The New York Herald Newspaper, February 26, 1862, Page 10

NEW YORK HERALD,: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAR Ughthouse duty at San Pranciges, and ordered to relieve | sions of this.act. Sena tee ine mvs seteeen te Geena eezaaee | eossis epoens sataese Soval or military serving Stas Veaeseeaeen = Oe Commander T. 4. Hunt, in command of the steam sloop, | 1) whe @ they were none of theveua of the Gots Gayihing aboat fugitive slaves: Ci w be Mr. Mausony, (Union) of wi looked ‘apes thie of-war Narragansett, ip the Pacific. Chapel. A long of , among which were | so, he ‘not surrender Dus eit to repent (ee ‘0s 8 denial of Lor ‘Sec. 3. ‘those of the foreign legations, the hearse (o the as they are, and make ‘States to claim Property, ‘moved APPOINTMENT OF A PROVOST MARSHAL GENERA notes and cemetery, The services at the tomb consisted ef the ‘and other persons whom be may bus ponement of the bill. THS ARMY OF ae Seen aay pores OF | Mieact shall reading of apgropriate voreqnct Serigiare tats Renotio- we may have eniform policy ia the = ONG ‘Mr. Biain, of Mo., thought officers could be engaged in ‘The following important order has been issyed:— engraved ‘The embalmed body of the little boy will be conveyed | man is free or slave, and then im surrendering Peg on aay oe pnb oe se si sa eae eitra tie may be tnemned ‘by the after tae aes, othr. 50 +: a naman Feb. Zh, 1862.” the ‘seal wT act. hare ie a. very great averaion te, the, Wess. twelve slaves, forced into the rebel service frem Ken- PS ca Lect nw Rhall be 'MIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. having anying ta do with the negro all, Thay dew't | tuoky, to be returned to their maatara. Did the pa mt the Army of the Potomac, aiid tary, after VIRST GUBSION. = free agro to come a —————— =~ sien nding" the goverviaat fom, raring m. Snel main sugh 4 > fall be obeped end ressecied comrenely. 5 ee Lorre Senate. tures of the bill; and] ow submit ib to the Senate, Mr. Gxioxx, (Union) of Ky., opposed. the sane let Divinen Provost Mershal will obey the | the United Teliceibiam: ios. 5h, tol Wr, Recor’ Gene ieee te te tira | spon ash’ indirect way repealing the anne Sere Ae ce FEO csmuible 10 tue Proveet | rewary fr shat Gait On motion of iat, Fanos, (rep.) of Me., the motion | Suid aor ald to send ous of the onuntry the | Mr_ BivaH.x replied that the bill waa Intended to ooa- Sri poise, bul wil be, seaneueinne © [ype Bog vet Jresing Lo the report of the commitzes of covfergnce on | men and producers; and, if insisted upon, be should | fine officers to ti timate duty, and prohibit them jeneral, and be guided by sush instr #- ape agpening: ; r scove to amend by’ providing colonization for slave- | from interfering with the civil law. ‘Such practice should he Pere Spe tote, give. Ee aay op je Hie ee Se the Treasury Note bill was lsc apenas the Senate holders, who are (langerous to the country and whose | not rere for ue moment by the snare : of i . The Government Put in Military Possession Of | tse sSuerssr tie: Pragest Marcerk local Mar. | eutitied .Ap act toautharize the iegue of treasury notes,” | “sAereed x Weenies Pa UT eng pcmcia tA 1 Wat, tion) of Va., wanted to know where | bap, but have them eee wre AH Railroad and Telegraph Lines anal fore sity or village wil, whew peneamars, be sp-'| Supreved he 88d day.cf Des. 16st sefar esdbay can be | the Commitieg meres there was! any coustitational ower for the Dresilant’s | | ME. Mationx sald that Kentucky had ag atringeat laws 5 pointed by the yomuanding officer or by these Theadque?- @pplied to this act, and not inconsistent therewith, are PROMOTION OF GBN. FREMONT. colonizing negrces. He was wi'ling to co-operate in. tho against kidnapping as any other State, tere, Hor brigades and detachments, @ Deputy Provost | hereby revived and re enacted; and Aho eum of $300,000 | 4, euswprem, (rep.) of Mich., presented » petition | crvet siriipent measures fer the mellegation of property, | Mr. Brxcuax had read in the news} & caso of & Debate in the Senate on the C seation Bi! &e., &e. adc WAR GAZETTE. OFFICIAL, ORDER IN RRSPECT TO MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BY TRLEGKAPH, MAIL OR OTHERWISE, Wan Derarmenr. Wasmineton City, D. C., Feb. 25, 1862. ORDERED. Firi—Ov and after the twenty-sixth day of Febru- ‘ary instant, the President, by virtue of the act of Con- gress, takes military possession of all the telegraph lines ‘tm the United States. Second—All telegraphic communications in regard to ‘military operations not expressly authorized by the War Department, the General Commanding, or the generals commanding in the field, in the several departments, are ‘abeolutely forbidden. _ Phird—Allwowspapers publishing the military news, ‘however optained, and by whatever medium recetved, mot authorized by the efficial authority mentioned in the Preceding paragraph, will be excluded thereafter from receiving information by telegrapt or-from transmitting ‘their papers by railroad. Pourth—EAwards §. Sandford is made Military Super. ‘Vieor of telegraphic messages throughout the United ®tates. Anson Stager is made Military Superintendent “of all telegraphic lines and offices in the United States. Fifth—Thie possession and contro! of the telegraph ‘Imes i not intended to interfere in any respect with the ‘erdinary affairs of the companies or with private busi mess. By order of the Eww M. Stanton, Secretary of War. PRESIDENT. GENERAL NEWS. Wasnrxcton, Feb. 25, 186% TRE TREASURY NOTE BILL. ‘The Treasury Note bill, which passed both houses on “the report of the Conference Committee, was reconsider- sea today, and referred to another committee, composed “@f Messrs. Stevens and Train of the House, and Mr. Tes- wenden of the Senate. It had been asveriained thal in ‘the ameniiment of the bill no provision had been wade ‘We apply the legal tender clause te the first fifty wrillions ‘@f demand notes. The error was promptly remedied, ‘and reported'to woth houses. The report was immediately eoncurred ip, and the bill finally sent to the President, by whom is has been already signed. ‘This action of Congress has afforded great relief to the ‘Treasury. The promptness manifested in its pavsage is ue tothe earnest and urgent appeals of the Secretary of ‘the Treasury, who was pressed by the creditors of the government, whose claims conld not be liquidated until ‘thie measure was perfected. Hts ultimate eniwtnent ‘will euable the Secretary of the Treasury to dispose of al) gest claims upon the Treasury, aud thus afford great re- Hef to the commercial and financial circles of the country. Ib is now # jaw. The only amendment made to the United States ute | Dill Dy the Committee of Conference at their second ‘meeting to-day was of an important character, namely- t receive the $60,000,000 of Demand notes heretofo.