whites, whom they are now compelled to employ, and money would thus be paid out of our post-office treasury for this labor of slaves which is now impossible.  As the bill would not even indirectly aid in crushing out this rebellion, which he thought the main duty of Congress, or crippling the power which sustains this treason, a large majority of the P. O. committee concurred with him in recommending that it do not pass.

Mr. Dawes, referring to an obligation stated by Mr. Colfax, inquired by way of answer whether the latter supposed mail depredations were tried in State or U. S. courts, and whether he himself did not assist in the making of the laws.

Mr. Colfax replied, that not being a lawyer, he could not fully understand the matter, but he understood that in such cases the Federal court was governed by the rules of the State in which the trial takes place.

Mr. Wickoff approved of the decision of the committee.  He had been informed that this bill had been introduced into the Senate to remove the disability of distinguished men.  If negroes were to be made mail carriers, we had better carry out the whole programme – in addition to making them soldiers and sailors, he had better throw open the doors here and admit them as members of Congress.  (Laughter.)

Mr. Colfax moved to lay the bill on the table, but the hour fixed for the consideration of the confiscation bill having arrived, the vote goes over until to-morrow.

Mr. Elliott, chairman of the select committee, who reported the confiscation bill, said the war originated in the rebel States, and is carried on by rebel citizens against the Government.  This is precisely the character of the war.  Appropriate legislation may soon be demanded concerning the rebel States.  These bills concern the property, not the persons of the rebels, and Congress may make the property of the rebels aid in paying the expenses incurred in crushing the rebellion.

The lands owned by rebels are used for carrying on the war, and their unwilling slaves are made to toil, that our government may be overthrown.  Their land and slaves are made instruments for carrying on the war – deprive them of these and the war must come to an end, and our immense debt balked of increase.  The rebels owe $300,000,000.  Every dollar of that debt has been confiscated by their Government; repudiated by the rebel debtors, to whose honor the constituents of gentlemen trusted.  He repeated that as lands and slaves are being used by the traitors as warlike instruments, they should be confiscated as the pending bills proposed.  These were as much enemy’s property as if they owed allegiance to a foreign power.  Mr. Elliott supported his remarks by legal arguments.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, March 14. – SENATE. – The bill introduced by Mr. Hale, from the Committee on Naval Affairs to-day, provides for the construction, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, of an iron clad steam vessel of not less than 5,000 or 6,000 tons burthen and of great speed and strength, to be used only as a ram, for which purpose $100,000 to be appropriated. – Also $13,000,000 for the construction of iron clad gunboats; $783,000 for the completion of Steven’s Battery, and $500,000 for extending the facilities of the Washington Navy Yard, so as to mould and forge plates for the armored ships.

The relations between the United States and foreign nations are now, it is said, entirely free from apprehensions whatever of disturbance.  The tone of all correspondence is conciliatory.

The Senate confirmed Brig. Gen. McDowell, as Major General of Volunteers.

It is the freely expressed opinion of members of Congress, many of whom have opposed the completion of Steven’s Battery, that the bill will pass.  Mr. Steven’s plan is not the only original of mail clad vessels, but his battery is superior to any application of the same principle in any other country.

WASHINGTON, March 17. – SENATE. – Mr. HARRIS presented a petition from the citizens of New York asking Congress to dispense with the agitation of the slavery question and attend to the restoration of the Union.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., presented a petition for the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. LANE of Kansas offered a resolution that the committee on Territories inquire into the expediency of so altering the boundary of Kansas as to include the Indian Territory.  Adopted.

Mr. FESSENDEN from the Committee of Conference on the bill providing for the purchase of iron made a report which was agreed to.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Naval Committee into the expediency of appropriating money to make experiments and for providing iron clad vessels of war.  Adopted.

The joint resolution authorizing the President to assign the command of the troops in the field to officers without regard to seniority, was taken up after discussion.

On motion of Mr. NESMITH of Oregon the resolution was recommitted to the Military Committee.

On motion of Mr. FESSENDEN the Post Office Appropriation Bill was taken up.

Mr. LATHAM offered an amendment that the Postmaster General be authorized to establish a mail less than semi-monthly between San Francisco and Crescent City, including the intermediate points.  Agreed to.

Mr. LATHAM also offered an amendment that American steamers and sailing vessels bound for foreign ports shall receive such mails as the Post Office Department may choose to place on board and promptly deliver the same, and that the Letter Company for foreign ports shall receive any mail matter from Consuls, &c., the compensation being the usual postage.

Mr. SHERMAN moved to add, and provided the Government shall not pay more than it receives.  On motion it was agreed to.  The amendment was then adopted and the bill passed.

The bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was then taken up and postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. TRUMBULL, from the Committee on Judiciary, reported back the House bill to facilitate judicial proceedings for captured property.

Went into executive session.

HOUSE. – The House passed the Senate joint resolution that if any State, during the present rebellion, shall make any appropriation to pay the volunteers of the State, the Secretary of War is authorized to accept the same and use it.  To be applied by the Paymaster General to the payments designated by the Legislature’s act making the appropriation, in the same manner as if appropriated by act of congress, and also to make any sureties that may be necessary for the disbursement and proper application of such funds for the specific purpose of which they may be applied by the several States.

The House concurred in the report of the Committee of Conference on the bill regulating sutlers, who are authorized to have a lien on the soldiers for only one-sixth of the amounts.  The penalties were added for violating this provision.

A resolution was adopted calling on the Secretary of War to inform the House by whose authority certain vessels were recently chartered and the amount of compensation to be paid for the same, &c.

