New-York daily tribune., 1861-12-31

refused permission to coal there, while rebe
privateers do go of their pleasure. The com
mander of one coal vessel, who was about t.
land his cargo, was informed that no U. s
steamer should take it on board until the wal
was over. 1t may be added that Nassau hal
been coal depot for our Government foI
many years.
THE FRENCH MINISTER AT MRS. LINCOLN's
RECEPTION.
The French Minister attended Mrs. Lincoln'l
reception last Saturday, with bis family.
RON.CIAD STEAM BATTERIES.
The Navy Department is inviting proposals
from shpbuiders throughout the country for
the construction of irOn-clad steam batteries
The Government is very anxious that the bill
which has already passed one branch of Con.
gress, for building 90 of these vessels, should
become law Immediately.
THE PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION.
A letter from a Colonel at Port Royal,
intmates that much of the cotton destroyed by
the rebels, should have been secured by our
army, and that in other Important particulars
the expedition had fallen far short Of the good
it might have accomplished.
AN ANOMALY.
An anomaly in the social life Of Washington,
and in the etiquette established by Presidential
precedent, is the fact that the President dined
at Secretary Cameron's this evening. The din
ner given in homer of Gov. Curtin, was at
tended by Secretaries Chase, Blair, and Sew
ard; Senators Chandler, Wade, and Sumner;
Speaker Grow, Adjt.-Gen. Thomas, and Gen.
Mccall. The Presidents entry was informal,
aud after the other guests were seated.
FRAUD ON INDIANS.
A dirty fraud, perpotrated upon the Shawnee
Indians last month, has just been discovered.
The facts of the case, as they have reached us,
are these: Claims to the amount Of $36,O 600.
growing out of the depredations Of the Missouri
in 1856, were allowed TO the
Shawnees last year, and the money was sent
20 them in November last, in the form OF de-
nand Treasury notes. One Edward Clark Of
Kansas. who had been influential ia pushing
he claims, is charged with having gone about
among the Indians and persuaded chem that
there was danger OF their not getting their
money at all. although it was on its way from
Washington at tho time.
BY these representations Clark is said to
have induced them to make compromise with
him, giving receipts in fuA, but obtaining eDly
a portion of the sum allowed. 1t is alleged
bv residents il the neishborhOod of the Shaw
nees that this was effected with the knowledge
and consent of Abbott, the Shawnee Agent.
Commissioner Dole has taken measures TO Sc
cure the Government and the Indians against
loss BY holding Abbott'S sureties for The miss
ing amount.
PRESENT TO MIR. ELY
The friends Of Col. CorcOran, Lieut.. Con.
molly, and other Union prisoners, have pre-
sented Congressman Ely with a fine horse, as
a token OF their appreciation Of his kindness
and lib.rality 90 the unfortunate soldiers oi
our army taken at the battle of Bull Run, and
incarcerated in the prisons at Richmond.
TIE MEXICAN TREATY.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs il
still industriously at work on the Mexican
question. The problem is'so to negotiate as t.
detach England from the alliance, and neutral
ze the influence of France. Several projects
are under consideration. 1t is believed thai
England is not disposed to forward the ambi
,ious designs Cd Spain, but that she aims at u
through Mexico. With the occupation 0
MatamOras the flow of cotton out OF the rebe
States aud of contraband goods into them will
il i, feared commence. Should, however, th'
English bondholders be satisfied, the pretended
reason for the interference of England in tn
affairs Of Mexico will disappear. Spain hopes
but possibly without sufficient grounds, tina
France will help her put Spanish Prince ol
tie throne of Mexico. Mexico desires an op
portunity to meet her ancient foe alone.
NO REBEL RE-ENFoRCEMENTsA AT GAINESVILLE
The report that the Rebels have reaPPeare'
in force at or near Dranesyille turns out un
true. Trustworthy scouts, who reported Il
General Mccall yesterday and to-day, say tha
scarcely one armed Rebel has been seen nea
DraDesvile since General Ords victory.
TIE CASE OF GENERAL BENHAM.
General Benham will not be tried on tn
charge preferred against him by General Rose
Grams at present. Most Ct the witnesses vii
be occupied in Kentucky until after the fire
battle.
( SUPPRESSED DISPATCH
1.-THE following dspstch Intended for paper Of Monds
morning ws suppressed by the Government Censor on N
evening previous
The true history OF the Trent affair at Wash
;noton "a br;oAy fb;s. Al the first cebine