XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, March 31.

SENATE. – Several petitions were presented for the emancipation of slaves.

Mr. Collamer, from the com. on Library, reported from the House a joint resolution appointing Theodore Woolsey, of Conn., regent of the Smithsonian Institute, in place of Prof. Felton.  Passed.

Mr. Nesmith offered a resolution asking the Secretary of War to furnish the Senate with a copy of the report of Brig. Gen. J. A. [sic] Mansfield, relative to the late engagement between the Monitor and Merrimac.  Adopted.

Mr. Latham introduced a bill to create a bureau of transportation.  Referred.

On motion of Mr. Chandler, the bill for appointment of light house inspectors was taken up.  The bill proposes to transfer the light houses to the revenue service, putting them under control of the Secretary of the Treasury.  After discussion, the bill was postponed.

Mr. Wade introduced a bill to provide a territorial government for Arizona.

Mr. Fessenden presented a joint resolution from the Legislature of Maine, in favor of extending pecuniary aid to the States for the emancipation of their slaves; also cordially approving of the President’s message, and declaring that Maine will cheerfully furnish her quota of the amount; also asking her Senators to vote for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

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

Mr. Sumner proceeded to speak in its favor, after which the bill was postponed till to-morrow.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – The leather clause of the tax bill was amended as follows:  On patent or enameled leather .5 mills per square foot; on patent japanned splits, used for dasher leather, 4 mills per square foot; on patent or enameled skirting leather 1 1-2 cents per lb.; on all roll and rough or harness leather made from hides imported east of the Cape of Good Hope and all damaged leather 5 mills per lb.; on all sole or leather hemlock tanned 8 mills per lb.; on all sole or rough leather tanned in whole with oak 1 cent per lb.; on all finished or curried upper leather, except calfskins made from leather tanned in the interest of the parties finishing or currying such leather previously taxed in the rough, 1 cent per lb.; on harness leather, 1 1-2 cents per lb.; on offal leather, 5 mills per lb.; on tanned or oil dressed, 2 1-2 cents per lb.; on tanned calfskins, 6 cents each; on morocco goods, buck or sheepskins, curried, manufactured or finished, 4 per cent. ad valorem, provided that the price at which such skins are usually sold shall determine their value; on buckskins, tanned or dressed, $2 per doz.; on doeskins, tanned or dressed, $1 per dox; on deerskins, dressed and smoked, 6 cents per lb.; on horse and hogskins, tanned and dressed, 4 per cent. ad valorem; on American patent calfskins, 5 per cent. ad valorem; on patent or enameled cloth, 3 per cent. ad valorem.

The following amendments were also agreed to:

On wine made of grapes, 5 instead of 10 cents per gal.; on starch, 5 percent. ad valorem; on furs of all descriptions not otherwise provided for, 5 per cent. ad valorem.

The House passed the Senate bill removing the impost duties on arms imported by other states or contractors.

Mr. Dawes, from the committee on elections reported a resolution, which was adopted, declaring that S. F. Beach is not elected a member of the House from the 7^th Congressional District of Va.

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

From Washington

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

WASHINGTON, March 13.

Leonard F. Ross, Col. of the 17^th Illinois, and Capt. Ricketts, of the 1^st U. S. artillery, (the latter of whom was imprisoned some time at Richmond,) have been nominated Brigadier Generals.

A sub-committee of the conduct of the war committee visit Manassas to-day, to investigate the actual condition of that place, with a view to discover the enemy’s strength and defenses at the time when our Generals were still hesitating.

It is ascertained that a citizen of Massachusetts made the first advance on the rebel strongholds on Sunday morning.  Roving beyond our lines, he gradually neared Centerville, and seeing no enemy, he boldly marched within the entrenchments and contemplated with surprise the wooden guns with black mouths mounted there.  He pushed on to Manassas, and “occupied” both places until Monday, when he turned them over to the four corps d’armee.  His testimony has been taken by the conduct of the war committee.

