The latest.
From the New York Herald, of the 22d inst., we make the following selections:Movements of the Confederates at Centerville and Manassas.
Washington, Feb. 21.
--Trains of cars were running all last night between Centreville and Manassas.
Some interpret this movement as indicative of an evacuation of these places, and others a withdrawal of the rebel troops from Centreville to Manassas, with a view to strengthen the latter place, in the belief that an early forward movement of our troops in that direction is meditated.
The evacuation of Manassas is the prevailing topic here to day. Reports are rife that the rebels are abandoning the line of the Potomac, and preparing for a foot-race beyond the reach of the converging folds of the McClellan anaconda.
It is believed, however, by those who have the best opportunity to know, that the crowds of rebel soldiers reported to be passing South through Richmond are composed chiefly of these of the rebel army in the neighborhood of Winchester and along the Potomac, whose terms of enlistment have expired, and who have purchased furloughs to go home by first re-enlisting for the war. It is well known that the flower of the rebel army is in front of Washington, and while our Army of the Potomac is here the rebel commanders will not dare to abandon their works at Manassas and throw open the way to Richmond.
Visit of Gen.M'Clellan to the Federal troops at Hall's Hill — as Foreshadows a fight on the Potomac at an early day.
Washington, Feb. 21.
--The reception of Gen. McClellan by the troops in Gen. Porter's division, on his visit to Rall's Ill yesterday, was of the most enthusiastic description.
He was accompanied by Colonels Colburn and Sweitner, Count De Pairs, Duc de Charters and other members of his staff, and a strong escort of the regular cavalry.
After halting a few minutes at the headquarters of Gen. Fitz John Porter, the General visited the camp of the New York Forty-fourth (Ellsworth's Avengers) and witnessed a bayonet drill by that regiment.
After the drill Gen. McClellan summoned the officers of the regiment to his presence and complimented them upon the recent extraordinary march of their command, thirty-five miles, over Miner's Hill, towards Fairfax Court House, which, in the state of the roads at the time, he considered very creditable to the troops, from the manner it which it which it was done and the good condition in which they returned.
He also carried them that they would before long have an opportunity to distinguish themselves on the battle-field.
Wherever General McClellan made his appearance among the soldiers, in his progress through the camps, be received their ovatichs, His unexpected appearance among them was the night for the most rapiurenk cheering.
The men were almost wild with excitement when they found their chief
among them, and their shouts made the welkin-ring;
General McClellan expressed, on his return, great satisfaction at the condition of the soldiers, and the great improvement they have made in drill and fighting condition.
The celebration of the twenty-second on February in Washington — no illumination — the death of old Abe's son Casts a Gloom over things.
The death of President Lincoln's son ‘"Willieͅ’ seems to have materially interfered with the manner in which the 22d of February was to have been celebrated at the Federal Capital. We copy the following in regard to the occasion from the New York Herald's special telegraphic correspondent, under dated ‘"Washington, Feb. 21,"’ The following was addressed to the Senate and House of Representatives: The President of the United States was lest evening plunged into affiliation by the death of a beloved child. The Heads of Departments, in consideration of this distressing event, have thought it would be agreeable to Congress and the American people that the official and private buildings occupied by them should not be illuminated on the evening of the 22d inst. William H. Seward. S. P. Chase E. M. Stanton, Gidson Welles, Edward Bates, M. Blair. Washington, Feb. 21, 1862. A joint resolution was consequently adopted by the House, in accordance with this request, and the orders for illuminating the various public buildings were countermanded. The Senate will probably adopt, the joint resolution to morrow, before proceeding to the hall of the House of Representatives to participate in the ceremonies. Flag, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, and transparencies, hundreds of which had been prepared for private as well as public illumination, will be laid aside until a more fitting occasion, when the possession of Nashville, and perhaps, also, of Richmond and New Orleans, will be added to the pyramid of Union victories. The appointed ceremonies in the House will, however, take place. Immediately after the adjournment to-day, there was a rush to the Speaker's room for cards of admission to the reserved seats in the gallery. Grave Senators and stately representatives were as eager as school boys for the coveted seats for females friends. Hundreds were disappointed. The Cabaret held their meeting at the State Department. The public buildings will not, therefore, be illuminated, the arrangements for that purpose being suspended. The Departments will all be closed to-morrow, as an expression of sympathy with the President for his recent grievous bereavement. Both house of Congress adjourned to-day for the same reason, immediately after assembling, without transacting any business.Preparations for Celebrating Washington's Birthday in the camps.
