Late Northern war News.
attack on a Baltimore ship by a Confederate battery--Premature Reports of a movement of General Banks's division — the war in Missouri--a skirmish in Western Virginia, &c.
From the Baltimore papers, of the 10th, we gather the following items:
Attack on a Baltimore ship — Exploit of the gun-boat Daylight.
From Gen. Banks's division.
On the evening of the 9th one of the sentinels of the New York Thirty-fourth discovered a boat containing six men coming into the mouth of the Seneca river. Concealing himself, he allowed the boat to reach the canal aqueduct, when he challenged them. Instead of answering the challenge, the leader said to the others, ‘"Boys, by G — d they've got us, pull back like h — l."’ The sentinel gave the alarm and fired, wounding or killing at least, one of the party, but before he could receive assistance or load his piece they were bearing upon them, and the boat and crew consequently escaped. The spot where this occurred is near the farm of a man named Cross, and the men in the boat were probably his friends coming to communicate with him, or ascertain his fate, as well as to get inside our encampments and report their condition, positions, and movements to the rebel leaders. It is stated that Cross himself spent several days visiting our camps — disguised as a teamster and riding a muts — before being arrested.
It is currently reported that Col. Chantry of the Thirtieth Pennsylvania, has been removed from his command and that the regiment is in an inefficient shape.
Voting took place last Tuesday in the Pennsylvania regiments belonging to this division. In the Thirtieth and Forty-sixth there was but little interest taken in the matter, but in the Twenty- ninth the ‘"boys"’ went into it with a will. There the election was conducted according to Philadelphia usages. Polis were opened in the several company streets, challengers appointed, orators made stump speeches on the old plan, and the whole camp at times resounded with cheers for this and that candidate. Towards the closing of the polls mimic rows were indulged in, but nobody was hurt. In the evening bonfires and hurrahs succeeded, and finally a procession was formed, headed by the band and torches, which marched through the various streets, had the ceremonies concluded by a grand serenade to Col. Murphy.
Some of the regiments are preparing apparently for winter quarters. The Second Massachusetts are preparing spacious stables for their horses, and digging cellars for their tents. Paymaster Stone visited this regiment yesterday and distributed the much needed pay of the officers and men.
Details of News from Washingnon.
We copy the following from the Washington Star, of the 15th:‘ All was quiet upon our front to 2 P. M. to-day, the enemy's scattering pickets only being visible in the distance.
Gen. McClellan returned yesterday afternoon from the other side of the river. We hear that he will again proceed there to-day, ere nightfall.
Brigadier General Harney is in this city.--He was at the office of the Adjutant General to-day.
As we go to press to-day a story floats over the city, saying that Gen. Banks threw fifteen thousand and yesterday eleven thousand troops over the river. They were all ‘ "men in buckram."’ He made no movement to cross the river whatever.
At about 5 P. M. on Saturday, a portion of Beauregard's force, consisting of at least, three regiments in sight, made their appearance near Minor's hill, a considerable eminence about two miles from Lewinsville, in the direction of Falls Church. Our pickets had been driven in from that point on the night before, and such demonstrations had been discovered (in the way of increased picket guards, &c.,) in that vicinity, in the course of the forenoon, as caused dispatches to be sent here that induced Gen. McClellan to hasten over there some what earlier in the day than usual.
These demonstrations were the discovery by scouts from the respective commands of Gen. Smith and Gen. Fitz. John Porter, of signs of three or four strong bodies of the enemy, stretching along a line mostly concealed by woods, only four miles distant from our advanced entrenchments, from Lewinsville on the right, to nearly opposite Munson's hill on the left.
The body seen about Minor's and Prospect hills, were a portion of this force thrown further forward than the rest. A portion of this force was cavalry, and another portion artillery, consisting of a battery of six heavy pieces that had evidently been wheeled into position as though about to open upon the Union forces opposite them. It was, however, plain, from the efforts of the enemy to hide themselves as much as possible, that no attack was designed by Beauregard that afternoon, while the signs indicated that he might venture one by daybreak yesterday (Sunday) morning.
Prince de Joinville, by-the-bye, remained Saturday night over the river with the staff of General McClellan, at Smoot's house, a point between Lewinsville and Prospect hill.
We hear that General McClellan, at 2 A. M. yesterday morning, telegraphed to the President that B. seemed disposed to open the ball in a few hours, and that he (McC.) was entirely prepared to defeat him, in whatever force he might essay the experiment. To that end our whole army on the other side of the river laid upon their arms on Saturday night, ready to spring into line at the first tap of the long roll.
