It is deemed unnecessary to erect field-works around this city, and you will direct their discontinuance; also those, if any, in course of construction at Jefferson City. In this connection, it is seen that a number of commissions have been given by you. No payments will be made to such officers, except to those whose appointments have been approved by the President. This, of course, does not apply to the officers with volunteer troops. Col. Andrews has been verbally so instructed by the Secretary; also, not to make transfers of funds, except for the purpose of paying the troops.

The erection of barracks near your quarters in this city to be at once discontinued.

The Secretary has been informed that the troops of Gen. Lane's command are committing depredations on our friends in Western Missouri. Your attention is directed to this, in the expectation that you will apply the corrective.

Major Allen desires the services of Capt. Turnley for a short time, and the Secretary hopes you may find it proper to accede thereto.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. Major-General J. C. FREMONT,

Commanding Department of the West, Tipton. Gen. Fremont immediately surrendered his command to Gen. Hunter, and returned to St. Louis, where he arrived on the 8th of November, and found a large assemblage gathered to greet him. He immediately proceeded to his head-quarters, and soon after a procession bearing torches, preceded by music, and surrounded by a vast concourse of citizens, arrived there. A committee previously appointed entered and delivered the following address and

resolutions:

Major-General John C. Fremont:

SIR: We are instructed by the citizens of St. Louis to welcome you to our city, and perform the duty imposed upon us, with mingled feelings of sorrow and pleasure. While we deeply regret the occasion of your presence among us, we rejoice in the unmistak able manifestation of the unflagging sympathy of the people. They have witnessed with astonishment and indignation the event, unprecedented in history, of your removal from the command, while in active pursuit of the enemy, and on the very eve of reaping the fruits of your incessant and successful labors. The true causes which led to your recall are well understood and appreciated. You have risen too fast in popular favor. The policy announced in your proclamation, although hailed as a political and military necessity, furnished your ambitious rivals and enemies with a welcome weapon for your intended de

struction.

The harbingers of truth will ever be crucified by the Pharisees.

We cannot be deceived by shallow and flimsy pretexts, by unfounded and slanderous reports.

We entertain no doubt of your ability to speedily confound and silence your traducers. The day of reckoning is not far distant, and the people will take care that the schemes of your opponents shall in the end be signally defeated.

As loyal citizens, we follow your example in yield. ing due obedience to the edicts of the powers that be. With you we join in the hope that the enthusiasm with which you have imbued the army created by, and devoted to you, may lead them to victory, even in the absence of their legitimate leader. Should we meet with reverses, no fault will be charged upon you; should victory perch on our banners, the wreath of triumph will be placed on your brow by the verdict of the country.

Permit us to assure you that when the smoke of battle shall have passed away, and peace shall be restored to us, an appeal to the people from the action of its servants will be triumphantly sustained.

Resolutions.-We, the citizens of St. Louis, of German extraction, in mass meeting assembled to give expression of our sentiments towards Major-General John C. Fremont, have solemnly and unanimously resolved:

1. That we recognize in John C. Fremont the embodiment of our patriotic feeling and political faith. 2. That, notwithstanding many paralyzing circumstances, he has performed his arduous and responsible task with all possible energy and honesty.

3. That we admire his impartiality and sagacity in selecting his military counsellors, without national prejudices, from among such men as he considered true and worthy of his confidence.

4. That we will stand by him as long as he shall prove true to himself.

5. That while we submit to the action of the Government, as behooves loyal citizens, we regret to be deprived at the present moment of his services in conquering the rebel enemy, and believe we recog nize in this event a wise Providence, which may have

reserved him for a still wider sphere of action in future

times.

Gen. Fremont with much emotion replied: GENTLEMEN: I wish to say to you that your kind and affectionate-I may say affectionate-reception of my confidence-my confidence, already somewhat wa me moves my heart. It cheers me and strengthens vering-in our republican institutions. I felt all day as we passed through the country-I feel emphatically, to-night-that the faithful servant of the people, honestly laboring in the public cause, will not be allowed to suffer undeserved, and I feel stronger.

