The press. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1857-1880, March 11, 1862, Image 2

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TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 1862
TIIE ..LATEST WAR NEWS.
M'e Lave glorious news from Missouri this morn
ing. A grtmd battle lias been'fought, and a grand
•victory achieved. Fort Donelson is destined to be
wholly forgotten, for the time, in the jubilation over
the last ini elligence from Halleck The army of
the Southwest, under General Curtis, has com
pletely routed the combined hordes of McCullooh,
Price, Van Dorn, and Mclntosh, which are being
pursued by our cavalry. A large quantity of guns,
provisions, etc., havo fallen, into our The
loss of the enemy, as may readily be imagined,
must hare been enormous, when our own is esti
mated at no less than 1,000 men.
In view of the remarkable success of the Mo
nitor, in the action of Sunday, it is probable that
the Senate Finance Committee will reoede from
its opposition to the House appropriation of fifteen
million dollars for iron-clad gunboats. Until the
news of this battle arrived, the Senate committee
was determined in its opposition to the gunboat
bill, but circumstances alter eases, and there is
now a new phase of the case to be considered.
A special despatch from Washington says the
chairman of the Naval Committeo of the House
declares that the disaster will produce a good
effect, if Congress will learn from it the lesson
that iron is superior to wood for the construction
of vessols-of war.
At last we have intelligence from Commodore
Dupont's fleet, whose departure from Fort Royal
we chronicled several days ago. Brm»wiok,
Georgia, and Fern ndina, Florida, havo both been
taken possession of without resistance, the rebels
abandoning the forts at both places, with all their
contents, on the approach of our gunboats. The
occupation of these points by the Federal forces
gives the Government the control of the whole coast
of Georgia from South Carolina to Florida.
By the arrival of the City of Washington, at
New York yesterday, we have several days later
news from Europe. Washington’s birthday was
celebrated by the Americans in London in a be
coming manner. They partook of a public break
fast, at which Bishop Mcllvaine, of Ohio, presided.
Speeches were made by Minister Adam?, Consul
Morse, Cyrus W. yield, and others. The healths
of Queen Victoria and President Lincoln were
drunk with great enthusiasm. Sir Robert Peel hav
ing said something offensive about the O’Donoghue,
the latter challenged him; but the matter coming
to the ears of Lord Palmerston, it was brought to
the notice of the House. The affair was afterwards
settled- The pirate Snmpter still lay at Gibraltar,-
and on her captain going to Tangleis he was ar
rested at the instance of the American consul and
Captain Craven, whose vessel, the Tttscarora, is
Btill watching the rebel steamer. The French
army are still pursuing the Cochin China army in
that country, and had captured the encampment of
the Royal Guards. The French found the remains
of two hundred and fifty Christian prisoners burned
in prison.
We see no reason to doubt the reports about the
evacuation of Mauaeeae by the rebels. The Na
tional Intelligencer of yesterday says that the
military authorities in Washington have received
reliable au'hority to that effect. The lines of the
army Of the Potomac were so rapidly closing around
the rebel stronghold, that its evacuation or capture
was only a question of time.
We have stirring news from New Madrid, Mis
souri. Gen. Pope’s forces have reaohed that place,
and commenced an attack on the rebel strongholds.
The Tehels are in large force there, end have seve
ral gunboats hriping them, but as Commodore
Foote’s fleet have gone down to the scene of opera
tion, it is probable that they will not be allowed to
do much damage to our forces. If the rebel gun
beats are driven off, we may expaot to hear of an
other large capture of prisoners, as Gen. Pope’s
army has them surrounded so that they cannot re
treat by land, while Cum. Foote will attend to
them by waler.
Reports from Memphis state that the people of
that city were greatly alarmed, although they ex
pect that Forts Randolph and Pillow will be able
to protect the city from the attacks of the Federal
troops. The Legislature, after sereral ineffectual
attempts to organize, bad scattered and gone in va
rious directions. Governor Harris is said to bo
greatly excited, in consequence of the failure of his
efforts to enlist more men for the rebel cause. The
people have turned the cold shoulder towards him,
and he does not find as much sympathy as he did
before the evacuation of Nashville.
Congress Yesterday.
