The New York Herald Newspaper, January 7, 1862, Page 8

8 NEWS FROM WASHINGTON FROM FIRST PAGE.) ‘are now off Liverpool Point, a few miles above Aquia ‘creek. SENATOR SUMNER’S FORTHCOMING SPERCH ON THE TRENT AFFAIR. ‘Senator Sumner has the floor in the Senate for Thursday Bex! at one o'clock. His speech will be chiefly upon the condition of our foreign relations. He will probably ap- Prove the line of policy pursued by Mr. Seward. As chairman of the Senate Committee en Foreign Relations, ‘Mr. Sumer bas peculiar facilities for information, which are greatly enhanced by his intimate and extensive acquaintance with leading European statesmen. This speech is loeked to with great interest. ARRIVAL OF A REBEL DESERTER. A deserter from the rebel army escaped from near the Occoquan yesterday, and succeeded in getting safely within the lines of General Heintzelman’s division. fis clothing was very shabby, except his ovecoat, which was mew. He was originally from Maine, and being a Northern man was closely watched, having been kept most of the time in one of the hospitals as an assistant. He procured a horse, however, and escaped. ARREST OF A SUSPICIOUS PERSON. Yesterday a Virginia farmer named Richard Lacy, who is suspected of having given aid and comfort to the enemy, came inside the lines of General Heiutzelman’s @ivision near the Quaker church, in the vicinity of Accotink, with the ostensible purpose of hauling wood to ‘ship from Dage creek. Both he and ariver captain, who ‘accompanied him, were seut to the Provost Marshal, at Alexandria. YOUR MOUNTED REBELS CAPTURED. The pickets of the Thirty-eighth New York regiment» Colone! Ward, who went on ouspost duty yesterday, cap- tured four mounied rebels, with their arms and equip- menis. It is believed that they belonged to Colone! Stewart's Virginia cavalry. regiment. NIGHT ALARM IN THE IRISH BRIGADE. About eleven o'clock last night a number of shots were fired from the woods on the pickets of the Sixty" ninth regiment, Irish Brigade, Colonel Nugent command- ing, beyond Edsall’s Hill. Several! more were fired by th® rebels during the night—twenty-fiye in all—but no damage was done to any one on our side. Lieutenant Colonel Kelly had his reserve under arms immediately and without causing a general alarm, but the darkness of ‘the night prevented his capturing any of the rebels, SUICIDE OF A SOLDIER. . George Booth, private in Company A, Fighteenth Massa chusetts regiment, committed suicide last evening by shooting himself through the heart withhis musket. He hag been in ill health and despondent for some time. He came from Bedford, Mass., where he leaves a wifeand three children. This is the first suicide that has occurred in our army. GEN. LANE’S WAR POLICY NOT ENDORSED BY THE PRE- SIDENT. The statement that the President cordially endorses ‘the position of General Lane, with reference to the con- duct of the war, is without foundation, The policy pro. posed by General Lane is totally at variance with that announced by the President, and intended to de un- swervingly adhered to by the administration. DEATHS IN THE ARMY. ‘The following deaths of soldiers are reported:-— Jno. C. Richardson, Company G. Wm. J. Leary, Com. pany D; J. a. Dowling and Wm. H. Pineo, Company C, Eleventh Maine Volunteers. Christian Stribenranch, Company I, Ninety eighth Penn- sylvania. Morris B. Benna and Bishop Wood, Company C, First Berdan’s Sharpshooters. Andrew J. Newman, Company C; Wm. A. Withington, Company F; Nelson D, Leslie and Jno. 0. Hunt, Company B, Second Berdan’s Sharpshooters. Thos. Clark, Company C, Third United States artillery. Archibald Pamon , Oneida cavairy. Eldridge Herrick, Company G, Rochester (N. ¥.) regi- ment. Corporal Wm. 8. Rinehart, Company I, Eighth Pennsyl- vania Reserve Corps. Private Bennett, Company K, Twenty-fourth New York. Peter Falk, Compaay K, Fifty-eighth New York. ‘Wm. Cummings, Company €, Fourth Michigan. Benj. Covert, Company K, Eighty-ninth New York. J. D. Brown, Company H, Seventh New York eavalry. Ino. Hilburn, Company C, 104th Pennsylvania. Ino. Babcock, Company K, Sixty-first New York. James Meade, Company I, Second United States in- fantry. Charles F. Burnett ,Company 0, Twenty-third Pennsy)- vania. Levi West, Comnany G, Third Vermont. George A. Humphrey, Company F, Ninth New York cavalry. ‘Wm. Leach , Company H, Fifty-ninth New York. PRISONERS SENT UP FROM GEN, HOOKER'S DIVISION. Captain Kiehl, of the Reindeer, brought up this after noon two rebel prisoners from General licokor’s division also twenty-two four bushel bags of In iia rubber over coats, besides several sacks of undersbirts anda large quantity of quinine. The prisoners were captured while attempting to convey these stores from the Maryland to the Virginia shore. SANITARY CONDITION OF THE VERMONT TROOPS. ‘The Inspector of the Sanitary Commission, who ha, recently visited the Vermmpnt regiments on the Potomac, notes a great improvement in the general health of the regiments, attributable to improvements adopted in the Jocation of their encampments. THE ARMY. Adjutant John McQuade, of the Fourteenth New York Volunteers, was to-day apnointed an Aid-de-Camp on the staff of General Fitz John Porter, vice Licutenant McQues” tin, Second dragoons, recently promoted aud ordered to hi¢ regiment. MILITARY CONTRACTS FOR HORSES. An official communication in response to a resolution of the House was to-day transmitted to that body by the Secretary of War, covering the reports from the Quarter- master’s department, by which it appears that George Ramsdell, of Pennsylvania, has been awarded the con tract for feeding five hundred and twenty-five disabled horses during the winter, and Charles Chouteau for peventy-one. It appears that the contract system thus far has failed entirely. Advertisements for bids for al- most everything required have been made, but not ina Single instance have the lowest bidders come forward and closed their coutracte. Of the horses placed on Cheuieau’s farm at thirty-five cents per head per diem, only about thirty-five of them have become serviceable. ‘The remainder are not considered worth keeping. THE CASE OF COLONEL KERRIGAN. Indge Hearne, one of the counsel for Colonel Kerrigan, emphatically contradicts the report that evidecce bas Deen elicited on the trial establishing without doubt the charge of his having given information to the enemy, aud further that the evidenee for the prosecution has not yet ‘been closed. ‘The paragraph trauemitted yceterday was ‘based on what was considered at the time reliable infor. ation A BRANCH MINT AT NEW YORK—THr cREYTOWN APPATR. Representative Ward to-day gave notice of his inten- tion to introdner a bil] to establish a coinage department fn the Assay office at New York He also presented the memorial of the citizens of Grey- town for the appointmeat of commissioners to inquire into the jurisdiction of the anthorities of Greytown over Punta Arenas, to ascertain the value of the property de- stroyed by the bombardment of that town TROVGLE AMONG THE ARMY sUPGrons. It is said that the introduction of the homeopathic practice of medicine hae raised somewhat of a commo. tion among many of the regular surgeons in the army. THE INDIAN TRIBES, Cornmissioner Dole will soon leave for the West on busi. noes of importance connected with the Indian tribes THE FIRST MILITARY EXPCUTION IN WASHINGTON, A soldier was exocuted in this city to-day, upon sen- tence of a court martial, it being the first example of the Kind since Washington waa placed under martial law. Michae! Lanahan was bung for the crimo of shooting Ser- feat Brennan, in Georgetown, Oct. 29,1861. The execa- tion was conducted by the Provost Marshal, Brigadier Geveral Androw Porter, in the quietest manner possible. Lanaban