Mr. LOVEJOY, asked leave to introduce a resolution instructing the Committee on the District of Columbia to inquire by what authority Mr. Bressler of Georgetown, had been arrested and sent to gain; whether such arrest was not in violation of the provision in the Constitution, which says no person shall be deprived of his live or liberty without due process of law.

WASHINGTON, March 18. – HOUSE. – The House considered the Senate bill to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department of the army.

During the discussion, Mr. BLAKE said he had no doubt that the army of the Potomac had been well and medically provided for, but it was not so with the Western boys who had been murdered by neglect.  He had received letters from fathers and mothers beseeching him to have something done, so as to save the lives of their children.

Mr. BLAIR of Mo., replying, said the first steps to be taken were to place at the head of the medical department, a Director General who combines experience with great surgical skill.

Mr. BLAKE caused to be read an article in the Cincinnati Times, showing gross inefficiency in the Medical Department.

Mr. KELLOGG, of Illinois, pronounced the article a scurrilous and vile slander, and this was apparent upon its face.  It was bad taste to have the article read.

Mr. BLAKE regretted, with pain, that the gentleman, (Mr. Kellogg,) thought it necessary to administer such a rebuke.  His want of good taste might be owing to his early training.  The article states facts which came under the editor’s observation

The subject was then passed over, and the House went into committee of the whole on the Tax bill.  The proceedings were confided to discussing and amending its general provisions.

SENATE. – Mr. FESSENDEN offered the following resolution:

            Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy furnish the Senate with copies of all contracts with R. S. Stevens for floating battery; also a statement of all payments and allowances on said contract and the report of the commissioners appointed to examine the battery.

Mr. SUMNER introduced a bill to remove all disqualifications of color in carrying the mails.  Referred.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, from Military Committee reported back Joint Resolution authorizing the President to assign the command of troops without regard to seniority, with an amendment striking out the portion giving the President power to dismiss from the service.

The amendment was adopted and the resolution passed.

On Motion of Mr. TRUMBULL the bill to provide for judicial proceedings on captured property and for the better administration of the law, was taken up and passed.

The resolution offered by Mr. STARKE, of Oregon, that the papers in referring to the loyalty of Starke be referred to the Judiciary Committee, was taken up.

Mr. Hale thought the question was already done, and hoped the Senate would spend no more time upon it.

Mr. HOWARD wanted to know if the Senator from Oregon (Starke) intended to go into an investigation of the question.

Mr. STARKE said he had offered the resolution, in order to show that he had no indisposition to meet the charges of his loyalty anywhere, but he (Starke) had no intention of being his own prosecutor.

After further discussion by Messrs. Hale, Browning Howard, Trumbull and Howe, Mr. WILKINSON moved to lay the resolution on the table.

The motion was disagreed to, by yeas 3, nays 35.

YEAS – Messrs. Hale, Saulsbury, and Wilkinson.

Mr. TRUMBULL moved to amend the resolution so as to make it referable to a select committee of five.  The motion was carried.

The resolution was then adopted, yeas 37, nays 3.

NAYS – Messrs. Howard, Hale, Saulsbury.

Mr. CLARKE introduced a bill to furnish supplies to the sailors who were on board the sloop of war Cumberland.

The bill for the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia was taken up.

Mr. HALE merely wished to reply to the statement of the Senator from Kentucky, in regard to the effects of this bill.  If passed, the most dangerous and fatal form of secession is when it argues that it is not safe to perform a plain and simple duty for fear of disastrous consequences, and this question of emancipation had rarely been argued in this country on the great fundamental principle of right and wrong.  The question was never asked in political circles what is due to the individual, but what is to be the consequences.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27. – SENATE. – Mr. TRUMBULL said within a few weeks the property of a Rebel General in Washington had been sold and the proceeds transmitted to him, while we were imposing paper currency on suffering soldiers.  When the special order was called – being Starke’s seat.  This was postponed and the Confiscation bill resumed.

Mr. TRUMBULL said it has been settled by the Supreme Court that Congress has the power to pass a confiscation bill.  The Government has the right to take persons who may be bound by contract – to take a child even and draft it into the service of the Government.  The master cannot hold the slave by any stronger tenure.

Mr. POMEROY objected to the third section which provides for colonization.  He thought we could not afford to send out of the country the laboring men and producers, and if insisted upon he should move to amend by providing for the colonization of the slave holders, who are dangerous to the country, and whose loss would not be felt.

Mr. WILLEY wanted to know where there was any constitutional power for the present colonization of negroes.  He was willing to cooperate in the most stringent measures for the confiscation of property, but had the Senator from Illinois counted the immense cost of the scheme of colonization.  It would cost $500 a head to colonize and keep ignorant slaves.

Mr. POMEROY said his amendment would abate that, as there would only be a few slave holders to colonize.

Mr. WILLEY – I propose to hang all such traitors, and thus save all the expense of transportation. {Applause, which was immediately checked by the chair.}

By consent, Mr. FESSENDEN introduced a bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to public creditors, certificates for the whole amount of debt, in certificates of not less than $1,000, payable in one year or earlier, at the option of the Government, bearing 6 per cent interest.

On motion of Mr. FESSENDEN, the bill was taken up and passed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill.

Mr. TEN EYCK said there was a great aversion to the North to having large masses of free negroes turned loose among them, nor could they be allowed to roam at large in the South.

Mr. SUMNER agreed with the Senator from Kansas (Pomeroy) in objecting to any recognition of the fugitive slave law, which he thought never had authority in constitution.  He moved to make a verbal amendment to obviate all suspicion of anything of that kind.  The amendment was adopted.

