War in East Tennessee
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FEBRUARY 6, 1864.] HARPER'S WEEKLY. 83 (Previous Page) for saloons, boudoirs, and libraries, went smiling and sparkling through life, faithfully devoted to his work, endeared to his friends, and making hosts of readers happy. In this beautiful volume we find many passages in which we of this Journal have a special interest; as in the sketch taken from the Weekly of February 12, 1859, recording a conversation with Mr. Prescott, shortly before his death, by the Reverend W. H. Milburn; and in the many, always friendly, allusions to his publishers in New York (who are also the publishers of this Journal). The relation upon both sides was always most pleasant, and as such relations are of necessity an important part of the life of an author, they have due remembrance from the biographer. If we say, at last, that the spirit of this biography is entirely congenial with that of its subject, have we not given it the highest praise? A capital book for boys is "Days and Nights on the Battle-field" (Ticknor & Fields). It is written by "Carleton," the signature of Mr. Coffin, army correspondent of the Boston Journal. It describes the battle of Bull Run, the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson, with the battle of Shiloh, and other operations in the West, in a style so crisp, trenchant, and picturesque that no book is to be compared with it for giving an intelligent child a vivid conception of the war which shakes the country. The book is full of lively incident and shrewd observation. Its interest never flags, and it makes even the movement of battles intelligible. It is from such sources that the historian is to draw, and his elaborate touches will scarcely be more effective than these sketches of "Carleton." [From the Evening Post of January 26.]HARPER'S WEEKLY.—We have received the seventh volume of Harper's Weekly—for the eventful year 1863. It is a journal of the year, kept in the most interesting way, and as we turn over the pages we revive many now almost forgotten sensations, and see, bit by bit, how history has grown. Here we find "The new Commander of the Potomac army," General Meade; here, "Colonel Kilpatrick's charge," which made him presently a Brigadier-General; here, in pictures, for the most part drawn with admirable spirit, and clearly cut and printed, we live over again the siege and capture of Vicksburg, the battle of the iron-clads Atlanta and Weehawken, and many other scenes which posterity will read of admiringly. The volume closed and bound up becomes history, but it would not be just to this publication to omit a remark on the influence which it has exerted during the year, and which it continues to exert. An illustrated journal like Harper's Weekly, which circulates, we have heard, over one hundred and twenty thousand copies per week, chiefly among families, and which has probably a million of readers, has necessarily a great influence in the country. The Weekly has consistently and very ably supported the Union, the Government, and the great principles to develop which the Union was founded. The publishers have shown themselves true and wise lovers of liberty, and sterling patriots. They have thrown the whole influence of their journal for the most vigorous and thorough prosecution of the war; and have ably and constantly supported every measure of the Administration calculated to put down the rebellion, and to destroy the cause of rebellion among us. Unlike most illustrated journals, Harper's Weekly has displayed political and literary ability of a high order, as well as artistic merit. Its political discussions are sound, clear, and convincing, and have done their share to educate the American people to a right understanding of their dangers and duties. Thus complete in all the departments of an American family journal, Harper's Weekly has earned for itself a right to the title which it assumed seven years ago—"a journal of civilization." In its specialty—illustrations of passing events—it is unsurpassed; and many of the pictures of the year do honor to the genius of the artists and engravers of this country. There is a snow scene in the current number of the Weekly (for January 30) which is worthy of a frame, and has more merit than many an oil painting of a similar scene. In fact, the war has done much to improve the art of designing and cutting wood engravings, and we find frequently wood-cuts in Harper's Weekly which we have not seen equaled in any European publication of the kind. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE.CONGRESS.SENATE.—January 20. Mr. Brown presented a memorial from members of the Missouri Legislature against confirming the nomination of General Schofield as Major-General; the Senator spoke in sharp condemnation of the course of General Schofield as military commander in Missouri.—The Military Committee reported, with amendments, bill for a uniform ambulance system.—Resolutions were presented from the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, asking for a modification of the Reciprocity Treaty.—The President was asked to furnish information touching the recent conflagration at Santiago, Chili.—The Military Committee was instructed to report on the advantages of concentrated feed for horses and mules.