From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 4.

Besides taxed articles telegraphed by the Associated press flour is taxed at 10 cents per brl.; carriage valued above $50 for one horse $1; ditto for two horses $2; carriages valued over 200, $5; over $600, $10; plate of gold 50 cents per troy ounce; plate of silver 3 cents per troy ounce; slaughtered cattle 50 cents each.  Those are not included which are for the slaughterers’ consumption.  Hogs 10 cents, sheep 5 cents – the last to be levied annually, when specified animals are slaughtered.  For soap 5 cents per pound to tallow chandlers and soap makers.  Apothecaries, photographers and other manufacturers, not specified, each $10.

Andy Johnson’s nomination as Brigadier General, was sent into the Senate and confirmed unanimously.  He leaves for Tennessee speedily.

Brevet promotions of all the officers at Pickens have been sent to the Senate.  Some are promoted one grade, and some two.

The statement that Blair procured or attempted to procure an appointment for Sigel, as Major General, as wholly untrue.

The common Council of the city of Washington passed a resolution last night remonstrating against the abolition of slavery in the District by 10 to 5.

One man, said to have been a mail carrier across the Potomac, declared himself a friend to slavery in the District and in every State of the Union, and was willing to wear the brand on his forehead.

The water was all let out of the Ohio and Chesapeake canals on Sunday night, between Georgetown and the Chain bridge, used heretofore for the transportation of provisions to the troops.  The canals will henceforth, be guarded.

Andy Johnson accepts the military governorship of Tennessee, whither he will soon go.

The first five million of new Treasury notes will be issued to pay Quatermaster General’s debts.  With the next issue western and southwestern troops will be paid.

The House military committee is considering the proposition for a National Cemetery, by which three hundred acres will be apportioned among several States.

Gen. Blenker was before the Senate Military committee to-day.

Robt. O. Kirk, late Lieut. Governor of Ohio, has been nominated Minister to the Argentine Confederacy.

Secretary Chase sent the excise bill to the committee of ways and means too late for use in this dispatch.  It makes taxes much heavier, in some cases fifty per cent., than the bill before reported.

Ex-Congressman Abram Wakeman, was nominated Postmaster of New York City to-day.

Thos. Merritt is appointed general superintendent of gunboat Construction.

In the West twenty new gunboats are to be built.

Mr. Cowan made a pettifogging speech against Trumbull’s confiscation bill to-day.  He was fittingly congratulated by Messrs. Powell, Saulsbury and Wickliffe.  Mr. Morrill has the floor to-morrow.

Five or six members are absent from the Washington Common Council, otherwise they would give about a tie vote on the abolition question.

WASHINGTON, March 4.

The following dispatch was received to-night from the correspondent of the Associated Press:

Gen. Banks’ forces occupied Martinsburg yesterday, without opposition, and the pickets continue to bring prisoners; although few in number, they are of much importance.

Among those taken, last night, was the Rev. T. J. McVeigh, chaplain of the 2^nd Va. Infantry.  He was captured by company K, Michigan cavalry, near Berryville.

Intelligence from Winchester leads to the belief that Jackson is there in full force, and has completed his preparations to oppose our approach.  Three miles east of that place the same authority says, the enemy is well provisioned, supplied and clothed.

Gen. McClellan issued a general order, announcing with deep regret, to the army of the Potomac, the death of Brig. Gen. Lander.  He pays a high compliment to his public services, intelligence and courage.

Gen. McClellan to-day issued a general order, dismissing Col. Kerrigan from the service, for the various offenses of which he was convicted by Court Martial.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 1.

Letters from Minister Adams declare that friendliness for the United States is growing in England.  The Spectator and other leading journals are about to send correspondents hither, who shall counteract Bull Run Russell’s lying prognostications.

Flocks of New York reporters have just arrived at Willard’s, keen for coming battles.  They have had no chance, as yet, to draw the pen.

