Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-01-31
TElECRAPHIC.
From Washingfon.


WssHiSsroS Jan. 29-The President hand
eli tonight 10 Champion Vaughan, commissions
for himself and the following gentlemen. who
are to constitute the staff Of James II. Lane:
Col. " m H. Merritt. Lieut. Col. J. Fitzpatrick.
Maj Verplank Van Antwerp, Maj. John Richie,
Maj. T. J. Weed. Capt VIM A Phillips, Capt
WIN. D. DonneIl. Capt Vim. Kyle. Capt. yolney
HckOx. Captain j. R. Mcclure, Captain A. Z.
Russell
Col. Vaughn also had social interview with
Secretary Stanton.
The above staff of officers are ordered TO re
port to Maj. Gen. Hunter to be by him detailed
10 Gen. Lane.
They leave for the west to- morrow to enter
active
The IribHHe's special says:
The special Committee on the defenses and
Notifications OF lakes and rivers had import
ant meeting to-day.
Gen Mcclellan laid before the Committee
many facts showing the importance of immedi-
ate action.
he favors the fertilization of few command
ing points such rs Macknaw, Fort Gratot and
some place ON the Sault st. Marie canal, and the
reliance elsewhere on naval defenses to supply
which he recommends the establishment of one
or more depots of arms on the lakes.
1t is understood that the Commute concur in
these general views and will make report in
accordance Herewith at an early day
The statement that the House Committee on
the District of Columbia has decided TO report
against the abolition of slavery in the District is
untrue. Whatever are the sentiments of the
Committee they have not yet been expressed by
voe.
Mr.. Upton, of Virginia, to whom the question
was referred, reported, orally that in his judg
ment il was inexpedient at present.
No action was, however, taken upon his report /;
but Mr.. Ashley gave notice that. If aiority of
the Committee espoused Mr.. Upton's views, he
should submit minority report to the House,
accompanied by bill providing for the rnme
date abolition of slavery within the District
Gen. Stoneman, Chief of cavalry, has recon-
mended the consolidation OF the seventy seven
regiments volunteer cavalry, now the rolls.
into fifty regiments.
He advises that the field and line officers. al
ready mustered in, be examined by a board of
officers, who shall slit out least third and
recommends that the men also be siited, and
those not fit for horsemen mustered as infantry,
or mustered out altogether.
Mr.. Tucker was confirmed, on Monday, as As
sistant Secretary of War, and Fred. Steele, of
Missouri. as a Brigadier General.
Secretary Seward has issued an order to Ward
II. Lamon. Marshal of the District, instructng
him not to receive or retain in his custody any
persons claimed to be held Ia labor service
less they are charged with crimes or are held as
fugitive slaves under the law of Congress and
to retain none claimed fugitive slaves longer
than thirty days, unless in compliance with a
special order emanating from some competent
tribunal
The Illness dispatch says:
Secretary Stanton was shown private letters
to day from Kentucky containing important and
extraordinary statements regarding the battle at
Somerset to wit: 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 COM
panes and individuals in other regiments, and
accounts for the complete failure and small
slaughter attending deliberate Confederate at
tack
General Thomas is not pursuing Zoicoffer's
defeated army, the roads and inadequate trans
portaton not permitting He is building road
OF thirty miles in length to render his advance
into Tennessee easy and permanent.
A deserter from Stewards Virginia cavalry
came in our lines this morning and was brought
gone TO kentucky with $4,000 men. General
Smith succeeded in command at Centerville
This deserter reports suffering among the rebels
from lack of suitable clothing, salt, coffee, &c !;
they have plenty of meat and bread.
The HeraIds special says:
About a dozen vessels ran the blockade of the
Potomac yesterday, some up and some down the
river. None were fired at.
Last night the Reliance went down to convey
two transports. Sixty or seventy shots were fired
at them, with what eff ect is unknown.
The confirmation of General Stoneman chief
of cavalry, and General Barney chief of artillery,
have been delayed by opposition arising from
charges brought by personal enemies of the Gen
erals They will probably be confirmed in spite
of such influence.
On account of some malicious representations
the nomination of General Sturgis was not sent
to he Senate with the list of other nominations
as Brigadier General.
Gen Sturgis had an interview with the Presi-
dent to Gay, and his nomination Immediately
sent to the Senate to date from his original APP
pointment.
There is no doubt that Gen. Stone will be
deposed, and another General, not now named,
will be detailed to the command of the division
at Pooesvlle
Official dispatches from Com. Goldsborough,
dated Jan. %, arrived this morning.
Seventeen of the naval vessels were at that
time in the Sound, over and beyond the bukhead,
und er the immediate command of Com. Rowan,
in full readiness for operations.
Col. Burnside was preparing his forces to act
in connection with the feet.
Com Goldsborough saws things now look
hopeful, and sincerely hope shall be soon at
the enemy. Any decided approach 10 this
quarter on the part of the rebels with all the force
they can muster would certainly result in their
capture and destruction.