, 1864-02-06

ing from Newbern says information has reach
ed there that a call had been made at Raj
eigh for State Convention for the purpose
of seeding from the allegiance to the
Southern Confederacy. The North Carroll
ma papers continue to demand peace.
Chicago, Jan 24.-The President, in re-
ply to the request of the delegation of Union
men from Arkansas for the appointment of
Military Governor, is reported to have in
formed them of his purpose to entrust Gen.
Steele with both the military and civil ad-
ninistration of affairs, for the reason that ex-
perience has proved that there has been con-
stant conflict between the Military Governors
and Military Commanders which was injur-
ed to the interest under their charge. He
expressed hope that a formal organization
of State Government, under the terms of
the amnesty proclamation, would be speedi-
ly made by the people of Arkansas
A Cincinnati special says that Capt King,
bearer of dispatches, arrived yesterday from
Knoxville. He seems to have undoubted
information that Longstreet has been rein
forced by 10000 men, and that he had
concentrated his forces preparatory to move
ment on Knoxville. His column is within
% miles of that place, with front of 10
miles. There had been heavy skirmishing.
Gen. Changers forces were being compelled
to fall back before the superior forces of the
enemy, Our loss is slight, while the dam
age done to the rebel column is heavy. Our
army is being compelled to fall back
and occupy the intrenchments surrounding
Knoxville but they have ability to hold
their position, which has been doubly
strengthened since by Burside.
1t is officially announced that Rosecrans
has been assigned to the command of the
Department of Missouri
Frankfort, Ky. Jan. 23.-Four ballots
for Senator in the Kentucky Legislature took
place to-day. All alike stood as follows =
Guthrie, 81, Bell, 46, Durham, 80, Buck
ner, 5. Required to elect, 65.
New York JAN 24-The Times contains
the translation of letter from a Frenchman,
formerly in the rebel army, dated Richmond,
Jan. l4th. He reports the arrival of an
other agent of the Emperor, named Martig-
ny, and his mysterious conference with jeff
Davis. 1t is known he says that Jeff
has promised France all the advantage of
Southern Confederacy, if Napoleon would
recognize and support the Southern States.
All our principal men, he says, think that
war between France and the United States
is near at hand The writer has no doubt
that plan making Gen. Lee dictator, will
be adopted as the only means to counteract
the strength Of the north. Lee is expected,
is willing to accept it. He and Jeff are on
bad terms. Davis is very unpopular in con-
sequence of keeping Bragg so long in COM
mand. He has even thought since Braggs
dimissal, giving him command of the army
of Virginia, and sending Lee to Dalton, but
had to abandon the plan on account of the
great influence brought against it. John
ston, who took the command of Bragg's de-
noralized army, thought of retreating to At
lanta, but was kept at Dalton by an order
from Richmond that he might take advan-
tage of the probable weakening of the North
ern army, by furlonghs and expiration ofthe
soldiers term of service. Jeffs plan is to
keep the army on an offensive footing, though
Lee gave his opinion that with the misefl-
BILE condition Of the army in regard to cloth
ing and provisions, it was impossible to do
so. Eearly's expedition was miserable fail
ure more than 900 veterans returning hors
du combat, having their hands and feet fro
zen.
The news from Charleston, the writer says
is discouraging. Beauregard has expressed
an opinion that he could not hold Charleston
much longer as Gilmores guns are in a po-
sition to reduce it to ashes in few hours if
he intends to do So One of the South Car
olina regiments doing duty there intended
to desert en- masse, but were prevented by
one of the soldiers giving information The
18th Virginia regiment was ordered to Ala
bama but refused to 60, and were used in
filling up other regiments, as the only plan
to avoid mutiny.
Bread riots occurred almost daily in the
South. The writer concludes that the days
of the Southern Confederacy are numbered
and its backbone broken.
Several prominent citizens and rebel Sal
GERS one of them widely known as an ex-for-
eign minister, are negotiating to come with
in our lines under lhe Presidents amnesty
proclamation.
The shelling of Charleston continues night
and day, at intervals of ten minutes, and the
city was gradually crumblng under this in
cessant bombardment.
The Presidents letter of instruction to Gen
Steele in regard to the election in Arkansas
is, that he be assured at the said election and
thenceforth that the Constitution be so mod
flied as to declare there shall be neither sla-
cry nor involuntarily servitude, except as
punishment for crimes, but the General AS
sembly may make such provisions for the
freed people as shall recognize their perma-
nent freedom, and provide for their educa-
ton, and which may yet be considered
temporary arrangement in their present con-
dtion as laboring, landless and homeless
class.
The Home Committee have agreed by,
nearly an unanimous vote, to the report of
the committee on requesting the President
to give a termination to the present Ca
madam reciprocity treaty.
The Cover nment is in receipt of informa-
tion of another contemplated attack by the
rebels in Canada, on Johnson's Island. 1t
q III: Il IL