SUNDAY
JANUARY 26, 1862
THE DAILY TRUE DELTA (LA)

Run the Blockade—Arrival of Lieutenant Parker in Richmond.—Lieut. J. H. Parker, of the United States steam sloop Dacotah, has made his escape from the Lincolnites, and arrived in Richmond on the 18th. He had many hair-breadth escapes, and comes south to offer his services to his native land. . . . The Dispatch says:

Upon arriving at New York, Commander McKinstry administered the oath to support the constitution to officers and crew, Lieut. Parker declaring, however, that he took it upon the condition that it bound him only so long as he was an officer in the Federal navy. He was then detached, with two weeks leave of absence, without restriction. In due time he came to Maryland, sent in his resignation by mail, and set about making his escape across the Potomac, in which he encountered great difficulty and much suffering, owing to exposure and the very cold weather.

Lieut. P. has been eighteen months absent. His ship, the Dacotah, is the fastest in the Yankee navy, and the government is quite pleased at her arrival. He found the people in the West Indies warmly sympathizing with the Southern Confederacy. In New York he was delighted to find all southern men in feeling, in the very best of spirits, while it was evident that the republicans and Union men were deeply despondent.

In Baltimore he found the southern feeling much stronger than he could have supposed possible, and in tide-water Maryland nearly a unanimous sentiment in favor of the Confederate States. He comes to offer his services to his country. He is an experienced sailor and an accomplished officer. We only regret that at present we have not a field fitting for the exploits of him and those gallant southern officers who abandoned the Yankee navy, and who have given up their offices there to rally to the cause of their native land.

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From the Tennessee Forts.—The Fort Henry correspondent of the Nashville Union writes as follows:

Fort Henry, Jan. 20, 10A.M.—The enemy have not reached us yet, although we expect them every hour. The steamer Dunbar, under charge of Major Barbour, went down yesterday to within twenty-five miles of Paducah. He had a conversation with a reliable person at Agner’s Ferry, who told him that only four companies of Dutch infantry landed there, instead of twenty-five hundred, as stated in my last. This force marched to Murray’s, a distance of sixteen miles, where they made a junction with the forces under Gen. Smith.

Our pickets went yesterday within view of the enemy’s encampment at Murray, and report that they have from six to ten thousand infantry, two thousand cavalry, and thirteen pieces of artillery. We do not know positively whether they will march on this fort or on Paris, in Henry county, Tennessee.

The rains yesterday and to-day are very heavy, and the water courses and roads are almost impassable, which will necessarily impede their movements.

We are working hard here night and day, notwithstanding the mud and rain.

Gen. Tilghman reached here yesterday from Fort Donelson, and informs us that General B. R. Johnson, of Nashville, has taken command at Fort Donelson.

We expect some eight hundred men here to-day from Fort Donelson.

A Water Skirmish.—A little skirmish took place in Mobile bay on the 19th, between a Confederate and a Federal vessel, of which the Tribune says:

The Confederate schooner Alert, T. L. Dornin, master commanding, as we are informed, on Monday, 19th, saw two vessels to the westward of Dauphin Island, where she was at anchor, making for the eastward, towards the blockading vessels. One was a very large transport, the other a small schooner-rigged steamer. The steamer upon seeing the position of the Alert to be near to Dauphin Island, in the sound, came up as near as she could, and opened a broadside with three guns, which fell half a mile short of the Alert. The Alert immediately got under way and returned the fire with her rifled gun, which it was thought went beyond her. The steamer fired nine shots and the Alert three. The Alert’s last shell seemed to explode near the steamer’s bow, when she steamed immediately away, leaving the Alert at her post.

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The North Carolina Arsenal.—Captain John C. Booth, superintendent of the North Carolina arsenal and foundry, situated at Fayetteville, writes to the Baton Rouge Gazette as follows:

My foundry will cover about three or four acres. My laboratory is shaping itself into a chef d’oeuvre¹, and I have the best chief in the world. I am getting out timber for one hundred field batteries and five hundred heavy gun carriages; the latter, however, will be made principally of iron. My rifle factory has just begun work, and we ship to-morrow one hundred to Richmond. The I am building a railroad connecting me with the road to the iron and coal mines, which also gives me communication with the river and steamboats. You will get a better idea of the magnitude of any establishment from the statement of fact, that the government has contracted for ten thousand tons of pig iron, to be delivered here, with the privilege of increasing the amount to twenty thousand tons.

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Sugar Refinery.—It has been supposed by the great mass of our people that the finer articles of clarified and refined sugars could not be produced in the south, owing to the want of skill, want of the proper machinery, &c., &c. Such suppositions are now scattered to the winds by the stubborn fact that A. Thompson & Co., of the Crescent City Steam Sugar Refinery, at Tchoupitoulas street, are now producing double-refined loaf, crushed, granulated, clarified, &c., equal, if not superior, to any ever, furnished by the sugar refineries of New York or St. Louis. Samples of their sugars have been furnished us, and may be seen at our counting-room.

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A young widow woman named McDonald was discharged from Col. Boone’s regiment, at Paraquet Springs, Kentucky, last week, where she had been serving as a private, dressed in regimentals, for some time. This was her second offense, she having once before been discharged from a regiment.

MONDAY
JANUARY 27, 1862
THE PORTLAND (ME) DAILY ADVERTISER

Fishermen in the Navy.

Mr. Editor:--Having seen several articles in the Advertiser lately, urging the Fishermen of New England to join the Navy, in consideration of their having so long received the fishing bounty, and as we are largely in the fishing business in this town, and as we are largely in the fishing business in this town, we deem it but just to give the reason why so few of us have joined the navy.

First, it is not because we are indifferent to the calls of our country in its hour of need; for no fewer than 120 men have gone from this town to help sustain the honor of the flag; and although the most of these were qualified for the navy, and would have preferred that to other service, yet three quarters of these have joined the army. One reason for this is the difference in the pay. A few figures will show this.

A soldier receives his clothes, $13 per month, and $100 bounty at the end of the war; now suppose that end to come in one year, his pay is $256.

In the navy the highest pay is $18 per month, with no bounty, and his clothes to pay out of his wages, which for one year could not be less than $50, leaving him at the end of the year $166, or $90 less than the soldiers. But if the war should end in six months, the difference would be still more—the soldiers getting $178, the sailors $76.78—and this is allowing him to pay nothing for his clothes, except what he has to pay when he joins, and this does not include boots or stockings. And to those of us who have families to provide for, this difference of pay is a consideration of some moment. Let government offer us the same pay in the navy as it offers in the army, and the proportion of our men would be reversed.

Another fact. By act of Legislature, towns are obliged to provide for the families of those who join the army. No such provision is made for those who join the navy. Another reason why we do not feel the force of those appeals, is the manner of disposing of the bounty. In this State our vessels are so fitted, that we do not directly receive any of the bounty, although it is conceded that we receive an equivalent, in not having to pay bills which men have to pay in other States, where they receive a part of the bounty direct from Government. Yet as we often settle for our fishing voyage before the bounty is paid, and when it is paid the owners getting it all, many do not feel any particular interest in it.

Fisherman.
Boothbay, Jan. 1862.

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Embezzlement of a Letter.—George W. Carpenter, of Lewiston, a lad about 14 years of age, on the 22d inst., took from the Post Office in that town, a letter directed to Dorcas Grant, which contained a $10 U.S. Treasury Note. Carpenter was arrested on Friday by U.S. Marshal Clark, brought to this city, and is held for his appearance before U.S. Commissioner G. B. Jackson to-day.

War Facts and Rumors.

St. Louis, Jan. 26.—Several secessionists in this city, recently assessed for the benefit of the South-western fugitives, by order of Gen. Halleck, having failed to pay their assessments, their property has been seized within a day or two past, under execution to satisfy the assessment, with 26 per cent, additional, according to General Order No. 24. Yesterday Samuel Euyler, a prominent merchant, one of the assessed, had a writ of replevin² served on the provost marshal, for property seized from him, whereupon he and his attorney were arrested an d lodged in the Military prison to-day.

Gen. Halleck issued a special order directing the Provost Marshal General to send Euyler beyond the lines, and notify him not to return without permission of the Commanding General, under penalty of punishment according to the laws of war.

St. Louis, Jan. 26.—Official report just received from the expedition sent from Cape Girardeau to Benton and Bloomfield, captured Lieut. Col. Framer and 11 other officers and 68 privates, with a quantity of arms, horses, saddles, etc. Most of the rebel officers were surprised and captured in a ball-room.

New York, Jan. 26.—Special dispatches from Washington, state that [Assistant] Secretary Fox, of the Navy, feels confident that the Burnside expedition has, ere this, struck a blow at a point which, with the advance of General Buell into Tennessee, will cut off all rebel communications with Virginia and the States south of it.

General McClellan interprets the absence of all news from the Burnside expedition by a flag of truce to Fortress Monroe as favorable, as if the expedition had failed. We should hear of such a fact through rebel sources.

The Norfolk Day Book of Saturday, contains nothing of Gen. Burnside’s expedition except a paragraph on the weather, saying that it is under the impression that the Burnside expedition is the cause of it all.

. . . the Newbern Progress of Thursday last, . . . says in reference to the reported presence of the fleet in Pamlico sound, “up to this writing, Wednesday, we are not sure that there is now or ever has been a Yankee gunboat over the Swash at Hatteras or not.”

