The New York Herald Newspaper, January 9, 1862, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 9251, -~ NEWS FRO%, WASAINGTON. Great Activity at the Headquar- ters of the Army. Gen, Sherme.n’s Report of Gen. Stevens’ Operations on the Coosaw River. Imporfant Reports from the War De- partment to Congress. Prnator Sumner’s Speech on the Trent Affair, Bary Bey Res ‘Wasmmcron, Jan. 8, 1862, OONDITION OF GENERAL MCLELLAN. General McCiojlan was out to-day, attending to busi- Rees, but did not extend his labors to the number of Bours usual for him when well. To-night he was mach exhausted, and retired carly, declining to see his own staff on business. ACTIVITY AT THE HEADQUARTERS OP THS ARMY. Adjutant General Williams, now in charge of all the ‘Dusiness at the headquarters of the Army of the Poto- mac, with the entire staff of General McClellan, are as ‘Dusy as bees to-night. The greatest activity has been going on in the Quartermaster’s Department to-day and to-night. For hospital purposes the most elaborate pro- parations have been made for some time. THE RUMORS RESPECTING THE FAMILY OF THE AD” JUTANT GENERAL. It ig ascertained on inquiry that it is now settled to the satisfaction of all parties that there are no grounds (or the charges against Adjutant General Thomas or any tromber of his family. MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL ROSECRANS. General Rosecrans, with Major Crawford, of his staff, have left for New York. They will arrive there en rout? or the West. SIGNALS FROM THE REBEL LINES. Last evening colored signal rockets, thrown up by the enemy, were seen in the direction of Hawkhurst Mill. ‘They displayed red and blue colors. It is supposed they hhad some connection with Gen. Smith's foraging expedi- tion, and that this p'an was adopted to give information at the rebel headquarters of the retirement of the forag- fogforee, A Union guide informed me to-day that a regiment of the rebels is encamped on the back of a hill one mile northwest of Hunter’s Mill, and two miles from ‘the main encampments about Hawkhurst Mill. By climb- fing any of a clump of tall trees on this hill a panoramic view is obtained of all the country in this direction, and ‘thus enabling prompt information to be given of apy ad- ‘vance of our troops. ‘THE FORTHCOMING SPEECH OF MR. SUMNER ON OUR FOREIGN RELATIONS, Considerable anxisty is manifested to listen to the speech of Senator Sumner to-morrow, on the Trent affair. * Phis desire not only arises from the fact that be is chair- ‘wan of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, but that he is known to be largely in correspondence with the leading ‘statesmen of Europe, and that he is a linguist, a finished ‘scholar and a fine orator. Hence public expectation is at ‘the tip toe to hear him. He will commence speaking at one 0% ,, and will occupy one hour and a half. Senator Sumner will defend “the position taken by secretary g>ward in the surrender of Messrs. Mason and Slidell, as ‘the only legal and just one that the government could bonorably assume. THE OPERATIONS OF GENERAL STEVENS AT PORT ROYAL FERRY—SUCCESS OF THE EXPEDITION. ‘The following letter has been received at the Adju- ‘ant General’s office from Brigadier General Sherman, Heapquarters, E. C., Port Rovat, &. C., Jan. 2, 1962. fun—As the Vanderbilt leaves to-mocrow, I deem it pro- to enclose to you s letter of to General oommanning the Second brigade of this division, @f December 80:— ‘The simple t of this dash was to dostroy the bat- tories which enemy appeared to have erected on the Coosaw river for the obstruction of the mavigation and the of that stream; an a to punish bim for the insult in firing fmto the steamer Mayflower, on her recent through that stream, for the purpose of sound! the depth of the channe!. The affuir succeeded perfectly, and the enemy were driven out of their batteries, their bat- teries demolished and the property found there brought @way or destroyed, with little or no loss of life on our . After the object of the movements was executed, ‘Goneral Stevens, ag:eeab!y to his instruction, returned to See. Aa soon as hig report reaches me it ‘will be forwarded. DOINGS IN THE SENATE. In the Senate to-day, the amendment to the iron clad team vessel dill, authorizing the President, instead of the Secretary of the Navy, to contract for them, was F The Senate has been engared to-day in discussing a very profitiess subject, namely, whether Senator Lane ‘was 2 Brigadier General at tho last exssion of Congress, ‘and whether Mr. Stanton could have legally been con- sidered his successor at that session, when every Senator ‘knows that the whole matter has been settled by tho formal nomination of Lane to the Senate at this session es a Brigadier General, and that he has seut his Fesignation ag Senator to the Kansas Legisia- fare. The Senators seem to te engaged in discussing 0 dead horse, instead of mecting the live ques- ‘tion immetiate!y before them, whether the regular ap- pointes of Governor Robinson shall have hie seat, or whether they will be able to stave Stanton off to please Lane until the Kansas Legislature meets next week, when St ie: hoped ‘by the friends of Lane that the legislative ‘machinery of Kansas will secure the re-election of the latter or one of his friends. This is small business fo" the Senate of the United States. To-day the President sent to the Senate the nomination Of General James Shields as Brigadier General in the army. The Senate not going into executive