On motion of Mr. POWELL, further consideration was postponed until to-morrow.

On motion of Mr. SUMNER, the Senate went into Executive Session and subsequently adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. PORTER, from the Committee on the Judiciary reported the resolution which passed that the several Railroad companies which have received from the Government grants of lands to aid in the construction of railroads, are required to transport property and troops of the United States free of all tolls.

Mr. PENDLETON reported a bill which passed, regulating the time of holding United States District Courts in Kentucky.

The Senate bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to public creditors was passed.

Mr. BLAIR reported a bill establishing an additional article of war prohibiting all officers from employing any force under their command to return fugitives.  Any officer found guilty of violating this article is to be dismissed from the service.

Mr. MALLORY looked upon this as an effort to repeal the fugitive slave law.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM moved to lay the bill on the table.  Lost by 43 to 87.

Mr. BINGHAM introduced an amendment which was agreed to, prohibiting any person connected with the army or navy returning fugitive slaves.  The bill finally passed, yeas 83 nays 42.  Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – SENATE. – Messrs. DOOLITTLE and SUMNER presented petition for emancipation.

Mr. McDOUGAL, from THE Special Committee reported a bill for the establishment of a Railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri river to the Pacific ocean.

On motion of Mr. WADE the bill for the occupation and cultivation of cotton lands was taken up.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – SENATE. – The Stark case was concluded, and the Senate adjourned.

HOUSE. – The House concurred in the Senate bill fixing the number of representatives at 241 under the census of 1860, and an additional representative for Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia and Rhode Island.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. VOORHIES, of Indiana, asked leave to offer a resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to Major General McClellan.

Mr. LOVEJOY, of Illinois objected.

The resolution commends the sentiments and policy avowed in General Halleck’s General order of February 23d, already published, as eminently wise and patriotic, and in strict conformity to the Constitution and that the war should be conducted in accordance with the same, and that the thanks of Congress are tendered to Gen. Halleck for said order and for his military achievements as Commander of the Department of Missouri.

Mr. VAN WYCK, addressing the Speaker, announced his desire to be excused from serving as Chairman of the Committee on Government Contracts.  Some weeks since I informed my colleagues that I should resign my place entirely on the Committee, so that another could be –

WASINGTON, Feb. 27. – HOUSE. – The House concurred in the report of the Committee of Conference in the disagreement to the amendments to the bill making appropriations for sundry civil expenses.

Mr. WRIGHT introduced a joint resolution that the Proclamation of Andrew Jackson on the subject of Nullification, together with the Farewell Address of Washington, be printed for distribution.

The consideration of the Upton contested election case was resumed.

The House declared 73 against 50, that Mr. Upton was not entitled to a seat.

Mr. DAWES, from the Committee on Elections, made a report, accompanied by a resolution that John Kline is not, but that John P. Verce is entitled to the seat from the 3d Congressional District of Penn.  Its consideration was postponed.

SENATE. – Mr. WILSON reported back from the Military Committee, the bill providing for a National Foundry and Furnace, with an amendment striking out the furnace.

Mr. DAVIS offered a bill as a substitute for the Confiscation bill.  Ordered to be printed.

The bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department of the army was taken up.

The Senate admitted Mr. Starke as Senator from Oregon by yeas 26, nays 19.  Mr. Starke appeared and took the oath.

The Senate then resumed the consideration of the bill in relation to the medical department of the army.

On motion of Mr. WASHBURNE, from the Government Contract Committee, a resolution was adopted calling on the Secretary of War to Communicate to the House the report and correspondence of the commission sitting at St. Louis for the examination of claims growing out of affairs in the Western military department.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Specials to New York Papers

(Tribune’s Special.)

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – The House bill for the apportionment of members of congress among the States to-day passed both Houses.  The amendment which was adopted gives one additional member to the States of Vermont, Rhode Island, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Minnesota, in consequence of the large fractions in the populations of these States not represented, by the law as it first passed the House.  Thus, Ohio which now has 21 members, by the law as it passed the House got 18, and by the amendment it will get 19 members.  The bill only requires the President’s signature to become a law.

The Armory Committee of the House will to-morrow report in favor of establishing a National foundry east of the Alleghenies and an armory foundry and manufacturing arsenal west of the Alleghenies.  The sites of all to be selected by five commissioners appointed by the President, who shall report within sixty days to the Secretary of War, who shall send the result, together with estimate of the cost to Congress.  The three works west are intended to be placed at different points.

The Senate Committee on Naval Affairs will report a reduction of the salaries of navy officers of 20 per cent on the highest grade and 15 per cent on the intermediate, and 10 percent on the lower.  Also the abolition of all navy agencies and naval store keepers, offices, and the hemp and live oak agencies, transferring the duties heretofore performed by those officers to paymasters of the Navy on duty at or near the different Navy yards and Stations, under regulations to be made by the Secretary of the Navy or order of the president.

A vote will probably be reached in the case of Benjamin Starke, applicant for the seat of a Senator from Oregon to-morrow or next day. – The first question will be upon the amendment, which, in effect, declares that Starke, charged by affidavits and otherwise, with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until the truth of these charges shall have been investigated.  Should this amendment be voted down, Mr. Starke will be admitted to his seat.  Should it be adopted, a fair question upon the sufficiency of the evidence of his disloyalty will remain.  The vote upon Mr. Sumner’s amendment will be a close one, but there is no reason to fear that it will be defeated.

(Herald’s Dispatch.)

The roads on both sides of the Potomac were getting into good condition rapidly, until a rain storm set in this evening, which has again rendered them almost impassable for loaded teams.

