The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-05-13

mastering in of Negro Regiments.
WASHINGTON. Ma,

WASHINGTON, May IL.
Gentlemen have recently arrived here and
proceeded to the Rappahannock to recover the
bodies of their friends who fell i'm the recent
battles. One of them, in private note re-
ceived in Washington to-day, says commu-
nication has been transmitted to Gen. Lee,
asking permission to pass inside his lines for
that purpose. Although on Sunday night no
response had been received from Gen. Lee, it
was understood from the officers receiving the
communication at the river that there would
be no unnecessary obstacle thrown in their
way. Subsequently the enemy commenced
sending over the river under flag of truce
considerable numbers of our wounded, who
have been paroled. For several days past sup
plies and medicines have been sent over from
our side.
A report was current yesterday that the
enemy had left their formidable position along
the heights, but close observation last eve
ming disclosed the fact that their numbers
there had not been diminished. They were
still at that point yesterday morning. At the
time of our recrossing the river at United
States Ford it is believed that only two divis-
ions of the enemys force remained in our
front near Chancellorvie, as rear guard,
commanded by Gems. Anderson and McLaws.
DIR. Webster still remains in the enemy's
lines to care for the wounded. DIR. Suckley,
who was captured at Charlottesville, sends
back word that our wounded generally were
doing well.
Notwithstanding all the reports that our
troops have again crossed the Rappahannock,
1t was not the case up to yesterday, Monday
noon.
The Secretary of the Treasury has made
the following decision of questions arising
upon appeals by importers from the de-
cison of collectors, relating to the proper
classification under the tariff act of July Ia.
1862.
The article called Half Gold,' is not es-
pecially provided for by name in any of the
existing tariffs. 1t is a combination of Gold
and silver leaf, and is used for similar purposes
and is substitute for Gold leaf, and therefore
is liable to duty under Sect 20 of AN Act of
August 30, 1912, the same as gold leaf,
that being the enumerated article it most
nearly resembles in material quality and tex
ture, or the use to which il may be applied.
Certain slipper patterns being of the size
and shape, and of texture and color precise
ly adapted for slippers, and can be used for no
other purpose advantageously, should be adj
mitted at 10 per cent, as claimed by the i'm
porter.
In a case of goods ordered, &c, previous
to act of July last, taking effect the ap-
pelant did not allege that the duty was
enormously or illegally exacted, but simply
complained OF the want of equity and oppres-
siveness OF that law. AS the Department has
no authority to question the policy of any act
of Congress the appeal was dismissed. And
in another case the Secretary decided that as
by that act all goods on ship board on the LIST
day OF August, 1862, shall be subject to the
duties therein prescribed. There is no ex-
emption of goods ordered, purchased or ship
ped prior to its passage.
Acting Assistant Surgeons Treadwell and E
l.. II. Draper have been ordered to the Mssis-
sippi Squadron. Lieut.. Commander Milton
Paxton has been ordered to the receiving shin
Ohio. 1t. Geo. X. Gray has been detached
from the Ohio and ordered to the receiving
ship Princeton.
Public notice is given to the officers and
men of the proposed regiment of District OF
Columbia colored volunteers to assemble to-
morrow for the purpose of inspection and be.
ing mustered into service.
The Republican says:-"Commissione Dole
with Coils. Turner and Raymond, and Other
friends OF the movement. visited the President
to-day to present the rolls aud tender the ser
vices of about 500 men already enlisted. and
to ask for quarters, DC. They were gladly
received, and the President at once referred
| them to the Secretary of War, with the re
| quest that he would do the best for them he
cold. Secretary Stanton has given orders thai
when 6400 men, who win pass inspection, ar,
presented, they will be mustered in at ono,
aud assigned to quarters.