The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-08-12
THE SITUATION.

THE STU ALTON.
convention of prominent republicans and
friends of the administration is about to be held in
Washington during next week, the purposes of
which are still wrapped in mystery; but which,
from several Indications, may prove to be of con-
siderable Importance to the future of the war.
object of this gathering; but the opinion
most prevalent is that it arises from
the fact of certain news being received
by General Halleck and others from the South
that the leaders of the rebellion are willing to
offer propositions for peace, being convinced that
their armies are demoralized and broken up by
the recent failure in Pennsylvania and Maryland.
The unpopularity Of the Consumption act having
forced itself upon the convictions of the republican
leaders, it is thought that they not averse, just
at this time, to entertain propositions for peace.
Our relations with the French government, in
connection with its recent policy in Mexico, are
occupying the serious and earnest attention of the
government at Washington. Several Cabinet
meetings have been held in relation to the ques-
ton, and it appears to have been decided that the
permanent occupation of Mexico by the French
shall not be permitted, and that the entire aban
donment of Napoleon's policy there will be de-
manded, even at the hazard of war.
Much comment is being made in Washington as
to the probable successor of General Meade in the
command Of the Army of the Potomac should his
resignation be accepted. General Governor X.
Warren is talked OF, who is said to be tho choice
Of all the officers in the absence of General Nc.
Cellan, who, of course, is the first choice of the
army. General Banks is also talked of in connec-
tion with the succession.
The old regiments in the Potomac army are be.
ing rapidly filed up with conscripts from some Of
the Northern States. Recent Reconnaissance have
established the fact that a large force of rebel
infantry and cavalry are still in the Shenan.
doah valley, ready to fall upon the rear Of
army in case it should advance. The
headquarters of Lee are at Gordonsve, and the
main body of his army ON the line of the Rapidsn.
1t is reported by prisoners that although General
Lee has decidedly received achievements from
the cotton States, to the amount probably of if
teen thousand men, yet his army is not as strong
as when he crossed the Potomac after the fight at
Gettysburg. 1t has been considerably diminished
by deaths and assertions.
The President has replied to Governor Sey-
Inour's last communication in letter which we
publish in another column. He reiterates his
intention to proceed with the draft, at the same
time expressing . desire to remedy any great
wrong which may exist in the enrolment.
The latest news from Charleston will be found
In our special correspondents despatch Of the 9Th
inst. published to-day. Everything goes on brave.
ly. The position Of General Gilmore on Morris
Island is stronger and safer than ever. The morale
and confidence Of the troops are unexampled.
Although the rebels keep pouring in shell from
Forts Wagner. Sumter. and other Notifications, the
protection to our troops is 30 complete that our
casualties for many days past are hardly worth
noticing. On the night Of the 4th Captain L. s..
Paine, Of the One Hundredth New York Volunteers,
with detachment Of his men, while on . scout
near Lighthouse creek, was captured by the rebels,
with all his men. The new Ironsides participated
with immense vim IN the csnnonade on Fort wag-
ner on Sunday week. and finally silenced the rebel
guns. The firing was terrific throughout the cay
between the Ottawa, q Monitor, the Ironsides,
our works on Morris Island and the rebel Forts
Wagner, johnson, Sumter and Moultric.
The DRAFT in Ohio has been postponed until the
return of Governor Tod from Washington whittier
he has gone, IL Is presumed, to settle some i'm.
portant questions relative to the CONSUMPTION.
Meantime meeting of the distinguished citizens
OF the State will come of at Columbus, the CAPT
tal. at which some grave questions are announced
~ ' HIsCELLANEous NEwsI
The trial Of prisoners indicted for participating
I'm tho late riots was continued in the Court o
General Sessions yesterday, before Recorder Hon.
man. Mary Sheehan, Q dishonest servant girl
who pleaded guilty to an indictment for grand lar
ceay, sent TO the State Prison for three years
Richard Lynch, who pleaded guilty TO an indict
mont charging him with having taken part
In the disturbance at the Colored Orphan Asy-
1um, was sentenced TO the State Prison fol
five years. Thomas Conner, who pleaded gull
" to petit larceny on an indictment which
charged him with stealing several articles OF
household furniture from the house Of Mr. james
s. Gibbons, was sent % the Penitentisry for three
months. The trial OF John Hagan, indicted for A
S..,,,;uc and rohLiu0 Mr. Henry T. Searlcs IN ~,