Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1862-02-27
Latter from Columbus.
Correspondence Of the Belmont, Chronicle!
NpYyynsuvyo N,I ~ 4

COLUMBUS, Feb. "a, 1862.
EDITOR CHRONICLE: The last week has
been one Of unusual excitement at the
Capital. The wal news has been Of such a
character, and to such an extent, as to alb
serb nearly every thing else. The success
Of our armies in Missouri and Eastern Ken
lucky, followed by the capture of Fort
Horny, and the successful expedition of our
gunboats up the Tennessee River; had filed
every Union heart with joy and gladness.-
But the great browning act in the drama
was sim back. The Telegraph had announced
the fact that Fort Donelson was invested BY
our gallant troops. A Fort of great natural
strength, with strong Notifications, and held
by a large force. Day after day the wires
reported the progress of our troops in re-
ducing the Fort. Intense anxiety was de-
picted on every countenance while this state
Of suspense continued. But what a scene
followed the announcement Of the surrender
Of tho Fort, and the capture of l5,0 0 0 pris-
onors. Hope and anxiety gave place to con-
irmation and safety, and the joy hitherto
depressed broke forth into the widest de-
monstrations Of enthusiasm. A meeting
was had Immediately in the Hall of the
House Of Representatives. Upon special
invitation the meeting was opened by pray
or and thanksgiving, by the Rev. Doctor
Hoge of this city. Addresses were deliver.
ed by Gov. rod, Thos. Ewing, Lieut.. Gov.
Stanton, Col. X. McCook, Gen. Delano and
others, which were full Of faith, and hope,
and exortations to good works. In the
meantime a six FOUNDER kept up terrible
noise on tho public grounds East Of the
State House, At night, ss on the succeed
ing night, the dome Of the Capital, and
buildings around Capital Square were beauti-
fully Illuminated. Bonfires were built in
the streets, and rockets assembled high in the
air. In these exercises and demonstrations
n large concourse Of citizens and strangers
participated.
The prevailing opinion here is that the
back Of the rebellion is broken, and that the
disabled parts, with good management on
the part of our commanders, and the con-
tinued blessings Of Heaven, will soon be
conquered. In this opinion your correspon.
dent fully concurs.
Three hundred secesh prisoners, officers,
captured ut Fort Donclson, | learn, are to
arrive here to-day, Monday to 20 into
quarters at Camp Chase. Among these, il
u Brigsdier Gen. Bushr0d II. johnson, said
to be formerly a citizen Of Belmont county,
and a native Of the village Of Belmont.
Much OF the business OF the Legislature
for the last week has been of a local char
actor, which would not be Interesting to your
readers. The business Of retrenchment in
the civil administration of affairs, is gradu.
ally but surely progressing. Abill has passed
both Houses reducing the pay of Township
Assessors to $3.50 per day, and making il
uniform throughout the State. Also a bill
fixing the day previous to the second Mon
day Of April ~ the day when the lien shall
attach TO real estate for purposes of tara.
ton, same day is fixed for personal property.
A very important bill, emanating from liz
Committee on Militia, is before the Senate,
and has been discussed at some length. 10
provide for the payment Of volunteers and
officers from the time they enlisted until
they were accepted and mustered into the
service Of the United States. This bill will
undoubtedly pass in some shape, with the
expectation that the General Government
win make provision to meet the expense
when it shall have beon ascertaiped and nd.
justed by the State. The bill provides foi
the appointment Of Commissioners, 10 CON
sist Of the Auditor, Attorney General and
Secretary Of State, 10 examine and adjust
those olaims.'
Tho constitutionality Of the act Of last
session regulating the fees Of County Treas.
urers, was argued on Saturday before the
Supreme Court, on . case taken up by the
Treasurer Of Franklin, county. The case
will be disposed Of 10 . day or twos
The 43d Regiment from Mount Vernon
passed through Columbus or Satur day last,
] on their way to Padxcah. Your eorrsspen.