The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-12-27
THE WEEKLY PIONEER AND DEMOCRAT

They represent the feeling as intense, and
the tone seems as that OF previous letters.
It is believed here that the affair may be
honorably adjusted.
General Butler has arrived here. Cap.
tain Wilkes visited Congress today, and
was cordially received.
WASHINGTON, Dec. TO- Special to Post.
The dispatches OF the British Ministry
are reported to be more sensible and mode-
rate than represented by the Eng lish press,
and nothing peremptory or imperative will
be addressed to our Government, and nos
thing in SHORT which cannot be settled by
The general feeling here is ia.
vorable to peace, to Cancellation, and to the
reference of all disputed questions to an in
ternational commission, but no one is in IA
vor of relinquishing particle of our rights.
GEN. BURNSIDE'S EXPEDITION.
General Burnside arrived at Annapolis
this morning, and Immediately commenced
his preparations for the departure of the
Expedition to the South.
A grand review of ten regiments OF Gen.
Burnside's command took place to day.
The men are in excellent condition, and
eager for the start. -Four of the vessels be.
longing 10 the Expedition arrived at An
napolis last night, making total of twelve
which are in readiness for departure.
DEPRESSION IN THE SOUTH.
Unusual depression is reported through
out the South. New Orleans is particu.
larly responding. A great negro insurrec-
ton is reported in Mississippi, and an i'm
mense amount of property has been destroy
ed. $150,OOO on the Quitman estate alone.
WHAT SEWARD WILL SAY.
A special Washington despatch to the
World says Government dispatches con-
corning the Mason and Slidell difficulty will
be of dignifed, but most conciliatory ma
ture. They will satisfy the English Cabi-
net that no insult was intended. There is
not now the slightest doubt but that The
affair will be speedily, honorably and ami
cably arranged.
A SHARP ACTION-REBELS DEFEATED
WITH THE LOSS OF $50 MEN.
WARRINGTON, Dec. 20 Special to the Hers
aid. General Ord started at o'clock this
morning. His command consisted Of four
regiments the, Bucktail rifles, Lieut., Col.
Kane, and Eaton's battery, consisting of
two 4 and two II pound howitzers.
They proceeded on foraging expedis
ton in the direction of Drainsville.
General McCall anticipating that they
might be attacked, ordered the LIST and I'd
brigades to follow at 8 N.
The first brigade, Gen. Reynolds, ad-
vanced on Leesburg and took position on
Difficult Creek to await further orders.
Two hours later Gen. Mccall with his
staff and an escort OF cavalry followed on
the same route.
In the meantime Gen. Ord advanced to
near Drainsville when his command was
suddenly fired upon by a force lying in am
bush in dense wood adjacent.
This was the signal of battle and brisk
engagement promptly ensued. General
Mccall, who arrived few minutes previ-
ously took command. In moments time
Eaton's battery was planted alongside the
Thornton House, and fired rapidly and with
terrible effect in the enemy's ambush.
Col. Kane's Bucktaii Rihemen were
placed in advance and fred upon the enemy
whenever they made their appearance.
The rebels who had battery of six
pieces returned the cannonadiDg and re-
piled to rifles with musketry.
Firing was kept up some three quarters
of an hour, when the enemy retreated rap
idly our fire being too much for them.
Our troops stood up bravely under the
sharp volleys of the rebels. Their steadi-
ness was praised by Gen. Mccall and his
officers.
The rebels took the direction OF Fairfax
Court House, leaving on the field number
of their killed and wounded. Our troops
pursued them short distance and then re-
turned.
Several bodies of rebels were picked up
and fifteen wounded prisoners were taken.
Gen. Ord captured eight wounded pris
oners and two caisso2s with ammunition.
ln their haste, tine enemy left behind arms
of all descriptions, clothing, &c. Their loss
is estimated at $50 killed and wounded.
Among ther killed was Col Thiler of
Frankfort, Kentucky, and commander of
the first Kentucky Regiment Of rebels.
The forces OF the enemy consisted of
three infantry Regiments. lst and 18th
Kentucky and 10TH Alabama, with q cav
airy Regiment and battery, all command
ed by Col. Jonn FL. Forney of the 10th
Alabama, acting Brigadler General.
The dead rebels were lett Oh the field.
The loss on our side Was six killed and
eight wounded, most of whom belonged to
the Buckaiis Col. Kane received slight
wound
At 8 o'clock P. Nj, our troops had re-
turned to camp, bringing in fifty wagon
loads OF forage.
WHAT THE CABINET WILL Do TO CON.
CILEATE ENGLAND.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.-The Herald
says according to our latest adyices from
Washington, apprehensions oil rupture
with England, upon the late Trent affair
may be- dismissed.
Our Cabinet, we are informed, look to
the absorbing and paramount issue, the
suppression of the Southern rebellion, and
will yield to the present demands of Eng
land, as conditions of her neutrality, even if
their demands involve the restoration of
Mason and Slidel to the protection of the
British flag and disavowai of and apology
for their seizure by Captain Wilkes.