The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-02-14

THE SITUATION.
Mosby continues to be q terror to our pckets
of the Army of the Potomac. although he does not
appear to infict much damage. On Friday after
noon and evening he made several dashes on our
pickets near Manassas, killing two or three of
them. A cavalry force was sent out in pursuit Of
Major Mosby. and it was anticipated that they
would "bring in the Major on stretcher;" but up
to the latest dates neither the Major nor the
stretcher had reached our lines.
Deserters from q Mississippi regiment are
this very regiment was placed on picket duty to
relieve an Alabama regiment whose loyalty to the
confederacy could not be relied upon.
Some further particulars Of the destruction of
the British blockade runner at Charleston, are
given in our columns to-day. 1t appears that she
IAN in during heavy fog. and was not, therefore,
observed by our feet until day broke and the fog
cleared of. She was fine side-wheel steamer,
with two smckestacks and raking masts. Her
name and her point Of departure still remain
shrouded in mystery.
The rebels in West Virginia are very trouble.
some characters, and they seem heretofore to
have displayed their beliicose propensities chiefly
on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. despatch
from Baltimore yesterday says that an attack was
made upon the express train bound for Wheeling,
about eight miles west from Harper's Ferry, by .
band Of raiders, who deprived the passengers Of
Of some thirty thousand dollars; but
In this case-unlke others formerly reported
The rebels are very probably not chsrgesble with
CHS highway robbery, IS 1t is shrewdly suspected
thst the delinquents were all loyal citizens "psni
Tertiary BIRDS" and 80 forth. who thought that
they might interpret the moral code to suit their
. contractor or anybody else can rob the public,
why not "penitentiary bird" do the same thing,
was no doubt the logical salve which these gentle
men laid upon their consciences. At oil events
they robbed the train; were very courteous to the
ladies, and took OF some $50, 900 in greenbacks,
and an amount Of jewelry, watches, &C., not yet
estimated.
CONGRESS-.
In the Senate yesterday . communication was
received from the Secretary of War showing that
there are three hundred and eighty seven officers
of all grades, drawing Communication for quarters
and fuel. A memorial for wagon road and mill
tsry protection to travellers through Central Min.
nesota was appropriately referred, as was also
bill providing for the registration Of the voters of
Washington city. The consideration Of the bill
increasing the pay Of colored soldiers to the same
amount given TO white troops was then resumed.
Mr.. Wilson moved to strike out the clause in
the bill of the committee giving colored troops
the same pay, &c., except bounty, during
the whole time they have been in the service,
and insert latter the LIST day Of January, 1884"
This was adopted. The amendment Of Mr.. Doc.
little. providing that from the monthly pay of
coored troops, mustered into the service in insur
rec6onary districts, the sum Of three dollars per
month shall be reserved to reimburse the ex-
pcnses incurred by the United States in feeding
and clothing the widows, children and parents OF
deceased colored troops, was rejected after some
debate. Mr.. Cowan offered q substitute for the
bill IS amended, chat from and after the passage
OF this act all soldiers Of the United States Of the
Same arm Of the service shall receive like compen-
sston." Mr.. 0owan supported his amendment at
some length, claiming that the negro must be re.
garded 40 . citizen under the constitution, as he
received the protection Of the laws. Pending the
question on the substitute the Senate adjourned.
The House was not In session yesterday.
TIE IEGrsLATURE.
In the State Senate yesterday communication
was received from the Comptroller, stating that
the State bounty fund 10 exhausted. Among Q
number Of matters given notice Of were bills Tor
railroad In Thirty fourth street, to prohibit the
sale Of sprituous liquors on Sunday, to provide
for the registration Of deaths in towns and coun
Ties, and for the better regulation Of the 1nsbriate
Asylum. Several local bills we're ordered to Q
third reading; but nothing Of general interest
was under consideration. No further action was
taken on the Metropolitan Police bill.
In the Assembly the General Approximation bill
was considered In Committee Of the Whole. and a
long and discursive debate took place over the
item Of $500 900 for the State militia. Ne definite
action, however, was taken on IT, The standinu
committees reported TO the House number q
bills, including those for the better protecusn o.
sailors in this port, TO legslize the Brooklyn volun
tcer bonds, and against amending She Stat
license law.
MISCELLANEOUS Kxws.
A very important case to retail liquor dealer
was tried lsn week before ledge shipuap, IN th'