The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page 1

r. PRICE TWO CENTS. PHILADELPHIA, VVKDMEtSDAY. JANUARY 1, lb62. ESTABLISHED 1829.

OUR NEW YORK LETTER. FURTnER FHOtl WASfUNCTOS. BT ASSOCIATED FRS83. A PRAYER BEFORE THE SENATE. Tbe following prayer was made before the Senate Rev.

Dr. Susdkblahd, of this city: Thou, just Ruler of the world, in this hour ar trial, when domestic treason stabs at toe tion's heart, and foreign arrogance is emOelieoeu to defeat tbe public jutica of the worlt, help ot Thee for our rulers and our people, that we may patiently, iWolutelv our time; lor it is indeed VHnrt2lVof humw reproachla day wbeo the i hib Df equity, constrained by thrPm-pfcysical and armed iorc must tor ine mjt ment succumb Mder tne jp soit diplomacy. Yet, in Thoa' rt ever not be wnwooc i.bertyani ribiim7 h.Sltbe" bi8 Power, works rithteou8BeP and Jff Bnd seal the such a eawe TM ChVHd vigil long Of mm who reasurea up a wrong uft to this our nation honesty, unity God, 1, this unnatural rebellion to a and courage; bring i n3 to a eie and with a vaster feroe, theiaaHen-fights ard reponHbiliUes of man; through Jesnsilrist Amen." SEW YEAR'S RECEPTIONS. Tbe Foreign Ministers, in their diplomatic costumes, will to-morrow call on the Prerident at eleven o'clock, after which be will receive theSu pr.me Court, in their judicial robes; and officers of the Army, Navy and Mariae carps, in full uniform At noon the doors of the Executive Mansion wilt be opened to the public, who will be presented to the President and to Mrs. Lincoln The Secretaries will also receive at their houses will Major Waixach and several leading citizens.

LECTURE. Tbe Hon Daniel S. Dickinson will attract a crowd to tbe Smithsonian this evening, to bear him lecture on Union, Us perils and hopes HOJLI DAY AMUSEMEN V. The minstrels, theatre and circus, will be full thit evening, and there are at least a dozen concert sa loof, with several lairs, and alas that it is so forty or fifty gambling bouses all along the avenue, with their free suppers and fiery beverages. FUEL The blockade of tbe Potomac keeps np the prices of luel Anthracite coal is S3 pertou; Cumberland coal, $7-60; seasoned oak wood, $7 per cord; pine andxcaple $550.

DEATHS OF SOLDIERS. Tbe following Pennsylvania soldiers have died tine our last report Lewis Lzbman, Company Fortieth Pennsylvania volunteers, at Division Qoopital Robebt Uolsom, Company Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, at camp. THE WAR IN KENTUCKY. VAGUE REP0K1S OF A BATTLE. common mediation of the G-eat Powers betveeo.

x.DEina ana America, i ne Herald's cotresoadeu.t beerven tbat a tender of such a mediation would be a menace, and be rejected on tbat very ground. The Paris Boone was heavy and lower. Rentes, C71.20O. GARiBALDi'bas written a letter to tbe Gnoa Committee, wbicb indicates an 8CproaiiiO( move 'mat. Tbe other continental inteliinence is noimportant.

Tbe English funds were dull and lower under the Asia's Tews, but partially recovered. Admiral Dacres will hoist his fltg on the Edgar, SB second in command of the Narth American cnnaHrnn. A portion of tbe Mediterranean fleet is gradually accumulating at Gibraltar, to be ready, if neoesary, to cross the Atlantic. Yesterday additional shipwrights were taken on at the Portsmouth dock yards, to get ready, with the utmost despatch, tie additional ships ordered for sea. Tte two battalions of Guards ordered to rth Ameiica left tbis morning for Southampton, wuere tbey will embark to-day.

Liverpool, Dec. kl9 Pending the news tnm America in response to tbe demands ia the TVent affair, tbe English papers bave to say. Tbe Units bas a severe articles oa tbe brutalizing signs which civil war is producing, and deaoancea varijas Southern measures. Several French journals maintain that France sbouid give moral support to Eng'aad, bv recognizing tbe justice of ber demands and tbe independence of tbe South The Opinion Rationale, the organ of Prince Napoleon, says that France bas no other enemy but England, ai should not weaken tbe United States. Madrid, Deo 19 Tbe American Minister has left Madrid on a leave of absecee.

Paris, Dec. 19 Count Pourtalbs, the Prussian Minister to France, is dead. Views cf an Eminent Danker npon the True. Financial Policy ot the Government. The following letter was addressed to Mr.

Fssassr-den, the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate, by Mr. Gaixatin: New To the Hon. W. P. Fesbendbn, Senator U.

S. In accordance with your kind iovitation, it affords me pleasure to communicate with you. Tbe proposition of the Secretary of the Treasury to estiblirh a system of currency on tbe bais of the Government debt, similar to the system prevailing in tbis State, is very much less objectionable than tbe issue of a Government paper by toe Government, My opinion of tbat measure, and ot tbe anauat of loans wtioh itatill absorb, bas already been eom-muntcated to tbe Secretary of the Treasury, and I herewith submit a copy of it for your perusal fa-deed, nothing has occurred to ai'er tbe views expressed io my le'ters to tte Secretary of taeTreasiry r-oon ai'er the accession cf tae present A imi attrition, BL-d of these I alto submit a enpo ia pnat The measures which Government seems cil.ed up to adopt axe, in my bumble judgment, aa follows, viz: 1 Tne issue of Government obligations as saaUI as S5, tlO, atd $20, to contractors, and for sapolie beaiiDg a moderate rate of interest (say aboi: three per cent) until funded, to be lauded ia a treaty years' tssy seven cent stock, wbea presented at tbe treasury in sums of $100 or over, ia even baa-dreds. etc. 2.