Senate.—A bill to secure the fulfilment of our
treaty stipulations with Haoorer was passed.
A joint resolution was offered by Mr. Wilson, of
Massachusetts, tendering aid to the State of Mary
land, and favoring the voluntary emancipation act
recently proposed. Being objected to by Mr. Salis
bury, it was laid over.
The bill to encourage enlistments in the army
was taken up and passed, after the clause pro
viding for enlistments from the volunteer to the
regular service had been stricken out.
The confiscation bill was discussed at much
length.
House,—The MU to appoint sutlers in the volun
teer army paired with amendment. Mr. R oscoe
Cockling, of New York, obtained leave, by a vote
of SO yeas, to 35 nays, to introduoe a resolution
favoring the suggestion of the President as to
voluntary emancipation with compensation,
Pending the question of its disposition the House
adjourned.
Our Latest Victory.
The campaign in the West has been, indeed,
a series of iuost brilliant victories, and o;ti 1,
has followed each in such quick succession
that our forces have become thoroughly im
bued with martial ardor, and a spi: it of invin
cibility, while the rebels, under such men as
Price, have become proficient only in the
tactics of retreat, in fact, it may be truly
said that we no longer have an antagonist in
Missouri, Arkansas, or Tennessee; so that the
campaign gives promise of being as brief as it
has proved successful.
The last blow at rebellion in the West has
been a most trenchant and timely one. It will
utterly paralyze wbat little animus of treason
may have survived the shock of Columbus
and Fort Donelson, and will lend a new in
spiration to our arms, as It has shod a nmv
lustre upon them.
Wbat measures, if any, will now be taken
by Arkansas to oppose the further progress of
our forces, will perhaps prove a question
more difficult of t solution to the rebels than
ourselves. Shortly before the entrance of
General Cebtis into the State, the appre
hension of his coming was such that the in
surgent Governor had issued a proclamation
declaring it obligatory on each county to send
one-half of its voting population, deducting
the number already sent, to swell the army of
resistance. It was further threatened that,
unless the order was complied with, a draft
would he resorted to.
The necessity of such stringent measures is
a conclusive argument to our minds that the
Union sentiment is not wholly extinct in Ar
kansas. There can be little doubt that thou
sands of the inhabitants of that unfortunate
State would have flocked to the welcome of
General Cebtis and the Union army upon its
first advent,, had it not been for the fear
which then prevailed that our army was
marching to its own defeat, and that Price,
McCulloch, and Van Dorn might regain
their lost foot-hold, a second time to overrun
the country.
Is This Neutrality 1
On the ISth of February, when the last tnall
left Gibraltar, the rebel pirate Sumpter lay
there, with no sign of departure. This noto
rious vessel had been three weeks, or more,
in Gibraltar, which is a British port and for
tress. There had been full time for the Go
vernor oi Gibraltar to receive and act upon
Lord Russell's last neutrality despatch, ex
pressly prohibiting any American <i bellige
rent” from remaining more than twenty-four
hours at any British port. Despite of this
stringent order, th tr Sumpli? has been per
mitted to remain in the port of Gibraltar for
weeks. In other words, Gibraltar has been
•the asylum of this pirate. The Tuscarora
happens to be in her vicinity, waiting to catch
and sink her, and hence she remains, a favored
guest, in her British hiding-place.
vessel.
Third . The imiDflrse pow#>r of the engines and
th€ fioeneK bf tbs lines guaranty a much higher
speed than baa been attained by any sea-going war
steamer —in other words, choice of position. This
vessel will have the entire horse-power of the
Great Eastern) with about one-third the Great
Eastern's resistance, or twice the horse-power of
any war vessel. The sharpness of her lines ii un
prtcedentsd in an; Government practice, and m
any, except the latest and moat successful com
mercial practice.
