Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-04-11

rebel Cabinet has decided to burn the city Of
Richmond on the approach Of the Union ar
my. II this diaboloal system is pursued in
the Southern confederacy, no hope can be en-
tertained Of recognition Of the Southern con-
tederacy by any enlightened people. With
their cities, their cotton, tobacco and other
crops and property destroyed, they will pre-
sent no motive to England or France to help
them in their distress.
Among the many evidences daily transpir-
ing Of the rebels losing confidence in their
cause, il may be stated that an ardent seces-
sionst and ardent admrer Of Southern insti-
tutons, who left Baltimore some months ago
to fill an editorial position in Richmond, has
within the last few days returned to Balti-
more heartsick, and is soliciting permission
from the military authorities here to remain.
As the prospects are that there will shortly
be more such seeking safety under the shad-
ow Of the government they have hitherto
been so willing TO see destroyed, it is tho
freely expressed opinion Of loyal citizens here
that such returned prodigals. il they be in
deed repentant, should be required to show
works meet for repentance. and purge them
selves Of their treason by taking the oath Of
allegiance TO the government they have so
shamelully wronged.
The Worlds Washington dispatch says -
All correspondents connected with the army
divisions are ordered by Secretary Stanton
Go return, and are prohibited from remaining
under penalty of arrest and imprisonment.--
All news from Bobcldom and Of the success
or defeat of our own forces will be obtained
through chance public rumors and other chan
nels until official reports are made.
Col Magofin, who was sentenced to be
shot, in Missouri, has been respited by the
President.
Gen. Halleck will soon assume command
Of the forces on the Tennessee river.
Attorney Gen Bates has given his opinion
that the act Of January and August, 1861,
granting pensions for wounds and disabilities,
are applicable only to forces thereby created,
aud will not cover the cases of those called
into service by the act Of 22d Of July last, nor
are their widows and orphans entitled to
pension by act Of the 4th of July, 1886.
Grave doubts may be suggested whether
the existing laws make provisions for PEN
sions to the widows of those now in
service who may die from disease or be killed
in battle, for upon the whole question the
Attorney General inclines to the opinion that
there is no adequate provision of law by which
such widows are entitled to a pension in ad-
ultAou 70 tue uuuulV COultIItu ut lus aSb VI
July last. The militia received under the
Presidents proclamation of the 10th of April,
1861. which was in accordance Of the law of
the I'd of August, 1886, are, in cases of
wounds and disability, entitled to pensions
under its provisions.
Complaints having been made by the COM
manders of military posts that movements are
impeded and discipline relaxed by the pres
I ,f 4, of Var
has ordered that no passes be granted to visit
| Fortress Monroe or other military posts to
any person not engaged in the military SER
vice, and has authorized commanders of mill
tary posts to remove all persons not engaged
in the service Passes for trade and business
purposes are also refused.
Fort Lowrie on the Rappahannock, mount
ing ? guns, is represented as having been
abandoned, and the river is clear of armed
rebels in force from the mouth to the town
Of Rappahannook, 40 miles.
The IriJune's Washington dispatch states
that Russell, of the London Times, is said to
have engaged passage by the next Cunard
steamer.
The Times Washington dispatch says
regiment Of picked men, belonging to the Ex-
celsior Brigade, left Liverpool Point under
Gen. Sickles early Tuesday morning, for Stat
ford Court House, on a reconnaissance. The
troops landed at Shipping Point batteries and
marched past Dumiries, through Aqua to
Stafford Court House. There was some skir-
mishing between body of 600 rebel cavalry
and the advance corps of Gen. Sickles' COM
mand, six miles this side of Stafford, and fir
ing continued on both sides until we reached
that place, Wednesday, at p M. The reb-
| els, in their retreat set fire to the town and
/ all their stores. Our forces promptly stopped
the conhagration as soon as they entered. A
number of prisoners, horses, torres, &c, fell
/ into our hands From Brooke Station a
/ force of 1900 rebel infantry and battery Of
six field pieces were moving up to support
/ their cavalry. After remaining three hours
I in Stafford, camp fires were built on the hills
to deceive the rebels, while our forces with
drew from the place. Gen. Sickles, with part
Of his corps, has arrived back at Shipping
Point The rest came in at Brent's Fer
ry, opposite Liverpool Point. Our casual
ties on the occasion we're two men wounded
and few missing. The CORPS marched 4s
miles in l6 hours, over the worst mountain
roads At lredericksburgh there are but few
troops They are falling back to Richmond.
The citizens state that the Confederate gov
ernment intend abandoning Virginia.
Il is asserted in official circles that General
Roscncranz will be made a Major General.
The Times and Herald's dispatches state
that the grand jury of the District of Colum-
bia have indicted Horace Greeley for libel of
Marshall Lamon.
The following dispatches have been received
at Washington
u. S. FLAG SHIP BENTON,
Orr ISLAND No. 10, April 2.
TO The Hon Gideon Welles Last night
an armed boat expedition was fitted out from
the squadron and land forces at this point.
under command Of Col Roberts, of the 42d
Illinois. At midnight they reached the up
per No 10 fort and pulling directly on its
force. carried it, receiving only the harmless
FIRE of two sentinels, who ran on firing, while
rebd troops in the vicinity rapidly retreated,
whereupon Col. Roberts spiked the six guns
mounted in the Fort, aud returned safely with
his boats.
The commanding officer represents all un-
der his command, from their GOODNESS and de-
termination, ready TO perform more hazardous
service had it been required for the fulfill
ment Of the object of the expedition.
A. Ii FOOTE, Flag officer.
CAIRo. April 4.
Hon. Gideon IVeHes, Secretary of thG Navy: