New-York daily tribune., 1861-11-07
Ti,s BLOCKADE or THE POTOMAC.

TiiE BLOCKADE or THE POTOMAC.
The steam ferry-boat Stepping Stones. recently
purchased by the Government in New-York, ran the
blockade Of the Potomac River last night, and wae
not fred upon by the rebel batteries. The Stepping
Stones is similar in construction to the rebel steamer
George Page, and is about the same size. Drawing
from three to three and half feet Of water only abe
wss enabled to bug the Maryland shore in passing
the batteries.
The Stepping Stones passed a pungy also bound
up The Stepping Stones brought hither six contra
bands who were picked up by the ting Bailey in the
Lower Potomac They had escaped from the yir-
gna shore in dug.out and it is evident from their
statements that they had planned their escape long
since.
MORE CONTRABASDs.
The Island Belle had fourteen contrabands on
board at Cedar Point, and about fifty were sent to
Old Point short time since from the Aotia. The
fugiyes represent that there is great suffering in the
Rappahannock region of Virginia, for want Of food
clothing, shoes, and other articles.
ANOTHER REBEL BATTERY.
There is new rebel battery at Acquia Creek, a
few hundred yards north of the old one. Two shells
were fired from it yesterday, apparently to try the
range only, as no vessels were near.
THE REBELS AT MATTHIAS POINT.
There are indications at Matthias Point that the
rebels are at work there, possibly in the way Of
intIenching.
TIE REBELS ALARMED.
Richmond papers Of Monday, just received here,
make no mention Of the landing of the naval expedi'
ton on the Southern coast. 1t is quite clear how
ever from the tone Of the Southern press, that the
movement Of the feet has created intense alarm
among the rebels. They are anxiously awaiting
intelligence of the blow that is to be struck.
REBEL FAST AND PRAYER.
jeff Davis has appointed Friday, Nov. Is, as a
day of fasting and prayer.
THE MISSOURI FORCES.
Gov. Gamble has arranged with the Government
that the United States shall nrm equip, cothe,
transpor, and pay the Missouri State militia who
may volunteer for service within the State or in ITS
immediate defense during the war. The details OF
the plan secure unity of action between the State and
Union troops, and safety in dsbuIsing money.
THE RAILROAD CONVENTION.
The Railroad Convention sdjourns to-day. all the
companies between Washington and New York
were represented and also the War and Post Office
Departments, the former by Mr.. Mcclellan, the
Second Assistant Postmaster General. The follow
ing schedule has been agreed upon:
From Washington, 6 and III o'clock a. m, aud 3,
10 and clock ?. Nall Of which are to be through
lines to New-York. From Philndelphia TO Washing
ton, $3.50, S:lj ard 1885 o'clock q. IT., and II
O'Clock p. Nall Immediately connecting with
Baltimore, the S:l5 o'clock g. m. excepted. rom
New-York TO Washington, O'clock a. m, and and
IL O'Clock p. IN. The latter however, ~ not ially
decided upon. but is TO be arranged in Phlndelphls
Tue II O'Clock p. m. train from New-fors, and the
o'clock D. H. from Washington, are TO make the
time in hours all other through trains Ii Ii hours
PROMOTIONS.
Capt. Barker, Of Gen. McClellans body-g7iard, bas
been promoted to Major, and authorized TO increase
his command to a squadron. An election took place
Yesterday, when Lieut.. Shears and Orderly u. Z.
Brown were elected Captains, and Second Lieuten-
an, G. s. Phelps and Sergeant Il. A. Webster elect
ed First Lieutenants The command has been IN
creased up to tue standard, viz 200 men, sud If IL
fine military condition.