Up to 2 o’clock to-day not a word of war news had been made public (if received) in Washington. There was no other news of interest and we have no telegraphic despatches.
We had a Saturday a telegram from Cairo, announcing the existence of a report at Pittsburg Landing, that General Beauregard had proposed an armistice of ten days, and that the proposal was under consideration by General Halleck. Later advices make no mention of it, and the report was probably incorrect.
Some few cases of small-pox have lately occurred in this place. The U. S. authorities have erected a small hospital for small pox patients, at the north end of the town.
The U. S. authorities have purchased two acres of ground, adjoining the burial grounds near this place, as a place of interment for such soldiers as may die in the service of the government in the town and neighborhood.
All the prisoners at Fortress Warren have the privilege of walking within the inclosure of the fortifications, except Gens. Buckner and Tilghman, who are more strictly guarded.
Col. Wm. H. Payne, of Fauquier, heretofore reported as being killed at the battle at Williamsburg, at the last accounts was not dead. He was, however, severely wounded in the cheek and mouth. It was Richard Payne, of lower Fauquier, not Richards Payne, jr., who was killed in the same battle.
The wreck of the Merrimac lies in a direct line from Tanner’s Point to Craney Island, a third of the whole distance off Tangier’s Point. Her destruction was complete.
Among the distinguished citizens of Virginia, recently deceased, we have omitted to mention Judge John W. Tyler, of Fauquier County.
A dispatch states that Princeton, in Mercer county, Va., occupied by Gen. Cox’s advance, was captured by the Confederates on Friday, and recaptured on Saturday. The Confederate force in that vicinity has been reinforced.
The Legislature at Wheeling adjourned on the 15th. Acts were passed for creating new state to be called West Virginia; for appointing a majority of State Directors in the Banks amending the oath law; requiring suitors in court to take the oath; repealing the law requiring payment for slaves convicted of crime; for the relief of Thomas Crux; declaring the lines of farms in Alexandria, Fairfax and Prince William Counties; changing the election precinct at Dranesville to Spring Dale; general election for State and county officers to take place on the 22d May.
The number of “contrabands” from the neighboring counties in Virginia, increases daily in this place. They already occupy several houses. Some of them are in destitute circumstances.
The prospect for a fruit crop is said to be good, this year, everywhere—as the apple, peach, and pear trees seem to be in a very flourishing condition.
