610bt.
WM. LEWIS, Editor and Proprietor.
A. TTEURST, Associate Editor.
TE 11.18.— , . Toe Ouhc" Is published twice a week at
81.60 a year -76 cents fer Six mouthe-50 cents fur
three months—in advance.
HUNTINGDON, PA.
Thursday morning, Dee. 26, 186 i
c 4 PPPP
NOTICE.
We have not the time nor the incli
nation, to dun personally, a large num
ber of persons who have unsettled ac
counts upon our books of several years
standing. We shall, therpfore, from
day to day, without respect to persons,
place into the hands of a Justice for
collection, all accounts of over two
years standing. All those who wish
to save expense, will do well to give
us a call immediately. •
§ § §
NEW TERMS
All Orphans' Court printing, including Administrator's
and Executor's Notices, all Auditor's Notices, occasional
ad rertisements, fie., must hereafter be paid for in advance.
Executors and Administrators owing us at present, will
please cope forward and settle.
The English Difficulty.
The excitement occasioned by the
late news from England has gradually
subsided, and the question is now dis
cussed calmly and deliberately by
thinking men of all classes. The ques-
Oou may involve serious difficultid,
yet our statesmen speak in the most
hopeful terms of an amicable adjust
ment. According to the best authori
ties, England has no cause whatever,
for getting into such a flurry about the
seizure of Mason and Slidell, on board
;the Trent, and it shows conclusively
-what we have believed all along, that
she is with the rebels, and only waits
for the slightest pretext, that she may
break our blockade, and otherwise as
sist the South. Every intelligent man
knows that the North has always been
the friend of England, while the South
has ever been her enemy, yet these
(minions of Victoria, seek the heart's-
Mood of the North, because she has
always befriended them. We need not
refer back farther than to the visit of
the Prince of Wales to this country,
not two years ago, for an instance
wherein the people of the North lioni
zed him, and the people of the South
manifested their hatred and dislike for
England, by insulting him, and offer
ing other indignities, which disgusted
.the Prince, and caused him to beat a
:hasty retreat from their sight. Such
is the friendship of England. She will
turn her back to her friends and fight
for her enemies. Tho secret of the
: matter- is, however, she does not like
our Republican form of Government,
and she wants to destroy it, that she
,:may again' assert her power over the
dominions of America. If any plausi
ble excuse could be made, she would
help the South to overthrow our Gov
ernment, and then demand supreme
.authority from her, or whip her into
subjection, and once more the British
yoke of tyranny would grind down the
poor of America, and make them little
4)a-ter than the base ignominious slave.
But the South and England will never
-see Chat day. We will fight both as long
,as,we have a spark ofpatriotism in our
tbreasts •or •a cent of money in the
'TreasinT, and every foot of land in the
mlountry is a vast field of waste and
desolation. A war with England
would be deplorable just now, and
should be avoided if possible, until we
get through with the rebels and then
we will be ready for them. We think
we are equal to the emergency, and
England will find more grit in us than
:glae anticipated, if she dares to send
her hostile men-ofwar to our shores.
We can raise two millions of fighting
14.1015/ An the North if necessary, and
tvezy rang k>f them is as good as so
much steel. If the Mason and Slidell
affair can be amicably and honorably
adjusted let it be done, but we loathe
the idea of doing an net dishonorable
to the country, and one that would be
a stigma on our children for genera
tions to come.
By the last arrival from England, we
learn that Gen. Scott is on his way
home. Previous to embarking in the
steamer Arago fur New York, he had
a long interview with Prince Napoleon.
It is reported that he brings to Amer
•ca the expression of the French Em
peror's desire to bring about a pacific
solution of the question latoly arisen
between the Engli.h and American
Governments.
The Latest News.
As we issue but one paper this week,
we have delayed it until this morning
for the purpose of giving the latest
paFf. All was quiet along the Poto
mac y,esterday. The soldiers ,ando.ffi
gerS were enjoying their Christmas
dinners sent them by their friends.
A general impression prevails in
high circles, thtit Slidell Ind Mason
will be giVen kip .a.nd -a war with Eng
and avoide.d Am time.
Or We regret to learn that our old
friendtitr.4lci ,r,
on, has e,,tiFed from the
"(M
States ien . Rd kat, Philadelphia. We
Bops he, t . nay "keoneyen .another Hotel;
pobren s ient .(or lxie 'many country
kiOnds.
THANKB.—Grandin - qtherNewingham
3vill please accept our . thanks for a
ljandeoine 'mem, of sausage,
Ai' The "Soldier's Aid" of Thin.
tingdan, flarwarded on Saturday, Dec.
