The New York Herald Newspaper, December 26, 1858, Page 2

NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1858. OUR MILITARY RELATIONS WITH CUBA, Lotter of Gen. Jesup to President Monroe, RELATIONS OF THR MISSISSIPYT VALLEY TO FLORI- DA AND CUBA IN 1S16— INTRIGUES OF SPANISH AND FNGLISH AGKNTS—NECESSITY OF TAKING POSSESSION OF FLOM AND CUBA—MILITARY DEFENCES OF THY GATES OF THE WEST. ARSUP'S PROPOSITION TO TAKE CUBA BY A COU DE MAIN, ETC. | New Onieans, Sept. $, 1816. Sin—From the great extent of the Western States and ‘Territories, tho unprecedented increase of their popula tion, the fertility of the soil and the rapid developement of their immense natural resources, they must in a few years become as important in a commercial as they are now in @ political and military point of view. To become commercial, they must bave the means of conveying to the ocean, without interruption, their surplus productions; those productions are heavy in proportion to their value, and will only bear a water trausportation, and that gene: rally with the current, The State of Louisiana is an im- portant appendage to these States and Territories, both from its productions und ‘ts local situation, It possesses the entire command of the outlet of the Mississippi, of several rivers to the West, and in- some measure of Pearl and Mobile rivers. It is too weak to defend itself from the attacks of a foreign enemy, and from the nature of the country we canpot expect soon to see its population much increased, Tue river Mississippi, at its confluence with the Ohio, receives into its channel ail the waters of Western Vir ginia and Pennsylvania, of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Ti nois and Tennessee, and of Eastern and Northern Missouri. is therefore the point at which will concentrate all the moveable wealth of a couutry greater in extent and pos sessing more natural resources than Germany, the Nether- lands, lialy ance, Spain and Port rt centrated wealth must be conve an by a single route of over a thousand miles, and will be subj to the entire control of the power possessing New Or! The Mississippi, in its course, receives White river, Ar- kansas and Red river on the west, and several smaller rivers on the east, which makes it the commercial high road of more ‘than half the Mississippi Territory, the remainder of sfissouri® Territory, and the whole of Lovisiana. Al! these waters are collected into its channel defOre it reaches Baton Rouge, which is situated in that partof Le a known West Florida, one huodret and twenty miles above New Orleans, and ig the first high land on the Mississippi. From Baton Rouge to Galveston, on Lake Maurepas, is abouteightecn miles; a good tarn: here is mmunication between the river and the below Baton Rouge, which, though now readily cleared out. of it now in our possession to be the r N pike road may be made between those places ‘also a water Jake, a few mi bot unforta. tends the communication of the Mississipp: and the western part of the State of Georgia With the ovean. Pear! ~‘ver, tho rivers running into the bay of Mobile, the Apalachicola and others, on which de pends the commerce ‘ge district of our country, are completely within the control and sntject to the commer- cial regulations of the nation holding Florida. Great Bri tain bas long had an eye upon that country, and it is ru mored that she is wegotiating not only (0 ‘obtai Cuba also. With the posse ‘obtain that of Now Oricans, It would be only necessary for her to siege and strengthen the position of Baton Rouge to prevent all communication with the upper conntry; and that acconmplished, the city must surrender, Besides, a position there would serve asa better rallying point than the Apalachicola for the Indians, the blacks and disatfect- ed citizens; and New Orleans once in her possession, or |_ry transports, with the provisions and military stores, can | be obtained here, which, with the whole force that of any other nation having a superior naval force to ours, the whole power of the Union would not be compe- tent to its reduction. ‘We know, from the experience of the late war, as weil ‘as during the whole period of our previous national bisto- ry, the disastrous influence which foreigners have exer- cised over the Indians both on our Southern and Northern frontier; and if we suffer Florida to fali into the hands of Great Britain we must not be surprised to flad the toma hawk constantly raized and actively employed against us. have information, derived from the papers of the Spanish Consul, that a secret treaty is now being negotiated be- tween ‘Great Britain and Spain for the delivery to the Poth should former of Florida, and, it is said, of Cuba also. de prevented by country if it have any re; future repose. “We have nothing to fear from € feeble hands of Spain, but \t. the hands of Great must become so formidabic as to menace the indepe of our country. In the present advanced state of society, the military institutions as well as the politics of a country ave ap intimate connection with its commerce. In Proportion, then, as our commercial capacity increases, the channels of commerce should be rendered free from the contro! of foreign nations, and the mili tary policy of the country should be to secure ever: assailable point. The proidnetions of the West will, in a few years, perhaps, double those of the Atlantic. Those production® must pass to a market almost under the guns of Havana. Cuba is, therefore, the key of all Western America, whether we consider it in a military, a commor- cial or a political point of view. It is situated dircetly in the entrance of the Guif of Mexico, and with its present Population, aided by a attalions of European troops, ‘and directed by an active, energetic maritime European Power, it could as easily ghut up the Gulf as England can the Baltic, and detach from the coutinent and secare from attack, it may become the depot of nava! and mili tary means for our constant annoyance. Ina miliary point of view it may be rendered unassailable; and secure attack itself, ii may choose its points of attack on the continent, and by that means hold in constant check all our ports upon the coast, and with them the whole interior country. Posseasing these military moans, it will be enabled to prevent our flour, sugar, cotton, tobacco, hemp and other productions from going to mar kot. It'is capable, in connection with Brazil, now under the control of Great Britain, of suppiying Furope with sngar and tobacco, in addition to which large quantities of cotton ~_ raisedy and the British possessions in Ca. ada and New Holland could be made to supply th» flour and hemp, not onty for the constnption of Britain, bu all Western Europe. ‘@ may wel! imagine what un in- fluence @ notion possessing such powerfa! means of annoy- we might, by exerting her power, obtain in our coun try, for, although our citizens possess ns large a stock of patriotism as any other people, yet we know from expe Pience that men are oftener governed by their interests than love of country. Witness the effect produced upon some of our Western people on the closiag of the Missiseipp! by Spain, when they supposed the gover mevt of the confederation was sacrificing to con- siderations of policy the'r rights and interests, and the Eastern people by the embargoes and Teetrictive system which preceded the late war, to which they ascribed the prostration of their commerce. Tae people, no matter what the form of their government, rel- dom reason very calmly when they feel the pressure oc- casioned by obstructed commerce. They rarely trace the effect to its true cause, but, looking oaly vo the promi- nent facts presented to the'r view, they usually throw the biame upon the government, and shoul¢ any great mari- me Power be allowed to occupy Cuba, such, yor may be aeauret, would be the case with the Americad peopie, and ‘were such an event to occur they would hold any admin istration to « strict account ‘The derign® of Great Britain on Florida have been long known, as I have ne ht you have abondant evidence at hand: her dee poo Cuba are being developed. Spam, although attached to her territor, cannet long maintain her authority unimpaired in this hetmispherc she murt either surr Jone the whole ra part of her possessions ‘The Britieh potities’ and mora co ‘m if st