February 19.—President Lincoln issued the following proclamation to-day:
“It is recommended to the people of the United States that they assemble in their customary places of meeting for public solemnities, on the twenty-second day of February, inst, and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the father of his country, by causing to be read to them his immortal Farewell Address.
“Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, the nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-sixth.”
—Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, having taken the field in person, issued orders, from his headquarters at Memphis, appointing his division commanders, and calling upon the people to meet and repel the invaders of the State.—(Doc. 51.)
—The first payment of interest on the Government war-loan, was made at the office of the United States Assistant Treasurer, in New-York City.
—In the Confederate Congress, in session at Richmond, Va., the electoral votes for President and Vice – President were counted. The total number of electoral votes was one hundred and nine, all of which were cast for Jeff. Davis, for President, and Alexander H. Stephens, for Vice President
—The Memphis Appeal, of this date, has the following:
“Gen. Polk issued orders yesterday, that the track of the Memphis and Ohio railroad should be torn up, and the bridges burned, which order was obeyed, and by this time the work of destruction is complete on a great part of the road. A rumor prevailed on the streets this afternoon, that Polk was preparing to evacuate Columbus to-morrow, remove all the guns, etc., and demolish the fortifications. The forces at New-Madrid and Fort Pillow, together with the Columbus troops, are to repair at once to Memphis, and make a stand, making an army of about fifty thousand men.”
—The city of Clarksville, on the Cumberland River, Tennessee, was taken possession of to-day by the National forces, under command of Flag Officer A. H. Foote, U.S.N., having surrendered without an engagement. Two thirds of the inhabitants having fled from the town, Com. Foote, at the request of the Mayor, issued a proclamation, assuring all peaceably-disposed persons, that they might resume with safety their business avocations, requiring only the military stores and equipments to be given up.—(Doc. 52.)
