THE

Wellington Independent, Volume XVI, Issue 1621, 27 September 1861, Page 2

THE

Friday, September 27, 1861. THE RICHMOND ENQUIRY. . [SECOND ARTICLE.] " The arrangements of nature are admirable," exclaimed a pretty Belle during a late high wind. " The same wind which disarranges our crinoline, blows dust in the eyes of the wicked -young men who would take advantage of our confusion " We showed on Fridaj that the Richmond Enquiry Committee balanced their judgment exactly after the ' fashion which so pleased our pretty belle. The wicked young men of the anti-minis- '. terial party, would gladly have taken advantage of the confusion with which ; they fondly imagined Dr. Featherston was to be covered ; butfthe words " without imputing blame to Dr. Featherston " has completely closed their eyes and , stopped their mouths, — even our eotem- ■ porary the Advertiser, much as it hates ; the Featherston party, can make bo , political capital out of the Committee's ■ report. The Committee, as already pointed, out, was appointed on the motion of Mr. Weld, to inquire into and report upon tho charge preferred by Dr. Featherston a- '■ gainst the late Colonial Treasurer, Mr. i Richmond. When it met, to the surprise of all there was no charge forthco- * ming. It was of course believed there was '. a charge, or Mr. Weld would not have ask- > ed for a Committee to enquire into it. Mr, Weld did not, however, know where ; to find it, or in what shape to frame it ; so i" they summoned Dr. Featherston, Mr. [ Richmond, and the reporters of the [ New Zealander ahd Southern Gross in ' order, some how or other, to determine ; upon the nature of the charge to be enquired into.. It must strike our readers • as being most anomalous that a committee should be appointed to investigate a. \ charge, the exact terms of which the ' mover afterwards finds himself unable to.; state. * i Next sitting day (24th July) Dr. Featherston is called in and examined. \ Assenting to the general correctness of . the New Zealander 1 s report of his speech > on the 14th June, and denying -the [ accuracy of that; of the Southern Cross, i — Dr Featherston is asked whether ; he did not in that speech " prefer a 1 charge against Mr. Richmond of being . in a conspiracy to exterminate William > King and get possession of his- land at 1 the Waitara." In reply "to this question i the Dr. protests upon being called to frame a charge he never preferred, and [ expresses his surprise that Mr. Weld ('the mover and chairman of the committee) is ■ not prepared to specify the charge which 1 he (Mr. Weld) alleges to have been i made against Mr, Richmond. Dr. Featherston then proceeds to state that what he really did say was, that the charges against the Taranaki settlers made .by Mr. Parris t the charges against Mr. Richmond made by Mr. Abraham^ and some of the circumstances connected with the negotiations for the purchase of the Waitara block, had strengthened and confirmed his suspicions of undue pressure having been brought to bear on the Executive on the Waitara question. The Committee were now in no better position than they were before. Jt could not attribute charges made by Mr. Parris, Mr, Richmond, and others to Dr. Featherston. It was all very well in party debates and party newspapers to attribute the charges made by Mr. Parris to the Dr., because he happened to be the individual who first made them known to the public ; but in the proceedings of a Select Committee such a course could not for a moment be allowed. On the 26th July, when the Committee again met, Mr. . Weld informed;' ifc that he had prepared a charge, but ; the point was raised as to whether the definition or framing of a charge was within the Committee's power. This point was ruled iri the affirmative by the Speaker, who was one of the members, and Dr. Featherston was directed' v o be again examined before the charge prepared by Mr. Weld was submitted tp/theCpi^mit'' tee; whereupon an attempt was madetd " seek for further, instructions from the House, the present instruction to; the Committee being to enquire and. report upon the ..charge preferred, against|Jr. C. W. Richmond by Dr. Featherston,; while no charge haa been yet s^boStted \ to their .consideration." . This referenoe to the House was overruled, and Mr, Weld was thereupon' called, to^ leave Ithe chair and give evidence as' to what his alleged charge was ; and on the 29th