and of ter ¢ f Spain re her the Floridas may obta from the revolationiets. § meible of thie and how severe soever the stroke may be to her au pride, when Britain comman'is she tiust subtait. But she now a powerful inducement to subrait render ta to Great Briain she hopes to obtain ing and may obtain, the aid of that nation in a coutempiated attack tipor She considers the Wntied States the iffie thie ities with her colonies, and os particularly to be the headquarters of faction nd revolution, and she t sion of that city 5 rendering it alto to Brita weil as the des ms of Brita clearly udieated by the late proclamation and recent acts of Colonel Nichols, a Britieb officer acting in concert With Spanish officers, not only during the late war, but up to tbe present moment; by the military cecupancy of Fiorida by the British forces during the late war, with content of Spain, by the fact of Spanish officers thea new, in the military service of Spain, having pilowd aided the British army in its attacks on this ity; by pial quthorities permitting British offtcers and Nichols, Woodbine and others—now to remain Florida Indians, exeiting them to host agamsat our people; by the insolent demand of the Spanish Minister, Don Onis, that Weet Florida, a part of Louisiana and Miesiseig © Spain: by hie intrigues and those of Spaniards at New Orlane through th m Murphy, and other agente, the evidence which has been already communicated to you; by nost.je disposition of there Spaniacde jon of a certain end immediate change which has re. band Spain wie at and their exp by the secret treaty which is now being, ¢ b, Regotiated between Great Br ¢ dtposit of arms and ort nan’ the Negro Fort, on the Apalacbierla, which coald have been intended for and be need only by the hortile and their adherents, and by the incrensed and increaring Bpanieh force at the Havana. With the facilities of traneportation which the Mim Fippi te tributar w asford, the immense military the whole Western country may, in the event o cone at Now Orleans in the course of twe defence of the country Petite Coquelle, one at Chef Me t St. Philip, on the Missiseippt, and om Temple, on the route to Barataria, west pi. in addition to which there a be @ Steam battery of frigate and about twenty armed barges for th@ defence of inkes Ponchartrain and Borgne ano the bay of Moblie. There shoald, aleo, be a steam battery or frigate and at least twenty armed barges for tb fence of the Mise ssipp! and the coast weet of it wm the eiteation io which our country is now pinced in relation to the great Furor cy. commer cial and politien|, as Well a military, paint oot the ne cessity of taking immecdiate posession of Cuba; and, from the numerous aggresio1 the uniform ‘hostility of Spain, such an act would ne inconsi«tent with the soundest political morality justified by every prinetple which governs the most up right nation. The Spaniards are already the aggressor, and have been throughout the who'e period of our history since the peace of 1763. The country in question is ne consary to our defence, and in the possession of Great Britain, or any other great maritime Power, would be Cangerous to our repose The people of thie country ore anxions for the ever their sympathies are warmly enlisted in favor of the patriots of Mexico, and the policy of giving liberty to them Tom persuaded cannot be doubted, Coba is not only capable of holding in check all the southern porses- sions of the United States, but the whole of Spanish North America also, and if we occupy it it will seeure the inde- jendence of that countey, and throw into our hands ite \eluabis commueros, The meus Wo accomplish where ob. he | } Tee an act which may be | jects are take the the naval force on this station, and will compromise to lose We could concentrate as T reported both to you and General Jackson, in the event of a hostile movement on the part of Spain. I have seen mination; on the contrary, the information which I have received of tie defenceless state of the works, and of the favorable disposition towards us of the Cuban militia and of the sailors of the reyal marine, convinces me that com. Ee Fuccess may prise. Whether Spain strike or not, our government should; it may save many future wars. he approves of my plan, and will co-operate most heartily should the conduct of the Spanish comm: enterprise. completely within our control. I woul: - enterprise with four men, in addition to y head if 1 do not succeed. le two thousand regulars, the remainder could be made up of volunteers. The military force might concentrate at Pass Christian, and the naval force, with the transports, at Ship Island, which would draw the attention of the © to Pensacola. There is a large national ship on the iake, commenced during the wi but left unfinished at its close, which Commodore Patterson informs me may be completed in. fifteen or twenty days, which would carry, in addition to its crew, about tweive hundred men. The other necossa- necessary 2 the oon may be concentrated at the pass in wenty days. Tome time since determined to strike directly at Cuba, that deter- heard nothing to induce me to o be attained with two thousand men. ie apparent strength of the place would favor the enter- Thave communicated fully with Commodore Patterson; with me should the necessary authority be given, or anders justify the TH. 8, JkSUP, Col. Com’g the 8th Military Dop’t. To the Hon. Jamms Monnor, Secretary of State, Wash- ington city. Steamboating on the Red River of the North, the Saskatchewan, and Lake Winnipeg. {From the Chicago Press, Dec. 11.] We had the pleasure of an interview a day or two since with Captain Blakely, the well known pioucer of steam- boating on the Upper Mississippi. , During the past season Captain B. visited the Red river of the North, to ascer- tain by personal examination whether that stream may be sueccersfully navigated by steamboats. The result of his observations was highly satisfactory, there being, in his opinion, vufficient depth of water for easy navigation throughont the season from Lake Winnipeg to the mouth of the Cheyenne river, a distance of about 350 miles. We have observed a statement in soine of the news- papers, representing that Captain Blakely wiil put a steamer on Red river next season. At present we think he entertains no such purpose. Should the Mud- son's Bay Company be expelied trom the country water- ed by the Red, the Assiniboin, and Saskatchewan river, @ provincial government’ be organized, and that wholo region be thrown open by the fritish government to immigratioa—and all this within the next three months—then it would not surprise us tall if Captain Blakely ‘s steamers should be ploughing the ot heXt season, But such speedy action 1s not to ad from that governme Downing street has un to learn something of the real character of the * west of Canada, and possibly resented im the y But whether so represented or not, the Circumlocution Office must take its Ume. Tuen there is another matter to be adjusted before American steamors will be placed upon Red river. The provisions of the reciprocity treaty must be extended thither, and this will require more tine, We had supposed that steamers designed to navigate Red river would have to be built upon its banks, but Capt Bla orms Us that they may be taken across from the Minnesota river. The portage is only about half a and the expenditure of one or two thousand dollars: will ‘open a channel across suificiently deep to float a steamer in times of high water. In 1828, the crops having been destroyed in the Selkirk settlement by high Huusor water, three Mackinaw boats loaded with grain were taken from Prairie du Chien by this route, passing from the Minnesots to the Red river with but very stight difficulty. Whenever the time does come, therefore, for placing steamers upon the latter river, it wil be comparatively an easy matter to trans- fer them from the Muunesota river. Should the gold discoveries on the Fraser, Bridge and Thompson rivers prove to be of much value, the move- mevt of the British government will doubtless be accele rated with respect to organizing governments for its northwestern possessions. The easiest and, it improved, the cheapest route to that region. either from Great Britain, or from Canada and the United States, lies direct ly through British territory. The