The issue of Government stock, on a portion of wMch iiiterest and principal shoald be payable is pe, to be sold ia the market, upon tbe oest terms tbat can be obtained for that payable hare, as well as that payable in Europe. S. The drawing direct upon the banks ior prosseds of government loans taken by them. 4. Tbe iucreae of direct taxation oartteularly on luxuries, such sa pianos, carriages, Ac lioa would fall tigbtly on the poorer olaseea, ia prete eaco to bigb duties on imports, tbe latter being already, ia some cases, almost prohibitory, aod it farther increased would offer a premium to smuggling.

In relation to tbe first, it may be to mike tbe rate of interest low, to as to u'ge in tbe obligations to be reeded. Tbee issues are in tbe nature of what is known in Eurcpe as exchequer bills, might be so termed, or denomiuated treasury warrants On tbe second measure. I would only refer to tbe relief woich tbe sale ot stock ia Europe might afford, during arv future monetary exigeoc likeiy to a 'ire in the progress oi the war, or upo a the termination of hostili'iee. As to the third, 1 sunpose the S'ewrary's ebjic-i tion is founded more upon technical grounds sain upon a matter of principle, tor I understand that the in tne loan acta ot lass year, tbe Secretary of the Treasury to draw opoa the banks and keep accounts with tbem, was -partisa-larly intended to authorize drat'8 for disbarsemeats1 ii gain st tbe deposits created by ths taking of the loans. Tbis is et vital importance to thi wo.

kiag of both Government and bank finances, and it is tbe oily way in which loans can be safely taken by the banks. If he should so prefer, he could make bis drafts upon the banks of any one city peracie at some cue bank in that city, and the exchanges at all places throughout npon the Uoioo, ths teres citiis being at par or at a premiun; these dratts woild circulate Ireely, and facilitate tbe inland exchanges and avoid the displacement ot com Indetd, it would be advisable to make all bis drafts cn the banks cf tbe three cities Sew York, and Boston tor such drafts will always be at or above par throughout tbeconntry; and I would reetiict all drafts to the banks of tbe three ei'ies, for this very important reason, that there won bs no ibk ot lo-s to the Government, the specie of ail the baks in tbe city ol New York being now a common fund. Here I may be permitted to refer to what the banks of tbe tbree cities bave done to sustaia tbe credit of tbe Government and preserve our liberties. Selfish motives ot gain never, for a moment retarded tbeir patriotic efforts, and I would respectfully urge upon your consideration the propriety of embracing in the loan aets of this session a provision for indemnifying tbem in case tbe Government should make xegotiatiors at lower rates than those wb oh have governed the taking of the loans authorized by the acts ot tbe last session. Tbis course usual, and I trust tbe e-iai'y and the justice of it will commend themselves to your jaag-inetit.

Upon the fourth point, you will agree with me, doubt not, tbat any tariff which woald aim at revenue, and a fair protection to home industry, need not be absolutely prohibitory and I trust you will also agree with me, that good policy, aad partwuUrly a regard for the pacific relations happily subsisting between our own and other countries, require that we should not now make efforts of aa character to promote investments ot capital in new channels ol indnnry, which may prove hazardous or unprofitable. We need now to husband oar cjpitil, and to render all as efficient as possible. Had we a surplus of capital, our case might be different. Very respectfully yours, (Signed) JA3MS Gallatin. a A rrlval of Troops at Halifax.

Halifax, Deo. 81 The steamers Adriatic and Persia bave arrived with troops, and the Cleopatra ai Parana are expected to-day. The Asia sails at six o'clock, this evening, for New York. Anival of tbe Steamer Bornssia. New York, Dee.

31. Tbe steamer Barussii arrived to-night. Her advices have been anticipated. NEW JERSEY AFFAIRS. The West Jersey Railroad Company have commenced running freight trains daily, leaving r.iidgeton at 5 45 A.

and Philadelphia at 1 from first covered pier above Walnut street Oir Iriends in Salem county will be gratified to learn that if tbey cannot have entire railroad conncctioa with us this winter, they are Bot entirely isolated. The West Jersey Railroad, aa it affording very comfortable accommodations via Woodbury Cole's stage line leaves Woodbury daily on arrival of 2 P. train, from Walaut street, direct for Woodoiry. This will be a great accommodation to aud stock, poultry and provision dealers along the route. Poultry for the Holidays.

The poultry dealers ot tbis city shipped to New York, during tbe holid ay 6,000 pounds of poultry, bJiog but two thirds the quantity shipped duriog in skh time laht year Tbe price of turtevs Uia cents; geese. r'igO cents; chickens, DlJ ccats; auJ oucks, lOfell cents per pound. a v1 Arkesifd for A. Mills wn arrested on Monday on a charge oi swindling. It is alleged that tbe MO-iseJfHjiJa Icrtiv coDerted tbe bills bis dap-pi ot.riated the money to bis own use.

He ueiJ by Jubti'ceCAPSADY to answer. Fknceon Bridge Jersey Rsil'oad Company have nw ed t-u. track on liridae avenuo, and Lave feiu yo wJ tigbtly fence below Second street, putng landecmer one mns itjViR- County a F'iija a r- i explorer dr. au- at TberVitr, January ary 7th, and the other- vill gjvfttwo iial! oa iuia, "Vr fond tLlirzy Th nrtspnt DCDula'Ion OI Slid that of the Countv Proi "oaTJst iNiE3, of Appointed. 3lr.

vv m. Jrt nl7y this City. bs -elf at NJ He is oidered to report bimiJ The War Against Rebellion I AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY. Mrs. Greenhow Receives Her Letters Done Up in Cakes.

