The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1864-02-13

The opinions Of those who are familiar
with the policy of the Government and
those who have given the subject 8 most
careful consideration have been obtained
and it is probable bill providing for the
disposal Of such lands, in legal form and
giving clear title, will soon be introduced.
The President approves and will sign the
JOINT resolution upon cOnfiscatiOn, which
the Senate.
A caucus Of Republican members of
both branches of Congress was held to-
night at the Capitol. Senator Clarke pre-
sized. 1t was adopted as the resolution of
the meeting that Instructions should be
sent to the Republican National Commit
tee TO fill vacancies that might exist in
consequence of members being absent
abroad or on duty in the field.
Gov. Solomon, Of Wisconsin, and Gov.
Curtin, Of Pennsylvania, have arrived
here. A number Of Governors are also
expected. It is understood they are here
for the purpose of comforting with the au-
thorities upon the refilling Of the old regi-
ments and recruiting under the new order
for 5O0, 900 men.
Accounts from the South state that the
rebel army contains to-day more men than
at any time since the commencement of
the war, the conscription having been
rigidly enforced. Unless our armies are
strongly reinforced before spring, military
officers here believe that much Of the adj
vantage we have gained in the last twelve
months must undoubtedly be lost by
evacuation Of the territory which we will
not have sufficient troops to garrison.
An officer Just in from Grants headquar-
ters says that all through the country to
the rear Of the Union lines an officer in his
uniform can travel umolested to any part
n ND 1oh
From North Carolina.
FORTRESS, MONROE, Feb. 5.-The steam
er Washington Irving arrived last night
from Newbern with dispatches from Gen.
Butler.
1t is reported that the rebels are moving
on Washington and Plymouth, and that
they are receiving large reinforcernents.
All are confident the rebels will attempt
desperate assault on Newbern tonight.
LATEsr.-THURsDAy EVENING. ! o clock.
Newport is in possession Of the rebels,
which cuts off our communication with
Beaufort. This gives the rebels command
OF the river approaches TO Newbern by the
Neuse river. Should they choose to fortify
the banks, the impression is that the rebels
will stand long seige.
On the lst instant, before the break OF
day, the rebels made an assault on the out
posts at Batchelor creek, eight miles from
they succeeded in capturing, with seventy
two Of our men and officers, one company
OF the "a New Orleans white volunteers Of
G.. ii. Foo.er's command. with section Of
Arms battery, and a detachment made up
of other companies-in all about 300 men.
Our men are reported to be in possession of
the block house nine miles from Newbern,
surrounded by the enemy and holding
their ground against vastly superior num-
bers. They will, il is stated, be able to
hold ont for several days. A force Of our
cavalry started out this a. IN. 10 their re-
lief, but were repulsed in sight Of Fort Tot
ten and drove back.
The rebels are in sight Of the city and we
can see them from Fort Totten mannuvre
their troops. Our forces are resting on their
arms day and night waiting for the assault
on the city. The fire companies, together
with the white and black citizens. are all
under arms awaiting the approach of the
rebels. The garrison on the south side of
the river Trent still holds out manfully.
The rebels have established a picket sta
ton within rifie-shot of Fort TOtten, and
within easy distance Of the city. This a. m.
the enemy in barges boarded the gunbOat
Underwater, which lay at point between
Forts Anderson and Stevens, and after q
tremendous struggle she was captured with
her officers and large number Of her crew.
Fortunately the Underwater was hard
ashore, and this alone saved her from be-
ing carried off by the rebels. The rebels
who boarded the Underwater consisted of
some twenty-five officers and sailors from
Savannah, Ca, from whence they brought
their barges by Railroad. The rebels be-
Ming unable to move the Underwater from
her position set her on fire, and the flames
communicating to her magazine she was
blown into fragments.