The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

—This morning a general order was issued at Fairfax Court House, Va., by General McDowell, deprecating the disorderly conduct of the troops under his command in destroying the property of the inhabitants of the town, and appointing a police force from each regiment to secure the preservation of such property. It was read to every regiment in the army of the Potomac.—(Doc. 100.)

—A large and enthusiastic Union meeting composed of the citizens of Broome and Chenango counties, New York, was held to-day. Addresses were made by Daniel 8. Dickinson and George Baillet, and resolutions approving the acts of the Federal Government in the present crisis, were unanimously adopted.— (Doc. 101.)

—The Tammany Regiment or Jackson Guard, N. Y. S. V., under the command of Colonel Wm. D. Kennedy, left its encampment at Great Neck, Long Island, for the scene of the war.— N. Y. World, July 19.

—In the House of Representatives, Washington, the Committee to whom was referred the resolution to inquire whether or not the Hon. Henry May, of Maryland, was in criminal intercourse with those in armed rebellion against the Government, submitted a report that there was no evidence of Mr. May’s guilt in that particular, the resolution having been based on mere newspaper statements. The report also exculpated the President and General Scott from all suspicion of a correspondence with though rebels through Mr. May’s agency. Upon the adoption of this report, Mr. May addressed the House upon the subject of the inquiry, warmly denouncing it as an unparalleled outrage upon his constituents, whose rights as freemen, he said, had been previously stricken down and trampled in the dust by the Administration, through its military power. His remarks were interrupted by Mr. Stevens, of Pennsylvania, who interposed a point of order, which, being sustained by the House, Mr. May declined to avail himself of the permission to proceed in order, announcing his purpose to vindicate himself on a future occasion. He presented the memorial of the Police Commissioners of Baltimore. Ex-Governor Thomas, of Maryland, replied to Mr. May in a vigorous speech, in which he maintained that the recent election demonstrated conclusively the fact that a vast majority of the people of Maryland entirely approved the military measures of the Administration, and of the present attitude of the State.

In the United States Senate the bill for the better organization of the military establishment being under consideration, Mr. Powell moved an amendment declaring that no part of the Army or Navy should be used for the subjugation of any sovereign State, or in any way to interfere with African slavery. A sharp debate followed on the purposes of the war. Mr. Sherman, Republican, said the war was not one of subjugation, but merely intended to maintain the integrity of the Union, and moved as a substitute for Mr. Powell’s amendment a resolution declaring that “the military be employed to preserve the Union and protect the public property.”

—The Philadelphia Press of to-day contains an interesting account of affairs in Richmond, Va. It will be seen that the steel-clad steamer Yorktown is about to attempt to force her way through our fleet, and that infernal machines are being prepared to injure our vessels and forts. A very decided reaction in public sentiment among the working classes has recently occurred, and, like many of the troops, they are heartily sick of the Secession movement, and anxious for the re-establishment of the National authority over the whole country. The slaves are well apprised of the movements of our army, and many of them earnestly desire its success. Several regiments have recently been sent from “West Tennessee into the eastern part of that State to overawe the Union men there. The effects of the blockade are seriously felt, but some important articles are still obtained from the North.—(Doc. 102.)

—This afternoon Major Van Horn’s command of United States Reserve Home Guards of Kansas City, Mo., numbering about 170 men, was attacked by 600 rebels under Capt. Duncan, thirteen miles north of Harrisonville. The fight lasted four hours, during which time a continued firing was kept up on both sides. At twenty minutes past six o’clock the rebels withdrew, leaving the United States troops victorious. The loss of the rebels was fourteen killed, including two officers, and several wounded; while that of the United States forces was only one killed. At 12 o’clock the United States troops continued their march, crossing Grand River, but they were compelled to leave three of their baggage wagons on the bank of the river in consequence of high water. Major Van Horn left Kansas City on the 17th for the purpose of reinforcing Maj. Dean, now holding West Point, Missouri, with a small force, he having routed 1,000 rebels at that place. Major Van Horn’s command was attacked while at dinner. They planted their flag-staff at 2 o’clock, never giving way an inch nor removing the flag till after the rebels withdrew. The rebels endeavored to flank them on the left with a company of cavalry, but were completely routed by a detailed force under Captain Butler.—N. Y. World, July 23.

—The Federal army left Fairfax Court House, Va., this morning and took up its line of march in the direction of Centreville. General McDowell, in a despatch to head-quarters at Washington, gives the position of the several divisions of his army to-day.—(Doc. 103.)

—An engagement took place at Blackburn’s Ford, four miles south of Centreville, Va., this afternoon. General Tyler’s division encamped last night a few miles east of Centreville, and this morning proceeded toward that point. Centreville was passed in safety, and the troops turned from Little River turnpike road to the Manassas road. On the road information was received that a masked battery was on the left of the road ahead, and Colonel Richardson, in command of the Fourth Brigade, was ordered to reconnoitre, while the remainder of the division remained in the vicinity of Centreville.

Col. Richardson proceeded with three companies of the Massachusetts First Regiment, being the Chelsea company, the Fusileers, and the National Guards. They passed across an open ravine and again entered the road, which was densely surrounded by woods, when they were received by a raking fire from the left, killing a number of the advance.

