From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 31.

The gunboat Bienville arrived at the navy yard wharf this morning, having left Saint Augustine on the 25^th.  She brings the bodies of Capt. Budd of the Penguin, and Capt. Mathes, who were both killed at Mosquito inlet.  When the Bienville left, the general impression was, that the people of Florida were rousing to their loyalty, and the rebel troops had either all left or were making their way to other Southern States.  The only place where any formidable opposition to the Federal troops was made, was at Mosquito inlet, and that only on small boats from the Penguin and Henry Anderson.  8 of our men were killed and wounded.  Loss on the rebel side not ascertained.

It has already been stated that the Secretary of the Treasury has issued instructions to the treasury agents, collectors and surveyors on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers dispensing with applications to the Secretary for licenses to trade, and authorizing shipments of all goods not intended for aid to the rebellion, to all places occupied by our forces in the valley States.

The Secretary, in his recent letter of introductions, says: You will hereafter cease collecting any percentage or fees, or permitting the transmitting, or exchange of merchandise between the citizens of Loyal States and the loyal citizens of insurrectionary portions of the country occupied or controlled by the forces of the U. S., other than the usual charge of 20 cts. for each permit so granted, or you will make no charge for permits for merchandise forwarded from any place in a loyal State to another in the same or other like State, nor exercise any supervision over the trade of such States; except such as may be necessary to prevent supplies of any description from being furnished to the insurgents.

It is furthermore directed that no permits be granted for any articles forbidden by the military authorities to be transported into any territory occupied by the U. S. forces.

L. C. Baker, for some time connected with the interests of the government, was today appointed by the War Department special agent to take charge of all abandoned rebel property.

Instead of 3 mills per pound on printing paper, as proposed in the original tax bill, the House agreed to a 3 per cent. ad valorem tax.

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