® @uthorized in payment of duties on imported goods, whi! apart from these such duties are to be paid in coin. Both Houser yesterday agreed to report to the Commit tee on Conference on the Treasury note bill. It retains th® provisions that the notes be redeemable in five yearn or payable in twenty years, at the pleasure of government. % also makes dnties on imports payable in coin, and Pledges it to the payment of the interest on the notes and bonds, It strikes out the pledge of public tands. THE TAX AND EXCISE BILLS. Notwithstanding the efforts of the commitice to have | the Tax and Excise bills ready to be reported this week, is ig now deemed improbable that they will be present aa before Friday or Saturday. Perhaps they may not De brought in until early next week. Much dificulty i# experionced in determining the details of these mea @nres, and when brought before the House there will be | number of items which are expected to be bly modified. AKINMISH AT MASON’S SBE. Yesterday a slight skirmish took place at Mason's Neck, in the neighborhood of Occoquan, beiweeu a body et Texan rangers and some of our troops. The range fired froma house in which they took refuge. Tw eur men, belonging to the New York Thirty seventh regi sent, were killed and another man was wounded, ‘ihe | done of the rebels was not ascertained AFFAIRS ON THE LOWBK POTOMAC. ‘Tho steamer Wyandank came up from the fletilla to the Navy Yard to-day, but Drings no news. The passenger Boats plying between Washington and Budd's Ferry wore delayed yesterday by the storm. The Argo arrived this evening, and will go down to-morrow ‘The steamer Metamora ran the blockade yevierduy morning and reached Washington. Six or wight show were fired at her by the rebel batieries, which have been sileat for the past week—none, however, teking effect THE ARMY. Colonel Richard H. Rush, of the Sixth Penn«ylyania cavalry, has been appointed by Genera! McClellan a ixem, ‘Der of the military board for the examination of caval. officers, in place of Lieutenant Colons! Kilpatrick, detaited for other service. Sergeants O'Brien and Mayes, of the Uniied state" Fifth cavalry, and Everett, of the Second cavalry, have Deen appointed Lieutenants in the Van Alen cavairy. First Liewtenant John A. Schulze, of the First Cavairy United States Army, has tendered hix resignation, which » arcepted Lieutenant Fassett, Adjutant of the Twenty-third Penn ayivana,and Lieutenant iward L. Ford, of Brooklyn, New York, have been appointed Aids-de-Catap on the staff of Brigadier General Birney, now commanding a Wrigade in Genera! Heintzelman's division, formerly fommanded by General Sedgwick, who has been pro- moted t the command of General Sione's division THE Navy ‘The following appointments and orders have beon made at the Navy Dapartment:-—Chas. Atwater, Jr, of Now Haven, Connecticut; Andrew Harteborn, of New and Frank Biish, of New York, appointe! Acting Masiers fend ordered t@ the Gunpery Sebool at tue New York Ravy Yard Thomas King, of Newport, Rhode Island, Win. 6 ne (@, Of Castine, Maine; Francis £. Elie, of Ruston. Joe Con, “Hen, of Wickford, Rhode Island; and John McK innen of Re hland, Maine, appointed Acting Masters, and or dored \'0 the Gunnery Sebo! at the Boston Navy Yard. Lieute Mant Edw. A. Barnet has been ordered to report to Comma tore Paulding for duty ae inspecting officer at the New Ye Te Navy Yard. ‘Win. H, Wy St and Goarge H. Bradbury, appormted Act ing Volunteer ¥, @utenants, to report for duty in the South Aviantic Blockan INE squadron Lewin ®. York, 4," Philadelphia; Baw. A. Perry, of Ohio Horace 8. Bradior’, Of Rhode Irland; and Samuel 6. Thors, of Conneericut, appernted Acting Assistant Pay ” Shanters and Clerks in tha navy? Jamot G. Bacon, of New York, appointed Acting Aeris tant Surgeon, and ordered Atake Saneage jn the United Btates steamer Connecticut, fop Cuty Ym board the United Bates ship Midvight, Acting Magter J. F. Jowncen hae Korn ordered to report at the Philade! Oommanier bo a Navy Yard for dus, hae be Eetecked from Marshal may, when necessary, be appointed "by the division conimander. ° ‘The duties of the Provbst Marshals, genera! and local, relate to the general police of the army, aud embrace the following subjects: — Suppression of marauding and depredations, and of all brawis and disturbances; preservation of good order and suppression of drunkenness; beyond the limits of the camps, prevention of straggling on the march; supres- sion of gambling houses, drinking houses or barrooms and brothels; regulation of hotels, taverns, ma: kets aud Places of public ainusement; searches, seizures aud ar Tests; execution of seutenees of general courts martial involving imprisonment or capital punishment; enforce- ment of orders prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors, whether by tradcsmen or sutlers, and of orders respecting passes; deserters from the enemy; pricone's of war taken from the enemy ; counterafgning safeguards, passes to citizens, within the lines and for purpores of trade; eomplaints of citizens as to the couductof the solders. ‘The Provort Marshals, general and local, wil! notify the regimevtal commanders concerned of all arrests of sol- diers made under their orders, and will cause the men to be delivered, with a copy of the charges against them, to their proper officers, ‘They will see that the ordeis re- specting passes tor officers and men absent from their camps are enforced. All passes will be taken up by the guards at their expfration. Passes 60 taken up will be turned over daily to the Provost Marshal of the division to which the guard belongs, who will cause them to be ex- amined, and all forged passes, or passes grented by im- proper authority, or for unauthorized periods, to be re- ported to the division commander. ‘All prisoners captured from the enemy will be turned over to the Provost Miarshal of division, who will send them, at the oarliest practicable moment, with complete <eseriptive lists and information as to where, when and how they were captured, to the Provost Marshal General. ‘All safeguards granted at these headquarters will be countersigned by the Provost Marshal Goneral. Persons found violating such safeguards will be instantly arrest- ed by the Provost Marshals, Passes to citizens within the lines, and for purposes of trade, may by granted by the Provost Marshals, geueral und local, who will be guided strictly by the ‘instructions heretofore given by these headquarters upon the subject. The Provost Marshals will wvestigate all coraplaints of citizens inregard to the conduct of the troops, and will report the facts in the case w the division commander. By command of Major General McCLELLAN. S. Wituaws, Assistant Adjutant Geueral, ARRIVAL OF COLONEL WOOD FROM RICHMOND—BIS | VISIT TO Hi® REGIMENT. } Colonel Wood, of the New York Fourteenth regiment, of Brooklyn, who has just returned from Richinond, where he was held as a prisoner of war, visited his regi- ment to-day, accompanied by Hon. Mr. Odell, of New York, and other frieuds. He was received with unbound: ed enthusiasm. Speeches of welcome and congratulations were made. ‘The occasion was a joyous one. THE MEXICAN IMBKOGLIO AND GEN. SCOTT'S MIESION. ‘The executive session of the Senate to-day was oecnpiod excl n of the Mexican imbro- glio. pated et length, with much earnestness; but no conctusion was arrived atto-day. The nomination of General Scott as additional Envey Extraordiuary and Minister Plenipotentiary has not been acted upon. The confirmation of the nomination depends upon the action taken in the Senate ir reference to the recommendations of the President in regard to Mexican affairs. There will be uo occasion for the mission of eral Scott unles# the Senate should determine to adopt the | Suggestions of the President, which render the appoint- ment of a special Minister proper. The government's mail Dy the last steamer has not yet been received, buy only a continuation of friendly expressions are expected— at least, while the federal forces continue to gain victory after victory, not only weekly but almost daily, APPROVAL