Garrett Davis made almost a disunion speech in the Senate yesterday, on the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, saying that Kentucky should be a “La Vendee” before she would submit to see slavery touched even in the cotton States by unconstitutional legislation or any other.  Mr. Hale, of N. H., continued the debate.

Mr. Wilson, of Iowa, from the House judiciary committee, reported a bill reorganizing the Supreme Court, as an amendment to the Senate bill.  The eighth circuit consists of Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin; the ninth of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.

Negroes are flocking in from Virginia by the hundreds.  It is estimated that at least one-tenth of the servile population of this section are freed by the retreat of the rebels.  All entertain the notion that their freedom follows the advance of our armies.  One gang of twenty-five arrived this morning.

All who were at Centreville agree that there was only a shadow of an army there.  No heavy guns were ever mounted except wooden ones.  The entrenchments on their flank and rear were feeble.  The railroad to Manassas is of poor construction.  Trees are cut down so as to disclose the plains of Manassas.  Part of the huts were burned; part were standing.  Among the spoils remaining were thousands of hides.  A deserter says that a regular mail from Washington via Alexandria, came twice or thrice weekly.

The House to-day discussed the first and second sections of the tax bill, the question whether any mode of collection through State machinery was practicable.  No vote was taken, but the inclination of the House seemed to favor collection by the United States.

Senator Grimes, of Iowa, made a vigorous and eloquent speech on the resolution giving thanks to Flag Officer Foote.  He was listened to with marked attention, and enforced congratulations from Senators of all shades of opinion.  He gave the Western navy its due – showed by documentary evidence that the credit of the plan of attack on Forts Henry and Donelson belonged to Capt. Foote, and that he would have taken Nashville the week before Buell did; and thus saved valuable stores, if he had been permitted by Gen. Halleck.  Mr. Grimes, enlarged upon the value of a navy to a free people, and incidentally alluded to the Monitor and the Merrimac fight as showing the value of iron-clad vessels, whose construction he (Grimes) had urged since he took his seat in the Senate.  He had also paid a handsome tribute to Lieut. Worden and Capt. Ericson.

The bill organizing the Territory of Arizona attaches the Wilmot Proviso to that and to all other Territories hereafter organized.  Ashley’s Territorial bill was defeated yesterday by the absence of Republicans.  Wilkinson will introduce the same bill from the Senate Territorial Committee, and it will probably come down to the House.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 12.

SENATE. – Mr. Davis presented petitions from citizens of Kentucky, asking Congress to turn a deaf ear to all schemes of emancipation, and turn their attention to the business of the country.

Mr. Trumbull, from the judiciary committee, reported back the resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Powell, with the recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. Sherman offered a joint resolution expressing the thanks of Congress to Lieut. Worden and sailors.  Laid over.

He also introduced a bill to authorize the President to take possession of certain property.  Referred.

Mr. Latham introduced a bill to repeal all laws preventing foreign vessels from carrying the mails to Panama and Aspinwall.

A joint resolution was received from the House, tendering aid, &c., to certain States.  Referred to the committee on judiciary.

On motion of Mr. Wilson, of Mass., the bill authorizing the Secretary of War to accept monies appropriated by the States in payment of volunteers was taken up and passed.

The Senate passed the bill to define the pay and emoluments of the army, &c., including a deduction of ten per cent. on the salaries paid by the Government during the rebellion.

The bill abolishing slavery in the district of Columbia came up.  Several amendments of the committee were reported.  Amendments were also adopted to punish kidnapping and repealing all inconsistent with the act.

Mr. Davis offered an amendment that all persons liberated be colonized and appropriating 100,000 dollars for it.  He addressed the Senate in support of his amendment, but without further action.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. Edwards introduced a joint resolution, tendering the thanks of Congress to J. Ericsson, for his enterprise, skill and forecast displayed in the construction of the Monitor, and to Lieut. Worden, officers and men, for services recently rendered.  Referred to the committee on naval affairs.

Mr. McPherson introduced a joint resolution, which was referred, to fill the vacancy of the board of regents.

