The Daily Dispatch: August 27, 1861., [Electronic resource]

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Latest war movements.
Northern accounts.

From late Northern papers received at this office we make up the following summary of news:

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Official information relative to the Privateer Sumter.

--The State Department has received a letter from the United States Consul at Curacoa, dated August 7th, in which he says that, according to the statement of the runaway seaman, an Englishman named Old, from the Privateer Sumter, she was not allowed to enter the port of Ciennuegos de Cuba, but was ordered to anchor below the fort. Her prizes, however, six in number, went into the port.

The Sumter, after coaling, proceeded to see immediately, supposing some of our men-of-war were in pursuit of her. She subsequently captured two American vessels, both loaded with provisions. One of them, named Jos. Maxwell, off Puerto Cabello. She was seen on the 21 instant in the vicinity of Mattanani, on the coast of Venezuela, proceeding to the windward, and it was supposed she continued her course through the windward passage to capture vessels there.

The Consul had, on the day of this writing, called on the Governor of the Island, requesting an answer to his question, whether the Sumter would again be admitted in the port should she re- appear. The Governor, in reply, assured him that she would not, on the ground that since she left there she had been capturing vessels on the main, and as he desired to occupy a strict neutrality — according to his orders — he could not permit the island to be made a starting point for the Sumter.

The Consul also questioned the Governor in regard to other vessels under the same flag and commission, when he stated that, should another such vessel appear, he would act according to circumstances. The Consul adds: ‘"I am of the opinion that the Governor has committed himself, in admitting the Sumter here, and now desires to arrange the affair."’ The majority of the people of Curacoa are of the same opinion.

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From Washington.

--The State Department to-day issued the following explanatory notice:

‘ "The regulation of this Department of the 19th instant, on the subject of passports, was principally intended to check the communication of disloyal persons with Europe, consequently passports will not be required by ordinary travelers on the lines of railroads from the United States which enter the British possessions. If, however, in any special case the transit of a person should be objected to by the agents of this Government on the borders, the agent will cause such person to be detained until communication can be had with the Department in regard to the case.

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By an order issued from the Adjutant General's office, from this time until the first of January, 1863, recruiting officers are directed to make all their enlistments of men entering the regular army for the term of three years. The minimum standard of height for recruits is fixed at five feet three inches.

According to Order No. 63, Captain Beverly H. Robertson, of the Second Cavalry, and First Lieutenant W. T. Walker, of the Ordnance Department, having given proof of their disloyalty, are dismissed from the service of the United States.

Assistant Surgeon Ramsour, of the Medical Staff, having deserted to the enemy, is likewise dismissed the service.

Carlisle Barracks is announced as a Chaplain post.

According to official intelligence the two cavalry companies which have been showing themselves at a safe distance from our defences at the Chain bridge, have withdrawn further into Virginia, and so of other Secession troops on that side of the Potomac. Their object in thus retiring is a matter of mere speculation. It is certain, however, that as during this week our troops have been reinforced, theirs have receded.

The Washington Star, of Friday evening last, contains the following:

‘ We learn that the baggage of Mr. Gilmor, of Baltimore, (the owner of the building known as the Gilmor House,) was followed and overtaken near Port Tobacco, it being understood by the authorities that he was sending it secretly into Secessia, proposing to follow it in person. In it was found his full Secession uniform, a magnificent affair. Last night an effort was made to capture him in Baltimore, but the bird had flown.

On Monday night last, about 11 o'clock, thirteen in number of the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, arrested two brothers, named Nolans, near Rockville, Md., by order of Gen. Wilcox, well known as Secessionists and men of influence. They were brought into headquarters and committed for a hearing.

Mr. James Donnelly, of Georgetown, D. C., charged with serving in the ranks of the enemy in the battle of Bull Run, having ventured to return within the lines (to Georgetown) of the Union army, was duly arrested last night. He is now in the new military prison at the corner of Pennsylvania avenue and Thirteenth street, in this city.

The schooner Free Wind, from New York, was fired upon from the Virginia shore coming up the Potomac on the 21st, from a place called the Diprel, owned and occupied by Elias B. Hooe. This point is opposite Sandy Point, on the Maryland side, and ten miles above Aquia Creek, and two from Quantico Creek. Nine musket shots were fired. It is said a battery is erecting at Chappawamick, a short distance above this point, where the river is from 1 to 1½ miles wide.

