The New York herald., 1861-12-19
now in the woods, trying eec, their escape from the
ST. .JOsEpH, Mo. Dec. lb, Is,

ST. JosEpH, Mo-, Dec. 15, 1861.
Forty Of General Preniss command returned here last
night most Of them sick with the measles They report
that the Unonsts had skrmshes with the rebels
on their march, killing few Of them. When at the
river opposite Lexington they fred by the rebels
at that place. and General Prentss dispersed them with
shells from three twelvcpounders, but there being
ferry or means Of crossing the river forces
PEELED to return to Richmond for forage.
1t General Prentiss intention however to cross
the river Saturday, at point above Lexington and the
forces from Sedala and Kansas City would join him The
rebels are reported to be 2, ,000 strong
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 10, 1861.
All claims against the Department OF the West which
originated prior TO October l4th must be fled before the
Examining Commssion in session in this city, pro,
vious TO January 10TH they will not be paid by the
department.
All commissioned city officers and all county officers
except nine have taken the oath OF allegiance
by the convention None Of the Judges the Supreme
Court and but State officer Colonel Moscly Auditor
have fled their oaths.
The secessionists hero openly yavow their Joy the
prospect for with England while the Unonsts
generally to hope that the administration will formally
adhere 10 their already proclaimed position and de-
liver up the rebel ambassadors.
John Hogan, who arrested on Saturday for en-
hezzement in card Published this evening says his
arrest was caused by disagreement between him and
the auditing officer Of the General Post once which
might have been prevented by propter examination Of
his accounts.
OUR ST. LOUIS CORRESPONDENCE.
81. LorIs, Dec. 10, 1861.
The Tone Of British Residents If KisSoi-A rrirul of Cen.
sntar Represe,tdttcA Fortunate Aaajca1le
Relations ruth e military Authorities4n Interesting
Negro Question al RouoInpo,tdh Seizure, dc. de-.
Since the arrival of } Edward wilkins Esq her Britain
mic Majesty Consul IN this city, from Chicago, where he
was recently stationed the tone OF British sube IN
cuding native born Englshmen rishmen and Canadians
has vsiby improved Before the restraints imposed
upon them by the presence Of British consular agent
there were no more blatant secessonsts in the State
certain subjects Of Queen Victoria Mr. wilkins s tho
rough neutral and has made many enemies among his
counrymen by strict perseverance in neutral course II
anything his sympathes lean in favor Of the triumph OF
the government and his efforts have been mainly directed
TO restricting his countrymen from aiding and enconrag
ing the rebellion. There no fear that those who live in
this neighborhood VIII DO anything TO the United
States in its present struggle, and hence the
upon thoir conduct amounts 10 positive benefit the
Union cause by preventing aid and comfort to the epsny
The British Consul has held several protraced inter.
views with General Hlleck and General Curtis and the
Provost Marshal and it probable that correspondence
will soon be published upon the rights and duties neu
trails The most pleasant relations subsist between
military authorities and the representative OF the Queen
An arrangement has been perfected by which British
subjects may procure Provost MaIsals passes direct
from the Consul without any tedious crcumIocuton
The passes differ from those issued our own citizens
py the omission of the oath of allegiance and read as
follows