The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1862-01-30

has no recollection OF having written such
letter, but If Mr. Lincoln says he did, he has
no doubt the letter is genuine, and that I'M
der the same circumstances he would do the
same thing; that he did not believe at that
time ilstof March, 1861 that war was i'm
pending between the two sections.
Mr., Bright makes rather a lame defense, to
my thinking. ! consider it quite probable,
from the animus Of the senate displayed in
his case, that vote ofexpuIson will be pass
cd against him
The bill for the location Of an armory ut
Rock Island did not come before the senate On .
the 2Oth, though appointed for that day, be.
ing pushed TO the wall by this case Of MIR. |
Bright, suppose it will come up the first
thing after that case is disposed Of
Yesterday had the pleasure Of meeting
our esteemed townsman, Judge Wilkinson,
who has come on to look after the interests Of
our city in the matter Of the armory. Mr..
Wilkinson is quite hopeful Of favorable ac-
ton by congress, and thinks the bill will be
got through both houses within two weeks.
| have also met one or two delegates from 4!
ton, who are here to represent the interests Of
that place. Other cities Of the state are also
represented here.
The roads in the vicinity Of Washington
are in horrible conditiOn-such a condition
a. to preclude all prospect Of an advance I'll!
. Il ", b., dammit 70 lmnGp
of the sun for week, during which time
1 rain, snow, sleet, sleet, snow and rain have al
ternately prevailed. In conversation with
an officer who had lately been On reconnois.
ance to Fairfax, he stated that the roads were
), heavy tina, it was barely possible for cav
ally to proceed ana utterly out Of the ques'
ton to attempt the movement Of heavy trains
Of artillery or military stores. 81 ! do not
think the prospect Of an immediate movement
i. very imminent though general opinion
prevails that an advance would have taken
place ere this had the state Of the roads per
mittcd.
have in a previous letter spoken Q! the
numerous traitors and spies that iniest both
the army and the departments, The follow
ing extract from the Times correspondent On
the Potomac is only confrmatory Of what !
then stated Speaking Of the familiarity OF
the rebels along the river with our counter.
sign, he says;
They not only frequently come down to
the beach Of Il morning, and derisiyely cry
out to our pIckcts our cUnner,gns OF the
NIGHT previous, but acqnaInt ny with what Is
known by but one officer OF the entire dIyls-
ion, what i, Ia BE the cOuntersgu OF the en-
sung night. Iney also boast Of having, by
means ui cpuutcrslgu, Travelled along our ell
tire division lines, aud ascertainci our exact
, locality, numbers aud nature Of armament III
a single night. and without hlndrauce or sus.
piciun, and retired successfully 70 their works
across the river. II TIL, be SO, they must be
familiar with our secret signals, which are
now issued ia connection with our counter
signs
\ the committee on the conduct Of the
war are said to have discovered five hundred
-ecessonists among the clerks alone Of the
departments it is not very surprising that
the enemy are kept 50 well posted as to our
plans and movements. The destination of the
! Burnside expedition is the only one of oul
military operations of which the enemy have
o not known more than ourselves. Though pre-
tending to be entirely prepared at all points,
b they are utterly in the dark a. at what point
the blow will be struck and are evidently
t looking for the thunder clap with great trep
. ilalion. News Of the expedition is Instantly
looked tDr here.
The venerable john j. CrtJ,mIcn il said
to be deeply affected by the late intelligence
from Kentucky. His seat in the house has
been unoccupied since the report of Gen.
Thomas victory was received. Although
having two sons in the union army, the fact
that his eldest holds Il commission in the Con.
ieLerate army, overwhclms him with morCifi
cation and grief. The report that Gen. Crit
f tcndcn, who was opposed to the union forces
r at Somerset deserted his command is not
/ crcdtedhy those to whom he is BEST known
e Rebel thought he may be- he is still account
c ed Il brave and gallant soldier.
The weather last night was sufficiently dis
t agreeable to deter the most enthusiastic lee.
, ture. goer yet large number breasted the
. storm for the pleasure Of listening to Geo. W
. Curtis, Esq, (Howadji) the author of tn,
potiphar Papers, and Nile Notes at tn,
Smithsonian, on the subject Of "Nationa
Honor" Mr., Curtis is pleasant looking