HOW Aflfi) WIIRS SUE WAS TO ESCAPE. A Baltimore Widow Objects to the Letters THE RUMORED BATTLE AT PADUCAH, KY. II4MLS' DITISIO-V. LATEST PRO THE SOUTH. Suicide of Philip St George Cocke NORFOLK REBELS ALARMED rENWSYtTAHIA SOL11IEUS IX soiTiitiiv rmsoxs.

THE WAR IN MISSOURI FCRTIIEIt ASD LATER XEWS raosi English Comments on President Lincoln's Message. CONTINUED PR EPAUATSOXS FOR TVAR IX E.VUL AID. Another Speech by Mr Train. I INTERESTING FBOW WASHINGTON. Special Despatches to the Inquirer.

Washington, Dec. 31. (OTXEBBIGAN COL IIALSrE.D'3 CASE liCODENT TO A rillLAL'ELl'aiAN. file expected that Col KtaiiiQA-s's ease will be resumed on Thursday. HIj 1 urlougb.

expired yesterday, and be obtained another for flay. lie ma ll application ior another extenbion to day, bat it is lo. tkcugbt that it will be granted. Col. BiiSTEAD'B case has been decided, bat the malt is tot et known A gentleman named English, lrcm Pbfadelpbia, ho keeps a store lor supplying sutler's goods in tHs city, rlippd in the doorway of Willarda' Hotel last niebt, fell end broke bis right leg in two places THE BALTIMORE WIDOW HEU OBJECTION TO I11E LETTERS TV iTlal.iinAfB wiAia HTva iirB i itriann ri Mr.

nRiFiewnow and MiKfl foowc last Eight She was three days Irom Rich- td, with a valuable "cargo." She bad, among documents of value, about parts ot bsr acd person, tbin papers bid in ber hiir. One vpers was a commission in the Rebel army for HBaltimcrean. She refused to sleep under a aikt wked Alter being confiaei she officer lor ones. She soon re cui tQ eUep Bnder them Qp g0 Witb0ut. A6WrtiTKESENrTOGENOliD- belt is to be presented to Gen.

in the battle at y.tbe pfficer8 engaged under hi'n TlirnDTiVr -'ueeviue ISCOVERY-CAKE KfG MOXEY CONTAIN- LETTERS SF.XT fit GBEENBOW. A flae cake was te Uent Sbildoi stuck GBltKKHOW a Friday, places, and striking a h1' ia 8everAl Jonnd Treasury notes, fcub8'ce, opened it, and bl MBOnnti also, a conslder xnents hadbeea madfloa tat arrange" rejanca to Eichmond, and7nwcscpeandcon-bourof tbe day eiscoTery obtalrei torn ber I una OM ae unoon'ToUable. ThaT.i.,,v...vher 'Dijer was uvut utr Cflr TheLi.uttnan&hoe''n ent ity her, butZgt? new cake and cent a threw it down fiaiis. WAE ITJMOES. Grave apprehensions are expressed bi.gb in official position, that be Souther- en racy will soon be virtually xecgnized France and Spain, acting In concert.

Mr deub STEviajs alluded ytsterday to tbe fiCt.Etw "while the Eogliah people hate chuter chool would prefer that four million bUm should continue in perpetual bondas-a rathi.tir? that ber five million dependants ehoald suffer some inconvenience." Ho further said, "ths moatua- I'leastni itjlDff which I harn obRerred Ia tho I nent interierence of rranoe." Depend upon it, we 11 "Tvar wl the Great Towers of Europe at II and Bnless some decitive movement ia at ocoe made 1 hyour troops, and that movement, many thin, ATTENTIOXS TO TFTK -pffvaa Press" tion aT r- ErBLi, is infpired at theLeia-aSrf Pickel aP 7 3 numerous i llTJ1 were dec'ared "V0 PPse X- 1 ItlHTT i ins their in.m, 9 "OQvej ec a m-s33ge direct iiDeration. Bat tlie order was VlZETKTixr 1 WU8 aOUJpiMt OI tfte London Illustrated Fort W.r; -a the gtes of loners until he could 8et open for tae Pri" a. tb9 UaQHri of Iowa's now half -India affie re, aBd wstaads "0U51' Brown's Hotel POLICE IN TJSIFCRVf Oar whLC fe Si fWc ei 'wit 1 IY bJ taken prisoner once beiore by the Rebels and made bis escape. He will probably be secured this time. No damage was done to our guo-boata by the Rebel battel ies yesterday, except the dkabling of a gan- carriage omewhat, although oar vessels stood in as safe as propriety would admit.

REBEL REPORTS. Tbe Norfolk Day Book, received here to-day, con tains as the only item of Confederate intelligence a biief and decidedly false account of the afftir ot yesterday. It says that the afftir was a pleasant piece of Sunday amusement, that tbe Rebel tug Rebel dis abled three of Lincoln's gun-boats and set the steamer Express on fire, besides securing a handsome schooner for a prize The Day Book says that the only damage done by Yankee shells at Se wall's Point was tbe bursting ot one of the hencoops of a poor widow, by which "accident a fine rooster was MORE CONTRABANDS. Six contrabands managed to elude the vigilance of tbe Rebels at Yorktown, last night, and getting into a canoe made their way down to Old Point this morning, where they were picked up and brought to Gereral Wool's head quarters for examination. Tbe most intelligent of the party states that Gen Magxvpsr is much atraid that tbe Yankees are going to advance upon them ia force.

By some means tbey have learned that it is the intention o' our Cover ment to publish the fast that BaKS pidb'8 Expedition it going to some point on the Southern coast, and then suddenly change its mind and come np the York or James river. The troops on tbe Peninsula are terribly frightened abcut it; and on Saturday last General Maorcdeb telegraphed to Davis to know if he ouli bura Yorktown, as be apprehended an immediate attack from tbe Ftderal lorces He received in answer oiders not to burn Yorktown until the Federal gun-boats or troops were in gunshot, and then to give out the lie that it had been fired by Yankee hct shot and si ell. WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Tbe contrabands brought in to day give General Magscdkb's whole fores at 20,000 men, consisting of six regiments from Louisiana. two from Alabama, two from Georgia, three lrotn North Carolina, one from Tennessee, and the balance from Virginia.