A report that Gen. Dan Sickles was shot at his camp today, is quite current.  This evening it is disbelieved.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Washington News and Gossip

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26. – The Treasury not bill as finally passed provides for the issue of one hundred and fifty millions in treasury notes – fifty millions in lieu of demand notes issued in July and to be substituted for them as fast as practicable.  These notes are to be received for all debts due and from the United States, except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received and by law receivable in payment of public dues and interest upon bonds and notes which shall be paid in coin; the notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes except as above indicated; depositors of notes of not less than fifty dollars are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest redeemable after five years, and payable after twenty years.  Five hundred millions of such bonds may be issued by the Secretary of the treasury and held at market value of coin or Treasury notes; receipts for imports are to be set apart as a special fund for the payment in coin of interests.  The other provisions are formal.

The Secretary of War’s late order is intended to apply only to war news of a nature affording aid and comfort to the enemy as touching intended movements.

The House Committee on the Conduct of the War had a long interview with President last evening.  I learn from a member of the committee that its members have been unanimous in all things since its organization.

The Navy and Treasury Departments have not hitherto pulled together on the question of giving permits to trade to Port Royal and Hatteras.  Mr. Welles tells Mr. Chase that he has no objections to them if Mr. Chase chooses to grant them.  Mr. Chase says he will grant them in all cases where Welles certifies that the shipper carries necessary supplies for the use of the army and navy.  He has sent every application to Secretary Welles, being apparently afraid of breaking the blockade.  It is now said that Chase may issue numerous permits to trade on the coast as well as on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, countersigned by the Surveyors of Customs in the West and by special officers in the east.  Applicants will be required to give bonds as security for their fidelity.

It is said that Gen. Sherman’s soldiers have been induced to sell their pay at a discount of 50 cents on the dollar, by representations that Treasury Notes never would be redeemed.

The additional Paymasters will probably be dropped from the rolls, the Paymaster General agreeing with the Military Committee that they are too many.

The amendments of the Congressional apportionment bill passed both houses, giving one additional member to each, to Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa and Kentucky.

The Army Committee agreed to a report in favor of a national foundry east of the Alleghanies, and an Armory Foundry and Manufacturing Arsenal west of the Alleghanies, the sites of all to be fixed by five Commissioners appointed by the President, who shall report within sixty days after their appointment to the Secretary of War, who shall sent the result together with the estimates of cost to Congress.  These works are intended to be at different points.

Mrs. Lincoln and her youngest son, who have been quite unwell, are improving.

The steamer Baltimore, direct from Roanoke Island reached the Navy Yard to-day.  She was not fired at by the rebels although the night was clear.

Dispatches from Flag Officer McKean announce the capture of a brig and two schooners off the South-west Pass.

The amendment of Mr. Sumner is to the effect that Stark, whose case is now pending in the Senate, being charged by affidavits with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until an investigation of the truth of the charge will put the naked question to the Senate, of its right to exclude a traitor who brings credentials from the Governor of his State, and is ready to take his seat.  There is an opinion that Stark will be admitted, although several Republicans protested against their being considered a precedent.

The Senate Committee on Naval Affairs agreed to report a bill reducing the salaries of the highest naval officers in twenty intermediate years to fifteen, and in the lowest ten per cent., and abolishing naval agencies and naval store keepers, and hemp and live oak agencies, the duties to be henceforth performed by regular navy officers.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

Washington News

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18. – The Nomination of Gen. Grant to be Major General was sent into the Senate to-day.  He will be confirmed.

President Lincoln’s boy is still in a critical condition.

The bill which the territorial committee of both Houses are maturing, will organized the rebel country into free territories, on the principle that by the rebellion these States committed suicide and that with them their local laws and peculiar institutions have died.

Mr. Faulkner said in a speech last week at Martinsburg, that rebellion was a failure and advised his hearers to make the best possible terms with the government of the United Sates.

Congress has passed a joint resolution instructing Commissioner French to illuminate the public buildings in honor of the recent victories.

On Saturday evening an illumination of private buildings will probably be requested as a means of distinguishing loyal from disloyal citizens.

In a speech in Stark’s case, Carlisle of Va., to-day foreshadowed a pro-slavery policy in the treatment of the rebel States, saying the Senate must receive persons duly accredited hereafter by the Legislature of Mississippi, even if they have been in arms against the Government.  It is coming to be generally hoped that Carlisle will thus be obliged to give his seat back to Mason.

Secretary Stanton has recently said that the victory at Fort Donelson is due to Gen. Halleck who planned, to the President who recognized, and to Gen. Grant who executed the campaign.

Noah L. Wilson, President of the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad is here and says the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is expected to be open within thirty days.

Very few private flags have been displayed in Washington for our late victories.

An order was issued to-day at the request of the entire Indiana delegation to terminate the furlough under which Capt. Hazzard of the army was allowed to serve as Colonel of the 37^th Indiana Volunteers.  He is charged with tyranny to his troops.

Schuyler Colfax has sent $100 to Quartermaster Pierce at Paducah to be expended for the relief os soldiers wounded at Ft. Donelson.

Capt. Carven in command of the Tuscarora is not like other captains who have pursued rebel privateers.  If he catches the Nashville he will blow her out of the water, avoiding a capture if possible.

A subscription is on foot at Alexandria among the women for the purchase of a flag to be presented to Farnsworth’s Illinois Cavalry regiment.

