The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-01-03
NEWS FROM NILSSON II 1.
MASON AND SLIDELL AFFAIR.

THE FRENCH MINISTER AND MIR. SEWARD
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.-[Special to Tri-
bune. This morning M. MERCER, French
Minister, called at the State Department,
but failed to see the Secretary who was at
the Cabinet meeting. 1t is conjectured
that in that b s purpose was to commune
cate his instructions received by the Amer
lea, and that these instructions embraced an
urgent appeal to the United States to
peaceably adjust the matter with England.
THE REBELS GOING INTO WINTER QUAR-.
TIERS.
A deserter from Centreville who came in
today, says that recently portions of several
regiments were moved thence to Fairfax.
Centreville he calls impregnable and will
be defended by not far from 100000 troops
The whole army had been for more than
three weeks in daily expectation of an at
tack by Gen. Mcclellan, bnt after waiting
SO long in vain had settled into the convic-
that there would be no advance this winter
and were making preparations to go into
winter quarters
The 81 900 rebels on the lower Potomac
are also, according to deserters, building
log huts and making themselves comfort
able, expecting they will not be disturbed
before spring.
GEN. SUMMERS CONDITION.
Gen. Summers injuries are more than was
at first supposed. His spine suffered so Sc.
we're shock from the fall that it is thought
doubtful whether he will ever again be able
to mount his horse. He has been relieved
at his own request from command of his
whole division which is for the present as
signed to Gen. Heintzelman who retains
his own division also.
BATTLE OFFERED AND DECLINED.
THerald's correspondent "A part.of Gen.
Heintzelman's command celebrated Christ.
mas by going in search of the enemy. Late
last night information was received that the
rebels were about to collect quantity of
forage at Mason's Neck; that rebel flag
was flying from POhick Church, and if
Union troops would show themselves on
Pohick, the enemy would probably be there
to give them battle. Accordingly, early
this morning four regiments of infantry, the
105th Pennsylvania, Col. Knight the 63d
Pennsylvania, Col. Hayes the 9th New
York, Col. Hayman; the Sd Michigan,
Col. Champlin with Capt. BEAMS battery
and two squadrons of the lst New Jersey
cavalry, the whole in command of General
Jameson proceeded along the telegraph
road to Pohick Church, twelve miles from
Alexandria; when our troops reached the
hill they were drawn up in line of battle
A squad of rebel cavalry were seen on hill
a mile or mere to the right. The battery
was Immediately placed in position and
one shot Was fired at them. they scam.
a couple of hours, but nothing more was
seen of the rebels, no rebel flag was floating
from Pohick Church, and Gen. Jameson
finding that the enemy was not disposed to
accept an opportunity for skrmish re.
turned.
FROM THE TEXAN COAST.
Dispatches from Com. Ridley, cruising
off the coast of Texas, have been received,
from which it appears that early in Deems
Der he captured the English schooner Vic
toria, of Y tons, from Point Isabel, with a
boat from rebel authorities, having run the
blockade. The vessel was sent to Key
West. Seven of those on board took the
oath of allegiance, and six we're detained as
enemies
The schooner Eugene on the 9th was also
overhauled, but was permitted to depart.
no contraband articles being found on board.
The persons OF two rebel agents however
were secured. viz. Thomas r. Rodgers OF
Texas, and Mr.. Seachary OF New Orleans.
The papers found on them implicate them as
rebel agents, seeking to make their way to
Mexico, thence to other points.