at Falls Church was immediately placed in telegraphic communication -with head- ' quarters. Movements on both sides indicate that the scene pf active operations •will? be shifted to this vicinity. The New York World's (Dispatch) from- Washington of the 18th say:— lt is understood, that no previous recpnnoisance had been made where the fight ) took place at Vienna. The same train \ had not only proceeded some three miles beyond the scene of the conflict several days before, but our scouts had been over the very ground upon which the batteries were erected. The battery consisted of 6-pounders which fired 7 rounds, the first being most destructive, scattering round shot and grape into the passenger and platform cars, which contained four companies of the Ohio Regt. The battery was on a hill almost perpendicular,over tho track, and it would' have • been folly to attempt to take it. The troops were therefore forced to make a hasty retreat. A report that the bat- ' tery was manned by Kentuckians and Carpiinians is, doubtless a mistake. The rebel forces is estimated at about 10,000. Grafton, Va., June 19. A courier bas just arrived from Philippi. It is ascertained that the rebels, 1200 strong, are encamped twelve, miles from there, on the Beverly Road, with reinforcements of from 4000 to 6000 strong educing. It is said that they include three" South Carolinia regiments. An attack on Philippi. is hourly expected. Jefferson City, June 20. The steamer Sunshine, Booneville, reached here this evening, with the official confirmation of the defeat of tbe Stafe forces at that place on Monday last. The official statement of ihe number killed is not received, but the loss of the State troops is not over twenty. Of the Federal forces, two were killed, four wounded and one missing. The State troops, numbering over 2000, it is said, lost about 1500 stand of arms, and a considerable quantity of ammunition, stores, and a number of horses and mules. General Price resigned and went home previous to the battle. Governor Jackson is supposed to have gone to Arkansas on the steamer H. D. TBdcocu It was met at Arrow Rock with St^ttetroops on board. It is thought they will make another stand at Lexington, under the command of Colonel Weightman, formerly of the U.S. Army. St. Louis, June 21. The -Democrat's special despatch from Syraouse— about twenty-five miles south of Booneville— says:— An expedition nearly 1000 strong, with four pieces of artillery, under Captain Totten, of the regular service, left Booneville on Wednesday night, and reached this plaoe at ten a.m. yesterday. Governor Jackson, with about 500 men, arrived here on Tuesday, after impressing the property of both enemies and friends. They got tidings of pursuit, and suddenly left yesterday morning/proceeding south towards Warsaw. Our forces have gone forward to-day, but there is little hope of overtaking the fleeing party. The battle took place at sunrise on Tuesday morning, between 800 Home Guards, under Captain Cook, near Camp Cole, and a large party of Secessionists from Warsaw, and surrounding country, in which 15 guard 3 were killed and 20 wounded— many of them severely— and 30 taken prisoners. Most of the guards were in a barn when the firing began, but .immediately springing to arms, it is, saidi killed 40 of the attacking party before being overpowered by superior nuni-, bers. Nearly all of them finally escaped, and are ready to join our forces to dispute • the passage of the State troops. Captain Cook reached here this morning in disguise, and says that not over half his force was armed, and uot more thin 200 par- . ticipated in the fight. He has gone forward to overtake and consult with Captain Totten. Some of Jackson's party Went west from here on Wednesday night by railroad, taking what rolling-stock they coujd, destroying the rest, and burning Carmine bridge, a costly structure, a mile west of here. Syracuse is now protected by Federal troops. Among several letters captured at Booneville by General Lyon, embracing orders from headquarters to destroy bridges on the North Missouri, Hannibal, and St Joseph, and Pacific railroads, aud instructions'to different officers and individuals respecting the organisation of troops, etc., is one in relation to the arms and munitions seized at Liberty Arsenal some time since. Tbe list is as follows : -113 brass and, 12. iron 6-pounders, 160 balls 3^6 pounds canister and 53 grapCshot'3Bo fixed round, 180 muskets, 224 . rifles 21 carbines, 6 1 1 pistols, 469 sabres, 39 artillery swords, 1000 pounds cannon powder, 9900 pounds musket powder, 4800 pounds rifle powder 180 000 musLi cartridges, 9600 musket ditto, 1750 rifle ditto, 5800 pistol ditto, 10,000 blank «°' Washington, June 21. The Pawnee, on her cruise down the river, seized 10,000 barrels of bacon, and oth e ; stores,, destined, for the secesthe rebels were concen- '' .rating- large force at Fairfax, Eyery |dment indicates an attack on our lines Mifa concentrate 00,000 troops at any «yen point within a week. Undoubtedly •#Sforces at Richmond, and it is not tha* be- will have to make a speedy advance movement.