The House passed the bill authorizing the appointment of commissioners to meet commissioners from Great Britain and France for the purpose of adopting measures for the protection of the fisheries on the coast of Newfoundland.  $3,000 was appropriated to carry the act into effect.

The House passed the Senate bill amendatory of the act for carrying into effect treaties with New Granada and Costa Rica for the adjustification of claims.

Mr. Colvert submitted a minority report.  The subject was re-committed to the committee on the District of Columbia.

Mr. Blair, of Mo., from the committee on military affairs, reported a bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department.  Also, a bill to provide for the organization of a signal corps to serve during the present war.  The consideration of both was postponed.

The House passed the bill amendatory of the 8^th section of the act to promote the efficiency of the navy.

Mr. Sedgwick reported from the naval committee a bill regulating the grades of line officers.

The House passed the Senate bill providing for the custody of the letter and presents from the King of Siam.

Mr. Ashley, from the committee on territories, reported a bill providing for a temporary provisional government over the district of country in rebellion against the U. S.  The President is authorized to take possession and institute such government with the aid of the military and naval powers.  Governors, &c., to be appointed legislative assembly and courts established and continue till the people for new State governments.  Mr. Cravens, from same committee, submitted a report which takes the ground that the bill provides that Congress has the power to exclude certain States from the Union, and hold them in colonial dependence and vassalage till re-admitted.

The Union may be dissolved by act of Congress, an assumption as absurd and fatal as that a State can annul its allegiance to the Union by State action.  The bill further is impracticable in its details; incendiary and equally as repulsive to the principles of justice and humanity as to the constitution.

Mr. Harding also submitted the minority views of the committee, saying there are abundant reasons for believing the armed rebellion will be speedily subdued and put down.  The bill at a single blow strikes out of existence eleven States – in effect an ordinance of secession.  It strikes down the constitution and dissolves the government, is inconsistent with sound policy, utterly at war with religion and humanity; and hence the minority enter their most solemn and earnest protest against it.

Mr. Pendleton said the bill being clearly unconstitutional, he moved it be laid on the table.  Carried, 65 to 66.

Mr. Ashley, from the committee on territories, reported a bill to provide for a temporary government for Arizona.

The House went into committee of the whole on the tax bill, Mr. Colfax in the chair.

Mr. Morrill, of Vt. explained at length the provisions and effects of the bill.  He said the measure as composed would meet the large demands of the government.

Considerable debate followed, participated in by Bingham, Hickman and Wadsworth, but without action the House adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 1

Washington News

WASHINGTON, May 19. – The Circuit Court to-day appointed three commissioners for the adjudication of the cases arising under the fugitive slave law in Arizona.  There seems to be considerable jurisdiction claimed by the military authorities, regarding the fugitives under their protection, therefore it cannot be said the law has free course.

This afternoon about fifty of the citizens of the adjoining counties in Maryland proceeded to the White House, accompanied by Messrs. Crisfield, Culvert, Webster and Leary, Representatives in Congress from that State who held a convention with the President regarding their interests as involved in the fugitive slave law.  They say the President promised a response on some other occasion.

The United States military telegraph has an office open and working in a saw mill at fourteen mile post from Richmond.  The line to the various camps and stations between headquarters and Fortress Monroe are in good condition and working admirably under the personal superintendence of Mr. T. P. Eckert.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 14 – SENATE – Mr. WRIGHT presented a petition form citizens of Indiana asking Congress to leave off the agitation of the negro question, and attend to the business of putting down the rebellion.  He said he believed those were the sentiments of a very large majority of the people of his State.

On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, the resolution to suspend the payment of troops actually employed in the Department of the West was taken up.  He stated that under the act, it has been reported that great frauds have been perpetrated, and the only remedy is to have a Commission appointed to investigate the claims.  After a discussion the resolution was laid over.

The resolution by Mr. POWELL, asking the Secretary of State for the number and names of prisoners arrested in Kentucky, how long imprisoned, why they are, &c., was taken up.