Red river, Lake Winni- peg, and the Saskatcbewan river furnish a navigable water line of about 1,400 miles of the distance. If the gold of Fraser river proves abundant, the immigration for some years Will be large, and it only requires the organi- zation of # provincial government over the valleys of the Red and Sasxaichewan rivers, the presence of a suffvient force to bold the Indians im subordination, aud the plant- ing of settlements along the course of these streams, to make the route indicated the great thoroughiare of travel. While ou Red river Captain Blakeiy had repeated op. portunities to make inquiries touching the navigability of the Raskatcbewan, of those who had for years been fami- liar with it, and he is entirely satisfied that steamers may py upon it a distance of 700’ miles above Lake Winnipeg. Je says the reports which he obtained upon this subject are not half so discouraging as those he received from the trap- pereee i traders respecting the navigability of the upper ississippi, before he took the first boat up the latter river. It is expected, however, that an experienced steamboat man Wil pase over the entire length of the river from the lake to the Rocky Mountain Touse, next season, with the view of testing the matter thoroughly. We have the at- most © ence that the result wil be im the highest de- gree savisfactory. If the British government should pur- Sue a wise and comprehensive policy in the management of ber northwestern possessions, within less than ten years this will become a great transeontinent al therough- fare, along which will collect prosperons and populous cotumunities, and a new world made to subserve the pur- poses of butnanity and of civilization. Supreme Court—General Term. Before Justices Strong, Lott and Emott. DECISIONS. The following are the decisions rendered at the general term of the Supreme Court, held at the City Hall, Brook- lyn, in December, 1858. Jemes W. Elwell, receiver, vs. Orsamus Bashnell.— Judgment of County Court aflirmed, with costs. By Justices Strong, Brown and Emott, Alfred Derion vs. Eoglebert Lott, Sherif.—Judgment affirmed Leman RB. Tripp, County Treasurer, respondent, va. Johw Merritt and others, appellants. —Jadgment affirmed. By Justices Strong, Lott and Brown, of causes argued at ber term, 1858. George 8. Conklin vs. David Barnes.—Order denying de- fendant « motion for new trial affirmed. The Episcopal Church of St. Peter's, in the townshio of Westchester, ve. Wm. Varian and others. —Judement as to delendant Varian reversed and pew trial at the Circuit, a6 to him, ordered. Costs to abide the event. Judgment as to the defendant Hawkins affirmed. Le mfoenj ee and others, trustees, &e., v#. James F. Dadley and David R. Thompson.—Judgment affirmed. Charles Crooke and others vs. Jesse C. Rowan.—Judg- ment aflirmed. ‘The People ex rel. Sophia Cook and cthers vs. the Com. the town of Greenburg, &.— eferees reversed, and the order and proceedings of the Commissioners set aside, with costs ip this Court. haa. B. Williams Lacy Ann Loring # Williams ve. Williams, ox’. , &e. 8. Wicliams.—Decree of Surrogate of Kings county aflirmed, so far as it required exccutrix to aswer nr to improvivence, and reversal so far ae it dis. Missed the complaint as to the charge of precariougness, The coste ou the appeal to abide the decision of the Surro. gate on the (inal determinat un Alexander Osborn ve. John H. Lester and others.— Judgment and cesta of court affirmed Joun R. Gill ve. » Handley.—Judgment reversed, and new trial at the Cirenit ordered, with costs to abide the event, unless plaintiff stipulate to deduct the sum of $100 for the services of the sorrel horse, and $26 for the services of Robert Gill, If such stipulation ts made and filed within twenty days after notice of this decision, the Judgment must be affirmed ot to the residue, and im thet case po costs on the appeal are allowed to either party Nebemiah Sammis vs Henry Sammis.—Judgment af. firmec Jobo N. Kiseam ve. Benry Lear and Thos. Lear.—Mo- tion for new trial denied, aud judgment ordered for the ple\ntitf op the verdict Wm. ©. Lyon ve. the Oty of Rrookiyn —Jodgment of city court reversed, and new trial ordered, costs to abide exert The Middletown Bonk ve Ju igment firmed James odgway ve firmed Louie &. Glockmeyer va. Theodore Judgment reversed, and pew tri. ordered, costs to event Marius Schoonmaker, executor, &c., ve. Isaac S. Van Wyek, executor —Decree of the Sarrogate of Dowchess county to be modgfed #0 as to charge the executor Van Wyek with interest on his note wo the final decree, ae, ‘Under to be eettied , if not agreed on, by Justies Brown Nos Est uenatep Morows Branp axp Decioep at Deca. oan That, 1859, ey Jeences Srrawe, Lort asy Brows, Macon Clawson ve. Chauncey R. Weeks.—Order of Special Term affirmed, with $19 costa, Willam ©. Nichols ve. Wiliam E. La gee from order of 11th Febraary, 1856, dismissed, with $10 corts. Same ve. Same,—Crder of Ist December, 1857, affirm. cc, with $10 costs Same ve Satme.—Order of 24th April, 1858, aflirmed, with $10 costs. Samuel Drake vs. Isaac Robinson and otbers.—Order of special term affirmed, with $10 coats, By Justices Strong, Lott, Emott and Brown. jonathan 8. Frowt vs. James K. Dei Veochio.—Order of County Judge in supplementary proceedings modified so fs to direct referee to report the facts, &e., to hitn } Van Renechoten vo. Gideon Froet.—Motion dia Teter Morris and others = Daniel VY. Barnard —Judgment af. jagot and others.— . bide ™ od, w job Carre rau Boildmg and Accumulating Fund Agsociation.—Order of special term affirmed, with $10 coste, without prejudice to right to apply at apecial term for application of money pald to judgment, if not already 80 applied. Benjamin Howard and others vs. Miller Woodhul!.—Ap. pea’ diem ssed. Maria Aon Small and others vs. David S. Mille and others. —Order of Sih June, 1868, struck from records and that of 11th June, 1858, affirmed, with $10 corte, Oliver Uyer ve. Jobn B. Youry.—Order of special term modified Ry Jost att, :mott and Brown George Diatler vs. Saznuel Leivman.— Appeal dismissed, w thout costs: Peter Sager ve. Samue} Uiter and other’. —Order of ape cial term aflirmed, with $10 corte. John B. Wood vs. Richard Conner, Fiaq., &¢.—Order of Special torm affirmed, with $10 cots. ‘The Citizens’ Mutoal Loan and Accumulating Fand As. sociation ve. Epenetos Webster.—Order affirmed, with $00 cost: Stavery Discresion,—A bill has been introduced in the Legislature of Georgia to suppress the publication of the trash known as the slavery discussion between Parson Brownlow, of Tennessee, and the Rev. Mr. Pryne, of Phi dadelps ’ wil’ lave their morrow. and bibeon OSL FiEgey a fa A about seu best res. Our Council Bluffs Correspondence. iy z .. pave had bed jack = he ibe ay eat Sou! BLurrs, Dec. " ic and broke my shoulder all to d-—d s1 running \(: oe y Howes Doo. AR 1808. |) Peele, 't went kaak tp Yost Eearay, and taiten eat pone fost Expeditions Route—The Cherry Oreck and Pike's Peak for cattle, and got my shoulder set and started back. Mines—Prices of Outfits and Provisions—Progress of | boys bad agreed to wait for me forty miles above Ke way, Council Bluffs City—Railroads, de. , Be. py og there ey haa i ome Hareed wer >, wit H rhe a You are doubtless aware that there is a tri-weokly mail | Siyived at Cottonwood springs: we loarhed that whe bore from this place to Salt Lake, via Fort Kearney, and that | were three Gays. ahead of us, 80 we pushed on and caught large amount of mai! matter passes through it. This fact pereey aie eS Fors | : fearay. : ty re 9 them 8 has not received the attention from the press and Eastert | 9 hog our way, and two days were without a bite. Don’t cities which it ought to have done, From this city to Fort Kearney the distance is only 180 miles, while from St. Joseph it is over 800 miles, The Wostern Stage you think I cussed them? T left 8. Dillin, and Jack took me in. My shovider is getting so { can use it alittle, About the gold. About two weeks before I got here there was some men going to the States; they showed me Company's four horse coaches make the trip inside of two 2 worth ote stan. ; rae that carries this van v1 , , | bas worth of the gold. There can’t be any mining days, without any trouble. The streams are all bridged, p resi 4 Agena slave Gxt tae oid . my with the exception of the Loup Fork, where there is an excellent ferry, and teams can be crossed at all hours, This place is only 660 miles from Cherry Creok and Pike’s Peak gold mines. Almost daily, at the present time, can be seen in Our streets teams loading with the necessary outfit for the gold mines, Everything can be had here at lower prices than atany other outfitting place on the Missouri river. Lately you must baye seen in the papers the arrival of Capt. A. J. Smith and H. J. Grabam, from the gold mines in eighteen days, Which speaks volumes in favor of this route. Per- sobs can Start from here by the 15th of March and make the trip in thirty days to the mines. The route from Chicago would be via Rock Island Railroad to Iowa City, from there to Fort Desmoines in thirty-six hours, and from Fort Desmoines to this ples in thirty hours, in good four and six horse Concord coaches: @ stations are about twelve miles apart. ‘The fare from Lowa City (dis- tance 280 miles) is nineteen dollars. 