, 1863-07-25
THE WASHINGTON STATESMAN
SATURDAY MORNING, JULY IS, 1853
Complexlon of the News,

The news from the East this week is of
more than usual importance and will be
read with interest by all who have an eye
to the welfare of our Government
From the Mississippi river we have news
of the most encouraging character. Port
Hudson has surrendered to Gen. Banks, so
it is reported, and the report confirmed =
If this be so, then the Mississippi is un-
questionably open TO navigation. There is
no other point on the river held by the
Confederates that can offer any resistance
to the Federal arms. Vicksburg was the
rebel Sebastopol of the southwest, and
when it succumbed, all the smaller fry of
defences we're an easy prey to the Union
lists.
The rebel Gen. Johnston, who was max
ing so much noise short time ago about
reinforcing Pemberton at Yicksburg, has
been defeated by Gen. Sherman, of Grants
army, and at last accounts was retro atirg
toward the mountains with view most
likely of efecting a junction with Bragg's
forces.
The rebel Gen. Morgan with force of
5000 troops has been attempting to corral
the disafected counties of Indiana; but our
latest advices place him in fair way to be
captured by the federals If he should es-
cape he will hardly venture another raid in
that direction.
Military operations in the East are not
so encouraging as in the West, but still
quite favorable to the federals. Lee has
made his escape across the Potomac with
a loss of 1000 prisoners. He has most
likely made his way to Beauregard and
combined the two armies.
Morris Island is now occupied by our
troops 1t was taken by the Charleston
fleet The Unionists are engaged in estab
fishing batteries for large guns on the Island
Jeff Davis has sent to the Cabinet at
Washington propositions for peace. His
ideas of united Government are no doubt
similar to the views of Calhoun a Hun
ter previous to the war-two Governments
with one President. We opine the doc
trine would not meet with much favor out
side of the Confederacy.
The Louisiana planters who recently
conferred with the Cabinet were also on
peace mission. There seems to be a grow
ing desire for peace throughout the South
ern States. This question of peace COM
ing up before the Cabinet has created Of
course much discussion as to what basis
peace shall be founded upon. Chase and
Stanton stick to the life long principles o
the abolition party; universal cpanc.pa
ton. Seward, Bates and Blair seem 10 be
impregnated with "Copperheadism." They
appear to favor an amnesty. Webster de-
fines amnesty thus: "An act of oblivion;
general pardon of the ofenses of subjects
against the Government, or the proclama-
ton of such pardon" The President has
not yet given his opinions upon the sub
ject
A great riot has occurred in the City Of
New York said to have grown out of oppo-
sitiOn to the conscriptior enrolment. The
fury of the mob was directed fist against
the enrolling officers, and next against the
Tribune Office and negroes. The latter
were beaten to death wherever found The
riot was not queled at last accounts. The
peace faction of the city are chargeable
for the outbreak, but il does not look much
like peace. Gov. Seymour is a war man
and entrusted with necessary power to
quell the riot These mobocrats of New
York city will receive the hearty ndemna-
ton Of all Law abiding citizens.
The President has set apart the 9th day
Of August next, as day of Thanksgiving
Praise and Prayer.