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

been held on the subject.
EELlNG LESS WAR-LIKE IN WASHING
TON.
The general feeling Of the city, is less
warlike han it was at first, and the peo-
pie talk coolly of surrenderingthe emissa-
ries if it can be done without sacrifice OF
honor, rather than engage at this lime in
70 reign war.
The report that members of the Cabinet
take similar view of the question, gains
currency and finds belief, but while it is
not true such a conclusion has been arrived
at in cabinet meeting on the one hand, it
is untrue on the other hand that the d.
termination not to surrender, under any
circumstances, or for any considerations,
is absolute. While the government will do
nothing to promote hostilities it will guard
well the national honor.
Should arbitration be proposed, it may
be accepted. Should sufficient cOnsid
GRAFTON for the surrender of Mason and Sill
dell be offered it may be done.
A prominent member of the govern
ment stated in conversation this evening
that Lord Lyons would not demand his
passport-that Mason and Slidell would
not be given up and that there was no
probability of war with England.
WHAT ENGLISHMEN SAY.
Englishmen here are confident of war
between the two countries. This opinion,
however, is based upon no official commu-
nication, and while it excites some unplea
SAINT feelings, carries no weight.
Several Englishmen now serving in our
army, among them Colonel Havelock and
Captain stewart, have, it is declared, sig-
titled their intention to resign should fur
ther complications ensue. In other cases,
extraordinary and painful evidences OF sud-
den hostility to our cause hes been shown.
The general feeling, however, appears to be
a sincere regret at what they regard the
inevitable issue.
MIR. Adams dispatches have little to say
touching the Trent, having received no
communication on the subject from the Bril-
fish Government. In the case OF the Nash
vile, be had made representations but re-
ceived no reply.
REBEL FLAG DISPLAYED IN ENGLAND.
Letters dated London, december 4, re-
ceived here sneak OF seeing newly paint.
ed cab on Oxford street, with British and
rebel flags crossed on panel, and little Sc
cession flags for sale at the Adelphi Thea
tire. ccntrolled by Dion Bourcicault, where
Octoroon was playing. The stars and
stripes, which had foated there, were
wrapped around the staff and the stars and
bars displayed.
BEAUREGARD REINFORCED.
The Government has intelligence from
Manassas today that still more troops have
arrived there from the South. JEFF. Davis,
anticipating an attack, is adding every
available man to Beauregard and John.
sons army.
The report that Maryland regiment had
been captured on the Upper Potomac, grew
out of the fact that a captain and thirteen
men were the other day taken prisoners on
the Upper Potomac.
MORE ABOUT MASON AND SLIDELL.
Herald's despatch. AN absurd rumor
was circulated today that the Government
had decided last evening to surrender Ma
son and Slidell. 1t is without any founda-
ton whatever.
Up to IL o'clock tonight, Lord Lyons
had made no communication from his Cow
eminent to the President or Secretary of
State relative to the seizure of the traitor,
Mason and Slidell.
Mr.. Adams, in bis communication to Mr..
Seward, gives a clear and detailed idea of
the feeling of the British people and the
sentiment of the British statesmen, but
does not indicate that he knows the pur-
pose of the instruction of the English Cows
eminent to Lord Lyons.
PREPARATION AND NOT RESTORATION.
Nothing contained in Mr.. Adams dis
patches indicate that that government will
make any eXorbitant demands relative to
the seizure of traitors. This is not only
true, but am permitted to announce by
high official authority that private letters
received to day from distinguished British
statesmen, assert that the British Govern
ment will not demand release OF Mason
and Slidell, but will require such repara-
lions as lhl United States can honorably
grant; this is also confirmed by other pri-
vate correspondence of Americans who have
facilities for learning the intentions OF the
British Government.
NEWS FROM BEA UFORT- OBSTRUCTION
OF PROPERTY--SAD CONDITION OF
THE NEGROES.
WASHINGTON, Dec 20.--The Navy De-
partmeot has received dispatches from Port
Royal, including one from Commander
Drayton, dated Dec. 9th. He gives the
particulars Oh the recent cruise in the
Pawnee with the Unadilla, Isaac Smith,
and the Vixen, and the exploration OF the
Ashispoo river.
Among other things, he states that on
landing at Hutchinson Island it was ascer-
tanned that two days before all the negro
cabins, overseers houses and out buildings
together with all the picked cotton, had
been burned.
The attempt at the same time had been made
to drive off the negroes, but many had es
capped. Some of their number they said
had been shot in the attempt. The scene
was one of complete desolation. The
smoking ruins, and the covering figures OF
the negroes, who still instinctively chung to
their birthplace, although there was no Ion
ger a shelter for their heads, is most mel
ancholy sight. About one hundred and
forty negroes, most of them in very dest.
tute condition, had collected at Otter Island.