Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-01-17
NEWa ITEMS.

A few months ago the editor of the
Charleston Mercury prayed that our ships
might be sunk Quite number of them,
laden with stone, have since been sunk right
before his eyes, We hope he is grateful for
the answer to his prayer
Most of the vessels composing General
Bnrnside's Expedition have left Fortress
Monroe quietly-their destination being un.
known, although it is supposed by many at
Fortress Monroe that the blow will fall on
Norfolk. IL is understood that the troops
will be landed at several places, all bearing
upon the ultimate destination.
refugee from Charleston states that
there is a large party in the South in favor
OF compromising the present difficulties by
commissioners, and that Davis and Stephens
have supported this project, hut that the
Rhett party has frowned it down.
The Hon. Edwin NJ. Stanton, the new
Secretary of War, has for years been a resi-
dent of Pittsburgh, Pa, where he has held
distinguished position as a lawyer. When
Mr Buchanan remodeled his Cabinet, on
the resignation of Gen. Cass, Mr.. Staniou
became bis Attorney,Geueral aud retained
that position until tue close Of Mr. Buchau.
ans term Of Office 10 his exertlons, with
those OF Mr.. Holt and Gen. Dix, the country
is indebted for what Of good distinguished
the last few months of the Buchanan Ad-
mnistration. Like Messrs. Holt and Dix,
Mr.. Stanton has always been an unswerving
friend Of the Union; and the first article in
his present political creed is the energetic
and unresting prosecution of the war until
the last vestige of rebellion is removed.
From New Mexico we learn that 2OOO
rebels were marching up the Rio Grande to
attack Fort Craig, and the same number up
the PecOs river to attack Fort Union.
The amount Of the government contracts
for small arms, to be delivered six months
hence, reaches thirty-seven millions of dol
lars, and the aggregate Of the army bill
about to be reported to the House is five
hundred millions of dollars.
The barque Lyra, of New York, with s25
slaves on board, has been captured of the
coast of Africa by British gunboat
sThe total number of deaths in Brooklyn
reported to the Health Department during
the year 1861 was 5,933, of which 2,l2O were
adults and 3,sl3 children.
1t is now stated that General Siegel has
not resigned his commission. but is still at
Rolla, holding his command as brigadier
general.
A grand Ts Deum was performed in the
Cathedral at Brussels recently, on the occa-
sion of the King of the Belgians entering
his seventy-second year.
gentleman in Hartford, Conn, has Just
made a double barrelled cannon, which is
Intended to carry chain shot, ball being
fired from each cannon by a new printing
cOntriyance, which ignites the powder in
both chambers at the same instant 1t is
calculated that the barrels diverge enough
to send the balls apart twenty feet, at the
end of a mile, and that the connecting chain
will, if the gun be we'll aimed, cut through
sixteen men abreast.
The st. Louis Democrat says that, few
days ago, the flag raised by Col. Morgan, at
Platte City, Missouri, was torn down against
the remonstrances of the few remaining
citizens of that place. Indignant at the
outrage, and aware of the consequences
should the perpetrators escape, the men en-.
sagcd in the desecralion were arrested, and
delivered 10 Col. Morgan lie immediately
ordered a. c0urt-narlal; The mcu we're found
suiltg, aud sentenced 10 he shot, which cen.
lcnoe was forthwith carried ioto effect.
Al place called Stoyst0wu, 10 somer.et.
,ouOiy, feUOsylsania, during tho soow
torn Of Tuesday, there were VIVID flashes
Of lightning, accompanied by the roar Of
thunder at intervals. This most singular
event greatly frightened the inhabitants of
the town. The same thing occurred at Con.
nemaugh, in Cambria County
Gen. Grant and his staff embarked from
Cairo on Wednesday, on the steamer Cham
cellOr, and took the field at Fort Jefferson.
Dispatches have been received from the ad
vance column under Gen. McClernand, say
ing it is on the march and will encamp Mt
May6eld, Ky. Camp Beauregard is so near
Mayfeld that the rebels must fight or rum
Gen. Grant reviewed the troops comprising
the second division, before starting, and in
formed them that he should march thirty
miles before next morning. The greatest
enthusiasm prevailed among the troops.
The Senate, in executive session, on We'd
nesday, confirmed the nomination of Edwin
NJ. Stanton, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of
War, by vote approaching unanimity.
Resignation of Gen. Cameron.