jj £ r£s s + MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1862 THE LATEST WAR NEWS. jjy Wuy of Fortress Monroe, we hare the intelli gence that Norfolk- is in a ferment of excitement and alarm. The destruction of the city, in case of an attack is apprehended by the inhabitants. A strong force is concentrating*at Suffolk to chock Burnside, who was reported to have occupied Win tor. and to be moving on Norfolk. We have news this morning from Washington of an occurrence which, while proving ft serious in jury to our cause, may teach us an invaluable lea* #on of prudence for the future. The United States steamer Cumberland has been sunk, and the frigate Congress captured, by the iron-plated steamer Merrimac, which, however, was finally driven oft' in a sinking condition. The full details of the dis aster will be found in our telegraphic columns. £The Union flag now waves over Cock- pit point on the Lower Potomac! The namo is not tho most euphonious, we admit, but In. that respect it is perfectly in keeping with the history of the war. About two o'clock, yesterday afternoon, the rebels commenced to fire their tents, and all their other property which had not the merit of portability. The steamer Page was among the craft thus sacri ficed. About three o’clock our gunboats opened fire on the Cock-pit battery, and at half past four landed the troops, who ran up the Union standard. Our Portress Monroe correspondent has forward ed to ns Richmond and other Southern journals to the 7th inst., from which we have made a number of interesting extracts. The necessity of burning the cotton and tobacco crops, to prevent their fall ing into loyal hands, bad become so pressing thnt a bill was introduced into the rebel Congress, on Thursday last, to render such a measure obligatory. Rebellion has come to/e/o tie se when it has to burn its cotton. The President has issued an order dividing army of the Pototimc into five corps, to be com manded by commanders of corps, chosen according to their seniority in rank. The first corps d’&rmee, consisting of four divisions, is to be under the command of Major G cneral McDowell; the second, under Brigadier General Sumner (probably) ; tho third, consisting of three divisions, under Brigadier General Hcintzlemun; the fourth, comprising three divisions, under Brigadier Kcyea ; and the fifth, embracing General Banks and Shields’ command, to be under the former officer. The telegraph line to Portress Monroe has been completed and opened. Science, however, would seem to regard such tributes in a thankles.? spirit, for the first despatch received contains a report of the sinking of one of our war vessels. But, per haps, the telegraph is not an infallible agency arid, the rfice of Do Santya is not extinct ? A telegraphic despatch from Denver city informs us that a bloody battle had taken place near Port Craig, New Mexico, on the 21st of February, and TTBS probably resumed ?n ft? following day. Tho loss on bo:h sides was great, and the issue of the engagement uncertain. Capt. Mcßae, in charge of our artillery, together with his entire command, ■was killed, and- it is asserted that all our cannon were taken by tho rebels. As federal reinforce- ments were on the way when the express messen ger left, it is probable that our next despatches will .materially alter the aspeet of tlie affair. Judge Watte, the delegate to Congress from New Mexico, seems to think, for reasons which we give in our special despatches from Washington, that the ac- counts are greatly exaggerated, and that parts of it are untrue. The recent movements on the Upper l’otomac have culminated in the capture of Leesburg, by our forces under the command of Colonel Cleary. On Saturday, our forces entered the town with oolers flying and bayonets fixed, and Immediately took possession of Ports Johnston, Beauregard, and Evans, besides capturing a number of prisoners and a large quantity of army stores. While our troops were approaching the town, the rebels cetdd be discerned through a glass in full retreat. The evidences of a decaying rebellion are rapidly multiplying. We see it—not only in the great results following tho victories at Fort Donelson and Roanoke Island—but in other and precedent causes. The hope of foreign aid, so illusive and 'long prayed for, was dispelled by the ability and foresight of the Secretary of State, and it is mnusing to humiliation heaped upon the re bel ambassadors in London and in Paris. Ma son inflicts a long story upon some English nobleman about six or seven hundred vessels mining the blockade, but hesitates to give the tonnage list of his ships for fear of being detected in his prevarication, and the London Times very coolly and characteristically dis poses of the arguments in favor of raising the blockade by advising Lord Debut and Iris friends to realize on the cotton at New Or leans by shipping it at Louisville. Mr. Sli dell dances attendance upon M. Tiiouvenel and is told very calmly that the time for deci sion has not come. We may contrast the reception of these rebel ambassadors, at foreign courts, with the reception given to rebel ambassadors in another age, and find the parallel instructive. When the rebel Republic of 177 G sent Ben jajiin l'iiaxklin and his colleagues to the Continent of Europe, they were received witll the most distinguished consideration. There is no more graphic scene in French or Ame can history than that which depicts the plain and unostentatious philosopher of Philadel phia moving amid the brilliant courtiers of Loris XYI, ami the unfortunate Marie An toinette. In Franklin, the Republic had a statesman, a scholar, and a patriot. In the. ambassadors of the South, we see men in famous on account of their personal cha racter, or despised because of their want of intellect and capacity. Franklin and his com panions represented a great cause. Their ex periment was an experiment of constitutional self-govevmuent. It was not merely resist ance to tyrants, but obedience to God. They attempted to show that liberty was not license. The world recognized the grandeur of their cause, and welcomed them as the apostles of liberty and law. W'e- see another evidence of the decay of : the rebellion in the despair and want of con- : fidence manifested by the leaders of the Se- j cession cause. We read over the debates of the rebel Congress, and look in vain for any exhibition of the high-toiicd courage and chi valry that characterized the Continental Con- i gress. There was a bill introduced a few ! days ago, in the rebel Congress, authoriziog the ; burning of « cotton, tobacco, and other pro- ! perty,” whereupon a wrangle ensaed as to' | whether the Confederate Government should , pay for the destroyed crops! The rebels were ; willing to burn tlieir cotton, their tobacco, and ; every marketable commodity in their ware- . houses, provided the paid for it. ; So long as it was a question of purchase, the i owners had no objection to apply the torch, : but when it became a question of destruction ' and self-sacrifice, they became dissentient and ’ dissatisfied. In the very issue they force upon us, the i rebels point out the surest way to their own j overthrow. AYur is necessarily destructive. < In its sad necessities, life is taken, blood ; is shed, lands arc wasted, and desolation and devastation aro spread everywhere. The Government of the United States may desire to be as lenient and generous to these misguided people of the South as it is in the nature of the law to be; but the leaders of this haughty and defiant conspiracy, throwing aside every consideration of humani ty and prudence, invite to their homes and possessions the very means which they took to repel our armies. If the rebels find it an efficient agency of rebellion to deprive themselves of the products of their soil, and to destroy their own proper ty, they place in the hands of the Government . of the United States an argument for employ- j ing the. same weapon in repressing the rebel- i lion. And it may reasonably bo said, that in | this work of desolation we need make no dis- \ crimination between property of one sort and i property of another. The desperation of their cause makes retribution vengeance, and turns : this contest into a civil war of unprecedented j horrors. They have turned their own weapons ; upon themselves, and hasten to their speedy I annihilation. | It is proper that a rebellion conceived in : iniquity should thus pass away. Its historian j will trace his chronicle with a loathing and ] reluctant pen. 1 twill bo a narrative of shame j j for it will tell 1 iow infamy followed infamy— j how cowardice was honored as patriotism, and ! treachery as self-devotion. It will tell how . Citizens of America sought the intervention ! cf tho foi'oigm.'i' lo ovorlhiow the Government ot'llicir allegiance, and bartered their honor to gain (lie alliance of aliens and enemies, llut if lie writes tlie shameful story of its rise, lie will wriio tho story of its ignominious fall. And judging from events now rapidly transpi ring, the hour of its fall is at hand. We have always contended that there is as much hostility to the present organization of the Democratic party, led as it is by the dema gogues and hacks who defeated Stephen A. Dm’ui.A.s in lttilO,nnd voted for John C. Ilitniiic iMur.nß when they saw he was on the high load to treason against tlie Constitution, among the loyal men of the South as there is among the loyal men of tlie North and North west. Tlie following paragraphs, from the or gan of the Kentucky Democracy, the Louisville ‘Democrat of. the £d of Starch, proves this as sertion. Exactly what tho Democrat says of the'so-called Democracy of Indiana is true of the so-called Democracy of Pennsylvania. Our Reeds, AViiaktoss, Wittes, Welshes, Sandeiisoxs, Richardson L. Witmirrs, Plu- JIKHS, AncONAS, lIOTKiNSES, JOHNSONS, COOT- J 583, are tlie chiefs of tlie Democratic organi zation to-day, as they were the chiefs of tlie Breckinridge organization of 18(10. Time, and the great victories of our arms, have not induced them to change their opinions, or to modify their hostility to the Administration in the prosecution of this just war. They are tit counterparts of the inert so mercilessly scored by the Louisville Democrat. In Indiana, as is well said by