The bill reported from the Naval Committee of the House, framed after consultation with Assistant Secretary Fox, provides for ten grades of naval officers.  Five Flag Officers, eighteen Commodores, one hundred and forty-four Lieutenants.  Commodores, Lieutenants and Masters’ boards to recommend for promotion or retirement.  Flag Officers to be appointed only if they shall have received the thanks of Congress upon the President’s recommendation for services in battle; after receiving some honor the temporary appointment is to be made permanent and men and officers advanced; appointments to the naval academy will be two by each Congressman from the five best scholars in his district, and ten at large each year by the President from orphans of soldiers or sailors who have died in battle; senators are to appoint for any rebel districts, each in proportion to the quota of troops from his State, from orphans of soldiers or sailors killed in battle.

Senator Harris introduced a bill to-day making rebels outlaws so far as civil rights are concerned.  The fact of the plaintiffs treason to be a complete defense in bar of any action.

Mr. Trumbull’s confiscation bill is the special order in the Senate tomorrow.

Gen. Grant will not be confirmed as Maj. Gen. until his official report of the battle has been received.

The Senate District of Columbia committee to-day summoned no witnesses to investigate the truth of the allegations in deputy jailor Duvall’s letter relative to barbarities practiced within the jail on an alleged fugitive slave.

Col. McConnell of the inchoate and considerably mythical 3d Maryland regiment of volunteers has at least been mustered out of the service.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

The War News

Interesting Southern News

A CONSPIRACY DISCOVERED IN ALEXANDRIA.

Benj. Stark admitted to a Seat in the Senate.

The Bill to Establish temporary Provisional Governments in the Southern States.

Harris driven from Nashville by Union Men.

Columbus to be Evacuated!

A Stand to me made four Miles below.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The Treasury note bill as finally passed, provides for the issuing of $150,000,000 in Treasury notes, and $50,000,000 in lieu of the demand notes issued in July, and to be substituted for them as fast as practicable.  These notes are to be receivable for all debts due to and from the United States except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin, or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received and by law receivable in payment of public dues, and interest upon bonds and notes, which shall be paid in coin.

The notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes, except as above stated.  Depositors of notes not less than $50 are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest, and redeemable after five years, and payable after twenty years.  Five hundred millions of such bonds may be issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and sold at market value for coin or treasury notes.  Receipts on imports are to be set apart as a fund for payment in coin of interest.  The other provisions are formal.

The Secretary of War’s late order is intended to apply only to war news, of a nature affording aid and comfort to the enemy, as couching intended movements.

The House committee on the conduct of the war, had a long interview with the President last night.  I learn from a member of the committee, that its members have been unanimous in all things since its organization.

The Navy and Treasury Departments have not hitherto pulled together on the question of giving permits to trade to Port Royal and Hatteras.  Mr. Welles tells Mr. Chase that he has no objection to them, if Mr. Chase chooses to grant them.  The latter says he will grant them in all cases where Mr. Welles certifies that the shipper carries necessary supplies for the use of the army and navy.  He has sent every application to Sec. Welles, being apparently afraid of breaking the blockade.  It is said that Sec. Chase issues numerous permits to trade on the coast, as well as on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, countersigned by the surveyors of customs in the West and by special officer on the coast.  Applicants will be required to give bonds as security for their fidelity.

It is said that Gen. Sherman’s soldiers have been induced to sell their pay at discount of fifty cents on the dollar, by representations that treasury notes never would be redeemed.

The additional paymasters will probably be dropped from the rolls, the Paymaster General agreeing with the military committee that there are too many.

The amendment to the congressional apportionment bill passed both Houses; giving additional members each to Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky.

The armory committee agreed to a report in favor of a National Amory east of the Alleghanies, and armory, foundry and manufacturing arsenal west of the Alleghanies, the sites of all to be fixed by five commissioners appointed by the President, who shall send the result, together with the estimates of cost, to Congress.  These works are intended to be at different points.

Mrs. Lincoln and her youngest son, who have been quite unwell, are improving.

The steamer Baltimore, direct form Roanoke Island, reached the navy yard to-day.  She was not fired on, although the night was clear.

Dispatches from Flag-officer McKein announce the capture of a brig and two schooners, off the Southwest Pass.

The amendment of Mr. Sumner, to the effect that Stark, whose case in now pending in the Senate, being charged by affidavits with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until an investigation of the truth of the charges, will put the naked question to the Senate of its right to exclude a traitor, who bears credentials from the Governor of his State and is ready to take his seat.  There is an opinion that Stark will be admitted, although several Republicans protested against their votes being considered a precedent.

The Senate committee on naval affairs agreed to report a bill, reducing the salaries of the highest naval officers 20, intermediate grades 15, and in the lowest 10 per cent., and abolishing naval agencies and store keepers, and hemp and live oak agencies, these duties to be henceforth performed by regular navy officers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

Herald’s Correspondence.

The roads on both sides of the Potomac were getting into good condition rapidly, until a rain storm set in this evening, which has again rendered tem almost impassable for loaded teams.

A report that Gen. Sickles was shot at in his camp to-day is quite current this evening.  It is disbelieved.

Special to the Tribune.

A vote will probably be reached in the case of Benj. Stark, applicant for the seat of a Senator from Oregon, to-morrow or next day.  The first question will be upon the amendment of Sen. Sumner, which in effect, declares that Stark is charged by affidavits and otherwise, with disloyalty, and is not entitled to his seat until the truth of these charges shall have been investigated.  Should this amendment be voted down, Mr. Stark will be admitted to his seat.  Should it be adopted, a fair question upon the sufficiency of the evidence of disloyalty will remain.  The vote upon Mr. Sumner’s amendment will be a close one, but there is reason to fear that it will be defeated.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The following is a copy of the bill, as passed, authorizing the issue of certificates of indebtedness to public creditors:

Be it enacted, etc., That the Secretary of the Treasury be and hereby is ordered to cause to be issued to any public creditor, who may be desirous to receive the same, upon requisition of the head of the proper Department, in satisfaction of audited and settled demands against the U. S. certificates for the whole amount due or parts thereof.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.