They gallantly sustained their position and covered the retreat of a brass cannon of Sherman’s battery, the horses having been completely disabled by the fire, until relieved by the Michigan Second, and the New York Twelfth Regiments, when they fell back.

The Federal forces then took a position on the top of a hill. Two rifle cannons were planted in front, supported by Captain Brockett’s Company B, Second Cavalry, with a line of infantry composed of the Second Regiment of Michigan, and the Twelfth Regiment of New York in the rear. A steady fire was kept up on both sides in this position.

The rebels had two batteries of eight pieces in a position commanding the road. They used their guns well, except that they fired sometimes too high,—but they were gallantly forced by the national troops. “They did not reply to our regular fire for half an hour,” says a correspondent, “during which time they were receiving large reinforcements. In the mean time Col. Richardson’s brigade reconnoitered the woods. While we were again thus advancing we were met with a raking fire. Our guns were again put in position, and we poured grape and canister among the enemy till the supply was exhausted.”

At half-past four o’clock, General Tyler ordered his troops to retire, it being necessary to relieve Captain Brackett’s cavalry, which had alone the most effective service. The day was exceedingly hot, and the horses thirsted for water, which could only be obtained at Centreville.—(Doc. 104.)

—The advance column of the National army occupied Fairfax Court House, Va., at eleven o’clock to-day, meeting with no opposition from the Confederates either on the march or in taking possession of the place. Trees had been felled across the road and preparations made at one point for a battery, but there were no guns or troops on the route. The Confederates were drawn up beyond the town and a battle was expected, but as the National forces pressed on they retreated. The cavalry followed them some miles toward Centreville, but the heat of the weather and the previous long march prevented the infantry following. The abandonment of the village by the Confederates was so sudden that they left behind them some portions of their provisions, intrenching tools, and camp furniture. The army advances in three columns, one on the Fairfax road, and the others to the north and south of the road. The advance will be continued to Centreville, eight miles beyond Fairfax, where the Confederates will probably make a stand if they design attempting to hold Manassas Junction. The only casualties reported by Gen McDowell are an officer and three men slightly wounded.—(Doc. 98.)

—The Sixth Regiment of Maine volunteers, commanded by Colonel Abner Knowles, left Portland for the seat of war. The regiment, which has been recruited mainly from the counties of Washington and Penobscot, consists mostly of stout, hardy lumbermen, already inured to hard work and apparently ready for more. Many of the privates measure six feet four. They are uniformed in a similar manner to the other Maine regiments. Each man has an extra fatigue uniform, consisting of gray pants and shirt, presented to them by various sewing societies. Surgeon-General Garcelon, of Maine, accompanies the regiment to Washington.—Boston Post, July 18.

—The following order relative to contraband negroes was issued from the army head-quarters in Washington:

Head-quarters Department of Washington,

Washington, D. C., July 17, 1861

General Orders No. 33.

Fugitive slaves will, under no pretest whatever, be permitted to reside, or in any way be harbored in the quarters and camps of the troops serving in this department. Neither will such slaves be allowed to accompany troops on the march. Commanders of troops will be held responsible for a strict observance of the order.

By command of Brigadier-General Mansfield.

Theodore Talbot,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

—General Patterson’s entire command moved from Bunker Hill, Va., at an early hour this morning, but instead of moving directly towards Winchester it took the road for Charlestown, distant from Bunker Hill about eight miles, and laying at right angles with the Winchester road. The reason of this unexpected move is as follows: Winchester is defended on the north side by a strong breastwork, in the form of the letter V, having the town behind the angle. It cannot be attacked from that side without exposing the soldiers to a heavy and most destructive cross-fire. The side west of the town is defended by a palisade; but the east aide is only covered by a veil. On the east side there is also an eminence which commands the town. This eminence has been left unoccupied.—Baltimore American, July 18.

—The Twelfth Ohio Regiment, two companies of the Twenty-first Ohio and a battery of light artillery, attacked the rebels at a place called Scarytown, on the Kanawha River, Va., and were repulsed with a loss of thirty killed and wounded.—(Doc. 99.)

July 16.—The Union troops in Missouri had a fight with the rebels to-day, at a point called Millsville, on the North Missouri Railroad. The Union troops, consisting of eight hundred men, were fired into at that point, as they came up in a train of cars, and an engagement at once ensued. The number of the rebels is not known, but seven of their number were killed and several taken prisoners.—N. Y. Herald, July 18.

—The Third Massachusetts Regiment sails from Fortress Monroe for Boston this evening in the steamer Cambridge. They were reviewed by General Butler to-day.—The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment follows to-morrow.—Col. Max Leber’s and Col. Baker’s Regiments were to occupy Hampton, but the plan has been somewhat changed.—Brigadier-General Pierce returns with the Massachusetts Regiments.—Col. Duryea will be acting Brigadier General in Hampton.—Several companies went out from Newport News last night to surprise, if possible, a body of light horse, which have for some time hovered in the vicinity.—National Intelligencer, July 18.

