, 1862-01-31

WAsHNGToS, Jan. s0--The statement that
the House Committee on the District OF Co.
1nlnbia has decided to report against the abo-
lition Of slayery in the District is untrue
Whatever may be the sentiments Of the COM
mittee, they have not yet been expressed by
vote. Mr. Upton Of Virginia. to whom the
question was referred, reported orally that in
bis Judgment it Wis inexpedient at present.
No action was, however, taken upon lis re-
port, but Mr; Ashley give notice that il a ma-
jority Of the Committee espoused Mr.. Cpton's
views, he should submit i minority report to
the House, accompanied by bill providing
for the Immediate abolition Of slavery within
the District.
Secretary Seward has issued an order to
Ward e. Lau1on, Marshal Of tile District, in
structing him not to receive OF retain in his
custody any persons claimed to be held to H.
bor or service, unless they are charged with
crimes or arc held Us fugitive slaves under the
law Of Congress, and to retain none claimed
as tngitivcs longer than thirty days, unless in
compliance with special order enlanatiug
from some competent tribunal.
The New York Times dispatch says Sccre-
tary Stanton was shown private letters to-day
from Kentucky, containing Important and ex-
traordlnary statements regarding the battle at
Somerset, to wit: That the entire rebel force
threw down their arms IN the conflict, and de-
clared their purpose no longer to fight against
the Government. This example was followed
by companies and individuals Of other rcgi-
nacntE, and accounts for the complete failure
and small slaughter attending deliberate Con
iedcrate attack. Gcn. Thomas is not pursue
ing Zollicotfer's defeated army, the roads and
inadequate transportation not permitting. He
is building road Of thirty miles i'll lcn@th, to
render his advance into Tennessee easy and
permanent.
a deserter from Stuart's Virginia Cavalry
came into our lines tlis morning, and was
brou&to Secretary Stanton. He reports
BeaHTegard gone to Kentucky with 1900
| men.s5a5en. Smith succeeds in command at
CentfHv11e. This dcserter reports suffering
among the rebels from lack Of suitable cloth
ing, salt, coffee, etc. They have plenty Of
meal and bread.
sake5h account Of some malicious representa-.
fBns, the nomination Of Gen. Sturgis WAS not
sent to the Senate with the LIST Of other non1i.
nations as Brigadiers. Gen. Sturgis had an in
terview with the President to-day, and his
| nomination was Immediately sent to the Sell
| ate, to date from his original appointment.
There is no doubt that General Stone will
be deposed, and another General, not now
named, will be detailed to the command Of the
| division at Poolesyil1c.
The Secretary OF War has issued orders:
1st. That no further contracts be made by
lis Department for any article OF foreign nl;an'
| ufactufe that can be had 1t home. This III.
/ cludes arms.
! Cd. All outstanding orders for the purchase
Of arns, clothing, Sc, in foreign countries art
| annuIled-
| Sd. AL persons claiming to have contracts
Or agreements for furnishing anything to tht
| Unified States are required within tiftecr
| days to give = statement in writing Of its char
aeter, and tile copy with the Secretary o
| War.
4th. ALL contracts, &c, for army supple:
should be in writing, aud signed by the con
tracing parties; if these terms arc not com
| piled with, said contracts shall be deemed
| fraudulent and void, and no claim thereon bt
| allowed.
A dispatch from Hcintzclman says only MIN
| rebels were killed last night, instead Of TWEEN
ty-nine, as previously telegraphed.
The Committee on Ways and Means fnt
that they cannot report the tax bills for som
time yet. The opinion here to-day is that tn
! legal tender clausc Of the Treasury note bill
will not pass the House.
Postmaster General Blair has written 1cttc
to member Of Congress in defense Of Secre
retary Wclles.
Gen. Butler leaves Washington this evenin!
for New England. He declares that his Expe
dition las not been given up
| Wortuary.
BosTos, Jan. 30.-Hon. Samuel 4. Elio