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

The Fortifying of Ft. Randolph, &c.

NEW YORK, April 15.

Specials state that Western dispatches received at Washington report that Fort Randolph is being strongly fortified by the rebels.

The committee on the conduct of the war are about to investigate the causes of the late surprise at Pittsburg Landing.

Several civilians have been captured by rebels while curiosity hunting around Manassas.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS - - FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 15.

SENATE. – Mr. Wilkinson presented a resolution from the citizens of Minnesota praying Congress to call on all the people of the U.S., bond and free, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion, and assuring them the protection of the flag.

Mr. Trumbull, from finance committee, reported the House bill, without amendment, for establish a branch mint at Denver, Colorado.

Mr. McDougal called up the resolution calling upon the Secretary of War for information as to the causes of the delay in the trial of Gen. Stone. Mr McD. Alluded to the fact that it was now fifty days since Gen. Stone had been arrested and closely confined in a dark fort; without being able to learn why he was arrested. The manner of his arrest and his confinement seem to be more the result of a Venitian Council of Ten than that of an official act in a free Republic.

Mr. Wade defended the committee on the conduct of the war, and believed Stones arrest justifiable.

Mr. Wilson offered a substituted for the resolution calling on the President for all information not incompatible with the public interest, relative to the arrest of Gen. Stone.

Mr. McDougal desired it to go over till to-morrow, as he wished to reply.

Mr. Sherman, from conference committee, reported back to the naval appropriation bill.

After an executive session the Senate adjourned.


HOUSE. – Mr. Trowbridge called up the motion heretofore made by him to reconsider the vote by which, on the 24th of March, the House adopted a resolution requesting the Secretary of War to inform them of the cause, if any for the protracted delay in exchanging Col. Corcoran; and directing him to stop all exchanges until Col. Corcoran shall be released. Mr. Trowbridge wished distinctly to say, that it was no part of his desire to place any impediment in the way of the release of Col. Corcoran, and he protested and asked the House to join him in preventing the release of the other prisoners to be made subordinate to Col Corcoran.

After further consideration the resolution was amended so as to request the Secretary of war to inform the House the cause, if any, which has prevented the exchange of Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox and the other prisoners of war, held since July last.

The house resumed the consideration of the bill to regulate the franking privilege, being a codification of the laws upon that subject with amendments.

Mr. Colfax moved to lay the bill on the table. Agreed to by 58 to 48.

The House concurred in the reports of the committee of conference on disagreeing votes on the post office and navy appropriation bills.

Adjourned.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 16, 1862, p. 1

FIRST SESSION – 37TH CONGRESS

WASHINGTON, April 14. – HOUSE – The following is the Select Committee appointed by the Speaker on gradual Emancipation in the slave holding States, by the people or local authorities, authorized by the resolution, which was adopted last Monday:

Albert S. White, of Indiana, F. P. Blair, of Missouri, George P. Fisher, of Delaware, Wm. E. Lehman, of Pennsylvania, C. L. Leary, of Maryland, J. L. Ames and Whaley of Virginia, James F. Wilson of Iowa, Samuel Laery, of Kentucky, and J. Clements of Tennessee.

Mr. DIVEN, from the committee on Elections, reported a resolution that F. F. Lowry, was not entitled to a seat as a representative from the State of California. This resolution is predicated on a paper claiming that California is entitled to three representatives instead of two.

Mr. DIVEN, also reported that Sam’l G. Daily, of Nebraska, the present sitting Delegate is, and that J. Sterling Morton is not entitled to represent that Territory.

He also presented a resolution asking that the committee on Elections be discharged from further consideration of the credentials of Joseph Segur, requesting to be admitted to a seat as representative from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia.

Mr. KELLY asked to leave to present a petition 700 feet long signed he said by 15,000 ladies of one slave and eleven free States asking for the extinction of slavery. Objection was made to its open presentation, and it was referred under the rules.

Mr. COX of Ohio presented the resolution of the legislature of Ohio in favor of such an amendment to the tax bill as may permit the States to collect the same within their respective limits, and determine the duties of the officers employed. Mr. Cox said these resolutions came too late, perhaps, for their proper influence, while the House bill is before the Senate; it is hoped that the body will modify it as to make it more just and equal with different localities and interest and so change the machinery of its collection that it may, if possible, submitted to the States who shall have the privilege of collecting it and of detirming [sic] the officers and their compensation. Such is the unanimous wish of the Legislature of Ohio and people of Ohio. The Legislature in passing these resolutions was actuated by the purest patriotism and with no other desire than to have this war tax levied and collected fairly, and if the bill is thus modified the vote of Ohio here for it will be much nearer a unit.