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, the Committee on Commerce, in response to a resolution directing inquiry as to what measures are necessary to suppress privateering, and render the blockade of the rebel ports more effectual, reported a bill authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to hire, purchase, or contract for such vessels as may be necessary for a temporary increase of the navy, the vessels to be furnished with such ordnance, stores, and munitions of war as will enable them to render the most efficient service. According to the orders issued to their respective commands, the temporary appointments made of acting lieutenants, acting paymasters, acting surgeons, masters and masters’ mates, and the rates of pay for these officers heretofore designed, are, by this bill, legalized and approved.

For the purpose of carrying this act into effect to suppress piracy and render the blockade more effectual, three millions of dollars are appropriated. The bill was referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs.—A bill, authorizing the President to call out the militia to suppress rebellion, was passed unanimously.—The bill, authorizing the President to accept the services of five hundred thousand volunteers, was also passed.—The Senate’s amendments to the Loan bill were all concurred in.—A joint resolution, conveying the thanks of Congress to Major General George B. McClellan and the officers and soldiers under his command, for the recent brilliant victories over the rebels in Western Virginia, was unanimously adopted.

—Lieut. W. H. Free, of the Seventh Ohio Regiment, from a company enlisted in Perry County, Ohio, arrived at Columbus in that State with four Secessionists. Free, with twenty-five men, was conducting a transportation train from Ravenswood, Virginia, to Parkersburg. On Sunday last, he stopped at a farm-house to bait the horses. He immediately found that the women of the house sympathized with Secession. The farmer was absent. Thinking he might learn some facts of importance, ho assured the women that he was an officer from Wise’s brigade. At first they distrusted him, but at length gave him their confidence, and treated him very kindly. He learned that the farmer would be at home at night. About ten o’clock he came. Free soon gained his confidence, and was told that a meeting had been arranged at a neighboring house for the purpose of planning an attack upon Union men. Free pretending to need a guide to show him the way to Wise’s camp, the farmer, named Fred. Kizer, sent for some of his neighbors. Three of them came, one of whom was recommended as a guide. Free became satisfied from their conversation that they intended harm to Coleman and Smith, Union men, who had been influential, and at a concerted signal called his men around him, and declared himself an officer of the United States army. Instantly Kizer and his rebel friends were seized. The Lieutenant immediately ordered a march, and the next morning delivered his prisoners to Captain Stinchcomb, at Parkersburg, who sent him with three guards to Columbus. The names of the prisoners are Frederick Kizer, David H. Young, John W. Wigal, and John H. Lockwood.—Cincinnati Gazette, July 17.

—In the Senate of the United States, John 0. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, in an elaborate speech, opposed the resolution approving the acts of the President in suppressing the Southern rebellion. He rehearsed the old arguments against the right of the Government to put down rebellion, and in the course of his remarks, took occasion to deny positively that he had ever telegraphed to Jeff. Davis that President Lincoln’s Congress would not be allowed to meet in Washington on the 4th of July, or that Kentucky would furnish 7,000 armed men for the rebel army.—(Doc. 94.)

—It is doubtful, says the National Intelligencer of this date, whether, since the days of Peter the Hermit, the world has seen such an uprising, at the bidding of a sentiment, as this country has exhibited in the last ninety days. Perhaps the magnitude of the effort is best appreciated by observing what has been done by single States of the Confederacy. And to illustrate this, we need not even adduce the exertions of sovereignties dating back to Revolutionary days, as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Younger members of the Confederacy, States that half a century since had no existence, contribute singly no inconsiderable army to the assembling forces of the Union. Let us instance one of these, which recent events in Western Virginia have brought favorably and prominently forward—Indiana, forty-five years ago a frontier Territory, where the red man still contended with the white pioneer. Indiana has equipped, and is equipping for the General Government, a force such as has decided ere now the fate of a nation—twenty-three regiments, a volunteer army of more than twenty thousand infantry and twelve hundred cavalry; and these she has not only uniformed and accoutred, but partially armed with the improved rifle of the day, meanwhile at her own expense.

This is no isolated example. Others have done as well. If the power of a sentiment is to be estimated by the deeds it prompts, how strong must be the love of the Union in the hearts of its citizens!

—The Federal army in Virginia to-day took up the line of march for Fairfax and Manassas. The force standing to-day is fully 60,000 strong, the number reaching by actual count about 68,000. These are about 3,000 regular infantry, cavalry, and artillery, and 50,000 volunteers. The two Rhode Island, the 71st New York, and the 2d New Hampshire, comprising Colonel Burnside’s brigade, left Washington at 4 o’clock this afternoon, and struck the road for Fairfax Court House. The 27th New York went over at 6 o’clock, and also took the Fairfax route. As soon as these regiments came together and passed the encampment, the soldiers cheered lustily and shouted congratulations to each other that they were fairly on the road to the rebel capital. The Dekalb Regiment passed over the bridge and went into Camp Runyon.—(Doc. 97.)

—General Patterson’s division, in its advance upon Winchester, Va., had a very brilliant skirmish to-day with the rebels near Bunker Hill, about nine miles from Martinsburg. The Rhode Island battery and the Twenty-first and Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiments headed the advancing column, supported by the Second United Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas. When near Bunker Hill the rebel cavalry, 600 strong, under Colonel Stuart, charged the United States infantry, not perceiving the battery behind them. The infantry at once opened their lines, and the Rhode Island artillery poured in a discharge of grape and shell that sent the rebel cavalry reeling back. The United States cavalry then charged and pursued them for two miles, until they were entirely routed.—(Doc. 92.)

—Brig.-Gen. Hurlbut issued a proclamation to the citizens of Northeastern Missouri, denouncing the false and designing men who are seeking to overthrow the Government. He warns them that the time for tolerating treason has passed, and that the man or body of men who venture to stand in defiance of the supreme authority of the Union, peril their lives in the attempt. He says the character of the resistance which has been made, is in strict conformity with the source from which it originated. Cowardly assassins watch for opportunities to murder, and become heroes among their associated band by slaughtering, by stealth, those whom openly they dare not meet. This system, hitherto unknown to civilized warfare, is the natural fruit which treason bears. The process of the criminal courts as administered in disaffected districts will not cure this system of assassination, but the stern and imperative demand of a military necessity, and the duty of self-protection, will furnish a sharp and decisive remedy in the justice of a court-martial—(Doc. 93.)

—A Peace Meeting was held at Nyack, Rockland Co., N. Y. Addresses were delivered, and resolutions were adopted, deprecating the present war.—(Doc. 96.)

—Advices were received at New York, that the privateer Sumter arrived at Cienfuegos, Cuba, on the 6th of July, carrying in as prizes the brigs Cuba, Machias, Naiad, Albert Adams, Ben Dunning, and the barks West Wind, and Louisa Kilham. She also fell in with the ship Golden Rocket off the Isle of Pines, which was set fire to and burned, after taking off the officers and crew.

Captain Semmes., of the Sumter, sent an officer ashore with a letter to the Governor of the town, who telegraphed to the Captain General at Havana for instructions. The steamer left the next day, having received a supply of coal and water. All the prizes were taken a short distance from the shore.—Philaphia Press, July 15.

—The rebel forces under General Robert S. Garnett, formerly a Major in the United States Army, while retreating from Laurel Hill, Va., to St. George, were overtaken to-day by Gen. Morris, with the Fourteenth Ohio and the Seventh and Ninth Indiana Regiments. When within eight miles of St. George, at a place called Carrick’s Ford, the rebels made a stand, a brisk fight ensued, and they were completely routed and scattered by the troops of General Morris. While General Garnett was attempting to rally his men he was struck through the spine by a rifle ball, and fell dead on the road. The rebels fled up the Horseshoe Valley, Gen. Hill following in hot pursuit. Forty loads of provisions, all their horses, wagons, and guns fell into the hands of the victors.— (Doc. 88.)

—The Third Wisconsin Regiment, commanded by Colonel Hamilton, arrived at Buffalo this afternoon, and, after taking refreshments proceeded to Elmira, where they received arms.— N. Y. World, July 15.

—A report of the results of three reconnoissances made on the Fairfax road, on the Richmond road, and on the Mount Vernon road, all starting from Alexandria, Va., was today made to Col. Miles, commanding the 5th Division of Troops, Department of Northeastern Virginia, by Col. Thomas A. Davies, commanding the 2d Brigade, of the 5th Division. The reconnoissances were all successful.— (Doc. 91.)

—John B. Clark, member of the House of Representatives from Missouri, was expelled from that body, having been found in arms against the United States Government, and in active part with the rebels under Governor Jackson, in the late battle of Booneville, Missouri.

—Joseph Holt addressed the citizens of Louisville, Ky., this day. His speech was a triumph for the Government of the Union. He called forth in expressive outbursts the popular consciousness that the Government of the United States, which has so long protected and blessed all its citizens, is now itself in need of protection and blessing from them; and in this hour of its peril calls for, and has the right to call for, the earnest and absolute support of all who still profess allegiance to it. An eminently distinguished Kentuckian, an old and highly honored resident of Louisville, an illustrious patriot, faithful to his country and to his oath amidst untold embarrassments, Joseph Holt was listened to by the vast gathering of his Kentucky friends with the profoundest respect and the most rapturous approval; and the more emphatic and unqualified the orator’s declarations of devotion to the Union and the Government, and the stronger his appeals for Kentucky to do her whole duty and contribute her whole strength to the Administration in its heroic struggle to save the Government and restore the Union, the louder and longer was the universal applause.—National Intelligencer, July 20.—(Doc. 90.)

—General Polk issued a general order from his head-quarters, at Memphis, Tenn., to-day on the occasion of assuming the command of the Mississippi division of the rebel army. He says that “justice will triumph, and an earnest of this triumph is already beheld in the mighty uprising of the whole Southern heart.”— (Doc. 95.)

—Last night, after the battle at Rich Mountain, Colonel Pegram, who was in command, withdrew from the fort near Beverly, leaving behind six guns, a largo number of horses,wagons, and camp equipage.—(Doc. 85.)

—J. P. Benjamin, Attorney-General of the Confederate States of America, issued a circular of instruction to Marshals in relation to prisoners of war, and persons captured at sea, as follows:—

1. All persons captured at sea and placed in custody of the Marshals, are at once to be confined in such manner as to prevent their obtaining any information which could be made useful to the enemy.

