The New York Herald Newspaper, May 24, 1862, Page 3

NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1862 —TRIPLE SHEET. suspicion, not punished as a crimi- OO oe its own people is ite as of ite arm! To Btop the one is as fatal to the public welfare as to defeat ‘the other. No man who deliberately docs anek aes us, ot of which ts to impair publio confide! iD of the government, and thereby in its ability to meet fully, at the end of the war, ali its financial en- gagements, can be viewed in any other light than as dis- pate! as wi to increase itqg embarrass- mente im order to make money ou hem. Te abould the pl r re money out of it is the duty, of every loyal son of South to streugthen the financial arm of the gov- ernment. TEPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Trouble Growing Out of the Execution of the Fugitive Slave Law. Conflict Between the Military and Civil Authorities, Treasury Circular Respecting Trade with the Reopened Southern Ports. ARRESTS OF SOLDIERS AND CIVIL OFFICERS. Action of the Senate on the National Tax Bill. Debate on the Confiscation Question in the House, Vi arn ae eS a ‘Wasuincton, May 23, 1862. ‘Tho conflict between the military and civil authorities Inst night grew out of the fact, as is generally repre- sented, that a squad of soldiers went to tho jail for the purpose of effecting the release of a colored woman, alloged to be under military protection, and who had been sent thither by virtue of the decision of the Commissioners under the Fugitive Slave law. The jailor, Milburn, and Deputy Marsha Phillips refused to deliver the woman to them without an order from Marshal Lamon. The consequence was the military made them prisoners, together with the counsel for the claimant of the woman, and lodged them in the Capitol guardhouse,and removed the woman to another part of the city. At asubsequent period the Marshal himself, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police, Mr. ‘Webb, and one of his sergeants, repaired to the jail, and in turn captured and made the twomilitary guards prisoners. Things thus rested until an early hour this morning, when allthe parties were released, with the exception of Deputy Marshal Phillips and Jailer Milburn. Later in the day all who wore arrested by cither side ‘were released. Marshal Lamon and Military Governor Wadsworth had @ long interview to-day relative to the cenflict between them, tho former claiming the right to exercise all his civil functions in the absence of a declaration of martial law. Tho questions at issue will have to be settled by the Executive. ‘This subject bas occasioned general comment and some excitement. General Wadsworth intends to insist on an examina. ‘tion into ry case whore an alleged fugitive has a mailitary pass or protection, or where there is reason to Delieve the accused is free under the law of August last, confiscating slaves who have been employed for insur- rectionary purposes. Additional Particulars of the Affair. Wasmifeton, May 23, 1862. ‘The conflict between the military and civil jurisdic- tions in the District of Columbia culminated last night. ‘The event will compel a decision in the premises, which ‘will settle the vexed question as to which authority pre- vaile. Early Inst evening a messenger presented himself at the jail, boaring an order from General Wadsworth, Mili- » tary Governor, for the delivery of a negro woman ar- rested under legal process as a fugitive slave. The jailor declined to accode to the demand until he had consulted the Marshat, who was absent serving processes. Soon afterward a lieutenant, accompanied by a party of the Provost Guard, came to tho jail and re- peated the demand to the Deputy United States Marshal, Mr. Phillips, who also refused, and was instantly placed in arrest., The demand was then made ‘upon the jailor, who was likewise arrested for refusing to obey the order. Mr. Joseph Bradley, Sen., the counsel of tho Marshal, who was present as a legal adviser, was also arrested. ‘Tho keys of the jail wére then demanded, and forcibly military guard placed ever the prison, with orders to permit uo one to leave the premises. Deputy Marshal Phillips, and the principal jailor, were sent to the Centra! Guard House. ‘When Marshal Lamon, accompanied by J. M. Carlisle, one of his attorneys, arrived at the prison, he found it in military possession. He at once called upon Colonel ‘Webb, Superintendent of the Metropolitan Police, who warned his department to be ready for immediate ser- vice. A police force was assembled at theCity Hall, within call from the jail. The Marshal, accompanied by Bergeaut Cronin, of the nolice, proceeded to the jail, and afvr consultation with counsel, the Marshal quietly dis- armed and arrested, one by one, the sergeant of the guard and the sentries, pliced them in custody, and re- samed possesion of the prison, and released Mr. Bradley, ‘who was still thore. - Leaving the jail in custody of Sergeant Cronin and the jailors, he proceeded to the Central Guard Houre, and demanded of the captain of the guard—First, permission to confer with his deputy and jailor; second, their im- mediate release; third, that the captain and the men ‘under his command should obey his summons, as a posse comilatus, to rescue the deputy marshal and jailor from the custody in which they then were, Theso do- mands were refused. ‘The case rests here this morning—a part of the ‘Marshal's forces in the custody of the Military Governor, end apart of the Military Governor's forces in the cus- tody of the Marshal. The district is not under martial Jaw, and it ts expected that the Military Governor wil, be placed in arrest to-day, or compelied to purge himselr of the offence in foreibiy rescuing a prisoner out of the hands of the civil authorities. ‘Tnere was am exchange of prisonors to-day between the United States Marshal of the district and the military Governor as the result of last night’s cenflict betwoen ‘the civil and military authorities, a sergeant and a pri- ‘vate being exchanged fora deputy marshal and jailor. It is stated that several suits for false imprisonment, ‘and a criminal prosecution for forcibly rescuing a pri- eoner from the legal custodian, will be instituted against Gen, Wadsworth. ‘The issue made up as to the conflicting jurisdictions ‘will probably be settled as soon as the President and Secretary of War return from their trip to Fortress Monroe. DESPATCHES RECEIVED AT THE WAR DEPARTMENT. Wasnwato, May 23, 1862, ‘The latesbadvices received at the War Department are a8 follows :-— Our army has been within four miles of Corinth for several days, skirmishing. The encmy do not seem in- clined to make an attack. All is quiet in the departments of Generals Fremont and McDowell, Wasmncton, May 2310 P. M. ‘The rebols mado s dash at Goueral Banks’ line near Front Royal this afternoon, and an attempt to burn the raftroad bridge reeeutly rebuilt by the Union forces over the Shenandoah, The particulars are not yet ascer- tained. Nothing of public interest had been received from the other military departments up to ten o'clock this even- ing. ‘There is nothing from Pittsburg Landing, GENERAL NEWS. Wasnrnetox, May 23, 1 | ER REBEL FORCES IN VIRGINIA AND GEN. M’CLEL- NG LAN’S ABILITY TO MRET THEM. Apprehensions are expressed for General MoCiolian’s as, Rot only pm AeoUnt Of the large army that is com. rable rebel force said to be in his rear, in the direction of Fredericksburg. As they have railroad facilities, it ia suggested that they could easily move a large body of men, on the eve of a battle, and fall upon our army in the rear. By cutting down bridges, &c., behind them, they could retard for # time any advance of General McDowell to thwart their fobject. Those apprehen- sions are, however, entirely unnecessary, General McClellan hag ® compact and thoroughly disci- plined army of brave men and good officers. It has been created by bis own exertions. He can handle it as easily as @ good colonel can mancwuyre a rogiment, and he will push it om victoriously through twice or three times the same number of demoralized although, perhaps, desperate rebel troops. Whatever appreben sions may be entertained here or elsewhere as to the result, neither General McClellan, nor his army, ner the administra tion, participate in them. PROP OSITIONS FOR REOPENING SOUTHERN PORTS— THE ACTING COLLECTOR OF NEW OKLEANS. , Tho Secretary of the Treasury has appointed George S. Dennison, from the neighborhood of New Orleans, as Special Agent and Acting Collector, to open the port at the earliest practicable period, 4n order to carry out the President’s proclamation, Collectors will be appointed for Beaufort, N.C., and Port Royal, 8°C., as soon as Proper persons oan be selected, the object of the Secre- tary of the Treasury being to prooure the services of those resident in the South, and who, in addition to efficiency, will be acceptable to all the parties concerned. THE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURES. It bas been ascertained from an authentic source{that the exponditures of the government from April, 1861, to the present.time have not averaged. $1,000,000 per day. This may be considered @ refutation of the exaggerated reports upon the subject. ‘The statement of Mr. Voorhies, of Indiana, in reference to the expenditutes of the government, alluded to in a despatch last night, was based upon a similar declaration made several weeks ago by Mr. Stevens, Chairman of the Oomofittee or Ways and Means, and subsequenty reite- rated by another member of that conimitiee. Tho as- tounding statement should, therefore, be credited to Mr. Stevens, and not to Mr, Voorhees. TRADE WITH THE SOUTHERN PORTS. The following circular has been issued by the Secretary oft 7 ih heme — = bi Pheasuny InParruent, May 22, 1862. Sm—You will refuse a clearance to auy vessel to roy of the ports under recent insurrectionary contro}, opened to general trade under the prcelamation of the President of the 12th inst., having on board any articles coutra- band of war, as indicated below, and you will aiso refuse a clearance to any vessels to any foreign ports laden with such articles, if you have satisfactory reason to belicve that such goods, wares or merchandise are intended for ports or places im possession or under the control of in- surgents against the UnitedjStates, viz.;—Cannons, mor-, tars, firearms, pistols, bombs, grenades, firelocks, flints, matches, powder, sultpetre, bails, ballets, pikes, swords, sulphur, helmets or boarding caps, sword belts, saddles and bridles—always excepting the quantity of the said articles which may be necessary fur the defence of the ship and of those who compcse the crew; cartridge baz material, percussion and other caps, clothing adapted for uniforms, rosin, sai'cloth of all kinds, hemp and cordage, masts, ship timber, tar and Pitch, military persons in the service of the encmy, despatches of the enemy. ‘You will also refuse a clearance to any vessel with a cargo consisting in whcle or in part of the following named articles, vi Coals, iron, lead ,copper, tin, brass, telegraphic instruments, wire, porous caps, platina, phurie acid, zinc, and all other telegraphic materia's, marine engines, screw’ propellers, paddle wheels, cylin- ders, cranks, shafts, boilers, tubs for boilers, fire bars and every article or any other component part of any engine or boiler or any article whatever which is, can or may become applicable for the manufacture of marine ma- chinery or for the armor of yesse!s, and liquors of all kinds.” 1am, very respectfully, P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury. Hrram Barty, Esq., Collector, New York. INDIRECT ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. Another bill to indirectly abolish slayery in Maryland and Virginia, and fill this District with negroes, was in- troduced to-day by Senator Wilmot. It makes it the duty of United States officers to summdn such witnesses, slaves included, as fugitives may doclare on oath to bo material to disprove allegations of claimants. It also requires the taking of the following oath:— 1 do solemnly swear (or affirm, ts the enso may be) that I will support and defend the coustitution anu govern- ment of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign: that I will bear true and taithful allegiance to the same, any ordinance, restriction, or law of apy State Convention, Legislature, or order, or or- ganization, secret or otherwise, to the contrary notwithstanding ; that I do this with a full determination, pledge and purpose, without any mental reservation or evasion whatsoever ; aud éspeciaily that have not, by word or deed, or in any maaner whatever, given countenance, aid, comfort or emeouragement, to the present rebellion, or to those who have been or aro now engaged in the conspiracy against the governmont ; avd that Ihave always been loyal aud true to the yo- vernment of the United States. 80 help me God. ‘The bill provides a penalty of fine ‘and imprisonment for perjury in taking the above oath. Mr. Sumner wants toobtain a Concrefgional expression, that previons acts of Congress on the sub_ect of surren- dering fugitive siaves do not mention the District of Co- lumbia. When his objeot is accomplished, and all the javes in Maryland and Virginia run hither, what. isto be dene with them * REORGANIZATION OF THE COURTS OF THE. DISTRICT OF COLUMRIA. Senator Wilson introduced @ bill today looking ¢ radicab changes in offices here. It has regard to that bane ot patriots, the spoils. There are several officers con. nected with the Judiciary of the District which would give “fat takes” to such patriots who have no stomach for figitting the batties of the country. It is proposedfto have a Court of Gommon Peas, with one Judge; a Court of Equity, with one Judge; and @ Criminal Court, with ope Judge. The three Judges are to constitute a Court of Appeals, The system is vicious, because it gives to the Judge who has made a decision in the Court below s voice in the action of tne superior tribunal. One ground for the establishment of a new judiciary is, to get Judges who will interpose every possible obstacle to the rendition of fugitive siaves. THE NIGHT SBSS10NS OF THB HOUSE OF REPRESENT- ATIVES. ‘The impression that the holding of nicht sessions of the House of Representatives is an indication of an approxi- mation to the conclusion of the session, is erroneous. The night sessions now are solely to enable gentlemen to put in their speeches on the Confiscation bills, which, by agreement, are to be voted upon on Monday next. The sesg sion to-night, as usual, occasioned a much larger array of empty seats than‘ of smiling faces. When the House was called to order two members were proseut—Mr, Eliot, of Massachusotts, on the floor, and Mr. Aldrich, of Mivnesota, in the chair. The greater portion of those who subsequently dropped in obtained leave to print their remarke, which they had not as yet prepared, and of course not as yet deliverd. These who did speak spoke briefly and from manuscripts, evidently manifesting that they had their speeches in their pock- ets. The galleries were well filled with ladies, The speeches wore, as usual, plentiful in Samboism. At no one time were there a dozen members present, RELEASE OF PRISONERS OF WAR. The paroled prisoners of war, to the numbor of nearly nine hundred, who for the past week have been domi- ciled at the Soldiers’ Reet, near the Copitol, are now al} released. The last lot, pearly one hundred and fifty, wiil leave for New York by to-morrow morning’s train. THE PAROLED MEN OF THE SIGKLES BRIGADE. ‘Through the indefatigable exertions of Brigadier Gene- ral Sickles, previous to his resuming command of his troopa, he made arrangements with tho Secretary of War by which all of hie paroled men received a furlough, commutation of rations at the rate of twenty cents aday from the date of capture to the date of release, together ‘with two months’ pay and transportation for each soi. dier. It i expected that they will be exchanged within thirty days, much to their gratification. Of the remain- ing soldiers not more than five demanded furloughs, @REAT DEMAND FOR CHEAP CLOTHING. ‘The New York Chatham street clothes dealers have been doing @ brisk business for two days, furnishing cheap clothing at high prices to the discharged troops, They, after emerging from the clothier’s and the barber's, present a strileing appearance to what they were on ar- rivgl—tired, dirty, diseouraged men. The task of mus. ter out these troops was entrusted to Major John Buford, Assistant Inspoctor General United States army, who, with his corps of assistants, accomplished it this afternoon after seven days’ labor. A GAMBLING HOUBB BROKEN Ur. ‘The provost guard, at a Inte hour last night, made a descent upon Hall’s extensive gambling house, capturing the agent or dealer and from fitteen to twenty players, to. gether with all the sporting apparatus. This is not the only establishment of the kind which has lately fallen under condemnation and suppression. THIATY-SHVENTH CONGRESS. FIRS? SESSION, Sen: Wasmincton, May 23, 1962. PROTRCTION,OF NRGROMS. Mr. Scmnan, (rep.) of Mass., called up the resolution instyyoting fhe Judiciary Committee to inquire what of Congress $2,700; over $7,000, although failing to retain his seats, in the Philadelphia cases, Mr. $2,700, both pale to obtain the rt ing sych Mrge sums contestants settee a strictin, obtain tion bills. and persons of those of African descent from unconstitu- tional seizure, He said that ali had been shocked lately by the attempts of the slave hunters to carry off human ‘Deings into slavery from the capital. The provisions for the return of fugitives in the constitution and in the law of 1850 say nothing about the District of Columbia at all. Resolution adopted. REORGANIZATION OF Tun DISTRICT OP coLUMBIA COURTS. Mr. Wison, (rep.) of Mass., introduced @ bill for tho reorganization of the courts of the District of Columbia. Referred to the Judiciary Committee. THE BANKRUPT LAW. Mr. Foerer, (rep.) of Conn., introduced a bill for a general bankrupt law, Referred to the Judiciary Com- mittee, Interesting and Authentic Account of the Whole Affair. The Commencement and Pro- gress of the Action. THE STAFF APPOINTOENTS. Mr. Wison, of Mass., from the Military Committee, re- ported a bili amendatory of the act increasing the military establishment. The bill pravides that staff officers shall be sent to the Senate for confirmation. It was passed, ACTION ON TUR TAX BILL, ‘The Tax bill was then taken up. ‘The license for coal oil distillers was amended 80 as to be fifty dollars instead of twenty. Anamendment striking out the license of ten dollars on horses, and cattle dealers and brokers and manufac- tures, was rejected, Anamendment reducing the tax on sugar candy and confectionery to one cent per pound was agreed to. In the course of the debate Mr. Frssenven stated that it was shown before the committee that ever 250,000,000 pounds of confectioncry per annum was-made in tho United States, 4 ‘The amendment raising the tax on manufactured tobac- oo from ten to twenty cents per pound, on snuff reducing j from eighty to twenty cents per pound, and on segars raising about twenty pef cout, wus adopted... HEROIC. coenarargs haity ape, Vomady coma ey Feat wooden-ware, ape, » made clothing, native wine and furs, was a ‘The tax.on wood screws was made one and a half cent per pound, amendment striking ont the tax of one cent per pound was discussed at somelength, and laid ‘Adjourned, having reached the sevonty-fifth'section of the bill, One of the Fiercest Fights of the Rebellion. BRAVERY OF THE CONTENDING FORCES. Treachery of Some of the Rufflan Rebels. CONDUCT OF THE UNION ‘TROOPS. REPEATED CHARGES ON THE ENEMY The “ Star Spangled Banner’ and the Wounded Soldiers. House of Representatives. . Wastinaron, May 28,,1862. A resolution was debated and adopted allowing J. Ster- Ming Morton per diem, but not mileage, for the time ho was engaged in unsuccessfully contesting the seat of Mr. Daily ,as delegate from Nebraska. Before the passage of the resolution, Mr. Frank, (rep.) of N. ¥., objected to it, stating that the contestant Morton received during the July session now he contests again, and the reso- $2,300 additional, making ety-sixth Congress, in the Distinguished Courage of Com- manding Officers, GEN. HANCOCK’S CHARGE. lution offered would give bi in all over $5,000. In the Bioklos and’ Williamson case, $4,700 were paid. and in = other contest: cases large amoun Ty is Con- Bresso coutestant from Uregon (Mr. Thayer) recoived | THE KILLED AND WOUNDED, Kline $3,112, and Mr, Butte! ovct heat. It was timo to and he ‘ature period, introduce a resolution re- the amount to be paid contestants who fail to nr seats to the amount of $1,000. DEBATE ON THE CONFISCATION. BILL, ‘The House resumed the consideration of the Confisca- 3 &., &e., &o. Bivovac Bryoyp Tux Battie Fisup, May 10, 1862. day last, was one of the most hotly contested engage- ments of the war. At the close of the conflict in the who had participated in it or the loss we had sustained Mr. SuxrrmELD, (opp.) of R. T., argued that the Arst bill | i ited and wounded. But now that the noise of tho was, in effect, a Dill of attainder. and it took property emaugipation of the slaves. was in violation of the | that the rebels have been routed, the killed beon buried sviemn pledges tiade in July last not to interfere with | and the wounded nursed, wo understand the true charac- the could not be justified on the ground of necessity; for the ia strongest necessities of the war were upon the country | posing forces were engaged. Since the days of thegroat Napoleon, to say the least, I apprehend that the mar- down by the army, not by Tegisiation. és Mr. EEDGWIOK, (rep.) of N. Y., advocated an amond- He AG of no harder fighting nor of a more sangui- ditional section, setting forth that eleven States have | nary struggle So many {ragmentary reports of the bat- combined, ealliag themselves the “Confocerate States,” | ney ones y YY anced meat of the Ui States, and proposing, in view of this | plete, and most of them grossly incorrect, that immediate fact, that it @hall be the duty of every officer of anavalor | justice to all the gallant soldiers who took part.in the en- Claim or othetwire invite all loyal mon to come within the lines and be enrolled m the service of the Unifed | it incumbent on me to prepare tho following connected narrative of the whole affair. Most of tho fighting from As a reward fur such Crake, ~ pecrpers Je ys pos ir descendants treedom forever. He included not 3 ay henieraeoes t those of through which three roads that convorge near Williams. which he p |, to ‘give compensation or totheir | burgrun:so that it was impossible for avy one individual widows and orphans. He claimed the right to pass auch the course of his argument said, it would be an act of | battle. This narrative, however, after a personal exami- poetic justice to appoint Robert Small, the colored ran | pation of the field, iscompiled from widely diffused and “Governor of South Carolina,” and if Abraham Lingoln > was half as much Of a poet as he is a prophet | as entirely correct. FIRST PURSUIT OF THE ENEMY. Just as much right to dothisas to send Edward Stanly to North Carolina, or Wpdrew Jotrwon to Tenness9ea8 |< oy “g, \gunday morniog, a.’ full hid that stands in the way of agpes’y und honorable peace | of which TI sent you, General Stoneman, with may authorize the placing of ams in the handsof slayves— i : inthe hands of black, yellow, red or white men, Con. | fle:d batterics, including horse artillery, started in pur- suit of the retreating enemy. country, has power over the be ——s M2 war - sentinlly despotic to ~ Fe ne ec an re iwoted from distinguied authorities | About noon Gen. Hooker’s division left the canip in to show tat negroes, during the revolitiouary and the | front of Yorktown, followed by General Kearney’s divi- no danger to liberty could be apprehended from sue! 4 furces. a be navy bas receutly enlisted colored seamet marched towards Wilkamsburg, to support General Stoneman, and assist him in cutting off the onemy’s re- colored man, Jack dees not shrink trom fighting eid RK 0 knw 0 se OY se meet fat tte, Nobody. was atvaidar | tho cnemy, aud at different points aiong the road there cuploying colored seldiers excepting him ‘who |\ was oc casional skirmishing between them, Having pro- was apprehcusive of exasperating mon who wear girdies as orbamenis, aud gentlemen mgue be found to {| await the arrival of our jufantry. vote for the restoration of all ihe revels to thearmy and PONTION OF TLE TROOFS, investments in Confederate money, for feur these rebe i might become very despwrate if this be not done. There | Of Gen. Keyes’ corp#, on another road, on the left of a our own line, met Gen. Hocker’s at the intersection Mr. Wickuirre, (Union) of Ky.—For the last romark of ‘The battle of Williamsburg, which took place on Mon- evening no one knew the extent of the action, the troops without due process of law. ‘The secoud bill was for the | Dattle has ceased, and the smoke has disappeared; now the loca! institutions of ates, ‘This brewch of faith | 14, and maguitnde of the encounter in which the op- when we made that pledge. ‘The rebel:ion was to be put tial apnals of the world contain the record ment. He proposed to ofter to the Liberation Bill an ad- and have made war on and rebelled against tho govern- | ‘¢have appeared in print, allof them necessarily incom- miliary district in any portion of those States to pro | Parement, not less than the truth of history, has made Sur He meant by this any service, civil or military. morning until evening took place in and about the forest only the slaves of rebels, but those of loyal persons. & law under the war power in the constitution; and in | %e¢ more than the merest ingonsiderable portion of the who recently delivered a rebel steamer to Duyont’s fleet, | authentic sources of information, and may be relied upon he would send him thither in. that capacity. ‘There was. After the evacuation of Yorktown by the Governor of that State, He maintained thatceverytbing may be overthrown by the military power. Congrcss | several regiments of regular cavalry, followed by Nght gress, a8 the represontative of the sovereignty ‘of the ADVANCE OF THE INFANTRY. public safety. He quoted from distinguished authorities war with Eng’auc in 1812, made good soldiers, and that | gion noth belonging to General Heintzelman’s corps, and @ gun was ellectively served at Hutteras Inlet by a trent. Our eaviiry was close upon the rear guard of & gun and direct {ts tire. Nobody was afraid of theskulls and bones cf our deceased soldiers at thoir | ceeded five. or. six miles, prudence dictated « halt, to avy .tnd to compensate ther for the lows sustained by | General Smith’s division, which had lod the advance Was nots loyal