Since I left you a few weeks ago, many accusations have been rained on my defenceless head-defenceless because my face was turned to the public enemy. What I see and hear to-night, the address you have just read to me, and the approving multitude below, show me that I was not wrong in leaving my defence with you. In regard to the baser charges made against me, I will say nothing now. You do not require it; to speak of them would jar upon the generous feelings with which you come here to-night. Others have been already answered by my brave soldiers at Springfield: and others, of gross incompetency and a weak and aimless administration, to all of these I will adopt your address and the shouts of the grand multitude below as my answer. And, for all this, gentlemen, to you and to them, I renew my thanks with all my heart, which, to-night, is roused to full sensibility by the hearty and unqualified expression of your confidence and approbation, so valuable and grateful to me in my actual position.

I shall soon have occasion, for I shall make occasion, to answer all these charges more definitely. Until then, I will rely upon this evening for my defence.

The crowd outside becoming impatient, he presented himself, but the high wind prevailing rendered it impossible for him to address them. Subsequently, a committee appointed by the U. S. House of Representatives to investigate the management of affairs at St. Louis, as well as other matters, made a report containing statements which seriously detract from the fitness of the Commanding General for the position which he held, but do not affect his personal honor.

On the 11th of October the State Convention his Message to that body, asked for a simple re-assembled at St. Louis. The Governor, in and more efficient military law, and recommended measures to provide means to carry on

the State Government, and to meet the present emergencies..

An ordinance was adopted to postpone the State election until the first Monday in November, 1862, and providing for the continuance of the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and Secretary of State in office until their successors should be duly appointed. Another ordinance was passed providing for the abolition of certain offices, reducing salaries, &c., which contained a section providing that all persons taking the oath prescribed by the ordinance, within thirty days after its passage, should be exempt from arrest or punishment for taking up arms against the Provisional Government of the State, or giving aid and comfort to its enemies in this civil war; and the Governor was directed to request the President, in the name of the people of Missouri, by proclamation, to exempt ail persons taking the said oath from all penalties incurred by taking up arms against the United States, or giving aid and comfort to the enemy in the present civil war. The objects before the Convention having been accomplished by providing sufficient funds, and authorizing the State officers to continue until their successors were appointed, the Convention adjourned to the first Monday in November, 1862.

The Federal force in Missouri at this time was estimated at 27,000 men, of whom 5,000 were under the command of Gen. Hunter, 4,000 under Gen. Siegel, 4,500 under Gen. Asboth, 5,500 under Gen. McKinstry, 4,000 under Gen. Pope, under Gen. Lane 2,500, and under Gen. Sturgis 1,000.

On the 6th of November the army was in good spirits at Springfield. Gen. Fremont had left, and no battle was then soon expected. The chief command was held by Gen. Hunter, the oldest officer in the field, who expected soon to be superseded by Gen. Halleck. Gen. Price fell back near the State line, and remained until the Federal army began to recede, about the 15th. They were accompanied by long trains of emigrant wagons containing Union refugees. As they retired, Gen. Price followed up after them. The advance of Gen. Price was made in three divisions, and with the intention of moving upon Kansas, and making that the field of future operations. The opinion in the Confederate States was that Gen. Price never had any difficulty to procure men. His only obstacle had been the want of arms.

On the 30th of November his right wing, 6,000 strong, was at Stockton. The left wing held position near Nevada under Gen. Rains, 4,000 strong. The centre, under Gen. Price, 5,000 strong, was near Monticello.

In Boone County, on the 3d, Gen. Prentiss broke up a secession camp, with some loss on both sides.

On the 18th of November Gen. H. W. Halleck arrived at St. Louis, and took command of the Western Department. Gens. Sturgis and Wyman arrived on the same day. The di

visions of Gen. Hunter and Pope had reached different points on the Pacific Railroad, there to await the orders of Gen. Halleck. About the 20th the divisions of Gens. Siegel and Asboth arrived at St. Louis.