2. All persons captured on board of vessels (whether armed or unarmed) employed in the public service of the United States, are to be considered as prisoners of war. All persons employed in the service of the enemy, are to be considered as prisoners of war even when captured on unarmed vessels not employed in the public service of the enemy.

Persons captured on private unarmed vessels, and not employed in the public service of the enemy, are not prisoners of war.

3. As soon as the Marshal shall have received into custody persons captured at sea, he shall make out a list of their names, rank, and position, and submit one copy thereof to the judge of the court, and another to the captors or their proctor, for the purpose of designating such as are to be detained as witnesses.

4. After separating those who are to be detained in confinement as witnesses, the Marshal will at once deliver to the commander of the nearest military post all the prisoners of war; and will transport to the frontier and place beyond the limits of the Confederacy all such alien enemies as are not prisoners of war. —Baltimore American, July 22.

—This evening a detachment of three companies of Colonel Woodruffs Second Kentucky Regiment attacked six hundred rebels between Mad River and Barboursville, on the Kanawha River, Western Virginia, completely routing them. Ten or twelve rebels were killed and a number wounded. The Kentuckians had one killed.—(Doc. 85.)

—To-day the ladies of Martinsburg, Virginia, presented to the Second Wisconsin Regiment a beautiful National ensign. Coming as it does from the people of a State which has been declared out of the Union by her constituted authorities, the regiment received the donation with peculiar sensations of pleasure. The flag was presented with the following remarks :

Soldiers of the Wisconsin Regiment:—We have met this bright and beautiful morning to present to you this emblem of our national glory as a token of our high regard for you and our cause; we welcome you into our midst bearing the flag of our glorious country, trusting in God; this flag has protected the oppressed of all lands, who have sought its shelter, and so long as this flag shall wave the oppressed shall be free. Believing from what you have already accomplished, it will never be disgraced in your hands you will accept this token from the ladies of Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia.—Baltimore American, July 23.

—The Senate of the United States passed the bill, which had previously passed the House, to provide for the collection of duties in such ports as are situated within States, or parts of a State refusing obedience to the ordinary revenue laws of the nation.

In such cases it is ordered by this new act that the Surveyors at the several ports shall be subject to all the obligations and provided with all the subordinate officers of Collectors, and that all the general provisions of law regulating trade and commerce shall apply to such ports in the same manner as they do to ports of entry established by the laws now in force.

The President is also authorized to direct that the custom-house for any district in which the collection of the customs in the ordinary way is obstructed, may be established in any secure place within such district, or on shipboard near the coast. Provision is also made for enforcing the regulations of Congress under this head. In cases where these extraordinary means maybe found unavailing for the purpose of protecting the public revenue, the President is authorized, by proclamation, to close such ports of entry; and any ship undertaking to disregard such proclamation is rendered liable to forfeiture.

Another section of the bill directs that all commercial intercourse between other portions of the Union and States, or parts of States, declared to be in insurrection, according to the terms of the act of 1795, shall cease and be unlawful so long as such condition of hostility exists.—National Intelligencer, July 13.

—The Thirty-sixth Regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Colonel Charles S. Innes, departed from Riker’s Island, direct for Washington.—N. Y. Times, July 13.

—In the House of Representatives at Washington, Mr. Vallandigham, of Ohio, offered a preamble and resolution, declaring vacant the seats of such members as have accepted commands in the militia of their several States, which occasioned a lively passage of words between various representatives, when the matter was tabled by ninety-two votes to fifty-one.

—Colonel Pegram, the commander of the rebel forces, near Beverly, Virginia, surrendered to General McClellan. This morning he sent a messenger to the Federal camp at Huttonsville, Va., stating that he, with six hundred men, would surrender as prisoners of war. They were nearly starved, and as Gen. Garnett was flying from Laurel Hill, to which point he was flying, he had no chance to escape. Gen. McClellan required an unconditional surrender. To this Col. Pegram was obliged to submit, and, with his whole force, was disarmed and marched into Beverly. Lieut.-Col. Cantwell, with a part of the Ohio Fourth Regiment, received their arms and took them in charge. His army was composed of the flower of Eastern Virginia, and contained among its curiosities a Professor in Hampden Sidney College, with a company of his students. Col. Pegram is a West Point graduate, a brave man, and has only left the United States array within a few months. Gen. Garnett, who is now flying with his whole force of six thousand men, is also a graduate of West Point, and was the commandant there a few years ago.—(Doc. 87.)

—The Galveston (Texas) Civilian, of to-day, contains the following:—”The San Antonio Ledger has late advices from New Mexico. Brigadier-General F. B. Stanton has arrived and organized two regiments for Lincoln’s service. The first regiment is commanded by Ceran St. Train, Colonel. The Second Regiment is commanded by Miguel Pino, Colonel, and Manuel Chara, Lieutenant-Colonel. The Fifth and Seventh Regular Infantry have orders to march to the States. So we may look for trouble in New Mexico.”

—Alexander H. Stephens delivered an elaborate speech at Augusta, Georgia, defending the cause of secession and pointing out the way to the success of the southern rebellion.— (Doc. 83.)