_ _ _ j Fourth- The ability of the vessel to turn round
Labgs Positive Sale of _Boots aki> Shoes, ! rapidly on her own centre without making head-
Pcbbehs, Trunks. Ac.—The early attention of way, by meats of two screws, instead of occupying
, * . . P the time and making the circuit reouired by all
purchasers is requested to the large assortment;of wfu: vessels, will give her remarkable and
boots, shoes, brogans, travelling trunks, rubber important facilities for mameuvring inaction. In
shoes and sandals. Ao.. embracing first-class sea- connection with her great speed, it will enable her
sonable aoods, of city and Eastern manufacture, to ' to overhaul one after another of an enemy’s fleet,
be I
Oo 13 AnodonJis Nog, 232 andeffective position; to bring her broadside to
My«sAU. f flueuunßßis,iiu fi iiiu u | . eftT j n any direction; to turn round in narrow
.•street. D J
LETTER FROM “OCCASIONAL ”
IVasimnctox* March 10* 1862,
The naval engagement off the mouth of
James river on Saturday and Sunday last cre
ated much cxcitemeut in Washington, and
has no doubt produced a similar feeling in
other sections. Disastrous at first, the oppor
tune arrival of Ericsson’s iron-clad vessel, the
Monitor, changed the fortunes of tho fight, and
it is to be hoped seriously disabled the Jlfem
mac. Not a moment should be lost in agree
ing to the appropriation-of fifteen millions for
the construction of twenty iron-clad steamers.
This appropriation, a few days ago, was una
nimously disagreed to by the Senate com
mittee on economical grounds, notwithstand
ing the Secretary of tho Navy recommended
that it should be made. The great efficiency
of the rebel steamer Merrimac, and the Union
floating fortress Monitor, are powerful reasons
in favor of an immediate increase of the navy,
by the addition of iron-clad steamers. The
Monitor was built in one hundred and one
days by Captain Ericsson, and it has ful
filled all the expectations of its constructor and
friends. Com. Stevens, the inventor of the un
completed Stevens battery, is now in this
city asking Congress to make an appropriation
in order to enable him to complete that death
dealing engine. His memorial was this morn
ing laid before both Houses of Congress, and
having given it a patient reading, I am con
vinced that if its suggestions are actwj-upon,
it will prove to be of incalculable advantage to
the country. The following extract from the
memorial, giving a history of the battery, and
exhibiting its enormous capacities, will be
found most interesting:
Tbe Stevens Battery is a shot- proof vessel of war,
capable of unusually great speed and manageable
ness, and of throwing a broadside of unusual
weight.
It was suggested to the Government by Robert •
L. and Edwin A. Stevens in 1841, commenced in
1854, and advanced to its present state during tho
period of twenty months. The hull of the vessel,
with the exception of some of the decks, cros3-bulk
heuds, keelsons and bracing, is completed, and the
engines, screw-propeller ihafling, boilers, and
blowing and pumping machinery, are finished and
in their places. The main armor or casemate, the
side amor, the armament, the remaining portion of
the decks and bulkheads, the screw-propellers,
joiner work, and upper works, arc yet to be com
pleted. - a ■ =
The cost of tho work done has been s>r«d,43o, of
which Congress appropriated $500,000 —the re
mainder, $228,435, having been advanced by Robe.
L. and Edwin A. Stevens. The sum of $730,484
is required to complete the vessel and her arma
ment, including the sum advanced by the Messrs.
I Stevens.
The vessel is an iron screw*steamer, constructed
in the usual way, of the boat selected plates, beams,
and angle-bars. The lines of the hull are unusually
sharp, resembling those of the fastest North river
and modern ocean steamers.
Unusual strength of hull is seoured by longitudi
nal bulkheads, by fore-and-aft and athwart-shlp
iron girder frames, by a heavy box-keelson run
ning from stem to stern, and by the shot-proof
decks, the casemato, and the continuous side
armor. •
The screws are under the quarters of the vessel,
and work independently, each being driven by four
compact beam engines, situated entirely below the
water line. The valve-gear is the link-motion, ad
justed by separate engines, as in modern screw
steamers. The engine frames, eight in number,
are, in effect, cross-arches, connecting the bottom,
the sides, the main deck and the casement of the
vessel. They are composed of wrought*iron
plates, formed into box-girders, on the prin
ciple of the Britannia tubular bridge. The
strength, proportions, and workmanship of
the engines are not excelled, it is believed, by
those of any war or commercial steamer. The
boilers are of the flue-tubular variety, as used in
modern ocean steamers and in the bfisk river
steamers, and are proved to carry 50 pounds pres
sure by the Government test.
THE ARMOR.
