The Placer herald., 1861-10-26
SACRAMENTO CORRESPONDENCE.
SACRAMENTO. Oct. oath 1851

SACAAMENIO COkt N SEONDENCHs
SACRAMENTO, Oct. Gath 1851.
Editors Herald:-Another week has passed.
and we still are no better advised of the condi-
ton and intended movements of the armies
North aud South Of the Potomac. The general
opinion. formed from the fragments Of news
which reaches us, is, that the
CONFEDERATE ARMY
has fallen back entirely from Manassas, and that
the officers have given over all intentions of ma
king an attack on Washington. They are too
we'll advised of the strength of McClellan's forces
to accept the desperate chances of success For
JEFF Davis to fail in a great battle before Wash
ington. would perhaps be fatal to his aims and
objects Better lay inert, and suffer slightly
from sickness and INSTRUMENTATION, than make
very desperate advances upon the Federal strong
points However, the planting of batteries
along the river below Washington so powerful rs
to command its navigation, seems to Indicate
that the Confederates intend movement into
Maryland, thus fanking the Federal forces. In
this event. the troops brought down the Potomac
to prevent by Reinforcement such u forward
movement, would be compelled to pass under the
fire of all these batteries-which at last accounts
reached about eight miles. But we better wait,
and we shall know all.
FALL RACES.
The sporting men of the State are making
general preparations for the "Fall Meeting" on
the Ccntervie course, over the river A sub
scription sweepstakes Of $4,000 is advertised.
which sum. if bona tide and not fictitious stake.
will draw to the city the best stock in the State.
and we shall see some good races once more.
Every steamer from down the river, com cs
freightcd with race stock.
KAHL, THE MURDERER.
Louis Kahl, who murdered Kate Gerkcn. q
prostitute, by strangling her with his sash, about
a wear ago in this city. has been sentenced to be
executed on the Goth of next month. He is but
q boy. but as hardened little wretch as ever as
cended the gallows The name of Kahl is an as
sumcd one-his real name not being known.
THE SUNDAY LAW
remains in "statu quo, in this city, all the cases
commenced having been dismissed from the fact
that conviction is impossible. by Judge or Jury.
This result argues one of two facts-"the law is
either unjust and partial. or the people corrupt"
The impression prevails as present that our po-
lice will make no more arrests for future viola
tons. The enemies of the law are making ar
engagements for its modification or repcal-repeal
if possible and the friends of the law are mar
shalling. through the various temperance organi
cations, for its support in the next Legislature.
The discussion of this law, by this body. will
form an interesting feature during the session.
MILITARY MOVEMENTS
During the week we have seen more of the war
material than has fallen to our lot before.
Companies A and II, of mounted volunteers have
been with us, en- route for Fort Churchill. Com
pany A is commanded by E. a. Rowe. who was
the chief clerk OF Bates. the def,uting State
Treasurer, and who was confined on our.old pris-
on brig for nearly year in order to purge him
self of contempt of Court. The general appear
ance Of the men. how ever, was fair but nothing
extraordinary They left us for their destna
ton on Monday notwithstanding two from
Company Il. who were discharged without cere
mony. for misbehavior.
GEN. JOHN CONFESS.
The political friends of John CONFESS failing
to secure a civil commission for John. are exert
ing themselves to obtain him q soldiers commits
sion. There could be no objections raised to this
movement if CONFESS had really the least mill
tary knt wledge--and if obtained cannot be
granted only on political grounds. AS public
opinion has been cOndemning OF late the appoint
ment of "Politcal Generals" deem that this
move has been made too late to prove successful.
But Sacramento Douglas Democrats will contrib
ute their share of commentator and effort to
assist their political leader to fat position in
the army. John is just about in the right KIND
of humor to light. As "Otheilos occupation is
gone" he ought to have show for military elo-
ry.
DRAINAGE AND THE FLOODS.
Our Board of Supervisors. as we'll rs several
of the most influential citizens. are moving to
protect the levee on the American Of North side
of the city. Last year seven or eight thousand
dollars were expended at the locality where the
river intorsccts 2Sth street at right angles, and
the first extensive rise of water swept away the
dams and breakWaters as readily as if they had
been made of paper Those not directly inter
ested always oppose such OUTLAWS until the floods
are upon US. and then they are the most active.
In this locality the water has undermined the
banks of the river up 10 the levec for 4 distance
of thirty or forty rods. and in case the aggres-
sion is renewed and continued for day or two.
the American will pour a large quantity Of sur
plus water directly into the North part of the
city, and overflow the entire territory North of
street. The work of defence is Of the most
most difficult character from the undermi-
ming character of the waters-the deep. strong
current and cddies almost Lying ingenuity and
mechanical skill. 1t seems waste of money to
build such works as have been erected. and it fur
Their appears careless and Indifferent to do moth
ing in the premises. The doctors all admit the
danger of the disease, but differ so materially as
to the proper remedy that there is danger of the
patient dying before unit of opinion can be
settled upon. Considerable discussion is also be-
ing had on the subject of "surface drainage"
This work also seems beset with impossibilities-
the fact being we'll settled. that "water will not
run up hll.' So it goes. We are liable yearly
to an overflow of our levees. and Mt the same
time there is no possible exit for the water which
fall inside, or is pushed up.by the heavy pressure
outside.
THE CAPITOL. PROGRESSING.
At this time there are about 100 hands, stone
cutters and masons at work on the basem mt of
the State Capitol. If the weather permits the
present contractor will be able to complete his
contract as specified This work, as well as
the numerous brick buildings being erected on
the burnt sites throughout the city, gives great
demand for brick and masons.-Good masons get
ting SIS and Sc per day.
GRAND DIVISION s. OF T.
The annual meeting of this is being held in
this city, The lumber of Representatives present
is rot as large usual, and great degree of
enthusiasm or interest marks the proceedings.
INTERESTING CASE FROM FOLSOM.