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trouble brewing
There is 11 motn-ntarv lull in thtencpes. of
war . Hooker’s , u my is euher inact: ve or else is
being move • t" uuU !Uvl “> the smith
side of the Janie l River. Ros-ncrani is at a stand
still The long • xpeoted tb‘rd attack on Vicks
burg is not yet tn ><i The blow on our immedi
ate coast is not yet struck -perhaps will not be.
unless the enemy feels very stre of success In
this momentous ptuse, while the nnomv is doubt
less straining every rerv in pi ep >ra‘'<>n to att ck,
the air is filled wbh ,minis, ca'culatrd, if not de
signed, to throw us off our guard. Rumors of
foreign mediation, of peace, of the secession of
the Northwest, of propositions to unite with ns,
are continually passing from one to ancther
throughout the land, which, if they produce no
ill, can effect no good to our army
Our hearts beat high with hope ; but at this
moment we may be in far greater peril than most
ueople imagine. At this hour the destinies of the
Confederate States dem ml the most exalted and
far-seeing statesmanship, the utmost watchful
ness and caution, the greatest vigor and energy
of preparation for battle. Our cau-e r sts on our
own exertions, aud we shun' a not be misled, nor
deceive ourselves As to mediation, ihe fact is
just this: that a, French proposition lor the meet
ing of Federal and Confederate Commissioners on
neutral ground, has been utterly rejected by Sews
ard. So that falls to the ground ; aud had it not
we do not see that it promised much good, for
the war was still to progress while the Commis
sioners discussed matters, and their discussion
Would, perhaps, have resulted in noitiing. A hat
are the Northern peace indications? A proposi
tion is made by a radical Abolitionist m Lincoln’s
Senate, tnat our independence oe acknowledgea
and peace made, on the basis that the two sec
tions establish tree trade, have a similar tariff,
and unite on the Monroe doctrine-a basis accepts
able neither to the North nor South. The North is
unwilling to separation —the South will not and
ouhgt not consent to free trade with the North.—
That scheme will not work.
The Democratic party is unsuccessful in the
United States, not by declaring for peace and
separation, but because it opposes Lincoln’s plan
of conducting the war. It opposes a war for
conquest and emancipation, but declares for war
to restore the Union and the Constitution. Iv has
doubtless been in correspondence with the Con
federate leaders, and has become satisfied that
we will never consent to reconstruction —that we
want peace, but must have separation. Hence,
John Van Buren, one of the two or three, who a
few months ago proposed a Convention for re
construction, which failing, he would say “Way
ward sisters, depart in peace.” says now the war
must goon. Vallandigham, with Illinois and In
diana, ask for an armistice, in order that peaceful
means may be allowed to bring about gradual re
construction. Only the Abolitionists proper in
cline to separation, and upon such terms of trade
and intercourse as the Confederacy ought never to
accept. Thus the matter stands—a part of the
Abolitionists for separation ou terms unacceptable
to us, and the other part for war to subjugation
and the destruction of slavery—the Democracy
for war to restore the Union, or for an armistice
with the same end in view. Does there appear
any prospect of peace on any of their terms ’
But the Northwest is growing turbulent and
discontented. Rasher than lose the South, some
of the Northwestern politicians talk of withdraw
ing from the old Union, to unite with us. Their
messenger is even now said to be in Richm md.
And right here is the great trouble. Our au
thorities know that the people earnestly desire
peace, but will not purchase it by union with the
North and East on any terms. But their senti
ments are unknown to Government as to union
with the Northwest. The known desire for peace,
the uncertainty about popular sentiment in re
gard to union or alliance with the Northwest,
the strong probability that the contemptuous re
jection of all terms by us, coupled with foreign
rumors of interference, may unite the whole non
slaveholding citizens in a more determined and
vigorous prosecution of hostilities, unite to make
a complication of difficulties. The President and
his advisers need to be firm and united. They
should listen to no terms till the armies of those
who seek peace or alliance are withdrawn from
the field. That withdrawal should be the first
step, without which it were idle to think of
uniting or negotiations. That can be consummated
only by inaugurating revolution among them
selves. Let it begin ; for whether the West gains
anything from us by the movement, it is the only
prospect they have of relief to themselves. If
they withdraw their armies, secede from the
Union, set up a Government of their own, and we
thereby secure our separation and independence,
these negotiations may commence between two
sovereign powers. The formalion of a Wes
tern Confederacy would undoubtedly benefit us ;
but it would benefit the West also. Their union
with us in the same Confederacy, we believe,
could only worK injury to us, and finally result in
war. But, still, terms of alliance and amity
might be admissible and desirable. They should
be taught to expect nothing more—but before any
thing is done, let the West withdraw its armies
from our soil.
