The New York Herald Newspaper, February 21, 1862, Page 4

NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, FEBRUAR NEW YORK HERALD. JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR, OFTICE N. W. COBNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU ETS, Volume XXViT AMUSEMENTS THIS EVENING, WIBLO’S GARDEN, Broadway.—Co..uen Bawn, WINTER GARDEN, Broadway.—Mareimp Lire—Ovx Piaasane NedGaoon. WALLACK'S THEATRE, No, 844 Broadway.—Loxpon AssouAMC NEW BOWERY Percow Cimnk—EsMegaLpa. BOWERY THEATRE, Bowery.-Sticensy's Naroxac Crrovs. Bowery.—Witp Oars—My BARNUMS AMERICAN MUSEUM, Broadw Nurr—Living Hirrorotai . ! Oxpma, afternoon encase € BRYANTS’ MINSTRELS, Mechanics’ Ha Broad. Way. Baw Roast bees. vad HOOLEWS MINSTRELS, Stuyvesant Institute, No. 609 Broadway.—Ermioriax Sonas, ‘Dancns. &c.. MELQDEON CONCERT HALL. No. 889 Broadway.— “Bones, Buauesquus, 4c.—Houspar ix Inevand, pANTRmaeny MUSIC HALL, 535 Broadway.—Soxas, aLEsQues, &C.—Masuidt, THE Nigar OWL. GAIRTIES CONCERT ROOM, 616 Broadway.—Deiwina ‘Room Exrzurausuents, Bariers. Paxtomins, Faces, &c. AMERICAN MUSIC HALL, 444 Broadway.—Sones, Bat- ‘Lars, Pantomimxs, &¢.—PoRiRalT Parnrer. CRYSTAL PALACE CONCERT HALL, No. 45 Bowery.— Buwiesques, Honds, Dances, Ac.—Rexonzvors. ” PARISIAN CABINET OF WOND: — Opecanie ae arn. ERS, 583 Broadway. NOVELTY MUSIC HALL, 616 Broadway.—Borursaves Dasces, &c. New York, Friday, February 21, 1662. Daily Circulation of the New York ‘Vharsday, 109,248 Friday, 107,136 Saturday, 112,992 Monday, 118,080 ‘Thesday, 118,848 Wednesday, ‘Tharsday, Total. . Average Daily Circulation 7 The above figures, which can be verified from our books, give the circulation of the New Yore Hxxaiy for the week just past. We believe that it more than equals the aggregate circulation of all the other daily papers in this city, and of course it far that of any one of them. ‘These figures explain to the public why the Hxaaco and all connected with it are so constantly vilified and abused by other journals. Were it not for our unrivalled enterprise and unequalled cir culation, the other papers would never think of eavying or attacking us. The public, however, appreciates this abuse rightly; for our circulation is constantly om the increase. The advantages which the Henaup affords to advertisers, therefore. are self-evident. THE SITUATION. The condition of the roads on the Virginia side of the Potomac has so much improved with the past few days’ sunshine and drying wind that the troops are in anxious expectancy that they will be ordered to advance, and thus he afforded an opportunity to participate in the victories which their comrades in the West and on the seaboard are achieving every day. Gen. McClellan rode across the river yesterday, for the first time in a loag interval, visiting the headquarters of the dif- ferent commanders of divisions and brigades. The camps are represented to be in splendid order, both as regards health and discipline. Al! that the mea now require is a fair chance to relieve the quietude of camp life by the activity of the battle field. We give to-day some interesting news from our special correspondent at Roanoke Island, relative | to the movements of General Burnside’s expedi- tion. The officers of the rebel army captured in | the late action are on board the Spaulding. They number about 150. The privates still remain in custody on the island. General Burnside is in ne- gotiation by flags of truce as to exchanging the | prisoners. The arrival of Colonel Corcoran, and seven hun- | dred other prisoners from Southern jails, is hourly | expected at Fortress Monroc, in exchange for those liberated by the President's amncety. The report which we published yesterday of the | abandonment of Clarksville by the rebels, appears | to be confirmed by the statement of Cuptain Paulding, of the gunboat St. Louis, who proceeded up the Camberland to that place from Fort Donel- son, and found the rebels evacuating it in a perfect panic. Our special correspondence, and the reports which we publish from other sources to-day, will be found to furnish a complete and most interest- ing account of the battle at Fort Donelson. A thousand more rebels have been taken prisoners, who came down the river to reinforce the fort, not knowing that it had surrendered. They thus fell into a trap. Our news from Missouri is interesting. Gen. Halleck has issued an order remitting the sentence of death upon the bridge burners to imprisonment in the military prison at Altona, in consideration of the victories recently won and the increasing demonstrations of loyalty among the citizens of Missouri, but he declares that if the rebel spies shall again attempt to destroy the railroads the original sentences shall be carried out. Private advices reached St. Louis yesterday that Colambus was being evacuated by the rebels, and also that preparations will be made at once for the advance of our troops on Memphis. Despatches from St. Louis also inform u< that a most important point bas been gained by the destruction of the railroad bridges at Decatur, Alabama, and at Bridgeport, seventy miles below, by the Unionists in Northern Alabama, embold- ened, no doubt, by the appearance of the Union gunboats under Lieut. Phelps, who recently pro- ceeded as far as Florence, Ala, It will be econ by the map which we publieh to-day that the destruction of those bridges cuts off all communi- cation between Memphis and Charleston, and pro- bably, if the destruction of the Bridgeport com nection be true, between Nashville and Richmond. This would leave the rebels in the Southwest ina ad plight, and place Nashville in a deeperat Salt, The destruction of these bridges ie, more over, & strong evidence of the patriotism of the | terday,and shows that tle number of persons ad- citizens of Northern Alabama. The Bohemian, at Portland, brings European advices to the Tth instant, one day later. Her telegraphic report to the Hunaup contains @ synopsis of the proceedings which took place in the British Parliament immediately after the delivery of the Queen's speech. The House of Commons voted the address to the Crown in reply unanimously. Members referred at once to the American question, when Lord Palmerston made the important declaration—on behalf of the Cabi- net—that “The distress in the manufacturing dis- tricts in England from the blockade of the Southern ports would not justify the interference of the go- vernment, and that they would continue in their neutral course.”’ Even the opposition repre- sentatives found their party tactics foiled, and were forced to approve of the adjustment of the Trent difficulty. Lord Detby—the Pre- mier expectant—thought that our government assented with “a very bad grace’’ to the demands of England, but we must remember that Lord Derby is the pink and personification of Britieh aristocracy, 8o that his ideas of routine—Loth offi- cial and every day-—are entirely different from those of a democratic President and Secretary of State. The Tuscarora left Cowes on the 6th instant, and held to the westward. he Nashville had forty hours start of her. ‘The crew of the Nashville made a great many (for buncombe) declarations of their determination to resist capture by a Union vessel, even to the extent of blowing up their ship. CONGRESS. In the Senate yesterday, resolutions in favor of the expulsion of Senator Powell, of Kentucky, who « charged with disloyalty, were referred to the F sintaiy Committee. The bill providing for the establishment of a National Armory at Rock Island was discussed, and the Army Appropriation Dill passed. The Treasury Note bill was received from the House, and a Commitce of Conference appointed on the amendments disagreed to. In the House of Represcutatives, the Treasury Note bill was taken up. We refer our readers to our report of the proecvedings in another column for the record of the action of the House on this important subject. veral of the Senate’s amendments were rejected, and the bill is now in the hands of a joint committee of confe- rence. Its speedy passage is predicted, as it is believed that the Senate will concur in the propo- sitions of the House. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The Bohemian, from Liverpool the 6th and Lon- donderry the 7th inst., reached Portland yesterday morning. Her news is one day later than that brought by the Kangaroo. Consols closed in London on thé 7th inst. at 9234 a 9274 for money. The bullion in the Bank of * Eugland decreased, in the week, £324,000. Cotton remained quict and unchanged, in Liverpool, on the 7th inst. Breadstufls were steady but in easy demand. Provisions were looking downward. The iron-clad British frigate Warrior had beee tried on a voyage to Lisbon. She labored very badly, had her decks and cabins flooded with water, and in nine cases out of ten would not obey her helm. It will be recollected that the Warrior some time since made a wretched passage to Eng- } land from Cork, Ireland. After such performances she will hardly ever batter down New York. The Manchester cotton mannfactorors were agitating for the removal of the governmenffluties levied on cotten goods and yarns imported into Indi Advices from Manila state that all the tobacco on hand there was to he sent tos Tea had advenced in price at Foo-Chow, C By the steamer Roanoke, which arrived at this port yesterday, we have dates from Havana to the 15th instant. The present Captain General, Serrano was making preparations for his depar- ture. He had been created a grandee of Spain of the first order. He will be sncceeded by General Dulce. The tobacco crop of the Vuelta Abajo had partially failed. The opinion of the Cubans seem- ed to he that the American rebeliion cannot be settled without foreign intervention. Trade was dull, The Opera son was at its close. The Mexican news to the ‘th of February, which we publish to-day, is very interesting. The local diseases of Mexico had begun to tell severely on | the allied army, the Spaniards particularly saffer- ing terribly from yellow and typhus fever. ‘The hospitals were said to be all full. No further ad- vance had as yet been made by the Allies, thoagh it was promised that they would do so by the 20th. General Prim is said to be very harsh towards | some of the people in Vera Uruz, levying forcible supplies upon them. ‘Che Mexicans were still | arming in al! directions, and the determination expressed is to resist to the last. We have news of a frightful revolution now | waging in Honduras, commencing at daybreak on | the 11th ult., at Com: the President—Don assassinated at his own door. The Committee on National | Common Conneil of this city met yesterday | to make arrangements for the celebration of | Affairs of the the one hundred and thirtieth anniversary of Washington's Birthday to-morrow. In another column we give the programme as adopted by the committee, from which it will be seen that the oc- casion will be one of great rejoicing, and is to be celebrated with unusual ¢clot. Ataspecial meeting of the Board of Aldermen | held last evening, a resolution avas offered by the President calling attention to the fact that some of the city railroad companies refuse to receive bank- able bills in payment of their fare, and have rected their employes to eject from the cars per- sons not provided with change; and directing the Committee on Railroads to investigate