Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-12-05

rous States and large cities to solicit contributions of
manufactures agricultural productions 81. The lead
ing spirit among the Commissioners, is Col b. \. John.
son. tho veteran Secretary the NYAgrculturL Socie-
IT, who took prominent part in the Crystal Palace EI-
hibdol, ten years since.
DISTINGUISHED, ARRIVAL.
Among the distinguished passengers in the city is Hon
A. \. Gait the Finance Minister Of Canada, who ar
rived In company with Senator Eessenden OF Name this
evening.
TIE PRISONERS IN TIE OLD CAPITAL.
There are now confined in the building, known As the
Old Capital seventy-hve prisoners OF war.
PRIZE VESSELS cosDrxSED.
The District Cour. has condemned the schooner Ale
ma and John T. Evans heretofore seized under the block
aiding feet.
rHx BRITISH cossUL ACCOUNT OF TIE CAPTURE OF xEssRs
MASON AND sLIDELL.
From the n. Y. Hsrad's Havana Correspondence, Nov
22d
The news by the English steamer which arrived here
this morning from st. Thomas, has thrown the whole c
ty into a state Of great excitement
By this time Of course, the news Of the capture OF
Messrs Sdell and Mason, with their Secretaries, Is old
but we have heard nothing of it until this morning The
British Consul was kind enough TO read me the otia
despatch he received In relation 10 the affair from the
officer in charge of the mails board the Trent That
gentlemans version of the air IT, briefly. that the
steamer Trent left Havana the Th inst. On the fol-
lowing day steamer was observed nearing them which
presently fred a round shot the bows OF the
Trent whereupon the latter hosted her flag and con-
tinued on her way shortly afterwards shell exploded
At about half a cables length from her, upon which she
hove TO- The stranger showed no flag until about the
time the shell was fred and it then discovered that
she an American.
Presently an armed party OF marines under com.
mand Of L.. came along side the Trent, and the ocers
on boarding her. demanded list of her passengers, which
the captain refused Tho former then stated that he had
positive kuowledgs that Ae5sFs. hssen and Sdel with
their secretaries Bessrs kastis nd Mcfarland we're on
board that he had orders TO ares. the and II neces
| sary. by force The party Immediately surrendered
themselves under protest the osptsiu joining in the pro-
test The federal officer wanted to take the Captain Of
the Trent but for some reason other RETAINED, and
| b 9th the steamers went their respective ways. The
whole affair occupied but few minutes snd occurred at
| about three o'clock in the afternoon.
Southerners, SOutheth sympathisers and Enpshmen
apparently DICED at the The former because
ii may bring about immediate war with Great Britain
which, will relieve the blockade OF Southern poFs and
the latter because they hope the Yankees will be made
to pay for their insolence."
From he Washington Star of Iasf Saturday.
MOVEMENTS on TIE OTHER SIDE.
Yesterday and the day before there were considerable
Incidental movements OF Union troops the other side
of the river which amount to nothing Of importance.
Thus the marching of Rhode Island regiment yes
terday morning to the immediate vicinity Of Springfield
station where Ii Is nov encsmprd was the result Of
throwing General Summers division over the river.
The Rhode Island regiment had to make place for il
| in the line aud moved to Springfield 10 that end.
So also was GSn. McOals of the day before
designed only temporarily to support Col Bayard,
despatched 10 make certain captures at Dcanesvle-
Nevertheless we TO doubt that Gen. Nc.
Cell must soon be advanced further the right With
the larger accesors to the army crowding to the front
| over the river.
| HEw DIVISION.
In the twenyour hours ending at sundown yesterday
twelve regiments were transferred with their Baggage
and equipments from this to the other side Of the Poto-
| mac.
! They are TO form new div,on Of the grand army
under command Of that distinguished veteran, Brig adler
General Sumner O. S. Army, who s to have Brigadier
General French (Msjor Frerch, oil U. 8. Artillery late
in command at Key West Brigadier General Howard,
formerly Capt. Howard, U. s A., but row Of Maine
and another not yet determined on by Gen Mcclellan
The general impression is that for the time being, the
pos. Of Gen. Sumaer's division will be on the extreme
left below that of Gen. Heintzlemln. By this time its
tents doubtless SPREAD the bank Of the Deco
quan.
Special Washinotoa De, aich 10 The Philadelphia
Enquirer
MORE ooEFEDERArE MINISTERS.
"3scesh" here says that John U. Breckenridge and
r. n. T. Hunter, will be sent abroad in place Of Sidell
aGd Mason via Canada and will sail from Qlebcc or Hall
fax. Some Of our officials ought to distinguish them.
.alv nv ha0 0ip thaa tun