Albert Brummell, of Bultimore, taken with the contraband goods seized some days ago, has been removed to Fort McHenry.

The propellers Tigress, Capt. Luke League, and Edwin Forrest, Capt. Thomas Tolley, of Baltimore, arrived last night, having been chartered by the Government to serve in the transportation line.

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From Old Point and Fortress Monroe.

The steamer Georgiana, Capt. Pearson, arrived at Baltimore on Friday morning last, but brought no news of special interest.

The big gun ‘"Union"’ having been mounted on the point, was tried on Thursday with an elongated projectile. The trial was not satisfactory, as it did not carry near so far as was expected of it. Another trial will be made with a lighter projectile, those used on Thursday being thought too heavy.

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[Correspondence of the Associated Press.]

--Several experimental shots were fired to-day from the Union gun, with an extreme range of between four and five miles. One ball penetrated a sand bank a depth of twelve feet. Gen. Baller expressed himself as by no means satisfied with the trial. It is said that the General will not return to Massachusetts, but will take the field in command of the volunteers of this department.

The propellers Fanny and Adriatic have gone on an expedition up the bay, under the direction of Lieut. Crosby.

Heavy firing is heard to day in the direction of Norfolk, where the Confederates are probably trying the range of their batteries.

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[mail correspondence of the Associated Press.]
from Gen. Banks' column.

--The advance guard of the army is not far from this locality. Its ultimate destination is unknown. The health of the army is generally good, and the hospitals have but few tenants. The supplies of country produce are abundant, and the change of locality from Sandy Hook works wonders in favor of health, discipline and contentment.

The principal incident of camp life is the defection in the New York 19th regiment.--This morning, being the expiration of the three months terms for which the men, or a majority of them, claimed they were enlisted for in the Federal service, the line was formed, and the orders of the Governor of the State of New York, the determination of the Government, and the articles of war were read to the regiment. Maj. Ledlie, in temporary command, addressed the men, and fiscally ordered all who chose to remain to advance three paces. About two hundred declined, and were immediately taken charge of by the Second Cavalry. Subsequently they were disrobed of their equipments, and placed in charge of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. Biddle. Twenty-four hours have been allowed for them to reconsider their decision, and it is believed at least one-half of the disaffected will return to their duty. All the commissioned officers remained, and only two of the orderly sergeants were among the recusants.

Major Doubleday, who has for some weeks been confined at Washington from the effects of an accident to his leg, resumed his battery in Gen. Banks' column on Tuesday. During Major Doubleday's absence the battery has been in charge of First Lieut. Hall, who participated so conspicuously in the Fort Sumter conflict. He will probably succeed Major Doubleday in permanent command of the battery.

Mr. Russell, the war correspondent of the London Times, took the cars at Ellicott's Mills on Tuesday morning for Sandy Hook, and proceeded thither for the purpose of visiting the whole line of the Potomic defences. There was some curiousity in camp to catch a glimpse of his ‘ "form and features,"’ but his presence was not regarded as that of an extraordinary personage. Remarks not delicately complimentary were uttered by some of the soldiers who had perused the morning journals containing abstracts from his letter to the Times.

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The late stampede — what brought it about.

Near Fall's Church, Fairfax county, Va., August 23d.--We have just learned the cause of the sudden stampede and consequent instant withdrawal of all of Beauregard's troops from the east of Fairfax Court- House, that took place a few nights ago, as you published

It seems that two of his night-scouting parties, both pretty numerous, who were out, one from the force of thousand at

Vienna, and the other from the force at Fairfax Court-House, accidentally came into collision in the dark, and both fired away for some minutes with hearty good will, as each took the other for U. S. troops. Both, however, got away as soon as possible, and hurried whence they came to give warning of the approach of the Union army in large force.

The retreat was at once ordered from Vienna and the Court-House to a defensible point two miles back of the latter. The mistake was not ascertained until after they reached that point. On the next day they returned in the same force to the suddenly abandoned advanced position, minus a few of their lately very sick, who died on the swift and rough night march back towards Manassas.

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Another Baltimorean arrested.

A letter to a Philadelphia (Rep.) paper, dated Point of Rocks, Aug. 19, says:

‘ On Friday Colonel Geary arrested a man named J. R. Gwynn, a retired merchant of Baltimore, who had upon his person many letters from Richmond — all of treasonable import. He had, through the interposition of the district attorney and other persons of his own city, secured a pass to Virginia, in the name of Grayson. He applied to Col. Geary for a return pass, but he was not sufficiently sharp. This is an important arrest, shedding light upon dark places. He is specially guarded, yet received all the attention due to a gentleman.

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Another visit of Federal troops to St. Mary's and Charles counties.

The body of United States Marines, sent down on the steamer Baltimore for a reconnoisance of the Maryland shore of the Potomac, visited several towns in St. Mary's and Charles counties. The Leonardtown Beacon, of Thursday, says:

‘ "On yesterday morning, about sunrise, our town was favored with another Federal visitation. About 200 marines and sailors, under the command of Major Reynolds and Captain Badd, were landed from the steamers Freeborn, Baltimore and Resolute, and entered the town and made a thorough search of the dwellings and adjacent premises. They told the old tale about having received direct information that cannon, rifles, and other contraband articles were concealed here, and stated that information to that effect had been received on yesterday. The search, as heretofore, resulted in disclosing nothing. The officers and men behaved well, and, after remaining about an hour with us, returned to the steamer and took their departure."

’ Noticing the visit of troops to Port Tobacco, Charles county, the Times, of that place, says:

‘ "On Tuesday last our village received a visit from a battalion of soldiers in search of arms. The battalion consisted in all of about 220 men, United States marines. On entering our town, which they did in two directions, meeting on the Court-House square, they formed in line, and dispatched squads in different directions for the search. Their examination was conducted in a very orderly and gentlemanly manner, the officers appearing to be exceedingly civil. No doubt they were greatly disappointed at the size and appearance of our town, for disappointment was visible in every face. Of course no arms or contrabands were found, and the battalion returned as it came. One arrest was made, but there was evidently some mistake in the information, as Dr. Franklin, the person arrested, was promptly discharged after hearing the case.--The charge, we learn, was that the Doctor was the 'leader of a Secession gang which met regularly at his office, and the captain of a Secession company, which were in regular drill.'"

’ The same paper mentions the arrest of Geo. W. Smith, Esq., of Bryantown, on Monday, and adds:

‘ "Mr. Smith is well known to the citizens of this county as our late Sheriff, and we must confess our utter surprise at his arrest. A more innocent, harmless man we scarcely knew."

’ Mr. Smith has since been released by the order of the authorities at Washington.

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Major General M'Clellan's staff.

The following order is the first issued by General McClellan since taking command of his new department:

Headquarters army of the Potomac,

General Orders No. 1.--In accordance with general order No. 15, of August 17, 1861, from the headquarters of the army, I hereby assume the command of the Potomac, comprising the troops serving in the former departments of Washington and Northeastern Virginia, in the valley of the Shenandoah, and in the States of Maryland and Delaware. The organization of the command into divisions and brigades will be announced hereafter.

The following named officers are attached to the general staff of the army of the Potomac:

Major S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant-General; Capt. A. V. Colburn, Assistant Adjutant-General; Col. R. B. Marcy, Inspector-General; Col. T. M. Key. Aid-de-Camp; Capt. N. B. Sweitzer, first Cavalry, Aid-de-Camp; Capt. Edward McKey Hudson, 14th Infantry, Aid-de-Camp; Capt. L. A. Williams, 10th Infantry, Aid-de-Camp; Major A. J. Meyer, signal officer; Major Stuart VanVliet, Chief Quartermaster; Major H. F. Clarke, Chief Commissary; Surgeon C. S. Tripler, Medical Director; Major J. G. Barnard, Chief Engineer; Major J. N. Macomb, Chief Topographical Engineer; Capt. C. P. Kingsbury, Chief of Ordnance; Brigadier General Geo. Stoneman, volunteer service, Chief, of Cavalry; Brigadier-General W. F. Barry, volunteer service, Chief of Artillery.

Geo. B. McClellan,

Major-General U. S. Army.

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Southerners arrested in New York.

The New York Herald has the following in regard to the arrest of Southerners in that city, which alludes doubtless to Messrs. George Miles, of Richmond, and John G. Guthrie, of Petersburg; a telegraph dispatch in regard to whose arrest was published in the Dispatch of yesterday.

On Thursday an important arrest was made at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, in New York. A Southerner, whose name we were unable to learn, but who is from Petersburg, Va., was arrested by two of the detective force, and on his person was found over one hundred thousand dollars in drafts and Southern State bonds, also about one thousand dollars in gold. He is said to be a heavy dealer in tobacco, and is the owner of two large tobacco plantations in the South. He is a man about fifty years of age, unmarried, and is alleged to be a rabid Secessionist. He was taken to the police headquarters, where he is temporarily confined, and will no doubt soon be sent to Fort Lafayette. There was said to have been found upon his person a memoranda for various articles, such as needles, thread, quinine, and for various parties in Virginia, which he no doubt intended to take on with him.

Three other arrests have been made during the last two days, one of the latter also being taken from the above hotel. On his person was found important Southern papers, about $800 in gold, and about $160 in bills, mostly Virginia money. He is said to be connected with General Wise, and was bearer of dispatches from a leading Southern house in this city to General Wise and a banking house in Savannah.

The other two parties are said to be both Southerners, one of whom was arrested for offering bogus drafts on one of the Virginia banks. The latter two were sent to Fort Lafayette.

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Enforcing the blockade.

The New York Journal of Commerce says in regard to the effect of Southern privateering upon the commerce of the North:

‘ The shipping interest of New York is becoming restive under the ravages of privateers, who have already destroyed property to an incredible amount, and are inflicting still heavier losses by driving freights from American bottoms to the protection of foreign flags. From a record of captures by Confederate privateers, carefully kept, we find that not less than sixty-nine vessels, of all descriptions, have been taken, (including eighteen seized in Southern ports,) the value of which, exclusive of cargoes, cannot fall short of $1,500,000.

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Missouri lead mines in the hands of Confederates.

The National Intelligencer says:

‘ The richest lead mine in Missouri, and indeed probably on the globe, is now in the hands of the insurgents, though they did not succeed in obtaining any of the metal. The mine to which we refer is situated near the village of Granby, Newton county, within twenty-five miles of the Southwestern border of that State. It was opened about two years ago by a party of capitalists, having their headquarters at St. Louis, and is known by the name of the Blow and Kennett Mine. --Last year it yielded about seventy-five thousand pigs, or six millions of pounds. Unlike the mines in Eastern Missouri and Northwestern Illinois, this is situated in a level prairie of vast extent. The supply of ore has been pronounced inexhaustible by the State geologist, and the quality is considered the best on the globe, having scarcely any admixtures of foreign substances. The great difficulty has been transportation, there being no navigable river nearer than the Missouri, and no railroad beyond Rolls, which is fully one hundred miles distant. The western terminus of the Pacific Railroad is a little further off; but this route has usually been taken on account of the superior character of the common roads in that part of Missouri. With the mines and furnaces at Granby in their possession, the Confederates can supply themselves with lead to any required extent.

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Care of the Federal wounded.

The Portland Argue contains the following:

‘ received from a Virginia lady was Culpeper Court-House, requests of this friend

that if any wounded men of his acquaintance are now prisoners in the Secession Hospitals to send her the names, and she will take them from the hospital to her own plantation and give them the best of care."

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History of an alleged Secessionist.

We copy the following from the Philadelphia Inquirer:

‘ Thomas Blodget Lincoln, who was recently arrested for treason in Cincinnati, is a native of Philadelphia, but has been for several years a citizen of Texas and, was president of a railroad in that State. He is a step-son of the late Richard Penn Smith, and a half-borther of Horace W. and Richard Penn Smith, both of whom are Lieutenants in the United States Army. Lincoln married a daughter of the late Hon. W. W. Ash, who is since deceased. Horace W. Smith is well known for his literary productions, more particularly as the author of ‘"Nuts for Future Historians to Crack."’

’

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Fortifications at Baltimore city.

The Washington correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes:

‘ I have good reason to believe that instructions have been sent to Gen. Dix for the immediate entrenchment and fortification of Federal Hill in Baltimore. It is a most commanding position. It is not only by far the highest point in the city, but its natural advantages are superior to all others in and near Baltimore. A very slight degree of labor in cutting down the high and precipitous bank on one side, and in ditching and throwing up entrenchments on the other there, will make it as strong as Fort Corcoran.

’

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Superintendent of military routes.

Thomas A. Scott, Esq., late superinterdent of the military routes of the Government, having been appointed Assistant Secretary of War, R. F. Morley, Esq., late of the Allegheny Valley (Pa.) Railroad, has been selected to fill his place.

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Arrest of a citizen of West Chester.

John H. Brinton, a prominent citizen of West Chester, Pa., late Breckinridge candidate for Congress in that district, was arrested on Thursday last, and held to bail for his appearance at court for an assault committed on the editor of the Chester County Times.