the factsand A report from the Committee on Streets, direct- ing the Croton Aqueduct Department to advertise for progosals for improving the Russ pavement in Broadway, was laid over, and the Board adjourned to Monday next. The Board of Councilmen met last evening. when a petition from the Sixth regiment New York State Militia for an appropriation to purchase new uni- forms was referred to the Committee on National Affairs. Mr. Gedney presented a resolution direct- ing the Clerk of the Board to address a communi- cation to the President of the Bighth Avenue Rail- road, inquiring if their conductors had been in- structed to eject all persons who offered bills for their fare. Mr. Orton said he thought the Common Council had no power over the company: but he would like to see the adoption of a resolution which permitted the city to purchase the road at any time upon paying the costs of the construc- tion and ten per cent profit. Mr. Barney sug- gested the propriety of appointing a committee to inquire into what power the Common Council had in the matter. The resolution was referred to the Committee on Roads. A resolution was adopted requesting the heads of departments io close their offices at one P. M. on Saturday. The Hoard took wp the Tax levy, and after making one or two minor amendments it was made the special order for next Monday. On motion of Mr. Stevenson the Board adjourned, in respect to the memory of the wife of Councilman Gross, whose death was an- nounced. The weekly statement of the Commissioners of Public Charities and Correctign was presented yes report to the Board. The resolution was adopted. | mitted iato the institutions during the last week was 1,685, and the number remaining there on Febru- ary 15 was 7,993—a decrease of $2 on the preced. ing week. In the General Sessions yesterday, Recorder Hoffman decided to admit John Reynolds to bail in the sum of $5,000, he being under arrest for the alleged killing of Pat. Mathews. Whiston and Skully, who were present at the occurrence, were admitted to bail in the sum of $1,000 each, John Sullivan was tried and convicted of forgery in the second degree, having passed a $5 counterfeit bill om the Bank of Newark, New Yo’. He was sent to the State Prison for five years and two months. Maria Revolt was convicted of stealing $43 from Martin Kent, 381 Water street, ov February 10. Rosanna Griffin pleaded guilty to an attempt to steal $82 from Jane Armstrong on February 10, William Kelly pleaded guilty to grand larceny in stealing a piece of cloth, valued at $35, owned by Caleb R. Brundage, 116 Clinton street, om the 5th inst. These prisoners were re manded for sentence. The jury in the case of James J. Wall, tried for the murder of Owen Phelan, who had been locked up for the night, were brought into court in the afternoon, and after further instruction upon the law they retired to their room, After short absence they rendered a@ verdict of mansianghter in the second degree. ‘Wall was remanded for sentence. ‘The cotton market continued to be somewhat irregular yesterday, whiie holders. manifested rather more confl- dence. The sates footed up about 300 bales, in separate lots, chiefly to spinners. Prices varied materially be- tween sales pressed for cash and sales on time. Small lots were reported at 21ic., cash, with sales on fifteen days time, at 241sc. for middling up- lands, Lots im transit from Liverpool were heavy, and dificult of sale to -arrive, except at low figures. The range of the market for the day, cash and time sales, was from 2t!z0. to 2424c., with little strict middling to be had under 26e., usual time. Flour was hoavy, and closed Sc. por bbl. lower, with mode- rate sale. Wheat was hoavy and duil, and sales quite lighé, Corn was in fair demand, with sales of Western mixed, in store and delivered, at 63340. a G4c., and prime do., delivered, at Gic. Pork was steady, with sales of new mess on the spot at $13 87); a $14, and for June de- livery at $14 25. Now prime was at 39 8744 a $10. Sugars were steady, with sales of 900 bhds. and 300 boxes and 10,000 bags, om terms given in another place, Coffee was steady, with light sales, Freights were un changed and exgagements moderat The Inauguration of Jeff. Davis—Rich- mond Under a Cloud. ‘To-morrow, the anniversary of the birth of the immortal Washington, will be a day of jubilee in our féderal capital and throughout our loyal States, in honor of the recent brilliant victories which, East and West, have crowned the fleets and armies of the Union. Strangely enough, too, the day will also be celebrated with very unusual ceremonies at the city of Richmond, in the inauguration of Jeff. Davis as President ef the so-called “Confederate States.” Upon this subject the letter which we pub- lish this morning from our intelligent Balti- more correspondent is very interesting. It thus appears that “the most extensive prepara- tions had been made” for this aforesaid inau- guration; that “the ceremony was to have been performed with all the pomp and splendor that could be devised;” that ‘‘a military parade and banquet were to have added to the attractions of the occasion;”’ and that “a grand ball was to have concluded the festivities of the day.” But it appears that all this magnificent programme has been suddenly changed; that, in view of the late disastrous defeats of the rebels, “the cere- mony is to be of the simplest kind, without pomp or parade,” or banquet or ball. The inauguration of Dagis, therefore, will be a gloomy affair, and his new honors as the regu- lar President, for six years, of the permanent government of his Southern confederacy, will be recognized by himself and his surrounding devotees