The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-11-20

An arrangement is about to be entered ~
so by which all the British minors who have
enlisted in the U. S. army are to be returned
10 their respective homes. Many Of these
youngsters have volunteered from Canada,
and as Lord Lyons is not now in the very
best Of humors, he has demanded thar they
shall be returned.
On Sunday, seven oyster PUNCHES attempt
ed to run the blockade Of the Potomac. on
their way down the river. Six of them
passed without interruption. but the seventh
ran too near the Virginia shore, and the bat
teries from Quantco to Choppowamsic were
opened. Twenty shots wero fred ar the
pungy, three of which passed through her
sails, but her hull was unip:ured She was,
however, compelled to put back to Indian
Head.
Rev. Mr. Leech, of the Methodist Epsco-
pal Church, at present stationed upon the
Elkridge Circuit, and residing near Sandy
Spring, in Montgomery County. was arres-
ted last week by the military Ashton Gar
rett. esq :, of the same county, who was ar
rested on the 9th instant, has since been
released.
Tender Of troops continue TO be made to
the War Department, and it is probable that
before the meeting of Congress the half mil
lion men authorized to be accepted will lie
supplied. Offers Of additional regiments Of
cavalry are declined, owing to suticiency
of that branch Of the army.
1t is believed that assurances have already
been given, through the U. s. Minister TO
the cotton ports should be given this winter
to British vessels.
Charles W Jefferds was arrested IA New
York on Sunday, and co~mitted to the
Tombs. lie was indicted for the murder If
Walton, his step-fatber and of Mr.. Joln W.
Matthews. lie was acquitted of the murder
of Walton some months since, and has been
suf .red to go at large upon his own recosni-
zance in the other matter. Additional evil
dence. it is said has recently been discover
ed which led to his re-arrest.
Ge rye P. Buell., the army correspondent
Of the Cincinnati Times, was arrested in
Louisville on Ffiiay last by the provost mar
shall. 1t is stated that Mr. Buells otfance
consists III the publication in his paper OF in
formation which has been prohibited by the
commanding general.
Mr.. Henry Davis, who left Norfolk, Va
last week, publishes in the New York Tri-
bune that Norfolk is well defended On the
Portsmouth side are miles of embankment,
with heavy gums from the navy yard, at in.
tervals Of 100 yards The camps are about
half mile distant from each other. On the
Norfolk side, for five or six miles, batteries
run along Princess Ann s road, with similar
armament. The troops in and about Nor
folk are from North Carolina, South Carroll
ma, Georgia Alabama, and three regiments
from Petersburg, Va
Captain Bennett, with a party of the Lin
coin cavalry four miles within the Contede-
crate pickets, in Fairfax county, reports that
many of the dwellings, built in flee taste
and surrounded by beautiful garuens aud
shrubbery, are deserted by owners, " ho have
not even taken care Of their contents. He
saw siver-ware and other valuables lying on
the tables and in the Closets the buildings
in all their appointments bearing evidence
Of having been abandoned in haste. Many
of the negroes he met, begged him t, take
them into bis camp, and desired to go to the
North
There Was very heavy white frost this
morning. Ice formed on all the ponds and
shadows.