, 1864-02-20
PUGET SOUND HERALD
sTEILAcooM, w. T,
Saturday, February 20, 1864.
LATEST EASTERN NEWS.

Washington, Feb. 1.-Trunbull's report |
from the Judicial Committee Gu facts connected
with the release Of James ". Hunt from the .
Old Capitol prison recently, exOnerates Senator ,
Hale from blame in accepting fees for services
10 acting as counsel before the Judicial BoarG.i
New York, Feb. 2.-The UOrlds special
disnatch saws 1t is rumored in official circles
that we are on the eve Of war with France
Secretary Seward is said to have adopted such
a course towards the French Government con-
cerning the French Occupation Of MeXicol MS
10 elicit reply from the French Minister, in
accordance with which the United States must
absolutely recede from its former positions or
20 to war to maintain them. It is certain there
Is some serious difficulty with the French Cab.
met. Mr. Seward, in view Of the certainty Of
b war with Europe, takes the highest possible
ground. .....-.. -..
A private dispatch says Caleb Lyon, Of
Lyonsdale, New York, has been appointed
Governor Of Idaho.
Richmond papers contain accounts Of the
running ashore and burning by our fleet Of the
blockade runner UsitLd on the LIST Of January.
She was no doubt steamer on her first yoy-
age.
The papers also contain an address from Gen.
Lee to Ills army, in which he says he considers
it due the army to state that the temporary re-
duction Of rations is caused by circumstances
beyond his control, and ii is hoped that arrange
ments now being made will reduce the neces-
sty Of its long duration. -,, .., g..
New York, Feb. 2.-The Philadelphia En-.
quirer says that 200 rebels, who have taken
the oath of allegiance, arrived yesterday from
the West. .....
The Philadelphia Post says that information
has been received that Gen. Gilmore will come
North in-two weeks. lie is now at Hilton
Head. Everything in bis Department has
settled down into the old routine. Several Of
his best regiments have been sent elsewhere
Others are preparing to follow.
The late calls for troops will necessitate an
additional appropriation o! S200,0O0,O00. Ar.
my appropriation bills appropriate S5io, ,oOO,'
600.
New York, Feb. 2d.-The correspondent Of
the Boston Journal, writing from Ship Island,
under date Of January oSth, says: Last night
small boats came down to the Sound with the
intelligence that the rebels at Fort Morgan had
reyolted. r..2u.mE
O. Four men escaped in the darkness and came
to Ship Island In small bOats. From them we
learned the first intelligence; since then It has
been confirmed by dispatches.
News. has been received to the effect that 20
or 80 rebels had been condemned to pc shot in
Mobile to-day. "a
Jefferson City, (Nio.) Feb. 1.-THE legisla-
ture adjourned to-day to attend the funeral OF
Gov, Gmb,e, which will take place Tomorrow.
The Message Of Lieut. Gov. Hall, sent to tie
Legislature announcing the death Of Gov. Gam
bic, concluded as follows: My constant effort
has always been to sustain the Government in
all its efforts to suppress the rebellion. In do
ing this shall not be solieitous to lind fault
with the Goyernpent or prominent Generals
in the field. shall rather defend them. T
New York, Feb. 8.-Intercepted letters Of
rebel ladies' prove that Of 5000 cavalry sent
into the Valley Of the Shenandoah, during the
recent operations, not over 500 returned.
Deserters continue to arrive from the front,
and report a great scarcity Of provisions and
clothing. Trey also report large numbers
waiting for the proper time to avail themselves
Of the Presidents amnesty proclamation.
The enrolment of civilians, white and
colored, within the lines Of the army, is nearly
completed. ~ n .3.,I i5
Washington, Feb. alt Is satisfactorily as
eertaiued that the report Of the rebel lmboden
crossing the Potomac is . canard. eai
Chicago, Jan 3l.-The National inteligen-
csr Of January Esd says, that deserters who
entered the Federal linesa few days SINGER report
that rebel general with Texas troops was
marching from the interior Of Western Louis
lana. intending to blockade the river tenpora'
riiy In order to get arms and supplies. It also
saws that Bragg and staff are expected to cross
the river and assume command Of rebel forces.
On Jan Sist, an expedition went up James
river and Island Creek and destroyed proyis-
ions and supplies Within four miles OF that
place, Il encountered rebel force 2OO strong
with two pieces Of artillery, and routed them;
nut RECEIVING information Of heavy force be.
tween, them and Choctaw, they sent for army
transports. which owing to heavy fogs did not
arrive until IL o'clock Monday. Feb. ID, the
enemy. 5000 strong with four pieces or artillery,
attacked Capt. Lee, who was iintrcnched at
Smithville, and held out against several charges
from the enemy until armed transports arrived.
The enemy lost heavily in each attack. They
sent three flags Of truce demanding a surrender
which Lee refused to do, On arrival OF the
TRANSPORTS, they retreated on board, and the
enemy opened heavy fire Of artillery on them.
A ball striking the bow Of one Of the boats,
she was filled and disabled. Capt. Lee and .
portion Of bis. men escaped by going across
tho river. Our, loss 10 killed. wounded and
missing was 80. Enerny's loss 100. II was
heavier owing TO their superior numbers and
they making the attack.
Nashville, Feb. 2--Gep. Garrett reports that
on the oath ult,, our forces under Col. Phillips
defeated the rebels under Rodgers at .Tona
Lake. lie captured ell their trains, consisting
Of over 20 mule teams, 200 cattle, 600 sheep,
100 horses and mules aa aisa1sf .'s2
Washington, Feb. S.--6, 900 rebel prisoners