80 much for the Toute across the Stale. At this place you can find ail of the articles needed. Good likely cattle for yoke can be had for $60; wagons about $85; flour $3 60 per hundred; meat, bacon sides, 9c. per pound; sugar 11 Me ; coflve 160. corn in the ear per bushel; oats at 350.; bay at $3 per tun. I have been more particular ia putting down prices as they really are, knowing that we have been mis- represented, und that a great deal of emigration has gone by the way of Independence , Kansas Cty or Leavenworth, thatshould have come this way, which is certainly the shortest, cheapest, and by at least fifteen days the near- estto the Pike's Peak gold mines. We are auxious to be set right in your valuable journal, and for this reason we wish to put the facts before the great mass of people as they are. This city has improved over fifty per cent in the last twelve months. Fine four story brick blocks, hand. some churches and halls, a new hotel, five stories, which, when finished, will cost $100,000, and numerous very costly residences, make us fee! that the hard timer are almost gone. ‘The Missiseippi aud Missouri River Railroad has commenced grading the road in this city with about two bundred men, with horses, carts, wagons, &e. This city is the termini of five diferent raitroads, this road be- ing a continuation of the Rock Isiand road, via Davenport, Towa City and Fort Desmoive It fs the intention of the yy to finish forty miles of the road through this and by the time it is completed that far, t from Jowa City will connect, and then we sball hay reet air line from here to New York, We hope to see this road finished by the y Your subscribers to the Dany Herxatp in this city receive the papers inside of eight days, which is making almost railroad speed, consi- dering the distance. Throughout the whole State we are having packed con ventions for the purpose of calling an extra session of the Legislature, to loan the credit of the State for railroad pur- poses, the amount not to exceed eightimillions, Yeshades of the mighty that are gone to rest, think of that!—a young, State, yet in infancy, with a population of only 650,000 people, to burden themselves with such a debt for the parpose only of enriching a lot of swindlers, speculators and public plunderers! At the Conventioa which met here in November, thirteen counties were represented out of oighty four; nine voted for, four against; the latter repre- sented by bonest yeomanry, the former by a set of bank- rupts, who contemplate twofol!—one to get their share of the spoils, the otber to induce Governor Lowe to cal! the Ley d then to useSheir best endeavors to enact reign creditors of their honor- ‘There are some men at work, end are making from one to three dollars a day—that is on the Platte. Mr. Hooton, if you do come ou', don’t take the military road—take the old Mormon road; be sure and take plenty of team. The worst of the road is after you cross tte. There is more sand than would patch h—I! a mile. Tell this to the boys that will start out. I would write a lot more, but my arm hurts me so I can’t write. Send me nereoee, Ihave nothing to read but that Bible yougave me. Jack sends his best respects to Dodge aud Kate and to Mrs. 4 fohn Graves has beer prospectil morning, and found fifty cents worth of er % Bd ‘Toll Sheriff Baker that his horse thief, James Gilson, is out here, and goes by the pame of Fox. There is a little town above here, and day before yester- ay there were two men killed there. Biake and Williams have not got hore yet. Mr. Jobn Graves, who left here in the latter part of September for the South Platte gold mines, writes to his wife that he has arrived within eighty miles of the mines; that there is no doubt but gold is abundant there. He says that he met a company of men returning from the mines, and that five of the number each had a bag of the “cust”? worth over fifteen hunered dollars. ‘The statement of Mr. Graves may be relied upon. He bas been to California and spent a year or two there, was formerly a resident of Wappello county in this State, and has been for the last three years a resident of this city anda member of the Common Council. Tho fact that there is an abundance of gold in Nebraska, within five hundred miles of this city, is now fully establish» by the dest of evidence, Mr. Graves says that the roads are in perfect order up the north side of the Pintte, the greater portion of the streams having been bridged by the government. ‘The company hat passed thousands of Indians, and have had no ditiiculiy with them, except that experienced from their never ending begging. Government troops are stationed at various points along the North Platte route for the protection of emigrants and the settlers who have already settled all along the route for a distance of three hundred miles. The Fraser River Mines—The Yield of Gotd— Indignation Meeting of American Miners. OUK SAN FRANCISCO CORRESPONDENCE. San Franctsoo, Nov. 20, 1852. Affairs at the Fraser river gold mines are in the same condition as at Iast reports. ‘The miners who have re- solved to remain during the winter send favorab's counts of their prospects. The banks of the etream are not now crowded, and the men engaged at work not ha ing to contend against a disproportionate quantity of miners to the number of bars, consider the country de- sirable. Itis estimated that 5,000 Californians are now 4, British Columbia, At a moderate calculation, ficteen thousand must have returned to this State since the re vulsion took place. There is but little news from the north, The gold is found to be more plenty at high water mark, and as the river recedes the prospect becomes smaller, and many wish for high water again with which to wash the bank dirt; particulariy is this the case on Hill’s bar and ou bars in the vicinity of the Forks. But, from the experience of miners who worked last spriag, we may pect to hear good reports when that point is again reached, ‘as the gold would naturally be deposited in larger quanti: ties where the water remains longest at high and low water mark, between which the rise and fail would pre vent any extensive deposits, unless we accept the conclu sions of those who aseert the gold has been washed from the banks, in which case we may expect to hear of exten- sive bp Oe ge the banks of the river. The Victoria Gazette learns that the neighborhood of Fort Yale has been staked off into mining claims. Shatts ‘that have been sunk in the upper part of the town have prospectod from ten to twenty ceuts to the pan—one pros pect now in the possession of Mr. Green, of this city, who arrived on the Otter, weighing thirty-two cents. ; Bar the bench back has been found to pay well for sluicing. Some trouble is apprehended there, as parties huvestaked off the back bench, claiming it far dry diggings—whilst the party on the upper end of the bar, ‘of whom McGowan is the recoguized mouthpiece, say they will hold it—thus claiming the river bar as well as back into the dry diggings. The high water mark, determined by the Commissioner, foanded on the highest point to which the water has at- gi insolvent laws to rob their able dues. Our Fontenelle Correspondence. Foxneneiim, Dodge County, N. T., Dec. 13, 1953. Departure of Gov. Wim. A, Richardso—The Gold Fever FExcitement(—A Cherry Creek Miner's Letter—General News, éc., de. On