The question was on the amendment by Mr. SUMNER that the President be requested to inform the Senate, if compatible with the public interests, concerning the arrests in Kentucky, which was adopted, yeas 30, nays 7.

Mr. POWELL offered an amendment to Mr. Sumner’s amendment, which the Chair said was substantially the same as the original resolution, therefore it was not in order.

Mr. POWELL appealed from the decision of the Chair.

The decision was sustained, 34 to 1.

Mr. POWELL read a letter concerning an interview by the citizens of Kentucky with the Secretary of State, when he refused to give them any information, and said he did not care a damn for the opinion of Kentucky, but meant to hold her in the Union, &c!

The resolution, as amended, was adopted.

Mr. CLARKE, from the special Committee on Confiscation, reported a bill.

Mr. TRUMBULL offered a resolution that the President inform the Senate, if consistent with the public interests, of any information he may have of any design on the part of any foreign Power to interfere in the contest now existing, and whether any foreign nation has made any arrangement with the insurgents or has it in contemplation to do so.  Laid over.

After consideration and amendment of the Indian Appropriation Bill the Senate went into Executive Session.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. -  Mr. WALTON, of Vermont, reported back from the Committee on Printing the joint resolution requiring the Superintendent of the Census to keep records of the names of adults, heads of families and free holders.  The subject was discussed.

Mr. ELLIOTT, from the Select Committee on Confiscation, reported two bills.  He said the time for the restoration of this subject ought not to be much longer postponed.  He suggested that it be made the special order for Monday next.  The first bill provides that all estates, property and money of persons holding, or hereafter holding, office under the so-called Confederacy be forfeited to the United States, and that the President be requested to issue a proclamation giving sixty days.

Mr. PHELPS, of Missouri, suggested that it made the special order for Tuesday, after the morning hour, and the rest of the week be given for debate.

Mr. ELLIOT acquiesced in this, and further that the vote be taken on Monday week on both sides.

Mr. SHELLABARGER offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of the Interior to inform the House what retrenchments can be made in the expenditures.  Passed.

Mr. WICKLIFFE had ineffectually endeavored to offer an amendment, calling on the Secretary of War, to state whether he had provided arms and clothing to arm the fugitive slaves in the South.

The house went into Committee on the Army Appropriation bill.

Mr. CRISFIELD made a speech against confiscation.

Several amendments were offered to the army bill.  One by Mr. Calvert, that no portion of the appropriation should be appropriated to keeping, supporting or equipping fugitive slaves for service in the army.

After debate it was rejected.

The Army Appropriation bill passed without amendment.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, May 15. – Mr. WADE presented petitions in favor of confiscation.

Mr. GRIMES presented a petition for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

Mr. WADE, from the Committee on Territories, reported back the house bill to provide for the temporary government of Arizona.

Mr. WILKINSON, from the same Committee, reported back a bill to amend the act for the government of Colorado.  The bill makes the Governor’s veto qualified instead of absolute. – The bill was passed.

Mr. BROWN, from the same committee, reported back the House bill to secure freedom to the people of the Territories, with an amendment which changes the language of the bill to that of the ordinance of 1787.

HOUSE – On motion of Mr. FENTON, the House proceeded to the consideration of the bill introduced by him for the adjudication of claims for loss or destruction of property belonging to loyal citizens, and the damage done them by the troops of the United States during the present rebellion.

The bill provides for the appointment by the President of three Commissioners, together with a Clerk and Marshal.  The commissioners are prohibited from taking cognizance of claims for slaves, while the bill is guaranteed to prevent disloyal citizens from being benefitted by the act.  The claims ascertained are to be reported to Congress, to the end that provisions may be made for their relief, as may be deemed just and proper.

Report agreed to 24 to 28.

A message was received from the President recommending a vote of thanks to Com. Farragut and other officers in his expedition.

The Conference Committee on the homestead bill made a report which was agreed to.