At 3 A. M., various columns of troops on this side of the river were put in motion; among them were some fifty pieces of artillery, and perhaps four thousand cavalry. All these reserves proceeded across the river to a position from which they could instantly move in any direction to the immediate front line, wherever the exigencies of the anticipated engagement, might possibly require them. By daybreak, however, the different detachments of Beauregard, previously seen in front of our lines, had disappeared. It soon became evident that they had retired from so close juxtaposition to any part of our position.
Orders were then sent to our artillery and cavalry reserves to return to the several positions on this side from which they had advanced a few hours before. Before noon yesterday they retraced their steps and were again quietly in camp.
It is evident that Beauregard's movement of the day before was a more reconnaissance in
some force, to ascertain our precise position on the recent extension of our front line. It, however, made extensive and prompt movements of our whole army necessary, as a precaution, which were executed in a manner calculated to give our general officers increased confidence in their troops.
For thirty-six hours the city has been full of the wildest imaginable rumors of battles, movements, &c., the ground for them being simply the circumstances we narrate above.
Our belief is that at 6 A. M. to-day a body of our troops, accompanied by some six hundred sappers and miners, proceeded to lay Minor's hill bare with the axe; so that by nightfall it will have ceased to afford opportunities for concealed reconnoisances of our positions on the right, or for a possible attack upon those positions from the cover of dense woods.
In the course of the day yesterday a commencement was made in the work of clearing Minor's hill of possible future cover for an attacking force. By the time we go to press to-day it will have been finished, and an Union force so posted upon it that no more of the enemy's scouts will venture upon it. Its occupation by Gen. McClellan, as explained above, is equivalent to a forward movement of his advance of perhaps two miles. At one time yesterday forenoon Gens. McClellan, Barry, Stoneman, Fitz. John Porter, Butterfield, and Morell--six general officers--were together on that hill.
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From Fortress Monroe.
The frigate Susquehanna will sail for the blockade off Savannah on Tuesday.
Army movements — the supply of Clothing to the troops, &C.
The promptitude of our troops in obeying important orders during the last two days, has elicited encomiums from the most prominent military officers, and strengthened confidence in their efficiency for any conflict in which they may be called to participate.
Gen. Van Vliet, of the Quartermaster's Department, is assiduously engaged in the business of providing overcoats and blankets for our troops. As these articles are from time to time received, they are rapidly distributed by Capt. Thomas, of the Clothing Department. The contractors in the Northern cities do not furnish the supplies as expeditiously as the wants of the soldiers require, it being the purpose of the Government to allow none to cross the river unless they are comfortably clad.
From the line of the Potomac — Premature Reports of a movement of Gen. Banks's division.
Reports have been current for several days past that Gen. Banks has crossed the Potomac, and even hard fighting is rumored, but it is certain that no such information had officially reached Washington to-night.
Yesterday the rebels made a reconnoissance at Edwards's Ferry, several prominent officers, judging by their uniforms, being engaged in that business.
Commissioners to the London World's Fair.
Gen. Walter Jones, an aged and distinguished retired lawyer, died here to-day.
Officers Reinstated.
Washington items — all quiet on the Potomac.
Richard A. Lucas, belonging to this city, a minor, was brought before Judge Merrick to-day, on an application to be discharged from Col. Tait's First District regiment.
The decision of the Court was that there was strong circumstantial evidence that the petitioner enlisted with the consent of his parents, and the application was accordingly refused.
The war in Missouri.
St. Louis, Oct. 13.--In the Convention, yesterday, Mr. Hendricks, from the Committee on Elections, introduced a bill to postpone the State election till the first Monday in August, 1862, and providing for the continuance of the present provisional Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State in office till their successors be duly elected and qualified. The balance of the day was occupied by speeches from Messrs. Uriel Wright and Birch.
One of the gunboats in course of construction at Carondelet was launched yesterday.
Syracuse, Mo., Oct. 14.--A deserter from Price's army reports great dissatisfaction among the rebels, many of whom would lay down their arms if they could be secured against punishment for acts committed against the Government. Gen. Price, on Wednesday, was at Johnstown, in Bates county, going South.
Gen. Fremont's movements are hindered by a want of transportation facilities.
A skirmish in Western Virginia.
The case of Col. Rankin.
Arrest of Mrs. Jackson.
Gen. McCall sent out a party Sunday morning, and arrested Mrs. Jackson, mother of Elisworth's murderer, and her half-brother, named Moore. Her house was situated within the rebel lines, and was used as a headquarters for their scouts. It is believed that much information has been furnished them from this source. She said there had been some thirty there, and she gave them a cup of tea. She or Moore would not give any satisfaction to the men sent by Gen. McCall, and were accordingly handed over to the provost guard here.--Wash. Cor. Phil. Inq.
