New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-05-31
They wait to learn how

W0 hI6 trontou.
Gen. Ashley-I have no authority to act, but
you may be sure that you won't be returned to
your masters for twenty. -four hours.
At this, about 200 volunteers, who had
gathered about. from various regiments, and all
parties present, clapped their hands and cheered,
showing the sentiment of the soldiers. Gen.
Ashley then examined the eight separately, and
seemed to understand their situation, and to feel
as with one of their number, an old Methodist
class-leader, who said that they were like the
children Of Israel in Egypt. they know that
deliversnce was "gwins to comes" but how,
was not so clear. But the war was something
toward it. They had awaited quietly since
September, when We made up our minds that
the North was too strong for the South"
"Who are we 2" asked Gen. Ashley.
"Masters and slaves, BOTH" was the reply.
The next day, according to their prophecy, 40
or so more came into camp; and these Vol
unteer virginans' continued coming, until Gen.
Ashley left. An examination Of these confirmed
the conclusions respecting the knowledge of the
negroes that something was going on which might
enure to their good and they determined to seize
the opportunity.
ENTERTAINMENTS NEAk ALEXANDRIA,
This morning 80 men were detailed from each
company of the Massachusetts 9Th, Michigan
Zouaves, and Pennsylvania 5th, making 200 to
throw UP intrenchments to the right of the Mas
sachusetts 9Th, about mile from Alexandria.
The cause of this sudden movement was the
intelligence that Gen. Lee was approaching in
force. The men fear that the report is untrue.
The rank and file and officers are alike eager for
q fight. They prefer 1t now, and ask where
they are. 4" Let them come - is the universal
sentiment of the regulars, volunteers and militia
Gen. Mcdowell ordered full list to be made
out of the men in each regiment fit for duty, on
leave, in the hospital.
THE BEEF CONTRACT.
The bids for the great beef contract, offered
to-day, range from SO 80 per 100 lbs. to So 30.
The lowest bid was from Hugh Maher of Chi
cago
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS
WIN. s. Wood Of New-YOIk, appointed Com
missioner of Public Buildings, enters on his du.
ties June list.
SUFFERING OF THE REBELS.
1t is said that with the 5000 troops near Fair
fax Court House, tuere are 1000 negroes, in the
are scarce and the priystion falls fret upon the
slaves. The detachment is already separated,
and are procuring food and forage from planta-
ton houses
THE DEPARTURE OF CARL sCHURZ POR SPAIN.
The announcement of the departure of Carl
6churz to his diplomatic post at Madrid, which
was telegraphed yesterday in abrupt terms,
makes some explanation necessary. His sudden
departure was in consequence Of the peculiar
condition OF eur relations with the Spanish
Court, which may need the speedy presence Of
diplomatic representative.
ABSENCE OF MR. VAN WICK.
The Hon. c. Fl. Van Wyck who has been for
the last four weeks industrious and indefatigable
10 attending to the correspondence of the sol.
diers, has returned to New-York for . brief
visit His absence is much regretted BY the
soldiers, 70 when he has been Of such essential
service
ANOTHER BRIGADIER-GESERAL,
Col. D. p. Tyler of Connecticut has been aP-
pointed Brigader-General.
= Capt. w. S. Sherman, late Of the q. s. Army,
and brother Of John Sherman Of Ohio, Ii APP
pointed Colonel in the regular army.
VACANCIES AT WEST POINT.
Gen. Foot of Vermont will introduce bill at
the extra session authorizing the President to
gil all existing vacancies at West Point by
nominations at large. This is in anticipation Of
q permanent increase Of the regular army.
CONTRACTOR IN TROUBLE.
Charges have been filed with Secretary Cam
eron. representing that one of the largest con-
tractors employed by the Quartermaster- General
of Philadelohia, in the service Of the Government
sh;pped cargo of satpeter and birthstone to
South Carolina after her secession; attempted
twice to send q large quantity Of camp kettles
TO the Rebel army, which were stopped by the
Government; was watched by the Mayor Of
Philadelphia on suspicion Of being in league with
An agent Of South Carolina, and was only saved
from the indignation of the people BY the inter-
position of the authorities, and the publication
Of card, denying his completely.
PosTMAsTERs APPOINTED.
VIM. d. Massey of Alexandria, Va; James
M. Boerman of Parkersburg, Va; John Scheige
of Hagerstown, Nd, and David P. burlington
of Coldwater, Mich.
THE GUN-BoATs.
The specifications for the gun.boats are In the
Public Printers hands, who should have issued
them this morning. There will be three classes,
ranging from 500 to 1000 tuns; the smallest
class to carry 1l.inch guns and two 32-pounders;
the largest four 32-pounders, and to be in plan
repetition of the Iroquos. The public service