OF THE FORTIFICATION BILL. ‘The President has approved of the Fortification bill. | It is, therefore, a law. The Dill requiring the masters of American vessels | etearing for foreign or domestic ports to take the oath of allegiance aud support the constitution was, according to a remark made by Mr. Eliot, who reported it, passed, and which passed the House in accordance with the sug- gestions of Secretaries Chase and Soward, who, from in- formation in their possessinn, deemed! such legislation necessary. COLLECTION OF COTTON SEED. ‘The Agricultural Department of the Patent Ofiee re- ceived a letter from North Carolina recently, stating that collections of cotton seed were being made st Resnoke Island aud other points in that State, which will be sent bither at se early day, The seod will be distributed for | parposes of experiment through the Middle and Northern Staten. | NEW YORK JUDICIARY MATTERS. | Due bili which passed the House to-day remains to be | acted upon by the Senate. It proposes that the Northern Jadicial District ef New York shall bereafter embrace only the counties of New York, Kings, Queens, Suffolk, Richmond, Rockland and Westchester. The present North orn district eatter to embrace only the counties of | Cayuga, Oneida, Chenango, Sadison, Broome and th: several counties lying westerly of said counties, the name to be changed to Western district. Thy residue of the State not embraced in these Southern and Western districts is to constitute another district, to be called the Kastern district, and the office ef District Jndge, Marshal, Attorney and Clerks of the dis ‘cult Court of thie district, all created by ub | Provision is made for the continuation of suite | menced and the legalization of all business couse, pon the establishment of the additional district and the | change of names and boundaries. HUSSIA AND THE TRENT AFPATR. om from the Russian goverment on | the subject of the Trent affair wae communicated to the | Senate to-day. it was characterized by the | rectings of friends hip for the United States j ‘The commun icat) } ‘The United States Note Bil | Washinaron, Feb. 25, 1862, | ‘The following is the bill as it finally passed both houses of Congres® to-day, authorising the issue of United State’ notes, and for the redemption or funding thereof, and fo" | fumding the floating debt of the United States, | Aw Act to outhorize the issue of United notes, and for the redemption or funding thereof, aud for funding the floating debt of the United States. Beit enacted, de., That the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to issue on the credit of the United States oue hundred aud fifty millions of dol. } lars of United States notes, net bearing interest payable to bearer at the Treasury of United States, and of guch denomination@ as he ma; deem oxyecient, uot less than five do'las each; provided, | however, that tifty millions of said notes abali be in liew Of the demand Treasury notes authorized to be issued b; the act of July 17, 1861, which said demand notes shal be taken up a rapidly a8 practicable, and the notes herein provided for subiivided for them; and, provided further, that the amount of the two-thirds of notes to. gether shall at uo time exceed the sumef one hundred and Sfty million dollars, and such notes her duties, excises, debts, except duties on imports, monde of every kind due w the United States ex duties on imports, and of all ¢) the United States of every kind whatscever, except for interest upon bonde and ‘notes, which sball’ be coin, and shall also be lawful money and @ legal teuder in payment of ail debts, public and private, within the Unwed States, except duties on importa and interort as aforesaid; and any holders of said United States notes de. poniting any sum not lew than fifty dotlars or some mul ple of fifty dollars, with the Treasarer of the United | States or either of the Assistant Treasurers, shall ir ip exchange therefor dup!ic: | deposit, oneof which may be traumas | tary of the Treasury, who sball thereupon is: | holders an equal ‘amount of bonds of tered, as may by raid hold the rate of six per centum ally, and redeemable at the please afier five years, and payable twenty years from the date thereof: and such United States | notes eball be received the same as coin at their par value, in payment for any foans that may be heroafter | sold oF negotiated by the Secretary of the Treasury, and may be ro jaened from time wo time, a8 the exigencies of the public interests may require, Seo. 2. Anil be st further enacted. That to enable the Secretary of the Tressury to fund the treseury notes and floating debt of the United Stater,he is hereby authorized to issue on the crerit of the United Stateg, coupon bi oF registered bonds, to an amount not exceeding $600, 000,000, and redeomuble at the pleasure of the United Staten after five years and payable twenty years from date, and bearing interest at the rate of six per centum per payable Aud the bonds herein authored shat he of en denominations, not lee than $50, as may be ¢ termined uronh by the y of the Treas. ury. And the Secretary of the Treaury may depose of uch bonds at any time at the market value thereof, for (Jawfal money ) th nof the United Stater, or for any Of the Treasury notes that have beeo, of may hereatter be. fesited under any former ret of Congress, oF for the Uninet States notes that may be saved nuder tha proy ig hereby appropriated, out of any troney in the Lreasury not othe: wise appropriated, to enable the Secretary of the Treasury to carry this act into effect, Bee, 4. And te it further enacted, That the Secretary of the Treasury may receive from any p-rson or persons, or any corporation, United States notes on deposit for not lers (han thirty days, ins. ms of not less than one hun. dred dolare, with any of the Assistant Treasurers or designated depositaries of the United States authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury to receive them, who shall issue " therefor certificates’ of —depesit, made in such form as the Secretary of the Treasury shall preserihe, and said certifieates of deposit shal! bear interest at the rate of five per contum per an- num; and any smount of United States notes so deposited may be withdrawn from deposit at any time after ten days notice on the return of said certificates: Provided, that the interest on all such deposits shall cease and de termine at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Treasury ; And provided further, that the aggregate of sich deposits shail at no ¢imue exceed the amount of twenty-five mil- lion dollars, Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That ail duties on im- ported goods whicli shall be paid in coin, or in notes payable, or in demand netes, heretofore authoriaed to be received and by law receivable in payments of public dues, aad the coin 20 paid shall be set apart as a special fund’ and applied as follows:-— First—To the payment in ooin of the interest on the bonds and notes of the United States. Second—To the purchase or payment of one per centum of the entire debt of the United States, to be made within each fixcal year after the first day of July, 1862, which is to be set apart asasinking fund, and the interest of which shall in like manner be applied to the purchase or payment of the public debt ag the Secretary of the Trea sury shall from time totime direct. Third—The residue thereof to be paid into the Trea- sury of the United States, Sec. 9. And be it farther enacted, That if any poason or persons shail falsely make, forge, counterfeit or alter, or cause or procure to be falsely made, forged, counter- feited or altered, or shall willingly aid or assist in falsely making, forging, counterfeiting or altering any note, bond, coupon or other security issued under the au- thority of this act, or heretofore issued under acts to authorize the issue of Treasury notes or bonds; or shall pass, utter, publish ur sell, or attempt to puss, utter, publish or sell, or bring into the United Stutes from any foreign place with intent to pass, utter, pub- hsh, or sell, or shail have or keep in possession or cenceal with intent to utter, publish or sell any such false, forged, counterfeited, or altered note, bond , coupon, or other se- curity, with intent to defraud any body corporate or poli- Uc, Or any other person or persons whatsoever, every person so offending shall be deemed guilty of felony, and shall on ecnviction thereof be punished by dne not ex- ceeding $5,000, and by imprisonment and consinement to hard labor not exceeding tifteen years, according to tho aggravation of the offence. Sec. 7. And be it further enacted, That if any person, having the custody of any plate or plates from which auy notes, bonds, coupons, or other securities mentioned im this act, or any part thereof, shall have been printed, or which shall have been prepared for the purpose of printing any such notes, bonds, coupons, or other xe- corities, or any part thereof, sball use such plate or plates, or knowingly permit ihe Same to be used for the purpose of printing any notes, bonds, coupons, or other securities, or any part thereof, exgept such as shall be printed for the ase cl sem United States by order of the proper oificer thereef;-or if any persou shail engrave, or cause or prsmere to be en- ri , or shall aid in engraving, any plate or plates in the likeness or similitude of any plate or plates designed for the printing of any such notes, bonds, coupons er other securities, or any part thereof,or shall vend or sell any such plate or plates, or sill bring into the United States from any foreigm place any such plate or plates, with any other tutent or for any purpose, in either cage, than that such plate or plates shall’ be used for printing of such notes, bonds, coupons or ‘other securities, or some part or purts thereof, for the use of the Wnited States, or shall have in his custody or | seseion any peper adapted to bonds, possession any metalic plate engraved after the simili- tude of any plate from which apy such notes, bonds, coupons, or other securities, or any part or parts thereof, shail have been printed, with intent to use such plate or plates, or cause or suffer the same to be used, in forging or counterfeiting any such notes, bonds, coupons, or other securities, or any pert or parts thereof, issued as aforesaid, or shall have in bis custody or possession any blank uote or notes, bond or bonds, coupon or coupons, or other seeurity or securities, engraved and printed after the siullitude of any notes, bonds, coupoes, or ether securities, issued ag aforesaid, with intent to sell or otherwise use the same; or if aby persou shell print, peovograph or in aby other mapner execute or cause to @ printed, photographed, or im any mauner executed, or spall aid in printing, hing oF executing apy engraving, photograph, or other print, er im- pression, in the likeness or similitude af any och notes, bouds, ¢eoupons or other securities, or any part or parts thereof, except for the use of the United States and by order of the proper oftieer thergof, or shall vend er sell any such engraving, photograph, print or Other impression, except to the United States, or shal! bring imto the ‘United States from any foreign place such engraving, photograph, print er other impres. for the purpose of vending or selling the sane, rept by the direction of some proper officer of the United Siates, or shall have in his custody or pos- the making of such notes, ‘coupons or other securities, and similar to the paper upow which any such notes, bonds, coupons or other securities shall ave been issued, with intent .o vwe such paper, or cause or suffer the saine to be used, in forging or eounte.feiting any of the notes, bonds, coupons of other securities, isaued as aforesaid, every such person s0 offending shall be deeraed guilty of @ felony, and shall, on couvictiou thereof, be punished by fine not exceed five thousand dollars.and by im: | prisonment aud confluement to hard labor not exceeding iiftewn years, according to the aggravation of the oifence. Secretary Chase on Legal Tender, The Cincinnat! Gazette publishes tho following Jotter from the Secretary of the Treasury :— : TarsscRy Devartwenr, Feb. 17, 1862. Sin—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this day oty ter of the 10th inst., enclosing the resolu- tious o einnati Charaber of Commerce approving the Treasury Note bill now before Congress, and piedgi the support of the merchanis of Cincinnati ‘to the fina cial mensures Recessary to the promptand vigorous sup. pression of the rel ‘The legal tender ¢ ‘eferred to received my sanction and support a @ measure of imperative ne- cesgity. The cordial approval of it by the influenti body you represent confirma my convictions of she w dom of the measure; and the generous proffer of support to the financial measure made necessary by the existing crisis encourages my efforts to serve the country in the responsible aud laborious position intrusted to ind. Permit me to thank the uber for its prompt and timely action, With great respect, yours truly, NS 8. P. CHASE. innatl, Ohio, Jomy A. Garo, &e., &0., Ch Oar Washington Correspondence. Wastuxeror , Feb, 24, 1862, Obeequics of the Praidents Sm—The White House in Mourning—Effed Uf the Bereavement on Mrs Lincola and the President—Impoving and Simple Services Over the Deceased Chitd—The Funcrat Corteye, dec. ‘There ie a general expreesion of sorrow in ail circles iu ‘Washington on account of the aifliction that has fallen upon the family of President Lincoln, Just at the time when the rebellion—which was in full blast when he assumed the position of Chief Magistrate of the nation— is receiving fatal blows under his administration, be is called upon to suffer the deepe-t sorrow « parent can know—# sorrow which none except those who have anf fered in like manner can fully approciate—the loss of ® beloved child, As @ patriot ont it of the United States, Mr. Lincoln has occasion to feel the proudest satiafaction tu the snecess of our arms on land and sea; while, as a father, he is called jure the severest domestic calamity, There is an indescribable gloom in the White House. The muffled deli, and the profound silence in those noble rooms which have been filled so often by gay crowds and with the ablest and most gifted men in the land, produce a strange effect upon the visiter who goes there to losk upon the lifeless form of the pretty boy, the etadious and intellec- tual youth, the sprightly, sweet tempered and mild man- red ebild, whose presence was welcome to all who visited the Executive mansion, either upon matters of State, or to enjoy the hospitality ko heartily and grace- fully dispensed by the President and Mrs, Lincoln, ‘To-day the obsequies of little Willie took piace. They were simple in form. No imposing display was made. Mrs. Lineoin is entirely prostrated