j- . . . / ..... To-day, (2 lst June) advices have been reoeived from the camp of the Connecticut troops near Vienna. There had been no new movement. Our troops in occupation are fully prepared for any attack. A strict examination into the causes of the lamentable affair' at Vienna, has resulted in the exculpation ol the engineer of the train,,whioh took up the Ohio troops. The responsibility of the blunder, which (resulted so disastrously for our .troops, rests upon General Schenck. The New York Herald's dispatch says: —About 5000 troops of General M'Doweli's division, including two Ohio regiments, have moved forward to the neighborhood of Fall's church or Fairfax or Vienna, and reports a force thereof 2500 ' rebels at that point. A collision occurred this morning j between a picket guard of the Maine regiment and a rebel picket, near Fall's church. The Connecticut picket was j ordered to occupy the position held by the rebel picket. It is reported that, on taking possession of the ground, one of the Connecticut men was killed and four wounded. The loss of the other side is supposed to, be greater. This report needs confirmation, atlhough from a reliable source. I learn trom General Walbridge that the Governors of all the States have replied to his letter, inquiring whether they were in favor of a vigorous tion of the war. They are a unit in declaring that they are ready with men and money to bring the war to an end. It is now evident that the main blow against tbe rebels will be struck from the Federal Capital. The army of Washington consists of fully 45,000 effective men. 10,000 more men will be added to this immense body next week. 10,000 with distriot militia, will be enough for tbe defence at the Capital, so that a grand army of 45,000 of as splendid troops as can be found anywhere can be moved against the rebels. With the aid of General Patterson's division, they will be more than sufficient to break the lines of the rebels and drive them in the direction of Richmond. Surprise has been expressed in some quarters at the failure of General Scott to prevent the erection of batteries at various points on the right bank of the Potomac. Immediate advance of the United States army towards Richmond, however, will either compel the rebels to remove their batteries or render them an | easy prey to the Union forces. General Scott is simply iudisposed to take at great sacrifice of life what will be had in due time without bloodshed. General M'Clellaad has been instructed to sweep the last vestige of secession both out of North-western and j South-western Virginia. His army will be strongly reinforced. The N. Y. Times' despatoh, says Seoretary Steward, gives notice that , hereafter no passports to leave the country, or to pass within the lines of the rebels, signed by foreign Ministers or Consuls, will be good unless countersigned by the State Department: The N. Y. Times special despatch says: — 300 Federal troops, under Capt. J. Gardner, Pensylvania regiment, had a skirmish yesterday evening at Edward's Ferry, with a considerable number of Secessionists. The fight lasted three I hours, when the rebels fled, having had from fifteen to twenty killed and three or four wounded. The fight occurred across the river. The attack was made by the enemy with a view of taking possession of the ferry. Information was brought to Washington by Gardiner's first lieutenant, who was engaged in tbe I action of Monday evening. Washington, June 22. j It is now said, says the N. Y. Tunes' ! special despatch, that Colonel Hardee is at or near Fairfax, with batteries and 400 cavalry. Letters received in this city from one of the middle counties in Kentucky, represent in earnest terms that if the citizens are driven from their present position of neutrality, there is rapidly increasing among them a feeling to stand by the Union at all hazards. The real Secessionists are scarce, and the inclination of the people is decidedly in opposition to following in the wake of South Carolina. Fortress Monroe, June 21. The regiment which yesterday made a recounoisance towards Great Bethel, returned late in the evening, having gone to the neighbourhod of Little Bethel. They brought back intelligence of importance, ft is understood that the Confederates are concentrating a large force at Yorktown. It is safe to say that important movements are going on at Sewall's Point, also at Willoughby Point, some three miles further down and opposite the Rip Raps. j The N. Y. Herald's special correspondent say : — ln communicating with the Unionists of East Tennessee, we are of opinion that the Convention called to meet at Kuoxville' will pursue a course similar to that adopted by the Legislative Convention in Virginia. They will repudiate the usurpers at Nashville ; ' will elect a Governor; will organise a State Government as near as ■ possible in conformity with the provisions of the State Constitution, and will call upon the loyal men of Tennessee to rally to their support. The Union men there are at the fighting point. All they want from the Government is arms, and when they have them they will take care of themselves, and close the Cumberland Railroad against the rebels. It has been 1 the main source of reinforcements and supplies to the rebels in Virginia, This