The Republican of this morning says:– From various sources we here the cruel and relentless treatment of Col. D’Utassy by Gen. Blenker.  He is in close confinement in an unhealthy military prison and watched by armed sentinels, as though he were a felon of the deepest dye.  The official charges allege that he was in some manner connected with the publication of certain articles in German newspapers.  A court martial for the trial of D’Utassy will be convened.

White cravated, tract distributing beggars are circulating through Washington.  One modestly asked Gerritt Smith for ten thousand dollars to-day.  He had not the change about him.

A dispatch from Gen. Lander’s Assistant Adjutant General says he was exhausted and worn out, and that for twenty-four hours before his death his pulse scarcely moved.  Probably his disease was hastened by physicians, the effect of an arduous march, and by mental anxiety.

Senator Hale to-day called attention to the report of the conference committee on the civil appropriation bill, concurred in heedlessly last Thursday.  The report introduces new matter in violation of parliamentary law, appropriating $2,000 for plate for the President’s house.  Mr. Hale therefore moved to reconsider.

Mr. Browning said the bill had already been signed by the President and had become a law.  This is known as the gold spoon amendment, previously rejected by the finance committee.  The conference which worked it through, was composed of Senators Perce, Doolittle and Clark, and Representatives Stevens, Walton and Train.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.

The Navy Department to-day received the following:

CAIRO, February 24.

To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy:

Lieutenant Commanding Gwynn, with the gunboat Tyler, has just arrived from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, and reports the Union sentiment in south Tennessee and North Alabama to be very strong.  I shall send him back to-day, and he will call for a regiment at Fort Henry to accompany the gunboat, which will aid the loyal people of those States to raise Union forces within their borders.

Signed,

A. H. FOOTE,

Flag-Officer Commanding.

The President has approved the fortification bill.  It is therefore a law.

Both Houses yesterday agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the Treasury note bill.  It retains the provision that notes to be redeemable in five years, or payable in 20 years, at the pleasure of the government.  It also makes duties on imports payable in coin and pledges it to the payment of interest on the notes and bonds.  It strikes out the pledges of public lands.

The communication of the Russian government on the subject of the Trent affair, was communicated to the Senate to-day.  It was characterized by the strongest feelings of friendship for the United States.

Special to Tribune.

Several days have passed since a gun has been fired from the rebel batteries on the Lower Potomac, although numerous vessels have sailed by them.  Although the rebel cannon seem to be in their places, it is doubted whethe[r] they be not blackened logs, and whether the gunners have not left the banks of the Potomac.

Two Whitworth guns reached Gen. Hooker’s division yesterday, and will be used to ascertain the truth of the case.

World’s Dispatch.

The indications in the Senate to-day are clearly in favor of the immediate passage of Senator Trumbull’s confiscation bill, with an amendment forfeiting all slaves of rebels.  Senator Powell will deliver a speech to-morrow against the bill, and take occasion to explain his present position as a Senator, it being intimated that his views are inconsistent with his holding his seat at the present time.

The House judiciary committee are nearly agreed on confiscation, but may possibly await the action of the Senate.

The tremendous gale, that commenced so furiously on Monday, has dried up the mud, and prepared a solid ground for our soldiers to march over.  Already a wonderful change has taken place, and the soldiers are becoming confident that they are to move at last.

Times’ Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.

Gen. McClellan received a dispatch, an hour since, from the west, confirming the report that Nashville, Tenn., is taken by Gen. Buell’s army, and stating that the rebels have fallen back to Murphysville, about 30 miles south of Nashville.

The judgment of the Court Martial in the case of Col. Jas. Kerrigan, has been approved by Maj. Gen. McClellan, and a general order issued, carrying it into effect. – The court did not find Kerrigan guilty of treason, but of inefficiency and conduct unbecoming an officer of his military duty, and manifested in the disorganized and disgraceful condition of his regiment.  Kerrigan was adjudged to be dismissed from the service.