with grief and the ex- haustion consequent upon her vigils by the bedside of her sick children. She was too ill, in fact, to be present at the funeral ceremonier. The body, enclosed in a metallic coffin, remained in the Green Room while the services were conducted in the Kast Room. Here were sented in a circle President Lin- coin and hit oldest fon Robert, and the members of bis Cabimet, some of whom were accompanied by their Ia- dies, General MoCiellan occupied a ent by the vide of Secretary Stanton. The men’ of the Iilinoie delega- tion in Congroes were present as mourne.s,and about one hundred other perrons, gentiemen and iadics, were in the room Mr. Lincoln wae bowed down with grief and anxiety, and looked as {f nearly worn out with wat 4 fer. Dr. Gurley commenced the services by roading 1nkt wedlime portion of Feripture commencing with “Tt is better to go to the house of mourning than unto the bowse of feasting.” The reviroud genteman thon Mme a belef and eloquent addrese, in which he sporeut tho Dwight irtelligenee and virtues of the doceagod, and adminiagered the conrotstions of religion to the monrvery Prayer was offered by tf Roy. Pr. Pmlih, aud the pal dearer s, sik PONE Med, oaety MOUrtE A Wreath of inmer asking that John €, Fremont be appointed Lieutenant General of the Army, TUE CONVENTION KETWERN NEW GRANADA AND COSTA RICA, Mr, Sumner, (rep.) of Muse., from the Committee of Foreign Affairs, reported a resolution to carry into effect the convention between New Granada and Costa Rica. Paseed, CONSTRUGTION OF RAILROADS BY THE WAR DEPARTMENT, Mr, Grimms, (rep.) of Jowa, offered a resolution asking the Secretary of War whether apy contracts have been made, or any steps taken towards a contract for the cou- gtruction of any railroads by the War Department, and if so, by what authority, and with whom, and by authority of what law they have been made, CULTIVATION OF COTTON LAND Mr. Wapr, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Comurittee of Terri- , reported back the bill for the occupation and cul. jon of certain cotton lands in pessession of the United Mr, Hone, (rep.) of N. H., offered an amondment limit- ing the appropriation to $20,000. Adopted, Mr. Cagiitx, (Union) of ¥a., said the bill involved some very important principles of the constitution and of expetiency, and he wanted time to examine it. He moved to lay iton the table. Mr. HAix, (rep.) of N. H., hoped they would pags this bill and severai others, especially bilis for comdscation, ‘There were thousands and millions of dollars in this very city belongmg to rebels, which onght to be attended to. On motionof Mr. Doone, (rep.) of Wis., the dill was postponed till to-morrow and made the special order. THE CONFISCATION KILL. Mr, TauwnvLy, (rep.) of Iil., moved totake up the diil for the ‘confiscation of the property of rebels. He eaid there was pressing necessity, Within a few weeks the pro- perty ofa rebel genera’ in this city had been sold, and the proceeds transmitted to him, while we were aitting here and imposing paper currency @m suifering soldiers. ‘Phe bill was taken up, Nome verbal amendments were made to the bill, when the morning hour expired, and the Chair called up the special order, the ‘Starke’ case, Mr. TRrinvsL, (rep.) OC IM., mowed to postpone the special order and continue the consideration of this bill. Agreed to, Yeas 22, nays bb. Mr, TRemwcLt said the dill was‘calculated to affect the property of those rebels who are not under the jurisdic- tion of the United States at this time, ‘and to avoid the charge of uneonstitutionality that could forfeit the estate of traitors except during life, Mr. Trumbull referred to and read at some length from the decision of Judge Spragne, of Massachusetts, n month on the condemuation of the Warwick,and then ded as follows:—Bnt what seems to embarrass men both as thern States occupy just exactly that position. When an insurrection assumes such formidable proportions as this has, and when armies are arrayed agaiust the government and against each other, all the writers on interuational law agree that the rebels areentitled to be treated as belli- gerents and asenemies; und we have boen treating the rebels at the South as belligerents during the present war. We bave sent flags of truce to them and taken them as prisoners, and whenever # re- Dellion becomes of such magnitude as to be en- titled to be called a civil war, the parties are to be governe!! by the ordinary rules of war while it Insta, and in the prosecution of such a war the govern- ment is bound to observe the same rules as it woukd eb- serve in a war with an independent nation. But that does not prevent the government, after the war_is over, from trying as a traitor any person that may be in ite hands, and that is the way, I take it, which this rebellion is Gnauily to be put down. Nobody expects to try all tho 200,000 men now in arms xgainst the government and harg them, though they are undoubtedly traitors, Bot we will give them the rights of belligerenis,aud take them 48 prisoners of war, and when they return to their- loyally again, those who have been seduced from it, we will release them; but the ringleaders of this rebellion, the inrtigators of it, the conspiratois who have set it oh foot, will, I trust, be brougiit to the halter, and never be discharged unless they are discharged by a petit jury, who shall say they are not guilty Of treason. These are our rights as against these people; but our right as against an enemy isa right ot confiscation. We have pow the right to take the persoual property of the enemy and destroy it ‘wholly. if ne- cessary. I know that, according to the modern nsage of civilized nations, total destruction docs not follow know that iu our moderndimes prisoners who are tured are not put to death or reduced to slavery, un property has not generally been confiscated; but the right to confiscate property, real or’ perso: nal, for there is no distinction, is undoubted, | Look at the condition of things at Port Royal, where all the inhabitants have fled, and left the country desolate. Ie it to remain nnoc. upied, and a wilderness, or shall we treat tt a5 the Luropean nations did the places ou this contineat, when the savages fled and left the territory wu- occupied?” How does the conduct of the people at Port Roya! differ from that of the Aborigines? They leave everything to waste, abandoning the country, and we may Lake posseszion of tha! country and apportion it out among the loyal citizens of the Union; aud this act of yee np by — oe this is nota phe bm arent Some have objected to the constitutional power to pass this Dill, beeause they say it a bi of ateaine der, It ig. not a Ddilk of attainder at all. It does not corrupt the blood of @ person; it op rates upon his property. The S. express’ y decid Stater, that Congress has authority to pass a confiscation ‘Dil. And if Congress has the power to confiscate the but had the Senator from Llinois counted the immense cost of the scheme of colonization. It would cost $500 @ head to colonise and keep ignorant slaves. Mr. Pomeroy said his amendment would obviate that, as there would be only a few slavehoi Mr, Wiitev—I propose to hang all thus save a'l the expense of transportation, Applause in the galleries, which was immediately sup- pressed by the chair. CRRTWICATRS OF DERE TO PUBLIC CREDITORS, : By consent, Mr. Fessnnpen introduced a bill authoriz- i tary of the Treasury to issue to publi ertaficates for the whole amount of debt in certitieates of not less than $1,000, payable in one year er, at the option of the government, bearing six r cont interest. o motion of Mr. Fassenven thé bill was taken up and Passed. THE CONFISCATION HILL RESUMED. The Senate resumed consideration of the Confiscation ‘vill, Mr. Tay Evex, (rep.) of N. J., thought the third seetion very important. He said there was great aversion at the North to haying large masses of free negroes turned joke among them to injure other laborers, nor could they be allowed to roam at large in the South, Mr, SUMNER, (rep.) Of Mase., said he entirely agreed with the Senstor from Kansas’ (Mr, Pomeroy) to object ing to any recognition of the Fugitive Slave law, which he thouglit never had authority in the constitution. He moved to make a yerbal amendment to obyiate all sus- picion of anything of that kind. The amendment was adopted. On motion of Mr. Power, (opp.) of Ky., farther con- sideration was postponed till to-morrow. On motion of Mr. SumNer the Senate went into execu- tive session, and subsequently adjourned. Hoase of Representatives. Wasnimcrox, Feb. 25, 1862. WRITS OF HABEAS CORPUS. On motion of Mr. Matiory, (Union) of Ky., the Com- mitteo on the Judiciary were instructed to inquire in the proprtety of vesting the United States Commissioners with powers toissuc writs of habeas corpus, and hold persons to bail for good behavior, and te increase the compensation of said commissioners. ‘TAX ON SALARIES OF PUBLIC OFFICRRS, Mr. Vax Wrex, (rep.) of N. ¥., introduced @ bill to tax the salaries of public officers. It was referred to the Co tee on Ways and Means. WAR CLAMS. Mr. Fxxrom, (rep.) of N. ¥., introduced a bill relating to claims for losses and destruction of property by the troops of the United States during the present rebellion. THY: CAVALRY SERVICE, Mr. Brain, (rep.) of Mo., called up the Sense Dill to reduce the number of cavalry regiments. He said, in ‘explanation, that the number of such regiments. is'se- venty-eight, the organization of some of which is iniper- fect, and besides, the arms for ail of them can- j not’ conveniently be procured. Complete regi- ments can be made up by the pending dill. Some of the enlisted men do not kaow how to ride, and perhaps never will learn. ‘The government would #ave about one-fourth of the present expenditures by the passage of this measure. The expense of maintaining a single regiment is $1,000,000 per year. ‘The House ainended the bill so as to reduce the number of cavalry regiments to fifty, instead of forty, as proposed by the Senate. ‘The officers and enlisted men necessarily to be discharged by the reduction to receive three months’ full pay, ip addition to the allowances prescribed by law; ali the affairs of the cavalry to be examined by a board of officers as to fitness INDEMNITY FOR UNION MIN. IN KRNTCCKY. Mr. Gripen, (Union) of Ky., introduced a resolution which was adopted, instructing tne Committee on Claims: to inquire into tbe propriety of reporting « bill to indem- nity the Union mon of the Third Congressional district of Kentucky aud other ressional districts for dam and impoverishment edused by the so called Coniederate troops and their aiders and abettors, Mr. Vax Wye, introduced @ resolution which was adopted, directing the Committee on Naval Affairs to nto and report on the pecessity of repealing the eighth section of the act of Congress further to promote the efficiency of the navy,approved in December last. ‘The section in question relates to the compensation of eraployen iv the navy yards. TAX AND JEN ON COTTON, Mr. Kei.ocs, (rep.) of Il, introduced a resolution whieh was adopted, instructing the Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into the expediency of levying a tax of three per cent per pound on cotton, and making such alien thereon; persous and corporations to be pro- b:bited from carrying or transporting the same until the tax is paid. RANCH MINT AT DENVER CITY. Mc. Mayaaro, (Cnion) of Tenn. , from the Cummittee on Ways and Means, reported the bill to establish a branch maint at Denver City, Colorado Territory, to be under control of the Directors of the Mini at Philadelphia, bject to the instructions of the Secretary of the Tres- ry. $75,000 is appropriated to carry ont this act and *%to defray the current expenses for the current year sand for the fiscal year ending with June, 1863. HWANCH MINT IN NEVADA TRERITORY. valled attention to the y vill was introduced to establish @ branch mint in Nevada ‘Territory. He had heen informed on reliable testimony that $3,000,000 are property of an enemy, then an act of ooufiscation must | mined in Nevada, while that much is bot mined in twelve be something different from a biti of attainde) netitution expressly declares that no bill shail be passed. for the | attainder | Again, sir, if Congress declares the i property of # rebel forfeited, 1 want to know who is to | in Nevada was of controvert that question. If it is contended that, ac- | cording to international law, Gongress has uo right to | confiscate the real estat of a rebel, 1 ask who 18 to interpret international Inw? There’ is no common tribapal to which alt uations submit their questions, Tnternatioval law ix nothing more than a unifor uenge of civilized nations, and each ova at last interprete it fur bimsclf,’ ronniog the hazard. it 4s true, of bringing upon himae'f the condemnation’ of other nations, le of inter fonal law, such ae violating ig’ ador Or Of & passport, it would bring upon ftself the condemnation of other nations. But to confiscate the property of your euemy ia nota viola- mn of the principles of internatioval law. Suppose Rus- yim these interminable wars going on between that aud Circassia, should take the land of the Cir caseians and apportion it out ainong the nobles of Rus- gia, would America think of interfering and going to war with Rossia? And if other nations would not interfere, who would intertere? Can our courts give a different consirgetion to international law froin what @ suve- reigh Power gives it? Certsiuly not. The courts are bound. by intervstonal law as the nation lishes it. They cannot overrale an act of Congress, because in thelr opinion it does not harmonize with inter: national law. ‘They have no sueh power. The Suprer Court said, in the case of Johnson against McIntosh (6th Curtie, 613), that conqnest gives a title the courts can- not deny. That is settled by judicial decision, It does not lie in the power of Congress to settle iuterna- tional law. It only involves estion of polic) and expediency, and that, I think, is so manifest wi regard to this Dill that I need not ‘stop to diecuss it. ‘The second section of this bill forfeits the claim of any person to any person held toservice or labor, if the em #0 clainaing has in any mauner engaged in this re- lijon, and makes the porson owing such service forever there can be no donbt of the power of Congress to pass this law. Congress hax the power to raise armies and il may draft soldiers. It may take from my friend from Kentucky (Mr. Davis) his hired man, whom he hae hired at « stipulated price to work upon his farm for the next year. Right in the middle of the contraet, tn the midst of his harvest, the government afterwars free. I take it of the United States may draft that man into iis service. What becomes of the contract? Can you keep iv? Can the courts decide that you are eptitied to the services