Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-04-04
IRON WAsHN0ToNAND W0INITY

"
the rebel army now lies. lie is known
reliable and intelligent man. He states
that in the vicinity from which he come
there is local insurreotion among the
white people who are bitter in opposition
TO jeff Davis rule. The people feel that
the rebel cause is hopelessly lost since
the retreat from their strong hold at Manas-
sas The rebel defeat at Winchester also de-
pressed the Virginians, though every effort
was made to conceal the bad news from the
public and that portion Of the army which
was not engaged. He doubts whether the
rebels will have pluck to make a stand at
Gordonsylle
The Herali's dispatch says few days since
the pickets along the Lower Potomac and
Chesapeake Bay were drawn in by General
Hooker. The rebel sympathizers in Lower
Mary took this as an intimation that the
4. 5. forces were about to leave and immed-
lately commenced to send slaves to Virginia for
rebel sorrice General Hooker ordered the
arrest of six or eight of the ringleaders, who
are among the most prominent citizens in
that section.
Private adyces from London, of the 18th,
state that Mr. Field and other gentlemen and
capitalists interested in the Atlantic telegraph
cable enterprise, were to meet Palmerston on
the 2lst and that the prospects OF a satisfac-
tory issue Of negotiations of the British gov
ernment in regard to raising the necessary
capital to secure the proposed new cable we're
of very satisfactory character. Mr.. Field
confidently expected to return to New York at
an carly day, with assurances OF the earnest
cooperation Of the British government in the
great work
Two rebels came from Aqua Creek few
days ago, who stated that large numbers Of
rebel troops are congregatng at the Kappa
hammock where they will maze a stand. Con-
trabands are daily coming to tie Aotilla.
Thrty-seven arrived in one day recently, from
the vicinity Of Dumtries, and were sent to
the Maryland shore.
The Secretary of the Treasury has recent
ly issued special licenses for commercial in
trercouse under the act of July last which
prohibits shipments from the ports of those
States heretofore declared by the President to
be in nsurrection, without a written permit
The licenses do not now extend further
than Nashville and the intermediate points.
Nothing shipped under them is to be dispos-
ed of to persons in arms against the U. S.
or to others furnishing them aid and comfort.
The Iri6unes Washington dispatch says
the enemy have at last entirely abandoned
Aqua Creek, carrying away their artillery and
stores. There is no rebel force now between
the river and Fredericksburgh. In that town
there are but few soldiers, the main body be-
ing posted about mile and half beyond.
The Times Washington dispatch says that
smoke was observed in the direction of War
renton, indicating the destruction of property
which always attends forced movement of
the anemy- If retreat has takon place 1t IS
undoubtedly in consequence of the terrible
blow struck on Sunday at Winchester.
The Heralds special Washington dispatch
says the division of Gems. Franklin and King,of
the Potomac army were reviewed Thursday by
Gen. Mcdowell, Gen. Mcclellan, Lord
Lyons, the Prince de Joinville and several
British officers of high rank from Canada,
who were present on the ground. The latter
expressed themselves greatly surprised at
the superior drill, stature, and discipline Of
the troops.
The following from General Mcclellan has
been teegraphed to Gen. Shields
HEADQuARrERs Army Of the Potomac, I
Fairfax Seminary, March 27
Brig. Gen. James Shields The general commanding
congraulatcs you and The troops under your command
on the splendid achievement commenced in your De
follow up rapidly the enemys troops far Suasburg.
(signed) S WILLIAMS,
Assistant hulutant beneral-
HEADQUARTERS Army Of the Potomac }
Fairfax Seminary March a.
To Brigadier General Jas Shields The commanding
Gen congrataates you and the troops under your com
mand for the victories gained by your energy and
activity the sd He is panied to learn that the wound
received in the skimsh the day before, seri-
Gus than AZ FIRST supposed. By command OF Maj Gen
S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adj. Cen
The following is from Gen. Shields, re-
ceived by Judge DAILY, Thursday
WINoHgsrRR, March 81 My wound is doing we'll
will be able to ride in carriage in a few days the
''D { tsisnedj Sic '''''' JAMES SHIELDS"
Arrangements are nearly completed for es-
tablishing a line of steamers between Wash
ington and Fortress Monroe, so as to secure
early arrivals. The trip is to be made in
hours. The proprietor will extend facilities
for carrying the mails, and it is more than
probable that the Post Office and War De-
partments will encourage the enterprise
The President has Internationally pardon
ed two subjects Of Great Britain, who were
convicted, three years ago, in the district
court Of Florida, and sentenced to imprison
ment in District Columbia penitentiary seven
years for resisting and preventing the master
and pilot of an American vessel in tho free
and lawful exercise of their authority and com
mand on board thereof The President, in
his proclamation to Marshal LamRn, says the
conyicts, it now appears, were gulltless Of
criminal intent, and that Lord Lyons
caused special inquiry to be made into the
merits of their case, and besought him to ex-
tend to them the Executive clemency
The Heraid's Washington dispatch an ad-
vance was made by the centre of our army Of
the Potomac on Thursday upon the rebels,
10000 strong, upon the road between Manas-
sas and Warrenton Junction, driving them
several miles towards Gordonsyile. The
bridges and tracks on the Railroad were all
destroyed and torn up, but OUT troops were
pursuing the enemy as rapidly as clrcum-
stances would permit.
An excursion PARTY went out on the Ma
nassas Gap road, about five miles beyond the
the Junction, cutting away the fallen trees,
and clearing away the other obstruction from
the track. The road was otherwise in per-
feet order, and the water stations are unin-
jured. They also proceeded on the road to
Gordousyille as far as Bristow's Station, at
which point the bridge over Broad Run is
destroyed
The Heralfs Washington dispatch says
tho ;nhah;tanta nf Fredericksburgh are in