movement will supply another regiment j to the circle of Union meu that is. gradually being drawn around. 7 The rebels have a masked battery on the road leading from Falls Church to Fairfax. They have their scouts within two miles of the Federal lines, Three I pickets of the Michigan Regiment who were sent out last night had not returned to Alexandria. Thia morning it is believed that they have been picked off by rebel scouts. The five covered bridge over Goose Creek, near Leesburg, connecting with the Middle Turnpike Road, leading to Alexandria, has been burned by the Vir- j ginia troops. Tbe fight at Edward's Ferry, on Monday, seems to have been rather a serious affair, as we learn from Virginians who came over for protection ; that between forty and fifty were killed by the bombs which were thrown with so much accuracy among them from a howitzer on this side. A boat load of rebels were crossing the mouth of a small creek making into the river, towards the close of the action, when a bomb from the battery burst immediately over it, and after the smoke cleared away only two were seen standing out of between "twenty and thirty in it. Many bodies were distinctly seen floating in the water about the boat. It is ascertained that, the rebels have a line of cpmmunication across the Potomac, from Budd's Ferry. Small boats are used in the night, and concealed in the woods by day, and thus they elude the observation of our cruisers. Only letters and newspapers are conveyed thus. Supplies of provisions are going in through Kentucky and Tennesse, instead of via Baltimore and Frederick, as heretofore. Baltimore, June 19,. A special despatch to the New York Herald, says General Cadwallader,had arrived at Martinsburg. No signs of General Johnson. Louisville, Kentucky, June 20. It is said no more volunteers will be received for less time than for the war. 500 muskets shipped by the Federal Government for the Union men in Wakely county, Tennessee, were by accident sent i from Paducah to Union City, and fell into the hands of Southern troops. Memphis is much in want of arms, whole companies being unarmed. In Monroe county, Arkansas, near Helena, three negroes were hung for rebellion. The male whites were to be murdered, but females and children saved. Fortress, Monroe, Juue 20. Since the successful experiment with the Sawyer gun, importaut events are expected to take place. From 10 to 20 Virginians come in daily to take the outh of allegiance. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. Baltimore, June 23, The Daily Alia California pf 6th July gives the following summary of news from Fort Kearney by pony. Samuel Teuebone, merchant, has been held to bail in the sum of 20,000 dollars for treason. A resolution has been introduced in the Richmond Convention instructing the Finance Committee to inquire iuto the propriety of setting aside all debts, bonds, &c, due by the Commonwealth to citizens of such states of the Federa Union as are engaged ia sustaining the war of invasion, to be held as a trust bond for idemnification for losses sustained by citizens of the State. New York, June 24. The World's despatch states the latest advices continue to represent it to be the intention of Beauregardlto advance onthe Federal lines. Yesterday was the day fixed for a movement on Washington. The Government is satisfied of the fact. It has been ascertained that an extensive spy system is in operation for the benefit of the rebel Government. It is believed that the Navy Department will make an average of all the bids for gun-boasts, and award them to contractors who will build them within sixty days. The New York Tribune's special disspatch says that Baltimore, though quiet on the surface, is profoundly agitated underneath, and is only hold in check through fear. At any indication of an outbreak. Major-General Banks will without doubt shell the city from Fort M'Heury. Reinforcements for which Colonel Stow has sent are only ordinance, without which he hesitates to cross the river aud attack the enemy's batteries that daily menace him. . Commodore Vanderbilt has offered the Government his steamer, Vanderbilt, at a fair valuation. If it cannot take her on these terms, he will make ber a present to the United States. The Atlantio Steamship Company, through Vanderbilt, offer the Government the following steamers : — Ocean Queen, new and complete, Ariel, in line condition, Champion, iron, built in 1859, very light draught, and Daniel Webster the price to be fixed by a Board of Commissioners. Johnson and Etheredge have been assured by the officers of the Government that the Union meu in East Tennesse, aud elsewhere in the State, if they need assistance, shaH be sustained by the Government, aud an order has been issued, including Tennesse in the district under command of Brigadier-General Anderson. Washington, June 23. To-morrow there will be anextraordidary meeting of the Cabinet, and General

Scott and his staff, the various generals and colonels of regiments now iv and about Washington, will be present. It is understood that General Butler, Banks, aud Dix have all been summoned". Scott will submit his programme for tbe.proseculion of the war. That the rebels have changed theirs caunot be doubted ; hence it is believed General Scott has some now project to submit at this great council of war, Our Government has demanded of tho Prussian Minister, that the exequator of Trapnaan, Prussian Consul at Charleston, who recently left Boston with despatches from Jeff. Davis to his Commissioners in Europe shall be withdrawn. . Dudley Mann, one of the rebel Commissioners, in a letter to a banker here, states that England will recognise the Southern Confederacy on tho Ist of January. Private Parker, a prisoner to the rebels