Dubuque (IA) Weekly Times, June 6, 1861

                                                                                    NEW YORK, MAY 30.

            The Times Washington correspondent speculates as follows:

            Washington, 29th. – The government is becoming embarrassed with the question of how the prisoners, captured in the conflict now going on, shall be disposed of. Scouts are daily bringing up men, proved to be Disunionists. The number already taken exceed 100.

            The rebels are capturing Union men, thinking when they have a sufficient number they will be able to secure the release of 36 rebels captured at Alexandria.

            If the Government treats these men are rebels captured in arms against the Government, they must be hung. If the system of exchange be adopted, there is in the act a recognition of the rebels as belligerents according to all laws of Nations.

            The Cabinet have discussed this point several times without coming to any result.

            The Government ascertained that there are no rebel forces at Fairfax Court House. – There were troops at the point, but they have fallen back an the main body at Manassas Gap. They have literally eaten up everything to be obtained at Fairfax Court House and were driven back for fear of starvation.

            The rebels take whatever they can find from the families of friends and foes. They pay liberally, but in the scrip of Virginia.

            The determination of Judge Taney to report the President the result of his endeavors to break down the Federal Government is a discreet way of getting out of trouble.

            It appears by advices from Ft. Monroe that there is likely to be a stampede of slaves through Virginia.