The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-01-31

WnlSky-UncnanEeu saieS aL Afc.
FROM WASHINGTON.
Especial to the Tribune.
Washington, Jan. 90.
The Special Committee on the Defen-
ces and Notifications Of Lakes and Rivers
had an important meeting this morning
Gen. Mcclellan laid before the committee
many facts, showing the Importance Of
immediate action. He fayors the FORTH
cation of few commanding points, such
as Mackinaw, Fort Gratiot and some place
on the Sault st. Marie Canal. Reliance
elsewhere must be upon naval defences,
to supply which he recommends the estab-
lishment of one or more depots of arms on
the lakes. 1t is understood that the CON-
mittee concur in the Generals views, and
will make report in accordance there
with, at an early day.
The statement that the House Commit
tee on the District 0! Columbia has decid-
ed to report against the abolition of slavery
in the District is untrue. Whatever the
sentiments Of the committee may be, they
have not yet been expressed by vote.
Mr.. Upton, of Virginia, to whom the
question was referred, reported orally that
in his Judgment it was inexpedient at
present No action was however taken
upon his report, but Mr.. Ashley gave no.
tice that if . majority OF the committee
espoused Mr.. Upton's views he should
submit minority report to the House, nc
companied by bill providing for the i'm
mediate abolition of slavery within the
District
Gen. Stoneman, chief Of the cavalry,
has recommended the consolidation of the
seventy-seven regiments of volunteer cav
airy now on the rolls into fifty regiments.
He advises that the field and line officers
already mustered in be examined by a
board of officers, who shall sift oat at
least a third. and recommends the men
who may be sifted and those not fit for
horsemen be mustered as infantry or
mustered out altogether,
Mr.. Tucker was confirmed to-day as
Assistant Secretary Of War, and Frederick
Steele, of Missouri, as Brigadier GEN
eral.
Secretary Seward has issued an order
to Ward H. Lamon, Marshal of the Dis
trict of Columbia, instructing him not to
receive or retain in his custody any per-
sons claimed to be held to labor or service,
unless they are charged with crimes or are
held as fugitive slaves under the law Of
Congress, and to retain none claimed as
fugitives longer than thirty days, unless
in compliance with special order ema-
mating from some competent tribunal.
Times Dispatch.]
Secretary Stanton was shown private
letters to day from Kentucky, containing
important and extraordinary statements
regarding the battle at Somerset, to-wit:
That one entire rebel regiment threw down
their arms in the conflict and declared
their purpose no longer to fight against
the Government. This example vas fol-
lowed by companies and individuals Of
other regiments, and accounts for the
complete failure aud still less slaughter
attending deliberate Confederate attack.
Gen. Thomas is not pursuing Zollicofcr's
defeated army, the roads and inadequate
transportation not permitting. He is
building road of thirty miles in length,
to render his advance into Tennessee easy
and permanent.
A deserter from Stuart Virginia Cav
airy came in our lines this morning and
was brought to Secretary Stanton He
reports that Beauregard has gone to Ken
lucky with $4,000 men. Gen Smith
succeeds in command ut Centrcville.-
This deserter reports suffering among the
rebels. from lack of suitable clothing, salt,
coffee, etc. They have plenty Of meat
and bread
Heralds Special
About dozen vessels ran the blockade
Of the Potomac yesterday. some up and
some down the river. None were fired at.
Las. night the Reliance went down to
convey two transports. Sixty or seventy
shots were fired at them, with what effect
is unknown.
The confirmation Of Gen. Etoneman,
chief Of cavalry, and Gen. Barry, chief
Of artillery, have been delayed by an op-
position arising from charges brought by
personal enemies Of the Generals. They
will probably be confirmed, in spite Of
such personal influence.
On account of some malicious repre-
sensations the nomination Of Gen. Stnrgis
was not sent to the Senate with the list Of
other nominations as Brigadier General.
Sturgis had an interview with the Presi-
dent to-day, and his nomination was i'm
mediately sent to date from his original
appointment. There is no doubt that
Gen. Stone will be deposed and another