The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-11-30
PRINTED AT THE
ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE OFFICE.

Col Lee, of the Massachusetts Twentieth
Regiment, writes from Richmond, in letter
dated the 18th inst, that as one of the Off
GERS drawn by lot to offset the course of the
Federal Government towards the Confederate
privateers, he is the inmate of cell in the
His health is good, and he gives the same
account of the others who are confined with
him. He is permitted to say, on good Com
federate authority, that the Confederates
are not only willing but anxious to effect an
exchange of prisoners.
A band of Confederates under S. Y Cor
don, captured three U. S. offcers-Captain
Robb, Capt. White. and Lieut.. Mernlight,
from railroad train at Weston, on the 2S,h.
The Confederate Stein is, with fifty follow
ers, near Weston.
The U. S. steam gunboat Occur de Lion,
arrived at Fortress Monroe, on Wednesday
morning, from Washington, which place she
left on Sunday last, having successfully run
the Potomac blockade. She had forty-two
shots aimed at her, of which she received but
one, doing very little harm. The Lion, as
she is called, sails Wednesday night for the
Washington Navy Yard.
In consequence of the death of the father
in-law of Col. George p. Kane, that gentle
man has been allowed by the Government
to leave Fort Warren.
The Congress of the United States assem-
bles in Washington on Monday next. A quo
rum of both houses will, no doubt, be pres
ent, and the Presidents message may be sent
in at once.
An order has been issued by Gen. Porter,
the Provost Marshal of Washington, endor-
sed by Gen. Mcclellan, empowering Capt.
r. NJ. Evans to investigate the subject Of
passes, doubtless with view of establishing
more uniform system.
The organization of special regiment of
sharp shooters commenced in New York, has
been completed; and further companies will
be distributed among other regiments.
General Lockwood was at Pongoteague on
Thursday. preparing to start for Eastville,
Northampton county, which he would make
his headquarters. The port would be imme-
distely open to trade, and number Of YES
sells were prepared to start for Baltimore as
svon as they could obtain clearances.
Some five hundred Federal prisoners have
been sent from Richmond to Tuscaloosa, Al.
ALBANIA, for the purpose Of rendering them
more comfortable during the winter. Il is
said that their treatment. though at first
harsh, was subsequently greatly ameliorated.
Adjutant General Thomas has sent instruc-
structions to Gen. Sherman. at Port Royal,
to seize all the cotton, corn, rice, and crops
of various sorts within his reach to use
what is necessary and of value for the sub
sistence of the troops, and to send the cotton
to New York, to be sold for the benefit of the
government. General Sherman is also di-
rected to take the services of negroes, not
only to aid in gathering the crops, but also
in making Notifications.
Independently of the Port Royal expedi-
ton. which has already reached its point Of
there are three others, which are
intended to operate against the Southern
States of the sea board, and the Mississippi
valley. There is General Burnside's expedi-
ton, already referred to the stone fleet for
obstructing the harbors of certain ports and
Captain Porters expedition of eight vessels
now getting ready for sea. Ia addition to
these, a hotilla of gunboats, river steamers,
and floating batteries, is on the point of de.
parture down the Mississippi river.