The two leading principles of the protection of
the vessel from shot and shell are as follows ;
Fir*t. Tbe settling of the vessel two feet lower
into tbe water, upon going into action, by letting
water into compartments, arranged to be rapidly
emptied by powerful steam pumps. This is done
for the purpose of saving the weight and cost of
two feet of the depth of tbe armor, which would
otherwise be necessary; of allowing a flatter slope
and hence a greater resistance of tho armor; of
employing to the greatest practicable extent, the
best known armor—water; of giving the vessel
greater speed while cruising, chasing, or retreating,
by throwing overboard the weight of water in the
tanks, or, in other words, by dispensing with this
two feet of water-protection; and of enabling her,
for the same reason, to pass over bars and into har
bors which she could not otherwise reaGhi
Second* The use of inclined instead of vertical
armor, for the purpose of changing the direction,
instead of stopping the whole force of the enemy’s
projectiles.
The side armor consists of a triangular structure
of solid timber, extending outside the shell of the
vefcefcl, from stem to stern. Its lower slope is plated
with iron, three and a half inches thick, to a depth
of four feet below the fighting line.
From tho outer corner of this side protection, the
shot-proof casemate or main armor proceeds up
ward and inward, at an angle of one vertical to two
horizontal, to a height of twenty-eight feet from
the bottom of the ship, and five and a half feet
from the fighting water lino, where it is covered
by a flat, shot-proof deck. This main armor ex
tends only ever the engines, boilers, and blowing
and pumping machinery, that i 3 one hundred and
seven feet, forward, and seventy-four feet aft the
centre. Its ends slope upward and inward at a
similar angle from the tWehly-Ohefeet deck, Which
is shot-proof, and which extends forward and aft
the armor to the extreme bow and stern.
Tbe inclined armor, or casemate, is composed of
six and three* quarter inches of iron plates, backed
by fourteen inches of locust timber, in which arc
embedded six-inch wrought-iron girders, two feet
apart. The whole is lined, with half-inch plate
iron. It is supported by the engine frame, by the
girders between the boilers, by the frames and sides
of the ship, and by special bracing. The horizontal
shot-proof decks are composed of one and a half
inches of iron plates, resting on six £pch wrought
iron girders, filled in with locust timber, and back
ed with half-inch iron plate.
TJIE ARMAMENT,
This consists of five fifteen-inch guns, weighing
twenty-five tons each, and capable of throwing
round shot of four hundred and twenty-five pounds
weight; and two ten-inch rifled guns.
Ihe guns rest on wrought-iron, shot-proof car
npges, pf which the recoil is taken up by India
rubber springs. The carriages are situated on the
top of the casemate, and are trained by steam
power, by means of a shaft passing through the
gun-deck to within the casemate. Each gun is
loaded with celerity by being pointed to a hole in
the deck, protected by a shot-proof heed, hdoir
which i 8 a steam cylinder, o£ which the piston-rod
is the ramrod of the gun; and will be cooled so as
to allow rapid firing without injury to the gun, by
water automatically injected after each discharge.
All the machinery and men for working the guns
arc thus within the shot-proof armor.
The guns are protected by aoovoring of wrought*
iron armor, in addition to their immense thickness
—sixteen and a half inches, maximum, outside the
bore.
THE UPPER WORKS, JfcC.
The twenty-one feet shot-proof deck, fore and
aft the central armor or casemate, affords ample
accozuicodatinn for men afid offidSPS. AbdVd this
deck) and flush with the shot-proof twenty-eight
feet gun-deck, which forms the top of the case
mate, is a light deck, extending at the sides
of the casement, and forward and aft, from stem to
stern. The entire twenty-eight feet or upper deck
is thus level (excepting the usual chamber), and
unincumbered, over the vessel. Only the part of
it that forms the casement is shot-proof. Above
the twenty-eight feet deck are flying bulwarks, to
be turned down in action. The height of the bul
warks from the water, at the load line, will be thir
teen and a half feet.