session to- day, action was not taken on the nomination. DOINGS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ‘This has been a soody day in the House, as usual pothing having been done of consequence, except to ap” propriate fifty thousand dollars to be employed by the Ahoad of the Agricultural Buroan in the Loterior Depart- ment for the purchase of seeds. In the House to-day Mr. Ward, of New York, presented iis bill favorable to a mint in that city. Ex-Congress ‘man George Briggs is here, working for the dill, he clair ing to. have been the father of the measure. AFFAIRS .ON THE LOWER POTOMAC. ‘There is no report of anything of importance from the Potomac flotilla. The King Philip arrived to-day. She {a heavily armored, and keeps open the channel, the ico on the tats having become several inches thick. AFFAIRS AT THE NAVY YARD. ‘The machine shops at the Navy Yard are kept busy might and day, boring and rifling heavy gun castings, pumbers of which are daily rooeived by railroad. THE TRIAL OF COLONEL KERRIGAN. In the Kerrigan triai to-day, the accused intaoduced featimony to show that his conversations with Wirgini- ‘ane at the outposts wore held with a view to draw from them information useful to the federal cause. Se geant Nolan, of the Gixth cavalry, testified that he accompanied Colone) Kerrigan to his pickets on the Sun @ay when the rebels 100k Mason's Hill They were fired ‘@pon and returned the fire, killing some of the enemy, after which Korrigan brought bis piskets off in good order. RETIREMEXT OF COLOMEL HARLAN. Colonel Harlan, of the,Flevonth Pennsylvania cavairy, bas been removed, on the recommendation of the kxamin. ing Board, os COMMISETONS FOR OFVICERS OF THE FIRST NEW YORK CAVALRY, All the officers of the First New York cavalry regiment, Colonel A, T. McReynolds, yesterday received their conr- wnissions from Governor Morgan. They aro all datoo @anuary 1, 1862, and were regarded as an appropriate and seceptable New Year's present. The regiment is splen- idly equipped. The horses are in excellent condition. Bho men hive juat received from the general government brass shoulder scales, which add much tg ¢ho fine appear- ance of the regiment. It is greatly in want of regimental and battalion colors, however, the absence of which is vernon ‘ly noticeable when the regiment is out on ro- vi Ie PRESENTATION OF COLORS. A magnificent stand of colors, made by the lady rels- tions of the officers of the Fifty-fith Now York regiment, were presented to the regiment to-day by Hon. F. A. Conkling, from New York city, withan eloquent specch. ‘They were received by Colonel do Trobriand with a very happy and graceful reply. There was present on the oc- casion an unusually brilifant assemblage, including the President and Mrs. Lincoln, Mr. and Mrs. Green, the fa- mily of Senator Harris, General Shields, General Keyes and staff, and e number of other distinguished persons: After the presentation the company partook of an elegant collation, during which very pertinent speeches were made by the President, General Shields, Colonel de Tro- Driand and General Keyes. General Peck, commanding the brigade, was prevented by iliness from being pre- sent, THE BUROPEAN EXPEDITION TO MEXICO. ‘The question of the expedition of England, France and Spain against Moxico, as submitted to the Senate of the United States by the President, has not been acted upon by that body for want of more information from Mexico, Besides, the arrival of the nows that the Spanish and English fleets have appeared in Mexican waters, and that the forces of the two Powers have landed upon the soil of ‘Mexico, changes the whole question, and so complicates it for the time that, as submitted to the fenate, it cannot ‘be acted upon until our government is further advised by Mr. Corwin. THE NEW REGIMENTS OF THE REGULAR ARMY. In reply to a call of the House of Representatives upon the Secretary of War, for a statement of the number of men enlisted in each of the eleven regiments, authorized to be added to the regular army by the act of July 29, 1861, the Seerotary says.— To furnish a list of the names of all the officers in the regiments referred to in the resolution is, with the pre- sent clerical force in the office of the Adjutant General, a sauple impossibility; but in General Orders No. 106, and in Army Register for September last,a completo list Of all these names will be found. : The following is also submitted:— STATEMENT CALLED FOR BY A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSR OF REPRESENTATIVES, DBC. 23, 1861, SHOWING THR APPROX- IMATE NUMBER OP MAN ENLISTED IN THR ADDITIONAL RRGI- MENTS OF THR REGULAR ARMY, 48 AUTHORIZED BY ACT OP CONGRESS, APPROVED JULY 29, 1861. Cavalry—Sixth regyment.. 950 Artillery—Fifth regiment. . + 100 300 120 340 760 126 600 ‘100 . 86 — imber enlisted in the ies au- ona by seotion 4 of theact appproved August 3, 10 ‘Topographical Fngineers—Number enlisted in com- pany authori: by act of August 6, 1861... on Recapitulation. + 10 5,880 20007, 004 DEPARTMENT. ‘The immenso increase of the duties of the War Depart- ment has required the Secretary to ask Congress for the following increase of clerks, laborers and messengers in the various bureaus of the department:— & 3% 3 2 Fp eRe * Secretary of War’sofce. 29 2 — — _ Office Adjutant General.. 3 4 13 2 10 Office Quartermast’rGen. 2 3 5 1- = OfficoCommissaryGen..1 2 — — 1. — ped ee on. pe - .1- - = e rephiinge— — — — — — Omice Burger General..