as a miserable mockery, “a delusion and a snare.” * It further appears that since the fall of Fort Donelson the rebels at Richmond are appre- hensive of the loss of Nashville, are discussing the expediency of abandoning Columbus and Kentucky, but have no notion of falling back from the line of the Potomac. In this connec- tion our correspondent informs us that the whole of the rebel army of the Potomac, with few exceptions, have re-enlisted for the war, under extraordinary inducements and short furloughs, whenever practicable, and that the rebel leaders believe in their ability to hold the whole of Eastern Virginia, and the Cumber- | land Gap in East Tennessee. Now, while we have every reason to believe | this information, and that such assurances have been promulgated from the rebel leaders at Richmond, to prevent the demoralization of | their troops in Virginia and a precipitate Union reaction among the people of that State, it is | very probable that the first business of Jef: | Davis and his “permanent government” at Rich- mend will be the ways and means for removing it and its supporting army aad its materials of | war southward, and for the permanent evacna- | tion of Virginia, Kentucky, and the considera. tion of the probable necessity of some defen- | sive line, even south of Tennesece and North Carolina. In any event the backbone of the rebellion is broken, and the only possible hope of escape now to the people of the South from the wasting subjugation of invading hostile armies jssubmission to the Union. Let the Union men of the revolied States meet at once, compare notes, rally their friends, and rise in a body in ageneral organized movement against Davis and his principal ruling confederates, arrest them, hang them up, or turn them out of the country, and the integrity of Southern institu- tions may still be saved, by restoring them to the good old ark of the Union. An early and unconditional submission of the rebellions South to the Union is the only living chance for the preservation of the slave system and the cotton culture of the cotton States from the dangers of positive and overwhelming destruc- | tion, Our Northern abolition faction, in and out of Congress, are resolved upon the prose- cution of this war to the extermination of slavery, root and branch. We know, however, that President Lincoln is anxious to save, and not to destroy the South. Let our Southern Union men, therefore, take this rebellion into their own hands and put an end to it, as they can, and save themselves, their property and their domestic institutions, by a trusting and unconditional submission to the Union. [i is their only course of safety, and they have no time to lose. Mr. Diox Bourcicayit Urox Secession, 1% Srace anp THE Press—In another column we give @ letter from Mr. Dion Bourcicault, ex- plicitly denying the statement of the abo- lition press that, upon the reception of the news of the Trent affair in London, he took down the American flag from the proscenium of his Adelphi theatre and raised the stars and bars of secession in its stead. To this denial Mr. Boureicault adds some very sensille remarks upon his American career, and the relations between the press, the public and the actors. We willingly allow Mr. Bourcicault to set himself right with the American public, both in regard to his secession displays and his presumed obligations. It is an unquestionable fact that, in h.s case at least, an actor and playwright has very fairly earned his money; and we are glad to learn that he has not wasted any of it in the purchase of se- cession flags, which will soon not be worth the price of old bunting. Iurorvant rrom Exa@uanp.—The news from Europe by the Bohemian, though only one day later, is highly important. Lord Palmerston has announced in Parliament that the distress in the manufacturing districts in England would not justify any meddling of the British govern- ment with the blockade, and it would continue in its neutral course. This settles the question of English interfe- rence in our national troubles. John Bull has come to the conclusion of Mr. Cobden, that it would be cheaper to subsidize the destitute working classes thanto meddle with our affec- tive blockade, aad thus provoke a war, of which no British statesman could calculate the ex- pense or soe the end. The government, led by the case of the Trent:to review its whole policy touching American affairs, manifestly ‘shrinks from an unnecessary collision with the United States. It views the matter at issue rather as a financial than a commer- cial question, and adopts the,more eco- nomical methed. The recent victories of our arms will be sure to confirm the wise re. solution of the Bri government, which is but the echo of the sentiments of the people, elicit- ed by the discussion of the case of the Trent, and the generous manner in which the adminis- tration at Washington yielded to a demand founded upon the requirements of international law, however repugnant it might be to the wounded feeling of the nation. The effect is to bind the British government, by its own record, to the strictest neutrality. Skeretary Sranton Upon Suavery anp THE War.