Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-09-25


WASHINGTON, Sept 4.-The cabinet is in
session this morning, and it is understood the
disaster to the federal forces at Lexington is
the subject of discussion.
The opponents OF Gen Fremont charge that
lie could have prevented the necessity of Null
lgan's surrender by sending timely reinforce
mcnts to Lexington. Recent alvices received
from St, Louis by Fremont's friends. however,
state that he had no troops to spare and that
it was entirely impossible for him 10 strengthen
Mulligans position, Tine iveliest discussions
of the state OF affairs in Missouri prevail here
today in all quarters.
Intercepted letters, written by a secession
list member of the late Mary land legislature,
show that the tratOrous members OF that body
had formed an elaborate scheme for the pass
age of secession ordinance and an attempt
to inaugurate an armed rebellion in the state
against the power Of the federal government.
The summary measures of suppression alone
saved the state from the horrors Of civil war.
1t is ascertained that Gen. Pattcrson's cam.
paign in Virginia cost the government fully
ten millions of dollars The sole result was
the capture Of some twenty fugitive slaves,
nearly all of whom were returned to their
masters.
The war department has determined to va
cate the offices of all quarlermasters, commits
slries, and other officers, who fail to respond
promtly by filing their bonds and presenting
themselves for active service.
The recently released prisoners from Rich
moud represent that the U Iion soldiers there
who are wounded are most UNANIMOUSLY NAL
treated by the rebel surgeons, who perform
ampuations and capital operations when there
is not the slightest need nearly all resulting
fatally. The only persons showing any hu
manity toward the prisoners are the GeOrgians
and Lonisianans. Many are suffering for want
of clothing, and Gen. Scott is to send them
some Sixteen officers, including one colonel
and forty privates, had escaped. -Four hun
dred prisoners were TO be sent to Baton Rouge
this week, aud it is intended to send them all
south to prevent them from escaping.
To-day there was review OF portion of
the cavalry and artillery attached to the lrmy
of the Potomac. There were five regiments
of cavalry under command OF Gen. Stoneman,
and eight batteries Of AZ pieces under command
of Gen Barry. The review WAS Witnessed by
The president, heads of departments, foreign
ministers, and other distinguished personages,
together with an immense crowd Of promis-
cuous spectators. Gen. Mcclellan and staff ap'
peared in full uniform, accompanied by nearly
all the field and staff attached to the army OF
the Potomac The artillery fired the salute
usual on such occasions. Towards the close
an accident of serious character took place.
AS the artillery was passing at the double
quick the tongue OF caisson broke throwing
the artillersts from their seats and causing
severe injuries to two of them namely James
Gillon and VIM. Hatfield of company X, fourth
artillery.
The auartermaster's department is narrowly
watching the conduct Of all persons employed
in the administration OF its affairs, and, within
the pre- sent week, several removals have taken
place in order TO more satisfactory service by
other appointments. Capt Jenkins has been
assigned to the quarternaster's department,
under Gen. Anderson and Major Allen, to
similar position under Gen. Fremont.
Early last night, the barn situated TO the left
of Bayley's Cross Roads, used by the rebel
pickets, aud from which a number of our men
have been killed, was destroyed, being fired
by hot shot thrown by our troops.
The military authorities have stationed
guards along the principal streets and avenues
for the purpose of preventing fast riding which
has been long a source OF annoyance, and de-
struction to the government horses.
The rebels are throwing up earth works for
the purpose of terrifying Elsell's Hill seven
miles from Alexandria, on the line of the
Orange and Alexandria railroad and two
miles this side of Springfield station There
is however no large force there.