— s — -_ = 1 pi Officol aymasterGeneral— 4 4 1 a - Office Chief of Ordnance. 1 2 1 - —- = te akicss canngisen Me ce Maanaca Ol The Secretary also asks for the repeal of tho law re. quiring disbursing clerks to be taken from the fourth class clerks, in order that the clerk who has for years at- tended to the disbursements of the department, and who has recentiy been appointed chief clerk, shali continue to have charge of the disbursements while perform. ing the duties of his higher grade. In submitting a request for the employment of ten more non-commis- sioned officers in the Adjutant General’s office, the adjutant General recommends that, ag it is impor- tant that the companies and regiments of the army be kept always full, and are now reduced far below their authorized strength by inclusion therein of tho number of unattached recruits and non-commissioned officers employed on the recruiting service, Congress shall provide that hereafter the non-commissioned off- cers and soldiers employed in the different bureaus of the War Department in Washington, the two whose employ. ment is hereby authorfzed at the headquarters of each of the different military geographical departments and ar. mics ip the ficld, those necessarily employed in the ro. cruiting service, recruits in depot, at rendezvous, and en route for regiments, and the several detachments on duty at tho Military Academy, shall no longer be in- cluded in the aggregate strength of the army as fixed by existing laws, but be counted as an addition to said strength, which said addition is hereby authorized. THE FEEDING OF DISABLED HORSES. In answer to a resolution of the House of Reprosenta- tives, requesting to be furnished with copies of all con- tracts made by the Quartermasters Department for feod- ing disabled horses during the winter, with the terms of these contracts, the names of contractors, tho number of herses, and whether these contracts were mule npon public notice, the Assistant Secretary of War transmits report of the Quartermaster General, showing bis action oa the premises, and covering the following reports, which are all that bave been received up to this time in answer toa circular addressed to all officers and agents of the Quartermaster's Department :— AcSIBTANT QUARTERMASTER’# OFFICE, Sr. Louis, Dec. 20, 1861. In answer to your notice of the bth instant, 1 have the booor to report, that about the 27th day of October last L placed seventy onc unserviceable horses on the farm of Charles Chouteau, Esq., near this city. Nw written con. tract was made, but a verbal agreement was entered into, to the effect that said horses were to bo fod what bay and grain they could eat till taken away fur service, for which I was to pay him thirty-five cents por head per diem. Thirty of the horses! received from Major Me Kinstry, and twelve of them from Capt. Zagony were received from various officers, and had beon in field service, 1 placed them on the farm to be recruited, About forty of the horses are not recruited, und aro considered worth keeping, and wore reported by me, an inventory.to the Chief Quartermaster of this depart ment, for in@pection and condemnation, on the 13th inst. ‘The balance have becorne serviceable. Respectfully, P. T. TURNLEY, Asst. Quartermastor, To General M,C, Matas, Quartermaster General United States. Anwy ov tie Potomac, Wesinotox, Deo. 22, 1861. Gevenat—In compliance with an offlelai notice from your office, dated the 6th inst., transmitting a resolution of the House of Represent , calling on the Secretary of War to furnigh that body witli all contracta made by the Quartermaster's Department for feeding disabled horses, &c., I have the honor to forward herewitl. a copy of a contract made by Colonel D. H. Rucker, Quarter- master United States Army, with George Ramsdeli, Orrick OF THE Sion QUARTERMASTRR, } Lycoming county, Pennsy{vania, This contract, though signed by Colonel Rucker, was made b that” ofcer under express orders “from. mysolt, as his superi and the senior officer the artermastor’s Department in the Army of the Potomac, t is the ouly contract of the kind, as far as my know- ledge extends, that has been made in this army, and was male in strict accordance with law and regulations, Under it Mr. Ramsdell hae received five hundred and tyonty-five disabled horses. When this contract was mare all commvinications with the army were cut off, with the exception of the single ‘allroad to Baiti- more, over which all the immeneo supplies required for ii the city of Washington were obliged to jutely necessary that the demand for Pp should be diminished very possible way, and with this view I decided to wo our to the country, where much disabled animal provided for at @ lene expenre = to government than here, The contract in question was not made ‘‘on public notice,” as th igencies of the public service reqxired the per- of the service immediately, and even if the exigencies of the public service did not requie this ser- vice to be performed immediately, it was @ kid of ser- vice that should not have been given to the lowest bid- a for it wae a service where overything almost had to trusted to the honesty ant reifability the perso perk ming it. A man might have taken the an.uaig at & very lw bid, and then maco money from it by starving CLERICAL FORCE OF THE WAR | NEW YORK, THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1862. THE REBEL GENERAL ZOLLICOFFER'S POSITION ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER. The Intrenched Position