Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-16
latest FROM EUROPE AND THE NORTH.
ANOTHER MEDIATION RUMoR, &C. &c, &C.

diaton between the North and South II is proposed
that both parties appoint commissioners to meet in
Montreal or Mexico for the purpose of arranging the
preliminares Of peace. u
telegram from Washington to the New FORK Ex-
press says it is reported that Seward will reject the pro-
position; and this announcement in New York. caused
gold to go up from SGT to 56i but subsequently re-
coded to 54t.
The Washington Chronicle, abiding to the report,
says:
The above shows the resorted to for the pur
pose Of affecting the money market On mere report
the funds are sensiby affected and the price Of gold
largely increased IL however learn, declined be-
fore the close Of the day. The Europa, bringing the
reported friendly mediation, arrived at Halifax on the
9Th inst and her mails have not yet reached Washing
ton To believe therefore, that there has been any such
rejection by our Government involves the absurdty Of
surprising that il would formally upon subject Of
great magnitude, upon report from Europe only pub
shed in the eWspapers which in part TO say the least
il open to doubt. We alude to that part of il Ehch
suggests conference between the North aud the South
without suspension of hostilities.
Conflicting resolutions have been introduced into the Le
gsaure Of Jersey The first strongly for peace and
provide that SIX commissioners be appointed to proceed
to Richmond and ascertain whether the Confederate
States will consent to re-afrm their adhesion to the
and if not, to ascertain what peace be
stored.
The cooperation Of sister States in the fraternal mis-
sion IL invited The President of the United States is
requested to furnish commissioners with such safe
guards as are necessary enable them to carry out
their mission.
The other resolutions are on the war side, recon-
mendng vigorous measures for crushing the rebellion
by, all available means.
Both series were referred the Committee Federal
Relations
1t appears that the Confederate steamers Alabama
and Florida still aaoat all previous representations
to the contrary Notwithstanding The New York Herald
states that the Alabama has arrived at Kingston, ia
maica, where she landed one hundred prisoners from
the steamer Hateras, which she sunk. The Alabama
il stated had five shots in her hull very serious
through her stern port. She repairing damages,
and expected to go to in few days. Six Yankee
steamers were ordered hem her in at the port Of King
stOn.
The Florida arrived at Nassau the Slst Of January
and sailed week afterwards. 1t is reported that she
has captured several prizes Cuba and of the Ba
hamas.
Admiral Porters official report acknowledges the
to destroy the Confederate steamer City of Vcksburg
saws the former with difficulty escaped destruction by
fire that she was struck twelve times and had of
her guns dsmounted The report speaks of the cap
tue of two small Confederate steamers and few pFis
oners which seems to have revived the Yankee spirits
wonderfully.
The correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette says
large bodies of troops will be landed the South side
of vcksburg, and an attempt made to cut of commu-
nication with Texas and Louisiana.
A RappahannOck correspondent reports innumerabe
deserons from the Yankee army, there $50
benous cases in which death punishment must follow.
Judging from this writer the old county of Stafford
will soon have not u tree for timber or fuel; for in
speang of the vast force Of the Army of the Potomac
he states that it has consumed fuel twenty square
miles of dense forest
Colonel Cushman, of Tennessee, has been arrested
and placed in irons notorious cotton burner.
Seward in reply TO resolution of the Senate denies
that he made any suggestions to MERCER that induced
or were designed calculated induce him to under,
TAKE mission to Richmond in April last or at any other
time His communication closes follows:
Since the fourth of March, 1861, communication,
direct or indirect formal informal has been held by
mh Government or 10y the secretary OF STATE with tile
insurgents their aiders or abettors. No passport has
been granted TO any foreign minister TO pass the mill
ary lines except by the Presidents direction aud each
of such ministers who has received such passports has
on bis return waited upon the President well as the
Secretary OF State, and given them such account UNI
asked as he thought proper, of the incidents OF his
Journey Of course these statements are TO be qualified
30 far the facts relating to communications concerning
the exchange of prisoners and other military in
i charge of the War Department, may meet them.
| THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
From the New York worlis Correspondent
| Two hundred and fifty deserters awaiting
trial in the different divisions of this army. The
handing general has resolved TO put stop TO this evil
aud TO that end has ordered courts martial to be
veped TO be composed Of the abest officers in the
mands and that the trial of these proceed forth
with The result will be important for punishment will
be meted out promptly according 10 the articles and
shall not be surprised if sentence Of death passed
upon number as is determined that examples shall
be made which will put stop 10 this evil Of course,
sentence of death must be approven by the President
but it is not likely that he will step in and defeat the
principle of discipline sought to be enforced, by any act
/ of mistaken clemency
light flying division OF infantry, cavalry, and ar
tery has been organized in the left grand DIVISION and
and the command given TO General Calvin T.. Pratt one
of the genuine fighting They to move without
baggage or transportation, save pack mules and are
designed for special service They start at daylight to-
morrow morning ON their first expedition, which will
certainly test their qualities aud may accomplish some
thing. They are TO be gone three days.
"Have you any reason for the faith which in you"
said friend to this morning, in response to my
sertiOn that should have better and more ef-
| Eectiye army Most assuredly. If Gen. Hooker means
TO do anything he TO improve the discipline and
insprit the hearts of this army do lay claim to be-
ing able TO Judge of few things in military way, or
else all my army experience goes for nothing. What
see and know certainly can Judge Of; aud find Gen
Hacker and his staff assistants are taking hold OF this
large ~ork in the same prompt and vigorous manner
that they have exercised in regard to smaller works Of
| the same nature heretofore.
| There is a certain decision, certain resolution aud
determination manifest in the style with which hesa'
quarters takes hold OF things which indicates ready
0,,.inr III Tho im1nens. drtaie and a thorough