New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-18
To the Associated Press.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, Oct. II, 1861.
TIE NAVIGATION OF THE POTOMAC.

The steamer Mount Vernon, Capt Mitchell, came
up last night. Some twenty shots were fired at heI
from the batteries at and near Shipping Point, but
none struck her.
Capt Mitchell reports that thirty or forty vessels
boundup, with Government stores merchant vessels
with coal and oysters, are lying at Smiths Point
afraid to attempt passing the enemys batteries
Near Shipping Point there are three batteries
mounting thirteen or more guns.
A battery has just been opened on Quantico Hlll'
on the right bank of Quantico Creek, short dis'
lance above Shipping Point. The other three are
between Shipping Point and Evansport
There is said to be also battery at Timber Creek,
and one gun on the hill above Evansport.
When the Pawnee and Mount Vernon went down
night before last. the Mount Vernon preceded the
Pawnee, and the 400 marines on board were ordered
to lie down on deck, two deep, in passing the en-
emys batteries, which was done, and they thus es-
capped observation from the shore. Thirteen shots
were fired at the Pawnee, six of which struck her'
and one near her magazine.
The Acquia Creek battery 10 silent.
The Al0er is at the Navy-Yard taking on stores.
THE WORLDS PAIR.
The Commissioners representing the interests OF
Americans at the Worlds Fair, at an adjourned
meeting, have appointed an Executive Committee
consisting Of b. Z. johnson of New-fCrk, Chairman,
Henry Kennedy, Mr.. Seaon Of Washington, aud
James X. Partridge OF Maryland, the last-named
Secretary
1t is their duty to make all necessary preparatory
arrangements for the exhibition. An Office is to be
established at Washington and a description Of all
c. put,u cd In
Committee for their action. Inventors or other eX'
hibitors apply to any one Of the Commissioners,
or Of the Executive Committee.
LIQUoR-sELLISG TO THE TROOPS.
In spite Of the activity Of the Provost guard and
the exerlions Of officers there Is still an underhsnd
selling of ardent spirits in constant progress, which
is causing much trouble among tho troops An iu-
creased guard and redoubed vigilance will be neees
sary TO bring these rumholes to terms.
THE KANSAS BRIGADE.
An Indian agent, who has just arrived here from
Kansas, reports that the brigade Of Glen. james
Lane is in fine condition aud fully equal TO keeping
the rebels out OF the young State.
SECRETARY sEwARD's CIRCULAR.
Nothing has been said here about Secretary Sew
ards circular.
THE MISSION TO EUROPE.
Information has been received here, from source
entitled TO credit that Messrs. Slide and Mason the
rebel Ministers TO France and ugland, are not only
authorized 10 negotiate treaties Of extraordinary
commercial advantage with those Powers, but to
place the Southern Confederacy for limited period,
under their protection.
THE RELEASE or PRISONERS.
Al. " IL 81 n. nu
to the recent special order only three Of them to-day
took the oath Of allegiance namely, George Laneu
and Joseph Elliott Of Maryland, and jeremiah O.
Brian of Georgia. The others took the oath not to
bear arms.
THE PROSECUTIONS IN EGYPT.
The President has addressed letter to the Vice
roy OF Egypt, in acknowledgment Of the LIBERAL
enlightened, and energetic proceedings adopted by
bis HighneSs in bringing to speedy and condign pun
shment the parties who were concerned in an act of
cruel persecution against an agent Of certain Ameri-
can Christian missionaries in Upper Egypt.
ELECTION OF MAYOR.
The City Council this afternoon reelected Richard
Wsllach Mayor Of Washington. His former election
was to I'LL the vacancy caused by the removal OF Col
Berret to Fort Lafayette political prisoner, but
as he resigned preliminary to his release, another
election was deemed necessary.
ANOTHER BRIGADIER.
Mai. w. T. II. Brooks, United States Army, has
be.n appointed Briradier- General Of Volunteers
GEN. MCCLELLAN AT VIENNA.
The most important item from the other side OF
tho river is that Gen. Mcclellan to-day, accompanied
by Generals Smith, Mccall and Hancock, and strong
escort Of regular cavalry, proceeded to Vienna,
which is five miles wet Of Lewinsyille, and re
manned there several hours.