—This morning a young man presented himself at the quarters of one of the Pennsylvania Regiments, near Shuter’s Hill, opposite Washington, dressed in a suit of blue navy flannel, surmounted with a lieutenant’s epaulettes, and introduced himself as “Lieut. Smith of Company A, 6th Massachusetts Regiment.” Not being suspected at the time, he was allowed to inspect the works at Fort Ellsworth, and to witness the departure of the Zouaves toward Fairfax. Not until he had safely returned to Washington and been carried by the cars some miles on the road to Baltimore, was it discovered that a secessionist had been in camp.—N. Y. Tribune, July 13.

—The companies sent to the relief of Col. Smith, at Monroe, Missouri, returned to Hannibal this evening, and report the road unobstructed between Hannibal and Monroe. On arriving at the latter place, they formed a junction with Col. Smith’s force, which was intrenched in the Academy buildings. The rebels, 1,200 strong, were grouped over the prairie, out of reach of Col. Smith’s rifles. They had two pieces of artillery, which were brought to bear, but the distance was so great that the balls were almost spent before reaching the lines. Col. Smith’s artillery was of longer range, and did considerable execution. The fight lasted until dusk, and the last shot from the Federal side dismounted one of the rebels’ guns. Just at that moment Governor Wood, of Illinois, fell on their rear with the cavalry sent from Quincy and completely routed them, taking seventy-five prisoners, one gun, and a large number of horses. About twenty or thirty rebels were killed. Not one of the Unionists was killed, although several were severely wounded. General Tom Harris, the rebel leader, escaped.—Chicago Tribune, July 12.

—The New-Orleans Delta, of this day, says that further persistence of the Confederate States in the endeavor to obtain the recognition of our nationality is useless. It also says that the British Ministry have not the courage nor the inclination to apply to the Confederate States the rules which they have uniformly applied to other nations. It adds: “Too much importance has been assigned to the idea that France and England would break the blockade to get Southern products.” The editor, therefore, proposes a recall of the Southern Commissioners, and to refuse the recognition of resident Consuls of all the Powers which will not recognize similar officers of the Confederate States abroad.

—The rebels at New Orleans, La., have taken a powerful tug-boat, covered her with railroad iron, and put her machinery below the waterline. They have also built a new boat completely of iron, very sharp, with a sharp point below the waterline, intended to run down the Federal vessels of war. The latter will be commanded by Capt. Seward Porter, formerly of Portland, Maine.—National Intelligencer, July 16.

—The Charleston Mercury of this day publishes the following:—The Sixteenth Regiment S. C. M., comprising eight beat companies, were on the Green yesterday for inspection (?). A more ridiculous farce could not possibly have been enacted than that gone through with yesterday—that is, if regarded in a military point of view. If six hundred citizens, drawn up in two ranks, without arms or equipments, ununiformed, and ignorant of the first principles of a soldier’s duty, can be called a regiment, this was a regiment.

We forego further comment, only remarking, that what is a farce now, to be enjoyed by idle juveniles, may be at no distant day a tragedy over which the State will mourn.

—At St. Louis, Mo., about 400 men belonging to Col. McNeil’s regiment, a reserve corps, visited the State Journal office early this morning, removing the type, paper, etc. They then read an order from Gen. Lyon prohibiting the further publication of that sheet.

Col. McNeil published a proclamation to the people of Missouri, stating that the suppression of the State Journal was in consequence of its giving aid and comfort to those in active rebellion against the authority of the United States Government, encouraging the people to take up arms against that authority, to commit acts of violence and oppression against loyal citizens, and by the fabrication of false reports respecting the United States troops, inciting disaffected citizens to the commission of overt acts of treason, with a view of entirely subverting the Federal authority in the State.—N. Y. World, July 16.

—A Battle was fought this afternoon at Rich Mountain,¹ about two miles east of Roaring Run, Va. where the rebels, numbering about two thousand, under command of Col. Pegram, were strongly intrenched.

About 3 o’clock this morning Gen. McClellan ordered four regiments—the Eighth, Tenth, Thirteenth Indiana, and Nineteenth Ohio Regiments, under the command of Gen. Rosecrans —to proceed along the line of the hills southeast of the enemy’s intrenched camp on the Beverly road, where it crosses Rich Mountain, two miles east of the enemy’s position, with orders to advance along the Beverly road and attack the east side of the work—Gen. McClellan being prepared to assault the west side as soon as the firing should announce the commencement of the attack. The capture of a courier, who mistook the road through the enemy’s camp for the route of the Federal troops, placed the enemy in possession of intelligence of the movement.

The rebels, about 2,500 strong, with heavy earthwork batteries, were intrenched on the western slopes of the Rich Mountain, about twenty-five miles east from Buckhannon, and two miles west from Beverly, which is on the east side of the mountain. They had selected the forks of the Roaring Creek, which empties after a northerly course into the Tygart’s Valley River, a branch of the Monongahela. The creek crosses the road in two places, about a mile apart.

The morning was cool and bracing, and the Federal troops were in capital spirits. Gen. Rosecrans ordered the brigade to cut a path through a thick growth of mountain pine trees and heavy undergrowth of brush for nearly nine miles, which occupied about ten hours, resting at noon.