after the Great Bethel affair, says, S. Wilkock, of the 3rd New York Regiment, deserted the night before the affair at Great Bethel. He obtained a citizen's dress from a Secessionist, and gave the rebels full information of our movements. He is now at Richmond. Parker on the evening of the fight was marched to Yorktown, and from that poiut to Richmond, where he was kept until exchanged. He was carefully guarded, but in every respect was treated well. Saturday night the w^r steamer Glencoe was burned to the water's edge. She was fired by incendiaries, whom the rebels are vainly endeavouring to discover. ! Washington, June 24th. The new steam gun-boat Pensacola will be ready for service in about five weeks. It is said the present available volunteer force is now over 300,000 men. The Journal says : — 20,000 guns were stopped yesterday at Jeffersonville, consigned to Louisville, until satisfactory assurances are received that they are for Union men. The Kentucky authorities will protest the U. S. property in the State, and enforoe the laws of the United States, according to the interpretation of the U. S. Courts, and enforce the obligation of neutrality against the Southern States. M'Clelland agrees to respect the territory of Kentucky, even though Southern armies occupy it. In such case he will call on the Kentucky authorities to remove the Southern forces should they fail to do so, he claims the rights of occupation even to the Southern forces Sbe vyill oall the aid of Government troops, if not successful in removing them. The Manassas correspondent of the Charleston Mercury, on the 18th writes : — The people about the rebel camp are hostile. It is dangerous to leave the camp alone. Gentlemen come into camp daily, who say they have reason to fear their own slaves will murder them. The lower classes o( whites are inciting the slaves to such a degree tbat oivil war is on the point of inauguration. The New Orleans Delia of the 12th, says the brig Stevens ran the blockade and got into Barrancas Bay under the guns of Fort Livingstone. The Havana correspondent of the same paper says Mr. Weller, Minister to Mexico, goes to Florida to pass through the South and see his friends, Mallory, Davis, and Toombs, with whom in days past, he acted in defence of Southern rights. It is generally conceded that all the Union Congressmen in Maryland are elected except in the first district. New York, June 22nd. Reports from Washington affirm that tho strength of the naval force is to be doubled with as little delay as possible. Secretary Wells will recommend heavy appropriations for buying war vessels. The President will call for at least three hundred thousand men in the aggregate, and money to correspond. Congress will at an early day suspend the writ of habeas corpus wherever there is an organised rebellion, and in the judgment of the President it should be suspended— the suspension, of course, being temporary. Troops were arriving and going through to Manasses and Harper's Ferry at the rate of 1500 or 2000 daily. Hannibal, June 25th. A mob attacked the banks of the Milwaukie yesterday. Several institutions were nearly demolished and stripped of their contents ; loss in valuables, papers, &c., to the amount of several thousand dollars. The Zouaves were ordered out, who charged on the mob and soon dispersed them, taking fifty prisoners. Martial law has been deolared by the Governor. The State troops were ordered, and were expected there last night. The riot was caused by the banks throwing out the circulating notes of a large number of the bauks of the State. Several persons were injured but none killed. The following is from the Melbourne Herald, of tbe 12th :— The Canadian mail steamship Hibernian has arrived witth advices from Quebec to the 15th, and from New York, by telegraph, to the previous day. All the troops in Washington, save a few necessary to guard the approaches to the grounds, have been removed from the capitol, and the work of cleaning for the approaching session of Congress was rapidly proceeding. Another Whitworth rifle gun had reached New York, a prer sent from Americans in Europe tp President Lincoln. A Federal column of about 6000 men, including the Rhode Island battery', have moved up from the Washington division Harper's Ferry. It was very like-

ly intended for the ultimate occupation of Leesburg, crossing the Potomeic, at the only formidable point between .Hamper's ferry and the chain bridge at Georgestowo. The first stopping place j would probably be Edward's Ferry, "op- j posite Leesburg which would prevent the J Confederates from passing from their/ stronghold down across the country upou Washington. The occupation of Lees-? burg and Washington by the Northern troops would cut off the communication between Harper's Ferry ahd the Manasj sas Junction, as well as protect Washington from invasion by the Confederate ' foroes on the Upper Pojomac. A correspondent of the Boston Post, alluding to tbe movements of the Confederate forces, says :— " The Confederate authorities are moving with remarkable deliberation and perfect system in their military operations, and it has become sufficiently evident that they are about concentrating a force of 50,000 men at or within a day or two's march of the Manassas junction, from which point they now threaten our lines on the other side of the Potomac. They are in no hurry to make an attack, and have, till within a day or two, it is believed, confidently aud hopefully expected an attack upon their own lines from