A resolution was offered calling on the Secretary of the Navy for the number of iron clad gunboats under contract, their armaments and when they will be ready for service.  Laid over.

Mr. HARRIS offered a resolution asking the Secretary of State what were the rights and obligations of the United States and Great Britain in regard to the maintenance of armaments on the Lake.  Laid over.

The Indian appropriation bill was taken up and discussed.

A message was received from the House announcing the death of Geo. F. Barley, of Massachusetts.

Mr. SUMNER paid a brief tribute to his worth, &c.

The customary resolutions were passed.

Adjourned.

Mr. FENTON said this bill had been materially considered by the Committee on Claims and was based on the principle of equity and justice.  While sincerely desirous of indemnifying Union men for the losses they had sustained, he was anxious that congress should pass a confiscation bill, denouncing special pains and penalties against the leaders of the rebellion, who having plundered loyal men and sequestrated their estates, shall not escape punishment.  Their property and substance should be used to pay the expenses incidental to the suppression of the most wicked and causeless rebellion.

Mr. WEBSTER moved an amendment making it the duty of the Commissioners to take cognizance of the losses of slaves, which the bill, as reported, prohibits.

Mr. MORRIL, of Vermont, moved the postponement of the bill till Monday.  The bill should be maturely considered, as it involved the expenditure of $100,000.  If passed it might supercede the amount of claims.

Mr. FENTON explained that all adjudicated claims have to be reported to Congress, which is to control the appropriation.

Mr. MORRIL’S motion was adopted.

The House passed the Senate bill authorizing the appointment of medical store-keepers for the army, and hospital chaplains.

Among the measure passed on are the following:

The Senate bill setting apart 10 per cent of the taxes paid by the colored persons to be appropriated for the education of colored children of the District.

The Senate bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be administered to persons offering to vote whose loyalty shall shall [sic] be challenged.

The House bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be taken by attorneys and solicitors in Court within the District of California.

Mr. POTTER from the Conference Committee on the homestead bill, made a report which was adopted.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29. – Steamer Panama arrived from Mazatlan with dates to the 19th.

The Confederates in New Mexico and Arizona are making efforts to bring the Border States into [sympathy] with them. Gen. Sibley commanding the Confederate forces had sent Col. Reilly to open negotiations with the Governor of Sonora. Reilly tendered troops to enter Sonora and chastise Apache Indians, for whose Services he asked right of way, overland from Guyamas to Arizona, and also privilege of purchasing supplies at Mazatlan. The Governor entered into a long correspondence with Reilly and sent special messenger to the Governor of Cinaloa on the subject of his mission. No definite arrangements appeared to be agreed upon, but Reilly received courteous treatment from the government officials, and at last accounts he had arrived at Guayamas, where he boasted that he had been far more successful than he had hoped for.

Ship Joseph Peabody has been forfeited to the Government for smuggling.

Trade has recently revived to supply the demand for goods suitable to Oregon and British California miners, in advance of anticipated large emigration.

Business with the interior of the State continues unusually backward.

Gov. Wright has issued an order requiring the arrest of all persons charged with aiding and abetting, by words or deeds, the rebellion, such persons to be confined unless they subscribe to the oath of allegiance.

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

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 24.

The bill reported from the committee on military affairs authorizes and requires the President to convene a board, to consist of two officers of the corps of engineers, one ordnance officer, one of artillery, two of the navy, and two members selected for their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary; whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea-coast and lake fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the commission, to be commenced and prosecuted without the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications shall be expended under the directions of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money advanced or loaned by the several States for the construction of defensive works in the protection of the State upon such terms as shall be agreed upon between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a navy yard and depot on the northern lakes, and a foundry for heavy ordnance; also an armory and arsenal of constructions west of the Alleghanies [sic]; and for additional arsenals of deposit and repair, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points as shall from purely military considerations appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, at both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional district and territory by the academy board, from among the applicants best qualified; provided the number added shall have their [expense] paid by parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the superintendent of the academy each year the amount of money estimated to meet the expense of that year. The cadets to be subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time for the government of said academies.


