The Placer herald., 1865-03-18
Eastern News.

unascertaned. One month ago to day, ac-
cording to Confederate report, he occupied
Columbia, the capital Of South Carolina
since which time no reliable account has
been given as to his locality, although sur
mise placed him at several points in North
Carolina. OF late even surmise has ceased,
and yesterdays news reports that Gen. Sclo
field, (who it was said would advance from
Wilmington and Join Sherman,) had arrived
at Newbern with bis staff, and reported tha
he had 10 information OF him.
The Richmond papers contain dispatch
from Gen. Lee, under the date of March 10th
containing an account of the success of Wade
Hampton over Fitzpatrick, on the morning of
that day, but does not designate the locality.
This fight of course was in the vicinity Of
Sherman, but at what point the public is not
| permitted 10 know.
General Bragg. commanding the Con.
federate forces at Kinstcn. on the Neuse river
in North Carolina, claims to have attacked
the Federals near that place on the 8lh inst,
and to have captured three pieces of artillery
and 1900 prisoners. The Federal accounts
claim that but 200 hundred prisoners were
taken and that Bragg met With severe ,e,
pulse.
As near as can be gathered from The dis,
patches, the main portion of the Federal and
Confederate forces at Wilmington, have been
transferred to The vicinity of ofKnston- Bragg
and Schofe!d being the opposing conman
ders The Contederates there are estimated
at $4,000 to 10000 st.ong. The FederaIs
are in greater force.
Johnston and perhaps Beauregard also are
commanding the forces opposing Sherman,
but ia what strength is not known. The
latter is said to have commenced his march
with 10000 men.
General Sheridan is engaged in a grand
raid from the Shenandoah valley against the
western communications of Richmond. lie
sends a dispatch from Columbia, on the
James river, between Richmond and Lynch,
burg,) under date Of the 10Th. lie had de,
feated Early, captured Charlottesville der
stroyed locks and dams on the James, as
well as many mills factories, etc. lie was
endeavorng TO cross the James, for the pur
pose it is supposed, Of cutting the railroad
between Richm ond and Danville, and then
to Join Grant at Petersburg. This raid was
said to be creating great alarm in Richmond
on the 18th.
One effect of the conference between Mr.
Lincoln and the Southern Commissioners
has been an agreement for general ex.
change Of prisoners; and this is said to be
going on at the rate of i've or six thousand
week.
There is no military news Of moment from
the western and south western departments.
The annual election in New Hampshire
on Tuesday, resulted as a matter of course in
clean Abolition victory. Snyth has G0OO
majority for Governor, aud three Abolition
Congressmen are elected by decided MAORI.
| ties.
The Z. S. Senate is vet in session. Sever.
al of the diplomatic nominations have been
confirmed among them, ex Senator John
P. Hale, Of New Hampshire. as Minister to
Spain. Mccullough, Secretary of the Trea,
sury, and Harlan Secretary Of the Interior,
have been confirmed by the Senate. 1t is
thought Harlan will decline. AS no report
is made Of the confirmation of Seward. Stan.
ton and WeIles, it is inferabIe that as vet the
Senate has failed to inlorsa them.
RELIGIOUS ToLERAuoN IN MEYIco.-Late
advices from Mexico, contains among other
Information, decree issued by Maximian
guaranteeing religious toeration to al creeds
mot opposed to civilization and coed habits"
as follows
BY Maxmilian, Emperor of Mexico
Having consulted our Councilo of Ministers
we hereby decree the following articles:
First-'lLe Empire protects the Catholic
Apostolic Roman Church as the religion OF
State.
Article 2-Free and ample loleraton is
extended throughout the territory Of The EN-.
pire to all religions which are not opposed
to civilization and good habits. The estab,
lishment of a new religion will, however, re
quire authorization by the Government
Article 3-As circumstances may require
Instructions will be issued to the police re-
sardiog The exercise of religion
Article 1.-The Council Of State shall be
informed of any abuses committed bv the
local authorities against the exercise of other
religions and against the liberty which the
laws guarantee to their ministers.
Tbs decree shall be deposited in the az
chlves of the empire, and published in the
official journals.