The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-13

THE SITUATION.
The Army of the Potomac is still subject to
occasional incursions of the rebel guerilas, but
beyond this the quietude which prevails there
is not disturbed. A few nights ago they made
dash into the camp of the First Massachusetts,
cavalry, near Warrenton, capturing seventeen
men and thirty-6ve horses. The ensuing day
another party struck upon the mule train of the
First Maine cavalry and captured four or five men.
Desertions in the rebel army continue as fire.
quent as heretofore. One entire Georgia regiment
had made arrangements to cross over into our
lines last Friday night if they were placed on
pickett but the opportunity was not afforded them,
probably because their design was known.
Dispatches from General Kelley;s department
report General Early falling back up the Shenan.
doah valley, and that all fears for the safety of
the railroad are now at rest.
The latest news from the Kanawha valley is
very encouraging. The river is frozen over and
the heavy SHOWS in the mountains prevent any
military operations on either side in that direction.
Our correspondence from Newborn, North Caro-.
lima, is interesting. prominent Union citizen was
arrested by the rebels, and, upon the demand of
the people, was Immediately released. The news
confirms all the previous statements Of the desire
Of the people Of North Caroline to return to the
protection of the United States flag, although it
appears that there 10 very weak minority party
who advocate the vague idea of separate
sovereignty.
Rumors come from 81. Louis that quartermas-
ter Of the rebel army acting it is said by authority
from Richmond, has offered to sell to Gen. Hurlbut
or to the United States government, all the cotton
now remaining within certain district yet outside
of the Union lines, amounting to 5000 bales, all
rebel government cotton, and that greenbacks will
be taken for it, 1t is further stated, on the
same authority, that General Kirby Smith has
recently sent an authorized messenger to Wash
ington to propose to the Union authorities to fur
nish every requisite to get out all cotton in the
Red river and Wachita district within rebel con.
troll, the money to be paid to such officers as are
not included in the amnesty proclamation, who
are willing to leave the rebel army and 60 TO Mex
leo. 1t is alleged this measure would involve the
complete disbandment of the rebel forces in Ar
kansas Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, and the
immediate return of those States to the Union.
II is stated that new military department has
kaap ato1 sv xha oh
Heintzelman is to be appointed. It is to include
the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa.
CONGRESS-.
The proceedings Of Congress yesterday we're
highly interesting. In the Senate q communica-
ton from the Governor Of Wisconsin was pre-.
sented with copy Of petition to the Legislature
Of that State, asking compensation for Losses
suffered through the enforcement of the draft.
The House bin to continue the government
bounties to volunteers till the LIST of March
was passed. Bills were reported for the appoint
ment Of . Second Assistant Secretary of War and
for the payment of the officers and men employed
in the Department of Missouri. A message was
received from the President, in answer to The in
curry Of the Senate relative to the cruel treatment
of Union prisoners by the rebels. The message
was accompanied by communications from the
Secretary of War, General IIalleck and the Com.
missary General. The bill emendatcry Of The En-.
rolmcnt act was taken up, when long debate en-.
sued; but, without taking decisive action on any
of the important ponts OF the bill, the Senate
went into executive session, and on the opening
of the doors adjourned.
In the House of Representatives, the Commit.
tee on Commerce were instructed to inquire into
the expediency of amending the act OF 1893 IN
reference to sdmeasurem Of vessels, and OF q
Law 70 infict punishment for changing the names
OF the same. A bill reported from the Judiciary
Committee, changing the places OF holding the
District and Circuit Courts OF Fact Tennessee, was
passed. bill defining the jurisdiction Of the
Court Of Claims, also reported from the Judiciary
Committee, was, after some debate, laid over till
the 2lst inst. blu providing for the revision and
consolidation OF all the laws Of the United States
was reported from the same committee Mr.
Stevens, Chairman Of the Committee on WAYS and
Means reported from that committee the bin 10
amend the Internal Revenue act II will be found
in our report Of the proceedings. The House, in
Commi,tee OF the Whole, took up the bill to rein.
burse Pennsylvania for expenses incurred in re
melting the nvasions Of her territory by the rebels
and long discussion took place; but, withou
coming 10 a vote on the measure, the committed
1ose and the House adjourned.