The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1865-07-08

A Rebel War Department despatch.
lately discovered in Richmond. adds force
to statements heretofore made to the effect
that Robert E. Lee, recently commander of
the Rebel Army of Northern Virginia, is the
person really responsible for the burning of
cotton and tobacco in Richmond. and set
ting fire to that city at the time of the Rebel
hegira. 1t also shows that the evacuation
was contemplated at least six weeks before
It took place. The despatch, which is dated
February %, is from General Breckenridge,
then Rebel Secretary of War, to General
Ewell, and advises General Lee for the pur-
pose of receiving definite instructions re.
garding the latter's order for the burning of
cotton, tobacco, &c.
Gen. Grierson's cavalry have arrived at
Vicksburg, ending at that point their months
campaign through the States of Florida,
Alabama and Mississippi, never before visit
ed by hostile troops, and report the interior
OF those States in most prosperous cond-
ton. They also report seeing hundreds of
thousands of bales of cotton which the own
ers were anxious to take to market, and that
there would be large crops of cotton this
year. Thousands of acres which had been
planted l.. corn were plowed up and cotton
substituted. The crops generally are look
ing very fine.
William Orion, of New York, entered
upon the duties Of Commissioner of Inter
nal Revenue, at Washington, on Saturday
last. He succeeds Joseph j. Lewis, whose
services, while in that position. were equally
valuable with those of the first Commits.
sioner, Governor Boutwell,.
During the year ending June 80, 1865,
the Government received from customs, S76,-
sol, 1882; from sale of public lands. 1891,
439; from internal revenue, $2O5, 800, 900
total, 49,, s33,32l.
1t is expected that Geographic commu-
ncation between England and America by
the Atlantic cable, will be completed on
July 20.
The Treasury Department has coin
enough on hand to pay all coin interest on
Government securities falling due prior to
February next
The President has issued proclama.
ton for the reconstruction of South Caro-.
lima. Benjamin F. Perry is appointed Pro.
visional Governor.
There was terrible tornado at La
! Crosse, Wisconsin, on Sunday. Fifty dwell
ings were blown down, seventeen persons
killed, and one hundred injured.
On Saturday General Meade issued hi:
order taking command of the department o.
the Atlantic, with headquarters in Philadel
phia.
The Comrsissrry General reports that
ten Thousand rebel prisoners still remain IL
the North. They will all be released by
July Is.
Many persons who have been pardoneG
by the President have applied to the Freed
mems Bureau for the restoration of thei,
lands.
Gayle, the Alabama lawyer. who Offered
one million dollars for Mr.. Lincoln's assas
snation, has been sent to Fort Pulaski.
Governor Pierpont has authorized sever
more counties of Virginia to hold elections
for State officers.
The railroads throughout the South arc
being rapidly repaired. Rail communca
ton with New Orleans will soon be open.
The people of Prince Georges county
Va. are represented to be in n state of DIES
titution.
Judge Campbell, Alfred Rhett, and S
II. Mallory, rebel Secretary Of the Navy
are applicants for pardon.
The Fourth Army Corps. en- route fol
the Rio Grande, passed the mouth of the
Mississippi on June 23d.
General Wright's corps will encamp fol
the summer on the upper Potomac.
The rebel generals Shelby, Magrudel
and Kirby Smith are in Mexico.