Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-08-30
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H5DsEs' cARrRIDee.

HODGES eARrRIDee.
en- experiment was made yesterday Of 4 new
cartridge, invented by Col. w. r. Hodges of Column
bia, Tennessee in the presence sof members of the
city press and Captain Coglsn of the Richmond Ar
,mory. The cartridge is Of a Peculiar description
IN its wrapping; but, as il promises to approve
itself an invention of great usefulness and Ell
cheney we forbear any particular description Of it,
It's suitable for any kind of barrel, pistol m1sket
or rifle, and also for bali or shot
The advantage Of this cartridge is double It Sc
cures, in the first place. e1us and uniform loads for
the piece, and enables nice adjustment TO be madeof
the charge avoiding that waste Of the pow der
Waich must occur in the hurry Of biting and hand
ling the common ball-cartridge It's most remarka-
bic advantage, however, is in aordiDg such rapid
ity Of loading as 70 make the common musket d o
the service of breechleading arm r.s
The experiments made yesterday afternoon with
one Of the common Armcry muskets were very
striking In this respect. The piece was fred some
forty fifty times in such rapid succession as to
fry by the heat the spittle the barrel The ave-
rage rate Of firing was about six times minute,
with the raurod returned N every instance. Where
accuracy is not important, as in case firing into
column, the ordinary musket, with Col Hodges car
fridge, might possibly be discharged ten or twelve
times in the minute, without using the ramrod,
nothing more being necessary to load it than to
bring the charge down by conclusion of the butt of
the piece, and to cap the tube.
The cartridge is Of the simplest Hanufaeture.-
0ne woman could, probably, with the assistance Of
the sewing machine, make 500 to 1000 day. The
general conclusion of the gentlemen who wit
messed the experiment yesterday, IEeluding the
opinion Of Capt. Cogan, was, that Colonel Hodges
cartridge was certainly superior to any thing in use
and would no doubt, answer all that was claimed
for it. The invention is patented.
LATER FROM WESTERN VIRGINIA.
We have late intelligence of the position and
movements Of our forces in Western Virginia, by
information dated from there within the last few
days. Gen. Lee stll at Huntersville; his force
in conjunction with Gen. Loring's command, being
reported from $4,000 to 10000 strong. Rosencranz
was posted within twelve miles of our lines.
The camp at White ulphur had been broken up,
and Gems. Floyd and Wise were advancing on the
road to Gauiey Bridge, with a force estimated at
from $500 to 5000 men. Two uncompleted regi
ments, under the commands of Gels Tompkins and
McCauseand, remained at the White Sulphur.
ssz It was understood that the enemy, about 6 900
strong, under the command of Gen. Cox, was strong
ly posted in the neghborhood of Gauley Bridge, in
the mountain passes.
About 3 900 of the enemy were also at Huttons-
vile, under command of Col. Tyler.
battle was daily anticipated. We have infor.
nation of the present direction of our movements,
and of the causes and designs of the delay that has
hitherto somewhat characterized our operations in
the West that it might be prejudica, at this stage,
to publish.
Our readers, we think, may rely upon hearing
stirring news from Western Virgininia withia 3
few days. SID #
YANKEE PnLAGES. 4
At an early period of the present term of Con-
gress measures were proposed to perpetuate testi,
mony in cases OF slaves abducted or harbored by
the enemy, and other property seized, wasted or
destroyed by them. We learn that bill to this
effect has been reported fayorably By the Judiciary
Committee. Its provisions are OF the most obvious
public Importance with view to future claims for
naturalization. 1t is necessary not only for the
interests Of propretors, but highly advisable for
the protection of the Government ITSELF that the
idence of all such losses referred to should be col
lected while the facts fresh and susceptible of
conclusive proof The authorizations of such evil
served among the archives of the State Department
for future disposition of the Government.
MALE SPIES IN THE DISGUISE OF FEMALES.
A few days ago a tall and lank woman Ito all ap-
pearance) with draggled calico dress, was observ
ed in the Capitol, prylng about the rooms and in
quirlDg the direction to the passport Office. This
object of attention presented itself more than once
t. Mr.. Winn the vgiant but thoroughly polite door
keeper Of Congress, and engaged that gentleman
with number of curious inquiries Mr.. Vim, his |
own curiosity being aroused by the calico appara
tion or being perhaps connoisseur of female sub
jects watched its movements with interest; having
conceived sone doubt as to its sex, but very much
under the CONSTANTS of his poteness
how to determine it. The apparatiOn was faaly |
lost from sight in the passport room adjoining the
Governors Office.
The theory of the mystery which has excited 50
much speculation i'll the Capitol is, that the sixfoot
calico apparation was man, and Yankee at that.
How he got to Richmond, and how he effected his |
escape through the passport Office is conjecture
that may be aided by the circumstance reported
some days ago of one of Lincoln's Lieutenants hav
ing got through the lines at Norfolk in the disguise
of female habit 1t will be we'll to keep vigilalt
lookout for such DISCUSSES.
PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS.