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Journal it* Messenger. J. KNOWLES and S. ROSE, EDITORS AND PROPRIETORS. Tli* 111 hi*'on R|M*4‘it tutor* iu Pro* dure. In ordinary times the combinations of speculators to control articles of commerce for gainful purposes are carried on without meeting any great measure of rebuke, and “a successful operation” often receives wide popular applause. But when the band of avarice sets its firm upon articles of prime necessity, and forces them up to a price which entails hardships and p.'riiap 1 - actual suffering upon persons of limited means, the act assumes the form of a crime against society, and if not aim nable to th civil law justly expo -es the perpetrator to the contempt and scorn of an injured community. In a time like the present, when we art engaged in a strug.de the most sat-red, if not the most severe, of modern times, how much more wicked are the devices of the hearties, speculators who withold from public use ar titles of general necessity, and especially the products of the country of which tlu-re would be an abundance if not locked up in ware houses, aud heM for fabulous profits. It it well, though perbap? of no corrective avail, that the chief magistrates of several States have noticed this shameful commercial abuse —for those whose sensibilities rise no higher than the rim of a dime, and extend no far ther than the margin of a bank note, deserve any rigorous restraint that authorities have power to exercise. Already we hear that the crop of tnola&ser —the largest ever made, aud much larger than the average consumption of the article in the South —is falling into the bands of speculators, and is to be stored in different localities, while the price of this article con tinues exorbitant. Rice, which is worth but little over two cents in first rate hands, retails in places not remote from the sea board. at five. So of wheat and corn, and other articles of less importance. If this state of things is to continue there will soon be a popular clamor for a relief from a ty ranny as wicked, if less tolerable, than we are lighting to crush out. We know of no more effective, way to crush it than to put all who have had a hand in wanton peculation in articles affected in value by the war, un der the ban of popular reproach. I set it I*e as tlic mark of Cain upon every man who has oppressed his neighbor, and crippled the energies of the (government, by speculating on articles of public necessity in this time of peril. The Athenians denied the privilege of citizenship to those who produced nothing: how much more uuworthy its enjoyment are the vampires who prey upon the production of otiicrs to the popular injury, In illustration of a theme so full of pain ful interest just now, when the granaries of the land are groaning beneath their burden: of corn and wheat, and rice and sugar, Ac., when each succeeding price curreut notes an “ advancing tendency” in most of these articles, we append the following anecdote, which is said to have oeenmdabout the time of the first revolution. Two farmers were chosen deacons of the chutvh, and their obituaries have since assert ed that, ‘they adorned their profession.’— Just at the clone of the war the district in which they lived was visited bv a trrievous famine, aud the farmers were generally keep ing their corn for the contingencies of the future. Those who offer no better excuse tor refusing to sell, were ‘keeping it for seed !’ A poor man in the vicinity went t * oue of these deacons and said : “ I have come to buy a bushel of corn, here is the money ; it is about all that I can gather.” The good deacon told him that he could not spare a bushel for love nor money. He was even then stinting his oan family in or der to have a large supply of seed I The poor man insisted—urging that his family was even then suffering from want of bread —but ail iu vain. At last he said—“ Dea con, if you do not let me have the corn I shall curse yon.” “ Cune me !” replied the deacon, “ Low dare you do a fhini r so wicked ?” ” Because, said the man, “the Bible says so.” “ Nonsense,” exclaimed the deacon, “there! is no such thing in the Bible.” \es there is,’ replied the poor man. “Well,’ said the deacon, ** if you can: find such a text I'll give yon a bushel of! com.” They went to the house and taking down the family Bible the poor man turned to l*ro verbs ] Ith chapter and twenty-sixth ver-e, and read : “He that witholdeth corn, the people shall curse him ; but blessings shall be upon the head that selleth it.” C The deacon was fairly caught, and taking the man to the corn-crib gave him a full bushel. As be helped him to put it on his ►houlder, he told his poor neighbor to “go over to Deacon Clark, and curse him out of a bushel !** ill not somebody take a Bible in band, and visit the speculators in various staples of army and domestic necessity on a similar mission. —Southern Fit hi and Fin-si,h. Macon, Ga., 4th Dec., I*CI. To th> JWiidrxt'jth- (on/iutenife Conf/ros: Dkau Sir.—l have beeu unable, iu con sequence of indisposition, to attend the pres ent session of Congress. I have indulged the hope that at an cartly day 1 would be at liberty to do so, but now am advised by my physician, tliat the cx|M*sure fa trij> to Kichmond would seriously endanger my health. As it is somewhat uncertain when : I could take my seat, and as the public ser- i vice may require a full delegation from Georgia, I beg to resign my place as- a mem ber of the Provisional Congress of the Con federate States of America. Respectfully, your obedient servant E. A. NIS BET. Thf. Hog Crop. —For the consolation of those timid people, who are afraid the North will starve us out with the blockade, we can state upon the authority of an officer of the Confederal*} Government, that the a wots of of the Governm* nt have already purchased in Exist Tenne--see alone not le-s than six hundred thou and h..gs, ‘1 he number in the hand: of sp. * ulatoi - it i impossible to estimate; and we have r.