slayekolder in this country — of the roads, and near the point where the cavalry had tho gentieman (Mr. Sedgwick) I cuil him to order. ‘yhe Sreakke said the geutieman wus not indulging in | halted, Gen, Smith’s division continued on the personalities. Yorktown road, while Gen. Hwoke at his Mr. Wiext -The statement that ‘there is not a own request, was permitted to file off a little to the left and tgke what is known as the Hampton road. Both these roads intersect again in the vicinity of Williamsburg. Nothing of special interest transpired during the remainder of the day. Late inthe afternoon General Sumner, who was the senior officer in command, contemplated an attack on the enemy; but the latouess of the hour, an imperfect mnowledge of the ground, and the exhaustion of the troops, some of whom x had worked all the previous night in the trenches, to- conto wig chic w peck rates and ra: | Pine wih aw. dculy of communicating. wich whenever they had an opportuwity. He doubted the | command, combined to postpone the attack until morn- power of Congress to pass the Confiscation bills now | ing. pending, and even if they possessed this power it would ‘THE MVOUAC—POFITION OF TUR TROOPS FOR THE NIGHT. ee ener It would neither strengtiven cd | _ The troops bivouacked that night in the following or- nor weaken our euemies. AB act Wus passed last July | der:—General Hooker’s division in front of the contre of the enemy’s works, near Williamsburg; Gencral confizeating the slaves of rebels, and he bind no doubt i was extensively cireulated among the rebeis, serving to | grains division and General Stoneman, with the advan.ce ‘The divisions imulate and exasperate them, and d them no more ate ee ttemupt to Lilla toad elesbaat by sion, | cavalry and artillery, on the right ‘wing. of Generals Kearney and Couch had halted in the rear, while other divisions occupied the positions assigned r in Uhis country,” is false, ‘Take your seat, sir. Mr, Wickurre—I will, sir, (Laughter.) Mr. Sxpa@wick remarked—You wiil always know where the blow will hit if you watch the progress of the snut, What he meant was this:—The man who is not anxious and williug to sacrifice the instituticn of slavery to save the country is not loyal. ‘This explanation he supposed would relieve his sensitive friend trom Kentucky. In conclusion, he said be would not leave one slave in the wake of our advancing armies. ‘Mr. Maynarp, (Union) of Tenn., did not believe the loyal slavebol The ing him in theeay. When the gentieman (Mr, ick) said * there were no loyal slavehoiders,” he did not speak with knowledge. i the gentleman fven, he (Mr. Maynard), bes. “~ men, who believed i them by the Genoral commanding. That was a fearful ht to hol @ description of propert; 3 wae right je x ript 7 Bo party, | night, and that a strange, eventful bivouac. The roads there under circumstances of the . Deing in a dreadfully muctdy condition, the troops had Potwonaloutrage, and thon vont further South, there to | bad a difficult march; and therogat night, without shel- linger aud die, because they would not take the outh of | ter from the rain, which was fast, without food or allegiance to the Confederate States; if the gentleman | pourighment, they all, officers and soldiers, reposed that . ick) bad seen these thi he (Mr. ard GS pana eke | samen rete bore ee Slavery wos pot the cause Febeliion, nur was the | among the furest trees. “+i ow ‘Agitation of the qdertion. It was seized upon as a pre- ‘Sautinsins If the rebels had not adopted this they would have seized on the cod fisheries and the navigation laws. On the morning of the 5th the march was resumed, An incidental remark called forth an observationfrom | and by six o'clock General Grover’s brigade, which led Me eae oO yap atthe inst Presidential cheering, | the advance of General Hooker's division, arrived within ferred Mr. Lincoin to Mr. Douglas, believing that | sight of wns enemy's works. It will be perceived from Fincoin was sounder on the slavery question than | the accompanying map that the rosd on which they ouglag. nh forest, from which it de- lied wont runs through @ heavy . Weatoaan Oe They did not hate Lincoln lese, | Pre ee vhrough felled Vimber tn front of Fort Magrnder, Mr. larry pete esi to revolutionize. ‘This work was about eight hundred yards distant, and Sevens. Vo.cms—That’s it. ’s strongest work. A ravine rons from Mr. Matmaxp then directed attention tom paragraph | Wa# the enemy's # from’ the Louisville Journal, showing that stringent | this point through the woods and along towards the measures should be adopted tyr the punishment of ihe | right. Fort Magruder le situated @ little beyond the rebels inviti 1@ atient! of the representative from that district t0 #ho su ” V® | junction of the Yorktown and Hampton roads, and ia Mr, Mattony, (Union) of {cl the paragraph did | quite « formidable fortifiention, th OFOKE MALT Tug Kear. idently meaut trying | ly halfa mile, with strong parapets and a ditch in rront, nob recom mend conhaentiony hevisently seu the rebels as traitors. He was javor and, if é found guilty, would bang th aud, ‘This principal work ts supported on either side by "Mr. Mayxarp, in conclusion, offered @ substitute pro. | other redoubte, each flanking the other and numbering fiery ope pen veneer ail persons | a dozen in Approaching from the south they are iv! comlor' @ ene! ic, concealed », (ep.) Of Mo., argued that Toternationad Drees apenas Ben ‘not ficable te the exixtg war. Whilo | Works are visible about a mile distant, Where the natn- he a - = i some measure to | ral growth brought the trees within a much nearer dis- intliet severest punishment upon those who obst! amco are attempting to break up the government, be+} been hecho oar Sarva rreetg det tensted the Honse wonld stop at the point which juatice | and to give free range to the rebel artillery. The opon and humanity No emg ‘The loading conspirators in this | space in front of the fort was filled with rifle pits. detestable rebellion should be #0 tronied ag to der ‘TR PRDOUPTS. 1 time fr : crers Some. men ad’ been fered tr “trivee | The othor redoubte aro loeated in excetlont positions. or over Umi ge into the goose ; therefore | These to the left-are erected on the oastera and south- it was melt sense or Policy to make | rn verges of an elevated plateau, which is welt pro m the whole people in the jasurrectionary States. : Tie oppored the bill providing for emancipation of tho | tected by winding ravines. Those on the right sweep slaves, arguing that it would accomplish nothing bened® | the open ground in that vicinity, one of them command: oe itis en cereal arming begroes, and mdvocated | ing a dam about one hundred yards long, across astroam “eat five ovclock the House took a recess till half-past | Which flows Into Queen's creek. The whole chain of feven e'clock, for the purpose of debate, earthworks commands the extensive undulating open EVENING SESSION. ground running across the entire peninsula, trem Queen's Bavewerr | creck on the right to Achershope creck on the loft, Mesers. Sravipino, Sancmant, Houwan and asked and obtained perinission to Print thelr speeches. | where the one emptios into the York and the other lato: the James river. Mr. Looms, (rep. yar Conn. , and that every je which will to @ fore euemy will apply aie ir force ff, A deem. WILLIAMBRURG, n - our duty and it to free the siaves of ever, Beyond, in the distance, is the mcient and beautifa, rebel. Mr. ARnote, of Tl), maintained that kindness town of Williamabe -¢, where, among other objects of in- rebels ie renee ey ‘thern'as an indication of woubeess terest, is situated th. well known College of William and omer P4 fea voniehtiont OF’ cet ers sesg Mary, which Virginians speak of with so much iove and 0 jc r crime. It io war of civilization against barbariem, and slay veneration. One principal, road tune through the town, exterminated, ba r bara f and it was ovor this road that the whole rebel army wag must be rotreatiog. The enemy had evidently determined to make s tem- Porary stand at Williamsburg, in order to successfully cover the retreat of his retiring columns, and save the baggage of hisarmy. On the other hand we were de- termined to press his rear, so as to render his flight both difficult and dangerous, In accordance with instructions from the commander of the corps, General Hooker's division first engaged the enemy. GENEKAL GROVER OVENS THE BATTLE. At half-past seven o’clock in the morning General Grover’s brigade opened the attack. A portion of the First Massachusetts regiment, under Lieuteuant Colonel Wolls, who has taken pride in drilling the regiment in the art of skirmishing, was deployed in front to the left of the Hampton road, tho remainder of the regiment being held in reserve under Colonel Cowdin. Two companies of the Second New Hampshire, Colonel Marston, were ordored to clear the edge of the timber, with inseructions to pick off the enemy’s sharp- shooters and aptillerists, while the other companies re- mained in tho rear. Subsequontly the Eleventh Massa. chusetts, Colonel Biaisdell, aud Twenty-sixth Pennsyl- vauia, Colonel Small, were placed in the same manner on the right of the Second New Hampshire, which was de- ployed as skirmishers. Early in the morning Colonel Small was wounded in the leg. Captain Weber's battery of artillory was sent in advance of the fallon timber, and about seven.or oight hundred yards from Fort Magruder THE FORT OPENR FIRE, FOLLOWED BY & REDOUBT. At this moment a terrific; fire was qpened from four guns in the fort and from two guns in one of the redoubts tothe left; and before our battery bad been placed in position several of the men, including two officers, had been stricken tothe ground by the fire of the enemy. ‘The drivers of the limbers could not stand the fire, and they rotired to the rear. Major Wainwright, commanding the artillery in the division, immediately galloped to the rear, and called for volunteers from Cap- tain Usborne’s ‘First New York battery, while, in the meantime, Captain Weber succeeded in rallying quite a number of hig own men. With commendable alacrity the volunteers from the other batiery came forward. Thus the four guns of battery H were manned and speedily in action, replying to the enemy's. artillery. Half an hour afterwards Captain Bramhall’s Sixth Now York battery came up, and five of his guns were placed to the right of those of Captain Weber’s. Both bat- teries now poured # most destructive fire into the ene- my’s position, whilo our infantry kept up well directed fasilade; and before nine o'clock in the morning the troops in front were dispersed, and the guns in the fort were silenced until late in the afternoon. These batteries wero well supported by the Fifth New Jersey regiment, Colonel Starr, | ts. ‘Drstodinow oF GExeRaL eNonT's COMMAND. General Heintzelman, who was on the field in person, ® little in tho rear, had sent Genoral Emory forward with a small command, which was afterwards increased to four regiments of infantry—the Third Michigan, Col. Champlin; Third Maine, Col. Staples; Fourth Maiue, Col. Walker, and tho Sixty-third Pemsylvania, Col. Hayes— with Bengon’s Second artillery, and two batteries from General Kearney’s division, all accompanied by Colone, Averill’s Third Pennsyivania cavalry. When Genera} Emory reached the front with the cavalry, he learned from General Hooker, who had immediate command, that the limited length of the line in that locality did not admit of an opportunity to bring his arm of the service into aetion at that time. General Emory, however, was sent with some of the force around along the rouds to the left and rear, to observe movements of the enemy which the woods concealed. In this re- gard Lieutenant McAlister, of the Engineer Corps, rendered valuable services, which were appre- ciated on the id. General Emory’s command had alittle skirmishing around among the fallen timber to the left, and near an opening within view of one of the redoubts, Asquadron of thecayalry took possession of the work, which was partly deserted, and captured s0- venty prisoners. The character of the country and the small force under his commrnd prevented General Emory making an effective domonstration in rear of the enemy. It was at this,point that a heavy edlumn, had it been, or could it have beén, pushed vigorously round to the left, might have reached the rear of Williamabarg” and surrounded large numbers Of the encmy. At the same time it should be remembered. that this was tho point at which the rebel reinforcements were coming at a double quick, having been recalled from the retreat to aid the already wavering fortunes of the enemy. It is @ problem in war, which only the se. quel could elucidate, whether a flanking column of our forces to onr left would have accomplished its object, or whetner it would have been overpowered by thesuperior numbers of the enemy. It would appear also that, after the guys at Fort Magruder had beon silenced in the morning, had troops enough been on tue field, a heavy columa.of infantry might have been pushed forward, pierced the enemy’s lines, and, getting in bis roar, captured quite a number of his forces. PROGRESS OF THE ENGAGEMENT. Quite early in the morning it was perceived that the ovemy was endeavoring to turn our flank to the left; for heavy firing was heard in that locality. The remaining companies of the First Massachusetts regiment were then deployed, and the Eloventh Masexchusetts’ and ‘Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania regiments, under General Grover, were ordered through the woods to outmanauvre the tactics of the enemy. Tho Twonty-sixth Peunsylva- nia, whore colonel was wounded, did not receive the order, and remained on the right, with little loss. , ANOTHER ABUSE OF THE FLAG OF TRUCE. While the Eleventh Massachasetts were engaged not more than fifty yards from the encmy, a rebel officer displayed a white flag and shouted, “ Don't fire on your friends * Colonel Biaisdell immediately ordered his re- giment to ecase firing,and when private Doherty ad- vanced totuke the flag the rebel officer said to bis men, “Now, boys, ge it to them.” The command was obeyed, and we lost a number of men in consequenee. Doherty was the first victim of this treachery; but, ere he fell, he had discharged his riffle at the oflicer, who re- ceived retributive justice in the form of a bullet through the head, When the ammunition of the First Massachu- setts regiment, which fought bravely, bad bocome ex- pended, the regiment was relieved by the Seventy-second New York, Lieutenant Colonel Moses, which was in turn replaced by the Seventieth New York, Colonel Dwight, Doth of the Excelsior brigade, ‘THE THIRD KLERLSIOR REGIMENT. In obedience te an order, Licusenant Colonel Moses pushed his regiment in front for the purpose of sileneing @ battery whioh was annoying us on the left. It was only when confronted with & most murderous fire, and bearing in mind the liability of having his command cut offfrom support, unless Goneral Frank Patterson, already engaged, should immediately succeed in dislodging the enemy in front, that ho was prudently ordered to retire to bis original position, where he was then relieved by the A Rewer oer, FIRST RXCRLSIOR REGIMENT, or Soeventicth regiment of New York Volun- teers, Colonel Dwight. The first rebel regimeny whieh confronted this mistook it for one of its own side, and the commanding officer, dictated by bis mistrust, de- manded of Colonel Dwight to show his colors. At the same time the rebol flag was displayed by the rebe; color bearer; then our standard was raised, and the Stars and Stripes waved in defiance of the ensign of the enemy. No sooner had the good old flag been espicd than a volley, was discharged at our men; but it passed over sneir heads. The fre was returned with good effect. ™. MIGHT WAXES WARM. ‘This rebel regiment was soon supported by anothers and both wore successfully engaged by ours. Dwight received,a slight wound in the leg, and Lieuten- ant Colonel Farnum, 1g Severely wounded, was car- ried w the rear, Still the regiment fought with deter- mined bravery against superior numbers, and as we wero gaining tho advantage, Colonel Dwight ordered his Tegiment to charge through the fatien timber, The sol- diers, with tremendous cheers, advanced upon the rebels, who were put to flight, and thus the flag which the rebels bad demanded to be shown proved to be triumph. ant, The soldiers in the Seventicth regiment maintained thoir position as long as any ammunition In their car- touch boxes remained unexponded; and then, as oar sup- ply train, by reason of the muddy eonéitien of the roads, had not yet come up, they still presented an obsti- nate front, and held their vantage ground with cartridges taken from the boxes of their dead and wounded com: rades around them. Reinforcements sti confronted us, and the favorite projest of the enemy to outflank us was continued. DRATH OF CAPTAIN WILLARD. Ceptain Willard, ,of the Seventy-second regiment, when calling attention to the inercasing fire on the left, foll dead while he was speiking, a bullet baying hit him in the head, HOW CORONEL DWIGHT WAS WOENDED. The enemy, thus reinforced, pressed vigorously to the frofft, and while Colonel Dwight was still endeavoring to resist this additional onslaught he received two danger- ous wounds, and, with several of his men, was taken pri- evacuated, he was found by General Jameson. Out of thirty-three commissioned officers in this regiment who ‘Went into the action, twenty-two were killed and wound. 4. Both the Seventieth and the Seventy-secoud regi- ments displayed the most valorous conduct on this ceca- Sion. OPERATIONS OF GENERAL PATTERSON'S BRIGADE. ‘The engagement had now assumed extensive propor- tions, the infantry and artillery keeping up @ continuous and destructive fire. Ali of General Patterson’s New Jersey brigade, except the Eighth regiment, had pre- viously arrived on the ground. Twe regiments—the Sixth, Lieut. Col. Van Lear, and the Seventh, Col. Car. Inan—were conducted by Gen. Pavterson through the fo- Test to assist in repelling another attempt of the enemy to turn our left flank. They occupied the heavy timben which intercepted our view of the enemy's works, When they advanced they were also met by fresh regi- ments of the enemy, and for a time the advantage alter- Rated between the centending forces, and the tide of battle was seen to ebb and flow on either side, seeming uncertain as to the issue. As well as the forces of the enemy, our regiments which, while firing, were lying down, still suffered severely, until, at an opportune mo. ment, Colonel Johnéon came up with the Eighth New. Jersey, in time to check the flanking fire of the enemy, which was rapidly running round to the left. Heavy firing soom broke out on the right of this command, and was also handsomely repulsed, Again the orders of rebel officers in the woods, to the front and rear, demonstrated that the attempt which bad previously been unsuccess. fully made to turn our left were resumed; and this time, as before, after a protracted struggle, the enemy was again foiled im bis attempt. GENERALS BRINTERLMAN’S AND SUMNER’S COMMANDS UNITED | From tho first it seemed a subject of solicitude to have General Heintzelman’s command join that of General Sumner im line of battle on the Yorktown road tothe right. This having been effected, General Hooker, abouts haif-past eleven o'clock, despatched to General Heintzel- man’s Assistant Adjutant General a note, in whichhe said,‘T have had a hard contest all the morning, but do not derpair of success, My men are all at work, but great deal exhausted. It is reported to me that my com- munication with you by the Yorktown road is clear of the enemy. Batteries, cavairy and infantry can take part by the side of mine and whip the enemy.” This was sen® toa point on the Yorktown road, under the impression that General Heintzelman was still there, whereas that gal'ant and intrepid soldier was near the Hampton road, where the fighting was severest, cheering on the long ex- pected and welcomed reinforcements. HOW GENERAL SUMNER LEARNED THAT REINFORCEMENTS WERE REQUIRED. ‘This