The plan of Gen. Price now, was to approach the borders of Kansas, and supply his forces with arms, destroy the track of the Northern Railroad, and thus cut off the communication with St. Louis. This, however, was defeated by the strategical combinations of Gen. Halleck, and on the 25th of December almost a clean sweep had been made of the country between the Missouri and Osage rivers, and Gen. Price was cut off from all supplies and recruits from Northern Missouri, and in full retreat for Arkansas.

In the last two weeks of December, the Federal army captured 2,500 prisoners, including seventy commissioned officers, 1,200 horses and mules, 1,100 stand of arms, two tons of powder, 100 wagons, and an immense amount of commissary stores and camp equipage. Several skirmishes took place during these operations. On the 22d of November the town of Warsaw was burned by incendiaries, to prevent its further occupation by Union troops. At Salem a skirmish took place on the 3d of December, between a small Federal force and a body of State Guards. Several were killed and wounded on both sides. At Shawnee Mound, on the 18th of December, Gen. Pope captured 150 Confederate prisoners, with wagons, tents, and baggage. At Milford, on the 18th, a body of the enemy were surrounded, and surrendered. Thirteen hundred prisoners were taken, including three colonels and seventeen captains, and one thousand stand of arms, one thousand horses, sixty-five wagons, and a large quantity of tents, baggage, and supplies.

A list of all the battles and skirmishes is given on the following page.

This close of military operations in the State at the approach of winter left Gen: Halleck free to use a large part of his army in Western Kentucky. The struggle in the State during the year was vigorous and active, especially on the part of Gen. Price, under the contracted resources at his command.

It was stated at Richmond, Va., that after the capture of Mulligan, Gen. Price intended to attack Gen. Fremont before he could concentrate his army, but was prevented by a lack of ammunition from executing his design. When Lexington surrendered he had but 2,000 percussion caps in his whole command. He sent to Gen. Hardee and to Gen. McCulloch for a supply, but for some reason it was not sent. It was thought at that time in Richmond that if Gen. Price had been zealously and efficiently seconded, he would soon have driven the Federal force from Missouri, and thus have secured to the Confederacy one of the most important Western States. A consequence of such an acquisition would involve the destinies of Kansas, the Indian Nation, Arizona, and New Mexico. The

or claims to service, except so far as may be authorized by the laws of war or acts of Congress. When not so authorized, they would avoid all interference with such questions.

The Legislature, which assembled at Neosho, finally obtained a quorum by the appointment of proxies.

There were 23 members in the upper, and 77 in the lower House. An act passed unanimous ly on Nov. 2d, to ratify an arrangement between certain Commissioners of the State and the Confederate Government, by which Missouri was to become a member of the Confederacy. That agreement was as follows:

Whereas, it is the common desire of the State of Missouri and the Confederate States of America, that said State should become a member of the Confederacy; and whereas, the accomplishment of their purpose is now prevented by an armed invasion of the territory of said States by the United States; and whereas, the interests of both demand that they should make common cause in the war waged by the United States against the liberties of both; now, therefore, for these most desirable objects, the Executive power of the State of Missouri has conferred full powers on Edward Carrington Cabell and Thomas L. Snead, and the President of the Confederate States of America, on R. M. T. Hunter, their Secretary of State, who, after having exchanged their said full powers in due and proper form, have agreed to the following arARTICLE 1. The State of Missouri shall be admitted into said Confederacy, on an equal footing with the other States composing the same, on the fulfilment of the conditions set forth in the second section of the act of the Congress of the Confederate States, entitled "An act to aid the State of Missouri in repelling invasion by the United States, and to authorize the admission of said State as a member of the Confederate States of America, and for other purposes," approved August 20, 1861.

ticles:

ART. 2. Until said State of Missouri shall become a member of said Confederacy, the whole military force, material of war, and military operations, offensive and defensive, of said State shall be under the chief control and direction of the President of the Confederate States, upon the same basis, principles, and footing, as if said State were now and during the interval, a member of said Confederacy, the said force, together with that of the Confederate States, to be employed for their common defence.

ART. 3. The State of Missouri will, whenever she be comes a member of said Confederacy, turn over to said Confederate States all the public property, naval stores, and munitions of war, of which she may then be in possession, acquired from the United States, (except ing the public lands,) on the same terms and in the same manner as the other States of said Confederacy

have done in like cases.

States.

ART. 4. All expenditures for the prosecution of the existing war incurred by the State of Missouri, from and after the date of the signing of this convention, shall be met and provided for by the Confederate ART. 5. The alliance hereby made between the said State of Missouri and the Confederate States, shall be offensive and defensive, and shall be and remain in force during the continuance of the existing war with the United States, or until superseded by the admission of said State to the Confederacy, and shall take effect from the date thereof, according to the provisions of the third section of the aforesaid act, approved August 20, 1861.

In faith whereof, we, the Commissioners of the State of Missouri and of the Confederate States of America, have signed and sealed these presents.

Done, in duplicate, at the city of Richmond, on the

31st day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one. E. C. CABELL. THOS. L. SNEAD. R. M. T. HUNTER.

Confederate Congress John B. Clark and R. L. The same body elected as Senators to the Y. Peyton, and Thomas A. Harris, Casper W. Bell, A. H. Conad, Thomas Freeman, George Vest, Dr. Hyer, of Dent, and William M. Cooke, of St. Louis, Representatives in the Congress at Richmond.

MONROE, FORTRESS. This is the only fortress in the United States. It was constructed for the defence of the important navy yard at Gosport, and the city of Norfolk. The United States have expended upon it, thus far, the sum of $2,500,000. The area embraced by its outer works is about 65 acres. Within is a fine parade ground of 25 acres in extent, regularly laid out and finely shaded by live oak trees. It is a bastioned work, an irregular heptagon in plan. The walls are chiefly of granite and 35 feet in height. The embankment backing the walls is of sand and clay, and of such great thickness that it can hardly be breached. The casemates are bomb-proof and shot-proof. The embrasures are of a size to admit the largest columbiads. A moat faced with dressed granite surrounds the whole work, through which, when the gates are open, the tide ebbs and flows. The water is, according to the state of the tide, from 8 to 15 feet deep, and from 75 to 150 feet across.

The water battery which faces the sea is built of stone, and of sufficient thickness and solidity to defy the heaviest shot. Its embrasures are of the most substantial character. They are forty-two in number, and have the same number of 42-pounders. The slope of the battery is covered with a green turf, and is a favorite promenade. A redoubt leads from the northern extremity of this battery, round to the points of the bastion near the principal magazine. In the centre of this redoubt is a sally-port or postern, leading to an outer work for the protection of the land side of the fort. The only continuous land approach to the fort is a strip of sandy beach not exceeding 40 rods in width, which might be readily cut through, A full armament of the fortress is 371 guns, consisting of mortars, columbiads, and smaller guns. Its possession has been of immense importance to the United States during the year, and it has been made the final head-quarters from which all the military and naval expeditions on the coasts took their departure. Its possession has also given the Federal Government the entire control of the waters of Virginia, and relieved it in a great degree from the necessity of maintaining a blockade. It can control the commerce of Richmond, NorSituated on the extremity of Old Point Comfolk, Alexandria, Washington, and Baltimore. fort, the peninsula of land which is between the York and James rivers, it protects for

the Federal Government the route by sea to Annapolis.

On the 20th of August, Gen. Wool took command of the post. It had been for a short time previous under the command of Gen. B. F. Butler, who was then placed in command of the volunteer forces of the department. The usual communication between the North and South during the year was by a flag of truce from Fortress Monroe, which met one from the other side in James River.

The necessity of a seizure of the fortress was often proclaimed at Richmond by ex-Governor Wise. A garrison, however, sufficient to defend it against any attack which might at the time be made, has always been kept there by the Federal Government, and after the secession of Virginia it was fully reenforced, and there has been no time since when it could be captured by the Confederate States.

