The Portland daily press., 1863-01-30
BY TELEGRAPH.
Portland Daily Press.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The Metropolitan Railroad Bill.
Capture of the English Steamer Rising
Dawn and Schooner Hitman.
Burning Of the Rebel Steamer
TrOpic.
Generals in the Federal Army.
Generals in the Federal Army.
Naval Expedition up White River.
State of Arkansas believed to be in our
Power.
WASHINGTON Ian %

NAsHlNGTOS. Jan. ~.
The statement that the Emperor of the
French has renewed the mediation proposals
to the British government, is not much credit
ed in authoritative circles.
The bill of Senator Rice, furnishing aid to
the Metropolitan Railroad Company, guaran-
tees its bonds to the amount of $500 900,
and those of the Pittsburg d Connellsville to
the amount of S2,000,000, and authorizing .he
corporation at Washington to guarantee 81
100000 more for building the road from Point
of Rocks to Hagerstown. 1t provides for a
mortgage on the road to pay the interest, and
two per cent. of the principal ready.
The U. ). steamer Aurora, on 10th inst,
captured the English steamer Rising Dawn,
with a cargo of 263S bushels salt, and a large
quantity of lucfer matches, soap, coffee aud
gunny bags. She was from Nassau n. p, and
was trying to run the blockade.
The L. S. steamer Ottawa, on 21st inst,
captured the schooner Hitman, with 80 bales
of cotton, while attempting to run out from
Charleston.
On the Sth, the steamer Tropic, formerly the
Huntress, Of Charleston, while attempting to
run the blockade, was destroyed by fire. Her
crew and passengers were saved by the boats
of the Quaker City.
Arrangements are being made for the speedy
exchange of about 100 civilian prisoners now
in the old Capital, and out on parole here, for
'ts many Oulou CibUldfls Htlu Dy the rebels.
The number of Brigadier Generals now in
the service is about POO, and of Major Gener-
ais 40. The President has recently nominated
to the Senate 154 additional of the former
grade and of the latter.
It's believed By those who have the drec-
ton of the military affairs In Congress, that
the law limiting the new number of each
office will be amended so as to add so Briga-
der Generals and 25 Major Generals to the
army.
The War Department in future will probably
have but one Assistant Secretary of War, in
stead of three, as recently. This is considered
sufficient with the addition of an officer ex-
pressly sanctioned by law, to be styled the
Solicitor of the War Department.
The Navy Department has received infor-
nation that the navrl expedition up the White
river, under the command of Lieut. Com
handing John G. Walker, was successful in
accomplishing the duty on which it was sent.
He pushed on to Duval's Bluff in the gunboat
Baron De kalb. Annexed is his official re-
port. The capture of the guns alluded to
renders it very difficult for the rebels to de-
iend the approach TO Little Rock, and it is be-
lieved that the State of Arkansas is complete
ly in our power:
~. S. Gunbodt Baron De Kalb, Durars
But, Jan. l6, 1S63.-Sir:-I have the honor
to report my arrival at this place. Leaving the
tiausport> at Afkapoia, iour miles DeloN, L
cleared for action and steamed up, arriving at
about 3 T.. NJ, meeting with no resistance. 1
made fast to the bank, and landing a party,
took possession of all the public property. l
found fine S-inch guns and carriages 200
stand OF arms, with their accoutrements, and
three platform cars. The guns were being
hoisted on the cars, wheel the rebels took
alarm and fed. The supper of the soldiers
was cooking when l arrived. They left their
blankets and traps of all kinds. took seven
prisoners, and from them and from negroes |
learn that the troops engaged in loading the
cars ran away about fifteen minutes before l
arrived At the same time the steamer Blue
Wing went up the river. The guns and car
riages are in cool order, and many of the
small arms are Enfield rifles. Upon the ar
rival OF Gen. Germans troops, drew Off my
men aud turned the place over to the army.
l am, very respectfully,
your obedient servant
JOHN G. WALKER, Lieut.. CONG
To Acting Rear Admiral David ID. Porter.