The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1863-03-28


Refugees who arrived within the lines
of the Army of the Potomac confirm the
statement that the rebel army is falling back
from fredericksburg: and being masscd in
the dcfcnccs near Richmond. They repre-
sent the entire force left at fredericksburg
on Sunday night to have been only eight
thousand. They also confirm the news that
the gunmaking machinery and ordnance
stores are being rapidly removed from Rich
mond into Georgia that the withdrawal of
families from the city has fully set in. and
that sales of property are being Forced to a
ruinous loss. they also state that the
acknowledged loss, ieplored by cavalry sol,
diers in Richmond, sustained in the recent
thrashing Averill gave them, was between
four and five hundred killed and wounded
Among the killed was Colonel Lagrange, of
North Carolina.
Dispatches from Louisville state that
the Rebels from three to five thousand
strong, with a much larger force following
them, have taken possession Of Danville,
Kentucky. Danville is in the center Of the
State, and the movement is no doubt the
commencement of the threatened invasion
under Longstrect. AS the seal of secrecy
has been broken by some of our cotempo-
raries. it can now do no harm to state that
the Government has forseen and prepared
for tins movement. General Burnside has
been ordered to the command, and the 9th
Army Corps, the veterans OF Roanoke Is
land, Ncwbern and Antietam, is already en-
route for Kentucky. With these experienced
troops joined to the forces already in Ken
lucky, General Burnside will be in condi
ton to meet any forces that the Rebels will
be able to throw into kentucky, and to
defeat their purpose to interfere with Gen,
eral Rosecrans coming campaign.
A Board of officers has been perma-
nently organized in the Army of the Poto-
mac for the purpose of examining candi-
dates for promotion from the ranks and
also those enlisted men who have already
received commissions. Several Of the lat
ter have been found not to possess the re-
quiste qualifications for the position of com
missloned officers, and their appointments
will therefore be revoked. The exanina-
tons are conducted on the basis of General
Order No. IL, 1904, which requires candl
dates to be examined in English grammar,
history, geography, plain and solid geome
try popular astronomy, the Constitution of
the United States, and the organization of
the Government under it, and also the prin
ciples which regulate international inter
course.
Admiral Porter, ia private letters re.
ceivcd in Washington recently, gives at
length the history of the sham Monitors
Which caused the destruction of the Indian
ola, an enormous waste of rebel ammuni
ton. and CONSERVATION throughout the rebel
Contedcracy. The second mudscow which
was sent down stream not long after the
first, grounded after passing beyond the
main batteries, within reach Of the enemy's
long range guns, which kept up an incessant
fire upon her all day. Officers who observed
the action with powerful glasses report that
seven of the large guns burst, destroying
many lives, and wounding a large number
of officers and men. This has since been
confirmed by deserters from the rebel army
at Nicksburg.
News from Vicksburg confirms the
report of the arrival of the United States
gunboats Hartford and Albatross, of Admi
raj Farraguts fleet, at the mouth of the
canal, on the Goth inst.
An officer from on board has arrived at
General Grants headquarters, bringing
dispatches. Seven of Admiral Farragut's
boats had run the blockade of Port Hudson.
After coming up for some distance, all but
two returned. They had probably gone to
the mouth Of the Red river.
General Banks had not yet come up with
his land attack when the feet ran the block
ade. The boats will pass into Lake Prov,
dence as soon as the current in that direc.
ton permits.
The Cincinnati Gazette publishes full
report Of the military expedition sent to
Noble county, Ohio. Two hundred inSur-
gents were armed and organized, having
elected the deserter Captain of their band.
They formed regular camp, kept their fires
burning and their pickets out on Thursday
night, and were very brave until the soldiers
got within nine miles of their headquarters.
About that time Outraged failed and they
skedaddled, scattering through the woods.
where they remained during Friday night,
getting the full benefit of cold rain. A
large number Of arrests were made on Sat
urday morning.
-Four German families arrived at Fortress
Monroe, on Wednesday last They report that
tho prevailing opinion at Richmond is that the
Rebels will soon evacuate the city and proba-
bly, most of Virginia. The freedom Of speech
Is mitch iess restrirt Cd than formerly