Correspondence of the N. Y. Tribune

The difficulty in Gen. Lane’s case arises from the fact that he is almost the junior Brigadier General, and in a department commanded by a superior officer, and that to give him a separate command wound involve the necessity of manufacturing a lot of senior Colonels into Brigadier Generals for his especial necessities.

The difficulties in Col. Berdan’s regiment will be settled by a removal of the Colonel, the arming of the men with Colt’s rifles and revolvers, and sending them to the front.

The Senate committee on foreign affairs had Mexican matters under consideration for two hours this morning; no conclusion was reached. New interest has been awakened by the new victory at National Bridge, and the friends of Mexico are sanguine that some one of the plans for her assistance by the U. S. will be adopted.

Senator Latham is preparing a report from the military committee, authorizing a survey to establish telegraph communication from San Francisco, via Behring Straits, to the mouth of the Amoor river. The measure will be pressed on Congress with urgency.

Senator Harris, from the Judiciary committee, made to-day a resolution, that Mr. Stark of Oregon is entitled to his seat, because the senate has no power to investigate the question of loyalty until he has taken his seat.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 22.

The Select Committee, to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Stark, of Oregon, reported to-day that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to this that he was an ardent advocate of the rebel cause, and after the formation of the rebel constitution openly declared his admirations for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.

A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.

Gen. Wadsworth, the military Governor, has issued an order requiring all farm stock in Prince William, Loudon, Alexandria and Fairfax counties, Va., to be confined and carefully guarded, the destruction of the fences rendering this measure necessary for the cultivation of the land.

The oath of allegiance has been administered to Mansfield S. Walworth, Saratoga county, N. Y., a political prisoner at the old capital prison. He also gave his parole of honor that he would not aid the rebels in any manner.

The Secretary of the Treasury has directed all public treasurers and depositaries to receive no more temporary deposits at rates of interest exceeding four per cent.

Richmond papers of yesterday contain telegraph reports of the landing of our forces near Elizabeth City, N. C., and an engagement at that point. They admit that their forces retired to Dismal Swamp Canal, with the loss of thirty-eight killed and wounded, and say the Federal loss was heavy. They notice the occupation of Fredericksburg, and complain of the withdrawal of their troops, which were in force there, without a contest.

The general commanding at the Warrick Creek fight, whose reported condition on that occasion called forth representative Morrill’s resolution empowering the President to cashier drunken officers is said to be Wm. F. Smith. It is said that he fell from his horse twice, smearing his clothes and face with mud.

Mr. Morrill said that the two companies of Green Mountain Boys stood in the marsh fifty minutes without support or permission to retire.

Most of the friends of Mr. Bingham’s confiscation bill feel sanguine that the house will pass it, under the previous question to-morrow. It is believed the vote will be a rather close one.


Tribune’s Dispatch.

Several Vessels of the river flotilla have been up the Rappahannock, some of them as far as Fredericksburg. About nine miles above Tappahannock schooners had been sunk to obstruct the river, but Commander Wyman, in the Yankee, with his consorts pushed their way through. At one point the boats were fired upon by musketry. – No one on board was injured. Twelve or thirteen vessels, two of them steamers, were found in the creeks, and were seized and brought down stream. The river is now considered open for navigation, and timber for re-building the bridges burned by the rebels, will soon reach Falmouth.

Nothing is heard of the rebel force, but it is believed to be in force not far back of Fredericksburg.

The finance committee of the Senate has done with the machinery sections of the tax bill, having made such amendments as in its judgment were calculated to perfect the system adopted by the House. An effort was made to raise the tax on whisky and other distilled spirits to 25 cts. A gallon, but the committee retained it at 15 cts. The committee decides to impose some change on stock on hand on the 30th of June, when the act is to go into operation, but left it to a sub committee to decide how much it should be. The tax on beer and other fermented liquors will be $2 a barrel instead of $1. No other noteworthy changes have yet been made.