Active preparations are making in all the regiments here abouts, and those across the Potomac, for the one celebration of the Anniversary of Washington's Birthay to-morrow. Orders have been issued by nearly all the commanding Generals for the heading to each regiment of ‘"Washington's Farewell Address."M’ Everything gives promise of an enthusiastic commemoration of the day. Division and brigade reviews, dinners, presentations, prize shooting, greased pole climbing, sack races, and all the sports imaginable and unimaginable, possible and proper in camp life.The death of the President's son.
Amid the general joy excited by the success of the Union cause, a black shadow has fallen upon the Presidential mansion, and all who were personally acquainted with the family of the President share in the deep tried occasioned by the death of little Willie Lincoln. He was a boy of such promise that all who became acquainted with him had predicted for him a career of no ordinary character. Young as he was, he impressed every, one who came in contact with him as a youth who was destined to become a man of rank. The body of Willie Lincoln was embalmed to-day by Drs. Brown and Alexander, assisted by Dr. Wood, in the presence of the attending physicians, Doctors Stone and Hall, Senator Brownig and Isaac Newton. The method of Sagnet, of Paris, was used, and the result was entirely satisfactory to the attending friends of the family. Thaddeus, the youngest son of the President is still dangerously ill. Fears are entertained that his disease will assume the type which proved fatal to his brother.Capture of Clarksville — a Ridiculous rumor about Government Harris, &c.
St. Louis, Feb. 20, 1862.
To Major General McClellan:
Clarksville is taken, with supplies enough for our army twenty days. The place is now occupied by General Smith's division.
H. W. Halleck,/signed> Major-General Commanding.
St. Louis, Feb. 21.
--Special dispatches from Cairo to the Republican and Democrat, say that on Tuesday two rebel regiments, from Clarksville, came to Fort Donelson and were tired of fighting the old flag. It is declared that strong objection a will be raised by the Tennessean against the Bowling Green force offering battle at Nashville. The Provost Marshal at Clarksville his sent word to General Grant to come up and occupy the town at once. The officers of the gunboats now lying there represent the Union feeling as very strong. The people state that they had been made to believe that the Union army was entirely compound of Germans and negroes, for Abolition purposes; but now that they see it is not, they are anxious to return to their allegiant. Prominent citizens say that a similar feeling will prevail in the whole State in a week. Government Harris has called a meeting of the Legislature next Monday, for the Legislature, of having all the unconstitutional acts passed by then immediately annulled; and Tennessee officers and citizens declare that the State will soon be back in the Union.Reported defeat of General Price at Sugar Creek, Ark.
Our readers will recollect that, a few days since, we published a telegraphic dispatch claiming a brilliant victory for the Confederates, under Gen. Price, at Sugar Creek, Ark, The following is the Federal report of the affair. We shall a wait further information before making up our minds in regard to the fight: Headquarters, St. Louis, Feb. 20, 1862. To Major-General McClellan. Price, being reinforced by McCulloch's command, made a stand at Sugar Creek, (we crossed into Arkansas on the 18th,) and has defeated after a short engagement, and again fled. Many rebel prisoners were taken, and the arms which Price's men threw away in their flight. H. W. Hallech, Major-Gen. Com.Interesting from Kentucky--Columbus evacuated--Gen. Buchner.
St. Louis, Feb. 21.
--A Union scout, who was in Columbus Tuesday night, reports that no preparations were being made for the evacuation of that price.
Fourteen steamers, with steam up, were at the wharf.
A saint was fired, indicating the arrival of a General and reinforcements from the South.
Louisville, Ky. Feb. 21,--The Journal was misinformed with regard to the capias reported issued by Judge Catron for the arrest of Gen. Buckner, He is under indictment, but it is not probable that the civil authorities will demand him from the military authorities.
Operations on the lower Potomac.
Washington, Feb. 21,
--The steamer Stepping Stones arrived at the Navy-Yard this morning from the upper flotilla.
Yesterday morning this steamer, with a launch and boars; crew from the Yankee, went on a reconnaissance up Occoquan creek some four miles. Lieut Eastman sent out. Acting Master Lawrence with the launch, who visited the north and south shores of the creek, penetrating a short distance into the interior, but with out finding any sings of the rebels.
Just as the launch was leaving the South side of the creek, a brisk fire was opened on them by the reave is from five or six pieces posted in a clump of woods.
Some force she list were thrown by cushy, all of which flew uncomfortably near the Stepping Stones, slightly tearing the flag.
The fire was returned from the Stepping Stones, and a howitzer in the launch planning a chewer of rifled shot into the cover of the rebels, which undoubtedly damaged them, as the fire soon slackened.
Capture of Confederates.
Washington, Feb. 21,
--Yesterday two rebels, W. P. and E. P. Bryan, were captured at Holloway Point, on the Potomac, by Capt. Heine, Topog. apical Engineer on General Heintzlmeman's staff, who was on an expedition along the shore, E. P. Bryan was a signal officer in the rebel service.