Affairs in New York.
The following is a summary of news from New York up to the 4th inst:‘ The amount of the taxable property of the State has just been determined by the board of equalization. The board has advanced the aggregate valuation from $1,419,297,560, the figure for the last year of peace, to $1,441,767,430 in the present year of war — an augmentation of very nearly $22,500,000. The city of New York gains by a very much larger ratio; the valuation in 1860 being $550,078,788, and in 1861 rising to $571,078,798, a gain of $21,000,000. In fact, the additional valuation may be said to fall bodily upon the city. The tax for 1860 was 3-5-6 mills, amounting in the aggregate to $5,440,610.49.
The city firemen are making preparations for a grand tournament on Thanksgiving Day. The whole department will take part, and the spectacle, it is expected, will be one of the most exciting ever witnessed in this city.
Instead of having the Union ticket before the people at the coming election, there is a prospect of having one from each of the following organizations: A Straight Republican party; a Union Republican party; a Tammany Hall party; Mozart Hall organization; Cooper Institute organization; Fifth Avenue Hotel organization; Tax-payers' organization; Medical College organization.
The rest of the Confederate prisoners on Governor's Island were on Saturday transferred to Bedice's Island, by the steamer Bedford, a portion of them having been removed on Friday.
The ship J. Morton, just arrived from Liverpool, was seized on Saturday. Four sixteenths of her is owned in New Orleans.
The schooner Martha T. Gause, of Wilmington, Del., attempted to run the guardboat stationed at the Narrows on Saturday morning, and was brought to by a shot from Fort Lafayette.
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Affairs in Philadelphia.
Below will be found Philadelphia intelligence to the 14th October:The main connection of the Pennsylvania Central railroad, the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne, and Chicago line, 460 miles in length, from Pittsburg to Chicago, will be sold on the 24th of October. A special enactment was passed last winter by the Legislature of Pennsylvania authorizing the sale. This was also sanctioned by the various States through which the road passes, and J. Edgar Thomson, Samuel J. Tilden, J. F. D. Lanier, Samuel Hanna, and L. H. Meyers, of the Pennsylvania Central, will become the purchasers, the lowest price for which the property can be bought being $500,000.
Professor Lowe is constructing in this city four new balloons for Government use. These new ones vary from thirty-one to thirty-five feet in diameter at the widest part, and, including the cords and basket, are about one hundred feet from top to bottom. Their material is of strong brown Pongee silk, doubled and varnished four times. Professor Lowe is now forming a balloon corps for the working and transportation of his various balloons, who will probably rank as lieutenants, and will receive $3 a day till their rank and pay shall be definitely established.
Mr. John H. Willets, an old and respected citizen of Philadelphia, died at his residence, in Franklin street, on Friday. He was for a long period Librarian for the society of which he was a member, including the Spruce, Green, and Race street meetings, the library being located in the new meeting-house on Race and Cherry streets.
The U. S. steam sloop-of-war Brooklyn has been stripped, preparatory to commencing the necessary repairs. A thorough inspection of the vessel, made by Master Carpenter Davis, has shown that it is necessary to thoroughly overhaul her. Considerable of her upper works are rotten; and some of her planking is in the same condition.
The crew of the United States steamer Mystic were paid off at the Navy-Yard on Saturday.
The schooner San Juan, which was captured off Hatteras Inlet on the 28th of September, by the U. S. frigate Susquehanna, arrived on Friday night, in charge of prize master Wm. U. Grozier. The schooner is about 130 tons burthen and is loaded chiefly with salt. She was from one of the West India Islands, and was bound to Elizabeth, N. C. Her owner is of that State.
Additional from California.
Gen. Sumner has issued his proclamation, ordering the manning of the forts in the department of California, by volunteers, and concentrating the regulars at convenient points for their embarkation for Panama.--Lieutenant Colonel Merchant will detail four companies, of twenty men each, from his regiment, to garrison Forts Churchill, Humboldt, Bragg, Crook, Gaston, Umpqua, and Scranton.
Capt. McMahon, recently appointed on Gen. McClellan's staff, started for Washington, overland, on the 6th inst.
The firm of Burton & McCarty, liquor and provision dealers at Sacramento, was closed by attachment on Thursday. Their liabilities are said to be between $70,000 and $80,000.
John C. Falls & Co., of Marysville, have failed for a large amount.
A very fine regiment of horsemen is now being formed in this State by W. Rosse, a Royal Texas Ranger, and is nearly full, although, for the purpose of procuring picked men, the organization is kept from the public. They style themselves Cossacks, and are intended to perform similar service for the American army that the Russian Cossacks do for the Russian army. They are good horsemen, using the rifle going at full speed, and are also expert in throwing the lasso. The men are represented as wonderfully proficient. Their services have been tendered to the Government.
The Synod of the Pacific representation of the Old School Presbyterian Church met at Napa on Tuesday. Resolutions were passed complimentary to the Rev. Dr. Scott, and lamenting the demonstrations of personal violence at San Francisco. The Rev. Dr. Anderson and one other member voted against the resolutions. Resolutions of loyalty to the Government were also adopted.
Removal of the colored Population of the United States to Africa.
The annual report of the Pennsylvania Colonization Society considers the practicability of the removal of the colored race from America to Africa. We make the following extract:‘ The census of 1860 gives the number of free colored persons at 499,709, and slaves at 3,972,343, making a total of 4,440,052. By the official returns obtained from the State Department at Washington, it appears that from Sept. 31, 1843, to December 31, 1860, there arrived at the ports of the United States, by sea, from foreign lands, 4,386,441 passengers. The greater number that arrived in a single year was 400,474. From this it is evident that the free colored population of this country might emigrate to Africa or elsewhere, within a little more than a single year, and that the entire body of people of color, with the increase, might remove in less than twenty years.--Two-fifths, or $200,000,000, of the amount recently voted by Congress for war purposes, would be sufficient to cover the expenses of the passage of these emigrants to Liberia, and also to pay for six months of their support after arriving in that country.
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Marshal Kane.
One of the New York papers contains this item:‘ "It is understood that Marshal Kane was removed from Fort Lafayette to Governor's Island for the benefit of his health. Six of the Baltimore prisoners remain in confinement at Fort Columbus."
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Female Occupants of the White House.
The Washington correspondent of the Springfield Republican writes as follows:‘ Mrs. Lincoln is a very active woman.--Nothing escapes her eye. She manages the affairs of the White House (I do not mean State affairs) with ability, and will see to it that the ‘ "old man"’ does not return to Springfield penniless. In foreign countries her turn for politics would not subject her to adverse criticism; but the American people are so unused to these things, that it is not easy for them to like it. Mrs. Douglas was a good deal of a politician, but rather improved it by her social alliances. Miss Lane never alluded to politics, and Mrs. Pierce knew nothing about them. She was probably the most simple-hearted woman that ever presided at the Presidential table. The word ‘"simple"’ is not used in a depreciative sense. She was a pure-minded, unselfish, Christian woman, and knew nothing at all of the world.
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A concert at Gen. Banks's headquarters.
A correspondent of the Worcester Spy, writing from Darnestown, Maryland, thus narrates an evening's experience at the headquarters of General Banks:‘ "It was dark when we reached General Banks's quarters. We found him at his tents, where the time was passed very agreeably until half-past 9 o'clock. For an hour or more, during the time, a choir from his bodyguard sang patriotic and other songs, and they sang magnificently. This guard consists of a company of cavalry and a company of infantry carefully picked in Philadelphia. A large proportion of them are Frenchmen, Germans, and Italians, and from these chiefly the choir was formed. They sung the Marseillaise as I never heard it before; and they sung other admirable pieces, among them the Italian National Hymn, the Zou-Zou's, and the Star Spangled Banner. Such a concert would create a sensation and hold an audience anywhere."
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Consuls appointed.
Jahazal Sherman, Prince Edward's Island; Alex. V. Lyons, of Virginia, Cyprus; Amasa Mason, of N. Y., Guayaquil; James H. Coulter, of Ohio, Montevideo; W. C. Buchanan, of Pennsylvania, Guatemala; Thomas C. Miller, of Michigan, St. Marc, Hayti — salary $1,500, with privilege of trade. The Consulate was created under the new act. Alex'r. Thompson, of New York, has been appointed Marshal to the Constantinople Consulate, and John G. Willoughby, United States Consul to Swatow.
Failures and suspensions.
The Boston Commercial Bulletin's list of business changes in the United States gives seven failures and suspensions in Boston, five in New York, four in Philadelphia, and 25 in other places — a total of 41 for the past week.
Speculations of Washington correspondents.