had for some time entertained a grudge against Sergeant Prennan,and when the homicide oecurred he ‘wae reprimanded by the Sergeant for boing absent from his post at guard mounting. Lanahan replied to the Ser. geant impadently, and when Brennan turned quickly, and asked what he said, Lanahan levelled his mus- ket ond fired, killing the Sergeant instantly, The cul- rit wee tried by court martial, and sentenced to be hung. Major Genoral McClellan, upon a carefal review of the record, which discloeed facts that would have con- ictéd bim of marder in tho first degree before any im: partin! Jory, signed the death warrant, Brennan was an offiver much respected, and his murder was the subject of much comment at the time ‘Thiamorning, at tov o'clock, Lapaha wos takon from the central guard house, and, accompanied by his spi ual adviser, Father Walter, of St. Patrick church , placed in a carriage, guarded bya file of regulars, con- veyed by way of Ninth street to Pennsylvania avenue, and thence to Franklin square. Lanaban was dressed in his regular uniform, and, with the exception of ap un- natural paleness, looked as usual. He was short in stature, and dark complexioned. At eleven o'clock an escort, composed of five detach- ments from regiments of United States infantry, took ‘he prisoner through Fourteenth street and Vermont avenue to the place of execution, a vacant space between Oand P streets. Here was a gallows, which had been erected during the morning, and around this the troop® were ranged in a hollow square. The prisoner was taken from the carriage at a quarter past eleven o’elock, and, with @single armed guard, approached the scaffold, ac- companied by Father Walter. He mounted the scaffold with a firm step, and looked around upom*the soldiery without fiinching. General Devereaux, Assistant Ad_ jutant General, read in aclear voice the order for the execution, to which the prisoner calmly listened, occa- sionally looking around for the last time at his comrades ppon the field. Three or four hundred spectators only had gathered around the military to witness the impres- sive spectacle, ‘The troops were brought toa parade rest, and the pri- soner requested that his arms, which had been pinioned behind him, might be loosened, as he desired to meet his fate likea man, The request was complied with, and Father Waiter put on his sacer dotal robes, and knelt for afew minutes to offer up the last petition for him who was soon to expiate his crime. Lanahan looked around when the priest had conciuded his prayer, and said, in a cheerful and audible voice, as he looked around upon the military cordon,*‘ Good bye, soldiers, good bye.”’ The black cap was drawn over his face,and he stepped firmly upon the trap, where he placed himself in the position of the soldier, with his arms by his side, All things being ready, Corporal Brown, at ha’f-past eleven o'clock, placed his foot upon the spring, and Lana- han, who had not been unnerved for an instant, fell, and his life was over. There were afew muscular contfactions of the body, but the spinal cord was broken, and ina few minutes the surgeons examined the body, and pronounced life extinct. The corpse was placed in an army wagon, and conveyed by comrades of the deceased tothe Catholic Cemetery for burial. Within half an hour after the execution the scaffold was removed, and:persons living a square distant hardly knew that such an affair hadtaken place in their neigh- borhood. ‘The general order for the execution of Lanahan, which recites the history of the case, concludes as follows — The Major General Commanding confirms the proceed- ings ef the Court Martial in the case of private Michel Lanahan. It appears from the testimony that Prennan, the deceased, was sergeant of the guar Georgetown, D. C.,on the 20th of October last. The pr soner was a'private of the guard, apd on the first relief. When the hour came for posting that relief, Lanahan was not at the guardhouse. As Sergeant Brennan was about posting another mon in tke plac of lLanahan. the Intter came to the guard- house. The Sergeant turned sharply towards him, told him he was never in place when wanted, slapped him, and told him to gethis gun and go on pest. Lanahan got his gun, and took his jlace on post. Sergeant Brennan had previous!y given Lanahan a baif hour of extra guard duty. A very few minutes afterwards, as Brennan was passing by his post, the accused fired’ and killed him, ‘The proof is clear that he did this in satisfaction of the grudge he bore towards the deceased, not only for the blow given him at the guard house, a few ‘minutes before, but for old scores, which he meztioned in his siatement to the Court. It is very reprehensible for a commissioned or non-commissioned officer to strike a soldier, except when it is absolutely necessary to reprees disorder. It is never allowable as a" pun- isbment for an offence. But for a soldier, becanse of being struck, to shoot bis immediate superior, is at war with every principle of military subordinat rt was in evidence that it was not custoruary for seu! at Georgetown to have their arms loaded.” The prisoner must have loaded his musket for the purpose of carrying out his vindictive design against his sergeant. The homi- cde in this case seems to la knone oF the features which distingaish purder from simple mansiacghier. Private Michael Lavahan, of Company A, Second regiment of United States infantry, will, in pursuance of the sentence of the Court Martial, be hanged by the neck until he be dead, on Monday, the 6th day of January, 1862, at such time and place within the limits of this district as the Provost Marshal of Washington and Georgetown may direct. LEVEE AT THE WHITE HOUSE. There is to be alevee at the White House to-morrow evening. ‘WOOD POR THE ARMY. A most lively business is now being carried on in sup, plying wood for the army. All along the Chesapeake and Objo Canal, as far up as Cumberland on the Maryland and Virginia shore, wood choppers are cutting wood and ship- ping it by canal to this city. As each regiment is allowed two hundred and fifty cords for its winter consumption, the entire amount required is immense, involving a total cost of a million of money. The government now pays four dollars a cord for wood on the ground, PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS, THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRES! FIRST SESSION. Senate. Wasmixcton, Jan. 6, 1862. THE KEW SENATOR FROM OREGON—CUARGES AFFECTING HIB LOYALTY. Mr. Nusxrrn, (opp.) of Oregon, presented the credentials of Hon. Benjamin Stark, who was appointed Senator to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Senator Baker. Mr. Fessenpey, (rep.) of Me.,moved that the adminis" tration of the oath be suspended for the present, and the credentials of Mr. Stark, together with certain papers which he held in his (Mr. Fessenden’s) hand, be referredio the Judiciary Committee. The papers were well attested by many of the most respectable inhabitants of Portland, Oregon. The papers state that Mr. Stark ts understood to be an open and avowed secessionist; that he defends the course of the South, and bad given utterance to statements at war with the government, such as approving of the at- tack on Fort Sem@er, aud declaring that in the case of war be would sell his property and go South and fight for the rebels. He (sr. Fessenden) had examined the papers with deliberation, and therefere made the mevion. Mr. Briwr, (opp.) of Ind., waid that there was no pre cedent for such # motion. He never knew of a case where a Senator had been refused the oath, He thonght that the Senator had better be sworn, and then let the Serate take cognizance of the matter properly. Never had baser fuisehoods been uttered than those in regard to himeelf which bad been sent to the Sewate here. He had in bis pocket a copy of the New Yorw Henaxp, where it was stated that he (Mr. Bright) was @ Brigadier General in the rebel army. Mr. PESSENDEN Said it was tre there was not a prece- dont; but the state of the conntry was without precedent, and we had now to make precedents. These papers in reference to Mr. Stark were well attested by his neigh: bore and townsmen. Mr. Bayann, (opp.) of Del. , thougtt the case had better go over until to-morrow, that Senators might have time to look into it. Mr. Trcmatr:, (rep.) of IIL, said that the case was not without odent, and referred to the case of Mr. Lan- man, of ticut, where the credentials were reier- red, and also to the case of Mr. Griswold, of Obio, where the credentiais were aiso referred. ‘Mr. Sumner, (rep.) of Mase., said the case was unpre- cecented. There had been no creer Feb ym Joyaity being questicncd an presenting himself for ad- mission into the Sonate. The Senate is now examining the loyalty of certain members. Mr. Pavano said that there were men in the Senate in 1812 who were opposed to the war with Grent Britain and with the action of the government. In the tine of the Burr congpiracy there were amen in the Senate r to be in favor of that conspirney. The cases cited by the Senator from iilinvis were merély questions of authority to appoint. Mr. Preont said thas be supposed that he wae referred to by the Senator from Masrachuestts (Sumner). At any rate, he was in the category. He (Bright) was glad the fenate was examining, and so far as be was concern ed he was only sorry that they were so slow. He was er Lams, (raps) ot Tnd., thought that Mcient for Mr. rep. ey “suffic tha ily waa the evil theteot.”* When the other canes come up the Senate will be ready to vote, There could ‘be no difference of opinion in regard to the present war by any patriot. ‘The credentials of Mr. Stark and the papers handed in by Mr. Fessenden were then laid on tho table for the Present, Me. W ) of Mage. presented a petition Ir. Wrisox, (rop.) of Mase. . nted a petition from citizens of Ponssyivanie that John C. Fremont be ap- pototed a Lieutenant General. Mr. SON also presented @ petition in reference to General McK instry, representing that be was confined in prison, cloeely, in violation of tie rules of war. Mosers. Sumner, Foesenden, Collamer, Clarke and Har Tis presented petitions for the emancipation of thé ee under the war power, with compensation to loyal mas- vers. Ur. Krxa, (rep.) of N. Y., presented a petition from the = and citizens of Rochester arking the example ‘of Washington and Jackson be followed in regard to the slaves, and that they be put to work for the govern. ment, Mr. Kino also presented a petition from the Twonty- second regiment of New York for a remission of the duty on the arms had imyorted. Mr. Canim, (Uuion) of citizens of Penbeylvania, stating that flavery was the cause of the protent war, end praying that no further agitation of the subject bo tolerated in Congres THE DOCCMESTA RELATIVIE TO TH: TRENT APrarr. nication from the Secretary of State was re. amitting tho correspondetice in regard to the ‘Trent affair On fhotion of Mr. @ewsrn, the papors were oriared to He printed and made the epeoial order for Thutrday Mr. Fostmn, (rep.) of Comn., from the Judic Com+ into the expediency of ligence by telegraph. ‘The resolution was agreed to. BXCUANGE OF PRISONERS. Mr. Davis, (Union) of Ky., introduced a joint resolu- tion that the President an of prisoners from the privateer Jeff. Davis for prisoners taken from the army of the United States. ‘The joint resolusion was ado} .@ DUTIES ON TRA warehovsed withdrawn, with the duty former act paid, and the duties collected on such goods under the late act refunded. ‘The joint resolution was agreed to. Mr. Por {op ot Rg ‘introduced @ Dill to repeal . POWELL, (Opp. k, a all acts ent Setiet to fishing vessels. NATIONAL ARMORY AT ROCK ISLAND. The bill to establish a national armory at Rock Island, Il, was taken up. ‘Mr. Ten Eyck, (rep.) of N, J., moved to postpone'it for two weeks from to-day. Motion agreed to. ‘THE PENSION BILL. The bill making appropriations for pensions in 1863 was taken up aud 3 JUDICIARY AFFAIRS. On motion of Mr. Treuurt, the dill in relation to the Judicial districts of the United States, altering the boun- daries of certain districts, &c., was taken up, and, after some discussion, was postponed until Monday ‘uext. THE PAY OF ARMY OFFICERE. Mr. Wnsow introduced a bill to define and fix the pay and emoluments of certain officers of the ariny. Referred. After an executive session the Senate adjourned, House of Representatives. Wasmxerox, Jan, 6, 1862. PROPOSED STEAM MIRH DEPARTMENT. On motion of Mr: Duxut, (rep.) of N. Y.,a resolution ‘was adopted instructing the Committee on the District of Columbia to inquire into the expediency of establishing @ steam Fire Department, gimilar to that of Phila- deiphia, THE KATILE OF BALLS’ BLUFF—IMPORTANT D'SUSSION ON THE war. Mr. Roscor L. Coxuuxa, (rep.) of N. Y. rising toa ques- tion of privilege, called attention to the fuct that on these. cond day of the session a resolution was adopted with re- ference to the battle of Balls’ Bluff. The resolution pio- posed no investigation junto any future tiansactions what- ever: it simply requested the Secretary of War to inform the Rouse whether any steps have been taken to ascer- tain who are responsitfle for the disastrous affair at Lall’s Bluff. The resolution was handed to the Adjutant General, who submitted it to the Commander-in-Chief. The Commander-in-Chief, I am willing to believe, did not read the resolution, because I did not impvte to any one concerned any intention to trifle with the House or to re- turn an evasive answer. If he did read it he entirely derstood its point and purport, for he expressed un opinion to the Ac jutant Genera!—an opinion which that repeated to the Secretary of War, and the wary of War, in accordance with usace no doubt, simply transmitted it to us, and refers us to it. Now, that is in no sense responsive, not in tho remotest degree, to the resolution of tho House. In answer to a resylation, asking simply whether an inves- Ugation had been had upon a particular point, the Adjutant General reports that the Commander-in-Chief of the army is of opinion that an inquiry into the subject of the resolution would net in the future be compatibie with the public interest. if the answer had been that it would be injurious to the public service to inform the “House grhether any steps or proceedings had been taken to ascertain who was to blame for the great disaster at Bail’s Blof’, that answer would be preposterous euough, and almost incredible, or so appear to us. But yet it would be an answer in terms, and would be responsive. Bat here comes a communication, parporng to be an apewer. which neither answers an ihterrogatory, nor in- forms the House of the opinion of anybody that ‘it wowld be inurieus to the public interest to co so. This answer, however, inadvertantly raises a very high question of privilege, which the Honso ought to consider, who set here as Sete of the people, decavse in our organism this is the only piace to which the poople can appeal, and whose voice can be heard: and ‘among the most undeniable and sacred of their rights is the privilege of inquiring into their own affairs, and when they do jaquire they are ontitied, iftiet to an answer, at least to have the servant of whom the inquiry was made to say that, in his opinion, it was ill-timed or injurious. ‘And unless we intend to be accomplices here in trampling upon personal rights, | Submit that an instance of this srt ougbt not to be passed over. If such a