The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-04-15
THE NEWS OF THE WEEK.

The reorganization Of the Army OF the
Potomac is nearly completed, and to Judge
from order. issued from headquarters, active
operations will commence as soon as the
sacred sol F." of Virginia becomes travabe. !
An order has been issued directing the in
spec.ol general of all commands to effect
reformation in the matter Of absent officers.
They have had their holiday and now have
90, to work in earnest. The army hospitals
and those nearer the scene of active opera
tons are being cleared and conv:a.escent men
sent further north. Old regiments ard new
recruits are constantly passing to the front.
These movements are not for mere display,
but are indications that offensive operations
will soon commence all along the lines.
A Fortress Monroe dispatch says that on
the night of the Goth, forty rebels landed on
the wharf at Cape Lookout and placed the
keeper and his wife under guard. They de-
s,royed all the oil and exploded a kes Of
powder under each of the towers, but as the
windows were open but little damage was
done.
The rebel ram Tennessee, which was relied
upon to destroy our feet off Mobile, has
shared the fate of other rebel experiments in
that line, and gone to the bottom. This &C.
cured on the lst of March. The formidable af-
fair was lying near Grants pass; the day was
stormy, and she was struck by squall, which
sunk her almost instantly, taking her crew
down with her. She vas an extremely pow
erful vessel, her armor plates being six inches
in thickness. Her armament is the greatest
loss to the enemy. 1t consisted Of six 100
FOUNDER rifed PARROT guns, three afront and
three astern. This has fshy look
Officers of steamers from Red river report
considerable fight at Cane river, 80 miles
ABOVE Alexandria, on the 2S'h ult, between
General Smiths forces, consisting of 5000
infantry, under Gen. Mower, and Dudley's
brigade Of Lees cavalry corps and Dick
Taylor's army, estimated at $1,000 strong,
posted in an advantageous position. The
fight lasted about three hours. Our loss is
reported at IS killed snd about 60 wounded.
That Of the rebels was much greater, some
placing it at 200 killed and wounded. We
captured 500 prisoners, aid Others were still
being brought il.
Col. Clayton, with small force of cavalry
and infantry and one battery, went to Mount
Leaving he infantry and artillery there to
guard the bridge and cover Pine Bluff, he
proceeded with his cavalry towards Long
View, further down the Salem river, and
twenty miles southwest where the main
body Of the rebel army was stationed, for the
purpose of destroying the pontoon bridges
and the army stores at that place. An ad
vance of one hundred men was sent on who,
TN arriving at the bridge, saw large Num-
her Of rebels opposite preparing to crcs3.
Our officers hailed the enemy, and told them
that they belonged to Shelby's command
which wears the Federal uniform, and in
formed them that the Federals were upon
them, ADD begged them 10 hurry to their
rescue. The rebels rushe forward, and as
fast as they crossed were captured, and THEN
guns thrown into the river. In this vay
260 rebels were captured, and 35 wagons
laden with supplies, taken, which were de.
stroyed also 80 horses and n les.
On Saturday morning a daring atttemp,
WIS made to destroy the frigate Minnesota
An apparently floating spar approached her
and, getting near, was ascertained to be &
bat with three men in it. The lookout warn
ed them off, bot they pushed boldly for the
f,gate. In few moments an explosion
occurred similar to that oftwenty cannon. The
vessel shook as with paralysis, and the crew
tumbled out of their berths When the con.
fusion subsidized orders were given to pursue
the daring rebels, but the Admirals dispatch
tug. Poppy, lying alongside, had not steam up
The other tugs on picket were too far off to be
OF use, as the marauders rapidly disappeared
IN one Of the creeks Astounding in the James
River. The damage to the Minnesota is
serious. The shaft alley of the propeller
was crushed in so as to prevent the working
OF her machinery. Several guns were lifted
from their positions and thrown against the
ports with great violence, crushing the latter
completely.
The Winthrop House, corner of Tremon,
and Boylston streets, Boston, 5 stories high
occupied as Hotel and Masonic Hall. was
burned on Wednesday last, with nearly al
its contents. The 200 occupants Of me house
had bare y time to escape, most Of them leay
ing their effects behind
The election in Cincinnati on Monday
gives majority of 1851 for the Union tickle,
against Jag last Spring-a Union gain Of
over 800 votes. The Union majority in
Observation-Disclosures home-was 300
and in Cleveland 1900.
Mrs Lucreta Clay, wife of Henry CLAW
died April g. at the residence of her
son, John NJ. Clay, near Lexington. aosd ~
years.
N<x.ssanks..-H~sszassvz1a
HE SANITARY FAIR which opened in New
York Monday is a really big thing. over