Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-03-05

ana others TO their several States, 1t under
| STOOD that only some thirty thousand meI
would remain at Manassas. News of the For
DonelSon surrender had most disheartenine
effect in Richmond, but it eheered the hope.
OF the Unionists who say they want it to be
known by the federal government that they
are ready to welcome the old flag and fight
for it.
RATS DESERVING THE SINKING SHIP.-A com
plimentary dinner was rendered to Hon
Charies j. Faulkner, ex-Minister to France
last week at Martinsburg. That gentleman
(who, 1t will be remembered, was exchanged
lot MI. Ely,) IN speech on that occasion
sald, III effect, that the policy of secession as
1t had been carried out, had been failure 1t
mad been accom- panied with an unnecessary
waste of life. The best blood of the South
and an immense amount of property had been
sacrificed. If this course was continued, it
would pile ruin on ruin. The public senti-
ment of Western Virginia was OPPOSED to it.
lie also 1ntlmated that he had no affiation
win those who wished the present war to con-
tlnue. His remarks were aCquiesced in by
the large audience present, and there is no
doubt but he reflected the true sentiment OF
nine tenths OF the people in the upper coun-
ties of the Potomac. Reports from unusually
reliable sources say that between three hun
dred and four hundred of the Berkeley county
militia have deserted in body, and intend to
cross the Potomac and JOIN our ranks.
FOREIGN NEws.-The brigantine Fanny
Lewis, which ran the Charleston blockade ar
rived at Liverpool with six hundred bales of
cotton and three hundred barrels OF roSin. At
the annual meeting of the Liverpool Chamber
OF Commerce, the blockading of the Charles
ton Harbor was strongly denounced aud the
efficiency Of the blockade questioned, but con-
tnued non-intervention was generally ap-
proved. a letter was read from Mr.. Golden
showing the permanent Importance of settling
oelgerant rights, and the necessity for Eng
land agreeing to the American doctrine rela
tive to private property at sea. Mr.. Bright,
IN speech at Brmi ingham, denied that the
American blockade was Intellectual. He ridi-
culed the idea that America was in position
to be trampIed upon. He pointed out the
dangers of interference, and strongly urged
strict neutrality. 1t is Stated that Mr.. Adams
the American Minister, does not conceal his
indignation at Earl Russell's late letter to the
admiralty, relative to the use of the British
ports. There is also considerable differences
in political circles as to the policy and pro-
priety of the act.
FROM MIssoURI.-Gen en- Haleck has issued
an order that in consideration of the recent
victories won by the federal forces, and of the
rapidly increasing loyalty of the citizens of
missouri, the sentences of the eight bridge
burners, heretofore condemned to death. are
Professionally mitigated to close confinement
in the military prison at Alton. II, however,
rebel spies again destroy the railroads and
telegraph lines, and thus render it necessary
to make severe examples, the original SEN
tence against these men will be carried into
execution. No further assessment will be
levied or collected from any one who will now
take the prescribed oath Of allegiance. Boards
Of commissioners will be appointed to exam
inc the cases of prisoners of war who apply to
take the oath of allegiance, and, on their rec
orders will be issued for their
release.
WILL THEY COME BACK ?--The r Richmond pa
oers say that every train from Manassas is
crowded with soldiers who are on their return
nome to visit their friehds-but who have
promised to come back and re-enlist. Won
Ter how much, under the circum stances this |
promise is worth {? The succession of defeats |
Which the rebel cause is encountering at every |
)oint must be a lively inducement to return. |
Once at home. they will, we fancy, come to
he conclusion that patriotism imperatively !
equres them 10 stay where they are, so as to |
lelp drive away the ssHessian INVADERS when |
hey go down that way. Besides, if they |
rend few weeks at their firesideS, it will /
probably prove so difficult for them to find [
heir old comrades and commanders, unless /
hey seek them among the prisoners in the
Jnlon camps, that they will scarcely attempt /
o desperate an undertaking.