our side. They will now await the Federal demonstration upon Harper's Ferry, and also the approach of hot weather. They also, it is said, build some hopes upon the weakness of the Federal Forces that may attend the crisis bf the expiration of the time of the three months men. But, profiting by any misfortune or mistake on the part of the Federal Government and its troop, tbey probably intend to bring suddenly against our line of defence and this city a force of 60,000 men. They think perhaps, that by such a stroke they will end the war. But that will be a serious mistake. They could not long hold the city, and probably would not attempt it. They would hold it long enough for their purpose — viz., to secure recognition as a government de facto. In fine, there is a prospect of some hard fighting hereabouts before September." The following extract contains further particulars respecting the fight at Great Bethel:— "Fort Monroe, 13th June, — A des patch received at Baltimore says no military movements of importance have taken place to-day. Captain Davis yesterday entered the enemy's lines with a flag of truce, and went within half a mile of Yorktown. He saw a formidable battery at Great Bethel/but was not allowed to examine the works. He was courteously treated. The Secession pickets now extend to Newmarket bridge. The cavalry encampment at Yorktown and adjacent places are being strongly fortified. There are also batteries, between Great Bethel and Yorktown. Major Wintbrop was shot by a Louisiana rifleman while making a vigorous charge. He was buried by the rebels. Two Zouaves died while prisoners. The rebels represent that they have other prisoners whom they were willing to exchange. Capt. Phillips has to-day visited the fortress with a flag of truce in reference to the same. General Butler and Quartermaster Fazzey have this afternoon gone to Newport News. The heat was 130 degrees *in the shade yesterday. The country bridge where the battle was fought is near the head of a branch of Pack River, aiid is better known as Great Bethel; after crossing a narrow but apparently deep stream, the road winds somewhat to the left. Along its side, just beyond the bridge, the rebels had planted their battery. A line of entrenchment then followed on the right side of the road, a ditch only beiug betweeu them. There was a stream and morass on the left side of the road, widening so as to render futile any attempt to outflank the rebels on that side, while I the formation of the ground on the right side made a flank movement very circuitous. Lieutenant-Colonel Washburn, with 250 men, had by a wide circuit reached the rear of the great battery, and it is quite evident tbat the rebels, who it is now ascertained did not nnmber 600 men, were, on the point of leaving tho field." " New York, 13th June. — Lieutenant Butler states that when he left Fortress Monroe it was the determination to take the battery at Great Bethel, and regiments were in rivalry as to the right of the advancing column. General Butler's official account, as far as he was able to give it, not haviug received any official return from General Pierce, states that the affair was intended to be a surprise, but the unfortunate blunder of Colonel Bendix spoiled the surprise and gave the rebels good notice of their presence. 30 prisoners were taken at Little Bethel and are ih now in charge of General Butler. General Butler is to be reinforced by 10 additional regiments from New England. A Baltimore gentleman of respectability, who came up from Old Point on the 13th, aud spent some time there, furnishes the following : — Up to the time the boat left last evening, he was in conversation with both tbe officers and privates who were in the engagement. Some mortifioation is expressed at the bad management of General Pierce, but none as to the extent of the loss, which was found to be less than first supposed; or the character of the temporary advantages gaiued by the rebels. One of Grebble's command states that had advance been ordered instead of a retreat the battery would have been ordered instead of a retreat the battery would have been taken in five minutes. Lieutenant Grebble had | silenced all their guns except one rifled

* ' '-''",'■' ■■■■ihiiiimw—ww w^— >ii»»ii i im iw— m— »«mii hi liinmtwnjimt i . ; i . V ■; \. ' a ■ '' cannon, which was fired with:" ' great"' * rapidity, and was concentrated: entirely |on his command. This gun was v worked well, but all the rest were badly managed their balls cutting off the tops of tbe : trees over their heads. Had the battery been well supplied with experienced gunners, no doubt the loss would have been ; heavy. Lieutenant Gripple spiked his' | gun the moment, be^received orders to { retreat, as it is supposed on account of his surprise at such orders, presuming that General Pierce had discovered attempts to cut bim off, and that should his gun be captured in the retreat, he would make it harmless. He had just driven in the spike when a ball killed him.. Colonel Bendix's Zouaves evinced great bravery. They could with difficulty be restrained from making au assault without orders. Five of tbe rebels are knowfa to have been killed by the Zouaves outside of the works, and it is presumed from the effective firing, of Lieutenant Grebble that considerable damage must have been 7 done to the rebels inside the battery, which was of sandbags, hidden from the" view by bushes. The number of Zouaves killed were five, wounded twenty, missing . seven. They attribute their heavy loss