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From Port Royal.—A private letter from Port Royal, says that on the 10th, Valle’s and Stevens’ brigades, in which are the 8th and 9th Maine regiments, numbering 5000 men, attacked 9000 rebels, and were victorious. The enemy’s loss was over 50; the Federals had one man killed and nine wounded. A masked battery, which appears to be a favorite dodge of the rebels, was taken at the point of the bayonet. It was not discovered until it opened upon them at twelve rods distant . . . the writer remarks that the steel attached to the end of the Springfield rifle is a perfect terror to the rebels. The men are being hardened up by constant drill and march, and it is thought, for excursions inland.

TUESDAY
JANUARY 28, 1862
LOWELL DAILY CITIZEN & NEWS (MA)

Southern Gleanings.—The mayor of New Orleans has closed all the gambling-houses in that city, being determined to break up the business if possible.

The rebel legislature of Virginia has directed the governor to cause a suitable monument to be erected to the memory of ex-President Tyler in Holywood Cemetery, near Richmond, where his remains have been deposited.

The Richmond Examiner says that Gov. Letcher made a beast of himself one day last week, in going into the house of delegates in a drunken condition, with a cigar in his mouth, making himself a spectacle for the whole house and a butt for the jokes of the gallery.

The legislature of South Carolina has passed an act authorizing a loan of one million dollars to rebuild the burnt district of Charleston. The loss was ten millions.

The New Orleans Delta of the11th inst., says that all the towns on the lake coast are being deserted, and the inhabitants, with their slaves, are moving into the interior.

A telegraphic dispatch to the Richmond Dispatch, dated Charleston, South Carolina, January 22d, states that twenty federal vessels were seen that day off Charleston bar. The federals were busy stripping the rigging from the hulks, evidently intending to sink more stone-laden vessels.

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From Mexico.—The latest advices from Mexico are that the allies are greatly displeased with their reception. They accuse Miramon of deception. Expecting to find a strong, friendly party, they find the population as one man against them, and realize that their present forces are entirely inadequate to the task before them. Already an outbreak, attended with bloodshed, had taken place between a French and Spanish regiment. In consequence it was decided that the French forces were to land at Tampico, where, according to previous advices, resistance will be made, the English at the same time to attack Matamoras. The allies already differed among themselves on a number of trifling points, and the relative position of their flags had been changed three times.

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Arrival of a Prize.—The bark Jurgen Loerentzen Reimer, has arrived at New York in charge of prize master Lieutenant Geraude, in fifty-six days from Rio Janeiro, bound to Havana for orders, with a cargo of 4,800 bags of coffee. She was captured December 26, in lat. 7 deg. N., lon. 38 deg. 30 min. W., by the United States ship Morning Star, in consequence of some informality in her papers, as her destination was supposed to be New Orleans.

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A brute named Thomas Dilworth shot his wife in Solebury, Pa., last Sunday week. It appears she was about to join the Baptist church, to which he was opposed, and he told her if she joined the church he would shoot her. She started from home to go to church, on Sunday, when he took down the gun and discharged its contents at her.

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The balmoral skirt manufacture has become almost a speculative mania in Berkshire county. They are produced by hand and power looms both, and their superior texture and beautiful colors give them precedence in the market. The supply not being equal to the demand, not less than 86 new looms have recently been started on these goods, mostly at Pittsfield.

Mr. Burlingame Among the Celestials.—The safe arrival of our minister to China has been heretofore announced. The Boston Journal, on the authority of a private letter, gives some account of his movements. He had visited Canton, where, accompanied by Consul Perry, the interpreter and others, he visited the governor of two provinces said to number thirty-five millions of people. Mr. Burlingame and his friends, on proceeding to the governor’s residence, were borne in chairs, the bearers dashing on with haste, crying, “Get out of the way, a great man is coming.” The account proceeds:

The governor received his visitors with much dignity, and entertained them in true Chinese style. He returned the visit of Mr. Burlingame on board the Hankow, a fine American steamer which had been placed at the disposal of the latter. As the hour for the visit drew near couriers began to arrive with his card, informing the American minister that the great man was on his way. Presently his junk hove in sight, on which was unfurled a gorgeous banner emblazoned with Chinese characters. A large blue awning shaded the vessel. In a room in the center of the boat sat the dignified old governor, entirely by himself. His retinue, consisting of thirty of forty persons, were in other parts of the junk.

As the governor came on board the American steamer he was met by Consul Perry and conducted to the entrance of the cabin, where he was received by Mr. Burlingame and escorted to a seat. A globe near where he sat at once engaged his attention, and he examined it with much curiosity, noting the continent of America, &c. He walked all over the steamer, showing an intelligent interest in everything. After an entertainment in the American style, the governor and his suite left, apparently highly pleased with their visit.

Mr. Burlingame remained in Canton about a week, the guest of Mr. Forbes, of the house of Russell & Co. While there he met the American residents and addressed them on the state of things at  home.

At the last advices Mr. Burlingame was at Hong Kong (November 15th) intending to leave soon for Macao and Shanghai. He would probably establish the legation at the latter place.