Monday last his Excellency Gov, Wm. A. Richard eon left the Territory, no more to retora as Governor. And whilst there is considerable regret in parting with one who bade fair to act a prominent part in our Far West politics, and one, besides, who had the clements of an excellent Governor—posgessing not only warm persona! friends as he does, but the respect of all—that all is lost in the arxiety of our leading politicians to know who is to be his successor. Since my residence in the Far West—now nearly ‘ive years—I bave never seen an excitement $0 prevalent or which partakes of so determined a character as that which moves our entire community in regard to the gold discoveries out on the Platte and Cherry Creek, in No- |" tained the past six Years brash tory. Pally three fourths of our population | “Opposite Strawberry Tsland, on a large bench, pros the; Y swear and declai y are off in the epring for the dig- ging®. launex a letter from « friend now there, upon whose statements the utmost reliability can be placed :-— Cuerny Crxex, Nov, 7, 1858, Dear Sm—According to agreement, | seat myself upon the ground floor of an old awe, for the pur; of Dg you a short sketch of the gold diggings and vicini- ty, and Tam sorry that it is not ia my power to give you fall particulars, We arrived bere on the 3d inst., baying had glorious fine weather nearly all the way through. The day before we reached this place, snow fell to the depth of five or six inches; it has, however, nearly all disappeared. For tet. miles above Cherry Oreck, and eighteen below its mouth, the poe | may hear the heavy stroke of (ue miners’ axes upon the unfortunate cottonwood along the route, and the Wo-naw and goe-wo of murdy would: be miners, who are now busy hanling logs and firewood to their winter quarters—all is life and bustle. I do not know how many emigrants have arrived, but I should think between four ana five men. There has been some prospecting done, but it is uneer- pects have been obtained from ten toeighteen cenis to the " me Emory’s Rar the miners are sluicing back into the beach, and it is paying well. Victoria Bar, above Fort Yale, has not been found to pay. A ditch is being brought in to stuice it. Anricat Rar is paying well. King & Co. took out 118 ounces, with four rockers, in one week, and it pays well as the water falls. ‘At Fargo’s Bar, one mile from Sumas village, miners are at work building wheels to sluice the bar off, it pros- pects from three to eight cents to the pan. Li ens, hebees eng or flats between Forts Hope le have wo et well, and the wack tipanohit er ‘The ditch companies are all busy getting the water in from the lakes and creeks along the river, some of them emp oying as many as one hundred men. ‘Mincrs generally are we'll provided with winter of But a small stock of provisions is on hand Yale. Dougias city is being laid off at the Pork by the Com. ‘Trevaliae. t tain what the resuit has been, as those who prospect keep | missioner, b aclose month on subjects relating to gol. We cannot | Coarse gold is being taken out on Wridge river, above believe reports, because they &re contradictory. That | the forks, rusty in appearance. Our informant saw aman old exists is certain, not only on Cherry Creck, bat onthe | from there with eighty oances in bis . "latte and country round about. It is the opinion of the ‘The Cortes this week brought down $39,900 in goli-dust Californian mivers who are ue hero that the metal is } from Victoria, The amount of Fraser river richer and more generally ‘ti than in California, and im the San Francisco Branch Mint from the 19 when there will doubtless be some rich to 16th November inclusive, is:—Before melting, mines 4 ered, There is considerable timber of the 66-100 ounces; after iting, $,333 56.109 ounces: cottonwood ,and a good deal of land that can be | joss in Melting, 759 3-10 ounces, being 8:35 por cont—$:14 profitably eu! . the soil boing of a gravelly natare, ‘cent more than the a ions on California god. The nd I should judge well adapted to wheat growing. Real vatue of the above 9 96-100 ounces i¢ $146,280 4. Towne are quite humerous. Aurora, atthe mouth of | From all we can gather, total amount of Fraser river Cherry Creek, takes the lead, having some twelve or Of- that bas this country since thed9th of May teen cabing Cong its eite. At the mouth of Creek is about $425,900, or about $70,000 per month for it is perfectiy dry, not finding y water two | six months. miles from where it strikes the South Platte. The | ft is believed that several hundred thousand dotiars har prospects for mining next season must be good, a» many who prospected before the arrival of our party bave re- turned for stocks of goods, saw mills, which will be needed bere for next Gane is abundant. The Lawrence Company have not arrived yet. It is sumposed that they will winter on the Arkansas, which i# 190 miles from here. For the benefit of those who may deem it proper to start in the spring for this point, T would atviee them not to load heavy—not more than 20 cwt. to three yoke of cattle, or in that proportiou—es at many points west of the cross: ing the roads are extreme , being compored of sand hills, besides, there are (hi ir four creeks to Cross, with mud bottoms. Having given everything 1 consider of interest, t will conclude. As ever, Your most obedient servant, ~ WM. W. HOOPES. Interesting News Fa the Kansas Gold Mines. [From the Council Biutle (lowa) Bugle, Nov. 25. Mr. Ricthman, who went oot with the Council Blas ‘ain t the South Pintte gold mines, retarned ov the 4., being only eighicen days out from the tu ses, ght from forty to tty letters from the boys in INDIGNATION MERTING OF AMERICAN sivERS, The following proceedings took place at Hill's Bar, on Fraser river ,on 26th October. We have not yet heard what has boon done by the authorities. The mon who passed the resolutions are known to be determined, and will not suffer injustice to be practised towards them — Pursuant to public motice given, the miners of EL! On motion, Mr. Geo. Furness (one of the pioneers of the river, who came wp with Mr. Hill), was called to the chair, and Mr. Geo. Cade appoiuted Seerctary. On motion of Mr. J. P. Dien, a committee was appoint ed to draft a preamme and resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. Whereupon the Chair appowwted at said committee the following named gentlemen J. I. Di! Jer, Capt. Samuel Paster, Wm. C. Lawton, Michas! Tar kens and James Hughes, who retired to perform the duties of their appointunent. During the absence of the committee the mosting was addressed by Mr. John Morreli, Mr. John F. Giienon and several others the mines to their friends in this place. en, trough their ¢ ( - Hts alco bronght back about twenty dotiars worth of the | porerust the falowiug epee ise emai “dast.’ Te arrived at the mines on the 30th October, ‘Whereas, certrin indivi: hy Mr. Commissioner Hi several attempts during the Is, reatients of Fort Yale, ncsistet the same place, hw pat te ya to “ja aims of the tnivera npon Hill's ad wheress, the aeid Hicks and his party having to day made an unsiecagetn) offarben get yaseesion of ont claime under the color of law (Hicks law); refore, bet ‘Resolved. That the established laws of the miners of thie bap, which bave been submitted to and approved of by bie Ex cellen:y Governor Douglas (a copy of said laws being now In Li® po are the only ines that we will take as our guide, until forther evidence shall be furnished ua from the and left on the Sth November He returns for the porpose of aiding his father to go out, and intends to start back jn a few days. He bronght as ® letter from W. It. Reed, who had been in our employ for over # year before his departure for the mines, which we publish below: Mr. Ricthman eays that the miners who have been there ch to get permanently located and at work, are thout the ail of ‘ong toms or rockers, from two Mir. Ricthman was there be eaw three dovlars and source that the aforesaid Jaws have been lagaily ane altered ar amended, and, further, that we wil not b= 4 cents worth of gold woshed out of a single pan full of erie th i caprien 4 tem or the galt m The largest. pleoe of ola found while he was there, | Sharncters, Idlers or drones upon meiety tatoo ue of our righim that came under his notwe, was worth four cents. Keaois ‘hat Commiasioner