The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-01-30
THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

ised WELL but the elements were against it,
and after marching ten or twelve miles out
through Virginia mud, the troops about
faced" and Saturday night the soldiers found
themselves in their old camps, very tired and
dirty but in good spirits.
Another change has been made in COM
manders Of the army of the Potomac. Gen.
Burnsde's resignation has been accepted by
the President and or Monday morning the
command of the army was transferred to
Gen Hooker. Gen Burnside in his parting
address to his troops says that during the
short time which he has directed their move
ments no considerable advancement of our
lines has been made, but it has demonstrated
an amount of courage, patience and endur-
ance, that under more favorable circum-
stances would have accomplished great re-
suits. He urges them to be faithful to their
country and the principles they have sworn
TO maintain. Counsels them to give the
brave and skillful general who is now to
command them, their full and cordial sup
port and cooperation. He closes his ad-
dress with an especial farewell to his long
and tried associates of the 9th corps. His
prayers are that God may be with you and
grant YOU continued success until the rebel
lion is crushed"
Although Gen Burnside has not been sue
cessful in moving our lines nearer Richmond,
the people still believe in him and many of
them will regret that he resigned. Certainly
his want Of success may be attributed in
great measure to causes beyond hi; controll.
/" Fighting Joe Hooker" who succeeds him
in command is every inch soldier, popular
with the army and has won his honors and
rank by his military knowledge and skill
displayed on the battlefield, rather than by
political influence. May success attend him
and may he be the man to lead the army of
the Potomac " on TO Richmond" and that,
too, ri ht speedily.
Gems Sumner and Franklin have been re-
ieved of their commands, that last named
absolutely. and he will probably call for a
court Of enquiry. Gen Franklin was in COM
mand OF the right and Gen Sumner of the
left grand divisions of the army of the Poto-
mac. The New York Times says that Gen
William f. Smith succeeds Gen Franklin ard
Gen Couch succeeds Sumner.
Notwithstanding the vile attempts OF the
democrats and their rutfian abe,,ors to pre-
vent an election of speaker in the New Yoik
assembly: an election was made on Monday
by the choice of T. C. Callicott, a war demo
crat-but nominated and elected by the re.
publicans. The scenes which have been
enacted at Albany during the last two weeks
would disgrace meeting of brigands and
buccaneers. A pen picture of one days pro-
ceeGingN, though, net by any means the
worst one, will be found in another column
1t is some satisfaction to know that a mar
has been forced upon the democrats more
distastetu than any republican could be. \
more exciting time may be expected on thu
election of United States Senator.
The rebel pirate Alabama was last hearl
from at Galveston, Texas. She was in tina
harbor when the federal feet arrived to re
capture the town, and tried successfully tn,
old dodge of protesting to be British man
ot-war When the Alabama run out sh
sank the federal steamer Hatteras and thel
ran away from the rest of the fleet.
1t is said that the rebel iron-clad "Merri
mack" reported to be failure, has recent
been seen at the mouth of the James rive,
She would like no doubt, to catch some o
our fleet, bat if she comes to close quarter
with the inyincible iron-cad Patapsco, sh
will probably catch Tartar
The sailing Of a large fleet from Newber,
\. C., indicates that the anticipated move
ment against Wilmington and Charleston
has commenced. The land forces are i
readiness to cooperate, and we shall expee
to hear that both of those cities are captured
zen Butter is soon to resume command @
the department of the Gulf. His headqual
tiers will be at New Orleans and as much fu,
ther up the Mississippi as he can force hi
way. lie will be furnished with ample fore
TO elect the much desired junction with Ger
AcClernand' and not only to open but T.
keep open the Mississippi
AS soon as Gen Butler arrives at New q,
leans, Gen Banks will proceed to carry GU
the original programme laid down for his o,
petition, namely, the invasion and possessio
Of Texas, and the restoration of that state
the Union.
1t is supposed that the federal forces o
the Mississippi are again moving on Wick.
burg. Gen Grants army sailed from Men
phis and Helena on the 18th and 10Th. Th
larger partof Netherlands army, togethe
with Porter's gunboat fleet, have also follow
ed down the river, and Banks and Farragr
are expected to cooperate below Vicksbur,
at least to the extent of reducing Port Hue
son, and making flank movement from thu
direction. Gen German left Helena severe
days before Crafts troops embarked. probs
oily to break some important railroad con