Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-02-01
FROM WASHINGTON,
fhOh hAoll4NuiONt
The Tribune contains the following Washingte

The Tribune contains the following Washington
dispatches
THE FIRE IN THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE.
The fire in the Smithsonian Institute had proba-
big been smouderngfor days in the loft at the west
end of the main building. The pipe of q stove had
been placed in fue in the south wall, and there
was joist running directly into this hue But
four or five pictures saved from this gallery.
''The Dying Gladiator" "a copy by John Gott) was
utterly ruined, crushed TO pieces and burnedWe
lime. The books and records IN the Regents room,
over the south door Of the building, including THO
effects of the founder oftho building, James Smith
SON. consisting of silver plate, the library of Bsh-
op Johps, of Virginia. aud the Beaufort Is. c. il
brary placed in the institution by the Governor for
safe keeping, were totally destroyed. The sarcoph-
agus brought from Syria by Commodore Elliot for
President Jackson was damaged. The laTge colec-
tton presented to the Institute by Or. Robt Hare,
Of Philadelphia, was mostly destroyed. Some that
was got out was broken, and many Of the pieces
are missing.
In the office over the north front entrance, with but
little exception all the correspondence Of the insti-
luton and large number Of back reports we're
lahed, The east wing not in the least injured,
although the staircase leading from the Professors
apartments to the apparatus roomwas several times
In flames The lecture room IL Quilted completely.
The towers on the north front appear TO be cracked
and some of the walls are warped. The library in
the east end was uninjurcd, and much Of the appa.
Thers was no insurance on the building or effects
GENERAL MEADE.
The rpmors of General Meade being relieved from
the command of the army Of the Potomac arc denied
by him, lie is said TO havosin his pocket copy of
letter from Gen, Grant, indorsing him as one of
the ablest commanders in this war and in all re.
speets thorough soldier. II esay that Senate
may reject his nomination. if 1t sees TT that he and
his children can stand on this letter forever.
MI -. =
ing synopsis:
BY the arrival of the Eagle at this port, We have
news from Havana 10 Jan. 81. A French paper OF
Mexico reports the Republican army under Porfro
Dr@ TO number 1000 meDEth 65 pieces Of artil-
lery. He is said to be now supported by a large
portion Of the church party Who have advanced the
cause of the Empire where Macmillan has ratified
the past sales Of church property and introduced
religious federation. Consul-General of the
Mexican Empire has been appointed al Havana, who
made demand upon the Consul. General of the
Mexican Republic for the archives, but of course,
met with pointed refusal. The Steamer Harriet
Lane the 18th OF January found to be on fro.
She was towed ashore and scuttled.
We have Bermuda dates, w way of Halifax, to
the asst blockade runner had just returned from
of Wilmington, bringing news Of the capture of
Fort Fisher and the blowing up of Fort Caswell. A
considerable fleet of swift steamers ready to
undertake the Wilmington voyage, but this news
spoiled their plans. few steamers out, hav-
ing left ia company with the one that brought back
the unwelcOme news.
The captain of vessel which arrived on Sunday
NJ Fortress Monroe from PernalnbucO, reports the
Rebel priyateer Shenandoah having destroyed
several American merchantmen along the coast OF
Brazit in consequence of which vessels bound t. the
United States were obtaining British registers
A special despatch TO The Evening Post says:--
fS'The Committee on the Conduct of the War have
completed the investigation Of General Buffers con-
Anct I'm the first attack Wilminrton hpir
pert will soon be presented to the House.
The Black Laws of Illinois prohibiting negroes
from settling in the STATED have been repealed by
the State Senate and the House of Assembly win
without doubt concur.
General Mcclellan, with his wife and child, sailed
for Europe Yesterday, in the steamship China He
was attended to the vesselby number of personal
friends and relatives.