The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-10-25

Foraging parties Of federal troops daily
venture as far as Mt. Vernon.
The, rumor of Fremont's removal is re-
vived to-day. M
A GALLANT RECONNOISSANCE-F
AT EDWARDS FERRY.
The following telegraph from General
Stones command has been received at head
quarters: ,s,
A gallant reconnaissance was made early
this morning by Major Mix, of Van Aliens
cavalry, aud Capt. Stewart, assistant adju-
tant general, from Edwards Ferry towards
Leesburg, with thirty cavalry.
They came on the 14th Mississippi regi
ment, received their fire at thirty yards,
returned it with their pistols, and tell back
in order, bringing in one prisoner 81
We have possession of the Virginia side
of Edwards Ferry. Additional account
says up to o'clock to-day Gen. Stone had
held his own satisfactorily there, though his
comparatively small force on the Island is
engaged with some 1000 of the enemy.
A subsequent dispatch received late this
afternoon says Gen. Rains has four field
pieces and three pieces masked and about
1000 men.
A prisoner taken mentions he has 1000
rebel troops and expects reintorcements.
Gen. Stone at that time believed be could
occupy Ieesburg to day and hold it.
MONEY SENT FOR ARMY CLOTHING.
On careful investigation it is found that
the sum of 100000 was sent to England,
and 100000 more is to be sent within
thirty days,in all not much shortlof million
dnllars, to purchase cloths, 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 go
much needed.
The greatest care was exercised in the
selection of agents to execute the orders,
EXTRAVAGANZA IN FREMONTS DEPART
MENT.
In connection with the fact that payment
has been suspended on debts created in the
Department of the West, it is stated that
the investigation committee appointed by
Congress to enquire into all contracts, and
now in session IN st. Louis, have in their
examination discovered great irregu.
larities and extravaganza in the public
expenditures, in view of all the circumstan
ces, it is apparent that the Administration
will yield to the necessity OF completely res
organizing the entire Department, to &C
cOmplish which, General Fremont will be
transferred or assigned to some other duty.
The President and his constitutional ad
visers are determined that that Department
of the service shall be managed with pru-
dence, so far as they have and can exercise
the power to control it, while the
steps necessary to be taken may
affect the standing or position of some few
individuals, it is considered better that such
changes should be made rather than the
great interests at stake should suffer by
hesitation or inaction of the government.
THE MCCORMICK PATENT.
The Commissioner of Patents has decided
not to grant McCormick's application for
an extension of his reaper patent of 1847.
SECRETARY SEWARD AND LORD LYONS
THE NASHVILLE NOT GONE TO SEA.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2l-Ihe Post says
MIR. Elliot, a prominent military engineer
OF this city has proposed to Government
plan for constructing number of steam
rams with iron beaks fer the protection of
the large sea ports in the event OF a foreign
war 1t is believed the Government regard
this proposition with favor. sa.gr
There is rumor here to-day that sharp
correspondence is going on between Secr'y
nd / <,f
that which has already been published, but
no authentic intelligence has transpired, and
the report is regarded as untrue.
The Baltimore and Washington Railroad
Company expect to be able to satisfy all
TIE requirements of the Government in the
transportation of troops and supplies over
its single track, with additional facilities
for travel.
The Government does not credit the re-
port of the escape of the steamer Nashville
from Charleston, in fact, it was stated that
evidence to the contrary has been received
here.
The Naval Battle Below
New Orleans.
PARTICULARS OF THE FIGHT.
WASHINGTON, October 2l.-The follow,
intelligence of the affair at New Orleans is
from the Richmond Enquirer of the 18th
New ORLEANS, Oct. l4.-The expedition
of Commander Rollins consisted of the
Manassas, the iron-clad marine battering
ram, with one 64-pounder Dahlgren gun;
the steamer Calhoun, the flag ship, with one
24-pounder and two l8>pounder Dahlgren
guns the steamer Ivy, with an 8.inch 90.