21st, to Dr. Dell, Agent of Sanitary
Commission, Louisville, Ky., from the
ladies of McConnellstown, one large
box containing bedding, dried fruit, &c.
Also, from the ladies of Huntingdon
and vicinity, one box of jellies, concen
trated chicken, &c., and a small bale
of clothing; and to Dr. Jos. Knight,
surgeon of hospital, Louisville, Ky., a
IV box of bedding and clothing. They
have now ready a bale and box for
Palmyra, Mo., from whence there came
a most urgent appeal for help—and
one for the "Ladies Aid" of Philadel
phia, but their funds are exhausted,
and unless aided by our citizens, who
have already been very liberal, they
cannot be sent. Their contents are
valuable and well worth the expense
of sending. Shall they remain where
they are, while our soldiers suffer ? or
may we once more rely upon the gen
erosity of old Huntingdon ?
Dec. 26, 1861.
TUE OLD FRANKLIN ALMANAC for
1862, published by A. Winch, 320
Chestnut st., Phila., contains such a
vast fund of information, that no fam
ily should be without a copy. Among
the many features in the work, the
most important is, "A Chronicle of the
Great Rebellion," embracing a digest
statement of events connected with
the conspiracy to overthrow the Uni
ted States Government. A record of
important political movements, mili
tary operations, battles, sieges, skir
mishes, naval actions, and everything
connected with the campaign, the date
of each event, the number of forces
engaged and losses on each side; ta
bles of the census of 1860, population
of the chief cities and towns in the
Union—population of States and Ter
ritories—also of the contending section
of the country, etc., etc., and almost
every other information any one can
possibly desire. Price, ten cents. For
sale at Lewis' Book, Stationery, and
Music Store.
Gov. Curtin presented the State
flag to the Eighty-fourth Regiment,
Col. Murray, of Gen. James' Mountain
Brigade on Friday afternoon. This
regiment was to leave for Romney,
Va., on Sunday or Monday.
The
.110th Regiment, Col. William
D. Lewis, Jr., of Philadelphia, is also
full, and left for the same point on
Tuesday or Wednesday.
FOREIGN ITEMS.-At the latest dates
the warlike sentiment and preparation
in England were unabated.
A largo anti-war meeting had, how
ever, been held in Dublin.
The Constitutionnel, Patric, Debats
and several other French journals say
that Frtence will remain neutral in the
event of a war between the United
States and England.
VARIETY ENVELOPES.—CoIeman &
Co's splendid Variety Envelopes are
for sale at Lewis' Book Store. They
make a very handsome present for all
ages. The jewelry is of a better qual
ity than can be secured in any other
envelope or in any other way for the
same money. The buyer of an envel
ope can get any article of jewelry lie
or she may select from specimens.
Call and see for yourself.
Itar' Wm. 11. Beim, the present Sur
veyor General of Pennsylvania, hay_
ing been appointed and confirmed a
brigadier general in the army, it be
came the duty of the Governor to fill
the vacancy, and the lion. Henry
Souther, late Senator from Elk county,
has been appointed.
LECTURE.-J. Sewell Stewart, Esq.,
will lecture before the members of the
" Shakspeare Club," at the Court House,
Saturday evening, 28th Dee. Subject,
" Spirit of the Universe." Doors open
at 7 o'clock. All are cordially invited.
BOC KS, &C., FOR THE HOLD - MTS.—The
place to get B.oliday Presents for old
and young is, at Lewis' Book Store.—
Ile is receiving a handsome stock for
Christmas and New Year's.
WALL PAPER.-A handsome stock
of next year's styles has been received
at Lewis' Book Store, direct from the
manufactory in New York.
DIARIES FOR I.B62.—Several sizes re
ceived and for sale at Lewis' Book
Store.
SHORT LOCALS.—WORM Murrels,
colored man, well known to many of
our citizens, was found dead on the
public road near Manor Hill, Barre°
township, on the 19th inst. An inquest
was held by John Love, Esq., and the
verdict of the jury was, that the said
Murrels came to his death from expo
sure.—The present month will have
five Sundays and two new moons. Up
to Sunday last, we have had more
balmy air, bright sunshine, and moon
.light nights than have fallen to De
cember for many years.—We have
come to the settled conclusion that the
people of Huntingdon, as a whole, are
the mostobaritable and humane of any
; other town this side of sundown. Not
a week passes but they send off to the
army t one or two W boxes fall of damn
ties`,or clothing for those who hive left
home, friends, kindred, all, for the sake
of their country. Those who Have
left no friends behind, ere not neglec
ted either. We learn that a box is
now being made up for several such
young men by purely disinterested
parties, more than a desire to show
their appreciation of such patriotism
as has been 'manifested by ritimerouS
young men from this place. The good
Lord will not forget these kind acts.—
Go on in the noble work, it will all
come home again some day.--Col.
Wynkoop's Cavalry Regiment, from
Camp Curtin, passed through this
place on Wednesday morning, on their
way to Kentucky.—On Thursday,
about 400 of the "Rosenantes," bought
at this place recently for Uncle Sam,
were shipped from here to Kentucky-,
for Wynkoop's Regiment.—D. M.
Confer was buried with Masonic hon
ors on Friday. The funeral was as
large as any we have seen in this place
for a number of years, and the cere
monies were particularly solemn and
interesting.—Lady readers, have
you a brother, a son, a father or a
friend in the army ? If so, you can't
make a more acceptable Christmas or
Now Year's Gift to him than a good
pair of mittens. It is pretty cold to
handle a musket these frost-biting
mornings, especially when on picket
duty. Romember.—Some one says
the best cure for hard times is, to cheat
the doctor by being temperate; the
lawyer by keeping out of debt; the
demagtgue by voting for honest men;
and poverty by being industrious.—
A man named Win. I - Tartness, of Pine
township, Indiana county, was frozen
to death near his own residence on the
30th ult. He was intoxicaaed, and
becoming stupefied, be laid down and
perished from the effects of the cold
and poisonous liquor combined. An
other warning to those who drink too
freely.—Some of our exchanges show
a decided perchant for quarreling with
their neighbors. Several came to us
last week, filled with billingsgate.—
Psbaw ! gentlemen, that all wrong.—
If you must fight, go and join the army
along the Potomac and shoot
That's the best way to prove your loy
alty and patriotism.—TheEbensburg
Alleghanian says that game is unusu
ally plenty in the woods thereabouts.
—Mr. Michael Burgeon, an employ
ee of the Penna. R. R. Co., was killed
near Cresson, on the 6th inst.—A pick
fell off the tender of the locomotive he
was firing, and he jumped off to get it,
when the fast freight west, which was
coming on the other track unperceived,
struck him, killing him instantly. lie
leaves a wife and several small children
to mourn his loss.—The Ebensburg
Dem. & Sen., speaking of matrimony,
says of that town:—Only think of 32-1
weddings in a town containing 1100 of
a population, in six months I and 25
couple engaged to be spliced before
the next harvest. Bully for the ladies
of Ebensburg.—There is a letter in
the Altoona post office addressed to
the "prettiest lady in Altoona." The
Tribune asks, " Who is she ?"—The
Methodists of this place have been
holding a protracted meeting for a
week past.—We hope our corres
pondent "Infantry," will write us of
ten. It does our heart good to read
his letters. Don't forget.
ter- The ladies of the knitting cir
cle, gratefully acknowledge receiving
stockings for Capt. McCabe's company
from the following persons:—
Mr. W. Hildebrand, Broad Top, 4 pre
" J. Morrison, " " 4 prs
" Mullany, , 44 1 pr.
" Marsh, " " 1 pr.
" Marsh, ‘4 ‘4 144
" S. Criggan, 44 4, 244
" Thomas Maken, " " 2 "
" J. McHenry, " " 1 "
" J. Corny, , 44 1 << "
E. Pool, " " 1 "
" C. Meekman, ,‘ 44 144
" J. White, 44 ' 44 144
" E. Dunn, 44 4: li4
" D. IL Miller, " " 1 "
" Nunamaker, 44 4, 844
Mrs. McDonald, 4, CC ICI
" Roman, 44 CI ICI
" Morrison, " " 4 pre
" McCabe, " " 1 pr.
" Keegan, 44 4: ICC
" Carrol, IL CC ICC
" Logic, • " " 1 "
" Flannigan, 44 4, -I CC
" Carrigan, 44 44 144
" Crallififor, 44 44 144
" Pool, 44 (4 Iti
" M. E. Appleby, Shade Gap, 1 "
" R. Harper, " " 1 "
" M. Harper, " " 1 "
Miss M. Taylor, 44 44 144
" IL Hudson, " " 1 "
" Appleby,_ 1 Si
Mr. Henry Likely, " " 1 "
The remaining 54 pairs were fur
nished by the ladies of Huntingdon.—
For the benefit of contributors living
in the country we would say, the
stockings were carefully packed in a
box, and forwarded by Adams' Ex
press to Capt. McCabe, now at Point
of Rocks.
ELLEN M. GREaci, Sec')
.BCC' Through the kindness of J. K.
MeCahan, Esq., of this place, wo are
permitted to publish the following
highly interesting letter tvritten to
him by his son John, who is a member
of the Ist Penna. Cavalry Regiment:
CAMP PIERPONT, Dec. 21, 1861.
DEAR FATHER :—As we have had a
skirmish, and I have time, I will give
you an account of the first regularly
fought battle I have been engaged in.
On Thursday night, Col. Higgins in
formed me that ho was going to start
on Friday at 5 P, M., and attack the
enemy in the direction of Dranesville,
as we were informed that there was a
largo force of the enemy at that place.
He was going to Lake five companies
of our cavalry, and our company be
ing out on picket, of course, could not
•go. But as I wanted to see a fight,
.the Col. gave me permission to go
with him and stay with him, whose
position is in front of the column. So,
in the morning I was all ready, and
away I went for Dixie. Wo had four
Regiments of Infantry, Ist, 6th, 9th,
and 12th Pennsylvania, one battery
and 'GO companies of cavalry, under
command of Brig. Gen. Ord. When
We got outside of our pickets, skir
mishers were sent out on each side of
the road. Nothing took place until
we were within a short distance of the
town, when two regiments of Infantry
were sent out to the right and left and
the cavalry to charge in the centre.—
Our signs were, for our infantry to
wave their caps and the cavalry to
wave their sabres, so that we would
not dash into our own men. After all
arrangements were made and under
stood, our cavalry, commanded by
Lieut. Col. Higgins, rounded a little
bluff, and charged, with drawn sabres,
into the town, and the sceesh cavalry .
left in quick time. We did not take
any prisoners. There was no troops
to be seen there,. but all through the
fields in the vicinity were squads of
cavalry, so all we done was to drive
in their pickets. Gen. Ord then ap
proached rapidly with the artillery
and took a position on the left of the
town, and Col. Higgins formed his
cavalry on the left of the artillery.—
We were there but a short time with
the cavalry to the rear of the infantry,
before the enemy opened upon us with
shell, in our roar, so we discovered
that they had our retreat cut off. The
shells flew around us like hail. They
had come up front Centreville with a
large force of infantry, cavalry and ar
tillery, and had planted their cannon
about 150 yards from the pike, in the
woods. and kept shelling very rapidly,
and killing some of our men. The in
fantry lay down in the road, but wo
were moan ted, and, con sequen tly, were
in a more exposed position, but pres
ently Gen. Ord came down with his
artillery, two pieces of which charged
past their battery in range of their
guns, and so close that they could see
into the mouths of their cannon, but
did not lose a man, and as we were
supporting the battery, Col. Higgins
and his command had to run the gaunt
let too, which we did right through
their fire. We had ono horse killed,
but did not lose a man. They had
four cannon and were within 150 yards.
In the mean time, our infantry had
crawled up almost to the edge of the
woods in which the enemy were con
cealed, and our artillery pieces were
planted exactly opposite theirs, in
range of their guns, under a heavy fire,
so you may judge what kind of a fight,
the cannons twenty-four pounders and
within 150 yards of each other., and
the infantry within 50 yards of one
another. So the fight commenced
about 15 minutes before one and lasted
just one hour of incessant firing and
almost a hand to hand fight. The
Bncktails carried the stars and stripes,
and the rebels had the black flag show
ing no quarters. Our artillery clone ,
the best firing I over heard of—every
shot counted. They shot the heads off
the rebel eannoncers, killed their hor
ses, dismounted some of their guns,
and shot through one of their caisons
and blew it up. Our infantry advanc
ed on them every shot, right up to the
mouths of their cannon, so they bad to
retreat. It was not quite a Ball's
Bluff affair, but if the woods had not
been impassable for cavalry, we would
have taken them all prisoners. We
only captured 5 prisqpers unwounded,
and I do not know how many wound
ed. They were Georgia, Alabama and
Louisiana volunteers. Wo got any
amount of muskets, rifles, shot guns,
&e. They left—all - their baggage, pro
fvisions, We also took two horses
land one mien; the cannons they took
I with thorn. It was an awful sight to
' look at ; the woods were strewn with
dead, some with heads shot entirely
off, some cut in two. I saw twelve
dead horses, eight over coats, blankets.
and they left all. I took two over
coats and a blanket; almost all our
Rims got over-coats, and left any amount
lay.ihere. We got hack about eleven
o'clock last night. Ido not know how
many we killed, but ono man counted
111, but said ho did not see the half of
theta; I think their loss is not less than
two hundred killed, and any amount
wounded, while ours is about 25 or 30
killed and wounded. Col. Higgins,
who has seen fighting before, says our
men fought as well as ever he saw men
fight, and perfectly cool all the time.
I feel a little tired to-day, not being
out of the saddle yesterday, from early
in the morning till Into at night, but
my health is as usual, first rate. lam
getting along finely. It is pretty cold
here to-day.
