The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1863-12-09

News and Items.
The Pacific Railroad Enterprise was for
mally inauguratcd on the I'd inst, by the
breaking of ground on the west bank Of
Missouri River, in front Of Omaha, Nebras-
ka. Speeches we're made by Gov. saund.
ers and Geo. Francis Trails, and Geographic
dispatches receceived from several dignita-
res. ~r
Gen. Mead.'s Army crossed the Rapidan
GU Thursday; skirmishing on Friday {;
formed into line Of battle on Saturday :;
laid in face of Lees forces on Sunday and
Monday, making two abortive attempts at
offensive operations, retired from the rebel
front on Tuesday night, and marched back
Of the Rapidan on Wednesday. 1t has
been asserted that Meade will retire towards
| so" "so"aU, anu 30 I"ro Yu.,,vrs
at Centerville, while the belief prevails that
new commander will be appointed and
active operations continued.
The State of Iowa has, according to the
census Of this year--exclusive Of five coun.
ties with only 2ls inhabitants in 1862
total population of 7o2, 1874 -males, 1884,.
Gel; females s46,l sl; blacks, 1920.
Brisk skirmishing occurred in the vicin.
ity Of Knoxville on Friday and Saturday,
and through the night of the latter day
On Sunday morning the rebels drove in
the Federal skirnishcrs, and made fierce
assault upon Fort Saunders. After des.
perate conflict in which the work was near.
~ carried, the rebels were repulsed with
great slaughter. Their loss is stated at
over 1000, including 800 prisoners. The
Federals, fighting behind defences, expert.
enced but few casualties, Is or 20
all told.
The rebel Gen. Bragg has been super.
coded by Gen. Hardec.
1t has been reported and once confirmed
that Breckenridge is dead.
Last week we announced that General
Meagher was to be Maj. General. This
week we learn that he is prisoner at
Richmond, taken while on visit to his
old regiment.
Lees army has crossed the Rapidan, and
is assuming on offensive attitude. It is
thought that he is attempting to flank the
Federal right. Considerable skirmishing
has already occurred. Meade's loss in the
recent movement is stated at 1850. Tho
failure Of his operations is charged upon
Gems. French and Warren. The reports Of
Meade's supercedure are pronounced to be
premature.
There is nothing new from Knoxville,
but it is said that Longstreet is still in front
Of that place. .,s,.-.,g
A rebel dispatch. dated Atlanta, the I'd,
states that skirmish had occurred within
a mile of Ringgold, in which the Federals
were driven back. The rebel troops were
in line Of battle, and advance ng.
The Federals continue to throw shells
into Charleston, but, according to rebel &C.
counts, the damage is inconsidcrable.
Schuyler Colfax, Of Indiana, has been
selected by the republicans as their candi.
date for Speaker of the House. The dem.
ocrats, it is said will nominate Cox, of
Ohio, or Mallory, Of Ky. The republicans
claim to have discovered plan to deprive
them Of the orgsization of the House, and
there is great excitement among them in
consequence. 4
Mr.. Lincoln is still sick, but is getting
better. His disease is the varioloid, and it
is to be hoped that his message will be i'm.
pregnated with nothing worse than the
malady.
The estimates 'or the Navy Department
are about $142, 900, 900. That department
has now under its control from $50 to 700
vessels. Secretary Welles says that the
assault upon Charleston has failed because
the obstacles are too great to be overcome |!
The interior Department estimates amount
to about So, 100000.
The forces Of Dick Taylor, which recent.
" fred upon steamers at the mouth Of Red
River, are reported to number 5000 and
it is supposed to be their intention to effect
"a junction with Bragg.