Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1861-06-01
The w ar News.

1uC w dI NEWS.
Under proclamation from Gen. Lee.
the rebel soldiers in Virginia voted for
secession two days before the election
day, fearing that military exigences
might prevent them from going through
this farce on the day fixed by law.
Dispatches by the Persia state that
the agents of the rebel government
have explored Europe in vain for arms,
munitions and money, in exchange for
their bonds. Dudley Mann sought an
interview with George Peabody, in
hopes of negotiating an interview, but
was politely but firmly repulsed. In
no case had they found their security
marketable, at the largest discount
they could offer, as temptation.
The Washington Star has positive
information that q majority Of the Sc
cession troops within fifty miles OF
Washington refused to take the oath
of hostility to the United States; also
a large portion Of the Harpcr's Ferry
troops.
A battery Of the celebrated Whit
worth guns, twelve Founders, with am
unition and carriages complete, has ar
rived in Washington, as present to
the Government, from patriotic Amer
lean citizens abroad Each one Of the
guns bears the following inscription:
"Frono LoyaI americans IN Europe
to tie United States Government,
1861.
Special Dispatches to the Daily Sentinel
Washington, May d.
The war is carried into Africa. 49,
900 troops crossed into Virginia last
night, and are now occupying Airing
ton Heights and Alexandria.
Nine Regiments Of infantry, consist
ing of four New Jersey regiments, It'll,
18th, and 25th New York regiments,
and one Michigan regiment, also one
regiment Of District militia, together
with two companies Of cavalry and one
battery Of artillery, preceded by four
companies of Regular infantry, crossed
Long Bridge for the occupations of Al
exandria. Six regiments of infantry,
together with q similar complement of
of cavalry and artillery, passed over
Georgetown Bridge for the occupation
of Arlington Heights The former
body under the command of Gen. Mans
field, and the latter under Gen. Nc
Dowcll.
The troops commenced moving
shortly after midnight. Precisely at 2
o'clock the crossing Of the main bridg
es began over the bridges Of the Viz
ginia ends, both Having been secured
at an early hour by the advance guard.
The movement was conducted with the
utmost quickness and promptnoss by
all tie troops passing over in less than
two hours.
Very few knew of the grand night
expedition and departure of troops,
was only witnessed by few. It was
a grand and impressive spectacle. |
was or horseback all night, but found
1t impossible to get permission to cross
with the troops, Senator Chandler, Of
Michigan, being the only civilian al
lowed to cross. At four o'clock, how
ever, report was read from the com
mander of the expedition, that no OPP
position had been offered, and the road
to Alexandria was open.
The troops are expected to have pos
session of the town before a. NJ
They took rations for only two days,
and provisions will be sent across III
large quantities today.
! can state, from the highest authori-
ty, that Government does not intend to
march on to Richmond for the present,
hut merely add to the security Of the
Capital, by occupying positions, the
possession Of which would virtually
give the rebels control Of the seat OF
Government.
The country within q radius Of TWEEN
ty five miles of Alexandria will be kept
clear of rebels.
Should they advance on the Federal
army in strong force, a similar for
ward movement will be made by the
latter.
A long train Of wagons with wheel
barrows and shovels followed the
troops, indicating an intention to throw
up Notifications.