CONFEDERATE CONGRESS-
SENATE.
Feb. 19,1863.
The Senate was called to order at 12 o’clock by
Mr. Humer, ot Virginia.
The House joint resolution of thanks to Gen.
Magruder, his officers and men for gallant con
duct at Galveston, Texas, passed February 16 h,
introduced in the Senate February 18th. and re
ferred >o the Committee on Military Affairs, was
to-day reported in the Senate wiiomit amendment
and passed unanimously.
The chairman of the Committee on Finance re
ported House bill to provide for refunding to the
bitate of Alabama the amount overpaid by said
State on account of the war tax ot 1862, which was
Pa Mr d flill from the Military Committee, reported
a bill fixing the ran* of those officers in the naval
and military service of ihe Contederate States,
holding commissions under the Provisional Gov
eminent, v T ben re’appoin’ed officers of tne same
grade under the permanent Government.
” Mr Hill from the Committee on the Judiciary,
reported a’bill to alter and amend the act for ses
questruling the estates, property, and eff-cts ol
alien enmiies, and tor indemmrvng citizens of the
Con ederate Slates and persons aiding he sam-,
in the existing war, passed August 31. 1861, and
an net abering and amending ti-e same, approve
February 16 1862; which was rt.ad and put on
th: ca end .r , ,
The Sena e then proceeded to the consideration
of tbe unfinished business —ihe act exempting
certain persons from ihe military service; which
was amended and debated till the hour of ad
journal ent.
HOUSE OE REPRESENTATIVES.
The Hou e met at 12 o’clock, and was opened
wit i praye. b Rev, Mr. Wise.
Mr. Miles, oi South Carolina, from the Commit-
tee on Military Affairs, reported back tiie bill to I
exempt certain persons from military duty, and I
to repeal all aeis heretofore passed by Congress
on tbe Stine subjec*. The bill was read first and
second times and otdered to be printed, a motion
to in.-ke ii >he special order for Saturday having
failed.
Mr. Chil'on, of Alabama, reported bacK from
tbe Committee er Quartermaster and Commissary
Depart in s the bill to prevent frauds in the
Q i irlerti us:er and Commissary Departments, and
tbe obtaining, under false pretence, transportation
■or private property, and moved that the bill be
tak' n up for consideration at once.
Ou this motion tbe ayes and noes were called,
and resulted—ayes 57, noes 19 —so the bill was
taken up. *
bill w'as considered by the House and
agreed to. Tbe following is a copy as it passed
the House:
Section 1.77 m (Jongreti of the Confederate
Status of Anu rtc-r, do enact, That it shall not be
lawful lor any Quartermaster or Assistant Quarter
masier, Commissary or Assistant Commissary, or
the clerks, agents, or employees of said officers;
whil? in toe employ of the Confederate Stites, to
buy, traffic, trade or speculate in, either directly
or indirectly, for the purpose of making gain to
themselves respectively, or any one or more of
such persons, by a re-sale, any article ol food or
clothing, or material of which the same is made,
or which enters into and constitutes a part of the
same or any article whatever, which is required to
be purchased for the use of the army or the prose
cution of the war by either of these departments,
whether specifically named above or not, the ob
ject being entirely to prohibit these officers their
clerks, agents and employees, from buying for
the sake of gain by a re-sale any article which
enters into and constitutes usually a part of either
the quartermaster or commissary, military or
medical stores of the Confederacy.
Sec. 2. Be it further enacted, That no person
shall, knowingly, give or accept transportation ot
any commodity or property ol any itind, under
the false pretence tnat such commodity or pro.,
perty belongs to the Govern men t oi ihe Cooled
crate States, when tn truth >t belongs io private
p -rsons ; nor shall any one purchase property <•!
any Kind under tbe false pretence th i he is pur
chasing the same lor the use of the Government
ot the Confederate Stales, when in truth the pur
chase is made in whole or in part on another and
different account; aor shall any one in the ser
vice ot the Government derive any profit to h m
selt, or confer profit by collusion upon another,
by selling, exchanging, or disposing of any pro
perty belonging to tbe Government.
Sec. 3. Beitlurther enacted,- That no one in
the employment of the Government shall credit
himself for any voluntary contribution in work,
labor, materials, or of any property whatever,
that may be donated for the use ot the Govern
ment or the soldiers in the army, whereby such
person shall make any profit, either directly or
indirectly to himselt.
Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That it shall be
the duty of the Government officers aforesaid,
and each and every person in their employ, to take
a correct receipt for all moneys paid out on ac
count of the Government, setting forth truly to
whom paid, w aen the amount paid, and on what
account the same was paid ; and if such payment
was made on account of property purchased for
tbe Government such receipt shall truly set forth
the name of tbe person from whom the same was
purchased, and tbe place of his or her residence,
the price agreed to be paid and the subiect matter
of such purchase, and when such payment was
made ; and in accounting for the disbursement of
public moneys no officer shall credit himself with
moneys paid out which were not in good faith
actually paid out.
Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That if any Quars
termasier or Assistant Quartermaster, Commissa
ry or Assistant Commissary, or any officer, em
p.oyee or agent of any Quartermaster or Commis
sary shall take a blank receipt for any article
bougnt for the army, be shall, when convicted, be
fined not less than SSOO, and shall be put into the
ranks for he war, to serve as a private soldier.
Sec. 6. Be it further enacted, That any person
in the employment or service ot the Government
as aforesaid, and ail other persons coming within
the purview of this act, who shall violate any of
the provisions of the foregoing sections, shall be
liable to indictment, and fined in a sum •» less
than one thousand dollars, and imprisoned du: less
than one year, nor longer than five years, tv
imposed oy the judge or jury trying the cause, ac
cording to the judicial proceedings in force in the
several States: Provided, The provisions of this
act shall in no wise interfere with or impair the
civil remedy which the Government may have
against any or said officer- or their securities or
employees for frauds, per taiions, or misapplica
tions of the moneys entri. ted to them respectively
by the Confederate Stai .-s: Provided, also. That
ail conservators ot the peace who, by the laws of
the several States, have jurisdiction to commit or
bind over offenders tor breach of tbe criminal
laws ot the State in which they may reside shall
have power to commit or bind over, in a sufficient
recognizance, offenders against the provisions of
tins law to a. pear at tbe next terra of the District
Court of tile Contederate Slates within the juris
diction of which the offender was committed lor
trial in the same manner and under the same
rules as if such preliminary’ trial were had belore
tbe Judge-of such District Court; and the Judges
of the Contederate Courts having jurisdiction ol
the offences defined by this act shall, at tbe com
mencernent of each session of their respective
courts, give this act and its provisions specially
in charge to the different grand juries.
Mr. Hilton, of hloiida, from the Military Coma
mittee, reported a bill to be entitled an act id re
lation to substitutes in the army. Passed on the
calendar and ordered to be printed.
Mr. Hodge, of Kentucky, trom the Committee
on Naval Affairs, reported a substitute tor the
printed bill to reorganize the navy. Tbe bill was
made a continuing special order.
On motion et Mr. Kenner, of Louisiana, the
House then went into secret session.
THE FRENCH PKr.cS ON MEDIATION-
La Nation (individual organ of the Emperor)
says:
The desperate war which continues in America,
without any prospect of ending, is sufficiently
wounding to public sentiment and gen. ral interest
to entitle every one to a part in the re ponsibiit
ties which are its result. England and Russia—
the auihori y of which, added to that of France,
would have bad great weight, and, according to
all appearances, would have had an irresistible
effect upon the Government at Washington—de
clined the task to which they were invited. Pube
he opinion will properly appreciate .heir refusal.
The Government ot the Emperor believes that
the cause ot humanity in general, and that of las
bor in Europe in particular, sufficiently merit all
his solicitude to make it appear not unworthy to
bun to make new efforts. The dispatch of M.
Drouyn de I’Huys, renewing his attempts tn favor
of ihe re establishment of peace, leaves no pos
sible retreat to the good faith of the Government
of Mr. Lincoln, if it is serious. As he did in the
first instance, M. Drouyn de I’Huys leaves to the
Americans alone the care and the right of judg
ing if the maintenance of the Union is proper
and possible, and upon what basis any future ar
rangements, whatever they may be, shall repose.
He confines himself to tbe expression, always
with a persisting conviction ot the belief tn the
possibility and propriety of preparing the basis
for a future arrangement, without even suspend
ing, on that account, the operations of the war, if
the Government of Mr. Lincoln thinks that its
continuation can turn to the profit of his cause.
We must hope that public opinion m the United
States ai d the Government at Washington will
yield io the honorable and legitimate pressure of
humanity and good sense—speaking by the voice
ot France—and that while permitting tbe military
onera'i’ ns to foil- w iheircour.se. if they so desire,
the statesmen of the Norih will not refuse to ex
amine, independent ol all foreign intervention, the
tn a >s o r ndiring pence to America ano activity
to European labor. This new attempt vas neces
sary. We felicitate ihe French Government upon
h iving made it, and history will be the judge of
tbe obstacles which may be the means of paraly
zing such noble intentions.
La France (organ of the Empress) says :
We publish this morning a dispatch of the
greatest interest, addressed by his Excellency
the Minister of Foreign Affairs to M. Mercier,
Minister of France at Washington. This dis
patch confirms the news which -v-t gave a few
days since. Thus", as we announced, the new
propositions are not for the appointment of dele
gates from the two parties, who shall meet fertile
discussion of the questions which divide the
North and South, and the honorable means of
terminating the war. The dispatch of M. Drouyn
de I’Huys is inspired by the most geneious sen
timents of humanity and the liveliest and most
sincere sympathy for North America. It seems
impossible to us that the loyal word of France
shall be without influence at Washington. The
intentions which direct it cannot be suspected—
France cannot be accused of arriere pensees con
trary to the pro perity and grandeur of the Ames
rioans.
What she wishes is to re-establish concotd bee
tween estranged brethren —to bring them together
if possible; to’regulate upon equitable bases the
conditions of their separation, if, as every politi
cal mind clearly sees, their ancient Union is for
ever broken. It would have been jworthy of the
other great Powers to second the French Govern -
ment in this work of reconciliation ; but we db
not complain of being alone in this now peaceful
effort, and are proud of which our country
fills in this matter. It is difficult to predict
the reception which these important propose
tions will receive in America. However, we
have a right to count upon the practical rea
son of the Federal Government and upon
the good sense of President Jefferson Davis.
We count particularly upon tbe progress of
moderate ideas to prevent the French proposition
trom being reiused by a simple rejection of it.—
AU civil zed countries suffer, all tbe laboring pop
ulation are reduced to misery by by the fault and
the separation of the North Americans. It will
require only good faith on their part to abridge
the term of these sufferings. In truth, we have a
right to ask, in tbe hypothesis ot a new refusal,
if the European Powers will not have the right
to enforce at last what France now counsels and
solicits in terms so amicable. and which so little
res-mble an intervention.
The Opinion Nationaie, (organ of Prince Napo B
leon,) says:
A symptom has appeared in certain English
and French Journals to which it is desirable to
call attention. Those organs prophesy to Europe
a manufacturing crisis intluueiy more serious
than those of Lancashire and ol the Seine inle«
rieure, and in devising the means ot warding off
that scourge they exclaim : “i he cause ot the
evils is in America, aud it >s nom that country
that the iniailiole remedy must be demanded
Cause the blockade io be raised, aud you will soon
have the three millions of oales ot cotton which
are piled up in the warehouses of the Southern
States. Re-establish peace, and this very year
the slave States will lurmsh you with their annu
al tribute ot textile material.” Hasten, they
add —and this is the characteristic point, the vital
knot ot their reasoning—hasten, if you will
not allow yourselves to be overwhelmed by
the rising flood oi distress. The preparation
of the cotton plants takes place in t e spring,
and ou the regularity of the agricultural opera
tions in April depends the late ot our workmen.
Not a moment is, therefore, to bb lost. Toe
Cabinet of Washington, must be acted on at
any price, peace must be imposed on the men of
tbe North, and the great division must be effect
ed, even were America to atterwards perish in
consequence. Endeavors are, therefore, being
made with redoubled energy to bring about au
immediate and energetic intervention, and it is
wished to lead the Empeior Napoleon and
British Cabinet to that step. As to the ques
tions ot right, oi principles, and ot the future,
they are little thought oi; tbe interests ot the
present moment are only attended to. The
French Government comprehends the situation in
a different manner, and we congratulate it on so
doing. It deplores the disasters of the American
war, expresses wishes tor the re-establishment of
peace, and gives counsels to the Washington
Cabinet which will, »e hope, be favorably re
ceived. The French Government thinks that a
recourse to the friendly offices of one or more
neutral Powers has nothing incompatible with
toe legitimate pride ot a great nation. It does
not dispute the of ti.- Federal Governmam
to decline the co-operation ot the great maritime
Bowers of Europe, it on.y asks whether, inset
ting aside any foreign intervention, the Wash
ington Cabinet may not “nonoraoly accept the
idea of direct conferences with the authorities
who represent the Southern States?”
FL OM NEWORLEANsT
trom the Mobile Tribune.
We are indebted to a friend for New Orleans
papers as lute as the 9th mst., and N. Y., papers
as late as the 24tu uh.
There is nut much in the New Oiieans papeis
except extracts from the papers ot New York.
The editor ot the Bee had taken a stroll in the
Second District, without seeing much that was
cheerful m that once lively quarter. “He missed,”
he says, “the flowers and the joyous sports of
children which used to make it so pleasant and
attractive to the idle stroller.” The Picayune
man has found someihing sad on the Levee He
says:
A walk on the Levee, the; rand quay, the grand
reception, the concentration, that was of the citi
zens aud inhabitants of nine-tenths ot the coms
mei cial world, at this time presents to our old
habitues food and aliment, as it were, lor reflection
and contrast. We, wlib have, tor a quarter ot a
century, and mure, h.id me arrival of steamboats
by tbe score, laden deep with the rich and varied
productions of the Southwest, and the staples of
the great and teeming West, feel somewhat paral
jzed with the contrast now presented by taking
a cursory walk or view on the great Levee of New
Orleans, the great transactions on which, at this
season of the year, have been recorded over and
over again by visitors from all parts of the com
mercial world. A short promenade on tbe grand
quay or Levee revealed to us six or seven small
steamboats discharging light cargoes oi sugar ano
molasses, and receiving on board some lew dray
loads ot provisions and general plantation sup
plies, for points and landings on the Mississippi,
below Baton Rouge.
A dozen of droghers or coasting vessels were
also engaged in the same movements. There
were some sales ot sugar and molasses. There
were also fifteen or twenty vessels loading with
saccharine in greater or smaller quantities.
There were three or four dray loads of cotton
wending their way to Northern markets. There
were also many Northern notions landing and
offering tor sals lr<>m vessels as in former times;
but we regret we cannot allude or talk of the
scores ot splendid and capacious ships receiving
cotton at the rale of ten thousand bales per day.
This was a satisfaction (it would have been) de
nied us in a brief pedestrial movement on the
great Levee of the Crescent City yssterday.
The Yankees have possession oi the city, and,
therefore, the gloom of pin-nanism reigns over it.
But under the quiet surface there may be heaits
which beat with wrath after such strolls over ihe
once pleasantest places ot the lately renowned
but now humiliated city.
Gen. Banks has issued an order prohibiting tne
“foreclosure of mortgages, or instruments that
are so by iheir effects, and saies under foreclo
sures as against loyal citizens having inierests in
the subject matter, wnether us owners, mortga
gers, or otherwise.” Also, one forbidding tbe
forced sale under execution of the propertv ot
loyal cuizens owning or working plantations—
through this prohibition does hot affect contracts
that may be made subsequent to the date of tbe
order.
Low middling cotton was quoted at 60 cents.—
the saies were very small. Extra flour was going
ai sll, first quality beeves were selling at twenty
five cents per pound ne .
There was a ca«e before the United States Pro
visional Court, Judge Peabody, of some interest.
Lucien Adams, snortiy utter the advent ot Butler,
was arresied and imprison’d in one ot the torts,
where he has been ever since. His counsel, Col.
Field, had made repeated but unavailing efforts
for a trial or admission to bail. The only crime
which the accused had committed was merely die
avowal, before the occupation of the city by Yau-
Sees, of a preference for the Southern Confeder
acy. Subsequently other charges, such as head
iug or promoting a conspiracy, &c., were trumped
up, but no proof had been advanced. How the
easa terminated the report Boes not sey; but
judging from the zeal ot the prosecuting attorney,
net, imagine, to the benefit ot the prisoner.
’ The shortness of life is very often owing to
the irregularities of the liver.
THE NEXT YANKEE CONGRESS-
On the 4th of March next, the present Yankee
Congress ceases t > exist. It has but two weeks
remaining to perfect tbe vast iniquities
which it has inaugurated. Its succesior will pro
bably be of a different political complexion. We
give below, from a Cincinnati paper the result so
far as elections bav- been held, and the probable
result in States yet to vole. This calculation
gives the antisß-xdicals a small majority. The
Radical majority will still continue in he Senate.
But divided Houses will effect little.
The new Congress, unless called together by
proclamation in extra session, will not meet until
next December. Unless coerced by some extra
ordinary emergency, it is not probable that Lin
coln will desire the aid and counsel of a Demo
cratic Congress. We may therefore presume that
the pelicy and measures of the present dominant
faction will have lull sway during tbe current
year.
Fro-ii the Cincinnati Enquirer.
TOB COMPOSITION OF THB NEXT HOUSE REPRESEN
TATIVES OF THB UNITED STATES.
Thus far the Congress stands as follows:
Democrats. Abolitionists
Delaware 1
Illinois 9 5
Indiana 7 4 •
lowa 6
Kan5a5......... 1
Maine 1 4
Massachusetts 10
Michigan 1 5
Minnesota 2
Missouri 3 6
New Jersey 4 1
N-w York 17 14
Ohio 14 5
Oregon 1
Pennsylvania 14 10
Wisconsin 3 3
74 77
Nearly all the Abolition members from Mis
souri were elected by the military, and their stats
are contested by the Democrats; and if justice is
done, they will get them.
The following States are yet to elect. We esti
mate the result as follows:
Dem. and Conserv. Abol’n.
Vermont 3
Rhode isiand 11
Connecticut 11
New Hampshire 2 2
California 2 1
Kentucky 8
Maryland .' 4 2
Western Virginia 2
21 10
74 77
95 87
The next House is going to be extremely close,
but tbe probability is that the Abolitionists will
be in a minority of eight unless they can foist up
on the House bogus members from the seceded
States. A sharp contest will come up undoubt
edly upon the Missouri members when they pre
sent their certificates. The Democrats and Con
servatives will, in the end probably control the
House. The seat of one of the Abolitionists from
lowa is contested. So are the seats of two from
Pennsylvania.
London (Jan. 29) Correspondedee of Manchester ffuardian
Confederate states credit in Europe
- CONFEDERATE BONDS PREFERRED TO
GREENBACKS-
While the enormous new issues of paper money
by the Federal Government announced by the
last mail are the subject oi very unfavorable com
ment, and while the credit ot the North in the
London money market is down to zero, it is stated
positive that there is no difficulty found in the
negotiation of Southern cotton warrants. I be
lieve these cotton warrants, which derive all their
value from the assumption of the certs inty of re<»
cognition at no very distant period, are being
very largely used at this moment, both in the
London and provincial marketa, in the purchase
of ships and stores by the Confederate Govern
ment. The three million and a quarter bales of
cotton still in store in the South seems to be a
perfectly sate security, and the idea of ‘repudia
tion,’ does not seem to suggest itself to those
who constitute themselves creditors of the South.
On the other hand, it is difficult to find any one who
believes that the Federal Government can be
trusted not to repudiate even its debt to its own
countrymen.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE—THE MONEY AND STOCK
MARKETS IN EUROPE.
Consuls closed in London at Bar
ing Brothers says—Uuited States s’s 55 a—; Ma
ryland s’s72a—; Virginia s’s 49a—; do. 6’s
45 a —.
THE COTTON MARKET.
The Liverpool Circular says: Tbe sales of the
week have been 24,000 bales; including 7,480
taken by speculators and 5,130 for export. Yes
terday (Friday) the market was flat, and the
sales were only estimated at 3,000 bales—one
half for export and speculation. The official
quotations are;
Fair. Middling.
Orleans 26 23
Mobile 25 22
Uplands 24 22
Middling Surats, Stock on hand
466,180 bales, of which 65,900 are American.
The very latest market report says; Cotton was
firmer, and all quotations slightly higher. Sales
5,000 bales, including 2,500 to speculators and
exporters.
Gov. Brown's Donation to Soldiers’ Fami
lies. — We learn from Cherokee county that Gov
ernor Brown has upon his river plantation from
three to four thousand dollars worth of corn
more than he will need for his own use, and that
be has notified the Inferior Court of that county
of his purpose to make a donation of ewry bush
el he has more than he needs to the widows and
poor families of soldiers of that county, and that
his cribs will be thrown open next week to the
needy families of soldiers, and his corn distribu
ted among them free of charge.
This is not the only generous contribution
made by Governor Brown to the families of sol
diers during the war, and to the soldiers them
selves. More than thrice we have heard of gen
erous and liberal acts; in money from Ins purse,
and in repeated instances of provisions from bis
plantaiion, to the soldiers and their families. And
we will here add, that froto the bands and labor
ot his excellent wife, Mrs. Brown, our brave sols
diets and their families have also received mosl
liberal donations. She is one of the noble ladies
of our land who have never been idle in well
doing since the war began. Our Georgia troops
may well be proud of their patriotic Governor
ana his noble consort.— Atlanta Intelligencer.
Russell, of tbe Times gives the following
illustration, which he himself witnessed, of Lin
coln’s story-telling propen-ity:
Mr. Baies remonstrating apparently against the
appoinimento some indifferent lawyer to a place
ot judicial importance, the President interposed
with, “Come now, Bates, he’s not half as bad as
you think. Besides that, I must tell you he did
me a good turn long ago. When I took to the
law, 1 was going to court onemorning witbsome
ten or tvelve mites oi bad road before me, and
had no horse. The Judge overtook me tn his
wagon. “Hallo, Lincoln! are you not going to
the Court House? Come in and I’ll give you a
Seat.” Well, I got in and the Judge went on
reading his papers. Presently the wagon struck
a stump on one side of the road ; then it hopped
off’to the other. I looked out, and I saw the dri
ver was jerking from side to side in his seat, so
says I, “Judge, I think your coachman has been
taking a liMle drop too much this morning ”
“Well, I declare, Lincoln,” said he, “I should
not much wonder if you are right, for he has
nearly upset me half a dozen times since start
ing.” So nutting bis head out of tbe window, he
shouted, “Why you infernal scoundrel, you are
drunk!” Upon which, pulling up bis horse and
turning round with great gravity, the coachman
said, “By gorra! that’s the first rightful decision
you have given for the last twelve-month.’’
THE MEXICAN YANKEE COMPLICATIONS.
Lincoln has sent a message to the
gress on the subject ot the approaeliing embrog
lio between France and the United States on the
Mexican question. The Washington correspon
dent of the New York Tribune gives the follow
ing summary of the message and accompanying
documents:
The President to-day sent a message to the
'Senate in answer to a resolution of tbe 18th
inst., accompanied by very voluminous corres
pondence between the Secretary of State and
the Mexican Charge d’Affairs, relative to the ex
portation of articles contraband of war for tbe
use of tbe French army in Mexico. The Mexi
can Minister, Sr. Romero, in the first letter, asks
the Government to prevent contraband shipments
purchased by the emissaries ot the commander of
the French expedition from leaving the ports of
the United States.
Mr. Seward replies referring the Minister to a
letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, from
which it appears that no intervention with the
mission of the French officers is contemplated by
the Treasury Department, a decision in conform
ity with precedents and with the rules of inter
national law governing the case. Citations to
such authorities as Hamilton, Webster, and exec*
utive documents are given.
Senor Romero expresses pain and surprise at
such decision acquiesced in by the Secretary of
State. He quotes VatteL.not to teach the Gov
ernment of tbe United States, but to give his
opinion of the impropriety of allowing either bel«
ligerent to provide itself with means of warfare
in a neutral nation, and reviews tbe cases cited
by Mr. Seward. He refers to the alleged shipping
of provisions by merchants of New York to the
French army near Vera Cruz, and calls the atten
tion of Mr. Seward to those facts, who replies that
the United States did not recognize a state of war
existing between Mexico and the allies, as there
had been no declaration of war, and therefor 0
the United States could not be governed in their
conduct by the rules of neutrals.
He further stated, that subsequently he made
application to the Secretary of the Treasury for a
permit to ship some arms purchased in New York
lor the useot tne Mexicans to a Mexican blockade
port; that the Secretary at first appeared ready to
grant it, but on learning that the number was
36,060 he thought the number too great,and refer
red the matter to tbe Secretaries of VV ar an d Na
vy; that the Secretary of the Navy made no obs
jeclion, but that the Secretary ot War refused to
relax the order previously issued forbidding the
exportation of arms. In vain he showed that they
were Prussian muskets, flint locks altered to per
cassion, which ths United States would not use,
and he was compelled to believe that his ill sue-’
cess was occasioned by a desire on tne part of the
United States to avoid complicity with France,
and was afterwards astonished when wagons and
mules were bought here for the French army to
find that what was denied to Mexico was freely
permitted to France. Mr. Seward replied that '
the prohibition of the shipment of arms was gen
erally applying to all nations on the ground of
•the military necessity of the United States, that
there was no such inhibition of the shipment of
wagons either for France or Mexico. A long cor
respondence on the same points occur which Mr.
Seward gracefully concludes as follows:
“The undersigned while setting no cause further
to expatiate on the reasons heretofore offered in
explanation of the measures, avails himself of the
occasion to offer to Mr. Romero a renewed assu
rance of high consideration.
From the Chattanooga liebel.
FROM MIDDLE TENNESSEE.
We have a copy of the Nashville Union of the
18th. Its columns are mainly devoted to a dis
section of the Louisville Journal, which it des
nounces for its pro-slavery character. There
no local news of interest; and the telegrams are
generality devoid of consequence.
The New York World, of the 17th, has a dis
patch from Washington, announcing that Butler
will return to New Orleans, and that Fremont is
about to set out for Texas. The Alabama has
made several new prizes. She left Kingston on
the 2d. Gold is 5S£». Cotton 91c. Bank of Ten
nessee and Union and Planters Banks quoted at
par by Nashville brokers.
Advices from the front in Middle Tennessee,
state that Rosencranz has advanced as tar as Mid
dleton, half way between Murlreeseoro’ and Shel
byville. This is hardly a premeditated advance
in force. We learn from the Union that the abos
lition army is completely blockaded by mud. In
regard to reinforcements, a gemleman'just out of
Nashville, states that the most accurate calcula
tions assign fifteen thousand as the outside.
According to the private conversation of the
Federal officers, their less at Murfreesboro’ in kill
ed, wounded, prisoners and deserters, was twenty
five thousand. The enemy is therefore less by ten
thousand, than when be met us on »he 31st of
December. There is no dmbt that tne are stronger
in numbers, and'in even oeiter plight as regards
what are called the morale of an army. The
presence of General Joe. Johnston aud the admira*
ble energy of General Bragg, have blent two of
the happiest influences. Should Rosencranz at
tack us, we are ready to receive him and his ruf
fians with “open arms and hospitable graves.”—
Among other things it is staled that General
Johnston has had a personal interview with every
Colonel in the army of Middle Tennessee, and ex
presses himself highly pleased with the character
of the officers thus brought under his personal ac
quaintance. •
Tbe case of Thomas H. Caldwell, arrested for
treasonable correspondence with the enemy is
under investigation we believe, at Tullahoma.
Important Decision.—The habeas corpus case
in which Theodore Whitman was tbe petitioner
recently argued in the Hustings Court, by Rob’.
Ould, Esq., for the Court Martial, and Judge
Crump for Whitman, was decided on Monday by
Judge Lyons, in favor of the petioner.
The Court held that tbe power to deciare Mars
»ial Law under the Constitution and laws of the
Munfadeeacy did not belong to the President and
that Congrese bad no authority to cenfer’such
power on him; that the authority to suspend the
writ of habeas corpus did not carry with it the
right to declare Martial Law, that Martial Law
was an arbitrary and dictatorial power, which
might be exercised by a Commander-in-chief
over his camp or elsewhere at bis peril, and that
neither the Co stitution or tbe la* s sanctioned
or justified such a stretch of power; that the Cons
gress might indemnity tbe Uommander-in-Chief
for powers tbus unlawfully assumed, but the
Gouris could neither recognize or sanation it that
our Government was one of Constitution and laws
as well in time of war as in time of peace: that
the Constitution limited and defined the powers
ot the President and the Congress, and that no
powers belonged to either which was not express
ly conferred by that instrument. That courts
martial have exclusive and restnciad jurisdiction
over soldi, rs aud others belonging to the army
that their functions were circumscribed by law
and confined entirety to those who were in the
military service; an that, therefore, they had no
right to try a citizen not connectrd with th* ar
my, who was under the Constitution entitled to
trial by jury for every offence against the laws
and therefore the cusiody tn which tbe petitioner
was held was illegal, and hs was ordered to be
discharged.— Rich.. Whig.
‘ What s in a Name.—Judge Lumpkin, of the
SupremejCourt of Georgia, in a recent decision in
a divorce case in that Court says :
Without intending to reflect upon tbe wife in
tois case—for I take it for granted the libellant is
to blame-still 1 warn all men against marrying
worn n by the euphonious names ot Dulcinea
Fehxiana, etc. These melting, mellifluent. Damas'
will do lor novels, but not for every-day life.
The great chain of the. Pyrenees has at last
besn crossed bv a railroad. Tbe entire distance
is sixty eight miles. South ot B.lboa the moun
tains rise very abruptly, and there occurred all
the engineering difficulty in crossing. The sum
fa-/ 8 a 'A n h el 7 atl K n 0< 2 k 163 fee ' above ’he tide
level, and this has been obtained b» a maximum
grade of 76 feet to a mile. Ou the Bay of Bmcay
at us termination, apter one mile iofig is being
’ K lvlD « lh . at ‘he best harbor on
the southwestern coast of Spain.