Chas. A. Dana, of N. Y., has been appointed, by Secretary Stanton, one of the commissioners to investigate the war accounts at Cairo.

Prof. Bache and Mr. Westervelt have declined to serve on the Board appointed to examine the Stevens battery.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 21.

SENATE. – The debate on the resolution relative to Brig. Gen. Stone continued at great length, when Mr. McDougal accepted Mr. Wilson’s resolution in place of his own, calling on the President if not incompatible with the public interest, for all the information relative to the arrest and imprisonment of Brig. Gen. Stone, which then passed.

The confiscation bill was then taken up. Executive session adjourned.


HOUSE. – Mr. Diren’s resolution requiring the Attorney General to bring suit against Gen. Fremont, was tabled.

Mr. McPherson presented a resolution in Favor of the establishment of a professorship of German in the West Point Military Academy, on the ground of the value of the study of its practical utility in view of the number of Germans in the army, and in the richness of German literature in military science.

The resolution of Mr. Aldriep, instructing the judiciary committee to report back the bill for the trial and punishment of military officers charged with swindling was passed. Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 22.

SENATE. – Several petitions from emancipation and a bankrupt law were presented.

Mr. Clark, from the select committee on the case of Stark, of Oregon, made a report, weather adverse or not was not stated.

Mr. Anthony presented a resolution calling on the President for copies of all orders of the commanding Generals, instructions, etc., given to Gen. Sherman, lately commanding the South Carolina department. – Mr. Anthony believed that the credit of taking Ft. Pulaski belonged to Gen. Sherman. The correspondence would show that he had discharged all the duties required of him. If Savannah had not been taken, it was not because he had not acted in accordance with orders.

The bill for the establishment of a department of agriculture was taken up, and the substitute of Mr. Wright for the bill was rejected.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 23, 1862, p. 1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 18. – HOUSE – Mr. ALDRICH reported a bill providing for the examination of claims for Indian depredations in New Mexico.

The House went into committee of the whole on the Pacific Railroad bill.

Mr. SHEFFIELD opposed the bill.

The committee rose, and the further consideration of the bill was postponed till Monday week. Several private bills were passed.

Adjourned till Monday.


WASHINGTON, April 21. – HOUSE – Mr. EDWARDS introduced a bill making appropriation for destitute widows and heirs of volunteers who have died, been killed, or may be killed in the service. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. ELLIOTT offered a motion that the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to communicate a statement of expenditures of money in the Department of the West.

Mr. BLAKE offered a motion that the Secretary of War be directed to cause the necessary blank forms to be distributed among the sick and wounded soldiers and their relatives, in order that they may obtain the back pay and bounty due to said soldiers.

Mr. COX, of Ohio, submitted the following: Resolved, that the Secretary of War inform the House of the following facts. 1st. What has delayed the reply to the resolution of this House calling for information as to the age, sex, condition, &c., of the Africans moved in Gen. Wool’s Department, and what number of slaves has been brought into this district by the army officers or other agents of the Government from the State of Virginia since the enemy abandoned the possession of Manassas and their lines on the Potomac. 3d. What number of fugitives from Maryland and Virginia are now in the city of Washington, their sex, and probable ages; what number is now and has been sent to Frederick, Maryland. 5th. How many are now fed and supported by the United States; by what authority were both old and young, male and female, sent by rail to Philadelphia, and at whose expense, and the proposes for which they were sent. If the Secretary has not the means to answer the enquiries to take the necessary steps to obtain the information.

On motion of Mr. LOVEJOY the resolution was tabled by a vote of 65 against 31. The Republicans generally voting in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. PORTER, a resolution was adopted instructing the Committee on Invalid Pensions to report a bill providing pensions for disable soldiers of the present war.

The House reconsidered the vote by which the resolution was today adopted calling for the expenditures of the Western Department, and then rejected it.

Mr. DIVIN’S resolution requesting the Attorney General to bring suit against Gen. Fremont and Mr. [Bard] to recover money obtained on the order of Fremont, was taken up.

Mr. DIVEN continued The extravagance of the expenditures in the St. Louis fortifications; the money having been drawn without any form of law.

Mr. COLFAX disapproved of the St. Louis contracts, but the circumstances under which they were undertaken offered an extenuation for them. Why did gentlemen wait until General Fremont was in the face of the enemy before their [malignity] pursued him – why not wait until the end of the war instead of so acting as to cause him to lose the confidence of his army in front of the foe.

Mr. BLAIR replied to Mr. Colfax, that St. Louis never was in danger excepting from Gen. Fremont who brought there a gang of Californians to the prejudice of the good name of the people of Missouri. He was partly influential in placing Gen. Fremont in command in the west, but he had suffered for it and he hoped he would be pardoned.


SENATE. – The President pro. tem. presented petitions in favor of the bankrupt law; also in favor of a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

Mr. LANE, of Indiana, presented a petition from the free colored [citizens] of the Untied States, praying for setting aside portions of the territory outside of the National lines, for their colonization and maintenance in Central America.

The memorial was respectful and deserving of the attention of Congress. He desired it should be read and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, which was agreed to.

Mr. LANE said while he did not believe that free colored people where entitled to all the rights or privileges of white citizens of the U. S., nevertheless favored their just right to petition, a right awarded even among the most despotic Governments of Europe. It was evident that slaves were freed, and by our armies. – Something must be done with them and emancipation, an apprenticeship or other measures adopted for them. It is not in accordance with the genius of our institutions, that these people should be returned to slavery. He alluded to the great bloodless and moral triumph of freedom in the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, as fully equal to the armies by the chivalric and brave sons of the west.

Messrs. HOWE and HOWARD presented memorials from the citizens of Wisconsin and Michigan praying for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river.

Mr. DOOLITTLE presented a joint resolution from the Wisconsin Legislature, tendering to the President of the United States an approval of his course. He said these resolutions passed almost unanimously.

The resolutions were received, and the House resolution for supplying the Smithsonian Institute with a copy of Wilkes’ expedition was taken up.

Mr. HALE supposed they would pass the resolution and have the books sent to the Smithsonian Institute, as the two most gigantic humbugs ought to go together.

Mr. DOOLITTLE spoke in favor of the resolution in regard to Brig. Gen. Stone.

Mr. WADE replied to him.

Mr. POWELL offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the names of all persons residents of the State of Kentucky who have been arrested by his order and confined in forts and camps as prisoners since the first of September, also the number and age of those who has been released, and the number, name and ages of those retained.

Mr. SUMNER objected and the resolution lies over under the rule.

The resolution calling for information in relation to the arrest of Brig. Gen. Stone was then taken up.


WASHINGTON, April 21 – SENATE. – The debate continued at great length, when Mr. McDOUGAL accepted Mr. WILSON’S resolution in place of his own, calling on the President, if not incompatible with the public interest, for all the information relative to the arrest and imprisonment of Brig. Gen. Stone, which then passed.

The confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. DAVIS obtained the floor.

Executive session – adjourned.


HOUSE – Mr. DIVIN’S resolution was tabled.

The resolution of Mr. ALDRICH instruction the Judiciary Committee to report back the bill for the trial and punishment of military officers charged with swindling, was passed.

Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 22 – SENATE. – Several petitions for emancipation and bankrupt law were presented.

Mr. CLARK, from the Select Committee on the case of Senator Stark of Oregon, made a report, but whether adverse or not was not stated. Ordered to be printed.

Mr. ANTHONY presented a resolution calling on the President for copies of all orders of the commanding general’s instructions, &c., given to Gen. Sherman, lately commanding the S. C. Department. Mr. Anthony said the credit of Fort Pulaski belonged to Gen. Sherman, and he believed that the correspondence could or would show that he had discharged all the duties required of him. If Savannah had not been taken it was because he had acted in accordance with [orders]. He didn’t desire to deprive the North of anything.