The nomination of Gen. Grant as Major General was sent into the Senate to-day.  He will be confirmed.

President Lincoln’s boy, William, is still in a critical condition.

The bill which the territorial committees of both houses are maturing, will organize the rebel country into free territories, on the principle that by rebellion these States committed suicide, and that with them their local laws and peculiar institutions have died.

Congress has passed a joint resolution directing Commissioner French to illuminate the public buildings in honor of the recent victories.

Saturday evening an illumination of private dwellings will probably be requested as a means of distinguishing loyal from disloyal citizens.

In a speech in Stark’s case, Mr. Carlisle of Va., to-day foreshadowed a pro-slavery policy in the treatment of the rebel states saying that the Senate must receive persons duly accredited hereafter, by the Legislature of Missouri, even if they have been in arms against the government.  It is coming to be generally hoped that Carlisle will be obliged this to give his seat back to Mason.

Secretary Stanton has recently said that the victory of Fort Donelson is due to Gen. Halleck, who planned, to the President, who recognized, and to Gen. Grant, who executed the campaign.

N. L. Wilson, President of the Marietta and Cincinnati R. R., is here, and says that the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. will be open within thirty days.

Very few private flags have been displayed in Washington for our late victories.

An order was issued to-day, at the request of the entire Indiana delegation, terminating the furlough under which Capt. Hazzard, of the army, was allowed to serve as Col. Of the 37th Ind. Vols.  He is charged with tyranny to his troops.

Schuyler Colfax has sent $100 to Quartermaster Pierce, at Paducah, to be expended in the relief of soldiers wounded at the attack on Donelson.

Capt. Craven, in command of the Tuscarora, is not like the other captains who have pursued rebel privateers.  If he catches the Nashville, he will blow her out of water, avoiding capture if possible.

A subscription is on foot at Alexandria, among the women, for the purchase of a flag to be presented to Farnsworth’s Illinois Cavalry Regiment.

The bill reported from the naval committee of the House, framed after consultation with Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox, provides for the grades of naval officers, viz: Five flag officers, eighteen commodores, thirty-six captains, seventy-two commanders, one hundred and forty-four lieutenants and masters.  Boards to recommend for promotion or retirement.  Flag officers to be appointed only if they shall have received the thanks of Congress, and upon the President’s recommendation for services in battle.

Senator Harris introduced a bill to-day, making rebels outlaws, so far as civil rights are concerned: the fact of plaintiff’s treason to be a complete defense in bar of any action.

Mr. Trumbull’s confiscation bill is the special order of the Senate to-morrow.

Gen. Grant will not be confirmed as Maj. Gen. until his official report of the battle has been received.

The Senate District of Columbia committee, to-day summoned a number of witnesses to investigate the truth of the allegations in deputy jailor Dupall’s letter, relative to barbarities practiced within the jail, on an alleged fugitive slave.

Col. McConnel, of the inchoate and considerably mythical Third Maryland regiment of Vols., has at last been mustered out of service.  Upon evidence that recruiting was going on in Philadelphia to fill up the ranks of the loyal Virginia brigade being raised by John C. Underwood, and order was issued to-day breaking up the organization.

Tribune’s Correspondence.

Gen. Lander’s resignation has not been received here, and people who know his impatience for a fight pray it may not come.

Little has been said of the prize money earned by the crews of our blockading squadron, but the amount cannot be small.  The share due to Commander Alden, of the North Carolina, which made so many captures in the gulf, is over $100,000.  Nineteen times that sum is to be divided among his officers and men.

Gen. Grant was nominated as Major General to-day.  The Senate, which has since had no executive session, will not confirm until the official reports are received.

The House committee on territories will soon report a bill organizing Arizona as a free territory.  The Wilmot Proviso will probably be part of the bill.

Mr. S. A. Allen has been appointed as an agent to accompany our forces into Tennessee to take charge of the cotton crop in behalf of the Government.

Times Dispatch.

Andy Johnson will probably proceed to Nashville, as soon as Gen. Buell’s army take possession of that city, and assist in organizing a provisional government for Tennessee.  The people there are panting for freedom and resumption of their connection with the Union.  They will probably send a full delegation of loyal men to Congress by the last of March.

The President to-day nominated Colonel Garfield, of Ohio, Brigadier General, in compliment for his thrashing Humphrey Marshall.

The war Department has proofs, which are considered conclusive, that young Walworth is a spy.

WASHINGTON, February 19.

Gen. U. S. Grant, the hero of Fort Donelson, has just been unanimously confirmed by the Senate as Major General, an honor conferred in testimony of his gallant conduct in battle.

The reading the Tax Bill will be commenced in the Ways and Means committee to-morrow.  The Bill will not be printed till ordered by the House of Representatives.

In the House of Representatives this afternoon Representative Wickliffe, of Ky., announced the capture of Gen. Price and his army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.

SENATE. – Mr. Wilson, of Mass., from the military committee, reported back to the joint resolution from the House, relative to certain railroads in Missouri.  The resolution authorizes the Secretary of War to pay certain railroads in Missouri for transportation.  Pending the consideration of the question, a message was received from the House, asking a return of the resolution, which was done.

Mr. Harris, moved to print the bill offered by him.  He said the bill was founded on the English principle of outlawing, provides for the forfeiture of the rights and privileges under the laws of those who take up arms against the United States.  Ordered to be printed.

The case of Mr. Stark, or Oregon, was taken up.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

A Democratic Address at last.

(From the N. Y. Post)

After a month’s labor Vallandigham (whose name is blessed, they tell us, south of the Potomac) has persuaded thirteen other members of Congress to join him in his Sisyphean labor of rolling the “Democratic” stone to the top of the hill.  He has succeeded in getting the National Intelligencer to publish two columns of antiquated political gabble which he calls a “Democratic Address.”  Three Representatives from Illinois, five from Ohio, two from Indiana and two from Pennsylvania, assist in the ungracious service, but strange to say, Powell of Kentucky, whom his colleagues recently tried to expel from the Senate for treason, Starke of Oregon who is about to be expelled for the same reason, and Wood of New York, whose newspapers [sic] was stopped because its chief supporters had enlisted in the secession ranks, though all good ‘Democrats,’ do not sign the document.  Their names are perhaps reserved from the motives of prudence, “to be annexed to the pamphlet,” or private edition of the address which is announced.

Other “Democratic” names would have been added, also, but for the military exigencies which now control the country.  Their bearers are engaged in the Southern army, fighting the soldiers of the Union, and have neither time nor opportunity to join their colleagues in this agreeable duty.  Mr. Jefferson Davis, President of the rebel Confederacy, is one of these “Democrats” who would have been delighted to put his name at the head of the list.  Messrs. Mason and Slidell, who are now abroad engaged in a painful effort to get the monarchies of the old world to make war on the republic, will be dreadfully chagrined not to have been able to co-operate with their old friends.  The eleven ‘Democratic’ Governors of States in open rebellion, who are furnishing Beauregard with ammunition and men, and urging Johnston and Lee to kill our brave brothers on the Peninsula with torpedoes and infernal machines, if they cannot be met in fair and manly battle, would doubtless have taken part in conclaves by which the Address was prepared, but that the roads are obstructed and somewhat complicated.  Major-General Gustavus W. Smith was unhappily prevented from participating by the stubbornness of McDowell, and the gallant General Lovell was too much occupied by the inconsiderate movements of Captains Farragut and Porter at New Orleans.

A pensive tone of despondency pervades the address in consequence of the absence of these powerful coadjutors.  But the most delicate regard for their feelings is shown.  Not a word is said in denunciation of the hideous rebellion of which they are masters and leaders. – A stranger to public affairs, on reading it, would learn that the republic was in the midst of a gigantic effort to save its own life from destruction by parricidal hands, only by rebukes administered to the Government which is making the effort.  The plot to overthrow the republic is nothing, but the energy which strives to defeat the plot is tyranny and wrong.  An infamous revolt against the established order, which arrests the [prosperity] of thirty millions of people, which plunges them into an abyss of bankruptcy and ruin, which has robbed the nation [of] the flower of its youth, and desolated thousands of once happy homes, does not provoke a single phrase of reprobation but the few acts of a loyal administration which may have leaped the doubtful boundaries of the law in a strenuous endeavor to rescue the nation, are branded as despotism.  The men who have not only violated the Constitution, but who have taken up arms to annul the Constitution, are suffered to pass in silence or under the gentle pseudonym of fellow citizens while the defenders of the Constitution, in a time of unexampled embarrassment and peril, are sneeringly berated as enemies of the republic, who would undermine its liberties and overthrow the barriers of Constitutional government.

It is consistent with the other conduct of this squad of fourteen, that while they spare the sensibilities of their absent co-workers, and make no allowances for the extremities in which the government has been placed, they should refrain from all allusion to the noble men who are periling their lives on land and sea in their country’s defense.  They can indulge without stint in laudations of humdrum political parties at home, dwell with beaming complacency on the tap rooms won and the polls carried by assault, exhaust the vocabulary of rhetoric in recounting the sixty years of Democratic electioneering triumphs, but for the glorious deeds of the rebel Democrats of the land – at Mill Spring, Carthage, Henry, Donelson, Pea Ridge, Hilton Head, Pulaski, Roanoke, Newbern, New Orleans, Shiloh and Williamsburg – they find no tongue Ellsworth and Baker, and Winthrop and Lyon, Wallace and Peabody, and a hundred others, might dwindle into utter forgetfulness for all that they say, and the armies of Halleck and McClellan, Banks, Hunter, Curtis, Fremont, Butler and McDowell, now drawing the last folds over the face of dying Rebellion, might perish where they stand, without a voice of sympathy or cheer from these model representatives of Democracy.  Their eyes are so intently fixed upon the reconstruction of the battered machinery which formerly carried them into political power that they cannot see the tremendous conflict which is waged under their very eyebrows.

This self chosen committee talk volubly of the constitution, of the rights of the States, of popular supremacy, of economy and reform of national banks and of protective tariffs, which were in former years the shibboleths of party organization but they use the words as a blind for the defense of human slavery.  The sum and substance of their address is, without all disguise that slavery shall forever rule the Republic.  All their babble of constitutional obligation and State rights has this meaning and no more unwarned by the events of the war, they fondly imagine that the people will go back to the times and issues which preceded the war they dream that our stupendous civil struggle has no significance, that our losses, our expenditures, our trials and our sorrows have taught us nothing and that slavery which has been the cause of them all, may yet go forth conquering and to conquer, just as it did before six hundred thousand patriots took up arms to repel and punish its insolent pretensions.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 1

First Session - 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 6., - HOUSE. – The resolution declaring F. F. Lowe not entitled to a seat from California, was adopted.

