The New York herald., 1862-01-01

General McCcllan's programme.
In this connection, it may not be mpoltic to say that
the reason why tho expeditions, under the command
seyeraly Of Generals Butler and Burnside have not
left for their places Of destination has beon In
consequence of tho complication with Great Bri
TAIN The settlement Of the Trent affair has changed the
face Of things and the advance Of Gen. Mcclellan
will suddenly become general on land and sea- and
in good time if the inpatient will only be patient, The
country will better understand the Of what
TO them delay but which s only necessary preparation
10 final and glorious consummation.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR.
The committee appointed TO investigate the conduct Of
the war; it is well ascerained, have become thoroughly
satisfied that the utmost confidence may be justly reposed
in the comprehensive plans ard military sk Of Gereral
Mcclellan, and that early results will fully justify the
confidence Of the nation in him. The committee base
their opinion upon the testimony given before them.by
the abest officers Of the army.
RECONNoIssANCEs TOWARDS EVANSVILLE.
Recent Reconnaissance from Generals Smiths and
McCas divisions show the enemy has q strong picket
guard beyond Dranesve, but troops at that place.
RETRoGRADE MOVEMENT OF THE ENEMY.
Scouting parties from the three divisions
pyng the Of the army Of the Potomac within the
last few days report that the lines Of the enemy
have been moved backward some two three miles, ap
parentiy with view of going into winter quarters.
ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE ARMY.
This being the last day OF the year. the annual nspcc
ton Of tho United States army has taken place.
qucny to-day all the inspecting officers havo been busy.
grand review Of General Frank Inns division took
place to-day prior the various regiments beng
tered for inspection
PAYMENT OF THE TROOPS.
arrangements have been made Jay all the troops
. January oravrp for prermnary mustcrs were s
sued several days ago.
THE CASE OF COLONEL MIhEs.
Rcverdy johnson, United States Attorney General
and X. s. Glet United States Solicitor Of the Treasu
ry, have reviewod the caseof Colonef Niles who
anded the left wing Of the federal army at the bato Of
Bull run, and who charged by Col. J. b. Richardson
with being drunk that day They review the proceed
ngs Of the Court Of Inquiry demanded by Colonel Miles,
and give loyal opinion the evidence and come to the
following conclusion, which permitted use ver-
batim -
Wo have examined the evidence in this case with the
intention OF ascertainng whether il warranted the
cuson that Colonel Miles guilty Of the charge made
against him, and that examination has satisfied that
he not Among the reasons why we think
these-Because much the larger number Of the witnesses
testified unquanedly in his favor and they had far
the best opportunities for knowing the truth because
grounds upon which the accsers witnesses formed
their opinions are easily accounted for and because his
acts were dcious and that the confusion complained of
was the work Of other persons We OF opinion that If
this evidence had been before an intelligent jury their
charge Of drunkenness, and that he fully competent
for the command which had been assigned him. As
jurors should have come TO this conclusion upon the
evidence contained this record We think the OF
inquiry were clearly correct in that part Of their opinion
to convic. Colonel Mills Of drunkenness before comt
martial because existed when everything
fully developed and considered, and for the
that none ever existed sufficient TO authorize any srch
conclusion.
The review Of Messrs. johnson and Gillette eight
pamphlet pages and will be presented to every senstor
and representative in Congress- fact came out in ev
dence that has suppressed, although important
Colonel Miles, because it ID believed that he is strong
enough without il. The publication Of it would only dis
grace another officer, who distinguished himself at Bull
run The substance Of is that officer who
to be drunk and who fell from his horse the field
the time Of the retreat, and who was supposed DO
Colonel Niles turned out to be quito another person
opinion settling down to the point that great injustice
has been ao.e colonel Miles The idea that man who
has lived the Plains for years in the regular army
and fought Indians ana Mexicans, during which time
whsRcy has been drink comnon water, could pos
siby get drunk under any especially when
influenced by the greater excitement OF awful battle
in which he participant, against
the laws Of nature.
REMOVAL OF GENERAL SUMNER TO WASHINGTON.
General Sumner was this morning moved from the
camp Virginia to this city, where he will remain until
He was placed q sofa, and attended by his wife,
daughter and aids Captain Lawrence Kip Of the Third
artillery, and Lieutenant $. Sumner he conveyed
in this manner TO the Alexandria boat and from thence
10 his quarters in Twelfth street. II will probably be
three four weeks before the General will be able
his horse; but as he gets sufficiently well
10 70 out he will be driven in buggy and drill his
regiment In that way. His recovery is slow but sure
Dr. Mccormick, OF the regular army, attending him.
and the Generals aids Captain Kip and Lieutenant Sum
ncr are unrcmting in their attention to him. Captain
Taylor will remain at the Generals headquarters, as
sisted by Captain Kip.
PRETTY PLOT SPOILED.
Several dsys ago Mrs. Grcenhow, who was among the
nrst female arrests, and who Ia still - priscu
received cake from some friend Of he's un.
known to the guard. Before delivering II into he.
hands, Lieut.. q. T.. Sheldon, OF the Siurgis Rifles
suspecng something wrong examined the and found
embedded therein note informing that lady that ar
rsugements had been made for her escape and convey
Richmond naming the day and hour for her de-
liverance. This information, however, was not commu
ncacd to her by the lieutenant has the writer OF
the note been discovered.
MRS. BAXLEy, THE FEMALE SPY.
Mrs Baxey, the female spy arrested board the Bal
tinore and Old Point boat with letters aud memoranda
OF reasonable character concealed about her person.
has been brought here and awaits her examination She
maintains dogged silence upon points connected with
her treason.
Mrs Bailey had, net only In the folds OF her dress
but tho rolls OF her hair contraband letters which
In possession Of the proper authorities.
RETURN OF COLONEL KERRrGAN.
Colonel Kcrrigan has returned to the CITY, and this
afternoon imprisoned Capitol Hill. His trial has been
postponed 10 Thursday.
SWORD PRESENTATION
The officers Of the New York Thirty first regiment will
present their Colonel, Brigadsr General Com
mandns COL =. Pratt, with q splendid sword, as tes
monAal Of their high regard for his gentcmany aud SOL
derry qualities Colonel Pratt regarded one Of tho
best officers In the army Of the Potomac.
sKRENAps 70 HON. DANIEL q. DICKINSON.
hon. Daniel 8. Dickinson was sersnaded al