The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-08-23

. direct attack on Washington are mere
feints to cover Davis's real purpose, which
is the closing of the lower Potoilac, and
throwing strong army across the river
into Mary and Charles counties, both of
which are secession. This done they march
on Annapolis, counting on q formidable ris-
ing of MaryandSeecessio for the invest
ment of Washington.
The minimum standard for regular army
has been reduced to five feet three inches.
Times Despatch. IA heavy seizure of
goods for the rebels was made near Annap-
oils Junction to day. The goods were
bought in Baltimore for Richmond dealers
A draft for $4,975 was sent to pay for them.
Teams and wagons were also seized togeths
er with a number of letters to rebel officers.
The steamer Freeborn has shelled the woods
near Matthias Point to day, from whence
the rebels fred on the Resolute's boat, and
clearing them out and rendering them un.
tenable for time at least
Fort MONROE, Aug. Is.
Gen. Wool assumed command at Old
Point this morning. Heavy firing was heard
this morning at Willoughby Point.
Boston, Aug. 10.
The schooner Windward from Turks Is
land, Aug. LIST, arrived at Holmes Hole on
the 18th. The Windward was captured by
the JEFF. Davis, and was loaded with molas.
ses bound from Porto Rico to Boston. The
JEFF. Davis then put on board the Wind.
ward twenty two men, taken from various
vessels previously captured, and let them
go.
The bark Alvorado from Cape Town for
Boston has also been captured by the JEFF.
Davis.
WASHINGTON, Aug. Is.
Tribune Correspondence An attack on
Washington is looked for by many of the
best informed officers. The rebels have adj
vanced their lines and are in force within a
short distance of the river, and are gather
ing means of transportation. They have
large encampments this side of Fairfax but
probably the bulk of the advance corps is
on the Upper Potomac.
The Navy Department has advices that
Commander Porter, of the st. Mary Gulf
Squadron, whose letter avowing rebel sym.
pathy to his father in Virginia found its
way to Washington, is in irons, according
to orders, and will be sent here soon.
Secretary Welles expresses himself in
favor of closing southern ports by procla-
nation at once. We have the highest au-
thority for saying that not one government
in Europe has demonstrated against closing
the rebel ports.
Worid's Correspondent There are no
we'll authenticated accounts of movements
of rebels in this vicinity, until Government
scouts bring in more decisive reports there
need be no fear of direct attack on Wash.
ingtOn.
The enemy's batteries down the river are
assuming formidable proportions, and if
they succeed in closing the navigation OF
the Potomac, it will be hard to prevent
them crossing into Maryland.
The report of the death of Boteler, late
Representative in Congress from Virginia
is incorrect. 1t was his son who was wound.
I'd at Bull Run, aud died of lock jaw. Mr..
Boteler himself it is stated has been arrest
ed. The reason is said to be Boteer was
with the armed band who seized Harper's
Ferry Armory on the 18th of April last.
Times Correspondence - Faulkner's
place OF Imprisonment will be changed to
Fort Hamilton, New York. He will not
be examined until evidence upon which he
was arrested is used to secure the arrest of
Others implicated with him.
Reconnaissance and close observations
indicate that the rebels are closing in on
our lines. The city is full of secession ru-
mors to day. We have various accounts
OF rapid and near approach OF from 10000
to 200, 700 rebels under Beaur, gard, Lee,
Johnston and jeff Davis, but ali agree that
they are coming Immediately down on
w Washington. Our military gentlemen do
DOT seem to be alarmed.
The startling announcement made recent.
ly that England and France bad formed an
alliance with view to combined &C.
ton on American affairs was untrue
but the facts are that three weeks ago M,
Tbouvenal, the French Minister of Foreign
Affairs, transmitted a note to the English
Government proposing that the two Cabi-
nets come to IA clear understanding with re-
spect to US. To this note the English Cab
luet sent message asking for more ex.
pllcit statement. The reply received was a
proposition that Eng and should unite with
France for the purpose of procuring 10
Autumn supply of tobacco and cotton
from the United States. The English Gov
eminent then responded that it could enter
into no such engagement.
New YORK, Aug. 10.
The schooner Hannibal from st. Thomas
reports privateer sumter as captured by
one of our men Of war, and taken back to
| Curacao
The Post says 1000 men 90 this week
to Washington, and 10 case of necessity
1000 or 5000 of the militia regiments
might be sent
Serrill. the State prisoner, has been sent
to Fort Lafayette.
Over 600 men responded at roll call of
the Ellsworth Fire Zouaves to day. Men
are continually reporting for the reorganiz-
alton of the regiment, which will be effected
without difficulty.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10.
Soldiers in this vicinity now receive their
letters at their several encampments instead
OF at the postoifice. Packages containing
them are sent there by respe, sAle. persons,
hence the importance of tbt3 ..tant cor
respondents being particular Mes designating
the name and company or regiment.
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