The contrabands, it is said, always overestimate troops, but it is pretty certain that there is a strong toice cn the but we have no Bona-parte to meet there, alihough 'tis sail that Gen. UioauDta would make an excellent model for a goo, 1. BaccHirs. Tbe Rebels are bard at work on their batteries, and if tbeir men will only stand tbelr ground, desperate fight may be expected when we advance npon them. GETTING CROWDED.

Tbe buildings here are now all occupied by the Government, and in a short time there will be no place ior tbe weary traveler to stop and rest him.elf on old Point tcmlort w. lnpottant from the South. FoKTKXf Monroe, Dec 30, via Baltimore. Te Norfolk Day Bool; received by a flag of truce, gives a carious account ot the capture ot toe Dcbooner Sherwood. Amo otber tbings iteta'es that three of our gunboats were disabled, and tbe Express et oo ii e.

AH tie carnage done by our heU at tear all's Point, is said to have been tbe kihiog of a roofer Philip St George Cocke, receutiv appoiated a Biigaoier-General iu the Recti army ot the Potomac, committed euicice on Thursday last, at hi residence, lie as a graduate of West 1'oLat, and aa esiesmed as a fixe officer Tbe re me of tbe General whose suicide is au-sut oed, not be coaioauded wita that of Philip St. George ookk, who. a though a Vir-fitjian, is a true loyal men. and holds a Unied Males er-nnision a igviier-Oemrai ot una lie is an accomplished cavalry othoer. aad ls r- iiin atii of tLe icuiar citalry iu Itic arinr vt tle 1'ctotuac Ire fuicirie a son of Genral John Cocke, of 44 Bicojo," Fluvanna county, who i still Hvug at an advanced age and is chancellor of he Utivtitity of Virginia lie was a graduate of MTet Point, aid was etetmed an accomplished offisar.

He rescued lrcm th army some years ao. and arjitd a youojr lady of great wealth Jrotn Eastern Sbo if Virginia. The name hU wite was Mifs Bowdoin, and tbey were married ty Dr. Due chit, then a clergymen in YifKioia but no a loial citizen of Poaaielphia. He was always a tine looking man, ani ia bU ar years quite stout llawasth first General that covmand.d tre Rebel troop in Virginia, aod aras succeeded by Gen.raJ LEEnpou the defection of ttiat cfficer.

At tbe time or bis dea.h he was nearly sixty years of ase Tbe commissary stores, including a portion of the otdtasceOiartment at NathvilJe, were destroyed by fire on the 23d mst. Tbe loss is estimated at nearly oie million. Tte following are the Tennessee Coo zremeo First District J. I. Ueiskell; O.

Swan; Third, B. Gakdenbhikic; Fourth, Gektbt; Fit h. W. Jones; S'xth. F'K)ri; Serenta, Adbins; Eighth, John Wjuht; Tenth, Cckein Six con'iabands were taken from a small canoe in Cbesateake bay, cffBack river, this morniag, in an almost exhausted condition.

They were brought to read-qua iters. Tbey state that the inhabitant et Yorktown and the military autborities tbere are vey much frigbtenf at the expected at ack. It is beiievefi there that Gen. BorXSiD" 5 expedition is certainly destined to go np tbe York river, and that Gen. Wool will cooperate in an attack npon Yorktown.

Gereral MAOBCDxais said to bare telegraphed the condition of flairs to Richmond, and asked permission to destroy Yorktown bv fire, and to have received a reply directing him to refrain until he is certain that tbe place is to be immedia'ely attacked. Stiosg batteries are placed on each side of York River, and the force is estimated at thirty thousand in the vicinity of Yorktown. From General Banks9 Command. Frederick, Deo. 30 The Commission for examining into tbe character, ability and qualifications cf officers of this division of the army still continues its sittings in tbis city.

Many cases of tht lower ot commissioned officers hare been examined nto and reported opon te the Commander-in-Coiet. Others, including some of higher grades, are now before tbe Board. The final action in all tbe cases will not be divulged until tbe rising of the Board- The General Court Martial to-day up tbe case of tte murder by a private of tbe Fifth Connecticut Regiment perpetrated while that regiment was on a march, last tall, from Pleasant Hill to Willitmsport. Alter disposing of this, otber desertion cases will be brought up It is believed that several of this class will be made examples ot by the process laid down in tbe articles ot wax. Jjhn 8 Clakk, late Colonel of the Nineteenth New York, has been appointed an Aid-de camp to Gen.

Banks, with tbe rank of Colonel, and reported tbis morLing for duty. Last week a fire broke out In a building near Gen. Banes' head quarters, affording his body guird. the Zouaves d'Atnque, a rare opportunity of instilling some new tactics into the fire department. Before tbeaUrm had hardly sounded, these agile fows bad emptied the engine houses of their machines," attached hose, scaled the walls and extinguished tbe fire in an tecrecibly short space of time, Baving the valuable property from any great loss.

ma. Gen. Banks, and the ot many pf the other officers of this divieion, are at preseat sojourn it here, giving metropolitan tone to society, and an increased air of refinement and elegance to the city. On Saturday, Gen Bakks, 1 irst Assistant Postn-acter General abson, and S. Mru-dletof, En Cashier of the U.