Washington correspondents of the Baltimore Sun, of the 14th, thus expatiate upon the war which is now being waged upon the South, and its general results:‘ Warrants for the payment of Government dues to the amount of millions of dollars, lie upon the table of the Secretary of the Treasury, but it takes time to sign them, even with a very cursory examination on his part.--Again, on account of the heaping up of accounts against the Government in one form or another, time must be had for the proper adjustment in turn at the counting offices.--Government creditors who think, at this juncture, they can get their money in a moment, should keep the above points in mind.
The doubts thrown out as to the verity of statements of the London Times, to the effect that our Government has given its consent to the object of the Anglo- French-Spanish expedition against Mexico, are well founded.--Both the Federal and the Confederate authorities must look with alarm to what will probably turn out to be a violation of the Monroe doctrine; and Mr. Lincoln's administration in particular cannot occupy the position attributed to it, if it be true that Mexico has authorized the passage of our troops over her territory for war purposes.
A gentleman of this city, who has just returned from an extended visit in the heart of Continental Europe, says that our Government and people suffer in the public judgment, because they get their cue about our affairs almost entirely from the London Times. Though the extraordinary statements of Mr. Russell's first letter-concerning the battle of Bull Run were subsequently softened down, still they went where corrections never reach, and on the whole, our military, as well as our institutions, are much of a laughing stock. --The editorials of the Times contribute to the same end, and, unless the press of Continental Europe have correspondents of their own in this country, we shall only be seen through the medium of John Bullism.
’ Report gives the name of Generals McDowell, Heintzelman, and Stone, as officers who are to have corps d'armce commands. The necessity of such organization is attested by general European practice, and should the war continue, appropriate rank will doubtless be authorized. In the Confederate army the highest grade is General. So here we may adopt the same title, giving that of Lieutenant General to commanders of corps d'armce.
The session of the city council this evening attracts visitors, as the resolution passed by the aldermen for going into an election for Mayor on Thursday next, at 2 P. M., to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Berrett's resignation, sent in since his release from Fort Lafayette, comes up for consideration. It seems that the corporation attorney, Mr. Bradley, in his opinion declaring it unnecessary to go into a new election now, in view of Mr. Wallach having been heretofore chosen Mayor pro tem. during Mr. Berret's ‘" disabilty,"’ admits that had the pro tempore selection taken place in consequence of ‘"disability"’ arising from sickness of the actual Mayor, and the latter had subsequently died, a new election then would be necessary. Alderman Moore holds hat by the same rule, under the terms of the law and the charter, a new election is just as necessary when the ‘"disability"’ arises from absence from the city (compulsory or otherwise) and afterwards is relieved, or terminates by resignation.
The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company is extending a new track for about a quarter of a mile up Indiana avenue from its depot here. Though commenced only on Saturday, it is now nearly finished. New sidings as well as buildings have been added to a very considerable extent adjacent to the terminus, as well as at other points on the Washington branch, for the accommodation of the immense business in connection with the army, the transportation of stores, goods, munitions, etc., and the unloading and delivery of them all.
The last reports of soldiers in the different hospitals here show 905 sick.
The steam frigate Pensacola, which left our navy-yard last week, is now lying at Alexandria, having proceeded no further down the Potomac as yet. She draws seventeen feet of water, but got away from the navy-yard without difficulty.
Vessels continue to come up the Potomac to the city, dodging Confederate batteries at night, safely enough, with Government stores and other supplies.
At the navy-yard, the urgency of labor is not necessarily so great now as it has been lately. For some months the men, in nearly all branches, have had to labor incessantly, Sunday included. Yesterday was a day of rest. The Harriet Lane, there, is taking on heavier armament of 32-pounders, and the Pawnee, Pocahontas, Seminole, and Anacostia are undergoing repairs, changing armament, &c., &c.
Another case of habeas corpus, with the view of procuring the discharge of Richard A. Lucas, a minor, from the 1st District Regiment Volunteers, was before Judge Merrick this morning; but as there were indications that the boy enlisted with the consent of his parents, he was remanded back to his company.
I saw President Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln riding out this afternoon towards the Arsenal, which place they visited.
General Scott is busily engaged at his headquarters during prescribed hours, and enjoys his usual good health. The pressure upon him, though much relieved, is still very great.
The business on the railroad between Washington and Baltimore is daily increasing. The company is using every means in its power to accommodate this vast trade. The reconstruction of the Baltimore and Ohio track from Harper's Ferry to Cumberland is received with decided favor not only by Washingtonians, but by the Government.
The Confederate prisoners here, amongst whom is George Howard, Esq., of Baltimore, are doing well. They have quite comfortable quarters.
A good many sick and wounded Federal soldiers are being daily removed from the hospitals here to those in Baltimore.