Much excitement has been occasioned by the discovery that the bill introduced by Mr. Wade, from the conduct of the war committee, and passed some time since, authorizing the President to take possession of railroads, also authorized him to extend railroads by construction.  It appears, that since the passage of this bill, a contract has been made by the War Department to build a railroad, 180 miles long, from Lebanon, Ky., to Knoxville, Tenn.  To-day the House repealed that portion of the bill almost unanimously, and there is talk of a motion to discharge the conduct of the war committee from further action.

It is understood that a resolution has been adopted in executive session of the Senate, calling for information relative to the alleged improper acts of Gen. Blenker.

Gen. Sturgis’ confirmation is hung up by the Senate.

The forces on the Potomac will not be paid until the paymasters are through with those battling for the Union in the West and on the seaboard.

Gen. Fremont was not at Saturday’s ceremony in the House, because the invitation did not rich him till yesterday.

Col. Lee, from Richmond, brought to this Government a communication from Howell Cobb, relating ostensibly to an exchange of prisoners, but probably to other matters, also.

Mr. Trumbull’s speech on the confiscation bill to-day, was very strong, and had a marked effect; taking the ground, among other things that the rebels, and not the loyal men, ought to pay the expenses of this war.  The bill will have a decided majority in the Senate.

News from Leavenworth has rendered tolerably certain Gen. Lane’s return to the Senate.

The Mexican treaty resolutions, &c., were defeated in executive session of the Senate.  Ayes 8, nays 28.  This carries the rejection of Gen. Scott as additional minister to Mexico.

Mr. Blair’s bill, from the House military committee, for an engineer brigade, is believed to have connection with the Danville and Knoxville Railroad, and also with the recent appointment of Amasa Stone, the great railroad contractor of Cleveland, as Brigadier General.

WASHIGNTON, Feb. 26.

Pre President has approved the United States note law, and it is therefore a law.

Special to Post.

WASHIGTON, Feb. 26.

New mail routes are to be speedily opened in Tennessee and Kentucky.

The senate bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to government creditors whose accounts have been audited, will probably pass the House.

The following notice to the public has just been published:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.

The undersigned, on behalf of the commissioners appointed by the President to represent the interests of such American citizens as might desire to appear at the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, to be held in the city of London during the present year, submit the following statements:

The Congress of the United States, after due consideration, has declined to adopt any measures to further a national representation of our works of industry, invention and art, at the aforementioned exhibition.  The authority of the Commissioners has, therefore occurred.  They have advised the Commissioners appointed by the British Government that there will be no general participation on the part of the people of this country on the occasion; but they have thought it not improper, at the same time, to recommend to the consideration of the royal commissioners such works of industry and art as have received the authentication of the commission and may to a limited extent be presented for exhibition through individual exertions.

Signed,

WM. H. SEWARD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

A Disaster on the Shenandoah

Fifty Soldiers Drowned by the Swamping of a Boat.

WINCHESTER, Va., April 17.

Yesterday a large boat containing a number of men and officers of the 75th Penna. Regiment, swamped at Castleman’s Ferry, on the Shenandoah, drowning between forty and fifty men and several officers. Among the latter are Adjt. Tealman, Capt. Wilson, of 3d brigade, Commissary, and Captain Ward. The regiment was formerly commanded by Colonel Bohler, now acting Brigadier General of the 3d Brigade Gen. Blenker’s Division.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 18.

Tribune’s Special.

It is said on the authority of intercepted letters from Richmond, that several editors of rebel newspapers have been hung for publishing intelligence which was contraband of war.

A general order from the Adj. General’s office directs paymasters to recognize agents which may be appointed by States under certain circumstances to receive soldier’s pay.

A rumor, which the War Department has not had an opportunity to disprove or rectify, asserts that Gen. Blenker has been seriously injured by a fall from his horse. It is not true that his command has been assigned to Gen. Rosencrans [sic].

The condition of the Treasury now enables the Secretary to direct the payment in cash of all claims, of dates prior to Nov. 1st 1861, including claims settled by the St. Louis commission, and it is expected that those of November will also be paid in full within a few days. All other claims, without regard to date, will be paid on presentation, if desired as heretofore, 80 percent in cash.