—The resolution for a committee on the conduct of the war was passed, with the House amendment requiring an investigation into contracts.—The case of Mr. Bayard and the rule requiring a new oath from Senators came up. Mr. Collamer argued at length in favor of the rule, the object of which, he said, was to rid the Senate of members like those who, in 1861 and before, while holding seats, had plotted against the Government. If the Constitution was so framed that this could not be done, it was a total failure. Mr. Anthony followed, arguing in favor of the rule. Mr. Hendricks continued the debate. He had taken the oath, not because he thought it proper, but to silence the clamor that might arise if he refused. There was nothing in it particularly objectionable to him; but when the Senate proposed to make it a general rule, affecting all future applicants, he should oppose it. He thought that any man who came duly commissioned by his State had a right to a seat. He was determined that none of the leaders of the rebellion should have a seat in the Senate; but when the rebellion was crushed they would never seek a place in the Senate. He then went on to argue that this oath put obstructions in the way of reconstruction; denounced the policy of the President, and wished for such a mode of reconstruction as would allow of the return of the seceded States into the Union as friends, and not as enemies.—January 21. The Senatorial oath and Mr. Bayard's case was again brought up, and debated by Senators Johnson, Howard, and Foote; but no action was taken, except the rejection of an amendment offered by Mr. Powell, by 26 to 12.—The Senate adjourned until Monday, January 25.—January 25. The Judiciary Committee were discharged from the consideration of the resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Davis.—Mr. Sumner introduced resolution precluding admission to the bar in United States courts to all persons who shall not have taken the oath prescribed by the Act of 1862.—The Secretary of War was directed to transmit orders and proclamations concerning elections issued by military authorities in Kentucky and Missouri.—Mr. Wilson asked for inquiry into the character of the heavy ordnance, and rifled guns, and all matters pertaining thereto.—Mr. Hale's resolution of inquiry into the affairs of the Naval Department was referred to a committee, Mr. Hale being chairman.—The Senatorial oath was brought up and debated, Senators Saulsbury and Doolittle speaking against Mr. Sumner's resolution. This resolution, offered December 18, to the effect that to the rules of the Senate should be added that every Senator should take in open Senate the oath prescribed by the Act of July 2, 1862, was agreed to, 27 to 11.—January 26. Mr. Bayard addressed the Senate in reference to the new rule. He had thought that if it were adopted there was but one alternative, either to comply or to resign; he had become convinced that he had been partly in error; the rule had been judicially adopted, and was binding upon him to the extent of taking the oath; he should do this, and then resign the seat which he had held for thirteen years. The Senator then took the oath, resigned his seat, and retired from the hall. Mr. Richardson, of Illinois, who now appeared for the first time, said that, while he doubted the policy of requiring the oath, he had no objection to it; he accordingly took it, as prescribed by the rule.—Mr. Wilson introduced a bill to print the official reports of the operations of our armies, and another to secure homesteads to persons engaged in the service of the United States: referred.—Mr. Davis's resolution calling for papers relative to the exchange of prisoners was adopted.—The resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Davis was brought forward. A letter was read from Mr. Davis stating that, in offering these resolutions, he had no purpose to incite the army to mutiny or the people to sedition or violence; but it was to exhort the whole people, North and South, to terminate the war by a Constitutional settlement of their difficulties, and the reconstruction of the Union; and the resolutions would not fairly admit of any other construction. Mr. Howard moved to substitute "shall be censured" in place of "expelled;" in the course of his speech he paid a high personal compliment to the Senator from Kentucky. Mr. Johnson followed, denying that the resolutions, taken together, contained any thing treasonable, and the motion for expulsion was based upon supposed traitorous utterances; he spoke in favor of the right of opposition to the policy of Government, and in favor of freedom of debate: the subject was postponed till next day. House.—January 20. Mr. Schenck introduced a bill to equalize grades of line officers in the Navy: referred to Committee on Naval Affairs.—The proposed amendments to the Confiscation act were brought up, and a desultory debate ensued, in the course of which Mr. Voorhees expressed the determination of the Opposition members to debate the question at length; and Mr. Sweat, of Maine, declared that it was not the purpose of the Opposition to embarrass the Administration, but to aid it in putting down the rebellion; when that was done, let all the States come back and welcome, and let all questions in dispute be settled by the proper judicial tribunals. He did not believe that any power had the right to blot out States or State lines.—The Revenue bill came up. An amendment was proposed by Mr. Fernando Wood to the effect that all spirits on hand for sale, whether distilled before or since the passage of the act, shall pay the duties prescribed by this act: adopted, 85 to 30. Another amendment imposing 20 cents per gallon additional upon all spirits into which matter has been infused so that they are sold as brandy, rum, wine, etc., was adopted. Another amendment, providing that upon all cotton which now pays one-half cent per pound, an additional cent and a half be imposed, was adopted.—January 21. A new Committee was ordered, to which should be referred all communications on the subject of a uniform system of coinage, weights, and measures.—The joint resolution amending the Confiscation act was brought up and debated; but no action was taken.—The Revenue bill was then taken up. An amendment was agreed to, taxing all cotton in the hands of manufacturers, heretofore exempt, two cents a pound; and another providing that all spirits imported previous to the passage of the act shall pay an additional duty of 40 cents per gallon. The whole bill, as thus amended, was reported, and together, with a substitute proposed by Mr. Steven,, was ordered to be printed, as preliminary to further action.—January 22. The Committee on Coinage, Weights, and Measures was appointed, Mr. Kasson chairman.—The Internal Revenue bill was brought up. Mr. Stevens's substitute was rejected by 100 to 51; the amended bill of the Committee was then passed by 87 to 68; its main features are a tax of 60 cents per gallon on all first proof spirits; twenty-five cents additional upon liquors composed of whisky flavored so as to sell for brandy, rum, wine, etc.; upon imported spirits an additional tax of forty cents per gallon, first proof, as levied. Upon cotton the entire tax is two cents a pound: upon that in the hands of manufacturers and dealers, upon which one-half cent has been paid, the additional one and a half cents is imposed.—The resolution amending the Confiscation act was brought up and debated, but no definite action was taken.—Mr. Ward offered a resolution to the effect that all officers and soldiers honorably discharged for any reason within two years from enlistment, should receive the same bounties as those discharged after two years' service: referred to Committee on Military affairs.—House adjourned till Monday, January 25.—January 25. After the introduction of several bills, which were referred to appropriate committees, Mr. Holman offered a resolution instructing the Military Committee to introduce a bill for increasing the pay of soldiers; a motion to lay it on the table was rejected by an almost unanimous vote, and the resolution was referred.—Resolutions were offered by Mr. McDowell censuring the suspension of the habeas corpus act, and by Mr. Edgerton affirming the "Crittenden resolutions" to be the basis on which the war should be conducted, condemning the assumption of power by the Executive, and deprecating all revolutionary measures: debate arising, these two series of resolutions were laid over.—The Committee on Military Affairs reported back the bill, with amendments, reviving the grade of Lieutenant-General. The substance is, that the President may appoint from among the Major-Generals, by the advice and consent of the Senate, a commander-in-chief, who shall receive the pay and allowances provided for by existing laws; but the rank, pay, and allowances of General Scott, shall not be affected by the bill: the consideration of this bill was postponed for a week.—The Committee on Military Affairs reported back the Enrollment bill, with amendments: postponed.—A general debate ensued upon the bill providing for deficiencies in Appropriations. The debate took a personal turn. Mr. Brooks, of New York, spoke against the President's proclamation; Mr. Smith, of Kentucky, said that the life-blood of the rebellion was drawn front African slavery, and that whenever we tap this fountain our efforts will be successful. Mr. Mallory, of the same State, protested against the sentiments of his colleague; Kentucky, he said, scorns them: he was, however, in favor of carrying on the war with all the power conferred by the Constitution; he would destroy the rebel army, and reduce the rebels to obedience; then he hoped private property would be spared, and the people of the South could come back to their allegiance. Mr. Wadsworth, also of Kentucky, censured Mr. Smith for voting for Mr. Colfax as Speaker; Mr. Smith rejoined, defending his vote; no "War Democrat," he said, had been put in nomination, and his vote had been indorsed by men who owned more negroes than himself and his accusers put together.—January 26. The joint resolution amendatory of the Confiscation act was brought up. Mr. F. Wood argued against the constitutionality of confiscation, so far as it deprived the heirs of persons attainted of treason of their fee in real property.—The joint resolution from the Senate, thanking Generals Hooker, Meade, Howard, and Banks, and their armies, and Mr. Vanderbilt, was passed.—An amendment to the Deficiency bill was passed, 71 to 37, that no money be expended on the Capitol and Treasury extensions, except what may be necessary to preserve the buildings from injury.—Mr. Allen offered an amendment to the Naval appropriation bill, that seamen should be paid in gold or its equivalent; a personal discussion ensued, but no action was taken. EAST TENNESSEE.Longstreet, it is reported, has been reinforced by as many as 20,000 troops from Lee's army, and is preparing to move on Knoxville. The rebel army at Dalton, Georgia, is estimated at 30,000. The communication between Chattanooga and Knoxville is threatened by guerrillas, probably under Morgan. Re-enlisting regiments are continually leaving on furlough, their places being promptly taken by new recruits. The President's Amnesty Proclamation, in East Tennessee, as in all other portions of the Confederacy, seems to have its designed effect upon the rebel soldiers. We have now the most indubitable assurance that this is the case, as General Longstreet himself has lately, in an official correspondence with General Foster, bitterly complained of the conduct of the latter in circulating this document among the Confederate soldiers, causing desertion and disaffection, and suggested that the proclamation should have circulated through himself or not at all. Foster replied by sending Longstreet twenty copies for circulation, agreeing with him that the proclamation exactly meant the return of the disaffected to their allegiance, and the restoration of peace. NORTH CAROLINA.The opposition to the Confederate Government, in North Carolina, is reaching its culminating point. The proposed conscription of all citizens between the ages of sixteen and sixty, and the exactions threatened against all holders of property, reveal too clearly the present desperate crisis of the rebellion. "We are now," says the Raleigh Standard, "reaping the bitter fruits of 'peaceable secession' in forcing from their once happy and peaceful homes into the army all from eighteen to forty-five years of age to be driven to the slaughter like oxen to the shambles. And to fill up the thinned ranks the present Congress now has before it the monstrous proposition to conscript all from sixteen to fifty-five years of age and make them subject to military law, which the Richmond Examiner boldly denounces as nothing less than an attempt to make Mr. Davis Dictator. If the independence of the Confederacy can not be achieved by the strength of our population up to forty-five years of age, it is clear to any reflecting mind that it will not be done by placing in the army the few left, upon whose labor all are dependent for food." The people of the State have called a convention for the purpose of seceding from the Southern Confederacy. SOUTH CAROLINA.The shelling of Charleston from Fort Putnam is continued day and alight, at intervals of ten minutes; the dense clouds of smoke rising from various portions of the city testify to the effectiveness of the bombardment. The iron-clad fleet still remain off the harbor. Pursuant to instructions from Washington, a circular has been issued respecting the purchase and culture of land in the vicinity of Beaufort and the neighboring islands. The President's instructions are that any loyal person who has resided for six months upon, or is engaged in cultivating any lands in that district, owned by the United States, may enter the same for pre-emption to the extent of one, or, at the option of the pre-emptor, two tracts of twenty acres each, paying therefor $1.25 per acre. Preference in all cases is given to heads of families, and to married women whose husbands are engaged in the service of the United States, or are necessarily absent. Soldiers, sailors, or marines, in service or honorably discharged, may pre-empt at the same rate, one tract if single, and if married, two tracts of twenty acres each. This order of the President, it is supposed, will be most beneficent in its results. ARKANSAS.The Arkansas Delegation have succeeded in their mission, so that the restoration of civil government in that State, upon a plan similar to that adopted in Louisiana, may be looked upon as certain. The Convention lately held in Arkansas represented the State quite entirely. General Steele will soon order an election for State officers and members of the State Legislature. FORTRESS MONROE.General Butler has no idea of rusting in the service even in winter time. A dispatch has lately been received from him by Secretary Stanton, stating that General Graham, under his command, had made a successful raid up the James River, landing at a point on the peninsula below Fort Powhatan. The result of this expedition was the capture of twenty-two rebels, seven of them belonging to a signal corps; five Jews; ninety-nine negroes; a sloop and a schooner preparing to run the blockade with two hundred and forty boxes of tobacco; and the destruction of 24,000 pounds of pork and large quantities of oats and corn. General Graham returned without the loss of a man. THE BLOCKADE.According to Admiral Lee's Report the blockade of Wilmington is completely successful. The East Gulf squadron have captured three valuable prizes, viz.: the British schooner Don Jose, from Nassau; the bark Roebuck, from Havana to Mobile; and the sloop Hancock, taken off the Florida coast.—On the 31st of December the Kennebec captured the rebel steamer Grey Jacket, from Mobile to Havana, and on January 7th the schooner John Scott, just out of Mobile Bay, laden with cotton and turpentine.
FOREIGN NEWS.
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