Mr. WHITE, of Indiana, from the Committee on Foreign Affairs made a report asking to be discharged from further consideration of petitions from citizens of Northern New York and Michigan praying for the adoption of measures for the speedy abrogation of the reciprocity treaty with Great Britain.

Mr. PRICE introduced a resolution calling on the Secretary of War, if not inconsistent with the public interests, to communicate any official information he may have relative to the reported entry by United States troops from Kansas to Missouri during the last six months, and the forcible carrying away of slaves, mules, horses, &c., to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as the destruction of dwellings and farm houses of peaceful citizens. Whether the said property has been accounted for, and if confiscated, under what process, &c.

Mr. CONKLIN, moved to lay it on the table. Negatived – 23 against 92.

The resolution was referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The bankrupt bill was taken up and postponed till December.

Mr. BLAIR, of Missouri, reported a bill for the construction of a ship Canal from the Mississippi river to lake Michigan. Adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. Carlisle presented a petition in favor of allowing Democratic papers to the same privileges in the mails as Republican papers.

Mr. SUMNER presented a petition 700 feet long, signed by 15,000 women, praying for the abolishment [of] slavery.

Mr. WILSON called up the resolution enquiring if further legislation is necessary to enforce the articles of war for preventing the reclaimation of slaves from within the lines of the army.

Mr. GRIMES, at some length, reviewed the instances lately occurring in Gen. Hooker’s division, showing that efforts had been made by slave owners to reclaim their slaves within the lines, with the knowledge of the Commanding officer, that slaves were taken at Ft. Donelson, and carried to Columbus, Ohio, and were forced to render menial service, under military law, to rebel masters – thus establishing a system of slavery in a free State. He cited similar instances in Iowa and Illinois, and he thought it high time that Congress should adopt some legislation in regard to this matter. There was as many different systems as there were military departments.

Some slaves were flogged and returned, others shot, others called contrabands and admitted within the lines, and others prohibited from entering the lines, as the celebrated order No. 3 of Gen. Halleck, which ought to be at once countermanded and forever eraced [sic] in compliance with the popular feeling. He thought that great amount of information could be obtained from these people, coming as they do from the enemy’s lines. If they were properly availed of the northwest would not submit to any temporary or compromising policy, now they had suffered too much already, and they demanded that the rebellion should be put down. The forts of the south were yet to be captured and must be held for years to come, and how should they be garrisoned when recaptured.

He would answer that he was in favor of garrisoning them wholly or in part by soldiers of African descent, to be commanded by white officers. Our troops would wither in the suffocating climate of the gulf states, therefore, this measure was one of humanity – saving many valuable lives. He had no doubt of its efficiency. five contrabands had worked the guns on the Minnesota at Hatteras. He was thankful that [none] in the navy had followed the disgraceful example of the officers in the army, of issuing proclamations in regard to slavery, and had returned no slaves. He argued that the rebels were using by thousands the slaves at Yorktown in throwing up fortifications, while we would not use them in putting down this rebellion.

The confiscation bill was then taken up prior to its consideration.

Mr. HALE resigned as Chairman of the Naval Committee, and in order that no misapprehension might occur, he stated that he was inflamed by no cause of the Senate.

Mr. HARRIS finished his speech on the confiscation bill. After which the Senate went in to executive session. Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 14 – HOUSE – Mr. KERIGAN voted against the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia but was left out of the list in telegraphing.

HOUSE – The minority report declaring J. S. Morton the elected Delegate from Nebraska was ordered to be printed.

The bill amendatory of the act establishing the Court of Claims was up.

Mr. TROBRIDGE called up the motion heretofore made by him to reconsider the vote by which, on the 24th of March, the House adopted a resolution requesting the Sec’y of War to inform them of the cause, if any, for the protracted delay in exchanging Col. Corcoran, who has been a prisoner in the South since last July, and directing him to stop all exchanges until Col. Corcoran shall be released.

Mr. TROBRIDGE wished distinctly to say that it was no part of his desire to place any impediment in the way of the release of Col. Corcoran, but he protested and asked the House to make the release of prisoners subordinate to that of Col Corcoran. He had no doubt that every General had some friend whom he desired should be released, though of lower rank than Col. Corcoran. He mentioned the name of Col. Wilcox in this connection as a man of signal bravery and gallantry.

