Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1862-05-16
WASHINGTON. NAV /.


be sent by the old route, ola Fort Monroe.
Representative Lovejoy's bill. which has
assed both Honses, establishes a Depart
ment OF Agriculture, with a commissioners
salary of $4,000 per annum, as chief execu-
tive officer. 1t is separate and distinct from
all other Departments, exclusively devoted
to agricl lture.
The recent act of the Legislature of New
York, placing its canals at the service of the
Government, so far as to allow the enlarge
ment of it's canal lock to a size adequate to
the passage Of vessels able to defend the lakes
from hostile attacks, was placed on the table
OF Congress this afternoon, accompanied by
letter from Capt Ericsson, and also by evi.
dence furnished by extracts from the London
Times, showing the defenseless condition of
American commerce on the lakes and the
ability of England at any time to take imme-
date and complete control of them.
A meeting of the conservative members of
Congress from all States, ito defeat the
schemes of the abolitionists and secession
ists," was held this evening, in the Hall of
Representatives - Mr.. Crittenden in the
Chair, Mr.. Cox Secretary Mr.. Richardson,
to test the sense of the meeting, moved that
the Chairman have power to call them togeth-
er whenever it shall again become necessary,
in order that they might make arrangements
for defeating Objectionable measures. There
was no legislation pending of which they
knew enough to determine what course to
take. They were in the midst of shifting
scenes. He, therefore, suggested that the re-
port prepared be rot submitted.
Mr.. Kellogg concurred in the suggestion.
He thought the results CT the meeting ON
Saturday highly beneficial. He referred to
the notifications of the bill rendered to Sc
cure freedom of the person within the Terri
tories of the United States. 1t was to be
stripped of it's other features.
Mr.. Cox said we had not killed the aboli-
ton business yet. All conservative men
ought to consult upon what action should be
pursued at all times. The committee to be
appointed ought to see that their friends are
in their seats to defeat mischievous legislation,
and by some plan concerning and combining
at any time when necessary.
Mr.. Mallory concurred in the views
just expressed.
1t was finally concluded to appoint COM
mittee of seven members for the purposes
suggested.
Mr.. Crittenden suggested it was desirable
that Congress should adjourn at an early
day
Mr.. Wycklifle said it appeared the Senate
determined not to adjourn, and had rejected
the House resolution fixing the time.
Mr.. Mallory remarked that he had CONVEX
sation with Senator Fessenden, and was in
formed by him that they would be ready to
adjourn by the middle Of June.
Special to Tribune.
t" MONTEREY, Tenn, May IL.
To-day our troops took possession of an
evacuated rebel camp, three miles and half
from Corinth, and the rebel pickets were
driven in
The Mobile Register, of the 9Th, states
that 5 Federal gun-boats appeared off Dol
phin Island.
The New Orleans Delta, of the 4th, re-
cords an interview between Gen. Butler and
the Mayor and council, and they continue
their functions except upon political and mil
itary offenses. No oath of allegiance has
been required.
WASHINGTON, May A.
Robert Morris, Esq, chief clerk of the
House of Representatives, left here to-day for
the headquarters of Gen. Mcclellan, bearing
with him a handsomely engrossed copy CT
the resolution of thanks passed by the House
on Friday last. MIR. Morris, by direction of
the Clerk of the House, will deliver these to
the General in person.
The Military Department, as recently re-
stored, includes the State of Kansas, the In.
dian Territory west of Arkansas and the Ter
ritoIies of Nebraska, Colorado and Nevada,
with the headquarters at Fl. Leaveuworth.
Corresr ondence of the st. Louis Democrat
BArEsvILLE, Ark, May 10.
ABORTION of Gen. Davis and Gen. Asboth's
divisions and two of Gen. Steers regiments
left here to-day for the North. An adequate
force is still here for operations in this d.
rection.
Our advance, under Gen. Osterhous, cross
ed the Mute river on the 9Th, and took the
road to Little Rock, the capital of the State.
As many as $50 persons here a day have
come forward and taken the oath of allegi-
ance, embracing judges, ministers, and many
Of the most influential citizens. The senti-
ment of the people is rapidly becoming more
and more loyal.
News of our occupation Of this place was
received by Gov. Rector, at Little Rock, on
the 9TH, and produced great excitement
Some of the citizens advised the evacuation
of the place, while others were rampant for
defending the city to the last extremity. The
following day, the Governor issued procla-
nation calling onIthe State militia to repair
Immediately to the capital to repel the inva-
ders. Many of the militia were issuing
special calls. Six thousand Texans were
daily expected at;Littlc Rock, but they were
under orders for Corinth.
Guerrilla bands are being raised in some
sections. and large mobs may be mustered at
county seats, but no serious obstacles to our
advance are feared.
Albert Pike, at last accounts, was camped
at Doggy depot, 100 miles southwest of Fort
Smith.
MONTERREY, May IA
A reconnaissance party, under Brig. Gen.
A. }. Smith, had a skirmish with rebel pick
cts on our right, yesterday, killing 2, wound
ing and capturing 5. Our loss was 2. The
party went within half mile of the rebel
battery, supported by brigade of infantry
just outside the entertainments.
The commanding General moves camp to-
day 4 miles from here to the front. Our
forces average from two and half to three
miles from the entertainments.
The army is advancing slowly, because of
the nature of the ground, necessitating the
building of corduroy .roads and bridges.
1t is generally understood an engagement
comes off in the course of week.
BATEsvILLB, Ark, May 10.
A fiat boat capsized last night in IL feet of
water, while crossing White river, having on
board two officers and 20 men belonging to |
The Sd Illinois cavalry, a loaded wagon, one
six-mule team and several horses. Capt |
McClelland and eight of the men were carried
down with the wagon and drowned.
The following is the list of the drowned:
Capt. Thomas G. McClelland, Co. II, of Full
:on County, Ill. Sergt. James w. White, of
20. D; John Bennington, Co. <; VIM. P.