of the Rebel General Zollicoffer on the Cumberland-- Our Map of the Locality, &c., Showing the Heights he Has Fortified and What By the accompanying sketch we endeayor to portray as nearly as possible the position held by the rebol Gon. Zollicoffer. ‘To the eye of amilitary man it wiil prove that his position has been well chosen. Selecting the mountainy ous region on both sides of the Cumberland river, at a point where its couree veors from due south to due west, he bas occupied the principal hills commanding all ap* proaches by the river from both directions, as weil an through the valleys of White Oak creek, on the north side, and Meadow creck on the south, Some idea may be formed of the topography of the country whea we state that the hills, although immediately upon the banks, rise to an altitude of three hundred, three hundred and fifty, and four hundred feet above the level of tho river, as at the points marked in the map—A, B, © and D. A is 350 feet above the level. B ig 400 feed above the level. C is 300 feet above the level. D ig 400 feet above the level. ‘The rebel forces on the north side of the Cumberland consist of six regiments, stationed on a height four hun- dred feet above the river, commanding the approach from both directions; and on the south side, four regi- ments, commanding the valley of Meadow creck, and # the animals. The contract system thus far here has failed entirely. Advertisements bids for almost everything required have been made, but not in n #ingle instance fave the lowest bidders come forward and closed their contracts, Tam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ye TEWART VAN. VLIET, Brigadier General. To Goncral M. C. Matas, Quartermaster General The contract with Ramsdell agrees to pay forty cents per diem per horse, and caeh horro is to be stabled and fed with fourteen pounds of hay and twelve pounds of oats or corn per day. THB COST OF TRANSPORTING TROOPS AND WAIt MU- NITIONS WEST OF THE ALLEGHANIES. In answer to the resolution of the House of Representa. tives, asking to be furnished with the cost of tho trans. portation of arms, ordnance and munitions of war to thag portion of the country weet of the Alleghanies, since the ‘lst of May last, the Secretary of War has submitted a report of the Quartermaster Genoral, stating that to “ob. tain the information required would involve a mivute examination into the accounts of the various disbursing officers of this department located west of the Aileghanies since May 1, 1861. These accounts for the third and fourth quarters of 1861, coutaining the expenditures to which the inquiry principalty relates, have not been re- ecived, and, in fact, are not due, and without them it is impossible to make the required examination.” The fail_ ure of the Quartermaster General to furnish the required Information has occasioned much comment, and will pro- bably bo made the subject of further investigation. The army regulations require that every officer resident in the United States having public money to account for shall render his account and vouchers within three months after the expiration of each quarter. It is now more than six months since the expiration of the quarter ending June 30, and more than three months since tho expiration of that ending September 30. It is thought Strange that the Quartermaster General could furnish no information whatever, nor even @ partial report, up na subject of ordinary public businere, which wan of suM™- cient gravity and importance to occasion # formal inqui. y by Congress. MEETING OF THE UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. A meeting of tho United States Agricu‘tural Society was hold here to-day. It was organized by the Preeitent, W. B. Hubbard, of Ohio, Amoug those prevent were Hon, Mr. Lovejoy, of Minois; Mr, Byington, of Iowa; Mr. Arny, co; Mr. Calvert, of Maryland; Mr. Smyth, of pehire; Mr. Newton , of Pennsylvania; Mr. Sullt van, of Obio, and the Commiceioner of Paglic Buildings, B. B. French, CONFISCATION OF LIQuons, ‘Tho Provost Guard are faithfully executing the order against keeping open barrooms. he liquid contents of two extensive establishments were confiscated and emp. tied,into the streets last night, and their propriotors placed in arrest for a violation of the order. THR ANNIVERSARY OF THR BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. The 8th of January has not been observed in this city to-day, except by the business community and others, who have been obliged to write the date in business way. Jackson's victory at New Orleans has hardly been thoughs of Our officers and soldiers in camp have not been un- mindful of the anniversary of the battle of New Orieans in the camps in Virginia. Many a bumper was drank and toast given and speech uttered to the glorious memory of the galiant hero, General Jackson, GERRNADE TO GENERAL SHIELDS. General Shields wag serenaded to-night, at the Herndon House, by the band of the Fifth artillery, under direction of Quartermaster Murphy, of the Thirty-eighth New York regiment. The weather being stormy, the General’s friends assembled in the parlor of the hotel, where he was wolcomed im an enthusiastic speech by Captain Hogan, of the Irish Brigade, General Shields responded at some length, After expressing his thank® for the cordial reception given him, he proceeded to de- fine his position ip relation to the war. While compro. miso was poseible and honorable, he was for compromise, while peace was possible and honorable, he