Hicks, tn hia late attempt to OM miners have prospected for roand gold, and find | gleposess the miners of this bar of their legal rights, hae sown it x i himer! uuneerap tien " earrupt pil it in several place, Dut always in small pieces, He | Tromoer, and altogether wit aud taworthy the poviion thinks when the snow is melted off in the epring, so that miners can work in the nes in mountains, that round gold will be found in nore abundance, and in larger pieces Mille experienced no difficulty in coming in. now hold#: as he has adraiited that the partes he Sera in m yap a ——— or, in other words, they Ww partners scheme. Ressived, That his Exerliency the Governor be reapect- fully bot on nested walt down the north side of the Platte river. io, tor we firmly belteve if be te perentiiod Te wil! be seem that 3 Reed had been there bat two | Mastavea ‘and matty tout, he es ng since Peon days when his letter was written, and the Counci! Blulfe | sance to the miners oa this bas Tagan injury to there boys were busy building cabins for winter quarters, and were not prospecting for goid sidepts on Crown lands in this vietnity. Hessived. That & copy of the proenedings of this meeting, aiteated, be transmitted’ ner pee We have been permitted to make the following extract | prover! to the American Commis from a letter written by Mr. Courtright, to bis partner | Moner ( eke baie bis Racolleney wiv the reqnest that he Ail lay a in thie city, Mr. Carter, Courtright had been in the mines } That twelve dage when Nis letter was written, and what he eared says may be relied upon — we bave fn'l contidencs ‘ er Novewnne 1, 1858. einer th T have but a few moments to write. The prospects nat, wonld not are good—the country hax leon prospected from here to > SL Lyupntnemmandy paemecartonen fhe Arkansas, nud gold found everywhere. The minera eve entire confidence ia the integrity of have masie fo dollars ant Atty conte to twenty ne ugice appoiaved for thie Bar, x sit Wr dollars per day, since Tarrived here. I was sent ahead w mm, aubor linates God gui’ bee teivp days betore the wiguet. “The au. | (aeure. iehg 400) ond Heke, 0 Bt Yea moce from Council Bluils to this place is five hundred and — o , That we do herebly pledge ourseives, one and all, Me. Reed, who has eon once from Council Binfte over. | ¢q eatlred That wa do henebly plodee aumeives, ottany aad land to California, and threo times to Great Salt Lake City, | alt hazards «1 “jumpers” and irciopere of il ead why and knows the road “like a book,” advises allto keep | may w of the posession of claims which we the old Mormon road vp the north side of the Platte to | legally hold, by purchase or otherwise. Fort Laramie, in preference to the Military road, which he travelled from Fort Kearny to Fort Laramie, on the Mail Party hy Indians. south side of the Platte, We publish Mr. Reed's letter of the Kansas City Journal of Com verbatio et Viteratim. Mt ie written in regular frontier and wn from Santa Fe, New Mexico, under date of ‘emigrant atyle, and contains many things not interesting | Novem! to gold but larly Vasoresting to hie nume- Tt Reems whieh left Albuquerqne on the rous friends “Bob” may bave better luck } 16th inst. for Neosho some of tacit animals stolen by hereafter — the Indians, the Camanches, of the Plains, which the party, however, pursued apd recovered. The Indians thereupon hirpely reinforced themselves and attacked the mail party, which, after several repuises, they eventually succeeded inoverpowering. The entire ly Was massacred, and elt the ontfit, Inelading the mail, was destroyed. Binjor Wells leagues tagag facts from some Puebla Indians MR. REEDS LETTER. Winter Quarrens, 2 miles from Cherry Creek, 76 miles Crom Pike's Penk, Nov. 1, 1858. ‘We arrived here on the 30th October, and during the bight there was a very bh avy snow etorm—snow fell about afootdeep, this gave the boys the blues, They oppiies 4 ' § settlements and reported the facts. with them, as evidence of their the spokes of the stage wheels and riages. ‘Their story is fully s enpectaliy ty (hese whe know that the mail party consisted of but five or six men, and that tho Indians on the route had declared vengeance against any partyjthat might attempt to open a new road through their country. 1know but two men along with the party thus wiped out Mr Hall, the conductor, aud Mr. Augustus Ferguson, city. ‘The Pueblas state that the mail men fought long and well before they were overcome by the greatly superior num- bers of their red enemy. British Columbia and Victoria, V. I. COURSE OF THE CALIFORNIA PRESS—COLUMBIA TER- RITORY MALIGNED, BTC,, ETC. San Francisco, Nov. 6, 1858. Janes Gorpon Banyert, Esq. :—~ The course pursued of late by a portion of the press of California has been so unfair, and in the main go untrue, in relation to the newly discovered gold fields of the north, that a very erroneous opinion of them was fast gaining ground in the minds of the general readers of these journals who took no other means to gain informa- tion on the subject, My present purpose is to expose the course taken by the papers in question, sending broadcast through the columns of your valuabie paper something approximating to the | true condition of things in that country. The industry displayed by some papers here and in Ore- gon, to scribble qpwn the growing importance of British Columbia, shows plainly that they believed they were ca- toring to a popular feeling of jealousy aroused against a neighboring State and seaport city to rival San Francisco. ‘The ill advised stampede of thirty thousaud men into a new and unknown country was mourned over by nearly the whole press of California, and the effect to business was disastrous for a time; 80 the return of many of them, after a brief sojourn, was hailed with joy; great delight ‘was expressed far and wide at the return of the wander. cra, the bone and sinéw of the State. This was an oppor- tune time to declare the whole country a “ humbug,’’ mis- represent everything favorable, distort the most truthful reports, make mountains out of mole hills, and, in short, hold the country up in the most ridiculous light possibie. The object of ail this crusade must be apparcat to people ata distance, and was substantially this:—There was a large emigration known to be on the way from the Atlan- Vic States, bound for the new Ei Dorado, which it would be desirable to detain in California; and, again, if the people in England about starting for Victoria, could be thorough- ly discouraged and frightened to remain at horpe, it would check in the start the vigorous growth of te hew colony assuming to be a rival in the north. ‘Yhe discouragemenis attending the first mining opera- tiong on Fraser river thus formed most excellent capital to work.upon, The jong continued high water, the pover- ty of the mines in the beginning, the fear of Indians, the Dugbear of winter, and the easy access to the genial cli. mate gf California—ua'! assisted in unsettling the minds of the more timid of these advepturers. 4 turning them back to California. So, what was unfortunate im the con- dition of affairs in that’ country in the beginning, formed exactly the materia! out of which to manuiacture weapons to attempt to destroy it, Oue-balf of the miners have returned to San Francisco, and it is probable that hundreds more will do so before Janvary. The determined and resolute remain, they have orced their way far up in the mountains and vaileys of Fra- ser and Thompeon rivers; they have built cabins and pro- vided stores for the winter, and from late accounts the majority of these hardy fellows are doing well. Every ome new phase in the country is presented; gold is found where jeast expected, and intelligent writers say that a very wide extended gold country is there, and pre- dict for ita most encouraging future. Better evidence than any other that gold is being found in increased quantitics is on reference to the books of the branch mint in this city, and of the various assay offices. Then the steamers from the supplying points go crowded with goods for the various towns and mining camps up and along Fraser and Thompson rivers. On the southern point of Vancouver Island, in latitude 48 deg. 24 min, 46 sec., stands the new city of Victoria; and independent of the gold mines, its position is one of the most important