The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-03

rincd cannon batteries.
General Banks tslegraphs today that tho enemy has
made demonstrations today, and that everything ID
quiet
Yesterday Governor Ramzey, Of Minnesota visited the
regiments Of his State uader tho command Of General
German, and was enthusiastically received.
Tho whole Of General Banks division paraded yester
day, presenting nne, soldicry appearance. Genera
Banks and stsf reviewed tho column. II Is pronounced
by several gentlemen who witnessed the demonstration
TO be splendid and successful affair.
AFFAIRS ON THE LOWER POTOMAC.
Affairs at the Navy Yard and down the Potomac to-day
are qoiet The Island Belle arrived this morning from
Aqua creek with dispatches from Captain Craven 10 the
government His Aotila now consists Of about eighteen
vessels. The rebels it is believed have number Of
masked batteries at all the principal points where they
can be made available.
The oyster sloop arrived here to-day reports fifty
or sixty vessels the way up the river laden with nay
produce, COAL wood and stores. At the time the
soop passed Freesone Point thirty vessels were in
the neighborhood, but none were fred upon.
The tug Puzy arrived this evening and reports that
FIVE or six vessels Of the Potomac notila lying
the Maryland shorc within view Of tho rebel battery
at Freestone Point The remainder Of our vessels of
Aqua creek from which the rebel George Page
has recently made repeated unsnccessfu attempts
emerge
There has been no firing by the rebels since last Thurs
day, nor can any signs Of life be seen at Frecstone
Point.
The Potomac Is certainly not closed by the enemy
Our merchants are daily receiving goods from the North
by way Of the river.
TROPHIES CAPTURED AT MUNsON's HILL.
Captain Thomas, Of the Quartermasters Clothing and
Equipage Department. has on exhibition at his office q
considerable amount Of clothing belonging to the rebel
army which captured the time OF the advance Of
our troops Munson's Hill. Some Of the coats and
panaloons for officers Of the finest French CLOTH
and Of a substantial character. They captured in
rebel wagons together with muskets sabres pistols and
several Of Colts patent six chamber rifles. The clothing
is elaborately adorned with tinsel.
THE ARMY.
Major Rucker, of the Assistant Quartermaster's Blu.
reau, has been promoted to colonelcy. Captain Hart
his assistant WILL it is supposed, be promoted con-
sequence.
NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS or THE SECRETARY OF
WAR.
The Secretary Of War; in consequence Of the pressure
Of public business is compelled to cease opening any
letters addressed to him marked "privateo Hereafter
all letters SO marked win remain unopened.
FUNERAL OF CoMMIssARY GENERAL GIBSON.
Brevet Major General George Gibson, Commissary
General Of the United States Army died In this city
Sunday night aged few days eighty six years Gen.
Gibson entered the United States Army as captain,
served with distinction throughout the Of 1872 and
at the reorganization and reduction Of tho army,
in 1921 appointed Colonel Of Subsistence and Chief 6
the commissary Department, which post he has held
from that date to his demise having for faithful and
energetic services been promoted, in 1881, Brevet
Brigader General, and in 1848 Brevet Major General.
There are few men who enjoyed SO universal repua
tion General Gibson. The amenity Of his
but the reflex Of good generous charitable heart that
endeared him to the high and low, rich and poor. He
was universal favorite with the young and old. His
rreproachable honesty and upright dealings with the
many contractors who have for long period furnished
supplies army, made his services valuable to the
government and its friends throughout our wide space
and doninions.
The funeral Of General Gibson took place at noon from
his residence in street, the Treasury Department
and was the occasion Of grand military display the
escort consisting Of infantry cavalry and artillery Tho
President with the heads of the departments General
Mcclellan and numerous field and staff officers the
procession.
GENERAL oRpxR-So a.
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJuTANr GENERALS OFT1cE,
WASHINGTON, Sept. 80, 1861.
In announcing to the army the decease Of the Cois-
sary General Of Subsistence Bevet Major General George
Gibson who departed this life, at his residence in this
has most painful duty TO discharge One by one, dur
ing the last few years. the patrarchs of the army the
been dropping into their peaceful graves. The time
honored names Of Towson and Jesup were no longer
borne the rolls Of the living and to-day one Of the
few remaining survivors OF their gallant company,
and one Of the most distinguished, is also num-
bered with the iustrious dead. All honor TO these
golden days Aud may the soldiers Of our young army
strive hard emulate their bright example, and be
successful as they preserving escutcheons un-
he'd hv nv al A Of Ivan ZEN
Gibson entered the army from civil life, as captain Of
infantry, in May, 1908 subsequently promoted Major
distinction through the Of 1926 he disband
cd at its close Reapponted Quartermastcr General
in 1916 and subsequently made Commssary General in
1873 he rendered Invaluable service in the former ca
pacty, to the army OF Gen. Jackson in Florida, and
thereby earned the enduring friendship Of that stern old
soldier.
Breveted Brjgader General for faithful service in
1926 and Major General for mertorous conduct Com
mssary General during the Mexican war he has admin
isterod the Affairs of his department for period over
forty years TO the entire satisfaction it believed Of his
The arrangements for his funeral viii be ordered by
Major General Mcclellan, commanding the army Of the
Potomac.
there will be fired at every military post on the day
acr the receipt Of this order thirteen minute guns
at half staff from the hour until sunset Of the
day. and for thirty days the prescribed badge Of
ing viii be worn by the officers Of the army By order.
i. THOMAS, Adjutant General
letter from the exPresidcnt Of tho republic Of Swift
zerland, who is q member Of the Federal Council,
says
We watch here with great soctude progress Of the
secession (Sonderbtsldskrteg), which, If not
successfully checked by the patriots Of the South may
assume most formidable aspect. is time that the
array with which the North confrous secession may ap
pear imposing to the South. Nevertheless when the
avalanche is fairly motion is late frus-
trate its formation, and, gathering in its devastating
Of vast proportions 1t sweeps ressessy enward
regardless Of every obstacle until striking
tain wall Of rock suord) II s dashed into fragments
and rendered harmless to many peaceful and happy
valley home upon which would have otherwise brought
ruin and misery May God, the Almighty protect the
republic
Another letter says
Switzerland having attained the highest rank among
the nations OF the world, the Swiss government
omts no opportunity to encourage its people to
maintain the enviable position Virtually carrying out
the doctrine Of free trade her mechanical and artistic
productions offered every possible opportunity
to into competition abroad with those of other
tries In view Of this the Federal Council has pronul
gated series Of resolutions wherein 1t is stated that
responsible commissioners would be appointed by the
federal government to attend the great exhibition Of 1862
in London and there to take charge without expense
To exhibitors of all articles sent by the Swiss for
hibition, unpack and repack them and 10 their
safety Furthermore that all expenses OF transport