Northern News.
We are indebted to
Hon. Robert Ould,
Commissioner of Exchange, for files of late Northern papers, from which we make some extracts.
The
Yankees it seems, are making great preparations for the increase of their iron-clad navy.
The Navy Department invites proposals for new ocean iron-clad vessels-of-war, those previously determined on not having met with general approval.
The description of craft now wanted for sea service is as follows: Each vessel to be about 3,500 tuns burden, not to draw more than 15 feet of water, and to be capable of steaming at least 13 miles an hour; to have two turrets, each fit for two guns, which may weigh, if necessary, 25 tuns.
The ordnance to be used in these vessels, although weighing more than
Dahlgren 15 inch guns, will not, it is believed, be of more than 13 inch bore.
From the reports published on the 29th, of the condition of the iron clads now in course of construction, we learn that the following vessels will be afloat by the 1st of August:
| Name. | Thage. | Where Building. |
| 1.
Canonious, | 1,034 | South Boston. |
| 2.
Catawba, | 1,034 | Cincinnati. |
| 3.
Manhattan, | 1,034 | Jersey City. |
| 4.
Mahopac, | 1,034 | Jersey City. |
| 5.
Manayunk, | 1,034 | Pittsburgh. |
| 6.
Oneota, | 1,034 | Cincinnati. |
| 7.
Saugus, | 1,034 | Wilmington, Del. |
| 8.
Tippecanos, | 1,034 | Cincinnati. |
| 9.
Tecuœseh, | 1,034 | Jersey City. |
| 10.
Agimentious, | 1,564 | Portsmouth, N. H. |
| 11.
Monadnock, | 1,564 | Boston Navy yard. |
| 12.
Towanda, | 1,564 | Philadelphia Navy-yd. |
| 13.
Miantonomah, | 1,564 | New York Navy-yard. |
The
New York State Democratic Central Committee met at
Albany on the 28th, and all the members were in attendance.
The resolutions readopt the declaration of the last State Convention in regard to the support of the
Government to suppress the rebellion.
They declare that while peace is desired by every patriot, it must be on a basis of the restoration of the
Union under the
Constitution; that the present Administration is not any more capable of making such a peace than it has shown itself to conduct a successful war, and that any attempt to urge it to a peace will only enable it, in conjunction with the
Davis Government, to consummate a separation of the States, to which the Democrat will never submit.
The resolutions then refer to the declaration of the
Loyal League Convention, which they construe as placing the military above the civil power, and accept the issue, proclaiming the determination to stand by the
Constitution and against all such slavish and despotic doctrines.
They admit the jurisdiction of military law within the lines of warlike operations, but declare every attempt beyond those limits to prostrate civil power by military force treason to the country and Constitution.
They endorse the sentiments of the
Governor's letter to the
Albany meeting.
Col. Kirkpatrick's raid into
Gloucester county, Va., a few days since, is described by a correspondent from
Fortress Monroe.
We give an extract from the scoundrel's letter:
‘
The expedition, which was conducted by both land and water, was commanded by
Col. Kilpatrick.
It started from the headquarters of
Gen. Keyes on Wednesday, and returned yesterday.
In the interim the counties of Matthews and
Gloucester were well scoured.
All the warehouses containing grain were sacked, the mills burned, and everything that could in any way and the rebels was destroyed or captured.
Three hundred horses, two hundred and fifty head of cattle, two hundred sheep, and a hundred mules, together with a large number of contrabands, were brought back by the raiders.
’
The rebel farmers were all taken by surprise.
They had not expected a demonstration of the kind.
Not only were they made to surrender everything that could be of the least use to us, but they were compelled to be silent spectators of the destruction of their
agricultural implements.
Many persons will ask whether this was fair, and why did our forces destroy that for which they had no use?
A little reflection will soon snow.
By crippling an enemy we weaken him. Men in an army must have sustenance.
It we deprive them of this, discontent will manifest itself among them, and they will become mutinous.
They will no longer have any regard for discipline.
This weakens an adversary very materially.
There was much exhilaration in
Boston on the 28th during the departure of the 54th Massachusetts regiment (negro troops) for
South Carolina.
The regiment was completely full, dressed in regular
United States uniform, splendidly equipped, led by a colored band, and in marching, evolutions, and
tout ensemble, made a magnificent appearance.
They were reviewed by the
Governor, cheered most heartily by the people, and received all the distinguished marks of public commendation.
[This paragraph is so excessively
Tribunes that it is hardly necessary to credit the name of that paper at the bottom.]
A letter from
Fortress Monroe, dated May 27th, says:
‘
A woman named
Miss Heyer was arrested at
Suffolk yesterday, and a document, containing a plan of all the fortifications at
Suffolk, was found in her possession, and a letter to
Gen. Longstreet, saying that he could make a raid to
Norfolk and capture
Gen. Vicle and
Governor Pierpont.
The document was prepared by an attorney at
Norfolk named
Stubbs, who is now under arrest.
’
A letter from the Army of the Potomac, dated the 27th, says:
‘
Rumors were prevalent both to-day and yesterday of an intended movement to take place soon.
Of the nature of it I have not the smallest knowledge, nor would I be at liberty to reveal it if I had. The paths of ingress to the enemy's country through which we passed a few weeks ago are now closed against us. Both Banks's ford and
United States ford are held by their artillery.
We must, of necessity, seek another inlet.
The balloon makes daily ascensions, and I presume, from the pertinacious way in which it is sent aloft, that the
Professor discovers something new and startling each time.
In a sew days, perhaps, I may have something of more importance to communicate.
’
