Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1861-06-06
WAR NEWS.


A new Military District called the De-
paTtment Of Kentucky has been formed,
to be commanded by Col. Anderson.
Lieut.. Colonel Farnham will be Colonel
Of the Fire Zoueves, unless he should de-
cline. He is an experienced officer.
Orders were issued to-day for tie return
of the 7th New York Regiment, which is
to be mustered out of the service.
Capt. Engle, of Fortress Monroe, re-
ports SewelPs Point almost impreonable,
and now occupied by 1000 rebels. Gen.
Buffers plan is to surround them and cut
off their supplies, thus forcing them to
surrender.
Washington, May 20.
Harper's Ferry, if it is not already evac-
uated, will soon fall. The troops there are
not near so numerous as has been stated.
There are not over 1900 in and about the
place. They are miserably equipped and
nearly starved. General McClelland, with
$4,000 troops, is already on The march
toward Harper's Ferry Another force
will proceed from Chambersburg under
Gen. Klein, another from the Relay House,
and still another from Washington to cut
of the rebels.
The Government received no official in
teligence from our Ministers by the last
mail from Europe. The impression, how
ever, which the Etna's mail conveys re-
specting American affairs there is entirely
satisfactory to our Government, and clearly
indicates that great changes had already
taken place in the minds Of the people.
The total number of regiments accepted
from Illinois for the war is now eigteen,
including Hecker's German Regiment.
The ST. Louis Regiment, Colonel Frank
Blair, has been ordered to Fort Monroe
The Government is now putting forth
its utmost vigor and will urge the campaign
to the lowest point of latitude consistent
with climate and the epidemics Of August
and September, without, perhaps, any for
mai proclamation for an additional enlist
ment.
Lieut.. Slemmer has arrived in Wash
ington. He says tbs troops there are able
to hold the fort against any force that will
be brought against il. The garrison num-
bers about 1000 men, and the rebel force
under Gen. Bragg about 5000.
1t is understood that Major General
Fremont will be assigned to the command
Of the Western Division of the army, to
operate in the Mississippi Valley.
The Government is becoming embar-
raised with the question Of how the pris-
oners captured in the conflict now going
on shall be disposed Of Scouts are daily
picking up men proved to be secessionists;
the number already taken exceeds 100.
The rebels are capturing Union men, think
ing that when they have a sufficient num-
Der they will be able to secure the release
of thirty-six rebels captured at Alexandria.
If the Government treats these men as
rebels taken in arms against the Govern
ment, they should be hung. If the sys-
tenn of exchange be adopted, there is in
the act a recognition Of the rebels as be-
ligerants, according to all laws of nations.
The Cabinet have discussed this point sew
eral times without coming to any result.
The determination of Judge fancy to
report TO the President the result of his
endeayog to break down the Federal Gov
eminent, is discreet way Of getting out
Of the trouble. May tle old man disgorge
all his treason.
Itappears by adyices from Fort Monroe
that there is likely to be a stampede Of
slaves through Virginia.