The bill for the establishment of the department of Agriculture was taken up and the substitute of Mr. Wright for the bill was rejected.

Mr. FOOTE moved to amend the bill by a substituted providing for a statistical and agricultural Bureau.

Pending a vote the bill to confiscate the property and free the slaves of rebels was taken up.

Mr. DAWES objected.


HOUSE. – Mr. McPHERSON presented a petition in favor of the establishment of a Professorship of German in the West Point military Academy on the ground of the value of the study and its practical utility, in view of the number of Germans in the army and the richness of German literature in military science.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 4

First Session – 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 22. – HOUSE – On motion of Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, it was resolved that the President should be requested to strike from the rolls, the name of any army officer has been known to be habitually intoxicated by the use of spirituous liquors, while in the service.

Mr. MORRILL stated that he had been assured that the commanding General who failed to reinforce the two Vermont companies who suffered severely at Yorktown, was drunk and had fallen off his horse into the mud.

Mr. Morrill was asked for, but declined to give the name of the General.

An unsuccessful effort was made to lay the fifteen or sixteen confiscation bills on the table, but the motion to do so was lost , by yeas 39, nays 60.

Mr. BINGHAM’S substitute, providing for the capture and condemnation of the enemy’s property, and to indemnify the United States for expenses incurred in the suppression of the rebellion was agreed to, 62 against 48, and the House adjourned.


SENATE – Mr. DAVIS spoke two and a half hours against the bill without concluding, when there was an Executive session, and then Senate adjourned.

The select committee to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Starke [sic], of Oregon, reported, to-day, that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to November he was an ardent advocate of the rebellion, and after the formation of the Rebel constitution, openly declared his admiration for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.

It subsequently appeared that the committee found that Senator Starke is disloyal to the government of the United States.

A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.


WASHINGTON, April 23 – SENATE – Mr. TRUMBULL presented a petition from W. C. Jewett for a defensive stand still policy at Yorktown to secure a reserve force of 250,000 men.

Mr. TRUMBULL from the Judiciary Committee reported a resolution in relation to the pay of the first Senators and Representatives from the State of Minnesota, which was passed.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Military Committee inquire if any General in the army before Yorktown had exhibited himself drunk in the face of the enemy, and if any measures had been taken for the trial and punishment of such officer.

Mr. SUMNER suggested the subject be referred to the Committee on the Conduct of the War.

Mr. HALE referred to the statement of Mr. Morrill in the House yesterday, and stated that he thought it high time some notice should be taken of these things. If officers thus leave brave men to be slaughtered like beasts, no punishment is too great for them.

Mr. FOSTER said the Senate had not taken high ground enough. The Senate should never have confirmed men known to be intemperate. It becomes us to weed our garden first and correct our laxity and he was pained to say criminality in this respect.

Mr. FOOTE said that the General referred to has not been confirmed.

Mr. HALE said that the Senate had not taken high ground enough, but if officers were so drunk that they could not sit on their horses he tho’t some notice ought to be taken of it. The resolution was adopted.

Mr. DAVIS introduced a bill prescribing an additional oath for Grand and Petit Jurors in the United States Court.

The bill recognizing the independence of Hayti [sic] and Liberia, and the appointment of a diplomatic representation was taken up.

Mr. SUMNER said thus far our Government friendly to new Governments, had turned aside from these nations. He thought that it was time to put an end to this, an anamoly [sic] in history.

Mr. SUMNER continued his speech in favor of the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, and concluded by saying, by recognizing these two nations we only tardily follow the example of the principal nations of the world.

The bill was then postponed until to-morrow and the confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. DAVIS resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill. He said that he had already detained the Senate at some length on this question, but he considered that in the importance of its effect the bill had no parallel. He contended that Congress had no right to pass such a bill under the war power.