—The Tribune published on Wednesday the following extract, representing it as taken from a speech made by Secretary Stanton at a recent private Cabinet meeting. It purports to be the opinion of the Secretary of War upon the relations between slavery and rebellion :-— First and foremost, I believe poe ice & to be the casus belli. ‘To treat the casus belli above and beyond all othor considerations I holdtobe the duty of the true com- mander-in-chief—as the surgeon disregards secondiry symptoms, and probes the wound. I would treat this one hair's breadih from the grand old safeguard would [ step. Under the constitution I believe slavery to bo a puroly loca! institution. In Louisiana and Texas a siave is an immovablo by statute, and is annexed to the reaity as hop.poles are in the taw of New York. In Alabama and Mississippi tho slavo is a chattel, In tho first named States he passes by deed of national act and registration; in the other, by simple receipt or delivery. Tbus, even among slave States, there is no uniform systota respocting the slave property. ‘To the Northern States the slave is a pergon in bis bailot rolation to Congressional quota and constituency, and also an apprentice to labor, to be do- livered up on demand. The slave escaping from Mary- land to Peonsyivanta is not te be delivered up, nor cared about, nor thought about, until be is dem: |. Liberty is the law of nature. Every man is presumed fre: in choice, and not even to be trammeled by apprenticeship, until the contrary is made clearly toappear. One man may bea New York diecharged convict, for instance—an unpa:- doned convict. He emigrat thward: he obtains pro- perty, according to local law, inasiave. The slave escapes toNew York. Theconvict—npardoned—masterenters the tribunal there on his demand. Quoth the oscaped ap- prentice, producing the recora of the conviction, 4 Claimant, you have no standing in court. Your civil ‘suspended in this State until you are pardoned. rights a1 Yvon are not pardoned; therefore I will Hot answor aye oF no to your claim, until you are legitimately in court, and recognized, by the judges.” I take it that plea would avail. And if the crier wanted to employ a person to sweep the courtroom the vext moment he could employ that defendant to do it. There is not a man in the rebel States (whom we publicly know of) who has a standing under the constitution os this slavery question. By his own argument he lives in a foreign country; by our own argument he is nét rectus im curia. Were lan invading goveral, and wanted horses, 1 would decoy them from the rebels with bay and ible enticements. If I wanted trench diggers, camp scullions or artillerists, or pilots,or oarsmen,or guides, and, being that general, saw Begroes about me,! should press them into my service. ‘Time enongh to talk about the rights of some cone to possess tho negroes by better claim of title to service when that somebody, with the constitution in one band and stipulation of allegiance in the other, demands jegal posgession. * * * | believe that the acknowledged fact, the necessary fact,that wherever our army ad- vances emancipation practically ensues will carry more terror to the slaveowner than any other warlike incident. Bat I would have them understand that this result is not our design, but a necessity of their rebellion. The Tribune states that it copies this extract from a monthly pericdical called the Conti- nental, to which poor Greeley is a regular and prominent contributor. Now the question is how did Greeley procure this report of a secret Cabinet meeting for his magazine and his Trine? Was there a Tribune reporter present to take down the remarks of Mr. Secretary Stanton, or was Watts, the gardener, listening at the keyhole and com- mitting all the speeches ahd remarks to memo- | ry, ashe did the President's Message? The House of Represéntatives ought to appoint a committee to inquire into this matter forthwith, ov the present kitchen committee should take it in hand. We expect, if Mr. Stanton’s senti- ments are misrepresented in this extract, that he will immediately issue a bulletin or a gene- val order informing the public of the fact. Practical DeveLorements or Unton Frevixe in THE Sour#—Tue Coxxection or THE Mempuis axp CaarLestoy Ratroan Broxex.—We have received intelligence, which we publish in andéther column, that the Union men of North- ern Alabama and Southwestern Tennessee have torn up the tracks and blown up a span of the Tennessee river bridge of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad at Decatur, near Florence, Ala., and have burned a bridge on the same road at Bridgeport, Ala., about ninety miles east of Decatur. This news, if true, is most important. The Memphis and Charleston Railroad is the only direct trunk railroad communication be- tween Memphis and Richmond, and the break- ing of this link not only cuts off communica- tion between Memphis and the’ rebel capital, but, in fact, separates entirely the western from the eastern portion of the rebel States, and thus isolates Nashville. There is now no easy line of retreat for the rebel army of the West, if defeated; and no ammunition or sup- plies can be sent on from Richmond to aid in the defence of Memphis. Thise blow is there- fore equivalent to another great strategic de- feat of the rebels, to say nothing of its moral effect upon their armies. Acapemy or MvsicomLicnt Guanp Baut.—A grand bal, took place last evening at the Academy of Music, given by the members of the Light Guard, Captain Wm. G Tompkins. ‘The parquet was floored to the level with the ge, and made a capaciousball room, which was filled Jadies and gentlemen, the greater part of the lat- ter attired in military uniform. Among those present we noticed General Sandford, General Spicer, Colone) Nicholis, U.S, A.; Colonel Martin, Seventy-first N. Y. $.M., and many others, The interior of the building was handsomely decorated with flags of all vations in da military trophy, surmounted by the ight Guard, 1827," graced the upper end of the room, Dodworth's quadrille and promenade bands werepresent, and occupied positions in tho first and second tiers, the boxes: of which were filled by a fac hionable assembly of spectators. Coenen or rie Repemetioy, Fourtrestt Srreer.