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State Legislature.—In the senate, yesterday, the bill relating to the study of agriculture in schools was amended so as to provide that it “shall be taught by lectures or otherwise, in all the public schools in which the school committee deem it expedient.” The bill concerning religious services in public schools was discussed at some length.

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The kind of reception which Mason and Slidell are likely to receive in England may be inferred from the tone of the London Times. That journal says, “they are about the most worthless booty it would be possible to extract from the jaws of the American lion, having been long known as blind and habitual haters and revilers of England.” The Times sincerely hopes “that Englishmen will not give these fellows anything in the shape of an ovation. The civility due to a foe in distress is all they can claim.” The other English papers hold similar views of the rebel “envoys.”

WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 29, 1862
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT & STATE GAZETTE

Nothing but Talk.—The New York World of yesterday spoke as follows:

Gold three per cent. premium in Wall street yesterday, and the rising rate; and Congress does nothing but talk.

The tide of specie setting in heavily for England; yet Congress does nothing but talk.

The exchanges of the country, foreign and domestic, in wild disorder; yet Congress does nothing but talk.

The currency of the nation in a process of degradation, while values are unsettling; yet Congress does nothing but talk.

Not a dollar to be found in the federal treasury on the 5th of January, (see Mr. Chase’s speech;) yet Congress does nothing but talk.

An irredeemable currency, inflated values, monetary discredit, commercial dishonor, repudiation, certain disunion, an abrupt and ignominious termination of the war—all imminent; yet Congress does nothing but talk.

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St. Louis.--From all accounts it appears that St. Louis has suffered terribly by reason of the war.  A letter from there says every interest for the time has been prostrated; rents have been reduced from 50 to 75 per cent. and then not paid; real estate a burden, from excessive taxation, and the impossibility of converting into other securities; our courts suspended, and our streets busy only in the labors of preparation for war.  Other accounts say, such is the prostration of business, that from 60,000 to 70,000 inhabitants are supposed to have left the city, leaving whole rows of stores and dwellings without an occupant.  This is true, even on the principal streets.  It is stated as a fact that elegant stores which last year rented $4,000 per annum now lease at the rate of $25 per month, and a large proportion of citizens are able to pay nothing at all.  Activity is observable only in the movement of troops and military preparations.

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The Plunderers' War.--The war which we are waging nominally for the preservation of the Constitution and the Union, has thus far been conducted mainly for the benefit of treasury plunderers. The N. Y. Times, a Republican paper, says: "We are assured that for weeks Gen. McClellan demanded a full supply of pontoon bridges, absolutely essential to his operations, but could not get them; that 25,000 stand of arms, the best in the world, were kept in this city for weeks, under his incessant and urgent requisition for them, because Pennsylvania contractors had not been able to levy their exactions upon them.  And these are but two of the many instances that might be cited to the same effect. The mighty interests of the nation have been made subordinate to the create avarice of swindling contractors.  The war department has been virtually in the hands and at the mercy of men who care nothing for the sufferings of the people, except as they may serve their own hands, fists and give them a chance to enrich themselves out of the calamities of the country."

Unity.--The Boston Journal started the slanderous story that "the greater part of the population" of the town of Unity in this State, are "avowed secessionists"--that they "have raised a company to resist taxation for the support of the war," &c.  This shameful libel was then copied and gloried over by the Republican papers of this State, who delight to circulate the Boston Journal's pestiferous lies.  The Selectmen of Unity have published a card in which they stamp these statements as "a gross falsehood and utterly destitute of truth from beginning to end." This will be no news to anyone; while the authors and circulators of these statements knew them to the false and malignant libels, and all sensible people must have the thus regarded them.  Yet the whole Republican press, and even the Congregational Journal, have given these atrocious slanders their full endorsement.  And why?  Because "the greater part" of the people of Unity are Democrats, and if these papers seem to regard lying about and slandering Democrats as the most worthy employment they can engage in.  That is the way they expect to "unite the people and do away [with] party feeling."

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Abolition Traitors.--The Manchester American goes in zealously for the abolition of slavery as the chief end of the war.  It publishes columns in favor of that that reasonable scheme.  The Independent Democrat and other papers in this state go the same doctrine.  This is just as treasonable as secession, just as wicked as open and armed rebellion.  These abolition emancipation traitors are disunionists; they advocate the emancipation scheme because they know that it will render the restoration of the Union impossible.  Many of them have the honesty to declare that they would prefer disunion to the Constitution as it has been from the days of the Fathers.  As the Newburyport Herald, a Republican paper, truly says, "under the cry of war for the Union they propose what will ensure its dissolution; and at the moment when the enemy is to be encountered at several points, and the turning battles are to be had, their action is such as will strengthen the enemy, and give fresh power and courage to the rebellion.  Secession, and unconditional, absolute emancipation tend to the same ends--they are war to-day and destruction to-morrow.  The Union is to be restored on its old basis, or not at all."