practice as this be tolerated, the most boasted of our privileges will languish, and the most vital elements of the government will decay; and, as in ordinary cases so in important matters, we ought to wi with jealousy the right of inguiry. But this is no ve sn ean This reso- lotion to a great national ity. It relates to an event which is believed to have been the most atro- cious military murder ever committed in our history as a people. It relates to a lost feid, to a disastrous Daitle, to a humiliating triumph of rebellion. It relates to some- thing more thap these. It relates to a blunder so gross that all men can see it, and no man has so far dared to ceny it or defend it. A blunder which, besites position bdesides time, besides defeat, besides the nitions of war, cost the lives of nine bundred and thirty men, brave and loyal, the very pride and flower of the States (rom whence they came. ‘This .resolation pro- respect for the memory of the lost, out of sympathy to the multitude of mourners who jament tem, out of deference to public propriety and self-respect, that tho nation should be informed whether the chief military authorities bad taken any notice what- ever of that shameless and wholesale slaughter of the brave sons of New York, Maseachugetts and Pennsylva- nia. It proposed that the nation should be informed that some proceedings had taken place—something open or secret, formal or informal; if not ali that military usage requires, something to show that this terrible event bad beeringuired into. Now, sir, if for no other gbject than of knowing whether that slaughter on the if October last nad been paseed Sadan hort» and on the current of events, in the name of my people Tderand that those whose bnsiness it is to answer shall stand up and answer. We have now a committeo to investi- gate the conduct of the war, and if it be known that the dieaster of Balls’ Bluff is to be the subject of a resolution of this House, good will come out of it, and witnesses will come forward to testify to all they Know in the matter. The House must be aware that the battle of Ball’s Blut, like many otbere, bas been made the sub- ject of an issve between the regular army aud the volun teers. Brigadier General Stone, who was at the time the commander of the division from which the detachments came who fought the battle, or attempted to fight it. is an officer of the regular army. Colonel Baker, to whom a portion of the command after a certain hour was assign- ed, wes a volunteer. The friends ef these two officers have indulged in much angry controversy as to who should bear the blame, and on the one side the case been expoused as if its appropriate ofice was to fasten some stigma on the volunteer service, and to determine certain questions of precedeace and merit between West Point and the rogu- army. It was stated that the friends of Cefone| Raker ‘ould move for en investigation, and that, having an- nounced their intention, they were told it would be bet. ter not, for if they did that the frieuds of General Stone wonid retaliate, and make it recoil upon Baker and da. mage his memory. Ihave nosympathy wih this con- ; Ihave no patience with those who engaged in it has been made ap obetacie to the jnvesti- oleration with it, far as ic has been So far it. gation I hav ‘ised to retard this inquiry, which is sought by the friends of one of those officers. The effoct of the knowledge of the ‘tush of the affair upon either of theme officers ougat not to weigh a feather against this {-vestigation. Suppose the revelation which may come W light should dim the glory which now hallows the memory of the deceased Senator, is thats reason in a gront Sptionas question why this in’ = caus! - Salles this respent fabsif; truth story? Snppose, on the other band, thatthe Brigadier ofthe regular army, in rank of a Major General, commanding a aivi! sion @ thousands of your brave men, charged with their safety, their honor and their Jiver~suppowe, I say, that sich General is a martinet, and not a voklier, and that he is deficient im soldiership and Joyaity, that a reason why we should allow (his investign- tion t© be throttled? Shall we proclaim indulgence ‘and immunity though the revelations that y be made should soil the glittering plumage of the highest officer in the repoblie? No. Whoever is resj ‘ibig for the disasters of that bloody and fatal field, ol te the murder there commited, u that person. the blame should rest. If the lamented Raker is gaiity, it was a gemerour fanit, and grievourly has he answered it. If Stone did it, he bears @ weight of guilt greater far than any man nes hitherto attained amongst n. What is the pe: fate or persowal fuine of a dozen Generale, in com with the preservation and safety of our great army now standing inthe field? With six hundred thousand men, more than any man we h them knows what to do with, with sixcy-thre thonsand cavalry, although we were told in July last that we wanted noue, and now more than our generals can find a place for—with this vaet force we have been for rix months bemmed in here. The Capitol of the country is ia & beleagured State, With thia fore wo now and again make en advance; but az often as we do we aro met and ootpumbered by superior forces, and each time met with ignominious defeat. This atate of things is owing to Durbarous negligence or ignoranee, and it behooves us to investigate the cause of all thie, and t6 hold the parties responsible for it up to public odium. indemnity for the past, in the pameof humanity have security for the future. If we are te preser military prestige, and to hold intact military principies, lot un investigate Chis matter; bat if not, let us iutro- duce into thearmy the principles of democratic election , ane let it be left to the vote of the army what officers they will obey. Let us look at the battle of Rali'e Blof, in order to ascerwin whether those + presented a petition from | Who manage! It, excreimed that care’ and caution which is requived from the captain of a ship, the engineer who runs an engine on the railroad , or te master of @ steam: er. On the 2let of October lavb, Leesburg, in the State of | Virgimia, waa oconjied by the insurgents with a force of #ix thoneand men. At the same time Poolrsy nd, was occopied by a C " 3 the headquarters of Pri neral Stone. n the two posts there flowed a swift and swoilen Mary: the river, and General Me fe | Reww river, with an island in the channel nearer to wide « and side. On the Leesburg 1a day's march of that 5 teou regiment, moment mareb with cieven thousand met wonder is, when Leesburg was 10 be attacked, tint the If we cannot have | in 6. This latter | assigned to the division competent force on the ‘why it should have been en- pot { not only means of transportation to the poh but sufficient means to bring it back in se- curity and expeditiously in case of arepulse. In this case two rivers seemed to have been considered by our commanding officers: slight obstacles to their plans of attack—so slight, indeed, that the divisions lying on the fighting side of the river were not brought into requisition at all, not cveu for the purpose of defending the crassing and landing, or even to cover the tumuituous retreat, » NO; but the whole expedition, with all its appa- rent ers, was left to the trans-Potomse division of Stone. crossing of the river, with their means of transportation, occupied four ar ‘The crossing and landing places had to be selected. The crossing place selected was one of the most remarkable ‘things in itself, as it was confessediy the most dangerous that could be gelected. The landing place wasa high bank of clay, some fifteen feet abrupt and perpendicular, and surmounted by a bluff of one hundred and feet. ‘The region