—The flattering reception of the artists, Mr, Cushman and Miss Bennott, in patriotie songs, Scotch ballads, Readings and delineations of character on Inst evening bas induged the commnister 49 Gontinus (he course. casus belli as the constitution allows us to treat it. Not NEWS FROM *:4SHINGTON. Action of the House on the Senate’s Amendments to the Trea- sury Note Bill. ‘Tao Subject Referred to a Joint Conference Commitine. Probable Final Passage of tke Bill Te-Day. Proposed Expulsion of Senator Powell, of Kentucky. DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT’S YOUNGEST SON ker, her, Bee Haavqoartens ov tuu Anwy, Aps't Gavmrat's Orricr, Wasinxarun, Feb. 20, 1862, 1. Colonol ©. C. Washbueno, of the Second Wisconsin cavalry, has leave of absence until further orders, to ona” blo him to serve on the staff of Major General Grant. Tl. Lioutenant Colonel George Andrews, of the Sixth infantry, haying beon found by ‘tho Board of Examination to be physically incompetent to discharge the duties of his office, and tho President having approved tha finding, he wil! be placed upon the list of retired offi: cors of that class in which tho disability results from lon’ and faithful service, or from some injury incident there” to, to dato from February 15, 1862, I,~Brigadier Genoral Thomas Williams, United States Volunteers, is relioved from duty in the Dopartment of North Carolina, aud will report to Major General B. F. Batler, United States Volunteers. IV.—The Secretary of War directs that on the evening of Saturday, the 224 of Fobruary ins War Depart. mont, Windor's Building, Corcoran's Building and the Armory be illuminated in honor of the recent victories over tho rebels. Captain F. KE, Camp, Assistant Quarter- mastor United States Army, is charged with the execu- tion of this order, except as regards the War Dopartment, V.—Brigado Surgeon Ed. F. Phelps, United States Vol- unteers, will report at the headquarters of the army of the Potomac for assignment to the brigade commanded by General Brooks. | VI.—Leave of absence for thirty days is granted Captain «Win. E. Dyo, Fighth infantry, on Surgeon's certificate of itl heaith. Vil,—Sergeant Peter N. McChesney is by direction of the Secretary of War appointed a Second Lieutenant in the First regiment of Districe of Columbia volunteers, vice James W. Kigg:, resigned, to dato from Juauary 7, 1862. By command of Major General MCCLELLAN. L. Tuomas, Adjutant General. ORDERS YROM THE QUARTKRMASTER CENERAL, QuaRtwnMaseRR GENRRAT'S OFFICE, Wasnixaron, Feb, 19, 1862. } All officers of the Quartormaster’s Dapartmont are in- structed to make special report to the Quartormaster General upon every case of which they have knowledge in which— 1. Fraud has been practiced upon the government by contractors by means of a different or iuferior articie from that contracted for. 2. Whoro inspectors have neglectea their duty, in order that suits may be brought against both fraudulent con- tractors and negligent inspectors, By order of tho Secretary of War. M. C. MEIGS, Quartormastor Genoral. Quartermaster Guxeeat’s Orrice, ) Wasuncron Crey, Feb. 20, 1862. | f Complaints having beea made of the quality of a por, tion of the clothing issued to the troops, with a reqnest for some relief to the soldiers who are charged with the clothing, the attention of the offcers of the Quartermas, ter’s Department is called to paragraph 1,019 and 1,022 of the Revized Regulations, pages 160 and 161. Boards of survey, under paragraph 1,019, have the powor to assess the prices at which the damaged clothing may be issued tothe troops, and to recommend the condemnation of Such clothing as is entirely unfit for use. Under this regulation, the value of clothing which is inferior to the regulation material may be considered by the boards of sur nd upon the approval of the re- ports of such boards vy the commanding officer of an army or a department , and by the Quartermaster Genoral, the proper directions will be given for tho rotief of the soldiers. Paragraph 1,022 requires every officer on receiving public property to makea careful examination to ascer- tain its quality and conditions. ‘Had this been «lone in all cases it would bave enabled the department earlier to detect any frauds attempted by inspectors or contractors. Jt should be strictly ob- M. C. MEIGS, Quartefmaster General, served, GENERAL NEWS. Wastnxcroy, Feb. 20, 1862. PROBABLE PASSAGE OF THE TREASURY NOTE BILL BY ‘THE SENATE AS RECEIVED FROM THE HOUSE. The Treasury Note bill will probably pass tho Senate substantially in the form it was sent back to them from the House. The legal tender clause ix retained, and the payment of the interest in specie; also the power’ of the Srcretary of the Treasury to sell United States bondsat the market price. Mr. Hooper, of the Committee of Ways and Means, ob- jeeté strongly to this feature, as it makes that a legal tender in payment of debts which may bo bongbt and sold below par value in the market. On account of this, and some other features of the bill as it stands, he moved to lay the bill on the table. It was curious to ob- serve that several of those who opposed the bill from the first,on the ground that it was unconstitutional, voted against laying it upon the table. ‘There will be a Committee of Conference upon it, but few doubt now that the Treasury Note bill will pase nearly in its present form. It would have been passed to-day, but, after the failure of its opponents to prevent the concur. rence of the House with the prineipal Sonate amendments, they rallied all their strength to obtafh a disagreement upon a single unimportant one, in