to their bright uniforms, while the regulars attributed it to their superior bravery . and daring. <'The whole number of killed and wounded, as ascertained at tbe fortress last evening, was 19 killed, 47 wouuded, aud five missing; Major Winthrop was not killed. Several of those killed were inhumanly slaughtered while carrying off the wounded, which causes a bitter feeling among the troops. Last evening just as the boat was leaving, the Zouaves brought in three prisoners, a captain of rebel cavalry aud two privates, splendidly mounted with elegant trap- 7 pings ; the captain's horse attracted great attention. Another attack at Great Bethel was shortly expected. The pickets extended nearly to the battle field." From the Mississipi we learn that the Federal blockading schooner Brooklyn was ashore at the mouth of the river. According, to a telegram, dated St. Louis, 12th June, about two hundred State troops were sent from Jefferson down to the Pacific railroad, and a part of of the Casconade Bridge had been burnt by order of the State authorities. The telegraph wires had been cut a short distance from Jefferson, and operatiors were forbidden to make repairs for the present. The Maryland House of Legislature having instructed the Senator to Congress from that State to vote for the recognition of the Southern confederacy, great indignation was excited among the Union men of the State. Many of them advocated the Federal Government dispersing the Legislature by force. Confederate forces, to tho number of 1500 men, were entrenched at Charlestown, Virginia, with six-pounders, ready mounted, and had two or three members of the Wheeling Convention in gaol there. The Wheeling Western Virginian Convention had adopted unanimously resolutions thanking General M'Clellan for sending troops to Western Virginia, and oommending the gallantry of the 1 Troops at Philippi, and complimenting the bravery of Colonel Kelly. Ou the llth Governor Jackson demanded of General Lyon the disbanding and withdrawing the Federal Forces . in Missouri, which, if done, the State militia was to be disbanded. General Lyon refused, and Governor Jackson took the train for Jefferson oity late in the evening. The New Orleans Picayune of the 9th says, two Federal transports, with 1500 men aboard, arrived off the bar on the previous afternoon. General Twiggs has issued an order prohibiting vessels from passing Port Jackson without the Governor's written permission. From Panama, under date 4th June, we have advices from Carthageaa, which report Mosquera to have beaten th c Government forces in two battles, iv the first of which, fought 25th April, the latter lost 1300 in killed and wounded. The second battle occured near Bogotoa. Mosquera was doubtless in the capital. According to advices from Memphis to the 6th, there were 6500 troops at Camp Jackson, on the railroad between Memphis and Columbus, with twenty 32-/ pounders. There were five batteries on the Mississippi between these places, one on the Arkansas side being made for the confederates. There was no rifled cannon in Tenessee. There was a large encampment of Confederates, consisting of 30,000, on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. The following despatch has been received by the Governor General of Canada : — Downing-street, Ist June. " Sir, — You are already .aware' that the Queen is desirous of observing the strictest neutrality in the contest which appears to be imminent between the United States aud the so-styled Confederate States of North Amef|ba. I have now to inform you that, in ord^- to give full effect to this principle, her Majesty, has been pleased to interdiot the armed ships and also the privateers, of both parties from carrying prizes made by/ them into the ports, harbors, roadsteads, or waters of the United Kingdom, or any of her Majesty's colonies or possessions abroad, . *' . 4 "It is her Majesty's desire that this prohibition should be forthwith nbtifijft} to all proper authorities within \het t dominions, and I am to desire that you take measures to secure its effectual observance within the limits of your Government. 1 have, scOi ."/="■ '. v '7 Xi ■« Governor the Right Hon. -.■: • ■ A : .\ -X iV SirE.W.Heai.^.. - .//*.<..■;

hia examination took place. We quote the whole of it. In giving < vtfl(HC3 a? id v/hat I suppose the charge ta have been, I wish tlie Committee to understand that it is really the House that hns Stated that a charge has been made ; that as an individual I am prepared to state what, in mv opinion, is the charge referred by the House ; I have put it into form as follows : — That Mr C. W. Richmond abused his office of Executive Councillor and his influence as oue of His Excellenc/s Responsible Advisers for the purpose of obtaining- possession of tbe land known as Teira's block at the Waitara for tbe settlers of New Plymouth. 7 Mr. Fitzherbert^. Q. On what grounds do you frame the terms of the charge. A. From my recollection of what I heard during the debate on the 14th ; Dr. Featherston's speech, and Mr. Richmond's reply ; in which he alluded to the charge that had been made against him. The newspaper reports and the general opinion of those with whom I have conversed have confirmed me in the correctness of my vievr. 