AMERICA.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1796, 25 November 1862, Page 5

AMERICA.

i M'Clellan has been appointed to the command of the Capitol. Aportiou of the Southern array, 50,000 strong, has commenced an aggressive policy by invading Maryland ; it is believed that the Southern army will not attack either Washington or Baltimore, having other designs. They intend to invade Pennsylvania, where an extreme sensation prevails. The farmers are arming and have sent away their wives and children. Part of the American press is in favour of union under Jeff. Davis,seeing thut the Federal Government under Lincoln is literally falling to pieces. War committees have been held in New York, approving of raising 100,000 men under Freemont, aud earring on with or without the Government; tbere is, therefore, virtually, civil war in tbe North itself. Lincoln's Government has abandoned the plan of conscription. It is ieported that the army is to be augmented by calling in regiments of negroes to its aid. Jeff. Davis denounces this appeal to slaves, and a bill has been brought in enactiug that armies incongruously composed of whites and blacks shall not be entitled to privileges. The general opinion in England is, that before many months the Southern States will he foimally recognised by all the principal powers in Europe. Ara monster war meeting in New York, resolutions were passed declaring that any interference on the part of Foreign Powers , would be regarded as a declaration of war. A proposal has issued from the Southern States to make a separate peace with the North- Western States on tbe basis of free navigation of the Mississippi. This causes much anxiety to the Federalists. The following is a summary of movements during the montb. M'Clellan not being able to hold possession in Yorktown Peninsula, retreated, Washington being in peril, Stonewall Jackson having crossed the Rapidan,-outflank-ing General Pope, and marching to attack the capital. Pope, not being able to hold his ground , crossed the Rapahanock, and took ground on the north hank. M'Clellan landed at Aquia creek, hoping to effect a junction with Pope. The Federal army then took ground between Warren ton and Manassas, having opened communication with Washington, while the Confederates were drawing up under General Lee between Warrenton and Rapahanock. The battle commenced on the 29th August. The result of the first day's fighting was to. turn the x front of both armies, the Federals claiming an advance; but tbe second day the contest was -most sanguinary. Towards evening, General Lee brought up all his reinforcements and opened a teniffic fire. The Federal troops could uot withstand the shock, but wavered and broke ; before night their army was in full retieat, and closely pursued by tlie Confederates. The wbole army of Virginia was finally driven behind the earthworks of Washington ; and the Confederates, crossing the Potomac into Maryland, took possession of Frederick, and appointed a Provisional Government of the State. General Kirkby Smith, reinforced by twelve regiments from General Braxton Biagg, promises his troops quarters in Cincinnati in a few days. Business there is suspended. All capable <f bearing arms are raade soldiers. The Indians have risen in Minnesota j Pope has been sent to quell them. The Confederates have called a levy of 300,000 men. Jeff Davis has ordered thanksgiving for Southern victories. He has also issued a message, urging the cashiering of iucorapetont officers, without a courtmartial. He proposes an extension of the conscript law to persons between thirty-five and forty-five. Pope and M'Dowell have been disgraced for ] their conduct in the late battles, j At the battle of Bull's Run, on the 28th j August, the Fe lerals had 8000 killed and wounded. The Federals were again attacked on the 29ih, and lost from 20,000 to 30.000 men, with large quantities of stores. When the Confederates advanced iuto Maryland, General Lee promised protection till the inhabitants decided for North or South ; and great excitement prevailed in Baltimore, where the feeling is said to be in favour of the South. Horsham M'Donald is openly accused, and has demanded a c<>urt-martial. General M'C'.eH'ari has' advanced to Rockville, for the purpose of covering Washington. The following private telegram has been received at Liverpool, by the mail which arrived yesterday : — " New York, September 17tb. " Via Cape Race. " Tbere has been a terrible battle between M'Clellan and Lee, atHagerstown. M'Clellan reports that the Confederates retired across the Potomac. The Federals are surrounded at Harpur's Ferry. 1600 cavalry escaped, the remainder it is supposed, will surrender." The Confederates are advancing on Cincinatti, they are two miles north of Florence. ' Favorite securities not more than half per cent, premium. Gold 15_, bankers' bill, 131.