-asou to believe there is yet, aLo, a cou ideraLle niimin-r in the hands of raiders ; as we b**ar of contracts being made every day for future delivery M’e believe that East Tennessee has pro duced pork enough to supply the whole Southern army for the n xt twelve m >uth-, independent of the great hog raising region of adjacent States. In this connection we would suggest to the Government to see that it* deckers do not waste the offal. The Northern press j< chuckling over the belief .hat our railroad machinery will soon be crippled for the want of oil. Jhe offal of the hog, j n the hands of the Government wiil yield an immense quantity of oil goo 4 enough for greasing car Wheels. JieyitUr. Tlit* “Mom* Fleet” Riimucm. We published, in our city edition of yes terday, a full account, taken from the New York Il> raJ>l, of the new expedition, known as the “Stone Meet,” fitted out by the Lin coln Government and now off our shores. — It consists of a large number of old whaling vessels and other craft, to the value of six hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and it is -cut south with cargoes of stone, to be sunk across the entrances to all the principal -iutheru harbor*. The projectors avow r as their object, the “permanent destruction” of our harbors, and as a ucsessary con-equence, of the towns whose commerce is to be cut off. Good hydrographers say they will fail in this purpose—that rivers cannot be pent up, aud should their natural exit be dis turbed or destroyed, they will readily seek ■ut, or make for themselves, new channels to the ea This scientific fact, however, does not alter the moral aspects of the case, l lie animus in there, candidly confessed, and proclaimed to all the world. If responsi bility attaches to the act, they who attempt i and fail have all the < uilt of success res ting upon them What will the world say to this new move on the part of our enemies ? How does it de %-rve to be viewed and characterized by the manly and enlighb nod nations of the earth ? What are its necessary implications touch ing the character and desigus of those who •mhark in such infamy —we shall not dig nify it with the name of warfare ? * * W liatever may be the intentions of the Lincoln Government, in this unnatural war, their course throughout has been a* inexpli cable as it is infamous. If they expect to subdue H3, it is but natural that they should desire to rule over a people who had some ►■mains of re pct and loyalty left in their heaits. If they exp el, after an exhausting war, to make peace and affirm the separa tion, it i but reasonable to suppose they would keep open the door for a restoration of commercial relations so indispensible to their existence, and not, as they are now doing, slam it in our faces, and by their uf ter disregarded of every obligation, human and divine, make us and our children foes to them and theirs for generations to come. The truth is, the North is mad—bereft of reason by an avenging Heaven for its follies and its crimes—and madness, like pride, goeth before destruction. This Stone Fleet expedition is nothing more nor loss than an act of venuoanee on posterity, and an outrage on the moral sen timent of mankind. If it docs not secure an immediate recognition of the Confederate States, and enlist the sympathy of civilized mankind in our behalf, then has virtue de parted from the world.— Site. Jit-publican. A Singular liicutout. The Lynchburg Republican, of the ‘2oth ult., publishes the following incident, remar kable alike for its singularity as well as for its melancholy fulfilment to the brother of oue of the parties concerned : Just before the war broke out, and before Lincoln's proclamation was issued, a young Virginian, named Summerfield, was visiting in the city of New York, where he made the acquaintance ot two Misses Holmes, from Waterbury, Vermont. He became some what iutimate with the yonng ladies, and the intercourse seemed to be mutually agree able. The proclamation was issued, and the whole North was thrown into a blaze of ex citement. Upon visiting the ladies one eve ning, aud at the hour of parting, they re marked to Sumtueifield tb it their present meeting would probably be the last; they must hurry home to aid iu making up the overcoats and eluthiug for the volunteers from their town. Summerfield expressed his regret that they must leave, but at the same time especially requested them to see overcoats were well made, as it was his in tention if ever he met the Vermont regi ment in battle, to kill one of them and take his coat. New for the sequel. Virginia seceded.— The id Vermont Regiment, a portion of which wa- from the town of \\ aterbury, was scut to Virginia. The battle of Man asses was fought, in which they were, engaged, and so was Summer held. During the battle S. marked bis man, not knowing what State he belonged ; the fatal ball was sped to its errand of death ; the victim fell at the Hash lof the gun, and upon rushing up to secure the dead man’s arms, Summcriicid observed | that he bad a line new overcoat strapped to ! bis back, which he determined to appropri- I ate to Lis own use. ‘The tight was over, and jSummerGeld had time to examine bis prize, : when, remarkable as it may appear, the coat was marked in the lining with the name of 1 hos. Holmes, and in the pockets were found letters signed with the name of the sister, whom Suminerlield had known in New York, and to whom he had made the remark we j have quoted, iu which the dead 1 man was ad j dressed brother. The evidence was conclusive; jsive; he hud killed the brother of his friend, j and the remark which he had made iu jest had ; a melancholy tulliiluient. We are assured this j narrative is literally true. Suuimerficld now j wears the coat, and our informant states he is not a little impressed with the singularity of the coincidence. Confederate Coast Operations in South 1-lorida.— A Tampa Ray correspon dent of the J aljahassee Floridian, gives the following statement of operations of which brief notice has been heretofore made : Major W . L. L. Bowen, commanding at Tampa, some weeks ago determined to break up the nefarious trade and communication that has been going on ever since the war tagan, between *ur Southern coast and the United States authorities at Key West. To j this cud he chartered the little steamer Scot- Iti-h Chief, and weut in search of the fishing j tribe. Armed with a six pounder, he soon secured a fiue fishing smack and brought her into Tampa Ray; but without going up to town be transferred bis armament from the steamer to t’..e smack and went out again, and without indulging in a lengthly •dory, he has captured twelve sail, nine, smacks and three schooners, and effectually broken up the infamous traffic, and put a stop to the easy and effective means by which the enemy kept himself posted touching our affairs upon the coast. The crew of the several vessels captured arrived at headquarters on Sunday night and h ive been duly transferred to the proper authorities for final disposition. They number “ixty- ight, and are a mixed multitude, aonie Yankees, some Spaniard*, ome Portuguese, and some Key W esters. Bridge Burner* Hung in Greenville. —U e received last night the following dis patch from Greenville : Greenville, Nov. 30th, 1861. ) ft Ift, P. M. j Ju~t fjrty minutes ago Henry Fry, and Jacob W. Hencbe were hung at this phiee, */*-!#</, dead, dead ; f*r bridge burning. It was done by military authority. H.O Kobtnson. Piles.— Thi! Atlanta >iouiliei n Confederacy, in view of the scarcity of guns left in the hands of private parti***, urges that every man have a pike made for himself. The pike would be an effective weapon in a charge. A Pba is WORTHY Act. —We are permitted to copy the following interesting incident from a letter received yesterday, by a gentle- j man of this city, from a friend iu East Ten nessee. Ihe Savannah boy’s name deserves not only a record, but the grateful remem brance of bis countrymen : “I appraise you ot an act of a young man from Savannah which is highly creditable to him. His name is Turner—an engineer.— On the Saturday that the bridges were des troyed, he arrived with his traTn at Green ville, the very hot-bed of toryism, and was obliged to stay there all night’ In his train were two cars loaded with 700 double barrel shot gun3, bound for Virginia. He said he knew if the tories at Greenville found out that the guns were there, there was no suffi cient number of Southern rights men in the place to protect the train; so without saying a word ot his intention to any one, lie man aged to switch off the two cars, and aftyr night ran down 15 miles to a Southern rights camp, opened the cars, broke open the bojses, and distributed the guns amongst tiny sol diers and those known to be friends/thus not only keeping the guns out of the pos session ot the enemy, but arming oiir own triends. ’ I'is not often you will find a young man iu his position assuming such a respon sibility, at so important a moment Xldn President, o{ the East Tennessee and Vir Railroad commended him for the act and lie deserves the gratitude of the public.”— Sac. lit publican. A Brilliantly Cool Idea. —The St. Louis Democrat, in the river column, gets off the following suggestion to the Northern military commanders : The prospect at present is that the river will get a foot, or so lower, and continue so until navigation opens again in the spring, but in the meantime, the river will have fro zen over hard and solid, affording a secure, although rather crooked ice road to Cairo.— If troops require, when the river is frozen over, to go hence to Cairo, or from Cairo to St. Louis, they might skate the whole dis tance on short time, taking one day’s rations along. In view of this, it may be good pol icy to manufacture at once a full supply of army skates. Indeed troops may lie easily, cheaply and sportively transported from the most northern parts of the country, over the most magnificent lakes, and along the broad rivers to their destined rendezvous on the Ohio or Mississippi, and all on skates. The scene of a regiment skimming along Lake Michigan, down the Illinois river, and past St. Louis on the Mississippi, in regular col umn, would be worth while turning out to see. The soldiers could take their extra baggage and camp equipments along in hand sleighs, and the sick—if any—in the same way, without suffering any delay there from. France and the American Blockade. The Safe oj Louisiana. —The very singu lar rumor has been in circulation during the last few days, viz : that France claims for herself the free navigation of the Mississippi, und r the original treaty for the sale of Lou isiana by France to the United States in 1803. We k now the question lias been raised in France as to whether that country has not acquired, under the treaty above quoted, special privileges asiegards free access to the American ports, and it is by no means im possible that a monarch of so strong a will as Nap..leon 111. may yet, in further ance of the objects which he is understood to cherish, have sometniug to say to the Northern States, even jn respect of so old a parchment as that above quoted His Ma jesty is a great stickler for the sanctity of treaties when they suit him. Before quitting the subject we may re murk that it is not at all clear, according to the law of nations, that States seeing that they do not treat the seceded States as belligerents, but as rebels, have a right, to exclude foreign vessels from any port of the l nited States, whether in the North or in the South, so long as those ves sels abstain from carrying contrabands of war. —Jjonilon Money Market Heview, Decision Under the Sequestration Act.— .Mr. J. B. Saul bury, of .Montgome ry, filed a petition to the District Court in that city, praying for an order authorizing him to collect (he debts due and wind up the business of the firms of SaulsLury 6i Henry, New York, and J. L, Saulsbury A: Cos., Montgomery. The Court refused the motion on the ground that, as in these eases, partnerships, when one of the parties is an alien enemy, are dissolved by the war, and the home part ner may proceed to collect the debts and wind up the business of the firm without an order of Court uud that granting the peti tion was unnecessary. Ileis of course bound to account for and pay over to the lteceiver the effects which would otherwise go to his former partner. The Deceiver is the repre sentative of the alien enemy partner and the home partner is like a solvent or surviving partner. General Thick.—The rumor from Richmond of an intention to ignore the merits and distinguished services of this bold chieftan, created universal surprise, if not indignation, in this section of the country. We can hardly believe that President Davis meditates such a wrong. No General iu the field has doue more for the Confederate cause, under most disadvantageous circumstances, than General Price, and we have no hesitation in saying that few have so strong a hold on the affections and gratitude of iiis countrymen. We respond with our whole heart to the complimentary and graceful tribute just voted him unanimously by the Confederate Congress, and we trust such an em phatic endorsement will effectually cheek any un just intentions with regard to so meritorious an otliccr.— Sav. Em. . Cotton Rkcki:-ts. —We copy from the Mobile Price Current of the Ist iust., the following sum mary of receipts and exports: The receipts up to the latest dates, at ail the ports, give the following results : Decrease —New Orleans 606,902 Mobile 220,727 Savannah 33,261 Charleston 139,16a Florida Texas Virginia North Carolina Memphis 41,909 Nashville Columbus, Ky Other ports Total Decrease 1,0-14,064 The foreign exports this season, as compared with last, will exhibit a decrease. Decrease—To Great Britain 604,278 To France 7,274 To other foreign ports. 137,88.1-618,R'.l The decrease in exports to coastwise ports is 171,863 bales, and the decrease of stocks at uli the ports up to the latest dates is 147,814 bales. Edo Vunfrdtraev: Please say to the friends of the members of Col. Ector's Regiment, who may desire to sernl any small packages to them in Virginia, that I will leave Atlanta between the 10th and 18th inst., to carry supplies to Col. Philips’ Legion : utul will take pleasure in conveying to the members of Col. ! Ector's Regiment such packages. Let them he carefully directed, naming tire per son tor whom they are intended, with the name of the Captain and Colonel, to whose company ami regiment he belongs, plainly marked thereon, and sent to Gen. Ira It. Foster, Q. M. Geu’l., iu Atlanta. Very truir, GEO. (1. SMITH, Chaplain Philips’ Legion. MAC ON, GE () RGT A: Wednesday, December 11, 1801. COTTON. The prices paid at this time are from 7 to ii cents, with purchasers for all that is offered at those rates. Our warehouses are now very well tilled, with considerable daily receipts. For a tew da}s past, our streets have presented a very fair show of business from country dealers, consider ing the unfavorable exigencies. We believe that our merchants still have better stocks of goods on hand than auy other places of its size in the State, or any neighboring State, although it has been very much depleted by whole sale purchasers from abroad (say, Richmond, Mem phis, Knoxville, Nashville, Mobile, and other simi. lar places), in many staple and other articles. It shows that they were better provided for this emergency than any where else. MILITARY FLECTION. \ Our gallant friend, John E. Junks, was elected Colonel of the 60th Georgia Militia on Saturday last. Although there was no opposition the vote was highly respectable. Mr. C. C. Sims has been appointed Quartermaster with the rank of Cap tain. Wsi. C. Hi nson, Esq., late our fellow citizen, recently dud of the typhoid fever in Virginia.— He was a member of the Macon Guards, and wounded iu the battle of Manassas. He was a gallant soldier and a young man of much promise. His remains were sent to La Grange for interment- MAJ. F. S. BLOOM. We are happy to see him again amongst us— being on a short furlough. He has had his full si.are in the rough times and dangers our sol diers have encountered in Noith Western Virginia, but seems by no means to have suffered in appear ance or health. NEW MAP. Mr. Ri rke, the enterprising Agent of the Metli odist Depository in this city, lias published anew map which will be found useful for reference. — See advertisement. A SOUTHERN MATRON OF ’6l The present revolution has developed the latent spirit of ’7f>, transmitted from that memorable epoch to the present. The women of the South, no less than the men, have displayed a patriotism and untiring zeal in the cause of their country un surpassed in any age or by any people. We were shown the other day a list of articles made for the soldiers by Mrs. Jonks, the worthy wife of Rev. Daiiny P. Jonks, more generally called “Uncle Dabnv.” it is as followis : tin yards ol yarn ami cotton cloth. 12 pair of yarn socks. 6 pair of yarn gloves. 3 shirts. 5 pair of drawers. 5 pair of pants. 2 coats. 2 bed-quilts. The above is a pretty fair exhibit of industry by a lady of more than sixty summers. Such are the Southern matrons of ’HI. THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR, Unfortunately, are still at loggerheads. We happened to be at Milledgeville last week, when the bill to provide for the public defence was under discussion in the House, and also when the Gover nor’s Message on the same subject was read. The intrusion of the Message, we think, was untimely, and its tone most unfortunate. We believe that. His E xcellency has imbibed erroneous impressions in regard to the motives and feelings of the Legis lature, and hence is liable to place a false consti uc tion upon its acts. So far as we could learn there is no desire or intention to war upon him or his prerogatives, as intimated by his organs ; and from a pretty fiee intercourse with thp members, we are satisfied that their great wish and effort is to pre vent all conflict and unpleasant feeling between the Oonfetterate and State authorities. We do hope that a better feeling will e.xi9t on all sides, and that whilst our enemies are at our very doors, wo rhail not exhibit the pitiable aspect of a house divided against itself. A MISAPPREHENSION- We observe by the special Message of the Gov ernor and the proceedings of a meeting “of the officers of Col. E. W. Ciivstain’h R“giment,” that a false impression lias been made in regard to the bill passed by the House of Representatives and now before I lie Senate of Georgia, in relation to the transfer of the State troops. They would con vey the impression that this transfer was to be unconditional and for an indefinite period, when the bill exptessly provides against this, and pro poses that all our lorces now in the field, as well as all which may be called out under the act of 1860, shall be under the control of the Confeder ate Government, in conformity with the Constitu tion ; that the troops shall not be removed or kept in the service one day longer than the time lor which they have engaged. The only change that will occur will be that they may he or mav not be commanded by the same Generals, and they will get their iations and pay from the Confederate, instead of the .State Treasury, Immediately on the passage of this bill in the House, a resolution was adopted with great unan imity, requesting the President to retain the Gene rals now in command. The people should under’ stand this matter. OUR LEGISLATURE Has now been in session more than forty days, and yet lias passed but few important bills. The most important ones are yet under consideration. Among the bills passed by one or both Houses are those reducing the salaries of civil and judicial officers ; also, requesting the Governor, wliergver it can be done to curtail the salaries of officers and employees on the State Itoad—assuming by the Stale ot the Confederate war tax—blending the offices of tax collector and receiver—to authorize the Governor to suspend the commissions of the same until March next—to incoporate the Direct Trade Company, and some other unimportant bills and resolutions. ‘1 he Senate passed the House resolution declar ing that it was the sense of the people of Georgia that the separation between the Confederate States and United States was final und irrevocable, and pledging all the resources of Georgia to a prosecu tion of the war until the independence and sover eignty of the Confederate States should be ac knowledged. Also one requiring the Comptroller General ro issue such instructions to tax receivers am) collec tors as will prevent the sale of Uud of alien ene mies until-further action is had by the General Assembly. A resolution asserting Georgia’s right of eminent domain and to prevent the sale of real estate ol alien enemies under the Confederate Sequestration act was adopted. Also, a resolution declaring the dissolution of the Union fixed and unalterable. LEAVE OF ABSENCE REVOKED Gen. Maorcoer has sent the following dispatch to the Mayor of Savannah, dated at Yorktown, Dec. Bth, from which it would be inferred that the presence of absentees might be needed: Hon. ‘Jbos. Purse : Please have communicated to all officers and soldieis who may be in or piss ing through your city from the 2d, 6th and 10th Louisiana, loth Geoigia and 16th Virginia Kegi merits, and all regiments serving on the Peninsula, that by order of Gen. Magruder their leaves ot absence are revoked, and that they must return immediately and join their respective commands. John Jacob Astor, of New York, has joined the start ot Major-General McClellan, with the eommis siou ui Lieutenant-Colonel. The worst investment be has ever made. Lincoln stock wont pay. AN ABOLITION CRUSADE. In another column we give a synopsis of Lin coln’s Annual Message. To our mind, it clearly exhibits the determination on the part of the Fed eral Government not only to subjugate the South, but to abolish the institution of slavery. In a fuller report of the Message, we find that a consid erable oortion of that document is devoted to a disquisition upon the relative claims of labor and capital- the latter being, it contends, subordinate to the former. That the Lincoln Government contemplates a stupendous wholesale raid upon the South, involving the seizure of negroes and lauds upon hich the slaves are to be colonized and made to cultivate the great staples of the South for their new masters, we think apparent from the following passage in the message: It proposes that Congress should accept slaves from the States according to some mode of valua tion in lieu oi direct taxes; that such slaves, on such acceptance Ivy the genet al government, be at once set tree and colonized in a climate congenial to them; that free blacks be colonized with them in some territory, hereafter to be purchased for them, and that Congress take immediate steps to \ttake the necessary appropriations for the pur chase. The question is here asked in this whole proposition, if it is not an absolute necessity, with opt which the Federal Government caunot be perpetuated. yTbat the sentiment and design of the whole orth is assuming this aspect, is evident from the following resolutions passed by the .*'ynod of New York and New Jersey at its teeeiit session: Resolved, That we pledge to the Government our undivided support and confidence, and will use all lawful means and efforts in our power to aid it in maintaining its authority and in putting down this rebellion, in its very nature so utterly causeless mid unjust. Resolved, That we commend the President of the United States, his Constitutional Advisers, the American Congress, the Commander in Chief, and soldiets of the army and navy to the God of our fathers, humbly praying that lie will impart to them wisdom and unity in counsel, mid fidelity and courage in action, that the cause entrusted to their hands may he brought to a speedy and suc cessful issue. R. solved, That while we do not fee’ called upon to add anything to the repeated testimonies of our Church on the subject of slavery, nor to offer any advice to the government on the subject, still, fully believing that it lies at the foundation of till our present national troubles, we recommend to all our people to pray more earnestly than ever for its removal, and that the time may speedily come when God, by his providence, shall, in his own good time and way, bring it to end ; that nothing iii.ty he left of it hut the painful record of its passed existence. Mr. Seward’s letter in reply, expresses the great satisfaction of Pieshh-nl Lincoln with the proceed ings of the Synod, which he characterizes as being ‘‘distinguished equally by their patriotic sen time tits and a pure Christian character.” BLIND TOM- A Maeou correspondent of the Savannah lit pub limn, who writes under the cognomen of “Doctor,” gives his views with regard to the origin or medium, by which this miracle of the musical world bus be come invested with his wonderful powers. Those w hy have nqt had a peep behind the veil of futuri* ty or been initiated into the mysteries of departed spirits, must succumb to the views of the wiser “Doctor” unless they doubt his opinions, as “Tom 31 being only a “ machine,” cannot reveal any thing. The majority of the curious world, it is probable will still consent to remain in their present dark ness with regard to the origin ol the endowment of “ Rlind Toni.” other3 may be satisfied to be lieve that the immortal existence of Mezirt is cooped up iu the frame of this little negro, or, that he is the identical “ ILtrp of a thousand striugs,” alluded to by I)r. Watts. If Mozart he the motive pouer of Blind Tom, he certainly will not he accredited with much taste in selecting his machine. If Blind Tom could give his opinion about himself he would probably say to all Doctor v, as did Napoleon, that he did not wish to he the dtcendent of anybody, but the first of the family : Mr. O.iver, the proprietor and manager of that wonderful prodigy of humanity Blind Tom, has favored us with several evenings’ entertainments, for the benefit of the soldiers’ fund. You, Mr. Editor, have probably witnessed the performances ol this uncultivated and uncouth specimen of the genus negro, but for the sake of those who have not yet seen attd heard for themselves, and who may have the opportunity hereafter, permit me to say, that though prepared to see a good Ji-iplav of native talent, i was astonished at the prodigious extent of his musical powers, and the profound mystery w hich developed this simple child of ICtho |> a 1 had heard Tltalberg, Sirakpch. Napoj&qt, and other celeoyated peiTunqcis on tin} piano, Lilt hpre was a blind hoy of twelve years of age, who could surpass them all, in brilliancy of effect Ad masterly execution, without any acquaintance wi\h the rudiments of music, without any knowledge til’ the lists and sharps of the science—uneducated—\ uncultivated, and withal, without a single phretto logical buiup characteristic of a natural musician. The organs of tuae and tune are wanting in Blind Tom’s cranium, altogether. He may have the hump of imitation well developed, but. we are not aware that even this organ is full. Admitting, however, that the latter is fully developed, how can we account for the fact that Blind Tom is also a composer of Music as well a* a performer. Hid “Battle of Manassas” is one of the grandest melo dies of musical composition I ever heard. Look too at the masterly skill with which he executes the most difficult operatic pieces, such as “Norma” and “Lucreitu Borgia,” without missing a note or making a jar of discord. Indeed it makes no dif ference what kind of music is called for. Blind Tout is equal to any emergency. The pathetic and the sympathetic—the grand and martial, the simple melody or the church anthem of mighty ioluing and solemn tone, in all he excels,and plays with the iiistmu|e|)t *s x-jtlt a toy, now skimming its surface and clawing li,r tfiedulcit strains of angelic minstrelsy—and anon dragging front its deep recesses the profoundevi and most gorgeous harmonies. Truly, he is a m ‘nacle of human ture, and all our philosophy is at fault to account for the phenomenon before us, by any recognized laws of nature or of man. Neverihelns*, Mr. Editor, I Imre an idea how ho much melody i* ein bod it din Blind Tom. He is a medium , musical machine—a living, breathing, bundle of w ires attuned to the most delicate stand ard of harmony, by the linger of God himself! Tom is a “harp of a thousand strings,” which is play pc) on by the xfiirit hand* of some great master or masters o| the’ divjne spienpe of Music, w<ho have long since, perhaps, passed from earth's form to celestial glories, w here angels tuue their harps, and cherubims do sing! Yes, Blind Tom is an unconscious spiritual medium, through whose pe culiar organism some departed Mozart loves to discourse sweet symphonies to mortals. That is, at least, the opinion of your correspondent, Mr. Editor, who has long since learned that “there are more things in heayen and earth, Horatio, than are dreampt of ip thy philosophy.” J)e this as it may, let all who can, go and hear Blind Tom, and judge for themselves as to the origin of his won derful gifts. By so doing they will not only receive ten fold gratification from the magical develop ment of his musical powers, but will also aid the Soldiers’ Belief Fund, to which Mr. Oliver is so nobly and patriotically devoting the InMrumehtali ty in his cliaige. He gave four concerts here, the nett proceeds of which were contributed to the object stated. From this Mr. O. designs, we learri, to visit Western and Southern Georgia and Ala bama. An order has been stuped by Gen. McGau’ her ordering all soldiers absent on furiopgh tp repair immediately to their respective commands- The following telegram may explain this mandate: Richmond, Dec. B. Indications again point to an eaily engagement on the Potomac—simultane ously at Leesburg, Kvansport and tVnlreville.— It appears that a battle is anticipated on the Pen insula. War rumors run high, creating quite a lever of excitement here ; the Sutlers are moving their stores to the rear ot the army, which is con sidered to be an pufaijiug sign of trouble. @*A destructive fire occurred in the town of Ocala, E. Fla., on the morning 01. the 2lHli ult., destroying a number of business houses, among them stores, together with the goods contained in them. The loss is great. The fire la supposed to be the work of an incendiary. So says the Ocala (Fla.) Journal of the 28th. StrspENpED.— The publication of “ Rome True Flag” has been discontinued until times improve, or until money circulates more freely than it does at present. Thk Reduction of Pickens.—The Mobile Acl’ vertixer says: “ The effects of our bombardment of Pickens seems to indicate that it is in the power of the Confederate forts and batteries to reduce that insoleut stronghold of Northern despotism, which has so long defied us upon our own soil.— The result of the experiment has evidently satisfied Col. Brown, commanding, of the fact, and he is content to have nothing more to do in the wav of the losing game of caDon&ding. This is evident from this tame submission to the challenge of the Confederates the other day when they opened up on the sail boat uuder hi 9 walls, and drove is oc cupants to them for shelter.” Two More New Generals eor the Carolina Coast.—Private advices, we learn, says the Charles ton Mercury . have been received from Richmond that Brigadier General N. G. Evans and John C. Pemberton have been ordered to repair inttnedi atelv to commands which will be assigned them upon this coast. The hero of Leesburg needs no introduction to the people of South Catolina.— Gen. Pemberton wa9 appointed to West Point from Pennsylvania, aud graduated in 1883. Da ting the Mexican war, he distinguished himself for his gallantry in the successive conflicts at Monte rey, Chetttbusco, Molino del liey and the City of Mexico. In the la9t named action he was severely wounded. The Mason and Slidell Case.—The New York Albion, orgau of the British interest in New York has a long editorial in relation to the arrest of Mason and Slidell, which the New York papers regard as giving a clue to the ground of complaint that the English may assert. The Albion admits that “a belligerent may stop and search any mer chant vessel anywhere at sea, on suspicion that the laHer may he, in whole or in part, employed in the enemy’s service.” The offence in the pres, ent case consists in the Treat being a mail packet —a Britisli Mail Steamer—commanded by a Lieu tenant iu her Majesty’s Navy—which should have exempted her Irotn seatch, and commanded re spect. Col. L. J. Gartrrll.—We were gatified to weF come home to day, says the Commonwealth, on a short furlough, this gallant soldier and popular citizen. His numerous friends will he pleased to learn that he appears to be in remarkably robust health, aud able to endure the shock of battle, or the arduous duties of Legislator—deservedly he. stowed upon him recently by so Haltering a vote, for the third time. The London Times on Cotton.—The 7'imes attributes the inactivity in the demand for cotton in. India to lingering hesitation as to the American supply, hut says that other circumstances have also operated forcibly to such a result. The cause of the present dullness is not scarcity cotton, hut the absence of a demand for calico the markets of the world being glutted with Lan cashire goods. Manufacturers ? in curtailjng oper ations, are doing what they must have done, soon er or later, irrespective of the stoppage of the American supply. Hogs—Large quantities of swine are arriving and departing now daily, £aya the Atlanta Com monwealth, and they all appear to sip jo a firgt rate condition. The supply seems to be abundant and we hope the present exorbitant prices will not be much longer maintained. We learn that there are thirty thousand now at Chattanooga awaiting shipment by the Western & Atlantic Railroad. Mr. Yancey’s Speech in London.—We need only refer to the remarks of Hon. W. L. Yancey, which we publish from the London Globe, to in sure thejr being read with avidity. I’he speech seems to us to embrace everything in a short com pass that it was proper to say on such an occasion. Collision on the Georgia Railroad.—A colli, sion took place on the Georgia Roarl at Camak. Thursday, between the up mail train and up freight train. The engineer on the latter was somewhat injured, and several of the passengers on the mail train received slight injuries. The train was de layed at Camak about two hours in consequence of the accident. Bcrtixg the Dead —The Pensacola Observer says —“There were several burvings at Fort Pickens after the bombardment. From the mari ner of the funeral doings it is thought that two officers were laid to rest.” jy Dr. \an Wicke, Surgeon to Col. ForrestV Kentucky Regiment, was killed by a Lincolnite, named Best, near Madison, Kv., a few davs since. Dr. an W. was formerly a citizen of Huntsville, Ala. Refugees from Missouri.—Tije Waco South west says: Scarcely a day passes that we do not see from one to a dozen wagons In our tow n, accompanied by tnen, women and children white and black— fleeing from oppression in Missouri. Many h ive barely escaped with their clothing, and have been compelled to abandon homes, crops and all that they have possessed. Lynching in Northern Texas.—The Dallas Herald says: The Sherman and Paris papers mention the j ponging of several men in Northern Texas, for : unaoundness on the ftoqthern question. A Mr. j F.sry, of Capt. Brinson’s company, was hunsr for i another and different offence, hut one as bad ar.d shocking *o every sense of manliness. Provisions.—The Athens (Tenn.) “Post,” of the | 6th, says: We learn that two or three engagements for I small lots of Pork, at 10 cent* nett, have been made here the present week. The inability to procure j salt is keeping the prices of meat unsettled. Good fat Beef is selling at 5 and 6 cents by the quarter. The Louisville Journal quotes Pork at $2,75 per 100 lbs. nett, in that market. At Cincinnati it is a shade higher, with light transactions at both points. Thr State of Europe. —The summing up of the latest foreign advices gives a view of a most disturbed state in European affairs. Hungary is threatening an out break; Poland is revolutionary ; Austria lias trouble enpugli pending; the Cmr of all the Russians is unhappy, with good reason; Italy is ready for war, and Gari baldi may set about it. This the Chicago Tribune pronounces a very sufficient reason why foreign powers maintain quiescence as to American difficulties. Russell’s last Letter.— ln his last let ter to the London 7Vines, asserts that Lin coln and his cabinet are not indisposed to a pcapefpl arbitration, and are probably consid ering the proposition of accepting or asking the intervention ot Kuropoan powers. f am assured, it the Northerners succeed in landing at any port in the South, the planters, as a proof of their determination, and as a punishment for non recognition, will lay their cotton in flames on every acre ot their soil threatened by an enemy. I, who have seen the tierce beatings of that feryid Southern heart, can well believe iu a cotton Moscow—nobody here does They all believe in dollars; they are satisfied the planters will yield to so many cents per pouud tor cotton. Stand by, and let us see. spoonfuls of finely powdered charcoal, drank in half a glass of water will in less than fifteen minutes give relief to the sick headache when caused, as iu most cases it is, by a superabundance of acid on the stomach. Slews from iWissouri OFFICIAL ORDERS RELATIVE TO* ST BOATS ON THE MISSISSIPPI. Sr. Louis, November 27.— Ge nera j Cur tis has issued general orders to the ing effect: To cheek the communication with tl enemy, to prevent the conveyance of contra band goods, and to avoid the recurrence of assaults upon steam boats, the entire coni, merce of the Mississippi river below the city is assumed and will be directed by the e , tary aud naval authorities of the Cuffed States. None but Government boats will here,;’ ter be employed, but freight and passenger, will be conveyed at current rates, as heron fore. All boats entering these waterg wiil report at the first military post, and stop, t„ proceed under military commanders. Fren i,- and baggage will be subjected to a careful inspection, and tbe oath administered to all employees aud passengers. Tito places of landing and departure will conform as Dl . ai as possible to the customs of the trade, ]„o all commission and storage business must i transacted with openly avowed and reliable Union men. General Hallec-k has issuSl very stringent orders respecting the w i zure of personal property and arrest of por.-om without sufficient cause. General Sherman has taken command of Yankee forces at Sedalia. There arc about 20,000 Federal troops at points on the 1 ! cific Rail road, West of Jefferson City There is nothing new with regard to tin, movements of General Price’s army. From Mayiussns. Manassas, December s.—Everything is all quiet here. It is reported that a lar body of tbe enemy crossed the long bn opposite Washington, on Wednesday ni> last, with a vi> w, doubtless, to make a f while ntoro active movements were in gress in the vicinity of Evansport. A gentleman just from Alexandria that be noticed no indications of nn iutmct ate advance. He estimates the enenn force on the Virginia side at forty five thou sand. Our Generals expect an engagt nieut before the close of tbe fall campaign, from the very heavy pressure on McClellan toad vance. The reads are improving, thus ena bling the teams with the siege artillery to move. From Itirlimioml. Richmond, December 0 —The new hos pital buildings erected at Manasses are now completed. Everything is ready for the efficient care of the sipk and wounded sol diers. Ibe new Quartermaster sand (7oin ipissary’s Departments are nearly finished All articles forwarded from the South will be hereafter guarded and protected from the weather. No movements of importance are reported. Eighteen Yankee prisoners, mostly Dutch, arrived here last evening, Three fine locomotives, taken from tLc Baltimore ami Ohio Railway, have been ad ded to the motive power of the Virginia Fi nal Rail Road. In the Virginia Convention yesterday, the proposed Ordinance giving the Govern r the power to seize- all the Salt in the hand? of private individuals, was laid on the table by a vote of a}-es JG, noes 44. (’tmgrcssioiial Proceedings. \ Richmond, December C>.—ln (Jonere , toYisiy, Hon. Thos. 11. Harris, a member from Missouri, appeared and took his seat. The President returned with his approval a/resolution of thanks to Major-General ‘Polk, Brigadier-Generals Pillow and (‘.heat ham, and the troops under their command for their gallant conduct and victory at the battle of Belmont. Messrs. Clark and Preston, Confederate Senators, elected by the Mt. LtFF;-, ture were admitted to seats on the flour Fj Congress as delegates from the State at larg Mark Miller, a member of tbe Georgia Regiment, was killed by the car- I yesterday at Gordonsville. From Nashville. i j Nashville, December 5. — A disjuh [ from Kusselville, Ky., says that, the brit. f near that place was burned on the night ! the 4th by the Liticohutcs. The bridge iv. guarded by eighteen men. tine of t. guard, who escaped, reports that the guar were attacked by about fifty of the eutmy They were firing upon the guard, and k saw two fall as he left. It is supposed th balance wore taken prisoners. The bridge was burned about sixty Let only, and will soon be repaired. Judge Moore, of Mount Sterling, -v member elect cf the Legislative Council, ar rived here yesterday, direct from the head quarters of General Humphrey Marshall.— He says voluntheers are flocking to the as sistance of Marshall in large numbers.— General Marshall has commenced a move ment towards Lexingtou, Ivy., with a fores amply sufficient to meet the enemy. Judge Moore reports that Colonel John S. Will iams a few days ago, started with three hundred men on an expedition into Letcher county, Kentucky, where the Lin colnites under Yermilliou, were putting up provisions for Lincoln's army. Colonel Williams captured Vermillion and secured the product of 500 hogs. Colonel Williams more fully confirms’. | reported severe loss sustained by the Yan kee General NeLrn, at the battle of Piketon General Nelson hearing that General Mar shall was marching on him, retreated from Piketon, making Bull Run time in fine stylo. The retreat was so precipitate that Nelson lost two pieces of cannon and sixty horses while crossing the river at Piketon. A number of tfie Yankee marauders Jrotu j I Paducah and Southland, came up to Cum berland a few days ago and stole four bun- | tired hogs and eighty beeves, belonging to some Southern rights men of Caldwell coun ty, Kentucky. From .Tli^soiiri. Rolla, Mo., November 26.—-A reconnoi terng party which left yesterday morning*