was for peace; but now, while we are in the midst of war, he was for prosecuting it to @ suecessful conclusion at any 2 z = = They Command, Ac. ' depression thro.gh the bills from tho south, abo. t cae milo west of Mill Spring. It ia stated that Zollicoffer has in his forces one regiment of negroes, located just in the bend of the river, ou the southern bank. ‘The geographical position of this intreschment is as follows:—From Somerset, about fifteen miles, southwest from Waitsboro, on the Cumberland river, twelve miles; from Columbia, about forty miles, southeast, and about six or cight miles below the head of steamboat naviga- tion. The posicion commands ali the coal mines and many of the salt wells in that part of Pulaski county soath of tho Cumberland, and in Wayne and Russell countier. ‘The only route by which he can be succossfully at- tacked is from the north, by the valley of White Oak creck, anda scaling of the hills in his rear, or by an ad- vance from several points at once. This latter would re- quire larger forces than General Schoepf bas in his divi- sion; consequently we de not antici»ate any movement on Schoept’s port, beyond go much as shall confine Zollicoffer to his present iutrenchments and prevent bia retreat until he is forced to surrender, or additional forces can be sont to assist in an attack. sacrifice. It had not been his fortune, in this trying crisis, to escapo suspicion and arraignment, but this was 4 matter of little consequence, It had neither iniluenced his feelings nor actions, although it is a matter of deep and painful regret that, in such a moment of peril to the country, we should have a class of citizens among us wh,, manifest their patriotic ardor by abusing Northern men rather than by fighting Southern men. His friends might be answerod that he would never violate bis oath of allegiance; that he would never betray his trust ag @ citizen or a soldier; that he would never turn bis back upon the country in ite hour of adversity that had adopted him as a son. He paid a high compliment to the army for its obedience and discipline, which were highly creditable to the General-in Chief, and the administration whieh supports him. He predicted for our army a suc- cessful career, and thanked bis friends, and bade them good night. EX-PRESIDENT BUCHANAN’S NEW WORK. Tne book now in press, entitied the “Life and Tinos of Janes Buchanan,” it is understood by his few remaining friends hero was written by ex-Consul and ex-reporter Francis J, Grund, who, it is eaid,has been residing with Mr. Buchanan at Wheat'and for several mouths past. News from the Rebel States. ‘The Norfolk Day Hook of Monday says that on Sunday ‘saw mill in the Norfolk Navy Yard was fired by an in_ condiary. It was, however, extinguished with little damage. ‘The residence and outhoures of Fayette McMullen, in Wythe county, Va., were destroyed by fire on Wodnes” day morning. Jndgo Hemphill, ex-Senator in the Congress of the United States, and since a member of tho Confederato Congress, died in Richmond on Saturday morning. Nobody will come forward to take the office of collector of the war tax in the Norfolk district, and H. T. Garnett, Chief Collector of the Confederate War Tax in Virginia, in a formal advertisement, threatens to appoint some one | from an outside district to perform that duty, which, in his proclamation, he admits to be odious to the people ther | There have been several fires in Charleston, 8. during the past few days. j Meeting of Boston Bank Presidents, Bostow, Jan. 8, 186 At® moeting of tho Boston Bank Presidents to-day Franklin Haven, of the Merchants’ Bank, Samuel it) Walley, of the Revero Bank, and R. E. Bates, of the Bank of Commerce, were chosen a committee to act in con. | junction with similar committees from New York and Philadelphia, to adjust with the Secretary of the Treasury the payments yet remaining to bo made by the banks to the United States or from the Treasury to the banks. The committee leave for Washington to-morrow. Serious Riot at Carbonear, Newfound- Tai TWELVE OR FOURTEEN PERSONS SHOT—THE MILI TARY SRNT FROM ST. JOHNS TO THR SCENE OF RIOT. St. Jouns, N. F., Jan. 8, 1862, An extensive riot took place at Carbonear yesterday: Some twelve or fourteen persons were shot, but none killed outright. were sent from here at midnight to preserve order. Fhe rovers ‘did not Taare the toe. graph wires. Inauguration of Governor Bradford, of Maryland. Bavrmonn, Md., Jan. 8, 1862, rated at noon to-day, at ag ihren i ts greg rst . t terms, expressing the utmost devotion to the Union and consti. ‘sution, Accident on the Illinois Central Ratl- road. Cmrcago, Jan. 8, 1862. ‘The Cincinnati ran into the Hyde Park train om the Iilinois Central Hrowa, bee min ftom tuceny, toe - William A, Barron, late County J in- seantly billed, end covered padsengors wounded, tut 9 wounded, but none Fire at Chicago. Cuicaco, Jan. 8, 1962. A fire broke out in the clothing ostablishment of Tsaxc ae vy water, but ie fully insured, . sare IMPORTANT FROM KENTUCK’ Louwvng, Jan. 8, 1862. ‘The Democrat is informed that a Union scouting party brought five prisoners into Columbia who were endeavor- ing to join Gen. Zollieoffer, The party report Gen. Zolli- coffer, with four thousand men, between Greensboro and Columbia. Greensboro had been almost depopulated by the rebels; but Gen, Ward’s Union brigade had gone there to take possession. ‘The rebels captured five soldiers who were guarding Boralis lucry, killing a man named