of this man, and can the court give them? No. Here comes the paramount author: ity of the United States and takes this man, if it is necessary to use him for the defense of the country. It in question of power, and the power to do this cannot be questioned, Does the master hold bis slave by any stronger tenure? You cannot draw acontract so strong | by which one person shall give bis time and services to another, that the paramount authority of the govern ment cannot abrogate that contraet,and take from your contro! that pereon, and bring him into the service of the country. This can be done also in reference to your own chil the | of nearly every State in this Unio& « parent has control of his child the of twenty-one years, but notwithstanding that, Tine public necessity requires it, the government m: take your won st eighteen years of age, or even younger, from under your control, and bring him into the army of the United States, and into the battle field, in defense of the honor and integrity OF the nation, And does the master hold bis slave by suppose if a nation should violate a well | mouths in Colorade, Mr. Wasteraxr, (rep.) of Ill,, said it was true, as y Mr nt. The bill for the branch mint ved to the Committec on Coramerce. | He therefore suzgested that this bill go with the other to the Committee on Ways aod Means, to be considered to- gether, This was agreed to. Mr. Karas, (rep.) of Pa.,snggested that the biil for a vrauch mint in New York be similarly referred, but to this objection was made. (delogate from Colorade seid if the sta ° mended by the Secretary of th only three or four hundu | branch mint, while Colorado was 2,500 miles from any mint or aseay office, Hence the importance of a branch mint at Colorado. j OATH OF ALLAGIANCR 10 SMIPMASTERS, } * Mr. Exior, (rep.) of Mass., from the Committee on Commeree, reported a bill directing that the coliectors of the several ports cause to be adininistered the oath of allegianes, and to support the constitution of the United | States, to masters of American vessels clearing for | foreign or other porte during the present rebellion—the | Violation of the oath to be visited with the pains and pe- nalties for wilful and corrupt perjury. Passed. PORTAL MONEY ORDRES, The House, on motion of Mr. BLaxs, (rep.) of Ohio, from five to ten dollars & commission of five cents will be charged; from ten to twenty dollars, ten cents, and for every additional teu dollars, five cents, THR POSTAL SRRVICE AND THR SOLDTERS, Mr. Courax, (rep.) of Ind., reported a bill authorizing the Postmaster General to perm)t additional articles to be fent by mail at the present rates of book postage. He raid that under the present law roots, cuttings and seeds could he sont by mail at one cent per ounce, but stock ings for a soltier, flags and many other things, conld oaly go at letter postage rates. ‘The bill passed nnanimousiy. THR TRANBUORTATION OF TROOPS ON WHSIBEN RAILROADS. ’ Mr. Poxrms, (rep.) of bere ye bop Nyon onyncanad ag | judiciary ; reported & resolution, which was passed, that the several railroad gotnpanig who have received’ from the government grants of land to aid in the construction of railroads, are required to transport the property and troops of the United States free of all tolle or other charges whatever, JUDICIARY MATHERS. Mr, Paxprxron, (rep.) of Ohio, from the Committee on Judiciary Ly wd 4 bill, which was passed, regulating the timo for holding tho United States Mstriot Court in Kentucky. Mr. Dive, (rep.) of N. ¥., from the Committee on Judiciary, reported a bill to establish an additional Judi- cial district in the Btate of New York, to becatled the Eastern district. He showed the necessity of this measure, remarking that New York sow contains a popu- iation of three or four mitlions, and the city alone gives more business to the District Court than is transacted in any other district in the United States. The only ex- se involved is the salary of another Judge, which will more than saved in travelling expenses Row necessary detween distant points. After # debate the bill was passed. RELY YOR PUNLIO CREDITORS, On motion of Mr. Sruvans, (rep.) of Pa., the Senate any stronger tenure than this? Why, the person and property and everything connected with your enemy may be taken and condemned and destroyed, if it be ne. cessary,for tho preservation of the country; and not only your enemy, but you may take the property of your fr » We are taxing the loyal men of this country now to the furthest limit in support of this war, and we may call upon them ally to worve in the army, While we can do all this, can it be protened that we can. not control the negroes and the men who fight against the government? 1 know this se-ms to have been the couse pursued, J know that, while loyal men have been softer person and property, the pro. perty of distoyalsts has been intonched. I know that, wi my people are to be taxel to support this war, are not to touch the property of rebeie in aring against the government. But it in faid that you cannot enforce the laws in these Southern Svuten now. ‘True, wo cannot till the armics advance, and when they do advance, let us take that property make it comiribute toward the expenses of this war; and eve the property of loyal men, and let the mon ‘wie have ine! igated the war pay the expense, TI know there are vurior# polelos purened by different commanders, Und commander, G & Halleck, forbiag ais fogs bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to the public ereditors, was taken up and passed, nee ieee 2 ‘The bill ex re Pog lati intercourse with the Indian tribes over the Indian Herervation in Califor- nia was also passed. YVOLUNTRRR RNGINRERE Mr. Buai, (rep.) of Mo., from the Military Committee, ted a iN mithorizing the employment of engineer teers, one company 40 a brigade. Ordered to be printed. GOVERNMENT OF THE ARMY—THE NEGRO QUEETION, Dir, Brain, of Mo , from the Military Committee, report- @1 4 billestabiishing an additional article of war for the government of the Uvited States Army, All officers in the military servieo are prohibited from employing any of the forces under their P ‘ive com- mans for the purpose of returning fugitives rervico or labor, escaping from those who’ claim such eervieo or labor to bo due to them: and any otheer found gullty, by court ma tial, of violatiog this articleshail be diemiseo from forvice, Jir, River ast, (tep.) of Ohio, moved fan amendment, co fugitive who had, at the risk of his life, swam the Ohio river into Indiana, | He should think thet when under when a company of soldiers was deti was escorted to his master. If that was the pur- sued by tho army and navy under the tlagof the Tepu- lic, it would be better to cover with mi ness every star that floats upon its azure field, tive was énouzh to consign to eternal infamy the man who - dared to perform it, What are we fighting for? For the * administration of justice, and among other things for the inciple that no man shal! be cama or deprived of is liberty without due process of law. Mr. Divx want the entleman from Onio to specify where any military officer has hunted down any fugitive slave for the purpose of réturning him to his master? Mr. Bincran—The very case ( referred to is: bring the biush of shame to the face of every Amerivan, Mr. Dives—it is a matter founded on falsehood BiINGHAM—How do you know thal? Mr. DivEx—I have just as teem reason to believe it un- true as you have