The prospect of the passage of the Pacific RR. Bill during the present session is not promising.

The Herald’s Fort Monroe correspondent under the date of the 17th state: From our army before Yorktown, I hear the most cheering news. By information just received from soldiers, I learn that last evening a Colonel and Lieut. Colonel from the rebel army came over to our lines, and surrendered themselves as prisoners of war. These two officers also report that an entire Irish brigade mutinied, and by order of Jeff. Davis, were deprived of their arms and sent to the rear.

The act authorizing the Postmaster General to establish branch postoffices in the cities prescribes the charge of one cent in addition to the regular postage, for ever letter deposited in any branch postoffice to be forwarded by mail from the principal office, and which shall be prepaid by stamp; and once cent for every letter delivered as such branch office, to be paid on delivery.

The naval appropriation bill contains an item of nearly $800,000 to pay for and finish Steven’s battery, the money Not to be expended unless the Secretary of the Navy is of the opinion that the same will secure an efficient steam battery. The section appropriated $13,000,000 merely says to enable the secretary to contract for iron-clad steam vessels of war.

The select committee of the Senate through Mr. Hale, made their report under the resolution adopted in July last, instructing them to inquire into the circumstances attending the surrender of the navy yard at Pensacola, and the destruction of the property of the United States at the Norfolk navy yard and the armory at Harper’s Ferry, and the abandonment of the same by the Federal forces; and also whether there was default on the part of our officers. The committee relate at length the facts of the case. The amount of property at the Norfolk navy hard was valued at $9,760,000. The vessels were worth nearly $2,000,000. There were in the yard at least 2,000 heavy guns, of which 300 were of the Dahlgren pattern. The committee making this report was composed of senators Hale, Johnson, of Tenn., and Grimes.


WASHINGTON, April 19.

Col. Morrow, late of the 2d Ohio regiment, now attached to Gen. Hunter’s staff, has arrived, bringing dispatches to the War Department, but which up to 10 o’clock had not been delivered. He states that among the prisoners taken is Capt. Simms, editor of the Savannah Republican. The sword belonging to the latter he has presented to Representative Gurney, of Ohio.

Ex-Mayor Britt has declined the appointment tendered him by the President as one of the commissioners under the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

The post-office appropriation bill provides $1,000,000 for the service of the California Central route, and repeals the acts requiring the Postmaster General in causing the transportation of the mails by steamship between our own and foreign ports, and between any of our own ports touching at foreign ports, to give preference to American over foreign steamships when departing from the same port for the same port within three days of each other. The Postmaster General is authorized to establish a coast mail, not less than semi-monthly, between San Francisco and Crescent City, Cal., including service at intermediate points; provided the sum to be paid for such service does not exceed $20,000 per annum. The President has approved and signed the above named bills.

The act reorganizing and increasing the efficiency of the medical department of the army, adds to the present corps ten surgeons and ten assistant surgeons, twenty military cadets and as many hospital stewards as the Surgeon General may consider necessary. The Surgeon General to be appointed under this act is to have the rank and pay and emoluments of a Brigadier General. There is to be one Assistant Surgeon General, one Inspector General, and ten of hospitals. The latter is to have the supervision of all that relates to the sanitary condition of the army. There are to be beside eight medical inspectors, charged with the duty of inspecting the sanitary condition of the transports, quarters and camps of the field hospitals. The appointments are to be made by the President, either from the regular or volunteer surgeons, with sole regard to qualifications.


WASHINGTON, April 19.

The following was received at the Navy Department to-day:

FLAG SHIP WABASH, PORT ROYAL HARBOR, S. C.,
April 13, 1862.

SIR: The dispatches from the commanding General of this department to the Hon. Secretary of War will convey the gratifying intelligence of the fall of Ft. Pulaski. It was a purely military operation – the result of laborious and scientific preparations and of consummate skill and bravery in execution. It would not have pertained to me to address you in reference to this brilliant and successful achievement, had not Maj. Gen. Hunter, with a generous spirit long to be remembered, permitted the navy to be represented on this interesting occasion, by allowing a detachment of seamen and officers from this ship to serve one of the breaching batteries. I have thanked General personally, and desire to express my acknowledgments to Brig. Gen. Benham, and acting Brig. Gen. Gilmore, for acts of consideration shown to my officers and men. Respectfully,

S. F. DUPONT,
Flagg Officer Commanding.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 1

Specials to the New York Papers

(Herald’s Special.)

Washington, April 13.

The rebellion ladies Greenhow, Morris and Bayley have not yet packed their trunks for the South, as they are required to do under the decision of the commissioners and the order of the Military Governor. They are allowed to remain until their preparations are completed. Mrs. Greenhow is quite oracular in reference to the campaign. She predicts that General McClellan will not be able to strike a blow at Yorktown for many days, and that when he does he will be defeated by the rebel army which will be 125,000 strong.


(Tribune Correspondence.)

Further information from Pittsburg Landing shows that there was terrible carnage among the Illinois troops, of whom many regiments were in the battle. There were more than 4000 troops from the First District (Washburne’s) engaged. They lost two colonels, Ellis and Davis, Major Goddard, and many other officers. Many more known to have been wounded.


(Tribune’s Special.)

Our special correspondent with McDowell’s command reports all quiet on Cedar Run, 15 miles beyond Manassas. The railroad bridge at that point destroyed by the rebels, will be reconstructed this week. The railway track beyond will be rapidly repaired. Rebel scouts are constantly prowling about our camps and occasionally a straggler is picked up by our cavalry. Two privates of General Blenker’s Division, who said they had just returned from the vicinity of the Rappahannock, reported that Gen. Blenker and his body guard had been surrounded by rebel cavalry and captured. Doubtful.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Special to New York Papers

{Herald’s Dispatch}

WASHINGTON, April 13. – The rebellious ladies, Greenhow, Morris and Roxbury, have not yet packed their trunks for the South, as they are required to do, under the direction of the Commissioners and the order of the Military Governor. They are allowed to remain until their propositions are completed. Mrs. Greenhow is quite oracular in reference to the campaign. She predicts that Gen. McClellan will not be able to strike a blow at Yorktown for many days, and when he does he will be defeated by the rebel army which will be 125,000 strong.


{Tribune’s Dispatch}

Further information from Pittsburg Landing shows there was terrible carnage among the Illinois troops, of whom many regiments were in the battle. There were 4,000 troops from the 1st District (Washburne’s.) They lost two Colonels, Wise and Davis, Major Goddard, and many other officers. Many more known to have been wounded.

The Tribune’s special correspondent with Gen. McDowell’s command, reports all quiet on Cedar Run. Fifteen miles beyond Manassas, the railroad bridge at that point, destroyed by the rebels, will be reconstructed this week. The railroad track beyond Wayne will also be repaired. Rebel scouts are constantly hovering about our camps, and occasionally a straggler is picked up by our cavalry.

Two privates of Gen. Blenker’s Division, who said they had just returned from the Rappahanock, report that Gen. Blenker and his bodyguard had been surrounded by rebel cavalry and captured.

WASHINGTON, April 14 – Gen. Mitchell reports that he has occupied two other points on the Railroad – Decatur to the west and a station at some distance to the east of Huntsville.

The bill for emancipating the slaves in the District of Columbia was laid before the president at 4 o’clock this evening.


{World’s Dispatch}

An officer of the 77th New York regiment reports that four of Gen. Banks’ men have been found tied to a tree with their head shot off. – the story is not credited.

Specials state that Western despatches [sic] received at Washington reports that Fort Randolph is being strongly fortified by the rebels.

The Committee on the Conduct of the war are about to investigate the cause of the late surprise at Pittsburg Landing.

Several civilians may have been captured by the rebels while cursorily [hunting] around Manassas.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862