of any in North America, The more substantial resources of the vast country to which it seems the natural key—its significant relation to the great highway between China and Engiand, the point at which av immense trade must center—it may well excite the jealousy of Californians and the people of Oregon ant Washington Territories. The site of Victoria is beautiful beyond comparison with Pacific cities, its harbor unsurpassed, and the climate mild and equsble: this latter is true of the whole of Southera British Columbia. My letter getting to greater length than I had intended, iyust close, to resume the subject at another time. P. ©. DARK, Cur Minnesota Correspondence. Siovx AGeycy, Minn., Nov. 25, 185% Progress of Civilization Amang the Lower Sioux Indians— Adophion of the White Man's Costume by Seventeen of the Trite—Indian Traders Defended—Further Troubles Ap- prehended with the Spirit Lake Indians—Inkpaduta at His Ola Practices, de , Be. This agency is the lower settlement upon the Sioux re- vervation, and is from ten to twelve miles from the ceded jand or the settled portion of the country in any direction, and west or northwest there are no settlements whatever. Ove of the uninitiated might inquire, “How can men live or whatcan they do so far from ali the comforts usual in civilized society?” I would answer that there is more real comfort here than in the crowded cities of the Kast, Here man inbales a pure and invigorating air unknown to the thousands who promenade Broadway. Here the cye meets nature in every object, from the stout, athletic savagen his paint, to the sweet little bluebell that clus- ters upon the prairies. The wolves, the birds, the fishes, all present an air of natural freedom, and appear to pos- sess an idea of independence. At this time, and for the last few days, *‘the agency” has been the centre of attraction, as the distribution of the fall annuities has caused all the Indians to collect in this vicinity, and the occasion has led to the opening of large stocks of goods by the traders, are not properly ‘by the b opinion of an Indian trader was that jas a worthless, scoundrel, without honor or hovesty, whose business was to watch an opportunity to cheat and defrand the Indian, My opmion now 18 that they are merchants, who come into eee mueb reepected ‘The Saper. intendent resides at St. Paul, and is bere temporarily as the disbursing officer of the government. The agent re sides permanently on the reservetion, and is rather an odd fish, He came into the country in 1819, a dram boy in the army. Subsequently he went into the Indian trae, and bas remained m the country until the present tune, He is married to a half breed, and hae a large family of children, al! of by oe og receiving a good education. He speaks the Sionx finently,and is an efliciemt agent. He bas every confidence ia the capability of the Sioux to be- come civilized, and appears to labor ardnously (or the at tainmert of that object As a politician be stands high in the State, and is spoken of as a promiment democraty can didate for the Senate of the Cuited Stave. We bear of gelf-made men, and {f there are any such, this man has unquestionably made himsecti among the indians in the wilds of Minnesota. ‘An interesting ceremony cawe off here a day or two fince, and one that wil! bave at lmportamt place in the history of the Sioux, if they should finally leave their mt nece of Hife, The superintendent and agent met 2 few of the more advanced in agricaiture, and after some persuasion, induced reventeen of the men to cut of weir ir, throw aside their blankets, and put on the dress of the white mao. This is said to be a thorough test of thoir adhering to the new mode of life they have assumed, ‘sad it is confidently boped that this little Pand—the fret who have been shorn among the lower Stoux Gands—wiil Jead the whole band into habits of civilization. The ume ie propitious, ax their bunting grounds are beiLg oeenpied by the whites, and they must either adopt agricoltural ite a8 a means of subsistence, OF Wander ot inte the niffalo region in the Far Wost. It is said tut a great change is perceptible in these Indians within the last ) ear. Many are occupying comfortable houses, and have abi dance of corn, potatoes, &o., for their support during winter, The agent told me that over fifty houses had vcen erected for the lower Sioux alone during the past year Tp many of the houses al! the comforts of civilization are perceptible, and exhibit a strong contrast with the condition of those who still occupy thetr skin or cotton & In the school taught at the agency by Mr. A. Robert son, Who is also married to a hait-breed, I have been «i to observe the facility with which the scholars to pronounce the English letters. Many are capable of reading quite well in English, and I never saw children who improved so rapiily in the use of the pen. Tam not strong in the belief that an Indian can be transformed intoa white man, bat I think if it is possible at all, the Present superintendent and agent will make some pro- gress, as they appear to have full confidence, which ts a great deal in any work, and they are energetic business men, and exhibit every appearance of a determination to ‘suEemed. * During the past summer four steam milis wore pur chased for the Sioux, one of which is already in opera tion above Yellow Medicine, and one is being erected be- ow Yollow Mericine, aud avether at this place. Another is to bo erected near Lacqui Parle, and by next summer the agent hopes to bave them all in operation. He pro- poser, instead of the log buildings he is now erecting, to supply the Indians with frame buildings and board fence. ‘The scarcity of timber upon the reserve makes this a matter of economy, berides supplying good buildings for those who wish to occupy them, which never can be con- structed, it i# said, from round logs. 1 have been credibly informed, too, that there is not a sufficiency of suitable ous upon (he reservation to build houses for one-haif the jnliane. There are rnmore of trouble between the sottiors and the Indians about the head waters of the Desmoines and Spirit Lake, and Governor Sibley has despatched the Sec- retary of State, Mr. Baasen, to ascertain what foundation there is for the fears of the eettiers, fn ae to hie Inkpaduta, with a ‘of hie band, has got old hunting ground, and the settlers are die.atistied bis proximity. {tis strange indeed ty 4 Permits these Indians to run at large after their wholesale murder of our people last spring. Stich negligence would influence whites to persist in crime, and Toannot see how itean have any other efivet upon the fudians. Neither the murderers of the settlers at Spirit Lake, nor the pil lage and burning of Medary have ever been noticed, ex cept by sending out a few Indians after Lokpaduta, | Hunter. our Ricamond Correspondence. Ricumon, Va., Dec. 16, 1368. Ts the Noménation of John Leteher a Hunter Triumph in Virginia?—The Friends of Wive Preparing for 1860— Douglas Giving Way to Wise—The Bark Parthian~ Opinion of her Owners as to her Fte~Negro Sales, de Since the appearance of an editorial article in the Hx RALD some few weeks ago, representing the nomination of Jobn Letcher as a Hunter triumph in Virginia, a large number of Mr. Leteber’s warm advocates have openly disavowed any motive for their support of Mr. Letcher other than mere personai preference, based upon efficient public service in the past. So far from aiming to enhance the prospects of Hunter for the next Presidency by their support of Mr. Letcher, they acknowledge an unqualified preference for Wise over all others, and assert that if Letcher’s nomination bad been made a test of the relative strength of Wise and Hunter in Virginia, they would have waived their personal preferences in the matter of the Gu _ bernatorial nomination, and taken the Wise sjde of the | issue, ‘The editor and proprictor of ono of the leading demo- cratic papers of Mr, Letcher’s Congressional district, and the most zealous supporter amongst the many he has had in the late controversy, proclaimed openly in my presence his intention to withdraw from his support if his nomina- ion were made un issue of strength between Wise and This I know to be but one out of a thousand simi- Jar avowals, when the friends of Letcher were questionea as to their motives in