Late in the afternoon Gen. Rosecrans came on the rear of the rebels, and, after a desperate fight of an hour and a half, completely routed them, driving them in the utmost disorder into the woods, and capturing all their guns, wagons, and camp equipage, or, as Gen. McClellan says, “all they had.” They also took several prisoners, many officers among them. Sixty of the rebels were killed and a large number wounded. Of the Union troops twenty were killed and forty wounded. Gen. McClellan had his guns mounted to command the rebels’ position, but he found that the gallantry of Rosecrans spared him the trouble of going into action. He is now moving on Beverly, and the advance command of Gen. Rosecrans are within three miles of that place.—(Doc. 84.)

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¹ Rich Mountain is a gap in the Laurel Hill Range where the Staunton and Weston turnpike crosses it between Buckhannon and Beverly, and about four or miles out of the latter place. It is about as far from Laurel Hill proper, (that is, where the Beverly and Fairmount pike crosses it, and where the enemy is intrenched,) as Beverly is: some 15 or 16 miles. It is also about 25 miles  from Buckhannon.— Wheeling Intelligencer.

—The Executive Government of the United States and correspondents arrived at a full understanding to-day, regarding the transmission of telegraphic despatches giving information as to movements of the army. So, hereafter, it will be necessary for the distant public to await the arrival of the mails before knowing what advances of troops have been made, as also what reinforcements have arrived. The Government alleges that it has been greatly embarrassed in its movements by the Washington correspondents of the New York press, and patriotically called upon them to co-operate in not publishing any movements prematurely. Should a battle occur, the Government will probably permit the official accounts to be transmitted.—N. Y. World, July 11.

—The Loan bill passed the House of Representatives to-day. It authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to borrow on the credit of the United States, within twelve months from the passage of the act, a sum not exceeding two hundred and fifty millions of dollars, for which he is authorized to issue certificates of coupon, or registered stock, or treasury notes, the stock to bear interest not exceeding seven per centum per annum, payable semi-annually, irredeemable for twenty years, and after that period redeemable at pleasure. The United States treasury notes are to be fixed by the Secretary at not less than fifty dollars, payable three years after date, with interest at the rate of seven and three-tenths per centum per annum, payable annually on the notes of fifty dollars, and semi-annually on notes of larger denominations. The faith of the United States is solemnly pledged for the payment of the interest and the redemption of the principal of the loan; and for the full and punctual payment of the interest, the United States specially pledge the duties of import on tea, coffee, sugar, spices, wines and liquors, and also such excise and other internal duties or taxes as may be received into the treasury. In the debate on the bill, Mr. Vallandigham, of Ohio, took occasion to charge the Executive with a usurpation of power, and declared himself for a speedy, immediate, and honorable peace.—(Doc. 75.)

—The entire postal service, embracing post-offices, post-routes, and route agencies in Middle and West Tennessee, were discontinued by order of the Postmaster-General.—National Intelligencer, July 12.

—A Resolution passed the Lower House of the Virginia Legislature, at Wheeling, to-day, instructing Senators and requesting Representatives in Congress to vote for the necessary appropriations of men and money for a vigorous prosecution of the war, and to oppose all compromises until the rebellion is crushed out. The following resolution was offered by Mr. Vance, of Harrison:

Whereas, One Owen Lovejoy, a member from Illinois, has offered a resolution in the House of Representatives, having for its object the repeal of the fugitive slave law; therefore be it

Resolved, That our Senators in Congress be instructed, and our Representatives requested to vote against said resolution, or any other of like object.— N. Y. World, July 11.

—In the Senate of the United States the bill authorizing the employment of 500,000 volunteers, and making an appropriation of 600,000,000 dollars, for the purpose of suppressing the existing rebellion, was passed. Mr. Saulsbury of Delaware desired to amend, by inserting, in the place of 500,000 men, 200,000; he desired peace, he said, and had faith in compromise measures. To him it was pertinently replied that 200,000 men were too many for peace and too few for war; and the amendment was rejected—33 voting against it, and 5 (Messrs. Johnson of Missouri, Kennedy, Polk, Powell, and Saulsbury) in favor of it.

—Gen. Banks issued a proclamation, appointing Geo. R. Dodge, Esq., of Baltimore, , Marshal of Police, vice Col. Kenly, Provost Marshal, relieved.

He also directed the military occupation of Baltimore to cease, and ordered the regiments to resume their old positions in the suburbs of the city. The regiments affected by this order are the Eighteenth, Nineteenth, and Twenty, second Pennsylvania ; the Thirteenth and Twentieth New York, and Eighth Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts battery of light artillery. The soldiers will not be permitted to visit the city without permission, and then must leave their arms in camp.—Baltimore American, July 10.

—This afternoon, a gold medal, ordered by the citizens of New York, was presented by Mayor Wood to Brigadier-General Anderson, through his friend, John C. Murray, who was deputed to receive it on his behalf.—N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

—The Thirty-third Regiment, New York Volunteers, commanded by Col. R. F. Taylor, numbering 859 men, passed through Baltimore to-day.—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, July 11.