The Pacific Railroad and Telegraph bill was then passed by a majority of 30.

The Virginia contested election case came up and a resolution was passed admitting Mr. Segur to a seat from the 1st District.

The Nebraska contested seat was taken up.


SENATE. – A general debate ensued in referring to confiscation bill to a special committee.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee on Finance, reported the tax bill with amendments.

Mr. McDOUGAL offered a substitute therefore, embodying the views of the Board of Trade of Boston and the Chamber of commerce of New York on the subject.

On Motion of Mr. SUMNER, 3,000 copies were ordered to be printed.

Mr. SIMMONS expressed dissent from some features of the bill, as reported.

The confiscation bill was resumed, and after debate, Mr. CLARK’S motion to refer it to a special committee of nine was agreed to, 24 against 14.

Executive session – adjourned.


WASHINGTON, May 7. – SENATE – Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Starke of Oregon.

Mr. KENNEDY, presented petitions from the citizens of Maryland asking for the immediate repeal of the law abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia and the determent of the fugitive slave law. Also a petition of W. R. Bowen asking for compensation for a slave who was appropriated to the military service of the Government.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee on Finance, reported a bill making appropriations to reimburse the sinking fund of the officers of the Secretary of the Treasury, and for temporary clerks of 1856. Passed. Also the House bill to provide for the deficiency for payment of troops in the Western Department. The bill appropriates over $30,000,000.

Mr. GRIMES asked how many men were in the army.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass., thought that there was from 500,000 to 520,000. He could not say exactly.

Mr. TRUMBULL thought it rather hasty legislation to attempt to pass a bill like this. It would be better to wait till the bill was printed.

Mr. FESSENDEN said the bill was printed and had been on the table three weeks.

Mr. TRUMBULL said it was the House bill that was on the table and that the bill just reported was from the Committee this morning. – He thought we ought not to appropriate the people’s money carelessly.

Mr. FESSENDEN said this was the manner of appropriating which had long been pursued. The Finance Committee could not know all things. How many men were in the army, the Department cannot tell exactly. No more of the appropriation will be used than is absolutely needed, and it is a perfectly safe way of making the appropriation. If the Senator was so careful he would examine into these facts. There was no foundation for anything like a general splurge against the Finance Committee for carelessness in making appropriations.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass., claimed that it was absolutely impossible for the Department to keep a strict account of the exact number in the army regiments. They were continually changing and loosing men by disease, &c., and the Department cannot at any moment tell the precise number.

Mr. GRIMES thought if the officers of the army were obliged to make proper returns promptly this difficulty would be obviated. The bill was laid over.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee of Finance also reported the House bill to provide increased revenue. Passed.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass. Sent to the Clerk’s desk dispatches from Gen. McClellan concerning the occupation of Williamsburg, also a dispatch from Gen. Hortsuff.

Mr. FESSENDEN offered a resolution that the Committee of Commerce inquire whether any legislation is necessary in relation to vessel belonging to loyal citizens heretofore which had been seized and confiscated by the rebels and recaptured at New Orleans and other places. – Adopted.

Mr. SAULSBURY objected to its present consideration, and Mr. Sumner’s resolution to expel Mr. Stark. It was laid over.

Mr. McDOUGAL from the Naval Committee reported a bill fro the relief of Capt. D G. Farrugat [sic]. The bill authorizes the payment of advances made by him while in California. It passed.

A committee from the House appeared and impeached Judge Humphreys of Tennessee.

The President said the Senate would take proper order in the premises.

The Senate disagreed to the House amendments to the Georgia Railroad, and a committee of Conference was appointed.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., introduced a bill from the appointment of military store-keepers.

The bill to limit the number of Brigadier and Major Generals, was debated without action

The following is the Select Committee on the Confiscation bill: Clarke, chairman, Collamer, Harlan, Cowan, Wilson, Harris, Herman, Henderson and Willey. Adjourned.


HOUSE. – The Secretary in response to a resolution of the House calling for regimental and brigade reports of the battle of Shiloh, says that Gen. Grant’s is the only one received up to the 2d inst.

The Speaker has appointed Representatives Bingham and Pendleton to present to the Senate the thumping impeachment question alluded to yesterday in the reports of the House Proceedings.

Mr. ELLIOT, from the committee on Commerce, reported a bill establishing a port of entry and delivery in the collection district of Beaufort, South Carolina, at or near Hilton Head, to be called the Port of Port Royal, providing for the appointment of a Collector at a salary of $1,500 per annum, and for weighers, guagers, &c.

Mr. ELLIOT remarked that a letter from the Secretary had been sent to the committee stating the importance of this measure. The bill passed.

Mr. CRISFIELD ceased to be read the resolution of the Maryland legislature, appropriating $10,000 for the relief of the families of those of the Massachusetts 6th, who suffered by the 19th of April riot in Baltimore, and the responses of the Massachusetts Legislature, in acknowledgement of the generous sympathies, and kind fraternal feelings they exhibited, which should always prevail among the States of the Union.

Mr. CRISFIELD said the proceedings afforded some sign of a restoration of peaceful relations while we were receiving accounts of the glorious success of our arms.

The House resumed the consideration of the Nebraska contested election case.

Considerable debate ensued, participated in by Mr. Morton, the contestant, who argued his right to the seat now held by Mr. Daily.

Mr. DAILY supported his claim to the seat.

Both parties contended that the other had resorted to fraudulent voting.

Mr. DAWES replied to Mr. Voorhees speech of yesterday.

Mr. WASHBURNE moved to table the whole subject. Carried, 64 to [38]. This vote retains Daily in his seat. Adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 3