James and taking fifteen or twenty guns. The guard were surprised by rebel detachments on each side of the river. GENERAL MANSFIELD’S DIVISION. OUR NEWPORT NEWS CORRESPONDENCE. Gaur Burien, Nuwronr News, Va., Jan. 6, 1862. How the Holtlays Were Spent in Camp—Large Onristmas Tree, with Presents for the Soldiere—Santa Claus Olad in “ Shoddy”—New Year's Calis in Regular Style—Our Re- turned Prisoners— Affecting Scenes—Great Battle on Day Before Christmas— Want of Reading Matter for Ue Sol- diers, de. Woll, the holidays are ail ovor, and with them all the legitimate and ili gitimate pleasures; some drunkenness, of course, but a great deal of true homelike happiness, has reigned in camp; and if our friends far off have thought kindly of us, we have thought none the less of them, and ardently hoped that next Christmas will bring peace in the Jand and joy in those homes where now so many a chair is vacant. In the Seventh regiment New York Volunteers Christinas was spent in regular old Tex- tome style. The officers had each contributed a smail | sum, with whic we bought presents of various kinds to adorn a buge Christmas tree that was planted in front of the Colonei’s quarters. There were pipes—the short Irish und the long tmteh—] of cards, pocket handerchiefs, and a pensired ther a wo omer tw mention; but what attraoted most attention of all was an eitigy of Sante, Claus dreesed in one of =the = “shoddy” — uni. fovms. He of course created a great dea! of fan, and was im fact the hero of the evening. The bana discoursed sweet music’ all the evening, and each company gl: in the extra aliowance of two kegs of lager bier. A ‘ od many of the officers had arranged ther own private i Ge feasts; and, taking it altogether, Christmas Eve was s ent ina joyous and orderly mauner, It was a delight- ful reviet from the dull monotony of camp |i New Yoar’s day was kept generally in great style, and calls wore made alter regular Kuickerbocker fashion, Several of the officers, p:ominest them Surgeon Howe and Captam Bjerg, of the First k regiment Vol teers, had tabies set, and v: kept up all day long. urse & great a ‘was created; bat we could not help regretting that the dear ladies were so far away to do the real honors on such an occa- sion, No less than one hundred and seventy-eight pack- ages were received ior the goldiers by the Adams Ex- press Company on New Year's Eve, and as “seme” of tuem contained bottles, a tew disyraceful scenes were the cousejuence. Sinee then the express packages arc opened, as was the custom during last summer and fall, and this of course acts a8 an effectual check on the intro. duction ef the **demon,”” The : cone when the steamer George Washington, which Drought down our released prigouers on Kriday last, Jandes at ou dock cannot well be described by words. 8 ch exciamations of joy when friend recognized frieud, afer somany months of absence and suffering. It is cuid that one of the released soldiers, a man of nearly tity years of age, when ho came on board the Goorge Wash- ington, clasped the stafl ow which our nobie tlag was hoisted and wept for joy. Soie of the members of the old ‘Fire Zouave” 1egiment smuggied themselves on shore and stated their entire willingness to re-enlist for the full three years with their friends in the Eleventh. Their expressions of pleasure at meeting again were Prouliar to the “fre boys.” T must notomit to mention that our camp was alarmed ‘on the day before Ciiristmas, by the roport that the exemy was aoproaching in large force. General Mans- field ‘sent out a couple of reguments, who proceeded as far ag Newmarket bridge; but, not finding a solitary cnemy there, they returned, improving the opportunity to seize a number of seces#ion yeese and turkeys, which atler severe resistance, were &. cessfully overpowere and triumphantly brought into camp. I am glad w say that on our side none were hurt, but on the enemy's side every one had to suiler “the extreme peuaity of the . e soldiers are all comfortably housed in thelr snug bar ks, and all thoughts are bent to find out how to relieve the monotony oi the long winter days. lt would be areal blessing if some of tue philanthropic friends of the soidiers would send a good selection of books. Our religio.s triends have supplied us bountifully with books and painphiets in their epecial live,and we fay all honor and Success to their nobie eiforts to prewole mocanty aud order in the camps; but the soldier’s mind requires as much as his body. 'A variety of food, aud a littie of the lighter kind of ia ntal fuod, such ad works on history, tavels and good novels, vould bo highly acceptable. Hach company could soect one of their uummber to act as librarian, and I have nodo.bt would cheer.ully revurn the books at ths end of the winter, if the donors so de sired. If we are correct, tho Adgius Express has offered to transinit packages contaiaing such gifts free of charge. Anything that can preveut the soldier from getting 1uto idle, dissipaced habiis meris tue attention of every one who bas the weliare and discipline of the army at heart. Winter Garden—The Drama of Dot. Last evening was performed at the Winter Garden the Beautiful play of “Dot,” adaptod by Bourcicault from Dickens’ “Cricket on the Hearth.” It was a triumphant success, aud was received with the most enthusiastic ap" plause. The drama itself is one of the best modern plays, and the charactors are all strongly drawn; but their personation by a powerful cast was adm.rable, and the