The Sun.
London, England, 1865-02-20 00:00:00

A motion to table the resolution was defeated.

Mr. Fernando Wood's resolution, declaring it to
be the duty of the President to maintain the
Union, has passed the House of Representatives.
The article in the Richmond Sentinel on Monday
last, universally copied into our newspapers as a
semi-official announcement of the nature and object
of their mission, was careful to state, in language
sufficiently explicit, that it was a mere mission of
inquiry without :powers to negotiate. We repro-
duce the following statement from the article in the
Sentinel :

" On Mr. Blair's second visit to Richmond he
brought the consent of Mr. Lincoln to receive and
confer with any agents informally sent, with a
view to the restoration of peace. The three gen-
tlemen who left yesterday were thereupon selected
by President Davis, and they have gone without
formal credentials, and merely as informal agents,
to see whether it be possible to place a conference
for peace on any basis which may serve for attain-
ing so desirable a result. As informal agents with-
out powers, seeking information, but possessing no
authority to act, they could have taken no other
ground in their interview with the President than
that on which they are reported to have stood with
such rooted persistency. As agents of the Confede-
rate Government they could not make any conces-
sions that would overstep their powers ; and, hav-
ing no powers at all, they could of" course concede
not •
lung. It would have been a breach of trust-to
corn
—prounse the ,
of the Governmentautnthoanttysenort lo
the pretensions
Advices frora G NEW YORK, Feb. 8.
that on the mornin7n. Grant's headquarters state
of the sth inst. the fifth corps,
preceded by Gregg'gsa,v
cavalry
moved towards Ream's
station, encountering Federal
on the road, who re-
treated before theadvance.
reached At noon they
reached Rowanty Creek over
,
van.t
a bridge. The 3d Pennsylvanwiahich they constructed
second corps,
sent out to make a connection
Cavalryh
were then
two divisions of which had gone out the Vaughan
Road as far as Hatcher's Run, to
that direction. demonstrate in
On reaching the Run, the first brigade of the 2d
Corps charged and took the line of rifle pits on
west side, but with slight loss. They advanced
a
the
mile across the Run, driving the Confederate pickets
before them. Here the Federals erected a strong
line of breastworks, making their position perfectly
secure, and the connection between both corps was
afterwards formed.
The 2d division of the 2d Corps, before reaching
Hatcher's Run, turned to the right, and, advancing
in a north-westerly direction, found the enemy in a
strong position in the vicinity.
The Federals having thrown up a line of breast-

works, the Confederates made several charges, and
attempted to break through them, but were. re-
pulsed. The Federals captured a large commisFAriat
train. Their loss was about 100 men. A general
battle was expected the next day.
President Lincoln has prepared a letter giving de-
tails of the peace conference. It is understood to
contain letters from Davis to Lincoln and from Lin-
coln to Blair.

Senator Foote has arrived at Baltimore, it is sup-
posed en route for Fort Monroe.
. _

The Senate has adopted a resolution to the effect
that the action of the Secretary of the Senate in
presenting the constitutional amendment for Presi-
dent Lincoln's approval shall not be taken as a pre-
cedent for the future.

The President has designated Fernandini, Flo-
rida, as a place for the purchase of the products' of
the rebellious States on Government account.

Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Maine have ratified
he constitutional amendment.

Sherman is moving in two columns, demonstrat-
ing against Charleston and Branchville. His left
wing, which he moved up the Savannah River for
53 miles, had struck off in a northerly direction.
He crossed Whippley Swamp on Wednesday, and
secured one of the bridges over the Salkehatchie
River, 30 miles from Branchville, whither the left
wing was moving. Another column is operating
easterly towards Charleston. A portion of troops
appeared in transports in the vicinity of Young's
Island, 20 miles south-east of Charleston, after-
wards retiring. Three steamers were off Whalespont
threatening a landing.
A body of Federal cavalry had appeared on the
road leading to Augusta. •
The last advices report the left wing under Slo-
cum to have arrived and established its base of ope-
rations, on the 30th, at Sister's Ferry. The right
wing, under Howard, is encamped at the extreme
junction of the Salkehatchie River and the old Union
Road, Howard's advance extending to Combahee
River, where Hardie opposes him in force.
The Richmond papers report that Sherman is
' burning goods and houses along his line of march.
Detachments of his forces have burnt Macpherson-
vine, Gillen,sville, and the:old estate of J. C. Calhoun,
at Braddock's Point.