—Daniel S. Dickinson delivered an address at Amherst College, on the present state of affairs in the United States. It is replete with the customary vigor of its distinguished author, with that strong instinct of generous and genuine Democracy which belongs to his character, and is inspired by the largest patriotism and the wisest statesmanship. Mr. Dickinson declared himself for the maintenance of the Constitution and for the preservation of the integrity of the Republic at whatever cost. At the same time he exposed the folly of the secession theory and the wickedness of the secession practice; and, in all, he speaks like a man of the people and an American. Regarding the present crisis not without sorrow indeed, but without fear, he is for a zealous and speedy prosecution of the war, and for peace only on the basis of the entire submission of the rebels.—(Doc. 76.)

—The Twenty-seventh Regiment N. Y. S. V., commanded by Col. H. W. Slocum, 1,000 strong, left Elmira this afternoon for Washington.—N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

—The House of Representatives passed the bill laid before Congress by Secretary Chase, empowering the President to close the ports of the seceding States. The vote on the passage of the bill wag 185 yeas to 10 nays.—N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

—About two o’clock this morning the camp of the Federal troops, under Colonel Smith, of the Illinois Sixteenth, near Monroe station, thirty miles west of Hannibal, Mo., embracing 800 of the Iowa Third, 200 of the Illinois Sixteenth, and about 100 of the Hannibal Home Guards, was attacked by 1,600 secessionists, under Brigadier-General Harris.

Although the Federals were surprised, they repelled the attack, drove the rebels back, killed four, and wounded several, besides capturing five prisoners and seven horses. Harris retreated to Monroe, where another skirmish occurred, in which the rebels were again repulsed. Smith then took up a position and sent messengers for reenforcements from Quincy.—Baltimore American, July 12.—(Doc. 76½.)

—The Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, under command of Colonel D. N. Couch, left Taunton, Mass., this afternoon for the seat of war. —N. Y. Evening Post, July 10.

—The New Orleans True Delta of to-day has two characteristic articles, containing bold denunciations of the rebel leaders. One refers to the contemplated assembling of the Congress of the Confederate States in Richmond on the 20th inst., of the future of which no very sanguine anticipations are entertained. If the State of Louisiana, it says, is to be taken as a sample of the way things have been conducted, the result shows a treasury collapsed, a great city comparatively defenceless, a people full of chivalrous feeling discouraged, and an ardent and zealous local militia disappointed and disgusted. It suggests that the provisional government should immediately organize the local military strength, under the direction of capable and intelligent military officers, to which should be temporarily attached such scattering material as may be found unemployed in adjacent States, so as to familiarize it for any duty the future may require of it. The other article shows the absurdity of the donation reliance; states that the men who have managed to get the country into the war have proved themselves utterly incapable of carrying the rebel States safely and honorably through it, and asks why should not the people awake at once to the opportunity that will soon present, to find other men more fit to carry them with honor, glory, and success, to a triumphal termination of all their troubles? It is quite likely that the indignation of the people of the rebellious States will recoil upon the rebel leaders who have madly led them into this unfortunate war.

—Henry A. Wise of the rebel army issued a proclamation, calling upon the citizens of Western Virginia to rally to his standard, and holding out to them the promise of pardon for past oftbuces.—(Doc. 78.) ,

—A skirmish took place at Laurel Hill, Va., between the Federal troops under Gen. McClellan, and the rebels under Gen. Pegram. About 2 o’clock in the afternoon two large bodies were seen from a high hill in the neighborhood to leave the rebels’ camp. Instant preparations were made to resist. About 4 p. M., there was skirmishing in front by the Fourteenth Ohio and Ninth Indiana Regiments, which soon became very warm. The rebels advanced under cover of the woods when the Federals rushed forward, pouring in a sharp volley, killing several of the enemy. The rebel cavalry then advanced to take our skirmishers in flank. The Federal troops rapidly retreated, and the artillery dropped a couple of shells, one of which exploded among the cavalry when they instantly fell back. Again the Union troops rushed forward and pouring in another volley the rebels scattered in the woods, and the officers were seen attempting to rally them, but they could not be brought up again in a body. In the meantime the skirmishers picked off their officers, and several additional shells were thrown in. The Federal troops made a final rush, driving the rebels from their own rifle pits, and bringing back several of their blankets, canteens and guns. The rebel force engaged was a Georgia Regiment, 1,200 strong, and generally considered the crack regiment of this division of the rebel army.

The most astonishing bravery was displayed by the Federal skirmishers, and the only trouble was to keep the men from rushing into the midst of the enemy. The whole skirmish was a most spirited affair, and the Ohio and Indiana boys gave the Georgians some new idea of Yankee courage. A prisoner taken says that the Georgians refused to come into the woods again opposite to the Federal position, and they were all astonished and terrified. The rebel supply of provisions has been cut off, and they must soon come to extremities. The Union loss is one killed and three wounded. Indications have been seen of an attempt to open a new road by the rebels through which to escape or bring in provisions. Every outlet is watched, and they are trapped.

—The New Orleans Picayune of this day contains a particular account of a fight that occurred lately at the mouth of the Mississippi. —(Doc. 79.)