The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-25
THE SITUATION.

Nothing of Importance has occurred in the
army under General McClean's command since
our last issue. The question as to the term of
service for which the volunteer regiments are
bound-out Of which so much trouble has arisen
OF late-has been settled by the adjudication of
she Supreme Court of the United States, expressed
BY Justice Wayne yesterday, and which we pub.
lsh to-day.
The investigation Of the Potter Committee, it is
said, has resulted in reporting fully two hundred
employees in the several departments at Wash
ington as persons who cannot be relied upon as
loyal to the government.
Another prisoner has been added to the number
of suspected traitors which the government has
found it necessary to send to the custody Of the
commander of Fort Lafayette. Last evening de-
tectives Elder and Wilson reached this city, having
in custody Mayor Berrett, of Washington, who
they are to convey to Fort Lafayette by order of
the Secretary ofWar They left Washington at half
past five o'clock yesterday morning and came d.
rectly through to New York. Before leaving Wash
ington the above officers, by orders of Secretary
Cameron, searched the residence of Mayor Ber-
rett but it is said failed to find anything showing
that he was connected with the rebels. His wife.
we are informed, took great pains to aid the off
GERS in their search. On reaching this city,
Mr.. Berrctt was conveyed in a carriage
to one Of our leading hotels, where he remained in
the custody of the above named officers last night,
and will this morning be conveyed to Fort Lafay-
cite. In conversation with the officers he declared
himself a strong Union man, and the only reason
which he attributes for his arrest is his refusal to
take the oath Of allegiance. He says however,
that he would have taken the OATH but having been
made an ex-offcio member of the Board of Police
Commissioners it was not necessary, as the same
oath which he took when elected Mayor applied to
Ill cases in which he was called upon to serve the
public. An investigation in his case, it is said, will
take place this week.
The State of New York has adopted policy
which it would be well for other States to follow
An order was issued yesterday from headquarters
~ AAOonJJ SNmS UOuuty vi tWO OOlLdIS u Iudn 10
any person who may bring in company of thirty
two volunteers to the service of the government
Something of this kind is manifestly necessary to
stimulate the recruiting service.
We publish to-day list of appointments and
promotions in the army, made by the War Depart.
ment, which will be found highly interesting to
large norton IF the community
Gen. Wool is actively engaged in reviewing the
troops and perfecting the discipline Of the army
in and around Fortress Monroe. The gunboat Sc
minole arrived thence on Friday, bringing up as a
prize the schooner Albion, formerly Whining.
ton pilot boat, from Cardenas, with cargo of
sugar, coffee, fruits and segars. When taken she
was under English colors. 1t is said that the cap
tain and nearly all hands were drunk. She had
run the blockade off Wilmington. The Seminole
has also overhauled several other vessels showing
English colors.