note, therofore, was not received by Genera, Heintzelman, but was returned to General Hooker open» and on the envelope endorsed ‘opened and read by the senior officer on that field,” who was General Sumner. It would seem that this timely note of Genera! Hooker had the effect of infusing renewed energy into our command- ers on the right; for about noon General Peck received orders to proceed to the front in’ support of Genera? Hooker. GENERAL PECK’S BRIGADE ADVANCES. He urged on his command, which went through the deep mud and drenching rain with commendable alacrity- He was met by General Keyes, commander of the Fourth: corps, who gave him some instructions, and ac- companied on the field by General Couch, who advised the disposition of his troops. Notwith- standing tbe fearful condition of the roads, two batteries—Captain Fleod’s and Captain McCarty’, Pennsylvania artillery—came up to assist General Peck’® brigade, and later in the day the troops were placed within supporting distance. Atan earlier hour Generap Haneook’s brigade had been ordered still further to the right, about a mile and a half from the Yorktown road, for the purpose of taking possession of a work which command- ed adam across a tributary to Queen’s creek, and which had been deserted by the enémy early in the morning, with further instructions to attempt to turn the enemy’s left. GENERAL BANCOCK'S DRIGADE CAPTURES TWO REBEL WORES General Hancock, with the principal portions of the Fifth Wisconsin regiment, Colonel Cobb; the Sixth Maine, Colonel Burnham; the Forty-ninth Pennsylvania, Colonel Irwin; the Seventh Maine Colonel Mason, and the Thirty. third New York, Colonel R. F. Taylor—in all about two thousand five hondred men—and supported by Lieu- tenant Cowan's and Capt, Wheeler's batteries of artillery crossed the creek, and took possession of the work, aud also of another about twelve hundred yaras in advance, toward Fort Magruder, both of which, for the time being, were deserted by the enemy. THE CONTINUATION AND HEAT OF THE RATTLE. About this time our whole line from rignt to left was engaged with the enemy, who was still bringing up retn- forcements—among which was Longstreet’ division, eon- sidered one of the finest divisions in the rebel service— which were still being recalfd by the commanding gene- ral of the rebel forces from beyond Williamsburg. Among these wero the commands of the rebel Generals Pryor, Gohison, Early and Pickett, which the prisoners wohave taken say had the reputation of being among the best troops inthe rebel army. At this time,asT have said, between two and three o'clock in the after- noon, our whole line was determinedly resisting the ob- stinate efforts of the enemy to drive us back and win the day. - THE EXCELSIOR BRIGADE AGAIN. To the left the Now York regiments command- ed by Colonel Nelson Taylor were cracking away with unremitting energy. The Seventy» third, Colonel Brewster, and Seventy-fourth, Colonel Burtis, bad just proceeded to strengthen that part of the line, which throughout the day the enemy continued to press with a vigor which indicated that the turning of our left fank was the most important part of General Johnston’s plan. The Seventicth and Seventy- second on the left of the road, and the Seventy-third and Seventy-fourth on the right, advanced and poured a: most effective fire inte the rebel regiments, which were. Still pressing our position with wonderful tenacity. THe EFFECT OF THE YUNG FROM THE REBEL WORKS. At the same time the rebel artillery in Fort Magruder and the redoubt to its right (our lett) reopened with shot ‘and shell, which made terrible havoc among the forest trees, much more than among our mon. The woods in every direction bear the marks ‘not enly of shot an@ shell from the artillery, but from the murketry Ore on either side. Treetops dropped off as though they had becn heads severed from human bodies by the keenest sword.’ The blood of the noble fellows who fell in the contest covered the ground in some places, and mingled with the rain. The dead were lying in every direction, and the wounded formed a long, mournful procession, ag they were conveyed to the rear. Many, however, were ‘not found when night closed upon the scene, and they ‘were necessarily left on the ficld till the morning dawned. The felled trees, forming an effective abatis, presented rene obntagen to hg ndzanee of our men, and many wore shot in climbing over them. > LIBUTENANT COLONEL BENEDICT. ‘ It was at this period that Lieutenant Colonel Benedict, of the Seventy-third New York, who was always fo the advance, must have been taken prisoner, These troops fought in the most gallant manner, and, when their am- munition was almost expended, fell slowly back Dehind our batteries, which kept the rebels in check, until, having received fresh supplies of ammunition, which just thon arrived, our regiments advanced again and kept up the contest until relieved by reinforcements later in the afternoon. ‘THE JERSEY BRIGADE. General Patterson's brigade, consisting of the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth regiments New Jersey Volunteers, continued to engage the enemy in the position it had taken in support of our left. Occasion- ally the line would waver before the fre frem fresh troops which was pouring in upon jt. Culonel Van- Lear and Majer Ryerson were killed, and Colonel Johnsom. and Colonel Carman wounded. The brigade, however; held the position, and disputed the right of the enemy. to advance, sustaining for seven hours a terrible and galling fire, holding thir ground against vastly superior numbers, figt Hike tigers and with the coolness and tact of veterans, when the fresh troops on our sie relieved them from the task, and drove the rebele from the ground. No troops ever sustained a more de. structive fire, or displayed better discipline of more de. termined gallantry. The number of the brigade was only two thousand, and its onsualticn in killed and. wounded are more than eight handred. Francia Price, commanding the Seventh regiment ‘the fail of Lioutenant Colonel Carman, was tiie only line officer who escaped injury of the brigade, and was particularly distinguished for his intrepidity, and his regiment for the display of heroic obstinacy. This regiment was de prived of the presence of {te Colonel, J. W. Revere din, officer of large experience and great gallantry, All honor: to the Jersey Blués, wire so gallantly bem their ground and fought like veterans. The old Revolutionary blood bas again shown itself, and Jersey is entitied tq a high place in the glorious Union, Her song nobly withstood the great shock of this battle, poner by the enemy, He was carried by hig envtured | Tue Eleventh Massachusetts, im Generel Grover’s