The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-02-07
News from WASHINGTON.


DISPATCH FROM BURNsIDE's ExPEDI
WASHINGTON, Jan 30.-Oficial dispatch
es from Commodore Goldsborough dated
Jan. Goth, arrived this morning. Seven.
teen of the naval vessels were at that time
10 the sound over and beyond the Bulk
Head, under the immediate command of
Commander Rowan in full readiness for
operations.
General Burnside was preparing bis
forces to move in connection with the feet.
Commodore Goldsborough says things now
look hopeful, and l sincerely trust we shall
soon be at the enemy-any decided APP
proach now to this quarter on the part Of
of the rebels. with all the force they can
muster would certainly result in their speedy
capture and destruction.
! WAYS AND MEANS. s..
| Especial to Post 1870 The Ways and
Means Committee find that they cannot re-
port the tax bills for some time yet. The
opinion here today is that the legal tender
clause of the Treasury note bill will not
pass the House.
Postmaster General Blair has written
letter to a member of Congress in defence
of Secretary Welles
Gen. Butler leaves Washington this even
ing for New England. He declares that
his Expedition has not been given up.
SECRETARY STATIONS ORDERS.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29.-Ihe Secretary
OF War ordered that no further contracts
be made by his Department for any articles
of foreign manufacture that can be made at
home. This includes arms.
I'd. Ali outstanding orders for the pur.
chase of arms, clothing, &C., in foreign
countries, are annued.
Sd. All persons having contracts or
agreements for furnishing anything to the
United States, are requested within fifteen
! days to give statement in writing of its
character, and to file copy with the Secre-
tary of War.
4th. All contracts, &C., for any supplies
should be in writing, and signed by the con-
tracing parties. If these terms are not
complied with, said contracts &c. shall be
deemed fraudulent and void, and no claims
thereon will be allowed.
NINE TEXAN RANGERS KILLED.
A despatch from General Heintzleman,
dated at Fort Lyon today, addressed to
Assistant Adjutant General Williams, says
last night force of fifty men of the 9th
New York regiment under Lieut.. Colonel
Burke, s. ut out by Col Hayman, surprised
the enemy-some Texan Rangers-at Mrs.
| Lees house at the head OF Belmont and
Occoquan Bays. The rebel force was about
thirty men. They fought till all but one
was killed, when Col. Burke took him pris.
oner. Our loss was one killed and four
wounded.
A despatch from Heintzeman says only
nine rebels we're killed last night instead of
% as previously tee grapbed.
EXTENSIVE FRAUDS.
Extensive frauds have been discovered in
| army contracts in Philadelphia, and two
members OF the Committee Oh the Conduct
! of the War left for that city to investigate
affairs.
CONSOLIDATION OF CAVALRY REGI-
| MENTS.
The Times says Gen. StOneman, chief of
cavalry, has recommended the consolidation
of seventy-seven regiments of volunteer cav
airy now on Rolls in fifty regiments. He
advises that field and line officers already
mustered in, be examined by the board of
officers who shall sift out at least third,
and recommends that men also be sifted
| ~ - Cor
infantry or mustered out altogether.
MIR. Tucker was confirmed to-day as
Assistant Secretary of War, and Frank
Steele, of Missouri, as Brigadier General.
SEVERAL REREL REGIMENTS REFUSED
TO FIGHT AT SOMERSET.
Secretary Stanton was shown private
letters today from Kentucky, containing
important and extraordinary statements re-
garding the battle at Somerset, to the effect
that an entire rebel regiment threw down
their arms in the conflict, and declared their
purpose no longer to fight against the Gov.
eminent, This example was followed by
companies and individuals of other regi-
ments, and accounts for the complete fail.
ure and small slaughter attending delibe.
rate Confederate attack. 49,.
General Thomas is not pursuing Zollicof-
fer's defeated army, roads and inadequate
transportation not permitting. He is build
ing road of thirty miles in length to rem.
der his advance into Tennessee easy and
permanent.
STORY OF A DESERTER.
A deserter from Stuart's Virginia cavals
ry came in our lines this morning, and was
brought to Secretary Stanton. He reports
Beaulegard gone to Kentucky with $4,000
men. Gen. Smith succeeds in command at
Centreville. Reports great suffering among
the rebels from lack of suitable clothing,
salt, coffee, &c. They have plenty of meat
and bread. .l...
THE LOWER POTOMAC.
| Herald's Special. About dozen yes
sells ran the blockade of the Potomac yes.
terday; some up and some down the river
-hone were fired at. Last night the Re
lance went down to convey two transports.
Sixty or seventy shots were fired at them,
with what effect it is unknown.
REMAINS OF COL JAMES CAMERON.