In his Message to the Legislature of Virginia, on the 2d of December, Gov. Letcher thus alludes to the situation of Fortress Monroe: "It is to be regretted that Fortress Monroe is not in our possession; that it was not as easily captured as the navy yard and Harper's Ferry. As far back as the 8th of January last, I consulted with a gentleman whose position enabled him to know the strength of that fortress, and whose experience in military matters enabled him to form an opinion as to the number of men that would be required to capture it. He represented it to be one of the strongest fortifications in the world, and expressed his doubts whether it could be taken, unless assailed by water as well as by land, and simultaneously. He stated emphatically and distinctly, that with the force then in the fortress it would be useless to attempt its capture without a large force, thoroughly equipped and well appointed. At no time previous to the secession of Virginia had we a military organization sufficient to justify an attempt to take it, and events since that occurrence demonstrate very clearly that with our military organization since, and now existing, it has not been deemed prudent to make the attempt."

MUNFORDSVILLE is the capital of Hart County, Kentucky, and situated on the south bank of Green River, one hundred miles southwest of Frankfort. The river is navigable for small steamboats during part of the year. It was near here that a sharp action took place on the 17th of December. The precise position was on the south bank of the river, near the iron bridge of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. This bridge had been partially destroyed by the Confederate troops, to prevent the passage of the Federal force, but a temporary structure had been thrown over the riv

er.

Four companies of the Thirty-second Indiana Regiment, under command of the lieut. colonel, had crossed, and were thrown out as pickets in squads of eight or ten upon an open meadow at the distance of about one hundred yards from the river bank. At the Munfords

ville depot there was a battery of three guns, and another of an equal number about a mile distant, in a southerly direction. A belt of timber skirted the position of the Indiana companies.

Some Confederate soldiers being espied in the wood, two companies were ordered to advance and effect their dislodgement. They retreated half a mile to their main body without firing a shot, and the two companies advanced stealthily as skirmishers. A body of cavalry, consisting of Texan rangers, then made a dash upon the companies, who returned the fire from their shot-guns with a galling effect. When the batteries opened, the rangers made a charge for the timber, and about the same time an order was given for the Federal infantry to rally upon the same point. The Indianians executed the order under a galling fire from the batteries. They thus reached the wood, and, under cover of the trees, did fearful execution in the ranks of the Confederate cavalry.

The loss sustained by the Indianians was incurred under the effect of the first fire. The rangers dashed in among their ranks before the troops had found time to form. Once formed, however, they gallantly advanced to the wood.

The fight, for a few minutes, is described by an eye-witness as a desperate encounter. The Indianians resorted to their sabre-bayonets, forcing a hand-to-hand combat upon their enemies so long as the Confederates could be induced to stand up. When the Indianians finally gained the wood and opened a fire upon the rangers, they fled leaving their dead upon the field, including the body of Col. Terry, who was killed by a musket-ball. His body was sent back afterwards under a flag of truce.

The Confederate loss was considerable. There were found upon the field sixty-three dead bodies, and the bodies of twelve or fourteen horses. In addition, a large number are known to have been wounded. The Federal loss was thirteen killed and an equal number wounded.

Two regiments of Federal troops, the Thirtysixth Indiana and the Sixteenth Ohio, came promptly up to the relief of the four companies from the Thirty-second Indiana, but the fight was not renewed.

MURRAY, NICHOLAS, D. D., an American clergyman born in Ireland, Dec., 1803, died at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, Feb. 4, 1861. He came to America in 1818, and entered the printing establishment of Messrs. Harper & Brothers as an apprentice. Having after a time become a Protestant he united with the Brick Presbyterian church, then under the pastoral care of Dr. Gardiner Spring, and commenced a course of study in preparation for the ministry. He graduated at Williams College in 1826, studied theology at Princeton, and in 1829 was settled as pastor of a Presbyterian church in Wilkesbarre, Penn. He was called in 1834 to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian church in Elizabethtown, N. J., where he remained till his death. In 1849 he was elected Moderator of the Presbyterian