HOUSE – The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill which was pending when the adjournment took place yesterday and upon which the main question had been ordered – the bill was tabled by a vote of 54 against 48.

The next bill taken up was to facilitate the suppression of the rebellion and prevent the recurrence of the same. It authorizes the President to direct our Generals to declare the slaves of rebels free, and pledges the faith of the United States to make full and fair compensation to loyal men who have actively supported the Union, for any losses they may sustain by virtue of this bill.

Mr. OLIN understood that the committee on Judiciary had agreed substantially that none of the confiscation bills referred to them ought to pass.

Mr. THOMAS of Mass., remarked that the committee recommended that none of the confiscation bills pass.

Mr. OLIN said that the disposition of the House and the country was that there should be some legislation on the subject; as the Judiciary committee could not agree on the matter, he proposed that a select committee of seven be appointed to take the subject into consideration, such a committee being [untrammeled] the House might anticipate a proper measure of legislation.

Mr. DUNN was glad to hear Mr. Olin’s suggestion. The subject of confiscating Rebel property, was one of the most difficult questions before congress, and the decision of which was involved the restoration of the Government to is former state of prosperity. He congratulated the House and country, that this morning, there had been laid upon the table, a bill which if it had been passed would have disgraced the civilization of this age. (Exclamations on the Democratic side of “good,” “good;” “that’s so.”) It was a bill which, at one fell swoop, would have impoverished the people generally – from old age down to innocent childhood.


WASHINGTON, April 23. – HOUSE – Mr. COLFAX advocated the appointment of a Select Committee.

Mr. DUNN was opposed to a sweeping confiscation bill. He wanted a distinction made against leaders.

Mr. BINGHAM maintained the propriety of a law to punish all who willfully rebel by depriving them of their property.

Mr. LEHMAN was opposed to confiscation bills. He looked on the march of our armies as the proper mode of suppressing the rebellion and re-establishing the Constitution.

Mr. HICKMAN claimed that the Constitution gave the President ample power without Congressional action.

Mr. Crittenden was against all confiscation measures which would tend to exasperate the war and postpone the time of putting down the rebellion.

After further debate, without action the House adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. SHERMAN offered an amendment specifying persons to whom confiscation should apply, including those who may hereafter hold office under the rebels.


WASHINGTON, April 24. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALANDIGHAM offered a resolution requesting the President to transmit to the House, if not compatible with the public interest, copies of the correspondence between the French and Unites States Governments, as may have been received within the last two months, relative to the present troubles in America. Referred to the committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ALDRICH from the committee on Indian Affairs, reported a bill authorizing a treaty to be made with the Indians of Utah, with a view to purchasing lands.

Also a bill authorizing a treaty with the Nevajoe [sic] Indians, of New Mexico, defining their limits and extinguishing their titles to lands outside of the United States. Referred to the committee of the Whole.

The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bills from yesterday.

Mr. LOVEJOY, said that while this government is engaged in a serious war to put down the rebellion, it was seen this unnatural and parricidal insurrection has sympathizers and advocates on this floor. Those who defend slavery are the defenders of the rebellion, for slavery and rebellion are synonymous. They are unchangeable terms. Wherever slavery is there is rebellion. It is the corner stone, pillar and support. He took the position that either slavery or the Republic must perish. He would tell the gentleman from Kentucky, (Crittenden,) and all other advocates and defenders of the system, and those who cry themselves hoarse, in attempting to throw the protection of the Constitution around it, that it is the desire of the Republic that it should cease to exist. – There is no city of refuge for it. Like an infernal assassin, it has its knife drawn, and is endeavoring to strike it at the heart of the Republic. We are bound to strike the monster, and gentlemen need not cry the Constitution for its defence [sic]. It shall be said, “be slain in the name of my country and my God.”