order to insure delay by having it sept back to the Senate, In this they were successiul; but if, a8 is not improbable, the Senate does nat recede and let the bill pass without delay, the Con ference Committee will very soon settle the difficulty. CONVENTION OF RAILROAD MANAGERS. Delegates from the principal railroad companies of the loyal States met this morning at Willard’s, in pursuance ofa public Invitation of the Secretary of War, with a view to making general arrangements for the transporta tion of troops and military supplies on uniform sermy satisfactory to the government and to (he companies. ‘The Convention was very ‘argely attended. Among the gentlemen present were the Hon. Erastus Coming, Messrs. Marsh, Stevens, Merrick, Felton, Wm. D. Lewis, Osborne, Kimber, Jewett, Garrett, C.W. Chapin, Noah 1, Wilson, Enoch Lewis, Alsop and Taylor. After the meeting bad been organized by the appoint. ment of Mr. Corning President, and Messrs, Barlow aud Kimber as Seeretaries of the Convention, the Chair- man deputed Judge Jewott and Mr, Wm. D. Lewis to tn, vite the attendance of the Secretary of War, who shortly after arrived, aceompanied by Generale McClellan and Meigs. Mr. Stanton, in a few eloquent and impressive re marks, laid before the Convention the object of his cali, which was to throw upon the railrond com. themeelves, throngh an zation, the arrangement and responsibility of the measures necessary at this juncture for conducting the transportation of the government, both of troops and supplies, together with the establishment of a fixed moderate rate, by which such transportation shal, ‘be conducted on all the railronds of the loyal States. Mr, Stanton said that he felt he could commit this important matter to such a body of gentlemen as be saw around him with a perfect reliance on their judgment and patriotism for the accomplishment of the object ho had in view, and that he infinitely preferred this course to the exercise of the arbitrary power conferred by Congress on the govern- ession of the railroads for such panies efficient organi ment to take military p purposes. Mr. Corning briefly responded to the Secretary’s re. marks, with the assurance that he had not misealculatod tho disposition of the Convention to carry out his views, after which Seerotary Stanton and Gonera! MeClellan withdrew, leaving Gonoral Meigs and Br, MeCollam to ee confor with # committee of the Convention on the entire? subject. ‘The Convention them adjourned Lilt twelve o’clook at hoon to-morrow. Svoretary Stanton, in the couraeof bis address, pald & high compliment to the young and gallant fries d ab his sido (Major Goneral MoCiollan), in whom ho had ¢he ut- most confidence, and the result of whose nmllitery schemes, gigantio and well matured, were now exhipiied to @ rojvicing country, The Secretary, with uprained hands, implored Almighty God to aid them and himself, end all occupying positions under the goverment, im crashing out the unhely rebellion. At is supposed the delogates prosont roprosentea £700,000,000 of railroad intorest outof the $900,000,000 ©. auch eapital in the loyal states, D#ATH OF THE PRESIDENT'S BON WILLIAM. Little Willie Lincoln is dead. Hila protracted illness terminated indoath about five o'clock this afternoon. Howas the pride and pet of the household, which ba, been plunged in deepest grief at this untimely tons, The President's son was ten or eleven years of age Hia disease was pneumonia, The other child is recover- ing. TH REBELS FALLING BACK FROM CENTREVILLE, Taformation has been received that the rebels have in part fallen back from Contreville, This has boon obtain. od from scouting parties from several of the military divisions who reported this morning, and who all agree ia the statement. It is supposed the rebois are influenced by a military necessity, boing apprehensive of the oyt- ting off of their supplies. dona VISIT OF GENERAL M’CLELLAN TO THE CAMPS IN ViRGiwta, é General McCietlan rode across the Potomao to-day first appearance across the river for some timo. Accom- panyiug him wore several membors of his stall. He spent some time at Hall’s Hill, the headquarters of Genorat Fitz John Porter, and visited also tho hoadquar- ters of othor division and brigade commanders. <BCONNOISBANCE ABOUT PLINT HILL. Csptai Stetson went out yesterday with a equadrom of the Carneron dragoons on a reconnoissance about Fling Hill. They advanced within two miles this side of Fairfax Court House, which is within half a mile of therebe; picket lines. They expected to meet some of Ransom’s North Carolina cavairy, who, it was understood, bad arranged to come out and revenge, if possible, tho defect they sustained afew days since, when fourteen of their mn were captured and a quantity of horses and wagons taken. Nothing was seen of the efemy cxcopt the pickets, BXVEDITION NEAR VIENNA, A detachment of the Fourteenth regiment New Yors Volunteors went out yesterday, Lieutenant Colonol Skil- Jon in command, beyond Falls Church, in the direction of Vionna, to protect a gang of laborers ergaged in mos- ing railroad ties to be used in building the railread now koing constructed between this city and Alexandria. The rebeis offered no opposition to the removal of these ties, as it was supposed they would. FAVORABLE WEATHKR IN VIRGINIA, A few days of such warm sunshine and strong sonth- erly wind a3 prevails to-day will dry up the roads across the river, Our Potomac army hail with delight these meterovlogical changes, giving promise of an advance movement, to which they have long been locking for- ward wtth earnest hope andexpectancy. Lying passive 80 Jong in winter quarters, and having now no hand ja accomplishing