The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-20
News from WashingtOn.
DOINGs OF THE REPUBLICAN CAUCUS.

WARRINGTON, Dec. ll.-About sixty
gentleman were present at the Republican
caucus. Finally the pending resolution of
Representative Bingham was unanimously
adopted. 1t provides for the coniscation
of all property of rebels in arms, and all
who aid and abet them, and the upcondi-
tional emancipation of their slaves.
Mr.. Sherman of New York, took the
ground that we never could put down this
rebellion with the bullet and that we must
employ slaves to do it.
Mr.. Pomeroy from Mr.. Stewards county,
deprecated strife. He wanted the Repub-
lican party maintained, and said we ought
not to find fault with the Administration.
That we should blame ourselves that we
had abandoned our party-that there was
no longer Republican party in New
York, Pennsylvania or Ohio.
Messrs. Julien and Dunn of Indiana, ia
the same strain closed the debate, which
showed Enthusiastically that the House will
strike straight and sure right at the heart
of the rebellion.
ERS.
Times Special.--Gen. Mcclellan has
issued an order directing the officers in
charge of the military posts in this city to
confne no civilian who is not regularly
committed by magistrate, and no soldier
except deserter and those arrested by
patrols, without special orders from head
quarters. This will be the means of check
ing very serious offense.
25 rebel prisoners of the 81 recently're-
lieved, having arrived at Norfolk, cores
ponding number of our own prisoners have
been forwarded north by the rebel authori-
ties. 1t is understood that Col. Corcoran
and the other officers detained as hostages
for the safety of the pirates will not be
released except in exchange for the pirates.
GEN. MCCLELLAN EXONERATED.
The statement is pronounced false that
Mcclellan interfered with Secretary Cam
eron's report.
European letters state that Russell writes
that the Administration is hecoming dis,
posed to accept foreign mediation with
view to compromise on basis of separa
tion.
Scouts report the rebel force at Fairfax
G. I'll. as very light, but between there and
Vienna there is an increased force.
The Republican members held an adj
journed caucus tonight.
MILITARY EXECUTION.
Especial TO Tribune. 1t is probable
that the first military execution for deser-
tion will take place speedily. Private
johnson, who deserted from Company d,
Lincoln cavalry, is now on trial. The
proofs against him are conclusive. He was
endeavoring, not merely to get away from
our army, INT to 60 over to the rebels. 1t
is understood that an example will be made
of him. The trial will probably be con-
cluded tomorrow.
ALARM IN THE CAMP.
The troops along the centre OF our lines
slept on their arms last night. A despatch
from Gen. Mcclellan informed them an at
tack by the enemy was probable. Today
at noon several regiments were ordered TO
be ready for an emergency and were drawn
up in line but afterwards dismissed. To-
night our troops are again on the alert,
sleeping on their arms.
Down below last night, four brigades
commanded by Generals Heintzleman and
Sumner, CONGRATULATIONS to Occo-
quon and the latter to within three miles of
Fairfax Court House, but found no enemy.
THE TEXAN REBELS DRIVEN BACK.
WASHINGTON, Dec. l2.-Private advices
from New Mexico say the report is, that
the strong forces which have been sent
against the Texans in the Messilla Valley
have driven the enemy far back into Texas.
THE LOWER POTOMAC.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.-The steamer
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from the upper fotia. She reports that
she went up the mouth of the Occoquan a
short distance, but was met by body of
rebels with heavy artillery. She also re-
ports that the rebels have greatly increased
their force at the mouth of the Occoquan.
THE BAY STATE BOYS NOT TO CATCH
NEGROES.
Senator Sumner sent to Secretary Came
ron this morning warm and indignant let
ter from Governor Andrew, demonstrating
against the employment of Massachusetts
men in the disgraceful business of slave
catching, as had been done on the Upper
Potomac.
Secretary Cameron promptly referred
the letter to General Stone, with an en-
phatic request that he would see to it that
the men OF color who entered the camps un-
der his command were treated literally in
the spirit of the orders concerning fugitives
from slavery, which the Secretary Of War
had already given to the commanding Gen
erals.
COL. MULLlGAN REINSTATED.
Herald despatch. The President has
relnstated Col. Mulligan in the command
OF his regiment.
BY an order of Gen. Halleck, the Com,
missioners of all regimental officers expire
when their regiments are mustered out OF
service, Col. Mulligan and his command
having been taken prisoners of war, were
mustered out, but an exception has been
made in their case.
SOLDIER SHOT FOR DIES ERTION.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.-Ihe first militia
ry execution since the commencement Of
the rebellion took place today. johnson,
the deserter, was shot today in the presence
of General Franklin's division.
! The water will be discharged from the
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