The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-04-07
Charge of Chief Justice Garter on the open.
ing of the New Court.
ITEMS FROM RICHMOND PAPERS.

WASHINGTON, April 8.
Various parties have recently applied to the
proper authorities here for supply of contra
bands to be taken to the tropics and employed
in agriculture. Many of them have expressed
disposition to emigrate, but thus far there is
no arrangement to pay the expense Of trans
portation.
The State Department had not. up to yes-
terday, received any official response to the
Secretary's letter declining the peace PROPOSE
tons of the French Government.
Six or eight hundred soldiers on furlough
came up on the boat from the Potomac to-
night.
1t is believed that no difficulty exists with
the administration on the subject OF letters of
marque and reprisal. The Importance OF the
question is well understood. When the occa-
sion demands there is no question but the
President will exercise the power in the pre-
misses authorized by the act of Congress.
Information has been received here of the
death, at his residence, on Saturday. of Chris
topher z. Walcott, late Secretary OF War.
According to a late army order, additional
means are to be taken for the arrest and pun
ishment of deserters. All reports in such
cases are referred to Fry, Provost Marshal
General.
Notwithstanding the vigilance of the Poto-
mac fiotilla, much smuggling is carried on
IRON lower Maryland into the rebel lines. Two
of the most important offenders, recently cap
tured, together with their goods, were to-day
brought to Washington.
On the opening of the new court to day,
Chief Justice Carter charged the Grand Jury
especially in relation to the law for the pre-
vention OF frauds on the government and that
for punishment of treason. In regard to the
latter, he said their careful consideration of
this statute was demanded by the times, and
by the place in which they were called on to
aid in the administration of the constitution
and laws. This city, he said, stands on the
border line between loyal and disloyal States.
There is still left amongst us many who, ii they
are in any sense loyal, loved their country
with adivided heart; there are some among us
il is feared who are traitors; there are others
who aid aud comfort rebellion. Ii is, therefore,
OF the utmost Importance TO the whole country
that the capital OF the nation should be free
from any faint OF disloyalty. IL is an i'm
portant step towards restoring public peace
aud tranquility, that all who aid aud assist the
enemy should discontinue their offense or be
punished according to the law Of the land.--
The faithful performance of your duty In
making inquiry into all such offences will be
no less honorable to yourselves than important
to the country.
The Richmond Examiner of Saturday, re-
ceived here to-day, contains the following:
Vicksburg, april 2.-The enemy made re-
connoissance up the Yazoo yesterday, and
threw few shells at Smokers Bluff. There
is nothing in sight below.
Chattanooga, april 1.-The gunboats on the
Tennessee have been driven back by our sharp
shooters. The iron clads attempted TO land at
Tuscumbia this morning at daylight, and were
attacked by our cavalry outposts. heavy
cannonading ensued, but without effect I'm
successful efforts were made to land party,
and the iron-clads backed down the river
There has been no battle in front. Heavy
skirinishing has been going on at McMinns-
vile.
Charleston, april 2.-There are no signs
thus far of the expected attack. There has
been no landing in force on any of the islands
below, as reported. The skirnish on Seabrook
Island was between few independent scouts
and scouting party from Yankee gunboat.