JOHN MCCAIIAN
Pauster . Roll of Captain Seth Benner's
Company, 110th Regiment.
OFFICERS.
Captain, Seth Benner.
Ist llt., I. Rodgers, 2d L't., B. Baro
Ist Sergeant, Wm. P. Ramsey,
2d, Win. J. Bell, 4th, Stun. Young,
3d, M. G. Collins, sth, S. D. Wilson.
Corporals.
lst,W.Withington, sth, James Lee,
3d, D. C. Fleck, 6th, C. Applebaugh,
3d, Geo. Bough, ith, 11. T. Stains,
4th, R. Templeton, Bth, D. P. Harvey.
Musicians.
J. A.I. Wallace, Wm. A. McConaughy-
Teamster, Samuel Runk.
PRIVATES.
Adams, Robert 'Armingbonse,W
Applebangb, J. Miller, D. Ross
Alexander, IL T. McCoy, Wm.
Apgar, N. H. Marlin, James M.
Barbin, Solomon McKelvy, Wm. J.
Barnet, William McNita, John
Barbin, John Marlin, John
Briggs, A. E. Moore, James L.
Coheuour, J. C. Miller, D. B.
Cohenour, J. F. Miller, A. J.
Chilcoat, J. W. McCune, John
Chileoat, A. E. McKaig, James
Clark, Jacob S. Miller, B. S.
Catalan, Richard Miller, Moses
Dunn, B. S. Parker, Elliot R.
Dunn, Michael Purdonner, J. E.
neater, J. N. Plympton, Edwin
Dell, Archibald Palmer, IL G.
Edwards, E. W. Price, W. H.
French, James Quarry, Michael
Firl, George Reed, Levi D.
Geisinger, J. R. Raebstoin, Joseph
Hutton, F. A. Ramsey, Dixon
Hudson, E. A. Dothrock, John
Harvey, H. B. Stevens, W. L.
Hooper, J. G. Skipper, E. 1 - t
Ilenkle, Nathan. Shaffer, A. S.
Hays, Samuel Staub, D. L.
Henderson, A. J. Stuart, Valentino
Hood, Samuel Soliors, Elijah
Honkle, Daniel Sneath, Richard
Hooper, J. K. Stuart, Jeremiah
Herr, Henry Smith, Thos. G.
Herr, John • Stuart, John F.
Johnson, Irvin Smith, Daniel
Kelly, Levi Truax, George
Kyle, John M. Walls, James M.
Long, Wm. M. Walls, John M.
Long, Adam A. White, Samuel
Long, William B. Wilgen, James W
Len, William H. Zapit, Henry.
WAR NEWS.
FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC
The Rebels Open Fire on Col. Geary's
Regiment.
THE FIRE RETURNED.
The Rebels Driven from their Position
in full Retreat,
THEIR LOSS FOURTEEN KILLED
NO LOSS TO THE VICTORS.
POINT Or ROCKS, Dee. 19.—At ten
o'clock this morning a rebel battery of
three guns flanked with about 200 in
fantry, suddenly commenced shelling
the encampment of Col. Geary's regi
ment., About twenty of the shells,
which were well aimed, fell' amidst
the encampment, the first within a few
feet of Lieutenant Colonel De Korpo
nay commanding. The six companies
in the camp were immediately well
deployed and entrenched, and the bat
tery of the Pennsylvania 28th regi
ment opened fire with two guns. The
first shot which was sighted by Capt.
heap, disabled ono of the rebel guns,
and the second sighted by Lieut Geary
fell in their centre. Our battery then
advanced, and poured a continuous fire
into the rebels, silencing all their guns
and driving back a fourth one which
was sent to reinforce- them. The reb
els were driven from their position in
full retreat, with a lossof fourteen kill
ed as far as known and a great many
wounded. Our side did not lose a num.
The engagement lasted over half an
hour. After the rout of the rebels the
victors turned their guns on some hou
seS situated near the old furnace, on
the Virginia side, where about one
hundred and fifty rebels were secreted.
They drove thorn out, killing a num
ber of them. The guns were admira
bly served.
SIGNAL VICTORY IN MISSOURI.
FLIGHT OF THE REBELS.
GEN. POPE IN HOT PURSUIT
Three Hundred Prisoners Taken and
all the Baggage and Munitions,
Sr. Lours, Dee. 19.—Despatches re
ceived
to-day at headquarters from
Gen. Popo state that after a forced
march, yesterday, he got between the
enemy, encamped six miles from Chit
howee, Johnson county, and 2,200
strong in Clinton and Henry counties.