Beuregard has assumed the command at
Augusta,
A large force from Thomas has reinforced Grant.
Terry's forces are reported to have left the Cape
Fear River to reinforce Sherman. Fifteen thousand
troops are fitting out at Pascagoula, their ultimate
destination being Mobile. The New Orleans Times
asserts that refugees from Mobile report that the
evacuation of the city commenced on the 15th. The
guns and ordnance stores were going to Selma by
rail and water. There was a general impression that
the city would not be defended. The garrison was
small, and composed of militia under Maury.
The bulk of Thomas's infantry is reported to have
been sent down the Tennessee River to engage in
active operations at another point.
A doubtful report is current that a cavalry expe-
dition, 40,000 strong, will be sent to destroy the
remnant of Hood's army, open the Alabama River,
and seize Selma, Montgomery, and Mobile.
Sheridan's cavalry have defeated a detachment of
Confederate cavalry at Moorfield, Virginia, captur-
ing 20 prisoners, including Major Harry Gilmer.
The departments of Missouri, Kansas, and Ar-
kansas.have been consolidated in one division, under
General Pope, who has established his headquarters
at St. Louis.

The Federal expedition up the Chowan River has
been abandoned.

The World asserts that the South is about to
change its military policy, evacuate Richmond, and
abandon Charleston. Lee will then withdraw the
Confederate forces from the coast, and, discarding
the defensive positions on the coast, will continue
the contest in the open field, -whether attacked or
prosecuting an aggressive campaign.
President Davis has appointed Lee commander-
in-chief, and the Senate has confirmed the appoint-
ment.

Southern journals announce an improved and
more cheerful feeling among the people and army.

A resolution has been introduced in the Confe-
derate House of Representatives to put in the field
100,000 slaves—the Government to purchase them
and give one as property to each white soldier, in
order to render the slaves effective and interest the
soldiers in the institution.

General Grover, commanding at Savannah, has
ordered the abandoned property to be disposed of
by the Treasury agent. He has also ordered that
the retailers at Savannah shall not be allowed to
charge more than 50 per cent. over New York
prices.

Ten cotton vessels will shortly leave Port Royal
for New York, convoyed by Government revenue
cutters.

The blockade runner Coquette has been captured
off Charleston.

The Confederate Senate has passed a vote of
thanks to Mr. John Lancaster, the owner of the
Deerhound, for rescuing Captain Semmes and his
officers from the Alabama.
The New York Times declares that Mr. Sumner's
resolutions regarding the ratification of the consti-
tutional amendment will, if adopted, recognise the
complete dissolution of the Union.
The Times reports that rumours are current that
Juarez had obtained a great victory in Southern
Mexico, and had captured an important city.
A diplomatic correspondence has been published.
Mr. Seward writes to Mr. Adams in April, 1864,
that the insurgents manifestly have a bold, vigorous,
and effective party in both Houses of Parliament
and in the British press, who are confessedly influen-
tial in the administration of public affairs. The
United States have no advocates or defenders except
the persons who, however great their ability and
worth, are excluded from the conduct of public
affairs. He mentions the forbearance of the United

States to England, whose subjects, since the com-
mencement of the civil war, have committed so
many provocations and injuries, and the exacting
and unyielding disposition of England towards the
United States. Referring to the inference of Mr.
Adams, that the Government must triumphantly
and speedily conclude the war, or it may expect to
have a conflict with England and her allies, Mr.
Seward says that if the war were vigorously con-
ducted none would be heard counselling submission
to foreign aggression. He attributes the favour
shown by the European Powers to the subversion of
the Mexican Republic to the jealousy of the United
States.

