, 1863-12-19
FROM WASHINGTON,


and satisfactory explanations have taken
place to-day between the Secretary Of State
and Lord Lyons, concerning the capture Of
the Chesapeake and her crew within the Bri-
tish Jurisdiction in Nova Scotia.
The Committee Of Elections has now be-
fore them five contested cases from Missou-
II, two from Pennsylvania, one from Massa-
cllusetts, ono from Kentucky, one from Ma
ryland, one from Iowa, and one from Vir-
It was Representative cravens, from Ind,
who yesterday moved to seperate the rcso-
lutions Of Representative Smith, Of Ky, in
the House, in order to have q vote npon
proper TO be made by some Of the gentlemen
who voted for and carried hts proposition;
fnr while they were ready to vote for those
declaring it the duty Of Congress to pass all
necessary bills to supply men and money,
md rendering thanks to the army in tho
t1on which proposed m armistice, OF inter-
vcntion, or mediation, or propositions for
peace from a any quarter, &C., for which they
The Senate Of viagin,a, In session at Alex
undris, passed a BIZ to-day for the election Of
ssse@ele in TINT elty on the be s5th Of Jannary, ~
to altcr and amend the State Constitution, SO
as to abolish slavery In the counties Of Acco-
mac, Northampton, Princess Anne, Elizabeth
City and York, including the cities Of Nor
/. folk and Portsmouth.
By the Presidents Proclamation Of Janua-
~ last, all slaves in the remainder ofthe State
are free.
The act sets forth that the reason for the
change is, tlat without 1t tho executive aud
other officers Of the State, in executing the
laws between master and slave, will be
authorities Of the United States.
NEW YORK, Dec. ia Washington spe-
eial to the New York Herald says:
The Democratic members Of Congress held
d cnucus this evening ut the capitol. It was
fully attended. The future policy Of the par
ty was discussed, and general unanimity ex-
pressed ia favor Of voting all the men and
means required for vigorous prosecution Of
the war. 4 committee was appointed to ar
range and report ut future meeting the time
and place for holding the National Democrat
ic Convention for the nomination Of candi-'
dntes to be supported at the Presidential
election. The caucus then adjourned to next
4 nnmber Of border state men,, who have
not generally acted with the Democrats at
this session, were present and took part in
tic proceedings. 80 j..
It is intended to place the party fairly and
Ggunrely upon War platform, and it Is un-
derstood that those Democrats who haye
thus far acted upon the Peace platform, will
give in their adhesion to the War policy.
TIC Military Committee Of the Senate held
a session this evening, and will tomorrow
report amendments to the Cou5criptlon act.
1t is understood they will be passed before
tic Senate ad]ourns Tomorrow. The bill as
introduced by sepator Wilson will be amend
cd in some OF its details, bnt will not differ
materially In the form in which it was referred
to the Committee.
The number Of veterans who will re-cnter
tho service from the army OF tho Potomac Will
be upwards Of 10000, md IN equal, II not d
larger. proportion Of the veterans in other
war.
Tic Washington special to the New York
Twcy eays:
General Hitchcock has gone to Fortress
Monroe with 0nal propositions to the rebel
authorities for tue exchange Of prisoners. Ho
and grade for grade, without reference to tho
officers or men of tic new colored regiments.
Up to last night it had been determined to
commit the whole business of exchange to
Gen. Butler.
Gencral Sick1cs has asked for 4 court Of In
Quiry upon the charges contained In General
Ha1lcckss report. Other officers have made
similar requests.
To disemharrass the President General
Selofcld has asked to be relieved from the
command OF tie Department of Missouri
Ar. Lincoln has signiled his intention to
ssna Ais Ia3ne 81 eea1n to INC. senate rs Ma1or
Hencfa,. H. dc ia ialea 10 secure hs ;connfmF
@ l1on as !ne aasa session as, me rresiaent nus
.usu ~ ~ ILL 141;,1 ~ h aao.hSl
saa Sonnaau" asu. 1'oss1als III P1ooa"l5
Ut sel III, ee;,i 11'sso aa"n =; ,,+-a,.oa ,+o on
- w % WI PUN ~ ne 1as anrto:1su ~ anso Gu
SfGiee Siee,. 4t.entr a. no aon 1s " eoSse'oa1'
- r,,rnorsd ~ ptn.Dinht +ho+ s,rroo,, f:o,,
cra1 Tamruond ,os h.:s1 nnstcroa .aS Sut ~ T he
sar1 $1,000 "7 ooeA IL 10 s@1 o"' - lug
1ne u,e,,,,,+o,, e,,ao,.1 - +,o 1r,x.y e,,.s.
I'm an tnfar!nS5 thst tha arrnr ~ MS ~ H. Pcto.
"n ss. III ~. - At1o w