around was thickly timbered. Within twelve miles of the crossing was a saw mill, located within & half mile of the river itself. Between the river and rail- road beyond ran a canal, while ali around there was an abundance of timber, round, square and sawed, Woe all know to what this timber might, with little trouble, have been put, when we recollect the material which composed General Baker’s division, among whom were plenty of men who could repair and sail_a ship, and build and ron a locomotive engine. But this timber was not the only means of transportation within the reach of our General on that occasion, On the canal of which I speak, and which was so contiguous to the river, there floated a large number of boats of considerable tonnage—so large a number that in a day and a night beats enough for transportation night have been procured to convey with safety and expedition all the troops and war munitions needed for the expedition. Notonly this, but indeed at convement distances there were facilities adapted and intended for the transfer of the boats from the canal to the river. Notwithstanding ali this,and notwithstanding that Washington was only thirty-six miles distant by canal, and notwithstanding that timber ‘and boats were in abundance, not one of these rasources brought into requisition. No attempt was made to throw over pontoons, no sufficient rafts prepared, and not a boat taken from the many idie on the canal, with the miserable exception to which I wiil refer. Two weeks before the 2Ist an order had been given to con- struct five boats and two scows at Edwards’ Ferry, on a point of the river four miles below. Three of those boats were brooght from Edwards’ Ferry to this fatal crossing ‘Two of them were used in the channel between and shore and the island, and one was used be- island and the blut!,and in the channel beyond was one single rowboat. Thi foar boats, two ia either channel, constituted the whole means of transportation provited for the expedition. These boats have been called scows, and Thave taken some pains to learn pre isoly what they were. They were slight boats, made of niock, the stuff not being more than one a’ half inches thick and about twenty feet and in length, and of corresponding width. They had no oars, nor wero there any means of impelling them. The way the brave men were transferred to the fatal shore on the other side was by pushing off the boat, or scow, above the point of landing. and allowing it to drift down the stream, a single pole directing it to the desired int. These boats were each capable of conveying a Saifoompany. about thirty-five men, the average quired to reach the island being three quarters of an hour, Jewving the igiand to be traversed and the other channel to be erossed. The House wi il have some idea of the ra- pidity of transportation, and will be prepared to do ‘us- ticeto the lamented Baker, who is no more, when they cali te mind that Jong before he had command of the ex- peditiou, Col. Devin was ordered, the night before, to cross over four companies of Uie Massachusetts Fifteenth. ‘This the officer in question commenced to do at twoo'clock inthe morning, and it was sunrise before he could up his line of march, showing that uvwards of au hour was necessary for the throwing over 2 eompany from the Maryland shore to Fal’s Bluff. Baker received orders at two o'clock in the morning, and immediately commenced his progress without a wharf to land at, or a rope (r hawser to stretch acrozs the river tohasten their crossing. Neither rope, hawser or axe had been provided. Such were the combination of cir- cumstances against him, that it was not till cleven o'clock that they began to cross. Then the rebel fire commenced the slaughter of the detachment first land- ed, and the boats on their side began to pail to the island ‘with the bleeding and the slain, and the hospital then began to fill with the dying and the-dead. But still the crossing went on, till seven thousand five hundred men, accogding to Stone, were. thrown over. But of these not more than eighteen hundred éver saw the tield. They had to climb the mrd of the binff, dragging their dismounted cannon after them, before they could reach the field, which they could not but suppese would open to thema fair fight if not a scene of victory. But this difficult ascent led them to no field of fair or equal war, but to a slaughter pen—toa mere trap, to a horrible Golgo:ha. ‘The position of the enemy was screened from view or aim by a thick growth of timber, and to this burial ground, the boats one by one brought them over, went up the devoted and doomed, treading those tracks to the lion’s den. all pointing in one direction and show- po retur! footprints. Behind them rolled tho river, deep and broad,and which they were never to re- pass. and now ‘surrounding them on every side, ‘glared their skulkmg and sheltered foe. Into the deadly trap they went, too few to remain and too many to come back. If there had been more of them they might have heid their position, and dispensed with menas for cross- ing the river. If fewer, they might have escaped in the ts; but there being seventeen hundred, there was nbthing for them bet to stay and perish. Nobly did they fulfib their destiny, Their desperate stubbornness, their calm frovt, beroic courage, served only to with tints of glory the bloody picture of their marder. Their movements had been stealthi'y watched from the first. The feast of death had been prepared for them, and the number desired to be present and partake of it had been calculated. When that doomed number had been drifted over the bloody revelry began. In an bour,or less than an hour, the deadly fire of unseen foes hedged them in on every side, aud they melted away it. The bs was lost before it had began. It wase mere sacrifice of Drave men. From the first there was not the slightest hopeef escape or promise of victory. It was only a wonder that any escaped. The charge and daring of the Light Brigade described by the poet is alone applicable to the devoted heroism of these men on the fatal Geld of Ball's Bluff. There was Cannon to the right of them, Cannon to the left of them, Cannon in front of them, Into the jaws of hell rushed the six hundred. ‘Those who did not die on the fleld were forced down the steep bank of the river,and here, to save their arms from falling into the hands of the enemy, they throw them into the stream; and many, alas, how many, rought and found a watery grave. The last act of this terrible tragedy and gross blunder, if not the saddest, was the most sickening and appalling of them al’. The miserable fiat boet on returning to the island was laden with the mangled, the wearied and the dying. The quick and the dead were huddled together in one struggling, mangled mass, and ail went down together into that doleful river, never kgain to rise. Leesburg was iluminaced that night—iliuninated by parricides and rebels, and anotber foul laure! was added to those of Bull run, big Bothel, the blockade of the Potomac, and the tame surrender of our navy yards and magazines, Such ‘was the battle of Ball's Bluff. Such it stands to-day on the page of history. The states whose soldiers. most se. verely suffered in it must be named—New York, Massa- chusetts and Pennsylvania, I the name of the brave and lamented men who fell thal day, out of regard for the living and the dead, out of regard for the great interes be alfectad by aa investigation, | think all the circumstances counected with the planning and execution of the battle ought io be brought te light. I hope they will be. 1 hope the com- mittee appointed to investigate into the conduct of the war will not overlook the battle. I hope no apologice and no private interests