accessories of scenery, splendid fairy tableaux and excellent. music and dancing contributed greatly to the general effect. The music was particularly attractive. Tbe variations upou “Auld Robin Gray,” by which the piece was introduced by the orchestra, were performed in beautiful style, and the fine airs by which the piece was accompanted in its progress had a very lively and happy effect. ‘The interost of the play winds itrelf around happy, choery, merry little Dot, so full of sunshine, and hor brusque, genial, jolly, honest husband, Jobn Peery- Dingle, ateamster. Tho part of Dot was done to the life by Miss Fanny Browne, whose pretty little figure and appearance wero well suited to the role. Fqually well adapted to the part ‘or Poerybingle was the appearance and costume of Poarson, who looked every inch the class of Englishman he represented, while his accent was fauitiess. The contrast between the big, clumsy , good-natured, warm-hearted mau and his charm- ing littie wife was stwiking. Both played their parts to ection, if we may except the singing of “Auld Robin Gray”? by Miss Browne, nature not having gifted her with a voice for such a song. Mut she made up for the singing in the acting. ‘The voice of Pearson is excellent. Bat, strange to say, the most prominent and extraor- dinary character ia tho piece is that in which tho wor lng lowest to aay. We allude to Tilly Slowboy, au overgrown charity girl, who takes care of the baby of Dot and hor Lusband. As in the cago uf Miss Cushman in Meg Merriies, the fine performance of Clarke imparted ® peculiar juterest to the part. He looked and acted the idiotic aurse so well that be mast be soen to be appreciated. Lescription would fail to give a yost idea ef it. “Cab Plummer,’ by Mr. Barton Mili, was a very superior piece of acting, and Hertha, the biiad daughter of Caleb, by Miss Ada Clittou, was excellent, Davenport as Kaward Phammer, Davidge as old Tackieton, and Miss Wilkes as Mary Fieldmg,ail acquitted them- selves creditably. The performance wound up with tho dance of * Koger de Coverley.”” It is aitogether a very eitective play The Connecticut Mass Union Convention, Harrroro, 8, 1882. ‘Tho Mass Union Couvention assembled at ten o'clock this morning. The attendance was much smaller than was expected. Hon. James T. Pratt presided. The doings were participated in by Union democrats and re publicans, representing each county !n the State. The forenoon was principally occupied in arranging prelimi- naries and discussing resolutions. ‘Tho policy of nominating a State ticket by this Conven. tion was fully discussed, and it was decided to nominate aticket, Atthe afternoon session 4 committee of four from each county was appointed to report a ticket for State officers. They reported for Governor William A. Buckingham, of Norwich; for Lieus tenant Governor, Reger Averill, of Danbury; for Secretary of State, J. Hammond Trumbull, of Hartfor for Treasurer, Gabriel W. Coit, of Middietown ; Comp: troller, Leman W. Cutter, of Watertown. Governor, Secretary and Comptrolier are republicans, and now in office. Licutonant Governor and Treasurer are Union democrats, ticket was adopted nani mounly, and it is expected that the Republican Con- vention, which meets on the 16th, will adopt the same ticket. The resolutions were for sinking all party lines, ‘nen yh and ogy Ang the one great ol ald sustaining vern- ment of the United States in its present mighty Sevagie for national existence. That all who refuse at this crisis to give the government a hearty support are liable to the imputation of being her secret foes. A conditional Union man js an unconditional traitor. For the su of the government in a v progecution of the war wo pledge our lives, our unes and our sacred honor, A State Central Committee was appointed, who were authorized to proceed to the organization of the Union party of Connecticut. ‘The Convention was disappointed in the non-appear- ance of Hon. Andy Johnson, of Tenneesee. Arrivin Now York, 2 his way to Hartford, he was suddenly called te Kentueky to take part ina forward movement of our troope there. ‘The Convention adjourned, PRICE TWO CENTS. IMPORTANT FROM WESTERN VIRGINIA. Defeat and Retreat of the Rebels from Blue’s Gap, Va. Brisk Action in Tucker County and Dispersion of the Rebels, bey &e kee Warning, Jan. 8, 1862, Aspecial despatch to the Intelligencer, from Cumbere land, last night, says that a detachment of General Kelly’s forces, commanded by Colone! Dunning, of the Fifth Ohio regiment, loft Romney last night at twelve o'clock, and attacked the rebels, 2,000 strong, at Blue’s Gap, east of Roraney, at daylight this morning. ‘Therebels were completely routed, with the loss of fifteen killed, two pieces of cannon, their wagons, &e.; with twenty prisoners, including one commissioned offic er. " Our loss is none. It is rumored here this afternoon that the rebels are in full retroat from Hancock. Cincrmat, Jan, 8. 