supporting him. A mere intimation fa purpose to raise such an issue would have driven from his support fully one half of those who voted for him; and o guarded were his friends upon this Meved vhat even a challenge from Wise’s friends to make Letcher’s nomina- tion a test Esrpear ag regards the relative popularity of Wise and Hunter in Virginia, was met by a positive dis- claimer of any such intent Meanwhile the friends of Wise are strenuously at work to secure his nomivation in 1860; and rest assured that, ‘with all collateral issues removed, and upon the direct question: ‘Shall Wise be the choice of Virginia for the Presidency?” he would carry the State two to one against apy living man. His true position with reference to the masses has been hitherto so mystified and embarrassed by side issues and party dislocations, resulting from local preferences and influences—making, as in the case of Jetcher, those who were his beat friends appear to be his chemies—as to lead to an impression abroad that he is not as popular in Virginia as he really is. His position bas, in fact, been unappreciable in the absence of a direct issue of strength, which bis friends are now determined to make upon the question of preference between himself and Hun- ter for the Presidency. And I hesitate not to predict now that he will carry two-thirds of the Virginia delegation against all opposition, in which event he will secure the united vote of the Slate, the ruje being to cast the vote as a unit in favor of the choice of the majority. It is generally understood here that Judge Douglas will give war to . and unite ail his support upon him in 860, The friends of the administration here say that the Governor is its choice for the next Presidency; but this Statement is doubtless predicated solely upon the ger: ices, of the Governor in behalf of Mr. Buchanan in the past. If it be true, then his success is beyond peradventure. ‘There is yet no account of the bark Parthian, Her owners, the Messrs. Corrie, have no idea that she wil . make any harbor north of Nassau, St. Thomas or Bermu da. This presumption is based upon the reported preva- lence of northwesterly winds in the latitude where she was spoken, and the impossibility of ber making any headway against it in her disabled condition, This proves the utter failacy of the idea expressed by some papers, that she would probably make the port of Charleston or Savannah. The insurance offices feel considerable anxiety regarding her, while the owners seem to entertain no fear about her safety. 1 understand she was once before in a somewhat similar predicament, but weathered out the igre and came safely into barbor. am informed that the annua! receipts from the sale of Regroes in the negro marts in this city amount to two million dollars. By far the larger proportion of this sum comes from the South, whither the negroes are sent and sold at an enormous profit. The demand from that source is far greater than the supply, and the draft too in view of the enlarged labor requirements of Viry herself. The depletion of this species of property the Old Domimion within the past few years is immense, and is entirely the result of the temptation which bigh prices have offered. The Execution of Myers at Columbus, Ohio. HIS LAST MOMENTS AND DYING BLASPHEMTES—-HE REJECTS MINISTERIAL OFFICES AND SPURNS THE MINISTERS. From the Cincinnati Gazette, Dec. 18.] One of the most painful scones which has ever coma within our experience was witnessed at the execution of Albert Myers for the murder of Bartlett Neville (both formerly convicts m the Pevitentiary), at Columbus, yes- terday noon. Itwas one of those scenes which serves for , the remembrance of a lifetime, and which no newspaper description can paint with the same coloring with which it struck the mind of the spectator. On the 29th of May last Myers, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for horse stealing iu Clark county, without any apparent cause seized an axe that happened to be lying in the yard, and literally beat out the brains of bis fellow convict Neville, who was under 4 three years’ sentence for horse ste: in Atheus county. Myers was convicted in September, 1867, and Neville in November, 1858. Myers waa taken from the prison and tried for the murder, convicted and sentenced to be bung on the 3d day of September iast. Subsequentiy the je ne a cae an presented to the bcspemels =~ he granted @ respite until yesterday, for the purpose having a medical jury paxs upon that ‘qusstion, wie gave aD Opinioa that he was sane, and the Governor declined to unterfere farther in the execution of the law. From the time of the commission of the murder Myers exhibited the utmost indiflerence as to his fate, frequent- ly telling those who called upon bim to “hang him and be d——d,” adding, with an air of determined bravado, “I'll All the entire bill full!’ The ministers of the Gospel who offered him the cousolations of religion he spurned from hig cell with oaths that shocked the strongest nerves, or would tell them, as on one occasion, “if nia to linten wo him. Another minister of the vored | engage hum in serious conversation, met with no better succcas. Myers utterly refused to accept of their kind offices, and met their advances with the r (e ey nS OOe @ s08, enh ee wish to be a surpassed upon auy similar cecasion, then placed around his neck, nud he stepped forth fr his cell and ascended the sta:rs to the mavn hall of the jait with a light, free step, as though he was, in fact, going to @ festival rather tban the tomb. As he reached the outer door of the jail, he heeitated a moment at secing a crowd of men in the yerd, bat exhibited no emotion whatever, descending (he outer steps leading to the smaller encio sure, within which the galiwe had been erected, with a rapid step, and in a moment disappeared from the tempo. rary gave of the crowd. Upon one occasion previous to yesterday Myers bad observed the preparations — on ii he yard for his execution, and remarked of the gal- lows that it was a * pretty hard looking concern." Tinmediately upon entering the enclosure Myers ascended the steps, twolve in number, to the . without Assistance, or showing the least fecling. After he waa upon the platform the usual number of witnesses wore admitted within the enclosure, together with the members of the press. A my of « minute of two followed, whea the Sherif and his deputy led the condemned forward 4 the fatal drop, and as the former asernded to fasten Tope to the beam, Myers took hold of the rope, and, addressing the twenty or thirty pergong in the yard, be jow by remarked, in a light, jocore way. “If I can hoid on to this, I think Lean save myself yet.” glared Not a muscle of bie features moved, and eye a8 brightly and stesdiy epon the upturned faces as though be was an indifferent s , instead of the prin- pd a) Pee WS ayes cgn Wo wae st ljusting the rope, Myers again addressed the ne | a “ You can hang me when everything is clear. T wish You all a safe journey sometime through the wildernese, boy Jesus Christ. "” * ‘The tone and manner and language of the hardened cansed a shudder of horror amongst the specta- bo had hardly recovered from their su , when criminal tore, wi be threw an apple and an orange to the gi below, and Vick them ie G1 da exclaimed in a loud voie: rascals.’ And with the most stoical iference he = to gaze with unflinching eyes upon those below im, A brief, solema, imprearive prayer was then offered by Rev. Mr. Warner, during which Siyers took hold of the rope which hung loose at his side, examined jt attentively, looked at the beam over his heat, and then, as if satisfied. with hie investigations, stood ly. motionless throughout the remainder of the address to the throne, ia which reference was made two or three times, in a very solemn manner, to the fact that moment of time se. ine om Mision of prisoner exhib’ At the conchasion ¢ prayer, exhibited the only emotion which had been discovered th thou, the solemn preparations thus far, and that was but slight, and only for a minute. He commence! to speak in a much Jess firm ag ne and With lest air of bravado thae le _ “T had no correct idea of when I was to be hung. Thave reflect. | would like the privilege of two Thad no lawyer, or anybody If T can have that time Ioan not, Tsay T must @o."" Sheriff removed