Treasury, dmt at tte mansion of Frederick Sltjs, Esq editor of the iK'Kih Connecticut has been ordered hither from Hancock. pd will Probfc Tbnrday. The first section of Captain BE3r battery is now on its way froa the sama PACeman, named James McGraw, (heretofore motioned iftbis cor.PondencM from H.oer's mr waa arrested bere on the 27ta. It tS'iXASSSttf rni.hed arge qaauty of salt tbe enemy, some say Id to 200 sacks On Cb.isimas Day, General Banks, through itha Tmiff Advocate. Cap'ain Collis.

discharged from Sttoy a number oprisoners under sentence by a Is the ordnance dep. mfnt onhis division, nude cbtw Thompson, ot Company MsaaoUu iw-iio. A force under him employed in repairing and liS raa? won. otherwise be cordenuod and rfturned to Washington. The oftjr fh" charge of the magazine and tropaie caytared from the Secessionists, The Ms8ftcha.tw LecWature New Yoek, Deo 31 The Legiiiat if wnl.msat tomorrow.

Ex-Governor Clipfokb "MnM'Q'N tvu ffr President of the Senate, and a Ji ovk ut Speaker cf tbe loue- Washington, Dec. 31. NOTICE TO POSTMASTERS. The following notice to Postmasters has been issued P. O.

Department, Appointment Officr, Dec. 31, 1861-The Congressional Branch Office beiog now in operation, the attention of Postmasters at distiibuting offices is again called to the order of this Department requiring every distributing office to make up a separate bag for all matter, letters and papers, directed to members of Congress, exclusive of all otber matter. Special and careful attention is required to this crder, and tbe clerks shall be so instructed Such bags are to be labelltd "Congress. Washington, "aud the route agents at Washington will deliver these bags direct to the Congress messenger. (Signed) John Akasson, First Assistant P.

M. General. PRESENTATION. Hon. Daniel S.

Dickin-on to day presented a coftly stand of State colors to tae Dickinson Guard, Eighty-ninth New York Volunteers. Hon. R. U. Ddell received tbem on behalf of the regiment, delivering afelicitcus address.

Vice President Uah-lin. General Casey and staff, Hon. S. Doanr, Augustus Schell, aod others, were present. PAYING THE TROOPS.

Arrangements bave been made to pay all the troops up to the 1st of January Orders lor the preliminary musters were issued several days ago. A FALSE ALARtt. Heavy firing was beard laU tbu evening, creating apprehensions of a fight on tbe Virginia sile, but it proved to bave been merely artillery practice. WASHINGTON NEWS AND GOSIP. Tbere is a general 'army quiet" to-day.

There is scarcely anything stirring worthy of record The little excitement which was created by the release ot Mason and Slidell, and the suspension of specie payments by the Northern banks, have passed away meteor-like. Tbe city is at a stand-still; dinner parties and serenades, lor tbe time, have usurped warlike preparations. Tbe advent of the new year will be a grand holiday in the army, nart cularly amoogs. tu New kork regiments. The country will never witness another such a celebration, probably, on the bicks ot tbe Potomac.

The preoaratoos made to-day along the lines to uuer in '62, are only such as coald be made by tbe patiioiic hearts wbub. sleep ia tbe tented field. It is eetimated. by the packages received by Adams Ex pre -s and through oihtr sources, that at least live thousand roasted turkies, wi all tbt ef hare been sent to tbe soldiers of the Potomac during the boJHsys. About fifty resignations ot officers in the Penn svivaiiia regiments have taken place during tbe past three weeks.

There bave been only three ColoneLi among tbem. and those on account of ill-health. Hobace N. English, of Philadelphia, ac-i-detitally broke his leg laet night, while passing into Wizards' Hotel. Tbere is no evidence that tbe Pennsylvania Reserves ill go into winter quarters In their present position tbey are menaced by the Rbels every day.

Drainesville is half way between their cairp and Centreville, whe an iimenw Rbel oroe is concentrated The Rebel can, at any Han, throw an immense forse into Drainesville without any fear ot being cutoff by ouriorces Whiletbey bave a topographical advantage, we have the Keystone to teach them a lesson. And it will be taught. Recent reconnoissances from General Smith's and General McCai.l divisions that the enemy baa a strong picket guard beyond Drainesville, but no troops at that place- The Quarter master of tbe Seventh Maiae ReHmnt rectivco from tbe ClotbiDS Bureau, on Saturday, coats and pantaloons for that corps, but was soon Hereafter obliged to return tiem, oicg to the fraud which, in their manufacture and material, bad been practiced ucoa tbe Government General Scmneb, who was lately injured by tbe stumbling ot ie horse, has been brought to Washington tor medical treatment. SICKNESS IN THE FIFTY-SEVENTH PENNSYLVANIA The re is much slckos in tbe Fifty-seveuth Pennsylvania Reiiiment, Oo! MaxwaLL Two deaths (r-j'Vfca I'tLa. si-d Dtssis Petecs) lock place on AIoDdav.

HEAVY CONTRACT FOR HAY AND CORN. Mr John Bill, of tbe firm ot Hughes, Fcller of Philadelphia, bas secure 1 a contract tor turois'bing the Government with one million bushels of corn, at 77 cents per bushel, and serea hundred and fifty tbousaxd tons of hay, at $22 per tou. Tbis is one of tbe heaviest contracts yet made by the Government for forage. SUTLERS IN THE ARMY. Tbere appears to be much diacussion aa to the position and rights of the sutlers ia tbe army since tbe President bas signed the bill recently pissed by Congress A general order trill be issued to the paymasters to morrow.

As the law now stands, the sutlers bave no lien npon tne soldiers' pay- Uereto-fcre, in aome cases, tbe colonels of regiments and tbe pa masters bave received a per cent age Irom the sutlers The soldiers have been taxed to pay this, in order that the sutler may receive a fair profit. APPOINTMENT OF QUARTERMASTER. William Stoddard, of Lycomiag county, bas been appointed Superintendent of the Quartermaster's Department at Alexandria. FLAG RAUsING AT LOCUST POINT. A number of Pbiladelphians left in the five o'clock train tbis afternoon, to be present at a flag-raisiog at Locust Point, which is to come off to-morrow.