But as soon as they heard of his ap
proach they beat a rapid retreat to
wards Rose Hill, in Johnson county,
leaving all their baggage, and a large
quantity of arms, munitions, papers,
&c., in our possession.
Gen. Pope then threw forward ten
companies of cavalry and a section of
artillery in pursuit, following with the
main body of his army.
When at Johnson, in Bates county,
the rebels were so closely pursued that
they scattered in all directions, but
mostly towards the south.
Gen. Pope then forced a strong cav
alry reconnoissance to within fifteen
miles of Osceola, and intercepted and
captured 150 .fleeing rebels, and all
their baggage, horses, &-c.
Other squads of some ten or fifteen
rebels were taken, making the aggre
gate number of prisoners about 300.
No fighting is reported to have oc
curred.
Gen. Popo says the whole country
between Rose Hill on the west, and
Grand river on the south, is clear of
rebels.
Gen. Price has only 8,000 troops at
Osceola.
It is understood that Gen. Popc will
send a strong foree of cavalry to Lex
ino-ton.
he main body of his army is now
en route for Sedalia.
A train of seventy wagons, with
clothing and supplies for Price, has
been captured, in addition to the arti
cles previously reported.
LATER PROM MISSOURI
Sr. Louis, Dec. 20.—Further infor
mation is received from the West this
morning, to the effect that, in addition
to the expedition of Gen. Pope against
the enemy at or near Clinton, the
county seat of Henry county, another
part of his forces, under Col. Davis
and Major Marshall, surprised another
camp of rebels, on the afternoon of
the 18th, near Nutford, a little north
of Warrensburg.
A brush skirmish ensued when the
rebels, finding themselves surrounded,
surrendered.
Col. Davis took 1,300 prisoners, in
cluding three Colonels, seventeen Cap
tains, 1,000 stand of arms, sixty-five
wagons, one thousand horses, a large
quantity of tents, baggage and sup
plies. Our loss was two killed and
eight wounded. The rebel loss is not
known.
Information from Glasgow states
that our troops have captured about
two tons of powder, buried on Claib
Jackson's farm.
Major Hibbard captured sixty rebels
a day or two since, in Johnson county.
Good news is expected from Kansas,
the troops having been moving briskly
in the last day or two.
LATER FROM PORT ROYAL
ADVANCE OF THE ARMY INLAND.
Fifteen Hundred Rebels Encountered
and a Hasty Retreat Beaten,
A Great ' Negro Insurrection in
Mississippi.
Destruotion of $150,000 Worth of Prop
erty on One Estate
Official Despatches from Port Royal
NEW YORK, Dec. 20.--Adviees 'per
the steamer Atlantic stated that four
hundred of our men, on the 16th',
crossed to the mainland towards the
Charleston and Savan . ifah railroad and
encountered a rebel force of fifteen
hundred, who retreated after Mho' h
volley without . eitect.
The 4th New Hampshire regiment
had gone to Tybee Island. The baliinba
of Gen. Wright's brigade would follow.
The special correspondence of the
New York Tribune from Port Royal
gives rumor of the defeat of the rebel
commander Hollins, and the sinking
of his ships by the Massachusetts.
unusual, depression is reported
throughout the South. New Orleans
is particularly depressed. A great ne
gro insurrection is reported in Missis
sippi by which an immense amount of
property was destroyed, including
$150,000 worth on the Quitman Island
alone.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.—The • wavy
Department has - received despatches
from Port Royal, including one from
Commander Drayton, dated Dec. ,9th.
He gives the particulars of his recent
cruize in the Pawnee, with the Una
dilla, Isaac Smith and Vixen, in the ex
ploration of the Ashepor river. Among
other things, he states, that on the ap
proach to Musquito Creek, he saw a
picket of soldiers, who took to their
horses on his approach, hastened in
their flight by a shot or two thrown at
them. On landing at Hutchinson Isl
and, it was ascertained that two days
before all the negro houses, overseer's
house and outbuildings, together with
the picked cotton, had been burned.—
The attempt had, at the same time,
been made to drive off the negroes;
but many had escaped, althouglisome•
of their number, they said, had been
shot in attempting to do so. The
scene was one of complete desolation.
The smoking ruins, and the cowering
figures which surrounded them, of these
negroes, who still instinctively clang
to their hearth stones, although there
was no longer a shelter for them, pre
sented a melancholy sight, the im
pression of which was made even
stronger by the piteous wails of the
poor creatures a largo portion of whom
were old and decrepid.
About one hundred and forty ne
groes, most of them in : a very destitute
condition, had collected at Otter Island.
Commander Drayton had given direc
tions to supply them with food until
some disposition could be made of them.
THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Brilliant Fight With the Rebels.
An Engagement at Dranesville.
The Enemy Completely Routed.
The Loss of the Enemy, Seventy-nine
Xllled and Wounded.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20.—This morn
ing, at six o'clock, a portion of General
McCall's division proceeded in the di
rection of Dranesville on a foraging
expedition, and for the purpose of ma
king a reconnoissance in that locality.
Dranesvillo is about midway between
MeCall's headquarters and Leesburg.
On arriving in that vicinity they en
countered the enemy, who had four
regiments of infantry, composed of
South Carolina, Alabamians, and Ken
tuckians, with one battery of six pieces,
and a regiment of cavalry, under the
command of General Stewart.
The only' troops on our part engaged
in the affair, at Dranesville, was Gen.
Ord's brigade, the First regiment of
rifles, and Easton's battery of four
guns. At fouro'clock, after the action,
General McCall sent two officers to
count the rebels who were killed and
wounded, and it was ascertained that
they left on the field 57 killed, and
twenty-two wounded. Three of the
latter died on being removed, making
their loss sixty killed and nineteen
wounded; making a total of seventy
nine killed and wounded, and they no
doubt carried off many more.
They also loft nine horses killed or
disabled.
The enemy were completely routed,
and fled precipitately after a fight of
an hour and a half, leaving two can
non and a quantity of small arms,
blankets, groat coats, &e., more than
our troops could bring away.
Our men also brought in some pris
oners besides the wounded.
Our loss is, as near as can be ascer
tained at present, about ten killed and
fifteen wounded.
The expedition returned to their
camp at Langley's at nine o'clock to
night.
General McCall, in a despatch re
ceived at head-quarters to-night, says
too much credit cannot be given to
Gen. Ord for his gallantry and skill
throughout the day.
Easton's battery was admirably ser
ved and did good execution.
•
The Rifles also behaved finely.
Important from the Upper Potomac.
WILLIAMSPORT, .111(1., Dee. 20.—To
day, a large dwolling near the burnt
mill, opposite Dam No. 5, was discov
ered to be on fire.
Four men from the First Virginia
volunteers, volunteered, and went over
and extinguished the flames. They
brought away many useful articles left
by the rebels.
LATER
An artillery duel at the same place
has occurred between one of our Par
rott ten-pounders and a rebel twelve
pounder. The latter was driven off.
A squad of rebel cavalry made their
appearance opposite Williamsport, but
made no demonstrations. It is gener
ally thought that Jackson's forces were
concentrated to-day at Falling Waters,
but only an occasional picket was seen
there.
Refugees continue to arrive by the
way of Hancock. They confirm the
report of the morning, and add that
Jackson's force is 15,000 men, 4000 of
whom arrived at Winchester on Sun
day from the valley. Also, that it was
his intention to cross over and sack
Williamsport.
Some movements are making of our
troops to-day placing them in the most
available positions to meet any attempt
of the kind.
From Geu. Banks' Column.
A GALLANT ACT-A REBEL MILL PURSED
AT DAM NO. 5
Wif.taismsrowr, Dee. 20.—Last night,
a party from the Fifth Connecticut
Regiment and Lieut. Rickett's battery
men went over in a skiff and burnt
the mill at dam No. 5, which has 13'001
occupicd•by . xho rebels aawstranghold.
They "eaPturetl Smile guns and tools,
intended for the purposb of breaking
by the dam No. 5, with blankets, &e.
Two deserters from Jackson's rebel
fore 6 arrived bete yesterday, giving
some importwainforniation. Jackson,
it is said; has been promoted to the
command of the whole valley of Vi,r
sinia, and that he has five regiments
on the neck opposite hero, with 15
guns. All is quiet this morning.
The Gunboats and Mortar Batteries at
Cairo
There are now twelve gunboats at
Cairo and three at Monad "City,' six
miles above, each of wh:eh' will. carry
about twelve heavy guns. s . There aro
also thirty-eight - floating mortar !batj
teries, which, mountings ' - few guns each
of the heaviest calibre, will be capable
even of reducing a strong .fort, or of
burning and 'destroying a town,, as well
as of making a !great havoc in an army
from a safe distance: In• addition, sev
eral large scows, with fiat, tincovered.
decks, are mounted ':with one 'large
gun each: These are now at Paducah,
fifty miles up the Ohio.
IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI.
Papinsville and Butter Biirncid by
United States Troops.
CRUSHING BLOWS TO REBELLION.
Nearly 2,000 Recruits CaptUred,.
