The New York herald., 1862-01-29
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s, 1867.

NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s, 1867
AFFAIRS ALONG THE LINES.
Nothing Of interest has reached headquarters Of the
army from the West, and all quiet in the army Of the
-Potomsc.
CONDITION OF THE ROADS IN VIRGINIA.
Two days respite from gave encouraging promise
speedy drying up of roads the Potomac
fresh installation Of rain to-day has dcepened the mud
and dampened the prospect Of speedy movement. The
never in worse condition The most profitable
now next to that Of the suffers would be the
collection of smashed up vehicles along the roads.
CAVALRY RECONNAISSANCE IN THE DIRECTION OF
VIENNA.
Two squadrons cavalry one from General Fitz John
Porter's division and the other from General Smiths
division, made Reconnaissance this morning in the di
rection Of Vienna They absent several hours and
carefully examined the enemys picket lines. Only their
pckets were visible.
REBEL SCOUTING PARTIES.
Since the rebels lost Ave OF their number Pohck
church. New Years day scouting parties rarely leave
the limits OF the rebel lines Early this morning four
mounted rebels short distance beyond Acco
tink. They fred one Of pickets, but when the
fire was returned they fed.
IMPORTANT ARMY ORDERS.
The following order is published
GENERAL oRDERs-N0 L.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
ADJ GENERALS OFFICE, WASHINGTON, Jan. 1S. 1862.
I-Under instructions from the Secretary OF War
dated January T. 1882 gudons and camp for the
will be made like the United States flag with stars
H-,hspector Generals, while their tours, will in
sect the bands Of ali regiments and discharge men mus
tered therewth who are not musicians.
DISCRIMINATION in lieu Of rations in kind will not be
paid recruiting parties while at their stations. This
not intended to interfere with strict constructor Of the
regulations respecting enlisted while travelling.
vFort Hamilton Is by direction Of the Secretary Of
War, announced u chaplain post from Jan 15, 1o62
BY command Of Major General MCCLELLAN.
l.. THOMAS, Adjutant General.
GEN. BANKS BEFORE The WAR COMMITTEE.
General Banks appeared before the Committee the
Conduct Of the War to-day and afterwards visited both
houses Of Congress- where the marked courteses
were extended to him. The General and Mrs Banks will
return to Frederick tomorrow.
GEN. BUTLER AWAITING ORDERS.
General Butler is still remaining in Washington. await
ing orders.
THE REPORTED CHANGE IN THE ORDNANCE DEPART
MENT.
The intimation in New York paper that change has
tskcn place The management of the Ordnance Depart
ment is not true, although 1t may occur ere long.
THE ARMY.
Lieutenant Church Howe, who was Quartermaster OF
the Massachusetts, Fifteenth regiment the Of the
Balls Bluff affair, and distinguished himself by his gal
liant conduct in that fight has been before the Committee
on the Conduct Of the War Upon the recommendation
OF General Stone Lieutenant Howe has been promoted
captain and detailed stones sta ordnance
officer Upon parting with his regiment Captain Howe
was presented by the with splendid jet black
charger.
DE7ENCEs OF THE LAKES.
The committee Of the House having charge Of the sub
ec Of the lake defences expect have General Mcclellan
before them tomorrow TO hear his vews The statement
that he has appeared Is not true.
ARRIVAL OF RELEASED PRISONERS.
Lieutenant Booth. Of the Second Wisconsin regiment,
made prisoner a Bull run. and Lieutenant Hooper the
First California regiment captureda Al Balls Bluff arrived
hers to-day from Richmond
SOLDIERS IN WASHINGTON.
Fewer soldiers now in Washington than at any
previous since the commencement of the rebellion
owing to the execution Of recently promulgated mill
tsry order.
ARRIVAL OF A CoNrRABAND FROM CENTREvILLE.
Yesterday contraband namsd Parker came within the
lines Of General Summers division He camc directly
from Centrevlle which he had left two days before.
This contraband owned by widow Davis, Of Loudon
county. Virginia. and for twenty years had been
hired by her Mr. Clark 500 per year. The period
which designated In the bargain having expired
mistress refused 70 let him remain with the master he
had served 30 long because she received better offer
from rebel army officer. He hired as servant 20
Lieutenant Massy Of Colonel Pendletons Virginia arti-
lsry company at twenty dollars MONTH and had been
at Centrevile Q week when he much displeased
a the conduct Of his Mistress that he determined
leave the land Of rebedom He says the soldiers
comfortably quartered in log huts atCentreve and
chat large number Of horses have died from the effects
OF the cold.
RECOVERY OF PROPERTY BELONGING TO THE xEMpER
FAMILY.
some private property belonging the Kemper family,
whose estate within the lines Of General Hentzemans
division. has been found. The estate is the
Mount Vernon road, and abandoned by the
family soon after the commencement Of the war. 1t
taken possession Of by government and the
buildings used hospitals for the Sixty first
and Ninety ninth Pennsylvania regiments Ksmper left
with such precptancy that he could carry his effects
with him, and for time past has been suspected
that most of his personal property some
where in the vicinity On Saturday night while detach.
mcnt OF ON Gen. Jameson's brigade was searching
FOR contraband liquor they found Of Kempcr's
ticles in house occupied by Michael Hines about half
mile from Kemper's residence. Among the articles
hne molodeon, with large collection Of music, an
elegant mirror, sewing machine, beautiful bureau,
other articles Of furniture besides books and family
portraits The portraits represent the old gentleman
and lady, five young and young lady Miss Charlotte
Kemper. It is supposed that a large amount Of more
valuable property will be found in tho immediate neigh
borhood.
LETTER FROM IRISH OFFICERS IN THE rAPAL ARMY
TO GENERAL MEAGuER.
General Meagher has received from Rome the portraits
OF fifteen Of the officers and soldiers Of the Irish corps in
the service Of the Pope, photographed in group The
present is accompanied with the following patriotic
letter
STATES OF THE CHURCH,
CRorro FERRATA, Nov 26, 1851.
DEAR COL MEAGHKR-On the part Of tho officers OF the
Company Of st. Patrick beg 10 hand you this photo
graph OF the Irish in tho service of His Holiness
sr1ing testimony Of sincere regard and esteem We
Feel assured you will not regard its Insignificant value
out expression Of tho sentiments which influence
In sending At the same timc we take the oppor.
tunity Of congraulang you and brave fellows for
tho active part you and they taking to uphold the
majesty and independence Of the Stars and Stripes which
has thrown Its protecting folds the
sons OF Ireland They their best allegiance, and
with whole he rts all honor and wish