Tie Committee, consisting of Messrs. John Hill, Adam Wobtbman4 John Rsick, Joh Deffes-daffbr and D. Fallsb, all Pbdadelphians, waited upon Colonel Thomas B. Florence, to deliver aa addrefs cn the occasion- The affair will wind up with a grand dinner. The Mariae Baud from Fort McHenry will be present ARRIVAL OF THE ETNA.

LATER FROM EUROPE. Comments on tne President's Message. New Y'opk, Dec 31. The steamer Etna arrived at 8 o'clock tbis morning, with dates by telegraph from Liverpool to tbe 19th. The steamer Bohemian, arrived on the 17th inst Tbe meessge of President Lincoln claimed great attention, notwithstanding that the publio leeiing was deeply engaged with the death of Prinoe Albert Tbe silenoe ot the President's nussage on the Trent affair was the subject of much conjecture and comment, it was generally regarded as a loop-bole for escape, and gave rise to some hopes of peace, although the general construction was warlike.

Tbe London Times says that nothing can be mere ungracious than tbe President's treatment of the Foreign Powers for thtir forbearance. A gracious and courteous acknowledgment was due. Toe Times also devotes an aiticle to the report ot the Secretary ef tbe Havy, which it treats with ridicule, and denounces as an unparalleled crime the project or blocking up ports by sunken vessels. The Post treats tbe message as undeniably waruKe, and although remarking on tbe silence relative to tne Trewf affair, says it was scarcely within the ordinary scope of a message. It also charges the I resident witn ingratitude in dealing with the m.6 ers.

In the same article it savs the despatch to Lord Lyons was eimple and final. It is an ultimatum in itself. The Daily Xews considers tbe silence on the Trent affair an ixdication of prudence and caution and favorable to peace It is phased to believe that the President desiied to hold himself free to speak at an appropriate time. It nevertheless cpta plains ot the President's reticence and of the little creait be gives to foreign Govern merits. The Star justifies silence relative to the Trent, ard praises the clearness, force and ability ot tbe The Irerald takes quite a contrary view, and fears tbat ubce is almost hopeless.

The vote of thanks by Congress it regards as an insult to England. The warlike preparations are continued The Persia took out 1200 troops. Tbe Grenadier and Scotch Siisilier Guards would embatk immediately. All disposable vessels in tbe MeoKerranean were assembling at Gibraltar, to be reidy forioime'iiate departure Admiral Dacres hai been appoiated ee-nnd In command to Admiral Milne Tbe. war risks at Llotd's were active and ad-1 vancing Parliament mers about the middle of Jannary.

-The death ot Piiuce Albert bad caused a most profound sensation. There is great sympathy for ibe tjueen, wbo bote the bereavement wat-h fortitude. Tbe wturmtst aulogiuais are parsed upau tbe Prince. Strcrg token of sympathy are tendered from tbe French and otber Continental Courts, many ot which went immedia'ely into Loro Palmebbton baa been ill of gOHt, but was better Ite Asia's news was generally regarded at Paris as nntavojable for poace. The letdiog journals continue to advocate French neutrality.

1 TnE LATEST. 1 Deir. 19 A rnmor vraa eirre at PaHs yesterday, that t' French ooeruaieit hd seoc a ncte to Rueii Prussia and Austria, sages.ing THE COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON THE rRI VATE LETTERS BY THE ETNA: IS ENGLAND BENT ON A QUARREL NOLENS VO-LENS? MAYOR WOOD GOING TO DO A GOOD THING! TOE FORT GANSEVODRT SWINDLE THE MORTALIIT FOR THB YEAR -FORT LAFAYETrE-THE BCRNSIDE EXI EDITION" BAD WHISKY SINKING OF A IUG BOAT THE BANK MEETING EFFECT OF THE FOREIGN ADVICES ON THE MARKET, Correspondence of the Inquirer. New Yosk, Dec. 31st.

Good-bye, good bye, 1831 Glad you are gone. Tbere are not many pleasant remembrances cliogiag to your Sairts, so faxaa our country is ncsrned, and tbe sooner vou are shoved aside by the happy New Year the better. "Happy Ne Year," then, aid as many tigers" as jou please to the readers ot The Iro.ijiber, one and all, Happy New Year!" Hap hap-n'ear!" Ha-hap hap-ee." Tbe tone of the London and Liverpool letters by tbe Etna, to-day is ol a much more subdued Character than bae lately been tbe case The leading bank ere express tbe hepe that tbe Federal Government will not refuse to eurrender the Rebel Commissioners, as tte only alternative will be "war, and war to the knite." A belief is gkiniog ground with many of our most intelligent merchants and citizens those, I mean, who bave commercial correspondents in England that tbe British Government will not be loog in discovering tbe pretext lor another "difficulty," as a prtlude to breaking the blockada, whicl is no beginning to pitch her manufacturing clashes almost 6 baolj as it ia pincbirg Jeff. Davis Hence, tboogh the surrender ot Slidell and Masox pats cfl tLe evil day, it is felt that war is only temporality, tot iidtfinite-y, pes'poned The arrogant and insol mg tone of the London fctimatizing tbe oiociale of Charleston, bv kicking vessels io i-s cbanael, as an outrage upon ail tuman kird, an uoptratleled barbanry, etc certainly gees far to strengthen that belief. Toe Itmts, to be sure, is only a newspaper, but ia the excitement whcb it and its eeboeg have atirred up spaing us, io tb- mat er of the TWwr.