the splendid victories daily crowning the Union forces along tho Southern frontiers aod ia the South and West, is deoply galling to thom. A boliog that to them will be entrusted the honor of giving the final deathblow to the reboliion, and ths chance to win victories and glory before the war eatisay alone inspire paticnce and undiminished confidence ia Genora! McCiotilan, who they know, whon the right tim, comes, will give the order of Forward, march 1” and the coveted opportunity to signalize their patriotism ou the battio fleld. ‘ APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. ‘The Sonate in executive session to-day confirmed a large number of army appointineats, including io the ordnance corps Major Symington, to be Colonel, and Ma jor Maynardior to be Lieutenant Colonel. ‘ No authentic list of tho military confirmations has yot been obtained for publication. The one published today in a Philadelphia paper is full of errors. It contains the names of some who have not been coufirmed, others whose names have not been reported by the committos for confirmation, and one who was rejected a month ago- As soon as an accurate list cam be procured it will appear in tho Hgrsaup. THE ARMY. Colonel C. C. Washburne, of the Second Wiscomin cavalry, has received leave of absence from his regt- ment, now in camp at Milwaukee, to join the staff of Major Genera! Grant. Lieutenant Kingsbury, of Griffiin’s battery, was today transferred to the command of the Fifth Massachusetts artillery. Lioutcnant Kingsbury ig a graduate of West Point. He was formerly on General McDowell's stad, and was in the Bull run battle. The following appointments and promotions have just been made in the Nioth Massachnsetts regiment, Colonet Casa:—Major Gwiney, Lioutenant Colonel, vice Lteutenaat Colonel Peard, deceased; Captain Hanley, Company B, Major, vice Major Gwiney, promoted; First Lienteuant Scanlon, Company A, Captain of Company B, vice Capiaia Hanley, promoted; First Lieutenant Willey, Company E, Captain, vice Captain Teague, resigned; Second Lieuten- ants Phalen, Company , and Nugent, Company I, now promoted to First Lieutenants, and Sergeants Dohorty, Company F, and O'Dowd, Company I, to Socond Lieuten- ants. On making known these promotions, which was done at evening parade, the regiment being formed in hollow square, Colone) Cass made a brief and patriotic speech, enforcing vigilance, promptitude and fidelity in the discharge of their duties by the officers, and obedience and submission to military disciplive by the men. In cloring he promised them an opportunity vw reap some glory in the present fight. The army of the Potomac, he said, would have the honor of closing up th® rebellion. Asplendid ilag is shortly to be presented t» the regiment by the State authorities of Massachnsetis- Hon. Chas. I. Train will make the presentation speed. THE UNIFORM OF THE ARMY, ‘The military board in session hereto make changes and alterations in the aniform of the army have commenced the work in earnest. ‘The disposition of the boards to dispense with all gegaws and wearing of epaniettes, saxt and the present dress cap for officers. The designation of the rank will be made by the shoulder strap and sword belt—yellow for generals, buff for the staff, blue for in- fantry, red for artillery, and crange for cavalry. THE WOUNDED IN THE DRANESVILLE FIGHT. James Glenn, private in Company K, First Pennsyl- vania Rifle regiment, one of the wounded at the Dranes- ville battle, bad bis leg amputated yesterday by Dr. Shippen, at General McCall's division hospital There are now only four of the Dranesville wounded at the how pital, all of whom are doing well. One of the wound- ed rebels is still there, boing now a convalesecnt. DEATHS OF SOLDIERS. Michael Ritter, private of Company (, Fifth regiment Pennsylvania reserve, died yesterday of pneumonia. He was buried in the regimental burying ground. Albert Mead, private of Company B, Thirty third New York Volunteers, died yesterday. His remains will be interred in the camp burial ground, TRE ARMY SIGNAL CORPS. ‘The House Committee en Military Affairs teday order- ed Colonel Marston, member from New Hampshire, to prepare & bill to organize the signal service of the army. ACCIDENT TO CAPTAIN ROBINSON, Captain Robinson, of Colonel Averill's Third Pennsyl- vania cavalry, was accidentally shot yesterday morning im the leg. The. wound is severe, but not dangerons. He is an excelient officer, and his name is connected with many daring reconnoissances within rebel territory. ARTILLERY PRACTICR. Griffin's and Weeden’s batteries did some joint shoot_ ing yesterday from Miner's Hill, ‘The object was to tose the relative powers and efficiency of different kinds of une. Jain not at liberty to state the games of the guns, nor tho result; but the shooting op both sides, as an exhibi- tion of the skill of the gunners, was magnificent. General Porter was present, and expressed his unqualified admi- ration of the fine sheoting. INSPECTION OF HOSriTALs. je Sui 9 Waters and Bentley, pursuant to or, onusmel J. Porter, have maces thorough in spection of the brigade and regimental hospitals of the division, They state that tho hospitals are all in oxech, Jont condition, and every needed comfort furnished the men, The genoral health of the division is goed,the numbo? on the sick list being less than at any time here tofore. AINMENT BY GENERAL MARTINDALWS YRATE, General Martindale's staff gave an enveriaiameart Yast evening. twas a handsome and brilliant aoe, boing graced by the presente of Indien, and all tho generate and thoir stam in the division, ‘Tho evlsinr, was fnwitth Avenue Hotel style. Fnlivening #psoch™, and patriovia