to believe it is (rue. M Tircnan-—The stateinent which bas received cre- over the land is cho actorized by the gentle man false . know the fact, because it bas been published in the newspapers, and I Rave never seen it contradicted. Mr. Diven was understood to say that that was because the gentleman read only one-sided newspapers. ‘Mr. VALtaxpiGHaM, (Opp.) of Ohio, moyed to lay the bilb on the table. Not agreed to—43 against 87. Mr. Wricnr, (Union) of Pa., woved to adjourn. , Disagreed to—27 against 96. ‘The question ior pestponing the Dill till the frst Wodnesday in March was disagreed to—51 against 73. ‘The main question was ordered, when S Mr. Jonsson, (opp.) of Pa., moved to adjourn. Negatived—41 agawnst 78. Mr. Bivcuam introduced an amendment, which was’ agreed to, prohibiting any person connected with the army and navy from returning fugitive slaves. Mr. Crrrmexpen, (Union) of Ky., wished to occupy two minutes in remarks; but Mr. Lovguoy, (rep.) of Ill., persisted in his objection, unanimous consent being necessary for further debate. Mr. Sreeie, (opp.) of N. Y., objected to. the third read- ing of the bill,on ibe ground tbat it had not been en- rossed. ieee ineff-ctual motions were made to adjourn by the opponents of the bill. tte nk ia ~- Mr Yauuannjguse re%ed a point of order, which (he. Speaker overruled. - Mr. Hickman, (rep.) of Pa., vainly endeavored to offes.: Jment. an al u be The bill finally passed, as follows: — Yeas—Mersra, Aldrich, Alley, Arnold, Ashlzy, ker, ter, Beaman,’ Binght ‘Bla of Pa., Blake, Buflinton, Chambelloks, Ch Conkling, Roseoe Conkilug, Conary, Diven, ton, Ldwards, Elioi, Ely, Fess Frank, Gooch, Goodwin, Granger, Gurl ea Herri i, Hodper, rete ing, Sultan, Kel i, Loomis, Lovejoy, McKni; ht, ‘Mitchells Morriliot Me., Nixon, Odell, Patten, Phelps of Gal. ‘Pike rier. Potier, Rice of Mass., Rice of Me,, Riddle: Hi., Sedgwick, Shei Spaulding, Sicvens, Thomas of Mass., bridge, Van Horn, Van Valkenburgg. Wall, of Me., Walton of Vt, Washburne, Wheele Wilson, Windon, Woiceste:—83, Nays—Mesers. Ancona, Bailey of Pa,, Biddle, Blair of Va., inens, Corning, Cravens, Cristield, Cr ttenden, Dunlap, lule, ‘Harding, ’ Hol ‘Johns Laary, Lehtian, Malory, ard fe hain, Vibbard,” Voor Wood, Woodrat, Wright—42, Adjourned. NEWS FROM THE STATE CAPITAL. AlnanT, Feb. 26, 1862, There was slim attendance in both houses to-uight, varely enough to transact business. The Assembly was engaged in the consideration of local bills, in Committee of the Wyole. The Senate passed several unimportant bills. A freight agent, who was in attendance upon the Rail- road Conventions in Washington, informs me that Secrey tary Stanton did pay the compliment to Gen. McClellan, as stated in the despatch to the press; that he not only made’ those remarks, but repeuted them twice, eo that. none could mistake his meaning. The remarks were made at the meeting of tho freight agents, and not of the Presidents and superintendents, Preparations are being made to hold an emancipation mecting at the Cooper Institute next week, over the reso” tutions of Senator Sumner on the organization of Terri. torial governments in ail the recovered States. Destructive Fire at Boston. OVER HALF A MILLION OF PROPERTY DESTROYED— TWO FIREMEN KILLED AND ONE BADLY WOUNDED, Rosson, Mass. , Feb. 25, 1862, ‘The fire last night was among the most disastrous that ever occurred in Boston. It raged from ten o’clock at night till three in the morning, the wind blowing @ furl- ous gale from the northwest, with 4 blinding snow and hail storm at the time. ‘Two firemen wore killed and one badly wounded. ‘The entire range of buildings on Sargent’s wharf, the basldinge on the north side of Eastern avenue, from Com- mercial street to the water, including the East Boston Old ferry slip, and the large six story buiding known as t he Eastern Exchange Hotel, are among the property destroyed. ‘The buildings on the wharf and the avenue were oecu- pied by the Boston Linseed Oi! Mills, D. Dyer’s rice mills and a sugar mill, A portion of the building was occupied for the storage of four, grain and pork. Fight hundred bales of cotion were stored in Matthews Block and were destroyed. Five vessels at the wharf were towed out and saved. Among other occupants burned out were:—John Gore &Co., clothing; Bryan, rigger; John Bowen, shipping office; G. F. Bryce, clothing: Marsh & Co., liquor store: office of the Witne-siumet Ferry Company, and the office or Nathan Matthews, owner of two of the buildings de- stroyed. The loss of Mr. Matthows is estimated at $175,000. Ile was fully insnred, The total loss is half a million of dollars, some of the estimates are much higher tban this. During the night the large tower of the Roman Catholic ehnreh in East was blown down, demolishing the smaller tower in its fall. Several chimnies were blown down during the gale. Among the losses by the great fire last night were two thousand bales of cotton and eighty thousand bushels of corm and vats, E. T. Cowidrey, dealer in pickles and preserved fruits, lost $25,000, He was insured for $5,000 in Hartford. ‘Mr. Matthews’ loss on hi i $125,000, which is insured for $70,500. = total loss will reach three quarters of @ million of dollars, Bostow, Feb. 25, 1862. The insurance on the fire last night is estimated at poy Boston offices, $245,000: New York offices, 600; Delaware office, Philadelphia, $10,000, the ba. mainly among the New England offices, {ncluding fae! in a Springiield office; $10,000 in the Massasoit springfeld, and $9,000 in the Atlantic, Providence, = sums in New Haven, Hartford and Pittsfield offices. A HWAVY CALENDAR OF CRIME. United States Circuit Court. ‘This court was opened before Judge Shipman yesterday for the trialof the criminal! calendar, which is more than usually heavy. There are several cases of murder and manslaughter on tho high seas; John Riley is indicted for murder on board the ship Marathon; Maurice M. Gorman for murder on board the ship Mangolia. William H. Haw- kins for murder on board the ship Lamergier; Nathan H. Millett, captain of the ship Saracen, is committed for manslaughter, in killing one of the crew. There are threo cases of passing counterfeit coin, one larceny on the high seas, one assanit with a dangerous weapon, one for stoaling a warrant from the Custom House, one con- spiracy to wreck a ship at sen, and one for foreibly ob atruot ing a Custom House officer. ‘TRE SLAVE TRADE. ‘The following persons are indicted for serving in the slave trade;—Samuel B, Haynes, first mate of the Night ingale, indicted for the capital offence; Bradley Winslow,. second mate of the same vessel, is also indicted on the capital charge; William H. Byrnes, master of the bark ‘W.L. Kibby, indicted for the capital offence; Morgan Fredericks, first mate of tho Cora, indicted for the capital offence; Erastus H. Booth, master of the Buck- eyo, indleted for the capital offence; George Garnett, first mato of the same vessel, indicted for the eapital offence; Honry 0. Crawford, mastor of the ship City of Norfolk, indicted for the capital offence; William Warren, first mate, and David Hall, second mate of the Erie, under ~ command of the late Captain Gordon, aro also ihdicted for the capital offynee; Henry Connor, John Williams am@- John Morris, part of tho crew of the Triton, are indicted for the minor offence; Albert Horne, indicted for fitting ‘out the City of Norfolk as a slayer, and Joseph B, Tarnar, for fiteing out the bark Cora,