it discloses an ii flutnee ution Britii-hpubiio opinion, wlnctJ, though Lever to te not to be detiel. It is iicrted at thj City Hall, tbia afternoon, that Mayer WtOD intends to veto the so-called "Belt Railroad" scheme If tbe rumor prove correct, EaADO ill have done at lea-t cue food act, to i ftvi the raulutucinuus bad oiies of nia long official ca-eer Tbe' Gansevoort awindle" too, has been practical lain I he Court of Common Pleas, before aim tte arenment on tbeiojunccion was proceeding, thi Doriiog ordeied a postponement ti HooHy next Now. aa tbe author of tbis hugs job -the pre -eat I on moa Council terminate their official carter this etenin will be unable to reap tae rewards cf tt ir Diacopuvre, as bonester men(i: is to be hope i I tke tbeir daces, and tbe proceedings will have to be takei- tie novo Iht City Ii.pctor a statistics for the year show an ag preat ot 21 700 di-atbs duriog the velve mooths, agaurt 22 710 lor tbe year preoeoing. Toe decease ia mainly apparent in Pneumonia and Scarlatina, vtbiob ere epidemica ttereiand eonequentiy helped to enlarge tfce mortaiuy bills for toe year, ia tne latter toi tbe eammer, and early fa tbe 111 ot Since the last cholera year (lii tbe total omberot deatbs baa yearly varied about 1000, aa may bo seen from tbe followiog fijares: 2H7S 22.13 IS? 1S59 2l.W 1SC7 21 776 lsJ till) Ibe tvt4y bingfs cf Fort Lafayette creaked again to-day by order ot Secretary bBWARO, to let out tbe following allot wuoaa have taken an olO not to enter tbe service ot tbe Rebel Sias: Janus iovsunos, J. Aararj ctBBkaT.

Watt, Michael Bsien, sogib, and Wm. Joes, beloaing tue Figlb baique Frprtss Johi A. Bctler, Uk -v Sutler. A.ihcr Mcart, of tbe prirt-sfcio v'ltra. vv m.

Utitjwx Te bvsii- at the tjaar tftrmtjr'a nffics on as-coi. ut ii Le CrjanciDa exrveditioo it atuut closed vp Tne tctal sroauut of bills audited ia about a quartet ot a milikn of dollars. A good deal ot bad whisky was con-mooed about own to-day, aid, by consequence, the police had Ueir hards full Two atabog ce, aul thirty arrests tcr di-rderly coDdoct, are reported an ugly beginning for New Year 'a Ere. TLe tug-boat ileses Taylnr. lio at tbe foot of V-rey stieet.

sank at tbe harf tb-s mo'nin. Tnere were feveial nieu cn btard at tSe tim, all of whom escaped save one AcrsTT8 Smith, tne engtaeer who wis asleep in bis berto at the time. The cause of tbe accident is not known. A goca rtportanity for forwarding letters and packages to tne Golf Squadron will be afforded on Saturday text, by tbe traoport Connecticut, which haves i that day for Fort Pickens. Tbe number of new copartnerships formed for the ensnirg year does not promise to be very large Nearly all tbe old firms remain intact.

Thirty or Jorty boute will probably wicd up. Tbe Bank officers were in session for about an benr afternoon, but no business of puttie inte. rett was transacted beyond the appointment ot a committt to take ioto conMderatioa tbe receiving ot United States demand notes oo depost, who are to report at a meeting to be held on Thursday Tbe foreign advices caused a inner feeling lu breadstuff, but in otber respec'a the effect in mercantile or financial circles was not ma'ked. Gold is eelliiig freely at 141 percent, premium. Transactions of lots of 0,000 and 100,000 have taken place at 1 SECOND BOARD 5 NOP.

P. 5's T4 cpn. sh Erie BR 31 8 5a 91H fie WO Tern 43 fl.OOOTenn. 6 "64.... 40 4i 9 N.

Caro. 6'a 60 Hud R. 3d 77 2 100 111 Ceu KU BA Cnt 8a8. F. $l0Micb.

to. Jstm Wi 100 sb P.M. a bIO MX 10 ah N. Y. Cent- So4 40 ce tOH 2M ah T.rie BR 160 sb UarlemBK 13 do Ji 509 do blO 31 l0 do 33 50 h30 SI lOOabHaM 81 31 250 ah M.

8 A V. I 41 30 sh Paoa. RE x. dlv.113 sash 111 Cent 6) 10 1H AOsh Gal A Chi 6t 100 gb Cle. A TjiL RS.v.

354 AK) do ...35 600 do 34 fO do 86V ISO ailch. Cent BR. 50 inOahCbl I fO do b30 60 250 do 52X Tbe year closes on a quiet and very firm Money market Call loans are quoted at 7 cent, and first class aper at 78 cent. Foreign exchange is very firm at 110ila 111 for merchants', and 1U 112 fcr backers' iterlmg. Oo Paris, 6f 056t Hamburg, 37JSS3 Gold ia selling at TfiTK ceot.

premium, notwithstanding that nine of the citv banks ate still paying specie oo all past engagements. Stock are a little firmer Erie haa adraoced Beading Michigan Southern, and Clevelaod and Toledo Ha lem Preferred andUliaois Central nd Harlem fi. Closing Prices Reported by IT. Toland Son, Exchange Place. Erie, Reading, 85X3 35 N.

Y. Oenbral, 80.V80 Micbigao Southern, 19-(g20: Michigan Sosrhero Guarantied, 41a lUinois Central, Canton, 9ffiif; Harlem, Harlem Preferred. Hudson, Cleveland and Toledo, 86 36.. Market is firm. Tbe War in Missouri.

