The New York herald., 1862-04-21
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, April 20, 1859.

Tho design Of General Mcdowell to advance upon
fredericksburg was probably known 20 more than
ha dozen persons in Washington, and they strictly
Kept the secret The occupation OF the suburbs OF that
town was the first concerning it. Our troops ara
now in full occupation.
THE LATEST FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
The latest advces from Fortress Monroe received at
the War Department. state that all is quiet, and thore
has been no appearance of the Msrrimac 1t is ascer
tanned, from another source that Fort Wool and sewas
Point exchanged shots yesterday afternoon No harm
was done as far as heard from.
Forty of the wounded Vermont soldiers CANA down on
the boat this evening They are full of heart. and ready
for another trial they recover Not groau
came from the crowd in all the handling getting ON
board &C.
THE EFFECT IN EUROPE OF THE FIGHT BETWEEN
THE MONITOR AND MERRIMAC.
private letter from an intelligent American, recently
in Paris, to friend in this city contains the following
The naval battle in Hampton Roads between the Monitor
and Merrmac is tho absorbing topic throughout Europe,
The Emperor Napoleon has been heard say that it s
now settled that there navy in the world that could
make head against iron clad steamers. This sufi
GENTLY obvious remark perhaps but it with Pc
cuar emphasis from the Emperor of the French,
who has iron-clad frigates which could sail
directly up to London il he chose, without encounter
of stone blockade thrown into the channel Of the
Thames. The British government of course would scorn
to avail itself Of that means of defence.
THR OFFER OF MEDICAL AID FROM PENNSYLVANIA.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WARRINGTON, D. c., April Is, 1862. !
Colonel J. Fl. RUBsroN, Military Agent Penns ylvania-
SlR-The Secretary Of War directs to acknowledge
the receipt Of communication Of the 11th inst stat
say should additional SURGEONS and nurses be
to care and provide for Of the Unionwoundcd
in battle number. with hospital stores and such medi
cal comforts as may BE- necessary, will be forwarded
immediately upon the requison the Secretary to
inform you IN reply that your letter has been re-
Governor Curtin whenever the volunteer services Of
surgeons and nurses, and gratutous supply of hos
pita stores can be made ayasbls for the necessary
your obedient servant,
P. H. WATSON. Assistant Secretary Of War.
In addition to the above similar action has been taken
by other States.
MEMORIAL FROM THE NEGROES OF THE DISTRICT IN
REGARD TO THEIR EMANCIPATION.
memorial to Congress is being numerousy signed by
coored people in this District desiring respectfully
TO show for themselves. their relatives and friends whom
they represent that thoy appreciate the full extent
the humane actions which inaugursted to give
freedom 70 their race but they believe that this freedom
will result uriousy unless there shall be opened to the
colorsd people region to which they may mmgr rate--a
country which s suited o ths organization and in which
they may seek and secure by their industry that
mental and physical development which will allow them
honorabelposition the families of Gods great world
Though colored people debarred from tho rights Of
their hearts they say the less cling
tho land Of their BIRTH They desire to 60 Central
America horo to be temporarily protected so that they
may not be wholly excluded from the United States that
they may aid in bringing to that great commerce o.
tho Pacific which will still further the wealth
and power Of our country
GENERAL MCCLELLAN AND THE ADMINISTRATIONS.
Whatever opinions may be expressed by the oppo.
nents OF General Mcclellan, 1t fact that the govern
msnt has the fullest confidence in him. The President
who has manifested extraordinary appreciation Of
military plans and necessities, is thoroughly conversant
with all the pans Of the General and only approves
thsm but will sustain him 10 their execution little
while will dsvelope the fact that the Mcclellan anaconda
DO myth but that II has been surely however slowly,
strsrgng the rebellion, and is nearly ready to ad
minister tho death blow. The abolition agitators in Con-
gress don't this fact but the rebel leaders pain
fully aware Of it. When the blow shall be struck,
and the censorship Of the press removed
so that the whole story may bs told,
the truth viii out and the country will
recognise the consummats skill that planned and the
unnagging energy that executed the splendid pro
Of the Tribune Clique TO muxze the of the press for
the particular benefit Of those who held Simon Came
rous order Of exception from the restriction II s now
maintained by ths faction prevent people from
hearing the truth in regard to the progress OF military
affairs for fear General Mcclellan, who thsy hate and
wish TO destroy, might gain some credit and excite
popular admiration by an exposition OF the facts
GENERAL SHIELDS NOMINATED AS MAJOR GENERAL.
General Shields has been nominated Major General.
THE PROPOSED INTERIOR LINE OF RAILROAD FROM
NEW YORK TO WASHINGTON.
Among tie projects that have occupied much atten.
ton in the Committee Roads and Canals and ELECTED
q favorable report, Is the, proposition for
interior line OF railroad communication between
Washington and New York. The project that
has met with most favor Is the completion Of the con-
Meeting link between Columbia ard Reading, Pa. This
would give continuous line Of communication between
Washington and New York without change Of cars for
passengers breaking bulk for freight II be run
In hours loss time shan tho present route via Pha
delpha would be free from the excise imposed upon
passengers by the States of nolsware aad New Jersey
II would also open up material interests engaged in
the coal, iron and lumber business the Upper susque.
hanna aud bring these staples to Washington New
York at much less price than BY any other arrange
ment To complete this road the construction OF only
thirty nine miles Of road is needed Twontyt miles
Of the work is already completely graded, and the
dorsement by tho government Of only four hundred
and ny thousand dollars OF nrst mortgage bonds will
secure the completion Of tho hole rots ninety days.
The establishment os this route is regarded by members
OF tho committee far the most economical mode Of
breaking up monopoly that has long been maintained
between this city and the great commercial monopos and
will provide road FREQ from the Interruptions and dangers
incident 70 shs present scsooard line This matter has
received the favorable consideration Of the House Com
mittss Roads and Canals, and u will materially
benefit western interests well those OF the empire
aud Keystone States il win probably be adopted. There
is military necessity that this connecting link should
be made by the immediate aid Of the government SO ~
to provide another and safer line TO New York. without
breaking bulk changing cars, any delay whatever.
by the proposed route the started from Washington
may 70 10 New York. from New York TO Washington,
without any change delay. The bonds are wsM 50.