Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-10-22
8g 0eIegtapk.
From Washington.


WASHINGTON. Oct. 81 The Reliance
went down to join the Potomac fioulla last
night, and the Robert Lesley started thith-
er at noon to-day.
Some forty vessels went down the river
yesterday, and safely passed the rebel bat
teries. large number of shots were fred
but none struck.
From information received here it is be-
lieved that the armed steamship or float
ing steam battery, now building afteIt the
Ericsson plan, will be completed before
he other two are finished, the work on it
being of less magnitude
A large surplus from the sum apprOpri-
ated by Congress remains.
Secretary Cameron returned this morn
ing from his visit to the West.
The good disciplinary order of our troops
in their recent movements affords sub
ject for military enComum.
All persons to whom passes are allowed
to the army lines have gone over the river
to be witnesses of the great events that are
expected to take place in Virginia during
the week.
There is no truth in the rumor that Gen.
Mcclellan disapproyes of the naval expe-
dition to the South.
The following is a telegram from Gen.
Stones command to headquarters here:
EDWARDS FERRY, Oct, 81, 1861.
This morning at l o'clock five compa-
mics of the 18th Massachusetts crossed the
river at Harrison's Island at daybreak.
They had proceeded to within a mile and
a half of Leesburg, without meeting the
enemy. They still hold on, supported by
the remainder of the regiment and part Of
the goth. gallant reconnaissance was
made early this morning by Major Mix, of
| TN1 10 nd
art, a. a. G., from Edwards Ferry, towards
Leesburg, with the 3Oth Cavalry. They
came on the l4th Mississippi regiment and
received their fire at 80 yards and returned
it with their pistols and fell back in order,
bringing in one prisoner. We have pos
session of the Virginia side of Edwards
Ferry.
Additional accounts say up to 3 o'clock
| to-day Stone had held his own satisfactorily
there, though his comparatively small force
| on the Island are engaged with some I, 900
of the enemy
| A subsequent dispatch, received late
this afternoon, says Gen. Evans, of the
rebel forces, has four field and three pieces
masked and about 900 men. a prisoner
who was taken, mentions that he has 1000
rebel troops, and expects reinforcements.
Gen. Stone at that time believed he could
occupy LeeSOuIB lO-uly anu HOlu lie l hC
dispatch is dated Edwards Ferry.
The statement of the Boston Journal
that letters of credit for 10000
sterling, or nearly 500, 100000, have been
sent to Europe by Government agents to
purchase army woolens, is regarded rs
another evidence of eXaggerations which
sometimes occur, and cause mischief. On
careful inquiry, it is found that the sum Of
$500, 900 was sent, and 100000 more is
to be sent in 30 days, in all less than a
million dollars, to secure cloth to be made
up in this country, to meet the pressing
wants OF our soldiers in the field until our
own manufacturers can supply the goods
now so much needed. 1t WAS a wise pre-
caution on the part of the Government
officers whose duty it is to see and know
that the wants of the soldiers are pro-
vided for. The greatest care was exer-
cised in the selection 0! agents to execute
the order.
Geo P Smith, Esq, formerly of Pitts
burg, gentleman of au uublemished char
acter and large experience as n merchant,
was requested by the department to aid
Col. Thomas in selecting and purchasing
materials, which he does without any
compensation for his services, but solely
to assist government from the best and
most patriotic motives.
The policy of the Secretary of War in
supporting home manufacturers, when it
can possibly be done without injury to
the service, has been so frequently exercis-
ed in practicable shape for the benefit OF
our manufacturers THAT no question can
arise in this case.
In connection with the fact that payment
has been suspended on debts created i'll the
Department of the West, it is proper to
state that tho Committee of Investigation
appointed by Congress to inquire into all
contracts, and which is now in session at
st. Louis, have in their examinations dis
covered greatirregularity and extravaganza
in the public expenditures.
In view of all these circumstances it is
apparent the Administration will yield to
the necessity of completely recognizing
the entire department, to accomplish which
Gen. Fremont will be transferred or as
signed to some other duty. The President
and his constitutional advisers arc deter
mined that that department of the service
shall be managed with prudence SO far rs
they have and can exercise the power tC
control it. While the steps necessary tC
be taken may affect the standing or posi-
ton of some few individuals, it is consid,
cred better such changes should be made
rather than the great interests at stake
Shouts! suffer by hesitation or inaction OF
the part of the government
The Commissioner of Patents has deci
ded on McCormick's application for thu
extension of his reaper patent of lS47
Excitement in Terre Haute
ny of Federal Soldiers.
a.,