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A bill was reported to the Senate on Wednesday, from the committee on the conduct of this war, authorizing the President at any time when the public service may require, to take possession of all railroads and telegraph lines, their employees, workshops, and appurtenances necessary to their successful operation, and makes it an offense punishable with death, on conviction by a court martial, for any person to resist the government in taking such possession.  The bill contains a provision for the appointment of three commissioners to assess the amount of damages resulting to such railroads or lines of telegraph thus used by the government, and for the payment of their employees.  The possession by government it is to be released as soon as the public interests will permit.

THURSDAY
JANUARY 30, 1862
THE PITTSFIELD SUN (MA)

THE NAVY DEPARTMENT UNDER GOVERNOR TOUCEY.
From the Hartford Times.

The Hon. Isaac Toucey has been repeatedly charged by the Republicans with having sent abroad the vessels of the Navy for the purpose of aiding secession.  Senators Sumner said, in a speech delivered in New York, last November:

"The Navy was so far it disbursed or dismantled, that on the 4th of March, when the new administration came into power, there were no ships to enforce the laws, collect the revenues, or protect the National property in the rebel ports.  Out of 72 vessels of war, then counted as our Navy, it appears that our whole available force at home was reduced to steamer Brooklyn, carrying 25 guns, and the store-ship Relief, carrying 2 guns."

The Senate, at the extra session of Congress, appointed a Select Committee to investigate the affairs of the Navy, and Senator John P. Hale, of New Hampshire, was appointed the chairman.  Among other witnesses summoned by this committee was the Hon.  Isaac Toucey.  He repaired to Washington and gave his testimony, under oath, to the committee, on the 18th of November last.  He was questioned with regard to the disposal of the navy vessels under his direction, and he testified as follows:

Secretary Toucey's Evidence.

"The Navy Yard at Gosport was not, as I thought, in any danger until Virginia should secede from the Union.  It was believed to be fully protected by the Pennsylvania, the Plymouth, the Merrimack, and the marines stationed there.  The Cumberland arrived there before the Navy Yard was taken.  I have no doubt about the safety of the yard.  I took the precaution to send a very capable and faithful officer of the Navy, Capt. Powell, upon a secret mission to the yard, to confer with the veteran officer, Commodore McCauley, who was in command there, and to see that nothing was wanting to secure its safety.  His report was entirely satisfactory to me.  I was aware that a considerable portion of the Home Squadron and Naval force at home could be called in aid, should occasion require it.  The Home Squadron was unusually large.  It consisted of the Powhatan, Sabine, Brooklyn, St. Louis, Pocahontas, Pawnee, Mohawk, Water Witch, Wyandotte, Crusader, Cumberland, Macedonian, Supply--most of them steamships. The sloop-of-war Plymouth, the practice ship, was in condition at Norfolk.

"The steamer Anacosta was in condition at Washington.  The frigate Constitution, having been thoroughly repaired, was anchored at Annapolis, in aid of the Naval Academy.  The great steamships Colorado, Minnesota and Mississippi at Boston, and the Wabash at New York, had been thoroughly repaired and secured, and could be put to sea in two weeks; the Merrimack, at Norfolk, in three weeks; the Roanoke, in dock at New York, in five or six weeks.  Of the above vessels, constituting the ready naval force at home, fifteen are steamers.  It was equal to any emergency likely to arise.  It could not have been greater without withdrawing or crippling the squadrons on foreign stations and neglecting the protection of our commerce and our citizens in foreign parts.  The Mediterranean Squadron consisted of a but three ships; the Brazil Squadron of three ships only; the East India Squadron of four ships only; the Pacific of six only, for the whole coast of North, South and Central America; and African Squadron of seven vessels, being somewhat less than required by our treaty with Great Britain.

"There were at the Navy Yards eight old ships-of-the-line, not fit for sea service, which might be converted into effective steam frigates, as I recommended in my annual report of Dec. 1, 1860.  There were also five frigates out of repair, which I also recommend it should be razeed and converted into effective sloops-of-war.  Both these measures were recommended by a board of naval officers, but Congress did not make the necessary appropriation.  There were also six sloops-of-war, which had within a few months previous returned from their regular cruises on the coast of Africa and South America and the East Indies, lying at the Navy Yards, which might have been repaired, but the department had not the means.  Congress had cut down the appropriations for the current year a million dollars below the estimates, not anticipating the necessity which subsequently occurred.

"I had no information that the Navy Yard at Pensacola was in any danger in the month of December, 1860, but I began then to take measures of precaution.  On the 24th of December, 1860, I issued an order to the sloop-of-war St. Louis, carrying 20 guns, then at Vera Cruz, to proceed to Pensacola.  On the 5th of January, 1861, I ordered the sloop-of-war Macedonian to Pensacola, by telegraph.  She was then at Portsmouth, N.H., ready for sea, with her officers and men on board, carrying 22 guns.  On the 9 January I ordered the frigate Sabine to Pensacola.  The order was given on that day.  She was at Vera Cruz, and carried 50 guns.  On the 8th of January I issued an order to the Crusader, at Pensacola, where she had gone for repairs, to proceed to Tortugas, and on the arrival of the troops which had been sent there, to return immediately to Pensacola.