Tribune’s Special

WASINGTON, April 23.

Horace Maynard, who returned form Tennessee and took his seat, declares himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other Border State men will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories has instructed its chairman to report a bill identical with that reported to the House by Mr. Ashley, organizing the Territory of Arizona. On section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued:

WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

General Order No. 40.

The Secretary of war has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, conceiving themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignation of and otherwise discharge from the service of the U. S., officers commissioned or appointed by the President in the volunteer staff of the army. All such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President, are void of effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it. By order of the Secretary of War.

(Signed,) L. THOMAS, Adjt. Gen.


By general orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s office, April 18th, by direction of the President, Brigade surgeon J. H. Thompson, U. S. volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General., Maj. Gen. Burnside. On the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Sherman, commanding the second army corps, approved by Maj. Gen. McClellan, commanding the army of the Potomac, Major Van Steinhouse, Capt. Batlicher and Capt. Camp, 68th regiment New York volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant of the 8th Illinois, and assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York artillery, are stricken form the rolls of the army, for being captured by the enemy while straggling without authority beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquarters of Lieut. Col. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary General of Prisoners, is transferred from New York city to Detroit Michigan.

This morning the Senate military committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmation were Gen. Shields, to be Major General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as a commissioner of the District emancipation act in place of ex-mayor Berrett.


Times’ Special.

WASHINGTON, April 23.

An officer of artillery, who arrived in town to-night, from near Warrenton Junction, reports the rebels in strong force on the south bank of the Rappahannock, in the direction of Gordonsville.

Gen. Estell is said to be at the crossing of the river where the railroad bridge was burned, with 500 men.

Gen. W. Smith is at Gordonsville, strongly entrenched, with 30,000 men, and Gen. Jackson crossing the river from the Shenandoah valley to unite 8,000 there to the force, making a total column of 46,000 men. If the figures are reliable, we are in sufficient force in fromt of Manassas to managed this rebel army.

I am assured by a gentleman of this city, whose position brings him in business contact with M. Mercier, that his mission had reference only to a large amount of valuable tobacco belonging to the French government. The property is known as the Belmont tobacco. While there, it is said that M. Mercier has undoubtedly examined somewhat into the condition of the bogus Confederacy, in order to report to the Emperor the true condition of things.

Capt. Cutting, of Gen. Burnside’s staff, arrived here to-day with dispatches to the government. He states that General Reno commanded the national forces at the late Reconnoisance to Elizabeth City.

Capt. Cutting gives the following particulars of the affair on the 17th inst:

Gen. Reno left Newbern and proceeded to Elizabeth City where a strong rebel force was reported to be entrenching themselves on Saturday. An advance was made upon the rebels. The enemy opened fire with artillery as soon as our troops made their appearance, and from all appearances supposed they had us in a trap of our own making. Our troops immediately formed and charged on the enemy, who ran at the first fire. We then immediately took possession of the town and after remaining a few hours returned to the main army.

Our force was about 2000 under General Reno, and three boat howitzers under Col. Howard. The force of the rebels consisted of a Georgia regiment of 1100 men, a portion of Wise’s Legion and batteries of artillery.

The enemy was totally routed, with a loss of about 60 men. Our loss is about 12 killed and 48 wounded.

Col. Hawkins, of the N. Y. Zuaves, received a slight flesh wound I the arm. – His adjutant was reported killed.

Information received from Union sources is; that guns of the national forces under Gen. Burnside, wee probably opened on Fort Macon, yesterday or to-day.

Gen. Park Commanded our forces.

At a Republican caucus held to-night at the Capitol, about fifty members were present. Mr. Colfax in the chair, and Mr. McPherson Secretary.

