The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-12-11

on the rolls. A vote for Speaker was then had
which resulted in the choice of Hon
SCHUYLER CoLFAx. He received 1O1 votes
to 70 for all others being majority of %
votes. He was conducted to the chair bv
Messrs. WAsHBuRNE and Cox, and delivered a
brief address. The vote for Speaker shows
that the Administration have handsome work
ing majority in the House.
1t is stated that LEES whole army is north
of the Rapidan, and has been reinforced by
portion of LoNGsTREETs corps. The impress
sion prevails that our array will winter on the
line of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.
some distance up the Rappahanoock.
lien. BRAGG has telegraphed to Richmond
that Gen. GRANT has fallen back across Chick
amauga Creek destroying everything on his
route, including railroad track and bridges
Accounts faom Mexico, through French
sources, show gradual breaking up of Mex
lean plans of resistance.
"A severe fight occurred east of Memphis on
Friday last, in which the rebels were hand
somely whipped, with loss of one hundred
men. The fight occurred on the Memphis and
Charleston Railroad.
Gold fluctuated yesterday between 52L
nd 5O4, closing at the latter figures
WEDNESDAY, December 3.
The siege of Knoxville has been raised.
and the reported retreat of LoNGsrnEEr to
Virginia is confirmed by rebel dispatches. 1t
is said LoNGsTREET is moving towards Abing-
don, which is in the southwest part of Virginia,
eight miles from the Tennessee line and 300
miles southwest OF Richmond, on the railroad
between Lynchburg and Knoxville. Gen.
SHERMAN had arrived at Knoxville and it is
reported that he would follow LoNc.srRE.r into
Virginia.
JEFF. DAVIS mas. at last, been Obliged 10
succOmb to the clamor against General BRAGG
and has appointed General HARnEE, Uhe
Richmond papers say temporarily in his place;
JOHNSON, it is said, will take permanent COM
lnand. If it is true that BRAGG is removed.
JEtr. has shown an unexpected weakness. 1t
is generally understood that Gen. GRANT and
other prominent Union Generals have regarded
BRAGG rs one of the ablest of the rebel Gen
erals. He ha not been able to Withstand the
march of the Union army, and ne her has
JOHNSON.
The fierce onslaught of the Richmond
Wing Oh JEFF DAVIS, his cabinet and the whole
machinery of the rebel government. is an indi-
cation of a deep-seated disaffection throughout
the confederacy, and i heartfelt dependency
of success.
"A Washington dispatch pretends To give
what the message will say on the slavery ques-
ton, which Is that the proclamation liberated
all the slaves in the territory which it embra-
ces, and that all further action must be based
on that proposition. Mr.. LINcoLN's plan for
the restoration of the States is represented as
entirely original.
--.Judge HoLT has decided that the habeas
corpus suspension embraces minors enlisted
without the consent of parents
CoNGRE.ss.-In the Senate, Mr. WILSON of
Missouri was ousted from his seat it being de-
cided that his appointment was only until {.
regular session of the Legislature was held.
This will give MI. Brown his seat at once
The House organization was completed by
the election of Mr.. MCPHERso> as Clerk; Mr.
OEDwAY Of New York a. Sergeant-at Arms;
IRA GooDENouGH til" present incumbent,
Door-keeper; and WILLIAM S. KING of Mime
sofa, as Post Master-the latter Ivy larger ma
jority than tie Speaker received, 1O4 out of
166 votes cast. A resolution giving gold
medal to general GRANT, and the thanks of
Congress to him. and his officers and soldiers,
was unanimously adopted. Notice was given
o. bill to repeal the $500 clause of the enroll
ment act.