Mr. MALLORY said he met Col. Woodruff the other day and heard him tell the President and Secretary of State that though our prisoners at Richmond are exceedingly anxious to be released, they are willing, if the purpose of the Government should require it, to remain there as prisoners and serve their country in that way as in any other.

Mr. ARNOLD, who offered the resolution, said that he was not aware till now that Col. Corcoran was still a prisoner, and his only desire was to call attention to the fact that a worthy and gallant soldier was still a prisoner, and to ascertain the cause of the delay in making exchanges.

After further conversation the resolution was amended so as to request the Secretary of War to inform the House the cause, if any, which has prevented the exchange of Cols. Corcoran and Wilcox and the other prisoners of war held since July last.

The House resumed the consideration of the bill reported from the Select Committee to regulate the franking privilege, being a codification of the same upon that subject with amendments.

Mr. COLFAX said the Post Office Committee, with one exception, were in favor of the abolishment of the franking privilege, and the House had passed the bill for that purpose now pending before the Senate. He moved to lay the bill on the table. Agreed to by 58 to 48.

The House concurred in the reports of the Committee of Conference on the disagreeing votes on the passage of the Navy Appropriation bill. Adjourned.


SENATE – Mr. WILKINSON presented the petition from the citizens of Minnesota praying Congress to call on all people of the U. S., bond and free, to aid in the suppression of the rebellion and assuring them of the protection of the flag thereof.

Mr. FESSENDEN from the Finance Committee, reported the House bill without amendment for establishing a branch mint at Denver, Colorado.

Mr. McDOUGAL called up the resolution on the Secretary of War for information as to the cause of the delay in the trial of Gen. Stone, and if the latter had not applied for a speedy trial, &c.

Mr. FESSENDEN suggested that the resolution call on the President instead of the Secretary of War.

Mr. McDOUGAL said he specially preferred it as it now stood. He alluded to the fact that it was now fifty days since Gen. Stone had been arrested, and closely confined in a dark fort without being able to learn why he was arrested, by whom, nor had learned whether his arrest was ordered by the President, Secretary of War, or the Commanding General. The manner of his arrest and confinement seemed to be more than the result of a Venitian Council of Ten than that of officials in a free Republic. He briefly reviewed the circumstances prior to the arrest.

Mr. WADE defended the Committee on the Conduct of the War, and believed Stone’s arrest justifiable.

Mr. WILSON offered a substitute for the resolution calling on the President for all information not incompatible with the public interest relative to the arrest of Stone.

Mr. McDOUGAL desired it go over till to-morrow, as he wished to reply.

Mr. SHERMAN from the Conference Committee, reported back the Naval appropriation bill.

Executive session – adjourned.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862 and also in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 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

First Session – 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 15. – In the House to-day Mr. PORTER called up the bill reported by him from the Committee on Judiciary, amendatory of the act establishing a court for the investigation of claims against the United States. The bill was passed.

The bill organizing the Signal Corps in the army for the present war was passed.

The following resolution was adopted from the Judiciary committee:

Resolved, That the Government should not interfere with the free transmission of intelligence, by telegraph, when the same will not aid the enemy, or give some information concerning the military or naval operations on the part of this Government, except it may become necessary under the authority of Congress, to assume the exclusive use of the telegraph, for its own legitimate purposes, or to assert the right of priority in transmission of its own despatches.

Fourteen bills, with a general resolution relative to forfeiting the property of Rebels, and making it a penal offence for the Army or Navy to return fugitive slaves, and including kindred subjects, reported the 20th of March, with the recommendation from the Judiciary committee that they ought not to pass, came up to-day.

The question being on laying them severally on the table.

The proceedings were suspended by a report from Mr. MORRILL, of the committee of Ways and Means, of a bill appropriating$30,000,000 to pay Volunteers. Also, $100,000 for the pay of bounty and pensions to officers and soldiers of the Western Department.

Mr. Morrill’s bill was passed.

A message was received from the President, saying that he had signed the bill abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia.

The death of Mr. Cooper was announced, and eulogies were pronounced, and the customary resolutions adopted.

Mr. McDOUGALL commented on the course of the Committee on the Conduct of the War.

The confiscation bill came up.

Mr. POWELL approved it at length.

WASHINGTON, April 16. – After Mr. POWELL concluded, the bill was postponed till Friday.

The message of the President was received, giving his reasons for approving the bill abolishing slavery in the district of Columbia.

The death of Representative Cooper was announced. The customary resolutions were adopted, and the Senate adjourned.

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