A general debate ensued on the confiscation bill, in which Messrs. Straus, Blair, Covode, Hickman, Allen and others participated. The discussion was somewhat of the character of that which has recently taken place in the House. The sense of the caucus seemed to be in favor of discriminating against the leading rebels, in the confiscation of all kinds of property. – It was unanimously agreed to refer all the bills pending in the House to a select committee of seven members, as moved to-day by Representative Olin.


Special Dispatch to the Herald.

A change in the Navy Department has been positively determined upon. The President is waiting only to fix upon the individual who is to fill the place of Secretary of the Navy. Gen. Banks, Judge Davis, of Ill., and Gov. Sprague, R. I., are each strongly urged for this distinction, but the selection has not yet been made.

WASHINGTON, April 24.

At noon to-day was commenced the announcement of the decisions on the proposals for conveying the mails on the Pacific coast, in the West, Northwest, &c. A large number of bidders were in attendance at the P. O. Department.

The proposals for the Pacific coast are very much higher than formerly and those for Kentucky and Missouri are considerably advanced, owing doubtless, to the military disturbances in those States; while in Indiana, Illinois and other States, the rates are lower.

In all, the number of routes is about 2,800, averaging ten bids for each. The sum total of the offers for the entire lettings is about equal to that of four years ago for similar service.


Special to Post.

The sensation story in the Philadelphia Enquirer of this A. M., to the effect that Secretary Welles is to be removed, is essentially untrue. This I learn on good authority. I also learn that Mr. Welles some time since tendered his resignation to the President, but it was not accepted. – Probably this circumstance has given rise to the rumor of an immediate change in the Cabinet. All the current reports of the removal of Mr. Welles are destitute of foundation.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 2

Washington News

WASHINGTON, April 23 – The Bill reported from the Committee on Military Affairs, authorizes and requires the President to convene a board to consist of two officers of the corps of Engineers, one ordnance, one artillery officer, two officers of the Navy, two members selected by reason of their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary, whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea coast and land fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the Commission, to be commenced and prosecuted with out the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications, shall be expended under the direction of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the Commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money, loaned or advanced by the several States, for the construction of defensive works for the protection of the States making such loans, upon such terms as shall be agreed on between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a Navy Yard and depot on the northern lakes – of a foundry for heavy ordnance, and also an armory and arsenal of construction west of the Allegheny mountains, and for an additional arsenal of deposit and repairs, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points, as shall, from purely military considerations, appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, of both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional District and Territories, by the Academy board, from among such applicants as shall apply for admission, and who upon examination, shall be deemed best qualified; provided the number added shall have their expenses defrayed by their parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the Superintendents of the Academies, each year, the estimated amount of money necessary to pay all expenses for one year, the cadets being subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time, for the government of said Academies.

Horace Maynard, who returned from Tennessee and took his seat to-day, has declared himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other border state members will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories have instructed its Chairman to report a bill identical with that reported in the House by Mr. Ashby, organizing the Territory of Arizona. One section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued from the War Department.


ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

GENERAL ORDER NO. 40

The Secretary of War has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, considering themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignations and otherwise discharge from the service of the United States, officers commissioned or appointed by the President on the volunteer staff of the army, all such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President are of no effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and, as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it.

By order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed.) L. THOMAS, Adjutant General, &c.


By General Orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s Office, April 18, by the direction of the President, Brigade Surgeon, J. H. Thompson, U. S. Volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General, Major General Burnside. On the recommendation of Brigadier General Sumner, commanding 2d Army Corp, approved by Major-General McClellan, commanding the Army of the Potomac, Major Van Seemhan, Capt. Botlicker, and Capt. Camp, 68th Regiment New York Volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant, 2th [sic] Illinois Cavalry, and Assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York Artillery, are stricken from the rolls of the army for being captured by the enemy while straggling, without authority, beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquartes of Lieut.-Col. Wm. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary of Prisoners, is transferred from New York City to Detroit, Michigan.

This morning the Senate Military Committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmations was Gen. Shields, to be Major-General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier-General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as Commissioner under the District Emancipation act, in the place of ex-mayor Berrett.

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