8. Q. You state that you present the charge in these terms, "as an individual," is the Committee to understand that you decline the re sponsibility of stating the charge as mover of the Committee ? A. lam ready to state it as the individual who moved for the investigation, and think I may very properly be asked to do so. I only wished to make it clear that the House had taken the matter into its own hands and affirmed the fact that a charge had been made, i 9. Q. Having omitted to have the words taken j down at tbe time they were alleged to have been used, how do you account for the delay ' which was permitted to intervene between the i 14th June and the date on which you applied for a Committee of Enquiry ? I A. Ido not think it is my business to account for the delay ; that was a question that might fairly have been asked when the investi- 1 gation was moved for in the House ; this ques- ' tion appears to lead to irrelevant discussion into which I do not think I should be called upon to enter. 10. Q. Are the terms of this charge (as \ presented by you) the very words used, or I merely your recollection of the words ; or do - you waive the accuracy of the terms of charge, | and- prefer it as only correct in substance? ' A. As correct in substance. ! ll* Q. If the simple object of the Com- j mittee be to enquire whether there is any im- ! putation on Mr. Richmond's character, would not the preliminary difficulties in which the Committee is involved, and also the character j of Mr. Richmond, have a sufficient opportunity ! of being vindicated by conducting the enquiry I without reference to the particular person who made the charge? Mr. Weld asked that the question now put to j bim be read, with a view to obtaining the decision of the Chaiiman whether the question was I relevant to the subject. I The Chairman decided that the question could not be put. 12. Q. Did you make any notes at the. time of Dr. Featherston's speech, and if so, have you them still in your possession ? A, I think not, at all events I have none by me that I am aware of. The next three sittings were occupied in the examination of the Reporters to Newspapers, in which thej detailed their views as to the correctness of their respective reports — each believing his own to b« the correct oue. The New Zealanders reporter gaving particular evidence to show that on Dr. Featherston's speech being revised, it was not altered " in any way;" and that Mr. Richmond was likewise asked to revise, and did revise, his own speech. On the 3rd August Dr. Featherston was again examined ; this time as to the correctness of the charge which Mr. Weld had preferred in his evidence as above. 62. Chairman.— Q. You have he.ird the charge, as defined iv Mr. Weld's evidence, was that the charge preferred by you, in the speech referred to in the order of Reference? — A.— l object to having charges put into my mouth, and then being called upon to adopt them. I deny having made any such charge. My previous answer is so explicit that I have little or nothing to add to it. When an appeal was made to me (on the debate in question), by Mr. Weld (ancl, I think, Mr. Bell) to withdraw certain charges I distinctly and emphatically denied having preferred auy such charges:! had therefore none to retract. But I declared in substance that, when I remembered the Taranaki Petition of 1858, and considered the charge in Mr. Partis' letter, and the allegations in Mr. Abraham's petition, and put them together, the suspicions or conviction I had professed last Session — " That an undue pressure had been " brought to bear upou the Governor, with res • " pect to acquiring land at Waitara," "and that "a sinister influence had prevailed in theExecu " tive Council," had ' been strengthened and" confirmed. I shall be prepared to lay hefore the Committee documents upon which my sus picions are grounded, and call witnesses in proof of my assertions. 63. Q.— Are you aware that, immediately after your speech referred to in the Order of Reference, Mr. C. W. Richmond rose, and declared that you had brought a charge against him, which, if true, would subject him to impeachment, and that he should insist upon the investigation of that charge? A. I remember hearing Mr. Richmond, in his reply, state that I had made a cl.arge; and I believe that he made a similar remark after my speech in .1860. Q. You seconded Mr. Weld's motion for the appointment of this Committee, — in. so doing, what charge did you propose to investigate ? A. I think I did not second it; I seconded the motion to add the. names of Mr. Speaker and Mr. Chairman of Committees to this Committee. < •It being evident that no charge had been made by Dr. Featherston, but that he had only given expression to suspicions which charges made by Mr. Parris and others had raised, the Committee very wisely abandoned the charge which Mr. Weld had framed, and resolved " That Dr. Featherston having stated that he entertained suspicions that undue pressure, had , been brought to bear in the Executive by Mr. C. W. Richmond on ,the ! Waitara question, and that those .suspicions had been strengthened and .cohfirmed,, the duty of this Committee is •to^enquire, whether there be any ground 'for such suspicions/ Here, for the present, we stop, merely

pointing out that in the report, published in the previous article, the Committee does not say that there is " no ground for such suspicions." By exonerating Dr. Featherston* from blame the Committee admits that there were grounds for suspicion. The Report merely affirms " that there is no ground whatever for any imputation " against Mr. Richmond, The evidence, so damaging on the broad question of the Waitara difficulty, whatelse it may be as relating to Mr. Richmond personally, must form the subject of another article.