, 1861-12-16
FROM WASHINGTON.

Especial Dispatch to the Chicago Tribunal
WAEMsaToH, December Is, 1851.
Capt Palmer, Of the IroquoiE, In several
communications to the Navy Department,
tells his story about the sumter's escape from
Martinique. He found her loading at St.
Pierre, and anchored near, hut being apprised
by the commander of q French 1lan-of.war
lying in port, TINT be could net by internation1
Sumter, nor blockade OF capture her at less
distance than three marine leagues from there,
be got under way at once and stood of and on
1or several days at the required distance. The
French Commander and the Governor Of
the Island, gaTe him indirectly to understand
that to do otherwise would be to brin, on
war with France. The people, as well as au-
thorities, seemed to be On the side Of the
Sumter. Capt Palmer, however, arranged
with some loyal persons, who, on
dark night, gare signal that the
Sumter had started Southwark
The Iroquois made all speed in that direction,
but signal was made from small vessel, as
she approached, doubtless to the Sumter,
which escaped Us Captain Palmer expected
He says there is no bay, but an open road
stead, fifteen miles across, with lofty head
lands, the whole impossible to be watched by
one vessel
The Boa1d for the examination Of officers
Of volunteer cavalry convene tomorrow.
General Palmer prcsidcs.
General Hcintzeiman's lines arc still Open
to refugee slaves, and closed to their capture
By masters. If the Latter como thcy arc as
sured that American soldiers arc not slave
catchcrE. If they desire to return to their
arms, they are informed that civilians are not
admitted within Or beyond the camp, and are
sent to Alexandria. One wouId-be-master
has already been there month.
The rebels claim to have thirty-nine hun
drel prisoners.
Colonel Auligan escorted Mrs. Douglas to
and from church to-day.
4 Pennsylyanian is said to have contracted
to furnish Virginia camps with tircwooa at
four dollars u cord. It only costs
E1ty cents, the price Of cutting. He finds trees
fellcd by Government, and uses Government
wagons for transportation.
Jim Lane speaks on the conduct Of the wal
in tic Senate tomorrow.
The news by the Europa, sent to the mem
bers Of the Cabinet, caused little nneasiness OF
apprehension, 1t Is not fully credited
Faulkner is here, on his way to Fortress
Monroe and Richmond. Some Indignation i:
expressed at his being allowed to lounge II
The principal Northern cities, aud see Ill le
| wishes.
Wilkes arrived last night, and was serenaded
He n1odestly said that he deserved no ovation
| Tor simply doing Ills duty. He occupies tht
| house formerly occupied by Gen Mcclellan
Gen. Sumner was thrown from his hors
this morning while inspecting the troops. 4
lirst it VAS believed That rib was broken, bu
Telegram to McClellnn this evening says tina
| he is better, and will in few days be able t.
| resume his command
The speech Of Mr. Conway Of Kansas
in the House on Thursday, vas hear
| with unusual interest. Tie incompati
b11ity between slavery and good goyernmen
was never more clearly exposed ormorc sharp
II defined. According to linn, slavery mus
cease to exist before VIC can hope for perma
nent peace. These views arc the more in
portant, because ConEayfis q Baltimorean b
birth, who has kept up his intimacy Wit
Maryland affairs. Although q maiden effort
an old member remarked that he never hear
q speech there superior to it in ability or j
the effect that it produced
Soon after Kcrrigan was imprisoned, hi
wife visited him and asked for money for hc
support. He repulsed her, giving her q fe'
dollars, showing her the door, and bela7in
| T,r11fn1ifT fc hat h