tho Democrat, “ there are hut two parties—one for the Government and the other against it—one ready and willing to help in the suppression of tlie rebellion, the other in giving aid and com fort to the rebellion and tlie Democrat might have added, with great truth, that the loyal party is headed by Republicans, who have given up their organization, and the disloyal party by Brihiit and his associates. Jloro in Philadelphia, anil throughout the State, there is no such liberality manifested. The Demo crahkare led by tlie Breckinridge chiefs, who obtain their counsel from Wheatland, and un resistingly obey the mandates of the Old Man of tlie Sea, who, from his safe retreat, contem plates the ruin he has wrought. Let us hope that the true friends of the Administration litre, as in Indiana, will act upon tlie lesson so eloquently taught by surrounding events, and by the example of their friends in the Hoosier State: “ A pnrccl of broken-down politicians in Indiana got together on the Sth of January last, held a con vention, passed resolutions, and placed before the people of that State a party ticket, asking for their support. There are at this time but two parties in Indiana. One is for the Government, and the oilier is against it. One la ready and willing to help in tho suppression of the rebellion; the other it giving aid araleoiufort to the enemy. The people would rather sink every question of mere party policy until the Union is restored and the laws en forced. It remains for these political dabblers to pass resolutions and huckster around for votes, while the loya9 people of their State are baring their breasts to ‘the onomy and participating on every battle-field. “ Taking the name of Demooracy, they think thereby to control its organization. They will claim for the action of the Convention that the Demo cratic party is responsible. What! a Convention of Democrats in Indiana refuse to endorse the me mory of their champion leader, Douglas ! As well might any j ickanape try to convince us that, upon bis command, the waters of the Ohio should return in their channels to the ten thousand sources from which they spring and flow. “So far as tho Republican party of Indiana is concerned, wo are against it, and have always op posed its policy. It is sectional, narrow, and proscriptive. We have no liking for it We prefer patriots, however, in such troublous times, to trai tors. We do not stop to ask their antecedents—we only know that, in this unnatural war, they mainly are for the Union. But to claim for a Convention which refuses to endorse Hon. Stephen A. Dou glas the name of Democracy, is to add insult to iDjury. “When the Government enforces its authority, and traitors are sufficiently punished—when the glorious heritage, our country, is preserved from the political vagabonds who would despoil her— then, we trust, the Democracy of Indiana will stand forth in one solid phalanx, and reassert their time-honored principles, and maintain them as to naoiously as ever heretofore.” Mexico, Apparently, England is disinclined to violate the Monroe doctrine in Mexico. With great adroitness Napoleon coaxed Palmerston and Russell into alliance with himself aud the Queen of Spam, the avowed object being to secure payment of certain bonds h&ld and monies owed in France, England, and Spain, and tlie French object, it now seems, being to place the Emperor of Austria’s brother on the throne of Mexico. The intention of Napo leon, from the first, evidently was to make Mexico a monarchy instead of a republic, aud to conciliate Austria by giving the crown to one of licr princes. In reply to inquiries from Lord Russell, it has been stated by M. Thouvenel, on the part of Napoleon, that no negotiations had been pending between Fran?? and Austria with reference to the Archduke Maximilian, but that the negotiations had been carried on by Mexicans who had visited Europe for that purpose, and had gone to Vienna. The value of such a denial may be estimated when it is recollected how solemnly tlie French Govern ment denied, until the time for .action came, that the surrender of Savoy and Nice to France was ever'contemplated. England remonstrated, six weeks ago, with Fi ance for sending additional troops to Mexico, and declined sending any more British soldiers. Napoleon’s justification was that it did not suit tho dignity of France to have feivsr troops in Mexico than Spain has, and that the neces sity of advancing into the interior of Mexico made thu augmentation of- the invading army imperative. England will rather withdraw her naval and military armament than augment it. On the 27th January, Earl Russell wrote to Sir Charles W tke, British minister in Mexico, “ It is said that the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian wiU be invited by a large body of Mexicans to place luruscif on the throne of Mexico, and that the Mexican people will glad ly hail such a change. I have little to add to my former instructions on this head. If the Mexican people, by a spontaneous movement, place the Austrian Archduke on the throne of Mexico, there is nothing in the convention to prevent it. On the other hand, we could he no parties to. a forcible intervention for this purpose. The Mexicans must consult their own in^crests. ,, This is a quasi-neutralitv or non intervention. The London Examiner, one of the oldest, steadiest, and most consistent Ministerial journals, embodies the opinion of England in this sentence: “ Every day compels us more deeply to regret that England should have ever countenanced intervention at all; and every hour renders ns more imjsatient to hear of 'the ■withdrawal of our Gmmmenl from a com . pact, the whole spirit, of which has been set at nought, and the only legitimate purpose of which has already been audaciously abandoned .” The recent arrangement between the in vaders anil General Doblado, who is a sort of Mexican Dictator, admits the former into the interior of the country, while negotiations are pending, and looks amazingly like treachery on Dohlado’s part. In fine, the overthrow of the republic, tile establishment of a monarchy, the elevation of Maximilian to the throne, and the violation of the Monroe doctrine, ap pear foregone conclusions with France and Spain, at least. England, represented by Pal merston and Russell, has heen humbugged, (the word is vulgar, hut expressive,) and, in all probability, will shuffle out of the affair at her earliest convenience. AVhat will our Go vernment do, under such circumstances ? “ An Oltensive War.” It is amusing to read the boasts of the rebels about their intention of carrying on an offen sive war. While McClellan in the East, Halleck and Buell in the West, and Burn side and Sherman on the seaboard, are ready to strike powerful and effective blows at the re bellion, its leaders are vainly boasting that th l, y will inaugurate such a war as will sweep the Union troops before them like chaff' before the whirlwind, and carry the sword with all its attendant horrors into tho Northern and E astern States. This is on a par With similar threats made by these same people before the war commenced, that one Southern man could whip five “Yankees,” and that a thousand of them could march through tho Northern States and plant their standard on Indepen dence Hall. This was all very well in theory, but it was easier said than done. They will shortly find, if they have not already done so, that iliey have plenty to attend to at home without ventilating impracticable ideas. Such bombast shows only their own weakness and the tottering condition of their cause, and is only put forth for the purpose of “ firing the Southern heart” and raising the drooping •spirits of their people, caused by the late vic tories of the Union forces in the East and West. Hibernian Soi'iktv.— Next Monday. March 17, being St. Patrick’s Day, the anniversary dinner of tbe Hibernian Society for the Relief of Emigrants from Ireland will take place at the Continental Hotel. ' LETTER FROM “ OCCASIONAL ” Washington, March 8, 1802. Once more 1 write you in the presence of a great movclM-llt of the army of the Potomac. During the year that has passed, Washington lias been tlie theatre of singular excitements and great events. The inauguration of Mr. Lincoln ; tlie fall of Fort Sumpter; the entrance into Has city of the advance guard of Penn sylvania volunteers ; the firing upon the Mas sachusetts and Pennsylvania troops by tlie Baltimore mob ; the destruction of the rail road ; the opening of communication by way of Annapolis; the fortification of the city un der tlie inspiring genius of Winfield Scott ; (lie reverse at Bull Run, and tlie black and hitter days that followed it; tlie change in tlie chiefs of the army; tho stubborn blockade of tlie Potomac; tho misfortunes at Vienna and at Ball’s Bluff, hath succeeded by popular anger and despondency; the victory of Draues ville, which uplifted tho popular hoart and reflected new glory upon the name of Penn sylvania ; tho concentration here of such an army as the world has never seen ; the called session of Congress, with all its sensations and acrimonies ; the treachery of Mr. Breck inridge and tlie expulsion of Mr. Bright; the financial collapse and tho financial tri umph ; Die joy diffused by the success of tho navy and army in the far South—in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, and Ala bama ; —all these events, and many more, have made the history of the last year in Washing ton the most romantic and novel in our annals. We are now in tlie forefront of achievements more momentous than any which have yet been recorded. Opinions vary as to the result. On the one hand, we hear it contended that our troops will progress towards Richmond with out much difficulty, and that the rebels arc disheartened and disbanding. On the other, it is stoutly argued that their army lias h?en strengthened, and that they will make their last stand with desperate and protracted fero city. Rarely has such a programme of battle been laid out. Our troops are extended along an almost unbroken line of more than fifty miles, and these are aided by a large force gathered on the various flotillas in the neigh boring hays, rivers, und creeks. No one is permitted to know the disposition or destina tion of the various detachments and squadrons. All that is left for us is patiently to await the sequel. Heaven send that it may he, as I feel sure it will he,' fortunate for our arms Looking upon the busy scene around me and the wondrous movements in anticipation of this advance, it is impossible to realize that in another week many of those panting for the battle may be stretched in glorious graves. OUT soldiers are as aiixlous for the word to go ahead as if they were about to march to a holiday parade or a grand carnival. In their gay attire, their bright arms, their serried ranks, and their inspiring strains, there are no symptoms of fear or faltering. All is confidence, all determination. Of such ma terials are’’the defenders of this great Go vernment composed. Occasional. Letter from the llou. David Wilmot. The following letter, from Hon. Mr. Wilmot, was received and read at the great New I’ork meeting on Thursday last: - Washington, March 5,1552. Dear Sir : Tour letter of invitation to attend a meeting to held at the Cooper Institute, in the city of New York, on Thursday evening, the Oth instant, has been received. I am honored by your invitation, and would be pleased, if it were convenient, to be present and? participate in the proposed B??tiog, My puttfo* duties will bold me hure; and I can only respond? briefly by letter to your kind invitation. ■- I heartily approve of the objects of the meeting as set forth in the call. Tho honor and safety of the nation demand that the cause of this gigantic rebel lion should be forever "removed. This alone will giY? Vtf pence rad safety, honor and national re spect. Slavery is the one, exclusive, and only cause of the rebellion and war, through which we are struggling for national existence, ft is now made clear to all, that slavery is the deadly foe of the Union—the implacable and eternal enemy of free government. A truly free government, founded upon justice and light, and appealing to fOKSon and beneficent laws for support, never did and never can long exist in the midst of slavery. God, in his providence, has placed slavery within the rightful power of the nation. We must not tremble and hesitate because of the magnitude of the labors and duties cast upon us; we must meet and discharge our duties as men in whose hands is placed the ark of human happiness and hopes. We must and will, if true to God, our country, and the race of man kind, now and forever destroy and wipe out from this nation the accursed institution of human slavery. Th 6 slaveholder, by hii treason and rebellion against the Constitution, and by the war ho has forced upon the Government for self-preservation, has wholly absolved us from all constitutional and political obligations to treat his unnatural claim of property in man with any toleration whatever, when the traitor is forced by &r&is from hie pur pose to destroy the Constitution and Government, he cannot, the moment he is defeated in his wicked purpose, plead the Constitution he made war to overthrow as the shield and protection for his for feited rights of slavery. It is the right and duty of the nation to protect itself, now and in the future. Wo must ttftko sure against another rebellion, greater than the one now upon us. The national life must be preserved by applying the knife to the cancer that is eating the very substance and life of the nation. The nation must make a procla mation of freedom to the slaves of every traitor; and, as a matter of policy, not of strict right, pro vide for making compensation to loyal slaveholders for temporary loss incident to the speedy emanci pation of their slaves. Less than this we cannot do with honor and safety. We have a right to do more. We have a right; instantly and at once, to uproot and eradicate forever any local institution, law, custom, that puts in imminent peril the national life. We have a right to kill slavery that the nation may live. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. Wilmot. James McKave, Chairman CwßßHtUfli Public Amusements. The “ Comedy of Errors” and the. “Serious Enmity” will alternate the ovenings of this iveet at the Arch streot Theatre, each piece being acted in conjunction with n favorite Irißh drama. The « Comedy of Errors 1 is lounilttl upon the dramatic law of resemblances or identities} and is an adaptation from the Alcncechmi or Tttin brothers of the Homan comic writer Plautus. A play of similar construction is found in the literatures of all modern languages, but tho Mcnivchmi of Shakspeare is doubtless tbe most creditable of the series. The Dromios of this play hare uo originals in tho Latin, the Euglish playwright having modelled them upon an exaggerated copy of .Plautus’ semi-shrewd, semi-clownish servant Mestenio. In our versiou, they are made the leading, intt rests of tbe piece, and great cave is taken to rattle©* them counterparts of each other. The brothers who rspposent the Zb'mtAS ftl the Arch-street Theatre, are very like by nature, Frank being slighter than John, and a trifle less in height, and also of clearer voice. These differences are obviated in a degree by due at tention to manner and what, in stage parlance, is called the <* make up.” The shoes worn by Frank for instance, arc built high in the heels, in order that lie may approximate to the height of John Drew’s the former is also plentifully padded, while John Drew has toned and subdued his eccentricities until tho two are duplicated in spoeeb, gesture, walk, and carriage. In one respect, however, we notice a defect readily apparent. The laugh of John Drew is coarse and shrill—in fact, a « squeak”—while Frank Drew laughs, very much in his usual way. The humor of . Frank, likewise, is more natural and unrestrained, some of liis grimaces and movements being in the highest degree ludicrous and mirtlv moving. But upon John Dx-ew seems to devolve the difficult labor of adapting him self to the manner of the other. The one, in truth, is the imitator, the other the actor. Some of the means employed in order to obtain the identity are mere tricious, ns the painting of moles upon the cheeks. In deed, we are called upon to suppose that two individuals, the one of Dplxeaue, the other of distant Syracuse, have been from the beginning practising the same amble and strut, nay even holding their fingers and thumbs in the same positions, and adopting gaibs alike in color, cut and kind. The Antipholuses' ©L the Arch-street Theatre are wigged, bearded, ard clothed alike, but are alike in nothing else. The most credulous imagination cannot persuade itself to believe in the identity. Mr. Ringgold, indeed, seemed working to distroy any illusion that might have prevailed, and Mr, Mortimer was evidently ill at ease, aud ooQßciouft of the disparity. As JirjGoni to Mr, John Gilbert was assigned the fine narrative, constitu ting tbe first scene of tbe comedy. He seemed to ns more than customarily hard and harsh. Mrs. Drew and Mrs. Henri dressed with much taste and elegance in their roles of Adriana and Luciami The latter enacted with Mr. Mortimer the rare courtship scene of the third act, that is mutilated in the stage edition. This scene is full of delicate conceits, as, for instance, tho plea of Antipho lus: «« O train me not, sweet mermaid, with thy note, To drown me in thy sister’s Hood of tears; Sing, syren, for thyself and I will dote; . Spead o’er the silver waves tliy golden hairs.” The humor of the “ Comedy of Errors ” is sometimes broad, but always genial. Modern delicacy, we regret to say, has compelled the.emasculation of the comic pas sages at the end of the third act. The scenery ut the Arch* street Theatre is always rich in coloring and libe ral in design. We have not seen, since Mrs. Drew’s inauguration, a tolerable or inadequate scene, and the “ Comedy of Errors ” is particularly favored in this re gard. We were pleased to no*e that Mr. Craig, the youngest membor of the company, was enoovod on Saturn day evening, on the occasion of his first appearance in vocal character. Dan Bice gave good entertainments last week to uniformly tolerable honacs. The proprietor of the “ show ” evidently mr-ftppreciateu his own powers of humor, and reckons too generally upon tho patience and liberality of tbe people. He defines his position upon contravened subjects nightly, whereas tbe public, as a rule, care nothing to know his sentiments upon any, save equestrian affairs. If Mr. llice will allow Mou sUurt Kayara and Melville to be the main feature of his “show,” bil business will prosper; for they are really wonderful riderr, and in conjunction with the gymnasts and trained horses, afford an exciting and pleasant entertainment. ' Mr. McKeon will take a benefit iu Uncle Tom on Thursday evening, when Mr. Studley and the other ca pable people of the Continental Theatre will appear. McKeon, Laving waited for the Hood-tide during several years, is now floating on to fortune, and few men in his profession are so deserving of public approval Gottschftlk’s Concert will be attcudul to -night by ama teurs and adept performers, The pianist will give 011 a or two private entertainments in this city, to select classes of males and females. See advertisement. The panoramuof the Rebellion h»B had an unexampled success, at .the Assembly Buildings.* Many of thesesuea are vivid and faithful; all are above mediocrity, A lec ture accompanies the paintings. THE MtESS.—PHILADELPHIA, MONDAY. MARCH 1.0, 1862. HIKlRTittiT Fllltli FdTRBSS MKIE. Audacity of the Rebel Steamer Merrimac. 1 - OUR FLEET AND BATTERIES AT TACKED. SINKING OF THE U. S. SHIP CUMBERLAND. Foutukss Moxbok, Saturday, March 8, 1802. About one o’clock .afternoon the rebel iron plated steamer by two rebel tug boats, ihwm|dAjttm tho river from be hind Sewell's She at first appeared to bo coming diiyptjjttotMgds Old Point, btlt suddenly turned and, qnd«( ; tBi||rt#aiu, pro ceeded for Newport News, where gross aud sloop, of-war Cu/t.her fund obor. The steam frigate Minnesota, Whioh'Wlrt lying at anchor some distance below, immediately? on pcrceiviDgjho ruse, started in pursuit, and the other steament lying in the harbor were not slow in followingSsks she passed the Sewell’s Point battery, the rebels- fired a number of shot at her, but, as far as could be seen, none were effective. The fire was promptly returned by the Min nesota, and the shells could be seen bursting near the rebel batteries. She Sawyer guo from the Rip Raps, too, threw several shells with remarkable precision right into the Sewell’s Point battery. But, by this time, the Merrimac and her satel lites, the little tugs, had rounded Newport Neff? point, and thiok clouds of smoke now arose, and across the tongue of land, that hid the rebel vessels ficw view, could be seen the tall masts of tho Con gress and Cumberland. Dense volumes of smoke almost shrouded them from sight, but still the tall masts and tapering spars could be seen, though dimly. ’ Almost every foot of standing room was now oc cupied by anxious crowds, and many were the prayers for tho success of the go?d ?ld flag, Spy. glasses commanded a high premium. The masts of the Cumberlmul, towering above the trees, had attracted groat attention. With a glass the American flag could be seen proudly fly ing from her foremast. Suddenly she was observed to totter, and, with a slow and gradual motion, while a groan of horror went up from the vast as semblage, she careened, and,disappeared from view. But the American ensign still floated for a moment, and then went down, undesecrated by the traitors’ touch. —' The Boanoke, by this time, was under weigh, in tew of a steamtug, and, as she passed the rebel bat tery, delivered a broadside. Many of tho fuses being too short, however, a number of the shells hurst in the air. The remainder burst in tho rebel battery on Sewell’s Point with right good effect. The Minnesota is reported to be aground. A number of rebel tugs are around her, and she is pourinv shells into them and also into the Pig-Point battery. Th sßtmnoie, the steam machinery of which has been out of order for some time, is com ing back. Later —54 P. M.—The Sawyer.gun from the Ripraps is shelling Sowell’s point. The frigate Congress hg§ a white flag flying. The rebel steamer Yorktown is sailing from Newport News to Sewell’s Point. It is believed she will engage the Minn&ttta. A heavy smoke as of is visible from Newport News. I canmj|||gcDrtain the cause at present. It appears as though the buildings there are on fire. The U. S. frigate St. Lawrenee has just arrived, and has gone up to engage the rebels. The -afoldiers in the fort are under arms. Great anHatjpjfednaiiifeeted for the fate of the brave sea meirof th&Ceunberland. Several ambulance wa-' jgons have left for Newport News. jrA' P. M —The gunboats Weldon and Zouave sure reported takan. The rqnm is not believed, 6J P. M.—The Congress is firing again. She appears to have the Union flag flying. FROM FORTRESS MONROE. THE REBEL STEAMERS MERRIMAC, JAMES TOWN, AND YORKTOWN ATTACK THE FLEET. The United States Sioop-of-war THE CONGRESS CAfTIiREJ). Washington, March 9.— The Government ha received information, from Fortress Monroe, that yesterday theiron-clwl steamer Miirrimjte and the gunboats Jamestown and l'or£tow?i attacked our fleet, and sunk the United States sloop-of-war Ctern berland, and took the Cotigress. -The United States steamer Minnesota yras aground ft?Fortf633 Monroe boat left. *' The Rebel Attack npon the United States Fleet —Details of the Disaster. Fortress Mokroe, March B.— The dullness of Old Point was startled at. lO o 1 clock to-day, by the announcement that a mysterious vessel, supposed to be the rebel steamer Merrimac, and looking like a submerged house with the roof only above water, was moving down from Norfolk by the channel in front of Sewell’s Point. Signal guns ■were alio fired by the United States eloop-of-war Cumberland and the frigate Congress, to notify the Minnesota, St. Lawrence, and 'Roanoke, of the approbating danger, and all was exoitement in about Fortress Monroe. There was nothing protruding above the water but the flag-staff, flying the rebel flag, and a short smoke stack. She moved along slowly and turning into the channel leading to Newport News, steamed direct for the Cumberland and Congress which were lying at the mouth of the James river. As soon as tbe Merrimac came within range of the Cumberland the latter opened on her with her heavy guns, but the balls struck and glanced off, having no more effect on her than peas from a pop gnn. Her ports -were all closed, and she moved on in silence but with a full head of steam. In the meantime, as the Merrimac was approach ing the two frigates on the one side, the iron-clad steamers 1 ’orlctown and Jamestown came down the James river and engaged our frigates on the other side. The batteries at Newport News also opened on the Jamestown and and did all in their power to assist the Cumberland anti Congress* which, being sailing vessels, were at the mercy of the approaching steamers. The Jllerriniacj lfl meantime, kept steadily on her course, and slowly approached tho Cumber land, when the latter, as well as the Congress , at the distance of one hundred yards, rained full broadsides os the iron-clad monster. The shots took no effort, glfttiCing upwards and flying off, having only the effect of checking her progress for a moment. After receiving the first broadsides of the two frigates she ran into the Cumberland , striking her about midship?, find literally laying open her side. She then drew off, fired a broadside into tho disa bled ship, and again dashed against her with her iron-clad prow, and, knocking in her side, left her to sink, while she engaged the Congress , which la}, about a quarter of a mile distant. (The Congress had in the meantime kept up a sharp engagement with the Yorhtown and James town, and having no regular crew on board of her, and seeing the hopelessness of resisting the iron, clad steamers, at once struck her colors. Her crew had been discharged several days since, and three com panies of the Naval Brigade had been put on board temporarily, until she could be relieved by the St. Lawrence, which was to have gone up on Monday to take her position as one of the blockading vessels at the Jfttnes river. _on the Congress striking her colors, tho James town approached and took from on board all the officers as prisoners, but allowed the crew to escape in the boats. Tbe vessel being thug cleared, it was fired by the rebels, when the Merrimac and her two iron-clad companions opened with shell and shot on the Newport News batteries. The firing was briskly returned. Various reports have been received, principally from frightened sut lers’ clerks. Some of thorn represented that (he garrison had heen compelled to retreat from the batteries to the woods. Another report is, that the two smaller rebel steamers had been compelled to retreat from the guns of the batteries. In the meantime the steam, frigate Minnesota, having partly got up steam, was being towed up to the relief of the two frigates, but did not get up until too late to assist them. She was alßo followed by the frigate St. Lawrence, which was taken in tow by several of the small harbor steamers. It is, however, rumored that neither of these vessels had pilots on board them, and after a short engage ment both seemed to be, in the opinion of the pi. lots, on the point agTOund. The Minnesota, either intentionally or from necessity, engaged the three rebel steamers at about a mile’s distance with only her two bow guns. Tho St. Lawrence also poured in shot from all her guns she could bring to bear, and it was the impression of the most experienced naval officers on the point that both had been con siderably damaged. These statements, it must be borne in mind, are all based on what could be seen by the glass at a distance of nearly eight miles, and by a few panic stricken non-combatants, who fled at nearly the first gun from Newport News. In the meantime darkness approached, though the moon shone out brightly, and nothing but the occasional Sashing of guns eould be seen. The Merrimac was also believed to be aground, as she remained stationary at the distance of about a mile from the Minnesota, making no attempt to attack or molest her. Previous to the departure of the steamer from Old Point for Baltimore, no gun had been fired for half an hour, the laßt one being from the Minnesota. Some persons declared that immediately after the lastgun was fired a dense volume of vapor was seen to rise from the Merrimac, indicating an ex plosion of her boilers. Whether this is so or not oau- to Tho frrsfl.j Cumberland Sunk. not I>C kiiown hut. it was the uuivorsal opinion that the rebel monster was hard aground. Fears were, of course, entertained for the safety of the Minncsotff- and St. Lawrence in such an unequal contest, but if the Alerrimac wo? £sally ashore, she could do no farther harm to them. It was tho intention of the Minnesota. , with her picked and gallant crew, to have run into close quarters with the Mammae, avoid her iron prow, find board her. This the Merrimae seemed not in clined to give her an opportunity to do, being afraid to approach her at close quarters when aground. At 8 o'clock, when tho Baltimore boat left, a fleet ofsteam tugs were being sent up to the relief of the Minnesota »ad ISI, Lav:renc<s, amt no ende»« vor was to be made to draw them off from/he har oil which they had grounded. The firing had Uoen suspended, whether from mutual consent oj neces sity could not be ascertained. Tho rebel battery at Pig Point was algo enabled to join in tbo combined attack on the Minnesota, and several guns weffc fired at her from Sewell’s Point as she went up. None of them, however, 'Struck her, but one or two passed over her. ??•'•». 1.1.1 l I Hill I ’From Fortress Monroe and the South. GEN. BURNSIDE OCCUPIED WINTON. Fortress Monroe, March 7.—The sto&mtugs Atlantic and Pendulum, from Philadelphia, came into tho Roads this morning. The Pendulum sank whilst passing tho lightship. All hands saved. The steamer Smoance, which sailed for Ilatieras with stores, on Thursday, returned on account of bad weather, but will sail again to-night. The wind is changing to the northwest. A flag of truce from Norfolk brought down the commandant of the French steamer. He repre sents that great excitement exists ih Norfolk. The hotels are swarming with officers, mostly from the Gulf the Virginia troops being all sent away. The people dread the destruction of the city in case of an attack. ft strong force is concentrating at Suffolk to check General Burnside, who was reported to have occupied Winton in force, and to be moving on Norfolk. The reason given by tho rebels for not returning Col. Corcoran is that maps and drawings have been fonnd concealed on his person. No further com munication has been received as to the release of the United States prisoners at Richmond. Specie is quoted at Richmond at 40 to 50 cents premium. A despatch from Atlanta, Georgia, says that the Federal troops have occupied Mutfreesborough, Tennessee, and that Gen. A. Sydney Johnston has retreated to Decatur, Alabama. Bishop Andrews has postponed indefinitely the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, which was to meat at Now Orleans on the first of April. The steamer Merrimac was lying near the navy yard, yesterday morning, with her flag flying and a crew on board. She draws twenty-three feet of water, and was described to your correspond?at fl 3 locking like the roof of a sunken house with the sntnke stack protruding from the water. The Crew of the Cumberland—Reports of the Loss of Life. New York, March 9—A special report from Fortress Monroe to the Tribum states that the Cumberland had a crew of 500 men, nearly half ef whom went down with her, but a negro states that some of the crew, who swam ashore, give the number lost at one hundred. The guns of the Congress, after her capture, were turned on our batteries at Newport News. Gen. Wool sent two regiments of infantry, six companies of cavalry, and the mounted rifles by land to Newport News, to support Gen. Mansfield in case of an attack. • Oilicial Despatches from Fortress Monroe, Washington, March 9.—The following despatch was to-night received by Major General McClellan from General Wool: “ Fortress Moxroe, March 9— Six o'clock P. M. —Two hours after my telegraphic despatch to the Secretary of War, last evening, the steamer Moni tor arrived. She immediately went to the assist ance of . the Minnesota , whien was aground, and continued so until a -few minutes since.- Early this morning, fte was attacked by tha Merriimc , Jamestown, and Yorklewn. After a five-hours contest they were driven off, and the Merrimac in a sinking.conditiou. She was towed by th.a James town, Yorktovcn, and several smaller boats, toD wards Norfolk, no doubt for the purpose, if possible, to get her in the dry- dock for repairs. “ Tbe Minnesota is aflogt, gad being tOff«d to wards Fortress Monroe-” Opening oi the Telegraph to Fortress Monroe. IRON-CLAD STEAMER MONITOR ATTACKED BY THE THREE REBEL STEAMERS. THE ASSAILANTS DRIVEN OFF. THE MERRIMAC IN A SINKING CONDITION. Washington, March 9, 7 o’clock P. M. —The telegraph line to Fortress Monroe has been com pleted, and the following despatch has been re ceived direct from that, point: “ The Ericsson iron-clad steamer Monitor ar rived at Fortress Monroe last night, and early this morning she was attacked by the three rebel steamers, the Merrimac, Jamestown, and Yori town. After a contest of five hours they wore driven off, the Merrimac In a sinking condition.” THE WAR IN VIRGINIA. LEESBURG OCCUPIED BY COL. GEARY. The Rebels Retreated. FORTS BEAUREGARD, EVANS, AND JOHN STON IN POSSESSION OF GEARY. Leesisurg, March B.—Col. Geary has taken Leesburg, and driven Gen. Hill, with his whole command, from the town and surrounding forts. The stars and stripes now wave over all the hills. The rebels fell back towards Middlebury last night. Col. Geary left Lovettsville with his com mand, and marched through Wheatland and Water ford, taking prisoners at both places, and putting the scattered forces of the enemy to flight. Shortly after sunrise this morning he took pos session of Fort J ohnston, which was ro'christened by the officers Fort Geary. He then entered the camp with flags flying nnd bayonets fixed. Tho rebel troops, who had considered this as one of their greatest strongholds, could be discerned through a glass in full retreat. The command took many prisoners, and a quan tity of army stores, and are in possession of the bank, post office and public buildings. Forts Beauregard and Evans are also in our pos session. This achievement, accomplished by a skilful ma noeuvre, is of vast importance. The command is well, and in. good spirits. A detachment of the First Michignn Cavalry did much service, under the direction of Col. Geary, in this movement. OFFICIAL DESPATCHES. Poolesville, Moroli B. —To Brigadier General S. Williams: Leesburg was entirely evacuated yesterday morn ing. The reports are tba.t Col. advance is there, N. J. T, Dana, Brig. General. THE STARS AND STRIFES WAVING OVER THE COCK-FIT FOINT BATTERY. The Rebel Steamer Page Burned. Washington, March 9.—The stars and stripes are now waving over Cockpit Point on the lower Potomac. About 2 o’clock this afternoon the rebels com menced to fire their tents and other property diffi cult of removal. They also burned the steamer Page and all the other craft in the creek. Our gunboats opened fire on the Cockpit battery about 3 o’clock P. M., and at half past 4 landed SS4 ran up the glorious old flag. Arrival from Roanoke Island- Baltimore, March 9.—The steamer Ellen S. Terry arrived here to-night direct from Roanoke Island, bringing official despatches from General Burnside, in oharge of Charles W. Woolsey. She has on board 125 wounded and siok soldiers from Roanoke under the charge of Dr. Alfred Hitch cock, of Massachusetts, assisted by Drs. Bradford and Page, all of whom are doing well. The Terry also brings the bodies of Col. V. da Montentl, of the Eepinuil Zouaves; Corporal Randall Mann, of the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, killed in the ac tion at Roanoke Island. Tho Terry left Roanoke at noon, on Thursday last, when a portion of the troops were embarking on an expedition to a point on the mainland, and will be heard from in due time. The rebel steamer Merrimac is understood to have been under the command of Commandant JBuehanan, late of Maryland- The Schooner Idalia Abandoned. Boston, March B. —The sloop-of-war Dacotak , whioh arrived here to-day, brought in the sohooner Idalia, from Philadelphia for Halifax. The Idalia was abandoned at sea on the 4th instant, in lat. 40 deg., long. G 7 deg. The War in Kentucky. Caieo, March B. —Thirty pieces of cannon have been already found in Columbus, having boon thrown awiiy by tho rebels io evacuating the place• A detachment of the Second Illinois cavalry re turned from Bertrand} to-.d&y, bringing several pri soners. They report that the country is still in fested with roving bands of Jeff Thompson's ma rauders. IMPORTANT FROM NEW MEXICO. mmm fight near fort craig, Great Loss on Both Sides. Denver Citv, March 7, via Jalosburg, March B.—The following news was received to-day, by military express: A desperate and terrible battle, lasting all day, took place nt Yulvorde, tan miles south of Port Craig, on tho 21st of February. The fight was pro bably renewed on the 22d. The loss is great on both Bides. Both parties claim the victory. A regiment of New Mexicans, commanded by Col. Paninn, ran away. Captain Mcßae, who had charge of our artillery, and every one of his command, were killed at their posts, and their cannon was taken by the rebels. Kit Carson was within fifteen miles of Fort Craig, Firing was heard from his direction, but with what, result was not ascertained at tho time the messen ger loft. FROM CEN. BANKS’ COLUMN. THE OCCUPATION OF LEESBURG CONFIRMED. CiiAnnESTOWN, Va , March 9. —The report of last night, that the United States troops had occu pied Leesburg, is officially confirmed. The rebels evacuated the town on Friday morning, taking all their baggage and supplies to Middlebury, but it i 3 not known whether the troops retired thither or started towards Winchester. Col. Geary occupied the town unregisted yesterday morning, capturing considerable property belonging to the rebel army. ( A.U was quiet on our frontiers last night, Charlestown, Va., March B.—To-day a Mr. Carter, member of Baylie’fl cavalry, together with three valuable horses, carriages, and other articles, was captured ami turned over to the division of the quartermaster. A considerable amount of rebel scrip was also seized. Private Whitney, of tho Michigan cavalry, who was accidentally wounded on Friday night,' died today. Colonel Brodhcad, of the Michigan cavalry, has been appointed. chief of the cavalry for this divi sion. During the visit to the residence of Col. Lewis Washington, near Haliston, your correspondent was informed that, subsequent to the departure of the proprietor, in August last, the rebels paid a visit to the establishment, and appropriated a large collection of tho portraits of Gan. Washington and bis family, being probably the only collection of the kind extant. It is to be regretted that, previous to tho order of Gen. Banks, some wanton depredations were com mitted on private property in this vicinity, bat it is probable that tho perpetrators will bo detected and severely punished. A Scout Within Four Miles of Winches ter—Skirmishes with the Rebels. Cjiap.j.kstov. n, Va . March 9.—Yesterday, for the first time sinee our arrival, the country car riages came into town, and the occupants held social intercourse with our officers and soldiers. Suits of Secession gray are gradually giving way to other hues, and the ladies beginning to frequent the streets on business and pleasure. Dr. William Alexander, an eminent physician and unflinching Unionist, died at his residence, in this vicinity, last month His sun yesterday re turned home from the Charlottesville College, deeply imbued with secession, and has Men sent to Washington. Hundreds of contrabands are arriving from the country. The course adopted in regard to them is, if they have been employed by the rebel authori ties, to turn them over to the division quartemas. ter, to be employed by the United States but if proven otherwise they are returned to their owners. On Friday, Captain Cole’s company of Maryland Cavalry, forty in number, pursued a scout of the Ashby Cavalry for two miles, between Banker’s 2XIII WihcbesUr, When lie came upon about 140 of the latter. A skirmish ensued, lasting an hour, resulting in the killing of six of Ashby’s men and wounding five. Captain Cole had three men wounded. A section of Matthew’s battery came up to Cole's support, when Adjutant Wilkins, of Gen. Williams* staff, had his horse shot under him. It is believed generally at Bunker Hill that the force at Winchester has been greatly reduced, leaving not over 3,000 to 6,00 men there. Others say 'bat Jacton’s force hns been strengthened by the regiments from Leesburg. Capt. Cole’s scouts last night reached a point only 4 miles from Win chester, but encountered no resistance except from a small cavalry picket. It is stated that but 400 cf the Eighteenth Mis sissippi remained at Leesburg, and at the time of tl*o v i uvuttUUll tliUbD icucaUitl lu ili« tlircotioU of Manassas Gap. Second Lieutenant Eugene Pickett has been promoted to a first lieutenancy in Company A, Ninth New York, and Corporal Stone has been elected second lieutenant in the same company. This morning the rebel scouts attacked General Hamilton’s pickets, near Smithville, killing one and wounding another private of the Twenty-ninth Indiana Regiment. They were pursued by the Third Wisconsin, but at the last accounts they had not returned. Arrival of the Iron-clad Ericsson Steamer Monitor. Baltimore, March 9.— The Old Point boat left at 8 o’clock last night. Abouthalf an hour after she left the wharf the iron-clad Ericsson steamer Moni tor passed her, going in, towed by a large steamer. The Monitor reached Fortress Monroe by 9 o’clock, and may have immediately gone into service. If not, she would be ready to take a hand early on Sunday morning. The details furnished in the despatch from Fortress Monroe are all the facts, aa far ns Gan ba ascertained, and are probably the worst possible version of the affair. Despatch to the Secretary of the Navy. Fortress Monroe, March 9, G. 45 P. M.—To G. Welles, Secretary of the Navy. —The steamer Monitor arrived at ten o’olook last night, and went immediately to the protection of the Minnesota, lying aground just below Newport News. At seven o’olook A. M. tho Merrimac , accompanied by two wooden steamers and several tugs, stood out towards the Minnesota and opened fire. The Monitor met them at once, and opened her fire, when all the enemy’s vessels retired, ex cepting the Merrimac. These two iron-clad vessels fought part of the time, touching each other, from 8 o’clock A. M. till noon, when tho Merrimac retired. Whether she is injured or not, it is impossible to say. Lieut. J. S. Worden, who commanded the Monitor , handled her with great skill, assisted by Chief Engineer Stimers. Lieut. Worden was in jured by the cement from the pilot house being driven into his eyes, but I trust not seriously. The Minnesota kept up a continuous fire, and i 3 herself somewhat injured. She was moved con sldet&bly to day, and will probably ho off to-night. The Monitor is uninjured, and ready at any moment to repel another attack. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy.- Funeral of General Lander. Salem, Mass., March S. —The funeral of Gen. Lander,which took place here this, afternoon, was a solemn and imposing event- The body was escorted by a procession consisting of four of the local mili tary companies of Salem, the Boston divisionary corps of Cadets, a .detachment the Andrew Sharp Shooters. Governor Andrew and staff, the Fjre Department, officers of the army and navy, fudges of the courts, and the citizens generally. The church in which the funeral ceremonies were performed was appropriately dressed. The Rev. Dr. Briggs officiated. The coffin bore the following inscription: “Fred. W. Lander, Brigadier General, died March 2,18G2, at Camp Chase, Virginia, aged 36 years. The bravest of the brave.” At the close of the funeral services the procession marched through the principal streets to the burial ground, where the remains were deposited, and a military salute of three volleys fired over the grave. The U. 8. Steam Frigate Vermont, Boston, March B.— The sloops-of-war Darotah and San Jacinto arrived from their cruise in search of the United States steam frigate Vermont. They report that they saw nothing of her. - marine Disaster. Boston, March 9.—Tho brig Marine fell in with the ship Niagara, on the 20th ult., from Philadel phia for Liverpool, in a sinking condition, and took off the captain and crew, bringing, them into this port. . Publications Received. From T. B. Peterson & Brothers, an advance copy of the new novel, “The Earl’s Heirs,” by Mrs. Henry Wood, author of “ East Lynne.” It is one of the best constructed fictions ever written, and the interest awakened in the opening ohapter never ceases, hut oulminates, in the deteotion of a gTeat criminal, in the closing chapter. From W. B. Zieber, South Third street, copies of the Illustrated London News and Punch, of February 22. From S. C. Upharn, 403 Chestnut street, Illus trated London Ntws and Illustrated Neics of the World, of February 22. The latter contains a me iUoir of President Lincoln, with a fine fulUlangth portrait, engraved on steel, from a photograph by Brady, of New York. News of Literature. —Mr. Carleton, late Budd & Carleton, New ¥?rk, has the following new works tin the press : “Ballads of the B ar, by George TV. Hewes, of Philadelphia; “Sybelle and other Poems,” by “L.“A Popular Trea tise on Deafness,” by Dr. E. Bunford Lightill, of New York. Large Auction Sale of Brunch Dry Goods, Ac. The early attention of purchasers is requested to the large and seasonable assortment of French, German, Swiss, and British dry goods; also, goods on account of underwriters, fanoy goods, Ac., com prising about G3O lots of choice articles, in silk, woollen, worsted, cotton, and linen fabrics, to be peremptorily sold, by catalogue, for cash, com mencing this morning, at 10 o’clock, and to be con tinued nearly all day, by John B. Myers A Co., auctioneers, Nos. 232 and 234 Market street. A Dangerous Hole.— The culvert in Rich mond atrcct, below Norris, Nineteenth ward, caved in j eslerdar, and is in a dangerous condition. F&OM WASHINGTON. Special Despatches to “The Press.’* Washington, Itfareh 9, ISG2. The Army of tlie Potomac to be Divided into Five Corps d’Armee. The President has issued a war order, No. 2, in whleh h 6 that the army of Ihe Potomac bo divided into an army corps, to bo commanded by tho commanders of corps, selected according to their seniority in rank, ns follows : The first corps d’ariuee, consisting of four divisions, to be com mended by Major tioncral MrOowitUj. Tho so. cond corps, consisting of throe divisions, to bo commanded by Brigadier General Sumnkr. The third corps, consisting of throo divisions, to bo commanded by Brig. General llkint/lkman. The fourth corps, aonsiatmi; nf three divisions, to be commanded, by Brig. General ICevks. Tho fifth corps, con&Uting of Generals Banks and Shields’ (tat? Gen. Lanufr’s) commands, to be commanded by Major Gen. Banks. Capt. Bull, of tho Third Pennsylvania. Cavalry, has bceh promoted to be major of the Third Illinois Cavalry, now in General Dalleck’s department. Later from New Mexico. Judgo Watts, the delegate from New Mexiooi has ndvioos of an uuLhentic character from Fort Craig to the 14th of February, and from Santa Fe to five o’clock, evening of Sunday, the 10th. At that date, the advance guard of the United States forces, five hundred strong, under Captain Wingate, were on the west side of the Rio Grande, eight miles below Fort Craig, being at Barajos. On the driving in of our pick etSj Colonel Can nr marched in force to that point, and after anxiously awaiting until night, without aDy appearance of tho enemy, returned to Fort Craig, leaving his camp-firos burning. Colonel Cakisv’s spy, Gratdks, had captured the prinolpal spy of General Sihj.hr, and from him it was ascer tained that tho forces under Siki.ey consisted of fifteen hundred troops at; Alimaaa, and fifteen hun dred behind, Under Siblet, with eight cannon and three hundred beeves, and that be expected rein forcements soon of eleven hundred lanoefs. Under there cironinstanoes, Judge Watts is confident that ho general engagement had taken place, but, perhaps, only skirmishing of the ad vance guard, which resulted in the falling back of our troops on Fort Craig, in order {g prevent the Texan cavalry from getting between our forces in the advanoe and Ihe fortifications at Fort Craig. The recently-published despatch from Denver to Jubesburg is not on its face au thentic! and must have been verbally communi cated, through a line of express-riders, over a dis tance of seven hundred miles; and Judge Watts has other information which satisfied him that tho account is, to say tho least of it, highly exaggerated, and some parts of it untrue. The New Tariff Bill It is understood that tho Committee of Ways and Means will have the now tariff bill prepared for presentation to the House by the time the tax bill shall havo passed that body. Some of the articles in tho present free list wiii bo transferred to tho dutiable schedules, and such other changes made as will yield two or three million dollars of addi tional revenue. Tlie Indians of Kansas and Nebraska. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Mr. Dole, has returned from the West. While in Kansas and Nebraska, the Indian chiefs called upon him, and tendered the services of their warriors for military service, but these cannot now be accepted, Up wards of 8,009 loyal Indian refugees, including families from the Cherokee country, are in the lower part of Kansas. In their retreat from tho superior forces of the enemy, they threw away everything which impe ded their stampede. The pabie among them at that time is represented as frightful. These In dians being in a destitute condition, Gen. Hunter supplied their immediate necessities. Commis sioner Dole telegraphed to the Government autho rities, and through his representations, Congress promptly passed an act for their relief. The Rebel Batteries on the. Potomac Abandoned. General Hooker reports that ail the rebel batte ries in front of his line are entirely abandoned, and their guns spiked. Some of the guns of which we have taken possession appear to be valuable pieces. This is virtually opening the Potomac and raising the so-called blockade. |The above despatch is dated Budd’s Ferry.j The Tax Bill, Five thousand extra copies of the tax bill wore completed on Saturday, and they will be generally distributed by the members. Secretary Chase’s Substitute for the bill, as reported, will be presented to Congress and printed to-day. Governor Johnson. Governor Anuiikw Johnson, of Tennessee, wrote and had printed a proclamation, intended for the eyes of the Tennesseeans, before he left this city for the field of his operations. Regimental Cemeteries. Several of the regiments have laid out neat little cemeteries, and legibly marked the graves of tho poor follow*, wno nave died In camp When peace is declared and the army disbanded, those spots will be held in sacred reverence. The Excitement at Washington. The excitement at the hotels and elsewhere all itiy has been intense, consequent on the news from Fortress Monroe. New Telegraph Office, srat The American Telegraph Company opened to-day their new office in Willard’s Hotel. It is fitted up in very fine style, with every convenience. Two wires connect with all the principal cities and the main office ou Pennsylvania avenue. The Nashville Post Office. The Post Office Department received a letter to-day from Nashville, dated tbe 3d instant, in which it is stated that on the speoial agent, Mr. Maryland, taking possession of the post office in that city, he found that tho rebel postmaster had stripped it of every article of property— blanks, lock!, mail biigs, twine, Scales, keys, Jt c. The special agent had managed to get the mails from Nashville to Louisville. The letter adds: “ The United States officers and troops have agreeably disappointed the Secession ists, by reason of their good behavior and gentle manly deportment. Others are mad because the officers and men will not commit some act'of vio lence or perpetrate on outrage of some kind. Be it said to the credit of all the officers, soldiors, civi lians, and camp-followers, that- the order in Nash ville was never hotter. I have never known better order.” Washington News and Gossip. Spring has burst upon us to-day with all its splendor. The sun shines brightly, and the weather is mild and balmy. The mud in the streets hes dried up, and the roads on the other side are in fine condition. A gentleman who came from Langley’s this morning states that the Leesburg turnpike is as smooth as a board, but very dusty. The occupation of Leesburg by our troops has had an electrical effect upon our army. Governor Curtin has written letters to the Pre sident and General McClellan, urging the ap pointment of Colenel Simmons, of the Fifth Penn sylvania Reserves, as a brigadier general. The Colonel is an old army officer. Tho Pennsylvania troops oxpress themselves much gratified with the preparations which Go vernor Curtin has made for the wounded, in the event of a hattle taking place. The payment of the troopsi whioh was expected to commence on the Ist instant, has been postponed until the Ist of April. The Shoddy Clothing A large quantity of the worthless army clothing, supplied by contractors, will he returned to thorn, thus lessening the loss to the Government. The State Appropriation Bill llAßEisiumn, March S—Tlie annual appropriation bill, as it passed tlie House of Representatives at Harris burg, on March 7th, contains the following appropria -11611*51 fioverr.or’s salary... SHiQOO 00 Secretary's salary...... I,UOO 00 Deputy Secretary's salary I,HOO 00 Auditor GenerHl’s salary ... •• V.'OO 00 Surveyor General’* salary ♦ • 1,699 00 Attorney General’s salary 3,000 01) State Treasurers 5a1ary.......*. IjtfOO 0(> Common School Superintendent’s salary 1,500 00 State Librarian's salary 800 00- Superintendent rublie Printing's salary... , 800 00 Executive Department 1.700 00 Secrt'i nry'bPfpHrtniimt..... .............. 9.075 OO Auditor General's Department W 0 00 Surveyor General's “ 4,275 Ov Attorney General’s “ 1,150 00 State Treasurers “ 6,000-00 .Adjutant General’s" u 675 00 Sinking Fund “ .1,100 00 School Department - 55 Public Printing...... jW®} ®P Legislative expenses * 150,000 oo Distribution of laws *JJJ Miectllaneons „ 1®? Salarv of Supreme Court judges.*? 4i.oiw uu Salary District ami Common Pleas judges, nannnnfV Philadelphia •• •■ • 18 i°00 00 Salary District find Common Plww judgoa, Allegheny l*iUtW In) Salary Common Pleas j ndges in 5tate....... s[>iOOO JO Salary associate judges* in State _vv!K! «« Interest on funded debt........; • ’Ann ™ Interest on Ist February, lSb2 f m specie.... 24,000 00 Pennsylvania Deaf and Dumb Institute 25,280 06 Northern Home for Friendless Children 5.‘>00 ♦>£> PwS&ylVfiniu iHßiimto for tho Blind. ; 2MOQ 00 AVestrrn Pennsylvania Hospital, 5,000 00 Tix Mont Hospital . 15,000*00 State Lunatic Hospital 15,000 00 Media T raining School a ♦ • School cf Design for Womt-n 2,(W0 00 SIIPPOTf 9f CffiffiffiSchools. a&l*?! °° Salary of officers of Eastern Penitentiary.. * 12,800 on 80. Western I’lmttcntinry .. 14,000 00 Construction of Western PtiiUontinry 35,000 00 Books for convicts in Western Penitentiary. 2.,0 DO House of Befnge ( Phi1ade1phia)............ 2" “00 M Do (Western Pennsylvania).. 10,200 00 Po, new building <» Pensions and gratuities. “ Public buildings (Huvrlßbiu g), water and gas 2.675 ts Do. do. repairs JJJJ Governor’s house, repairs 100 00 In addition to tho above items, appropriations are miidc for tlio publication of tho Legislative Record; for the lire companies of Harrisburg; for extra pay of clerks Of the two bouses; for services renderi-d by John A, gmnll; for subordinate imployees of the Legislature; for balance of guarantied interest on account of the Dan ville aud I’ottsville railroad (#ll,3du); for rations for three*months volunteers (744 20); and fer the payment of tlie investigating committees of the two bouses. The changes which maybe made in the bill by tbe Senate can only bo conjectured. The Dix Mont HmpiW for the Insane U a department of the Western I’ennsyU vanla Hospitals A motion to appropriate $25,000 to the new institution was lost, and $15,000 was fixed upon, Tho bill whs passed by the Home in a single event almost without a parallel in the legislative history of Peapsylvftiiifti LETTER FROM NEW YORK, [from Oar Special Correspondent.j, Kkiv YoitK, March 3, J 862. Tim RL.viuiii hours pasu away only to develop new iul en.Hinchy on to tho progress of tb&war, especially mi tho Potomac. The whole city seem* to lx) on th* r/i/i via« for tho lutcet Hewn, iiwl n mischievous newsboy can, h> shouting “ Ilxtni,’ 1 thiiflu the nerves of no Insignificant part of tho Mnnlinttfirifh Tim RomowhAt suppreuod whisper, that “ iho army In moving*" given groat roller to IhoHo who are rrednloint; Meantime*, provision wLU bo rniulu for possible fulitro conlitigi-ncinit. (>ur Htrto l.egisbiturn havo In-cun to DRitat-e the HUlyect of iutrurincing a system of fuilitAry education into all public kcliools. Tim Xnw Y.ii'k Board of IMucalkm la only waiting to get the word from Alim ov, anil in every gtamumr school in tlie city (and their muue is legimij our youth will, at once, bo placed unitor the training of compeUnt military instructor*. Our ward politicians ,i r o about M busy jlMt BOW Mif wc writs upon tho byp of an election. New hopes have biiHi brought to relieve those who suffer hy the nomina tion of ilcm. Abram Wakonmn for postm&stor. Then, in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, among the custom* lieuse difiappolntcoß, there seems to he a primary resur rection nt work. Tho urcat political trumpet has boon KuUirtod !))«{• Hirmn Btinifty imitt noon retire from lira incumbency of that institution, anil give place to a man after the honrt of tho people, Burly in his administra tion of affairs Mr. Sumner applied him, ana special favor, to appoint a young t,r(<miL t>y,t Mr. Jl. forgot Um application, and was ren\ { N mic*j of it hy tho Senator only six times. And now it appears ho has boon abUrev}Y.ißjj Ud lii lo luvdvtd re.jv.frl '/,f oug new United States Senator, Ira Harris. “ What are llio controJUug liifluynce* fhore in n umlfei* beyond my comprehension, lint that / havo not th* sh'rfhtssi t begins io ho very deeply impressed nnrmmv mind. Not a recommendation I have made has huon re& gnwleilj ual HU appointment I JmvVq tolfelfe! h-*.a boon made. I have been slow to believe that this was really the slate of things, but T cannot much longer resist the conclusion. I bend you herewith a letter written by Mr, ,on the subject of L ’« removal. WUI you do uie the favor to read it ! It really scema to uie that tho cua toni«houicoj iuateiid of being juada a. great political power, as it oiight to be, l.s likely to be adminir-torctl in such a way as to prove a great damage to tho Bcpnblican party. And yet I remain your sincere friend, «*ln.t Uaiucis. “Huu. Hjuam lUnxfiv." Such is the concludin','portion of a letter uiitton to tin* collector, which, it appears, ho has repeatedly forgot ever baying received. One day last week a gentlemen arrived at oik* of our leading hotels, and hooked himself from Nashville. Tho detectives were soon on tho alert, and Bupori»te*dr>itt Kennedy, “ who is death on Secessionists,” Immediately waited on the stranger, who uxidftitied that he was im lifiilivt- Tllilon-loYiiig timr.i nnd tlmt, in nriinr to get tirmn true Union poll, he hail left Nashville about three ni>»ntli* *go, felnCC which time lie hiol been engaged In making a pilgrimage to this city through Texas. JlfexirOj and the - Vest Indies, wiming hovn from Havana. for tiiu first time in eight years, thore h.-i<* been a conviction of gamblers lit this city, and that by their own pleading, "n Saturday, pAt a»d XflVlDftt Earle, two of tlie " Morrisoy game of daylight Ram blers,” pleaded guilty, and they will be ecntenced on Tuesday. The case of Junto* 11. Taylor, In relation to the (<anse- Toort property in tills city, was up before Judge McCaun ou Saturday. It wan not a little amusing to tee tho district attorney cilc somo important precodont* Id be* half or the people, which were immediately cited by James T. l’-rady in behalf of Taylor. Then, the district attorney called the attention of the court to the dis courtesy of getting cases before the grand jury without consultation with the district attorney. Tlilh was one of that class, and he renarked, “Your Honor will remember that jou uud me havo fre-|iieiitly talfird OTi-r this undcrgrjnini system of doing linsineasi" To which the judge, with a well-done bow, said: “ Cer tainly we have, Mr. Hall.” The judge took the papers, mul is to decide* this week. Of course, the dtci.slou will bi-in favor of Taylor The inBurmice companies of New York recently hold; a meeting, at which they resolved not to insure any prapmy to whieh wasuwed pafolSuw, iff r (h ell?., They have also condemned Borne of the latest improve- 1 ments In the consumption of gas, such as tho use ot the “carbonizer,” or vessel containing a quantity of naptha attached to the gas meter, with a view to save gas by contributing carbon, and mnkmg the jot mnro luminous. Since the publication of President lsincolu'd toe*»age on tho trcdUment of tho ilavory aiinitloni tlmraU a P-iUh twittg both among ilcpulUcans &hd Demo crats Those of M the party in power,” who were de cidedly cpnseivptivo fe their views, would remain so if. they could toll tlie end from the beginning, but they do not' know whether the mussngo is rnerety the beginning, or merely the ending. Then the Sachems of Tammany Hall (ire in more dreudfnl plight, for they juvt inuugu* rated the new wigwam your, ami declared tlmt Abraham Lincoln is to be “ the president of the Democratic party, before the expiration nf his term,” on the ground that he will continue to be very forbearing and full of loving kindness to the rebels. <S naughty Abraham, to spoil such excellent speeches, even before the supper at which they Were n)ftde had been digested ! THE MAUKUTB SATUBDAX, March 8. Flock, \e. —The market for Western and State Flour is less active, but the low grades, owing to light receipts, ore steady. The high grades aro dull. The imiuiry has been tmtinly from the local trade. The private advices per Canada arc rather unfavorable. The receipt* are fair. Kalea of S T 4OU bids At for RUporSAo gtoU &nd Western, for extra State, $5.70®5,80 for fancy do, 1Ji5.500in.7n for the low crudes of Western ex tra, 85.0005.05 for shipping brands of round-lmop extra Ohio, and s6.6so'fi-85 for trade brands do. Canadian Flour is steady but less active; sates of 950 bbls at $5.60 06.50 for extras. Southern Flour is in moderate demand, and prices are rather easier,particularly the high grades* safes of 11C6 bbbU.at $5,8046,1$ for inlied WgTvd super fine Baltimore, &c; for extra. Bye Flour is in fair denmud and steady; ealesof 200 bbla at S>'Ja-A.25. Cora Meal is steady and in moderate demand; sales of 150 Mils at a*2.oof,'u for Jersey and 53.25 for Brandy wine. Buckwheat Flour is steady at $202.10 per 100 lbs. fiHAj.v. —The Wheat niaikct continues very dull anl irregular, but there is very little offering; shippers, how ppfep, hßliliijt uuOuy unfavorable advlm from Eu rope ; the demand consequently is conllDed to the pressing wants of millets. The sales are 6,000 bus at 81.32 for ordinary Milwau kee club, in store; $1.40 for red Long Island ; 251.24& 1.80 for inferior spring at the i ailroad depot; and t1?1,36 for winter rimtw. Harley is held Irglien en aer count of the large sales of yesterday. f*ales last evening of some 50,000 bus at 72a?7c for CaUfornia, aud 82a3Uc fur .State, and 1,400 do State today at 82c at the j ailrond depot. Itia is irregular and lower; sales of 2,500 has river at 80082 c on tho dock, and 85c delivered. Oats are steady, and In fair demand; Bales of Western and Ga podiap at SOSdOc, M.d SJtate fit 4fr4l« y C6PB is Fithef easier; sales of 50,000 bus at DOssooc for Western mix?d, in store, and 61 ©62c fordo, delivered. Puoviiiio.s*.—The Pork market is again a shade sailor and dull. Sales of 600 bbls at sl4© 14.12f0r new uiess; sl2.Ao,fr* Ci'.WMir mess: $10.62 « ©10.75 for new prime; i>o tor -—-» Wcfilnrn trimn rnosHi Snlus also of 2.000 Libisfur Ouus delivery, on private Urms. Beef is steady, but nulet; sales of 150 bbls ut sl2© 13 for plain audsl4®l4,2s for extra. Beef Hatnß are ijuiet. Cut floats are in fair demand; sales of U 0 boxes long cut English irani3 at and 25,000 lbs dry salted Shouldeis, for May de livery, at 4&c. Bacon isuniet, but steady; salo of 160 boxes City Cumboriuml cut at 0? 4 'c. l>resso-i flogs are dull nt for Western, ami lor City. Lard Is not very active, and pri *.rs are without essential change; sales of 1,000 pkus at 7yJ c. Butter and Cheese aro fjuiet. Ash k.-.— The demnml ia moderate at #5.75 for I’earls, and $6 for l’ots. Com kk.—Bio lias been moderately active; sales 1,500 bags ac 2C«rS-c k Of other descriptions \vu uota sales of 100 bagi jAtufocd «iul 200 dd LftgHAJ'PtL, oh brivAt-j terms. Cotton. —There lias been a very fair inquiry, and prices have advanced lc pvr lb \ sales of SOO bales on a basis of 20<2s26#c for middling Uplands and do New Or leans and Texas. FisH.—Tlie inquiry for dry Cod is fair, and prices are steady; 612,000 qU3 $2,2034,2-% lading to quality. Mackerel are Bc&rco and firm. Herring are dull. n<»,”4 ( _Tbe rionmnd is moderate, but prices are steady: Rides of 100 bales ut l-LalSc for ordinury to prime, anu choice ut 10&20C. notice sales Id hinls Cuba Muico* vndo at 25c, And 5 do Porto Klco at l«c. Cotton. —Tlie sates for the day reach 2,060 bales, closing at 27)£ 028 c for middling. £eki>s.—There have been sales of 5,500 bags Calcutta Linseed, to arrivo here, at about $2.32 gjWu rfrgr&t to learn that Cajpt. Wrn. MeMieha&l, heretofore attached to the staff of Genera! Halieck, in this city, has been ordered to report to Gen. Smith, on the Cumberland. Capt. McMichaol is the son of Morton McMiohael, Esrp, of tho Phila delphia North American and (razcUe, and the ability and urbanity of tbe father are fully re presented in the son, who has won the esteem anil respect of all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance during his temporary sojourn amongst us.—Sri Louis Democrat. E A . German who had boon forced in the rebel service, lately escaped from Fort Pulaski, off Savannah, in a small woat, «ftd UiftdS hU WAy fcv our camp on Tj’bee Island. As he approached he cried out, “ Friend mitout de countersign. Don't shoot, I come mid you,” and was so happy to meet his countrymen in the Federal camp that ho wanted to hug them all in turn. He said the Ger- WSM nnd Irish in Pulaski would all escape if they had a chance. THE CITY. [rtffl CITV NEWS, SEE FOUItTH PAGE.] Death or Crtart.ks Henry Fisher.—Wo understood, ut u late hour last evening, that Charles Henry Fieher. a well-known capitalist and agent, ox pired at his residence, near Oressouville, or Grtiblowu, above PhiladelpList. Mr. Fisher was moving about town n week ago, uppnrontly in tho best health, anil iuore than ordinarily ’ active and s;ii»3u!«e. He was Btiicktn with brain fever at abuit the middle of the week, and expired at noon on Sunday. He has been, for several jearn, one of the most enterprising ftnd successful business men. lie was originally a broker; but having 0 3ca*hm to visit Europe, wine years ago, he bo favorably impressed the Ivodimr London and Llver ijuol capitalists that rhoy ontrustwi to him large rtinnaof money for investment in Amerii'siu railnadu, navigation companies, otc. By thiHiucaine, Mr. Fisher, iit course of tinu'i was enal >led to control many of our iirat Feunsyt vaniu corperutmu*, and laid up for himself :i large for tune, amounting, probably, •to u million aul a half of dollars. Ho conducted bis business at a largo building in Lilirari firffl. *■““?< tl» Custom House, ALd milled iu a conrtry limisu, of regal ihinan sions and elegance, near Grubtowu, or Cressonville, above this city. About a year ago, owiug to suddou re duction of certain >eeuriliee» Mr. Fisher became embar rassed, but was bravely lerteeming himself at the time of bisdeccasn. Jl it> feared tt*at aorivue complications will attend tils loss. PersounlljT ho was of luiprossivo miU" tiers and tempei ament, combiulngtho wary and vith U»o impulsive nnd iutonso. Hie knowledges of men, corporations, and business was unrivalled, and he was equally intrepid in ventures* siud active to retrieve or to secure. • HU great Wealth enabled him to wield cans’!- deruld* political inlluence, although lw wa* not nominally a RolMriim. His brother, Jo»h«4 Flih<*f, ruldei at Abington, near Jenkinfown# Montgomery county. The Union and Cooper-Shop Volunteer B»'i'nr^>i M ' : NT Salmon.*. —Tho officer* of Htariko’s Phila delphia CuilAtH, .first battalion, by appointment, visited these saloon* on Saturday afternoons for the purpose of printing one hundred dollars to each, that sum Imviug beta appropriated from the proceeds of the euterteiunnmt givm at the Academy of Music by them, ou the Bth of February. The young gentlemen were introduced first at the Union Saloon by Mr. John Darcle, who wrote and produced for them the entertainment which was so suc cessful. Ui3 address, though brief, was admirably to the aupusSf ftiid with feelhifft *pd elicited well* merited applause. Major Hall, of tho Oadet*, thftu made the presentation, which was received and ably responded to by Mr Harrows, tlie chairman of the committee. After a collation, tho Codots repaired to the Cooper- Shop, where tlmy were received by Mr. Cooper, aula similar routine was observed. Military Funeral.—Tho funeral of the late Lieut. C. A. Schaelfer look place yesterday af ternoon from the residence of Mr. Yergusan* No. 21 North Seventh street. It waa attended by a portion or Colonel Staunton's Regiment, the Minute Mon of ’7o* a numl-crdf it* M*b IMuiV frttfMMH, Wt-1 t&4 members of the Empire Hook and Ladder Company. The interment took place nt the Cemetery at Tenth and 'Washington street*. The appearance of the funeral cor tege attracted a large number of spectators. Explosion at Brij | K£R , 'RQ> — An os plosion occurred nt the Bfldesburg Arsenal last wwk, caused by sotno boys, who were drawing a box over the tlcor, which ignited a lot of powder. Four boys were badly burned about the face and hands. Fortunately, ne othrr damage was done. irot'Ki> Drowned, —The body of John Loch uer was vaster day found in the Dolaware, at Pine-street wharr. lie resided at No. 29 Palm street* between Front and Swanson, and was a member of Culcftel VrisU lnuth’s regiment, lie leaves a wife and family. Fatal Fall. —On Saturday evening, about 7 o’clock, an old u omati, named Fanny Cumminga, while Intoxicated, fell down a flight of stairs, at hor house, in Avon Place, Thirteenth street, below Willow, and died soon after I'rotp the effects of injurioa received. Ooroner Conrad hold an inquest in the case, and a ac cordance \fiih the facts at&wd vv. prodered.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers