January 29.—The British iron steamer Princess Royal, laden with rifled guns, arms, ammunition, steam-engines, etc., was captured off Charleston, S. C, while attempting to run the blockade,—(Doc. 112.)
—The Senate of Missouri passed the resolution of the lower House asking the Congress of the United States to appropriate twenty-five millions of dollars for emancipation purposes in that State, by a vote of twenty-six yeas to two nays.—General Banks at New-Orleans, issued a general order promulgating the confirmatory Emancipation Proclamation of President Lincoln.
—A fight took place at Bear River, Washington Territory, between a force of Union troops under the command of Colonel Connor, and a large body of Indians, resulting, after a bloody contest of four hours’ duration, in a rout of the Indians with great loss.—(Docs. 113 and 142.)
—The first decision under President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was made in St. Louis by Judge Glover, who decided in favor of its legality, and ordered the discharge of the slave of a rebel who had been arrested under State law for leaving his master. This decision, if sustained, would leave Missouri secessionists without civil authority to reclaim their slaves.—General McClernand’s forces landed on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River, five miles below the mouth of the Yazoo River, and in full view of the city of Vicksburgh.—Missouri Republican.
—The Emancipation Society of London, England, held a meeting at Exeter Hall, which proved to be one of the most important demonstrations of public opinion known in London since the days of the League. For half an hour before the time appointed for the commencement of the proceedings the great hall was crowded, and it became necessary to hold a second meeting in the lower hall, while a third meeting was held in the open air, in Exeter street. The name of Abraham Lincoln was received with immense applause, the audience rising and cheering and waving their handkerchiefs. During the course of the proceedings, the chairman received telegrams from Bradford and Stroud, announcing that meetings were being held in those towns, and that resolutiond had been passed in favor of negro emancipation. Resolutions sympathizing with the cause of the North, and advocating the policy of the President of the United States were adopted, and speeches were made denunciatory of the South, and the London Times.—London Daily News.