will disswade from an imveetigation into it, by any statements that the revelations of the whole’ truth will be detrimental to the public service, come from what quarter thatstatement may. I de net think that, after the publication of the report of the ‘Adjutant General, in reference to the division of Fremont, the publication of auything can be injurious to anybody. Inany court of justice, at least according to the weil settled prineiplés of ‘equity and justice, the military authorities, who oppee this investiga: tien and (he publication of the facts, would be stopped from wetting their vote against it. "At ail tthe House will be safe in ventilating the authors, and holding up to public view, tuo, the authors of the greatest nation- al calamity and disgrace which hus yet been talked of in Gath and published inthe streets of Askaton, T want it to be dietinetly understood that T push this matter on the attention of the Houre and the country on several pointe, each of which sall loudly for explanation, if an explanation can be offered. In the first jilace, ihe divi- sion of General McCall was on the same side of ‘the river with Leesburg, within @ few hours’ march, and yet was not employed in the attack, but another divi- ficn was selected, lying ‘on the side of the Potomac. Secondly, the crossing place was one of the worst and tnost dangerous that ound. ‘Third, there was a want of transportation, h that means of crossing absolutely indispensa- ble were wholly unprovided, althongh they might have been easily procured. Fourth, the number of troops sent over to Hall's Blu was wholly insuilicient, and this though more than the needed number were close at hand. Fifth, no reinforcements reached Colone! Baker ,althoogh, aside from the command of General McCall, there were’ troops and artillery on both sides of the river within four miles of the field of battle. All these grounds of censu may be oxplainable ; if 0, it ie but jnet to the living and the dead that an opportunity should be afforded. If they are not susceptible of explanation, for higher reasous inquiries ought not to slumber, Mr. Conkning offered a preamita, reciting the resolution heretofore adopted and the response, cencuding with a resolution that the answer to it is neither responsive nor | satisfactory to the Honse, and that the Secretary of War be directed to return a further answer. Mr, Ricwannses, (opp.) of Tl., inquired whether this was a question of privilege. The Srearea submitted the question to the Hous, whieh decided that it was. Mr. Eucrarnson, in opposing the resolution, said this was not a matter of proper inquiry her Wf there fs one point more prominent than another on which the country is agreed, it is that those who fouglit an | ral Baker displayed as much courage n displayed on. th not to bo ligged in} a found to be tn fault, wh with hime ¢ him in town me | Way is conduct the war? We most t | the proper departmente of the goverment The nen | Who have committe: biunders and acted from ofrors of » much treachery that he can scarcely whisper his plans. We shou!d strengthen, his hands and cheer his heart in view of these facts. Mr. Crrrrgxpgy, (Union) of Ky., contended that the House has no power under the constitution to inquire int» matters purely military. The army is under the command of the Fresicent, who is responsible for iis operations. To interfere with this, therefore, would be an attempt to. extend’ our civil juriediction. Even if we had the right to make such an inguiry, did not public polic; forbid it? Could war be successfully conducted on suc! a pring The gentleman from New York (Mc. Conk- ling) given an animated picture of the scenes of the battle, and spoke of the killed, wounded and dying. The gentleman had given a clear description of the bultie for the purpose of showing that there was a went of skill in its management. However our feelings may be aroused or affected, let us be careful not to allow such feelings to Jead us into improper measures. If there was a want of skill and fidelity, what was the remedy? Was it to be exercised by the civil jurisdiction and power? If faults have been committed they are to be exa a into and punished by the military tribunals. By pursuing the ‘course now proposed we take the subject out ot the hands of those supposed to be incompetent, Was this wise? Such an inquiry ng would lead to future similar em- barrassments. Thé effect would be to disayow our enure army. He believed that the whole country has confidence in General MeClellan. We had better weuken our army than weaken coufl- dence in the Goneral-iu Chief. An army of hares le ‘on by a lion is more tv be dreaded than an’ army of lious Jed on by a hare. Mr. Concuina (urther explained the object and purpose of his resolution, replying to Mr. Crittenden, Mr. VauianpichaM, (opp.) of Ohio, said, that if the original resolution, as provided for by the ruies of the House, adopted forty years ago, and in better times, had directed the Secretary of War te report the intormation required, he would have voted for the resolutiin now pending. But it expressly leit it to the Secretury to say whether the public interests justified furnishiiy: the mat- ter culled for or not, and it was now too late to object that he had exercise’ the discretion left to him. Utherwise he (Mr. Valland\gham) would have voted for the resolu- tion, as he was one of those who believed m_ the right of Congiess to enforce the responsibility upon all tho heals of dopartments. He thought the power ought never to be surrendered, and would at all times maintain the subordination of the military to the civil authority, The British Parliament has exercised the 1ight of inquiry into te ec nduct of the Crimean war, But here the Secretary of War had ouly exereixed a discretion allowed to him by the House, and it was now too late to compiaia of it. Mr. Lovaioy, (rep.) of Lii., entered his protest against the principle enunciated by the geutieman from Ken- tucky, having always believed the military should be subordinate to the civil power. Tho regular military officers are more in the way of an advance than any other class. We are waiting in the fruidess hope that the rebeilion will put iteeif down, The idea is if we don’t hurt anybody the rebels will return to their alle- gisnce. ‘The fear in which we stand of injuring the twin relic of burbarism paralyzes the whole a:my. The reuson hy we are not successiul is that we stan! bee an dGod, We are not true to the principles d truth, and those of human oquaiity—uamel throughout ali lands, and to all the juuabiiants Me. Wice 1rFR, ion) of Ky., called Mr. Lovejoy’s at- tention to the resolution passed by the House in kebrva- ry last, declaring that neither the feleral government ver the people of the North have the right or purpose to interfere with or jegislate on the subject of siavery in the South. This was voted for by Owen Lovejoy. Are you the man? (Lau, vas Mr. Lovmioy re=ponded, ‘Iam the man,’’ and continu- in his remarks, le said he believed the people were de- trmined t) carry on the war in such a way as to pot down the rebellion in the speediest manner. He had no do bt that the g vernment will grocetully yield to the popular sentiment. H» repeated. we nave no rignt in time of peace w imteriere with slavery in the States, When that resolution was passed, for which he voted, all a loyal and had not broken out in rebel- Mr. Ricuarpsox—Had not the Star of the West been fired ip (Voices on the republican side—-No,” “no.” Mr. Lovwoy (resuming) asked Mr. Wickliffe whether be Preverred the perpetuation of slavery, rather than the inion ? ‘Mr. Wickuirrn replied that he was for presorving the Union under the constitution, regarding its obtigutions imposed on every citizen, State and section. He was not for violating the constitution when it was not essen- tia! to the satety of the Union. He would preserve the institution ef slavery under the constitution by the prin- ciple declared by the Housé, and voted for by Mr. Love- joy and other representatives, and also declared in the inaugural address of the President and in the latter two messages, If these principles are carried out he had no fears for the Union and the fastitution of slavery. Mr. Loveioy asifhd if the ship must be saved by the throwing overboard of a portion of the crew, which would the gentleman prefer ? Mr. Wickurrs responded:—“I would prefer throwing the abolitionists overboard.’ ir. Lovmyoy said that was tantamount to saying the gentleman preferred the Union than slavery. As for himself, he was for preserving the Union and constitution with the great ob;ect for which they were established—naineiy, with treedom. He demanded, in the name of God and justice, that slavery shall not stand in the way of our success and triumph. In illustration of his remarks, he caused to be read the seventh chapter of the Book of Joshua, showing that the absence of prosperity and success was owing to what wi ‘ignated the accursed thing. gre of Ky., understood Mr. Lovejoy to say, so heavily is slavery weighing upon our army as to render it impossible to achieve victories until slavery is removed out of the way. Bu that if slayery was & curse, the responsibility of rebellion would rest on the South,and that the face of the Al- mighty would be tnrned against the South, if the theory of the gentleman was correct. Presuming he knew the feeling of Kentucky, if we considered slavery stand- ing in the way of the constitution we woukl not hesitate to wipe out slavery. (Applause.) But wo cannot regard slavery as iucompatible with liberty established by our forefathers. We want to preserve the Union, with all the maf to all sections conferred by the constiistion. He asked whether the gentlemen would destroy the constitution to get Tid of slavery? Mr. Lovevoy replied that he would not.” He only de: clared that slavery must be destroyed rather than the constitution and Union. Mr. Dux, (rep.) of Ind., as Mr. Lovejoy had quoted Joshua, referred the gentieman to the parable of the wheat and tares. The Saviour did not recommend the tares to % drawn out by the roots with the wheat, but to wait patieatly to the last day. The gentlemen from Illinois proposed radical measures, instead of waiting for time to remedy the evil. He would destroy the wheat and taree at the same time in his mad efforts to carry out bis schemes, let tho gentleman conceal his purpose as he may. If it had been proclaimed at the commencement of this war that the object wus to overthrow slavery, instead of having six hundred thousand men there would be only a small band of John Brown's at the heels of the gentleman. He thanked God that the gentleman was not now likely to be a member of the Cabinet. Mr. Lovgsoy—That’s not 80 certain. eee) Mr. Doss (reeuming) said he belicved that by the war ed its death biww. He hoped this ‘y had receiv was 90. Mr. Lovgsoy did not deny that he wanted to ree slavery crushed and ground to powder, but his argument was that slavery should not stand in the way of success to our army aad the preservation of the constitution and Union. He was not, as charged, in favor of any such schemes. He never voted for anyof them. He would tell the gentleman tliat these six hundred thousand soldiers would not aght the battle of slavery. Mr- Dexx—I did not say Mr. Lovgsoy—I suppose conceal it as he will. (Laughter.) Mr. Staves, (rep.) of Pa., said if they were to believe in the horrible doctrine of Mr. Crittenden it was nothing lees than this, viz—That the House dare not inquire into the manner in which the war is conducted, and whether there are many traitors or not. Had it como to this that the House is @ mero registrar of ex- ecutive edicts, and is only to vote men and money? He protested against such a doctrine, 11 having no founda. tion in the constitution. It appears t) at the border States would rather see the constitation and Union perish then soe slavery perish. We had jast ¢iven 20,000 men to Kentucky to support slavery. Should the alternative be as to the destruction of the Unien or of siavery. Me. Dunn said he did not exalt slavery above the con- stitution, He wopld make no sacrilice of the conatita- tion to preserve savory. He regarded the preservation of the Union and the perpetvation of our present forin of government as of far more importanee to him yw his day, ‘and to those who are to come after him, than the preser: vation of slavery. But he did not believe this govern- ment can be perpetuated by declaring the emancipation of slavery as its object. If 80, the oid Union is forever gone. We may, however, have a Union of the free States, which may, in tine, throw its shadow over the continent; but ag to restoring the Union az it was this 0 gentleman moant that, would be impossible, Ho was for maiutaining the autho- rity of this government. If slavery stauis iu tho way of the peace and prosperity of the cotintr ry must go out of the way, “I would,” he remarked, “strike down every interert that opposes the good of the country. If the contiscation of the slaves of disloyal enemios is neces- ry, let it bo dome,” Nir. Brain, (rep.) of Mo., moved that the whole be iaid on the tabi Not agreed to—yeas 67, nays 77. Mr. Rictantson offered an amendment to Mr. Conkling’a resolution, that the Secretary of War also report to the Hovee, if compatible with the public interests, who ts respousibie for the defeat at Wilson's field, and Lexington. Jrisugreed to—49 against 81 Mr. Conkting’s resolution was ‘THE DRCISIONS ON TH WEST: Mr. Wiekuiere offered a resol instrveting the C ito the expediency the doe ot th creek, near Spring+ iding by low for inakiog final Commissioners now engaged Military Depertinent, ORTANT BAENTAL FARTPY fur aid obtained Jetve to report a joint ‘acte growing out of the operations ry of the Fevens act imposing dutios | Brooklyn, ‘The resolution was passed and the House adjourned, THE DEPARTURE OF MASON AND SLIDELL. The Embarkation of the Rebel Envoys on Board the Starlight—Slidell in Ho - Hurry to Leave—Mason Very Nervous Eustis’ Opinion of the State of Af- fairs—The Way the Party were Re-~- ceived on Board the Rinaldo—The But- ler Expedition, é&c., &e. OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENCE. Boston, Jan. 6, 1862. “he steamtug Starlight, which was chartered by the » / gvernment to convey Messrs. Mason and Slidell, with their Secretaries, Messrs, Eustis and McFarlane, from . Fort Warren to the British gunboat Rinaldo, left Pro- vincetown at two o’clock this morning, and arrive@here » at seven o'clock, making the trip inflve hours. From Captain Baker, one of her owners, | gathered the follow ing particulars:— Last Tuesday evening Commodore Huadgon, of tho ~ Charlestown Navy Yard, and Mr. Webster, special agent of the government for the trauster of the rebel Commis- sioners, called on Messrs. Folsom & Baker and chartered the Starlight for the alleged purpose of bringing up prison- ers who were to be exchanged for Union prisontis in the » South. , The next morning (Wednesday), im accordance with - orders, the Starlight arrived at the Navy Yard at seven o'clock. Commodore Hudson and Mr. Webster, with eight marines, were waiting, and in a few minutes all of the party but the Commodore were on their way to Fort Warren, where they arrived at aquarter after eight. Orders wore sent to the fort for the prisoners to proceed at once on board the Starlight. In a short time all bat Mr / Slidell were ready. He, to show his indifference, in: ed on taking his time and