1962. A spocial despatch to the @azette from Huttonsville says. that General Milroy is still moving. An expedition sen$ out by him of 300 of the Thirty-second Ohio regiment, under Captain Lacey, into Tucker county, dispersed 400 rebels, capturing a commissary and a large amount of hie stores, first lieutenant and a private. Fourrebels were found dead on the ground, and a large number wounded. Our detachment is still in hot parsuit. OUR ROMNEY CORRESPONDENCE, Camp Kays, Romney, Va., Jap. 2, 11 New Year's Day in Cumy—The Enemy Retiring to chester—Whereabouts and Health of Brigadier General Kelly—A Small Skirmish With the Enemy—The Conds- tion of the Rebels near Springfield, ec. New Year dawned upon a very quiet camp at Romney. ‘There is very little being done here now—nothing tha§ looks like an advance movement. Officers are making themselves and their men as comfortable as possible. Very little scouting is done. There is no probability of aaj attack or of progress. The enemy seem to be drawing their pickets in nearer and nearer to Winchester; at least they never show themsolves in this region any more. Gen. Kelly is still at Cumberland, and in very feeble bealths Tt is doubtful whether he will ever be able to take the fleld again, and General Reynolds is daily expected herg to take command. ‘ Coionel Dunning, of the Seventh Obio regiment, is im command here now; and Colonel Gavin, of the Seventh Indiana regiment, is in command at Springfleld. He the Indiana Seventh, Captain Sahi’s, Captain Russell’s and Captain Fiery’s cavalry aud one gun with him. Yesterday Captain C. H. Russell, with fifty of bis men, left Springtield, crossed our picket line and twelve miles ou the Winchester road, en et twelve miles, they came upon the enemy’s . The pieket fled, and Captain Russell pur and succeeded in capturing one of the pickets and his horse. He still pressed on till he came within a haif a mile of the enemy's camp, which is situated near the North River Mills, when the Captain, deeming it not prudent proceed further, ordered un about face. The rebels cand out and showed fight. Capt. Russell rotteod abe Cave miles, when, taking advantage of a favorable in ravine, he made a stand. Tho enemy fax enough to exchange a dozen shots, and again broke and fled, leaving two of their number wounded om the road/ side. he Capenia with: bie comes yeanenod tp comp oll sate and sound, a litt rf dark »bri prisoners i ecsalebinnteranion aaeieee An attack upon Springficld had for some time beent feared, avd the object of the scout wes to learn strength and position of the enemy. There is now litt apprehension of an attack, as it is evident that the eu is very weak and timid in this region. We wagers that Capt, Reseell’s company—which is one of eflicient, and one that has done the most valuable — section—is now ordered to ath to strengthen Cole United States District Court. Before Hon. Judge Betts. Jan. 8.—The cases of the Sarah Clinton and Sally Ma- gee, prize vessels, were, on motion of Mr. Woodford, postponed to abide the decision of the Supreme Court at Washington, in similar causes already decided by this court. In the matter of the schooner Henry Middleton.—Mr. Woodford, Assistant United States District Attorney, answered that he was ready on the part of the govern- ment. . Mr. Donohue announced to the Court that ho was not ready; he would not be permitted to see his client (Capt. Barclay) except in the presence of a government official’ and he might as well have the government to defend hig client as to submit to this, He had seen Capt. Barclay at Fort Lafayette, but he has been since removed to For€ ‘Warren, where bis counse! could ot have any communi cation with him. Judge Betts asked if the Henry Middleton was a foreiga or an American vessol. Mr. Donohue replied that she was claimed to be @ foreign vessel. Mr. Charles Edwards said he knew that there were placed in fi and removed to Fort Lafayette, and put im acell ac thay baa act roemn clthee te tioaiwace suia round, ‘Tho casc was laid over in order to Mr. time to communicate with his chant. (Unpesin erelagp under the order of the Court. the order Iu which causes should be taken up, ‘Dut give a preference to the prize cases. THE BRITISH PRIZE SHIP CHESHIRE. é In the matter of the ship Cheshire and her carge—Mre Charies Edwards read the affidavit of Thomas Stoue, late & passenger on board tho Cheshire, and a which states that ho was present, last, when that vessel was scized; that she was commanded by CaptainCraig, and had a chief Dawson, a boatew! crew of ten seamen two men who worked covuk anda pory that Captain Craig, Mate Dawson, the ten seamen and of the men who worked their passage £0 and remain on board the United States while only he (the deponant Thomas Stone) cbildreo and servant girl,and the boatswait the remaining man w! ee to New York in the Cheshire, with two prize and a prize crew, she ton bar for Pe, York on eet} in i i i up he has v3 He also states: Cheshire is owned by joseph Batiersby,a Bitish subject of Manchester, land, and whv alse owns all iron therein, which is ballast; the cargo isowned by Joseph and W tersby. Mr awards moved to discharge the Cheshire from cust any F ripe Mr. tion, to the District Attorney. Release of Ex-Governor Morehead, of Kentacky. Boston, Jan. 8, 1862. Ex-Governor Morehead, of Kentucky, has been released from Fort Warren on bis parole, and preceeded imme- diately to New York. ports by means of a stone fleet, perhaps it may not be out of place to refer them to the acts of the commanders on Lake Champlain during the war of 1812 Cooper's ol. 2, page 34), when the History vol Bune? Onder creek US eiaRinG several ves. rators the sbining lights of British ariatocracy — hy James Prevost, Lieutenant de Rottenburg, Major General Brishaao Power, Robinson and Bynes: Aigo, (be commander of the fleet, Sir James ‘This was legitimate war, when practised by the Bri on Amcrioat, bard nay woud, Bet have BG Tribes, could have sealed squadrom: in Otter creek. On tI Cpt oe been the very best have saved wards by