"On the 3d of January I issued an order to Commodore Armstrong, then in command of the Navy Yard at Pensacola, prompting him to be vigilant to protect the public property, and to co-operate with Fort Barrancas.  The order was received by him on the 9th of January.  On the 12th he surrendered the Navy Yard to a regiment of armed men, who demanded it in the name of the State of Florida.  For this he was tried and condemned by Court-Martial.  After the surrender of the Navy Yard, the great object was to defend Fort Pickens. The Sabine, St. Louis and Macedonian were there.  Of the steamer Wyandotte, carrying five guns, was there doing effective service.  The store-ship Supply was there doing good service, and was ordered to remain there.

"The Brooklyn, carrying 25 guns, was ordered there with a company from Fortress Monroe.  She arrived here early in February.  The Supply left Pensacola with prisoners and the families of Officers from New York, in violation of her orders, for which her commander was tried and condemned by Court-Martial.  The Crusader missed her orders. When the Brooklyn, the Sabine, the Macedonian, the St. Louis and the Wyandotte were lying behind Pensacola, there being a larger force them was necessary, the St. Louis, whose term of service having expired, was ordered to New York.

"Whether her orders had reached her on the 4th of March, I am not able to say.  The fleet before Fort Pickens had thrown 600 men into the Fort, without including the company from Fortress Monroe."

This evidence, so direct and given with so much detail, naming, even, the vessels of the home squadron, and the vessels sent to Southern ports for the purpose of protecting the National property, most completely refutes the charge made by Senator Sumner, and the hundreds of other charges of a similar character made in the columns of the Republican presses.

It may not be improper to state in this connection, another important fact.  After the election of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency, in November, 1860, only two national vessels were sent abroad.  One of these was the Saratoga, send to the coast of Africa, to keep up the number of guns there required by the treaty with Great Britain.  She supplied the place of the Marion, which had been ordered home.  The other was the Vandalia, sent to the East Indies, in place of the John Adams, returned.  And the preparatory orders for these changes were given in the month of September previous.

This evidence, officially drawn out by the Republican Investigating Committee, completely refutes the charges made against Gov. Toucey.  Indeed, it's a dozen more.  It shows that he actually placed vessels, (which he has been charged with having sent to foreign countries,) at Southern ports to aid in protecting National property.  Never was there a more complete a refutation of a slander as appears in this case of slander against Gov. Toucey.

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Bad Fire-Arms.

The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun rights as follows:

The regiment raised by Senator Wilson, and now commanded by Col. Gore, of the regular army, has but just received good arms for the spurious Enfield rifles which they first bought here, and which were then thought to be uncommonly fine.  But use has demonstrated otherwise, and the same is probably true of the arms of many regiments which have been supplied by speculators in Europe.  They bear the "Tower" mark, &c., but are not the genuine article.

There is a great deal of complaint respecting the fire-arms imported from Europe within the last few months, and no doubt the Government has been outrageously imposed on in their purchase.  Experience has proved the Springfield rifle has no superior for actual warfare.  The Enfield rifle approximates in some degree, but unless we except arms of his pattern most recently made, the several parts to do not interchange, as in the American rifle, which is a serious drawback.  The French arm, with the improved ball (driven into the grooves of the barrel by a wedge,) is believed to be the most accurate, and in other respects very desirable.  The other small arms use on the continent are much inferior to the English.  The Austrian musket is poorest of all.  From these facts it appears that so long as the United States can command adequate facilities for manufacturing its own weapons, we have nothing to gain by going to Europe for them.--N. Y.  Journal of Commerce.

FRIDAY
JANUARY 31, 1862
THE SPRINGFIELD DAILY REPUBLICAN (MA)

NEWS BY TELEGRAPH.
THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR.

From Fortress Monroe.

Some Negroes arrived at Fortress Monroe Wednesday morning, having deserted in a small boat from the opposite shore east of Sewell’s Point. They were cooks in the 2d Alabama regiment encamped in the vicinity. They report that the last of the iron plates for the Merrimac were put on Tuesday and she was to be launched on Thursday.

A large steamer, reported to be the Merrimac, but probably erroneously, made her appearance at Craney Island Tuesday afternoon.

John McMahon, a recruit in company F, of the Union coast guard, shot Michael Dolan, a private in the same company, Wednesday morning. The act was done deliberately. The motive is said to be an old family quarrel.

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GENERAL NEWS SUMMARY.