delaying the Woat as much as possible, Mr. Webster finally became se indignant dt hisconduct that he declared he would bring him off just as be was. At eleven o’clock A.M Mr. Slxeil had @nished his pre- parations, and, accompanied by Col. Diminick, the tour prisoners walked down the pier to the Woat, There was not the slightest demonstration, The garrison were all on parade at the time, but with no relation’ to the de- parture of the rebel guests. On parting with Col, Dim- mick the rebels merely shook hands with him, and thanked him for his attentions during their stay.at his hotel All four, though probably glad to be released from. confinement, appeared to be sorry that they werenot to » suiler martyrdom for the sake of involving our country in @ war with England. | ‘Mr. Mason and Mr. McFarlane were evidently in good spirits, though Mason was very nervous, trembling ex- cessively. He was very anxious to kaow whiat tite people of Boston saidof his arrest and reiease, and muss have been somewhat chagrined to be answered thatthey cared very little about it. Stidell and Eustis were moody and outof temper, though Eustis conversed freely, asking questions about the condition of our people and thereferts of the administration to suppress the rebellion. He de- clared that unless the federal arms achieved important victories before April, that the European goveruments would recognise the confederacy and raise the bibekude. He also stated that money was plenty in New Orleans, there being, according to his assertion, fifteen millione inspecio there. He was evidently astonished to learn that the poor people of the North were still some removes: from starvation. Mr. Masom and Mr. McFarlane asked: Mr. Webster a great many questions concerning the ope- rations of the federal government, but if they obtained - much information from lis polite Wut adroit aiiwers, they are cleverer than most men. ‘Tho party dined in the litle cabin of theStaflight, an@ to soothe their porturbed feelings, the Captain of the boat. draped the back of the cabin with the Stars and Stripes. The Captain says they seemed to prefer the atmosphere of the wheel house to that of the cabin, and left tha latter placo as speedily as possible. Captain Baker says Slidell looked as though he had been on a gootl old toot for a week. In justice to the crafty Louisianian, let me re- ¢ mark that he had been sick for 9 week. He was very sea sick on tho trip to Provincetown. If the nausea had only reached his treason, secessicn would have been the rage: among the fluny tribe in Massachusetts Bay. Nothing whatever of interest occarred on the trip. At. half-past four o’clock Wednesday afternoon, the Starlight. arrived at Provincetown harbor, and hailing the Rinaldo, ‘was told to come alongside. She did so, and Mr. Webster" stepped aboard the gunboat and asked the Captain if he had orders to receive the Commissioners and their Secre- taries. He replied that he hac, whereupon Mr. Webster returned to the Starlight and bade his Feil good-by_ They immediately stepped on board the aldo, There: ‘was no reception whatever of them, other than what would be accorded to any ordinary traveller, not se much. as 4 file of marines to present arms to them. The Rinaldo at once got under way, and at six o’clock she had left the harbor of Provincetown. The wind blew aburricane all night, but as it blew offthe shore she probably did not suffer much from the galo, It is nt by many that the Rinaldo proceeaed to Halifax to intercept the America from New York on Wednesday, but as there is no news of her arrival at that point itis ¢ quite as likely that she has gone to Liverpool. ‘The Ri- naldo is described as peing a very inferior vessel, with a bow like a mudscow. She was very dirty,and our late: uests are not likely to enjoy a very pleasant voyage in ir. ‘The whole affair was conducted ina manner calculated to entirely destroy any idea of self importance which the Commisstoners may have indulged in. While to our peo- ple the manner of the transfer must have been exceed- ingly gratifying, to the prisoners themselves and their assumed government, it must be viewed as igaominious: and contemptuous ‘n the extreme. ‘The Rinaldo arrived at Provincetown at six o'clock on the morning of the day of her departure with the rebels,. and created an intense excitement ews} the inhabitants ‘of Cape Cod. As they knew nothing of her object or m sion they indulged all sorts of conjectures, the most ge- neraliy accepted being that she was to blockade that port. They were greatly relieved when they saw her depart with Davis’ emissaries, end prayed mosi fervently that thoae gentiomen might speedi'y present their cre dentials to Mr. David Jones. who is popularly supposod to represent King Neptune at the bottom of bis dominion. The tugboat Starlight, which has played a prominent part in this page of our national history, is owned by Messrs. Folsom & Baker. She is nearly new, having been is water, and in for fifteen miles an hour. Owing to owing for several days, who was’ wown uutil this morning. Mr. Webster and the marines returned to Boston the next day after the departure of the Rinaldo, by stage and rail. Thus ends a passage in the record of our rebellion, in which our government has demonstrated its greatest streagth—the confidence of the people—and in which, also, the assertion that we are ruled by a mob is most cifectually refuted. Here, in Boston, everybody is satis- fied with the settlement of the difticnity, and it is now only alluded to as a matter of the past amd of no interest. “The steamship Constitution is expected to leave here for Ship Island this afternoon. The troops of Ge: division on board are comfortubie, but anxions tobe on their way to their destination. It will be gratifying to thore who have friends and relatives in the expedition to learn that the Sanitary Commission bas made arrango- ments to extend the benefits of their humane association to the soldiers of the New !'ngland division at Ship- Island, Dr. Blake, a regular physician, of Walpole, N, H., accompanies the oqpedition, and remains at Ship Island as the agent of the Sanitary Commission, He has alroady furnished the sick in the bospital with little deli- cacies that are ever grateful to the sick or wounded sol- dier ‘The ship Idaho lies near the Constitution in the stream. She is freighting for Ship Island, end has arrangements for transporting several hundred troops. City Intelligence. Distaict Attorney's Orrick —Mr. District Attorney A, Onkly Hall has been applying the new broom to his> office most thoroughly. Notonly hes he appointed two ew associates, but anew eet of clerks. Yesterday Mr. Hall made his debut in the Court of Sessions in his off- cial oapacity, and began business ja a most determined in Opening a case to the jury he alluded brief.» once more appearing as public prosecutor, and remarked that he very decto edly preferred the position ‘ q of prosecuting criminals than that of defending thet 4 Mr Orlando L, Stewart and Charles E. Whitehead + Atiorney! en have been It is need- elector by of that office. Fire im Weer Fourtsenti Strenr.—Shortly after twelve o'clock on Monday morning fire was discovered in the Church of Annunciation, No, 110 West Fourteenth street, Ry. 8. Seabury rector, Tho fire orivinated in the front art of the church, around tho register of the hot air ‘urnace., ‘The flames were extinguished before they ex tended into the body of tho church, but not, however until the building was damaged to the e&tent of about $2,000; fully insured, re ee Re eer es creer MISCELLANEOUS, -\ RETIRED NERVOUS OF HOTH § having been Feaiore ith ih w tow days, 4 ol promt nervo ng, 1 Willing to t ou street, ne here by shnding gelfcure, Wiveet the Hey,