The New York herald., 1862-02-23
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.

WAStIIn0TOS, FeD. y, 1867
A NEW DISCOVERY OF THE OPPONENTS OF GENERAL
M'CLELLAk.
Within the last twenty -four hours the radical clique
that has been bowling the heels of President and
General Mcclellan, have been elated with what they
ceive - be and important discovery. 1t ia moth
ing more less than the startling fact that according
TO their Interpretation OF the Army Regulations General
Fremont outranks Mcclellan This patent right inven
tion Is based upon that portion Of section FIVE. article
first. of the Army Regulations, which pressribes thai
when commissions Of the date the rank is TO be
decdedrst by rank in actual service when appointed
and second by former rank and service in the army 1t
is alleged that the commissions Of General Mcclellan
and General Fremont, Major Generals in the United
States army bear the dates according to this
lation Fremont is superior in rank to Mcclellan.
The people who promulgate this idea only make a
parade Of their consummate ignorance II the order Of
pointmsnt and actual service gave no precedence to
General Mcclellan his selection by the President Com
manding General is Of itself sufficient. When General
Macomb appointed General Commanding he was the
unor Of both Generals Scott and Gaines when Gene
raj Scott placed in that position, it conended
that General Gaines entitled is by seniority Of
rank.
This tbs weakest well the latest dodge which
the opponents Of the administration have resorted.
Reconnaissance WITHIN THE LINES OF THE ENEMY 8
PICKETS.
A reconnaissance was made this morning from the d.
vision Of General Smith, consisting of the Cameron dra
goons and three regiments of infantry, all under tho
command Of Colonel Friedman The infantry separated
for several points, namely:-vienna Flint Hill and Hun
ters Mills to temporarily remain there for
the cavalry while the latter proceeded towards Centre
vile, making circuit within the lines Of
the rebel pckots The result the capture OF eleven
of
arts regiment and the others to Ransoms First North
Carolina regiment. There exchange OF about
twelve shots The only person wounded of the
North Carolinians The prisoners brought to
Washington this afternoon, and confined the old
Capitol building No irfrmation either to the posi-
tion strength Of the enemy at Centreville attained
The accommodating party started at three O'Clock in the
morning and absent from their camp about ten
hours
TIE POSTAL SERVICE IN RECOVERED TERRITORY.
The Post Office Department is rapidly following ip the
operations Of the army by the establishment of post
Offices and post routes. Wherever any portion of the
seeded States recovered, postal facilities are
promptly renewed. Post Offices have been rcopened in
North Carolina and at Ship Island in the Mississippi and in
various parts of Tennessee applications have
already been made for the appointment OF postmaster
Nashville The people of the recovered portion of the
seeded States manifest great anxiety resume their
wonted relations to the Union government in this re-
spect.
THE RAILROAD CONVENTION.
The report forwarded to the Press did not purport
to be . rerbdtim report Of the proceedings Of the
Railroad Convention, but obtained from members
after the adjournment No reporters having been ad
mted the despatch obtained from the Secretary as
to the business of the Convention which correct
The remainder Of Secretary Stantons impressive and
able speech reported and the brief alusion
his was, is ascertaned, inaccurate
the language employed
ARRIVAL OF coNTRABANDs.
Fourteen contraband negro arrived in ths city
to-day from Csntreville. They anxious to get em
poyment, and many families in Washington supply
ing their of help from those who in this wal
from Dixie. Seven came in yesterday and tho arrival
these fugitves is almost daily occurrence.