Ottkryit le, Mo Dec 31. One of our men captured by tbe Rebels near CMotoo, and carried to Sprinub'eld, has just returned, having left that p'ass on Christmas. He says General Price, with 8300 men, had taken all the houses io Spriagdeld for the use of bis troop, turning women and children late the streets lie bad u'loaded bis wagons, and was mskicg preparations tor a loog stay. The people ot Arkansas had refused to allow Prick to enter tbat State with any otber troops tQan tbooe regularly enlisted in tbe Confederate service. UW force included oi ly IjOO men so enrolled- Tiie country about Springfield was full of men returning from Price's army, who said if they were permitted to retnrn borne and take tbe oath of allegiance, Paic would be left with only bis regular Confederate troops.

Sine. General Pope's rapid operations oyf last week, tbere is perfect quiet in all tbe region between tbe Missouri and 0age rivers. Not a rumor of Rebel camps or quads bas been beard. Genrrnl Ben hum Ordered to Duty. New York, Dec 31 A private despatch received from Washington states tbat General McClkllan, en investigating the speciricaioos of the.

charges against Britadier.GeeraI BenHam. bas ordered the lBttr' release Irom arrest, and be ia to be ordered at once to duty Tbis will be graceful news to the numerous fiietds of this brave officer. The KetJtnckv Bant. Louisville, Deo. 31 The Northern Bankof Kn-tueky suspended specie oay me ts to-dy.

The I no -nle'sWkat Boliog Gren hts beei orjiit it L-ni8vi'le, bvtba cnoioeof a new Board ot Di recurs, who wiU adsune the dieation ol th lik to aiorrew. The Pitt- Bants. liiTBLBd, Dea. 81 The Cidrsna' s-rrsiO-ed specie payments to diy. 1 LorjievuLi, Dec- 31.

A doubtful rumor prevail? that Cave City Hotel has been burned by the Seces-tionista Exciting rumors of a general engagement in uibern Kentucky have been current all dar, b'lt tbey are generally diecrediied no no notice of any battle Laving been received at head-quarters. Ciscisnati, Dec. 31 A special despatch to the Commercial, from Indianapolis, says there are rumors of fighting in Kentucky. General Bueix ordered tbe regiment of Fusiliers and a regiment of Light Artillery to Green river before be went forward. Geteial Bcckneb's cavalry were yesterday within a short ii-tance of our picket1, aud it is supposed he intended attacking General McCook in force, de stioy tbe Green Mvr bridge, and then All tbe reularn were thrown aero the bridge early yesterday morning.

St. Locw, Dec-31. No cews hasbten received beie of any fight at Paducah. FORTRESS 310NR0E LETTER. THE AFFAIR OF ND AY UNPLEASANT OF PRISONERS FROM MEXICO REBEL RE IS MORE CON TR A BAN DS EWS FROM YOUKfOVVN GEiriNG CROWDED.

Special Correspondence of the Inquirer. FoaTRKfeS BIonbok, Dec. 30, P. XL Tbe disgraseful affair of yesterday, although fruitful of unpleasant recollections, continues to be tbe general topic of conversation to day. It agreed upon all we believe, that the capture is most dishonorable to our gun-boats, and that the iusigni-fonce of the prize dees not in the least detract any-thing lrom the importance of the capture-SINGULAR FACTS.

The captain of the water boat captured by the Rebels yesterday was the only white man on board and be was taken prisoner by the Rebels. He had on Saturday afternoon agreed to take the place of the regular master, in the latter absence in Baltimore, and this was bis first trip in charge of the water boat. The schooner ShmcooJ, which was used as a water boat for Newport News, was one of those captured by a naval officer of this station, last summer, when an expedition was sent np the Back River and brought down a number of schooners. In this case, however, the Rebels are not welcome to their own. UNPLEASANT FACTS.

Tbe Rebels, In taking away our water-boat, yesterday, set ns an example that should have been adopted long ago, had not the policy of our Govern, ment towards the Rebels been so very lenient. It is a mortifying fact that, from the burning of Norfolk to tbe present time, schooners have been passing and repassing our gun-boats and Camp Butler, at Newport News, going up and down tbe James River, carrying, no doubt, the very guns, ammunition, and food lor tbe Rebels who are ready to murder the brave defenders of the' Union, and rob their dead bodies, and yet these vessels bare been all along and are yet unmolested With the lack of ambulances In Oro'g brigade, we must lay this at the door of the "circum'ocution office," at Washington. Ad, again, the Rebels have been permitted at different times to cross tbe New Market Bridge, burn houses, fire woods, Now our riflemen have to arch over nearly a mile of open wa6te ground in to cleafthe Rebels from the other side of the rwge. Our men have fairlv begged the privilege of nV 8h0Ver tuming tbe Rebels out, so that they bave fair field and no favor; but this petition havJt5 Bnhedd nd eo our German riflemen like 0Marchnptotbe DrW shot down wood na v.e their opponents are in houses, other side of the t0 the enemy Si 1,0 "Circumlocutin 1UE EXCHANGE PRlsovirpJ As already announced th wk. lection ot our prkonSf or 1 f618 md5 8B" if two hundred and JS" vernment the other day.

S' our Go-the James river on tLtZJ tensibly for the purpoae viXSSZJZ portation, but really to at the trn8 i- of our Govern- instead of by rail and is said, will ba composed entirely 0f Bull Run. vu ut" KEVYS FROM MEXICO. By a flag of truce to-day, we Ieara that the citv of Matamoras surrendered to General Cahivatal on lie 3d instant, aad be ii now ia possession of VYeatern Mexico. Thoasmdg are flocking to him and otT-rin? tbelr services. He has issued a proclamation declar teg his opposition to tha interfeCDce of foreign powers wiih Mexican afftirs, and has also fleourel himself opposed to Secesh," much to the di3coiuV tue oftbe.Eebel at Brownsville, Tex, who greitly fear an attack They have a good fort ani rma gun.

but no amoiuiion. ANOTHER SINGULAR FACT. Capfaln John of she water bo.it, wis.