The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1861-11-22
News from WASHINGTON,
ON THE LOWER POTOMAC


WASHINGTON, Nov. l3 The report that
the rebel forces on the lower Potomac have
been diminished, proves untrue. They
have been increased.
On Monday, General Hooker estimated
their number opposite bis head quarters at
5000.
The 4th Alabama is encamped at Ship.
ping Point. Still they manifest rather a
dread of au attack, than an intention to
to make one. Almost every night the long
roll is beaten along their lines.
Two steamers and eleven schooners passed
the rebel batteries in one night.
On Sunday they were at work strength
ening their principal batteries and on
Monday they threw dozen shells at small
schooner, not one of which tou bed her,
Our Parrott guns at Budds Ferry man.
ned by a squad Of the lst artillery, opened
Id reply. This battery commands the mouth
OF Vuantlco creek aud prevents the exit of
the George Page, whose smoke stack is
visible from the rebel shore
Although all the boats on the MARYLAND
side have been seized, and our pickets ex-
tend to Badd's Ferry and far below, the
mails between Washington and Virginia
are still believed to be regular Women
serve as mail carriers.
Hsrold's Dispatch "A scouting party
sent out by General Smith yesterday reports
that the enemy had advanced their lines to
Hunters Mills, two miles beyond Vienna,
which place they now mold in forces Il
The rebels have burned two bridges over
Difficult Greek, OD the Alexandria and Lees.
burg turnpike, two miles this side of
Drainsvilie.
1t is fully believed that their movements
In this direction are intended to cover an
intended retreat on their part in case of an
advance by General Mcclellan.
General Denver is ordered to report to
General Hunter at Fort Leavenworth.-
General w. L. Sherman has been ordered,
when relieved by General Ball, to report for
duty to Major General Halleck, at St.
Louis.
GENERALS HALLECK AND BUELL..
Iribune's Dispatch Generals Halleck
and Buell. left for their commands this
morning. Both fully possessed of the plans
and policy of the administration, and of the
cOmmander-in chief. Henceforth it is be-
lieved there will be thorough unity of ac-
tion among the Generals commanding the
several Departments, and all their actions
will be parts of one campaign.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS SATISFACTORY.
WASHINGTON, Nov. l2.-Oficial advices
received from Europe show Strengthening
OF belief 10 the restoration Of the Union,
and increased confidence in the ability of
the Administration to re.establish its au.
thOrity. News from England is especially
gratifying. xss
There is still prospect OF general ex-
change OF prisoners, although no definite
arrangement has yet been made.
The Administration will act with
promptness in maintaining any success the
expedition may have achieved. Secresy is
atil maintained in the depar r,ments relative
to present or prospective movements of the
expedition.
COMMISSIONS ISSUED.
WASHINGTON, Nov Ia Commissions
nave been issued to the following named
gentlemen, under the recent appointments.
Coils. Geo. w. Cullam and Schuyler Ham
iltOn, late attached to General SCOTS staff,
to be Brigadier Generals of volunteers, to
report to Major General Haleck.
Captain Jesse l.. Reno, regular army,
Chas. @. Hager, Geo. NJ Morgan, J,
Stahl and Col Phillip st. George Cooke.
also to be Brig. Generals oil volunteers, to
report to Major General Halleck.
RECONNAISSANCE.
Special to he Tribute.
WASHINGTON, Nov. l2.-On Sunday
evening 400 men OF Graham's regiment, of
the Sickles Brigade, crossed to Matthias
Point, and made thorough examination.
Next morning the brush and houses which
have served as a shelter to the rebels were
burned in Accomac.
The Union men are believed to be in the
majority in Northampton. The other coun>
ties of the Eastern shore of Virginia, the
rebels have the upper hand. Over 1000
are in arms, and at one point is fortifca
fiOn