Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-02-24
OUR MILITARY BUDGET.
PORT COLUMNS.


Yesterday a dispatch reached the headquarters
here, from an unofficial source at Cairo, announ.
cling that the Stars and Stripes were then floating
over the rebel fort at Columbus.
Il was not credited, as IL was known here (at
the headquarters) that the expedition to which IL
was alleged that the rebels had surrendered
Columbus had been ordered simply for recon-
noitering purposes, rather than TO make an
attack.
We telegraphed to Cairo in the course Of the
day for more particular information, and received
In reply, from a reliable source, the following
dispatch, showing this news to be incorrect:
CAIRO, H., Feb. g. 1862 Ed. Star: The
steamer that came up first from Columbus brought
report that Columbus had surrendered, and twas
reported all over town in FIVE minutes, and seemed
to be reliable.
It turns out to be mistake, am sorry to say.
NOT CALCULATING MANASSAS.
Reliable information is in this city, to The effect
that no considerable force Of the rebels have left
their position at and In front Of Manassas. Many
of their re-enlisted men having been furloughed
for sixty days, to enable them to visit their re-
spective homes, have, however, departed. AS
they filed lin departing)a number of trains for
some days, the rumor that they were going away
by regiments, got out. Their departure does not
amount to materially weakening the enemy in
our front, though 1t is very questionable whether
they will ever again Join their respective regi.
ments, owing to the successes Of the arms Of the
United States, the destruction Of their railroad
connections, &c.
NAVY YARD.
The Stepping Stones left the hotilla at an earIy
hour this morning, and came up to the yard She
reports nothing new down the river
The steamer Metamora ran the blockade at an
early hour this morning, and has reached this
city. Six or eight shots were fred at her from
the secesh batteries-the only time they have hred
at anything for week or more-but none struck
her.
EXTRACT OF LETTER FROM COMMODORE L. NJ.
GOLDsBoRoUGH.
u. FLA6 STEAMER PHILADELPHIA of
Roanoke Island, Feb IA, S62-I forgot 10 saw N
you in my pencil note, closed and mailed an hour
since, that never on earth was greater lie per-
petrated by the hand and head of man than the
one In the slip OF newspaper YOU sent me- stating
that during the violent gale we encountered was
taken down with an attack of rheumatic CONT,
and entirely disabled. There is not scintiija of
truth In it, nor was there the slightest ground for
1t. Throughout the whole gale was In perfect
health. and as busy bee. And as to INV re-
mark about my volunteer officers, and nv in
vocation to heaven ii Is all pure fiction and only
CALCULATED 10 90 narm ana wound sens bilitIPa
Ny volunteer offcars are all admirable men and
do their duty ylorousiv. This very day Won
ought to receive the tidngs of our doing In these
waters; and, oh, how well I know your hearts
will rejoice. The God Of battles has been with
US, and to him We owe everything. My officers
and men are truly gloriouI !"
ANOTHER REcoNSoIsANcE TOWARDS CENTER
VILLE-CAPTrRE OF ELEVEN REBEL PICKETs
A reconnaissance was made Saturday morning
from the division Of Gen. Smith consisting Of
the Cameron Dragons and three regiments Of
infantry, all under the command of Col Fried.
man. The infantry separated for several points.
namely: Vienna, Flint Hill and Hunters Mills
to temporarily remain there as a reserve for the
cavalry, while the latter proceeded toward Cen
terville, making circuit within the lines Of the
rebel pickets.
The result was the ca pture Of eleven mounted
rebel picksts, two Of whom belonged TO Steuart,s
Regiment, a ID the others 70 RansomFs LIST North
Carolina Regiment. There was an exchange OF
some twelve shots, but the only person wounded
was one Of the North CarOlnians The prisoners
were brought to Washington Yesterday afternoon
and are confined in the old capitol building
No Information either as TO the position or
strength Of the enemy at Centervlie was OBJ
tanned.
The accommodating party started at 3 O'Clock In
the morning, and were absent from their camp
about ten hours.