Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-02-06
FKnHI WASHINGTON.


a letter from the Army of the James
Friday night, says it is reported that the
rebel fleet sailed down the river early this
morning. but after going short distance
turned back and anchored in its old posi-
tion. 1t Is thought they were apprehen-
sive of not getting back as safely as they
did last week if they attempted to go as
far as they did on that occasion.
A good deal of firing has been heard all
the afternoon in the direction of Peters
burg, one report being that some new NOR
tars are prscticing on Petersburg, while
another report is that there waa an en-
gsgement of lively character between
two lines near the Appomstox. The firing
ceased about five o'clock il, the afternoon.
From the Richmond papers of the Sd
the following items of Southern news are
cleaned:
Il is stated on undoubted authority that
General BesuIegrrd has arrived in Augusta
and taken charge Of the military opera
tions in that Department.
The Petersburg Express of the I'd says:
Previous to the passage of the Commission
ers through the lines on Thursday, Gen.
Wise delivered an address to his command
not to relax vigilance on any account, for
by shrinking from present duties we would
be entailing upon our children trials which
we should meet and overcome.
Sherman's army is reported to be burn
ing all the goods and houses along the line
Of their march.
Prisoners taken vary in their statements
as to Sherman's destination.
An expedition, $4,000 strong, was re-
ported fitting out at New Orleans, to be
landed at Pascagords. The intended des-
tination is supposed to be Mobile
The Richmond ErGnlinsrof the Sd says
On the whole, we believe the ConfederRcy
has given up the idea of making a present
of itself to England, France and Spain
that however willing We might be to give
up slavery as the price of indepen-
dence, there is no more talk of offer
ing that as bribe to some foreign pow
er in order to induce it to do for
US what we should confess we are
unable to do for ourselves. In short, the
whole country has recovered from its tenn
porary nervous affection brought about by
the failure of Hoods campaign and the
capture of Savannah, and again calmly
encouraging after all.
Congress may be congratulated, also, on
finding itself steadily employed upon its
great and pressing business.
The turmoil of peace resolutions having
blown over, aud even all the vague era
wing of those who hoped to see something
done looking towards peace convention,
now depend only on arms for peace.
The raid up the Ohowan River towrrds
Weldon is said to have been abandoned be-
fore it accomplished anything.
Several days ago party of Yankees
landed at Shoals Bay on the lower James,
and destroyed all the houses on Mr.. Wren's
plantation, stealing and killing his stock,
destroying all his valuable farm machinery,
and either burning or carrying off his large
crop of grain and proYender and all his
provisions.
On Saturday evening last the sth Illinois
Yankee Csvaly encamped two miles north
of Dumfries on the telegraph road. They
were accompanied by wagons, and were
supposed to be on their way to Fredericks-
burg. The weather was very cold, and
the frosds in such wretched condition
that they returned toward Alexandria on
Sunday morning. They robbed Mr.. Rich
ard Ennis of al his forage and provisions.
On Monday last a party of Yankee cav
airy were near Park Gates, three miles
west of Brentsville.
There is no change in the position Of
the enemy's land or sea forces.
The weather is dreadfully cold.
General Lee is ssidto have remarked a
few days since, that he saw and sppreciat-
ed the difficulties surrounding US but was
hopeful and confident snd that any com
promise now would procure but a truce, ol
armistice, and would be an unmsnly
act.
Both Houses of Congress have agreed t
the Electoral votes of Virginia, North Car
oliua, South Carolina, GeOrgis, Florida
Alabama, Mississippi Louisiana, Texas
Arkansas aud Tennessee shall not be count
ed next Wednesday for President and Vic,
President of the United States. This i