The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-30
WASHIN GTON NEWS.
ORDER FROM QUARrERMAsTER MEIGs.

ORDER FROM QUARTERMAsTER MEIGS.
WASHINGTON, May Is Ordered by vir-
tue of the authority vested by an act of
Congress, the President took military pos
session of all railroads in the United States
from and after this date, until further Or
dereJ, and direct that the respective rail-
road companies, their officers and servants
shall hold themselves in readiness for the
transportation OF troops and munitions of
war as may be ordered by the military au.
thorites, to the exclusion OF all other bust
ness.
By order of the Secretary Of War,
(SignedD n. G. MElGS.
FRENCH DEFEATED IN MEXICO.
WARRINGTON, MAY. 26 Semi official des-
patches we're received today, under date of
Orizaba, May 9th, states the French bad
advanced to within three leagues of that
city, where they encountered force of TO-
600 Mexicans, who attacked them with
success, killing 500 Of them.
1t does not appear that Juarez and his
cabinet had fled IRON the city of Mexico as
was recently stated.
DESTRUCTION OF REBEL STORES IN
NORTH CAROLINA.
From the Navy Department the follow
ing items are gathered The United States
steamer Shawshere with one company of
9Th New York on board, on the 9th pro-
ceeded up Cowan river, North Carolina, to
Gates county, and destroyed $50 900 worth
of bacon, corn and lard, fish, &C., belonging
to the Confederate government.
On the 10th, the United States steamers
Ceres aud Lockwood pursued the rebel
steamer Alice two miles below Williams
burg, aud seized cargo of bacon for the
reoel army and the church bells of Plym~
outh, which were to be cast into field
pieces. No advic have been received at
the War Department today from Gen. Hal
leck
Gen. Mcclellan telegraphs that bis troops
have cut the Virginia Central Railroad at
three points between Hansuer Court
House and the Chickahominy.
QUIET AT HARPER'S FERRY.
WARRINGTON, May 27.-By dispatches
received this morning from the War De.
partment we learn that affairs ale quiet in
the vicinity of Harper's Ferry.
A message from Gen. Banks, dated one
O'Clock this morning, says that Capt. Calls,
of the French Z,uaves, has brought his
command into Hancock, having had two
killed.
A later dispatch from Banks says-All
quiet at WiIliamspOrt.
A SENSIBLE VIEW OF A "BIG SCARE"
WASHINGTON, May 27.-The hste1yigencer
to day referring to the representation that
| the insurgents are moving against the Ma
tional Capitol says. besides creating false
al arm, they are reflections against the mill.
tary disposition the government has made
tor the protection OF this city, while their
only effect abroad can be to produce q fic-
titious impression more complimentary to
the military strength of the insurgents than
the facts OF the case Can be held to warrant.
The absurd rumors which find currency
among idiers and secession sympathizers
have not disturbed the equanimity of the
people Of Washington.
GEN. sIGEL IN WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, May 27.--General Sigel
arrived here today and called upon the
President. He met with warm recep,
ton 1t is said that he is here by orders
from the Government, and it has been sup
posed that a command will be given him
with Mcdowell.
1t is believed that his enterprise, skill and
dash would greatly aid in getting that COM
mand to Richmond, or in retrieving the
ground in case any part OF our force should
meet with check.
The Military Committee tomorrow takes
up the subject Of the enlargement Of the
Erie Canal.