The New York herald., 1862-03-07

l. S44 ~
The President laid before Congress yesterday
very important message on the question of the
emancipation of slaves, which will probably take
the ultra aboitionsts aback who have been fore
ing their opinions in favor of universal! cmancipa
tion as the object of the war; upon the public, the
President, the Cabinet and Congress, ever
since the rebellion took a tangible shape.
BY public meetings, lectures and vio-
lent speeches on tie floors of Congress, the
abolitionsts have been endeavorng to convert
conflict oonsecrated to the restoration of the
Union and the vindication of the constitution into
raid upon an institution which it has been their
fvorite project for the last quarter of century to
destroy, with wantoa disregard for the integrity
honor and prosperity Of the country. But the
President adheres strictly to the conservative doc
trincs Of the constitution, while yielding to the
e1gencics of the present unnatural and uncx-
ected crisis. in proposing to Congress the aiop-
on Of resolution, guaranteeing to all the South
m States which may desire gradull cmancipa
I'm Of their slaves, full remuneration for the
zves SO manumtted, thus giving the option to
the border States now reduced ard yet
to be reduced to abolish slavery upon
just and equitable grounds. il they find
the institution burdonsome and unproft.
able. This proposal cannot fail to impress the
conservative clement, both in the Northern and
Southern States. most favogably..
The Intelligence from General Banks division
dispatches from Charlestown yesterday s.ate
that the work on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
progresses rapidly, and that every point between
Cumberland AMI Harpers Ferry is strongly pro-
tected. Bunker Hi was occupied on Wednesday
by our troops rs .he extreme outpost of the di.
vision, and SmithGeld, town seven miles
northwest of Charlcstown was taken possession of
at the same time. squad OF cavalry captured a
rebel pickle, belonging to the Second Virginia in
iantry, near Bunker Hill, yesterday. A futile at.
tempt was made by party of Colonel Ashey's
uur scouting parties near Berryyille. On Monday
four regiments OF rebel infantry, supported BY
battery OF four guns, attempted to nank Colonel
Geary's force at Lovett.vic, but were driven
back. Tho sentiment OF The people in the
vicinity has undergone q wonderful change
SHpplcs from the country are freely Coming in TO
the Union camps. Tic provisions seized under con-
f-.atiou arc rapidly filing up the army store
houses, contributing greatly to the comfort of the
soldiers. The seizures on Wednesday amounted
TO $40 barrels OF four, and 200 bushels of wheat in
bags. marked Confederate States" but the pro.
perty has cbnngcd hands
Activity still prevails on the Lower Potomac.
brisk fire opened by our aotla Yesterday
morning npoa the rebel forces at Aquia creek.
who we're discovered by some of our eunboa.s 20
be there in force. The alarm was instantly rivnn
through the rebel camps, and the long roll re-
sounded from Aqua creek along the river to
Transport, showing that the rebel forces in that
direction have been greatly augmented within a
(ew days past The rebel batteries opened fire on
cur battery at Dudd's ferry at eleven o'clock yes
',rday, but did no damage after dischargng some
tirty shots.
The steamer Yankee went in within half mile
o; he Virginia shore yesterday, and shccd new
battery in pro,ess OF erection in tie rear Of the
position Of the old rebel battery at Frccstonc
Font The rebels we're forced to evacuate The
premises.
1t Is reported that sklrmish took place on Wed.
nc day on the Telegraph road, near Pohick Church.
between party of Texan Rangers and comnonv
from General Henitzelmans division. v,,i,, ro.,,,,
in the loss Of one captain, one l:epteren, and
priv .te on our side. The loss Of the enenv !. No,
known.
We haze sors1 news to-day from.0ur forces q.