The steamer Eclipse
menthe 27th nit. The
the Tennessee
casßivuearl, blew
casualties exceeded
elowon up
in
missing, and 69 seriously being killed, 26
injured. Most of
un-
fortunate men were United States troops,the
General Lee has issued the following
the Southern people calling for arms, appeal to
saddles, and
cavalry equipments :
" Head-quarters Army of Northern V •
'rguua;
January 25.
" To arm and equip an additional force of
cavalry ; there is need of carbines, revolvers, pistols,
saddles, and other accoutrements of mounted men.
Arms and equipments of the kind desired are be-
lieved to be held by citizens in sufficient numbers to
supply our wants. Many keep them as trophies, and
some with the expectation of using them in their
own defence. But it should be remembered that
arms are now required for use, and that they cannot
be made so effectual for the defence of the country
in any way as in the hands of organised troops.
They are needed to enable our cavalry to cope with
the well-armed and equipped cavalry of the enemy,
not only in the general service but in resisting those
predatory expeditions which have inflicted so much
loss upon the people of the interior. To the patriotic
I
need make no other appeal than the wants of the
service ; but I beg to remind those who are reluc-
tant to port with the arms and equipments in their
Posse •
ssion that by
ability of keeping them they diminish the
the
all a
themselves nn 3T to defend their property, without
receiving any benefit from them. I
therefore urge a
promptly to Persons not in the service to deliver
some of tl
such arms and le officers designated below
for cavalry) as equipmentsthey (especially those suitable
those officers the names may
have, and to report to
fo surrender those inratela ?f such persons as neglect
who prevents a carbine en'
possession. Eve • •
or pistol from Every citizen
remaining un-

used can render no service to his country. Those
who think to retain arms for their own defence
should remember that if the army cannot protect
them the arms will be of little use. While no valid
title can be acquired to public arms and equipments
except from the Government, it is reported that
many persons have ignorantly purchased them from
private parties. A fair compensation will therefore
be made to all who deliver such arms and equipments
to any ordnance officers, officer commanding at a
post, officers and agents of the quartermaster and
incomthineigsenZling
departments at any station, or officers
service or connected with the Nitre
and Mining Bureau. All these officers are requested
and those connected with this army are directed to
receive and receipt for all arms and equipments
-whatever their condition, and forward the same
with a duplicate receipt, to the Ordnance Depart-
ment at Richmond, and report their proceedings to
these head-quarters. The person holding the receipt
will be compensated upon presenting it to the ord-
nance bureau. While it is hoped that no one will
disregard this appeal, all officers connected with the
army are requested to take possession of any public
arms and equipments they may find in the hands of
persons unwilling to surrender them to the service of
the country, and to give receipts therefor. A rea-
sonable allowance for their expenses will be made to
such patriotic citizens as will collect and deliver to
any of the officers above designated such arms and
equipments as they may find in the hands of persons
not in the service, or who will report the same to
those officers. A prompt compliance with this call
will greatly promote the efficiency and strength of
the a-my, particularly of the cavalry, and render it
better able to protect the homes and property of the
people from outrage.
(Signed) "R. E. LEE, General."

In the Confederate House of Representatives, on
Feb. 2, the Senate bill "to provide for the em-
ployment of free negroes and slaves to work upon
fortifications, and perform other labours connected
with the defence of the country," with certain
amendments proposed by the House of Represen-
tatives, was taken up.
An amendment was adopted providing that the
age of negroes liable to impressment should be from
19 to 40 years, and that all free male negroes of that
age shall be liable to duty. The second amendment,
striking out the limitation of the number so held
liable, was taken up for consideration.
Mr. Brown, of Mississippi, was in favour of the
amendment. He favoured the arming of the negroes,
not to perpetuate slavery, but to secure the liberty
of the white man.

Mr. Wigfall, of Texas, was not in favour of put-
ting negroes in the army. President Davis had
stated that two-thirds of the army were absent from
duty. If these men were returned to their posts
there would be no need of negro soldiers.
Mr. Brown—How will you get them back ?
Mr. Wigfall—How? By placing that great cap-
tain, Joseph Johnston, in command of the army of
Georgia. Do that, and these men will require no
invitation to come back. lam for fighting for
slavery and for nothing else. The patent of nobility
is in the colour of the skin. I want to live in no
country in which the man who blacks my boots and
curries my horse is my equal. Give negroes mus-
kets, make them soldiers, and the next subject in-
troduced for discussion will be miscegenation. The
negro wench will be placed upon an equality with
our wives, mothers, and sisters. There are white
men enough on our muster-rolls to win this fight ;
and I thank God we have now in command of our
armies an officer who will so direct matters as to

insure success.

Mr. Hill, of North Carolina, thought that white
men could win the fight. He thought the situation
of the South more hopeful at this hour than at any
other during the past two years. The South could
win the right of self-government by means of its
white men alone.
The house adjourned without voting.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW YORK, FEB. 8.

Money easy. Gold, 2101. Exchange on Lon-
don, 2321 ; do. on Paris, 2.171 to 2.181. Stocks
advancing. New York Centrals, 1114. Illinois,
118. Erie, 748. 5-20 United States Bonds, 1088.
Cotton slightly firmer. Middling Upland, 85c.
Flour dull. Wheat and corn slightly firmer. Pro-
visions steady. Coffee very firm.
.Sugar slightly
firmer. Molasses steady. Petroleum inactive.
Crude, 50c. Refined, 69c.

Railway and other Companies.

GREAT NORTHERN.

The directors of this company state in their report that
the capital account was increased by £572,704 received for
new ordinary stock, including the premium of 25 per cent.
thereon, and by the capital of the Boston and Sleaford, and
Bourn and Essendine undertakings. The disbursements on
capital account included the cost of the Boston and Sleaford
and Bourn and Essendine lines, and the payments on ac-
count of subscriptions to other undertakings, including the
advance of £300,000 to the London, Chatham, and Dover
Company, in aid of the construction of their line between
Blackfriars and the Metropolitan Railway. The capital ac-
count showed that the receipts smounted to £13,971,805,
and the expenditure to £13,792,067, showing a balance of
£179,739 to meet the demand for additional rolling stock
for the new lines in course of construction, and to provide
necessary accommodation at stations, the directors had en-
tered into contracts for the supply of engines, waggons, and
had also ordered other works. The construction of the
Spalding and March, Doncaster and Gainsborough, and
Lincoln and Honington Railways, was being actively pro-
ceeded with, and those lines would be opened at the earliest
practicable period. The revenue accounts for the half-year
showed that £970,578 had been received, and £478,345 paid
for expenditure, leaving a net profit of £492,233. To the
balance of £492,233 was added £1,421 from the previous
half-year, and £12,504, amount due from the Great Eastern,
and London, Chatham, and Dover Companies, making the
balance of revenue £506,158 ; from this was deducted fixed
charges including mortgages and debenture stock interest,
and preference dividends £280,833, leaving a net balance
available for dividend on the original stock and shares
£225,325, against £210,071 for the corresponding half of
1863. That would enable dividend to be declared on the
original stock at the rate of £8 15s. per cent. per annum,
giving for the half-year, £4 7s. 6d. to the original stock,
£3 to the B stock, and £5 16s. to the A stock, and on the
proportion of new ordinary stock entitled to dividend at the
same rate per cent. per annum as the original stock, leaving
a balance of £745. The dividend for the whole year would,
therefore, be £7 2s. 6d. per cent. on the 'original stock, £6
per cent. on theß stock, and £8 ss. per cent. on the A stock.
The gross increase of revenue forlhe half-year was £98,000,
including the whole of the receipts derived from the Boston
and Sleaford and Bourn and Essendine lines, which were
not included in the accounts for 1863. The half-year's re-
ceipts were charged with dividend on more than £600,000
of capital expended on lines in course of construction and
subscribed to other undertakings yet incomplete or unde-
veloped. The partial opening of the coal trade to the south
of the Thames had materially increased the receipts from
that source, and afforded abundant evidence that when the
London, Chatham, and Dover line between Blackfriars-
bridge and the Metropolitan Railway was completed, and a
through route established to the south of England, a valu-
able accession of traffic might be anticipated. The direc-
tors regretted that the claims for compensation had re-
quired payments to the amount of £B,lOO in excess of those
for the corresponding period. The directors again find
themselves to incur serious expenses in Parliament in op-
posing an application by the Great Eastern and Lancashire
and Yorkshire companies for a railway from- Long Stanton
to Astern. The directors proposed to the Eastern Counties
Company in October last, that they should exercise run-
ning powers for coal traffic, on rates to be agreed or settled
, by arbitration, over the Great Northern lines from March
L to Doncaster, which, having very favourable gradients,
were admirably adapted for the transit of heavy loads.
Those proposals were, however, declined, and the direc-
t tors, feeling that they had exhausted every fair means of
settlement, could now only submit their case again to Par-
liament, with the confident hope that former decisions of
committees of both ho-uses would be maintained and con-
firmed. The directors, with deep regret, announced the
retirement of Mr. Denison, who for nearly 18 years ably
presided over the affairs of the company.