The reported changes in the ordnance bureau seem to have been premature, but not without foundation.  The Washington correspondent of the N.Y. Times states that the matter hangs fire "by reason of difficulty in agreeing upon Gen. Ripley's successor. Capt. Dyer was telegraphed to come to Washington, and his promotion to the place was contemplated. But Col. Kingsbury, chief of ordnance on Gen. McClellan's staff, is next in rank to Gen. Ripley in the ordnance department.  He is a popular and accomplished officer, and it is difficult to find a reason for not giving him the place.  There are eleven officers ahead of Capt. Dyer. Ripley will remain in charge tell the succession is settled."

The Boston Courier gravely announces, in its edition of Thursday, that there will be no better days for this country till it's the editor of the New York Tribune is hung or shut up in a lunatic asylum.  The Courier is strangely moderate.  It is generally supposed to go for hanging everybody but George Lunt.

It is now said that Mr. Scott, assistant secretary of war, acted in obedience to higher orders in directing the return of an escaped slave to the South Carolinian named Tidings, mentioned in a Port Royal letter.  We look to see it stated next that there was no such surrender and no Tidings at all.

It is reported that Donald McKay has collected for shipment to England and France 1600 tons of white oak ship timber, for which he is to receive $60 per ton.  As our supply of ship timber is getting limited the government should stop this exportation.

A number of the democratic members of Congress will oppose the taxation bills which are to be reported to Congress, hoping thereby to win popularity with the people.  They apparently had no desire to prevent the passage of the bills in question, but desire the people to understand that a republican administration is forced thus to tax the people, while they vote against it.

Senator Wilson's bill for suppressing the African slave trade adjudges to be guilty of piracy, and punishes by imprisonment for life, any person who may be convicted of purchase a painting in the African slave trade as ship owner, officer, seaman, or is in any other way engaged or interested in the same.  In the case of an American citizen engaging in a ship around in whole or in part in this country, as a slaver, he is to be adjudged a pirate, and sentenced to imprisonment for life and hard labor. The same penalty is provided for him who shall sail on board of a slave ship owned in other countries.

From California.

A San Francisco dispatch, the 24th, says the legislature, having been driven from Sacramento by the flood, would meet there that day. All the streets in Sacramento are navigable by small boats. Every house has water over its lower floors. The weather had been pleasant for two days. If it continues two weeks, stages may again run to the interior.

Sandwich Island dates are to the 9th. The news is unimportant. In 1860, one hundred and thirty whalers recruited at the island; in 1861, only sixty-nine, while the whole number north was only seventy-six; and in 1862 the whole fleet north, as far as known, will only be thirty-three, while the coming spring they only expect seven whalers to recruit there.

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Living Too Fast in Richmond.--The Richmond Whig enters a solemn protest against the junketing and dancing going on in that city.  It considers these things inhumanly brutal and foolish, while the state and confederacy are in mortal peril.  It is especially severe on "round dancing," of which it says words cannot express its abhorrence. The Whig says:

"These dances are utterly disgusting.  They are a disgrace to respectable society.  They seem studiously devised to prompt the worst suggestions and sensations.  To say that the wraggling, worming, whirling, squirming, bobbing up and down motions of these dancers are grossly indecent, is to say the very least of them.  No good man can look at them for the first time without being shocked; no good woman without feeling her cheek tingle with the scarlet flush of terrible shame.  Only when the frequent repetition of them has dulled the natural sensibilities can they be viewed with anything but disgust.  They ought not to be tolerated in the confederacy.  The girl who dances them ought to take Hamlet's advice to Ophelia, 'Get thee to a nunnery.' They will do well enough for the ramping female animals of Yankeeland, but they ought to be scouted by every pure-minded and refined southern lady.  We are getting corrupt too fast.  What we've cheating, extorting, drinking, and dancing the round dances, we are leaping into the foul depths of Washington degradation at a single bound.  If we must become rotten, let us rot a little less rapid.  Let us taboo and kick out of respectable circles immodest and impure dances, and them that dance them. If not, if we prefer to rush into the fashionable depravity of the European and Yankee capitals, let us by all means do it with an impetuosity and absolute license that will in some sort redeem our depravity. Let us have 'the German' in our churches after morning service, let us introduce the "Cancan" into our private drawing rooms, and have 'model artists' exhibitions every night in the parlors of the Exchange and Spottswood."

SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 1, 1862
THE HARTFORD DAILY COURANT (CT)

Important Southern News.

Fortress Monroe, Jan. 30.—In expectation of the success of Burnside’s expedition in opening at least two congressional districts in North Carolina, Taylor, provisional governor, has issued a proclamation ordering on the 22d of February to ratify or reject the ordinance of the convention of the 18th of November, and also for the election of two representatives to Congress.

