Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-03-18
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH.

ne hlcnm Ond papers OF the I0tn INST, con.
tain but little news. The report OF the proceed
ings of the rebel Congress on Monday last, ap-
parently shows JEFF Davis's reason for wishing
the two houses 10 continue in session short
time after the period fixed for their adjourn
ment. On that day message was received
from him expressing his dissent with the ex-
emption bill passed by them, and desiring its
modification, owing to certain classes of skilled
artisans being relic we'd by the act of all militia
ry duty, even local defense, and other classes
of men exempted by jeff. and his Secretary OF
War, being required to perform service In the
army. The action OF the rebel Congressman
on this document does not appear
A pubic meeting of the citizens of Richmond
had been called. The Dispatch says ga prope-
s1tion designed to further the interests of the
Con federacy, and assist in the great struggle
for independence, will be presented and dis.
cuseed."
The Dispatch reports all quiet on the Rich
mond and Petersburg lines, and adds: There
was an apprehension OF an attack upon por-
tion Of our Ches terfeld lines on Saturday night,
Grants army have destroyed all the houses on
sixty nine plantations and farms In Prince
George county. A raiding party from Grants
army, on Thursday last, visited and destroyed
the village of Franklin, on the Norfolk and
Seaboard railroad.
The Raleigh IN c. Standard, speaking of
the movements Of General Sherman and Joe
Johnston, remarks:
"One thing is obvious-General Sherman Is
about to encounter serious trouble for the first
time in this campaign since he left Atlanta.
gion OF the State, and such Is the condition Of
the roads they will not be able for some days
to come TO operate this side OF -. Mean
while the Confederates have the advantage of
this opportunity to increase and mass their
forces in this State'>
The Richmond Whig says that Gen. Single
ton had nothing to de with the tobacco seized
at Fredericksburg. 1t was bought by an
agent of a mercantile house in New York. The
quantity sent to Frederickburg was valued al
500, 600.
The Whig says" 1t appears that an agent
Of New York mercantile house, whose name
it Is deemed inexpedient to publish at this
contract with them for the delivery of speci-
fed quality of manufactured tobacco At Fred
ericksburg, he undertaking for his principals
to remove the tobacco from that point, with
the implied consent Of the United States au-
thorities, provided the Confederate authorities
would indicate their con sent, in writing, to the
proposed transaction. The tobacco was to be
paid for on its delivery at Fredericksburg.
The New YORK house was vouched for by an
Influential member of Congress, who had init
mate business relations with the concern.
"One OF the Confederate bureaus became
identified with the scheme, by reason of the
representations which had been made to its
officers, and by the prospect Of advantageous
results from the fulfillment OF the proposed
agreement by the parties on the other side.
1.-THE contract was accordingly entered into,
sealed, signed and delivered,' with a salts
the present Secretary of War, who was no
doubt induced to believe that it was sall right
Nothing was said in the contract about bacon.
The qutd pro quo was money.
"The loss of the tobacco will fall upon the
contractors here, unless the New York parties
to the contract will fulfil their obligations by
indemnifying the bureau with which they con-
tracted"
The DiSpotch OF the 14th says that the Gov
ernment was impressing horses in Richmond
on the 18th "for some purpose not made pub
lic."
Waiting for the News.
From the Whig.]
There was universal inquiry for news yes
terday, but nothing could be obtained during
the day which would satisfy the eagerness OF
the public to know what was going on. or
caurse. Sunday rumors were afioat, which