LEAVEN WORTH, Doc. 20.—The' Con
servative, of this city, has advicos froirr
Mound City, dated the 15th instant,
stating that a portion of the Third'
Regiment,' under command of Major:
Williams, made a clash: into Missouri
on the lah, and burned the villages or
Papinsville and Butler. - The latter was
the county scat of Bates county. The'
tros returned with a large number
of Union refugees, stock, &e. They
had but two men killed at Butler.
These towns have been for a long time
the resort of thi3 guerilla bands of reb
els.
Gen. Price, teas at Osceola - at the
time, and was threatening that he in
tended to attack Sedalia.
- Two companies of the Fourth 'Regi
ment of regular cavalry arrived at
Fort Leavenworth on the 18th instant,
having been twenty-two days coming
from Fort Wise.
SEDALIA, Dec. 20.—Cal. Palmer's bri 7
gado arrived hero last night, and Gen.
Pope is expeetedto'reachbere to-night.
All the information from the west
and north is to' th e effect that no efforts'
have been spared to send Gen. Price
ample supplies of clothingfor his rebel
army during the winter. All ornear
ly all of this has fallen or wilffall 'into
our hands. Nearly two hundred heav- .
ily laden wagons are already in our
possession, together with large quan
tities of ammunition and arms, ono:
thousand horses, tents, camp equipage,
etc., and between eighteen
have
and two thousand recruits have been.
taken prisoners.
Major llallard, of the PirstMissouri
Cavalry, has captured over sixty reb
el recruits within the past few days,
killed several others, and taken a con
siderable number of tents, several wag
ons, a quantity of ha-gaffe and arms,
and burned a mill which had been sup
plying the rebels for some time past:
altogether, the rebellion has received
a terrible shock in this section of coun
try within the present'week. It in
thought by many that Price will cross
the Osage to assist his generals, Stein
and Slack,-who are now in the river
counties with four or five thousand men
to escort recruits and supplies to their
main camp at Osceola. If he does, ho
will be compelled to stand a general
engagement, in which event there is
no doubt whatever that lie will be bad
ly defeated, and his army entirely scat
tered.
Clotifirmation- of -the-Union-Viotm7.--
SEDALIA. (Mo), Dec. 20.—Early yes
terday morning, our scouts brought us
information that the large rebel train
and reinforcements, which had march
ed South to intercept our forces, bad
divided, and the larger portion were
marching South from Waverly, inten
ding to camp at night near Milford.
Gen. Pope brought the main body of
the army in position afhw miles south
of Waverly, and sent a strong force,
under Col. S. C. Davis, a few miles
South of Warrensburg and Kuobknos
ter, to come on the left and rear of the
enemy, at the same time ordering
Merrill's cavalry to march from War
rensburg, and come up to the right.
Col. Davis pushed rapidly forward,
and came up to the enemy in the after
noon, drove in his pickets, carried it
strongly-defended bridge, by a vigorous
assault, and drove the enemy into the
timber, where, finding himself sur
rounded, be surrendered twelve hun
dred men, including two colonels, ono
lieutenant colonel, ono major, and
seventeen captains.
They wese all taken prisoners, and
sixty wagons, heavily laden with sup
plies and clothing, and t large number
of horses and mules, fell into our
hands. Our loss was only two killed
and fourteen wounded. That of the
enemy is considerably greater.
This is the best planned and exeen
ted action of the war, and reflects great
credit on the general commanding,
and the officers and men who so faith
fully and promptly carried out his
project.
LATE NEWS FROM THE SOUTH.
Two More Union Men Hung
at Knoxville.
Reported Evacuation of Galves
ton, Texas, by the Rebels.
CHICAGO, Dec. 20.—The Memphis
Appeal of the 18th instant has'the fol=
lowing despatches.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Dec. 17.—Two
more bridge burners (Union men);
wore hung to-day, by order of GOO:
Carroll.
The Memphis Avalanche of thesame
date,says that Galvestom, Texas,haskeii
evacuated by the cenfederates! '
Jeff Thompson is busy fortyfying
New Madricl Missouri.
The Cairo correspondent of the Chi
cago Tribune says a pontoon bridge is
being constructed over the river at
Memphis. On this side of Memphis
there. is a fort mounting 102 guns:
called Port Pillow.
Fort Randolph, near Memphis, is be
ing strongly fortified.
The :obele are jubilant over the Eng
lish interfOrenee in the Mason and Sli
dell affair.
The number of Federal prisoners ut
Memphis is eighty-seven. Desertions
from the rebel Army are frequent iina
numerous.
Calib Jackson vas at Columbus on
Viredncsday,•and 'has issued a proche
mation calling on the people of Xis=
dotal to furnish Jet Thompson with
twenty thousand men, and increase
General Price's three to sixty thousand:
Drai". To one and all a Happy New
Yeay. •