Southern papers contain the following:

Savannah, Jan. 29.—The cit is comparatively quiet. No immediate attack is apprehended. The object of the Yankees seems to be to cut off communications with Fort Pulaski. There were six federal gunboats at Wall’s Cut, and seven at the head of Wilmington Island commanding the channel of the river, yesterday. Tatnall’s fleet conveyed two steamers and a fleet towards Fort Pulaski, with provisions. The enemy opened fire upon them and the battle lasted forty minutes. The provision boats and steamer Sampson are now returning. The federals fired upon the latter and she was slightly damaged. Fort Pulaski is now fully provisioned for six months.

A letter from an officer of the fort says the enemy cannot take the fort by attack. The Yankees are engaged in removing obstructions from the channel. There are other defences yet to pass. The people of Savannah are firm and confident in their ability to defend the city.

The Norfolk Day Book calls upon the ladies to contribute their old woolen skirts and dresses to the government, the price of flannel for fixed ammunition being so high as to subject the government to a serious tax.

The New Orleans Delta says a steamer ran the blockade from Charleston on the night of the 13th, with 1000 bales of cotton.

The vacancy in the rebel congress caused by the death of John Tyler, will be filled by an election  on the 10th of February.

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Washington Matters.

Washington, Jan. 31.—The tenor of foreign dispatches received at the State Department is peaceful.

The steamer Heclar, which, a week ago, on the trip up the Potomac had 95 shots fired at her by rebels, ran the blockade³ again last night without a single shot being fired at her.

Several national ships are lying in port, for want of seamen, about 4000 of whom are now wanted by the Navy Department, while flag officer Foote is in want of about one thousand for service in western waters. New England fishermen, it seems, have in large numbers entered the army, there being a slight increase in pay over that of the navy, but in other respects no advantage.

Charges against Fremont, and his request for a court martial, have not, so far as ascertained, been definitely acted upon by government.

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From Cairo.

Chicago, Jan. 31.—A special to the Journal from Cairo says that Capt. Constable, the commander of the mortar boats, returned from Pittsburg this morning. Twelve of the 12-inch mortars with mortar beds and ammunition have been shipped. Twelve of the mortar boats will be immediately put in readiness for service.

The Record of 1861.—During the year 1861, the number of deaths in this town was in January, 29; February, 29; March, 48; April, 30; May, 26; June, 35; July, 45; August, 63; September, 44; October, 43; November, 41; December, 47; Total, 480. The greatest number of deaths in one month occurred in August, and of the 63 of that month, 20, or about one-third, were of diarrhea, dysentery, or similar summer complaints. Of the 480 dead, 135 were from consumption, or other diseases of the lungs, and respiratory organs. The number of deaths in 1860, was 427. . . The number of births for the year was 921, against 878 in 1860. Number of marriages is 333, against 302 in the previous year.

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The Bulwarks of Our Country.—Of the 310 men drafted in Hartford, to protect our liberties and our firesides, 131 had, up to yesterday noon, slipped out from under the responsibility, and of them, 12 had paid the required ten dollars. The principal defect in those already reported is a stiffness in the joints. This difficulty is quite common, epidemic almost, and is becoming quite popular. We have no doubt but what every man in Hartford will have a lame knee before the 1st of March, even if he has to borrow one of a neighbor. The list shows a very general lameness in arms, fingers, hands or legs. Some men have been excused because, having eyes, they see not; and others, who having ears, hear not. Two names are erased because there never was any man to match with them. Several have moved to distant parts or already enlisted. One man is marked “can’t find him.” Some are under age, some over, some have held commissions, some are firemen, some stammer so it gives’em the back ache, and some furnish substitutes.

One way and another, the bulk of the people are exempt. Every man who ever had any disease, happens just now to find it budding and blossoming with perennial vigor, cherishes it as a blessing, and refuses to let a physician into his house. And these are our country’s brave defenders.

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Arrest of a Deserter.—Several weeks ago, George C. Crafts, of Weston, deserted from the 5th Regiment, C[onnecticut] V[olunteers], in Maryland, having sold his uniform, gun, and all equipments for a citizen’s suit. Col. Ferry has been particularly anxious to have that person back again. It was ascertained the other day that Crafts was in Weston, and Col. Kennedy of this city was sent to arrest him. He found him residing with a deputy sheriff named George Wheeler and attempted to arrest him in the house and in the presence of that worthy. Crafts resisted and seized an axe to put an end to Col. Kennedy, but the Colonel took him by the throat and laid him down, until he said he was satisfied with what he had. He was then handcuffed and brought to this city yesterday morning. In the scuffle, one of Col. Kennedy’s fingers was broken. The worthy Wheeler, in whose house the arrest was made, encouraged Crafts to resistance and ought to be made to answer for it. Such a deputy sheriff as he must be an ornament to Fairfield County!

¹ Chef d’oeuvre = a masterpiece.

² Replevin is a action or a writ issued to recover an item of personal property wrongfully taken.

³ Meaning the rebel blockade of the Potomac, not the Union blockade of the Southern coast.