He denied that slavery has any quarter or recognition in the Constitution. He argued that it was their right duty to destroy slavery because slavery is destroying or will destroy the Republic. He was in favor of the restoration of the Union with the right to stand on the American soil anywhere and proclaim his sentiments. He wanted to stand anywhere on American soil without the enforcement of a despotism to make him hold his tongue. He wanted to speak in South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana, without the fear of lynching or a coat of tar and feathers. The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Crittenden) asked what would four millions of slaves do turned loose. This term was used as if the slaves were wild beasts. Now he (Mr. Lovejoy) had this to say: At present he let them alone to take care of themselves, which they were abundantly able to do. The slaveholders had better turn their attention to another point, namely: What will they do when they cease to live on the unrequieted sweat and toil of slaves? He denied that he and his friends want to make this an antislavery war, but the only way to put down the rebellion and restore the Union was to destroy slavery.

Mr. ROSCOE CONKILING expressed himself in favor of the confiscation bill, to amplify the punishment of treason. He wanted to punish the ring leaders of the rebellion, and have reimbursement of the expenses incurred in suppression the rebellion. The subject was referred to a select of seven.

The House went into committee of the Whole, and took up the bill making appropriations for bounties to widows, and the legal heirs of Volunteers.

Mr. ROLLINS, of Missouri, made a speech against the Rebellion, and complimented Mr. Lincoln for his efforts in behalf of the Union. He was opposed to any and all extreme measures and for prosecuting the war on the principle laid down at the extra session, that when the supremacy of the Constitution and Laws are established the war ought to cease.


SENATE.

A communication was received from the War Department, transmitting copies of contracts made by that Department, for 1861.

Mr. GRIMES presented 420 petitions from beer and malt liquor manufacturers, asking fro a reduction in the proposed tax on beer and malt liquors.

Mr. BROWNING presented similar petitions.

Mr. POWELL moved to take up the resolution offered by him concerning the arrest of civilians in Kentucky, &c.

Mr. SUMNER opposed taking the resolution as independent.

Mr. POWELL did not see why the Senator should make any opposition to the resolution. It simply asked how many citizens of the free States have been dragged from their homes without warrant of law and called on tyrants and usurpers to know where they are and what their names are.

They are free white men, if they had been negroes the Senator from Massachusetts would make no opposition to the resolution. He (Sumner) was extremely pained about the wrongs of the negro but white men had some rights, and he wanted the Secretary to tell us why and what for these men were thus unlawfully dragged to prison without any charge of crime being bro’t against them.

Mr. SUMNER said the Senator from Kentucky had made an inflammatory speech and had called a high officer of the Government a tyrant and usurper. In the event of the resolution being taken up, the whole question must be gone into. If the Secretary of War was a tyrant and usurper, there were men arrested who were traitors.

Mr. POWELL (in his seat). Who are they? Name them.

MR. POWELL said that some of the men who have been arrested are as loyal as the Senator from Massachusetts (Sumner). He defied the Senator to point out any law by which the Secretary of State can carry off citizens of Kentucky and imprison them in the forts of Massachusetts and New York.

The bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, being the special order was taken up.

Mr. DAVIS moved to substitute, authorizing the President to appoint a Consul to Liberia and a Consul to Hayti, with power to negotiate treaties. He was opposed to sending any ambassadors to those countries. If they send ministers here, and send a full blooded negro, he could demand to be received on equal terms with white men. He knew that a big negro fellow was admitted to the Court of France as Minister from Hayti, but he (Davis) wanted no such exhibition. He was sick and disgusted with the subject of slavery in the Senate.

Mr. SUMNER said the senate would bear him witness that he had said nothing about slavery on this bill, the Senator from Kentucky did that. The Senator from Kentucky might banish all fear of any social difficulty. He (Sumner) was sure that no representative from Hayti would ever force himself where he was not wanted. He said the Committee had come to the conclusion that we should be represented by diplomatic agents in those countries and this was in accordance with the precedents of this Government, and the example of other Nations.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3