The fourteen-feet deck affords ample space for
stores. &r. 7 and for the salt water tanks for settling
the vessel to the fighting line. Below the fourteen
feet deck, forward of the boilers, are the blowers
and pumping-engines, and coal-bunkers. Abaft
the engines are coal-bunkers. The total'boal ca
pacity is one thousand tons. The fresh water, for
consumption on board, will be condensed from the
exhaust steam, besides which there will bo ample
fresh-water tanks. The vessel will be lighted with
gas, made on board. The ventilation of the officers 7
and'men’s quarters will be superior to that of or
dinary vessels, as they are situated entirely above
water. In cruising, and in action, the entire ves
sel will be ventilated by the blowers.
As the gum are in the open air, and the ship’s
company separated from them, during action, by a
casemate, the deleterious effect of smoko and sound
will be avoided.
The ventilation by blowers, the freeing the vessel
from water in the manner proposed, and other
operations new to the naval practice of the Govern
ment, have been successfully employed by Mr.
Stevens for many years.
The vessel will have two light masts for emer
gencies, but will not ordinarily carry sail.
FIGHTING QUALITIES,
First. Iron armor, six and three-quarter inches
thick, backed with fourteen inches ox the most im
penetrable wood, and standing at the acute angle
of one in two to the line of fire, is a vastly stronger
protection than has -ever been applied or found
vulnerable by any experimenters at home or abroad.
At the same time it is comparatively light, as its
extent is reduced by confining it to the central
part of the vessel; by placing the guns (which are
their own protection) outside of it, rather than
within it, and by immersing the vessel to a deeper
fighting draught. The parts of the vessel tore and
lift the central casemate are also thoroughly pro
tected by a horizontal deck, which is not only shot
proof, but a foot below the fighting waterline,
The water protection, &s far as it can be judicious
ly employed, is at once the most perfect and the
cheapest armor.
Second. The side protection, extending from stem
to stern, is intended to answer these four important
purposes:
Ist.. Protection from projectiles ;
jfid. Pioitctioii faun disaster by collision,
3d. Increasing the immnraod beam, and tho
stability of the vessel when fighting.
4th. Adding, in a very great, degree, to the hori
zontal and vertical strength and stiffness of the
chancels, ami, when neceftwry, to retreat, in any
direction, with facility. .
Fifth. The employment of two entirely distinct
means of propulsion—the two screws and their re
spective sets of engines—and the subdivision of the
power applied to each screw will enable her to bo
steered in case of accident to the rudder, and will
affwrd double the ordinary security against disa
bility from breakage of machinery, in fighting or
Cl £fcrtl’. The steam-loading, by means of stopping
the recoil by springs, and the cooling of the bore of
the gun at eaoh discharge, allows such rapid firing,
that one of these guns, considering also the weight
of projectile, is as efficient as a small broadside
worked in the usual way.
Sevexth- The SitnAUAtt Af the gUM bav&Sii*,
or on tbe top of the oasemato, or armor, instead of
within it, affords the following advantages in fight
ing tbe ship:
1. It gives all the guns the entire range of the
horizon. Three guns at a time can be fired in a line
with the heel, forward or aft.
2. The seven guns, since eaoh gun is available on
both port and the starboard side, will do not only
the duty of fourteen guns arranged in the ordinary
way, but of a still greater number, because, while
guns as ordinarily placed have only a few degrees
of range permitted by the size of port-holes, all the
guns of this vessel can sweep the horizon.
3. By setting tbe suns* by a graduated index
plate, within the casemate, so thAt they shall point
at tbe proper relative angles, and then placing the
vessel, eitber by turniDgner on her centre, or by
going ahead or astern, so that one gun bears upon
the objeot to be hit, the fire of all the guns would be
concentrated upon that objeot, without losing time
training each gun.
4. Ab there is no casemate over the guns, there
will bo no port-holes into which an enemy might
pour shells and grapeshot, or, according to recent
experience, solid shot, with terrible effect, at close
quarter.
5. The immense weight and cost of casemates over
the guns arc dispensed with.
Jiighih. The use of the heaviest successful ord
nance known, not only makes the gun its own armor,
hut affords the following advantages in fighting the
ship:
], The smashing effect of a single heavy project
ile upon a single point on an enemy’s sides is vastly
greater than that of an equal weight of lighter pro
jictiles. In close quartois —a position the vessel is,
by her speed and manageablcness, able to assume
at her option—the velocity of projselile may be so
much reduced, that its weight may be. in like pro
portion. inere sed, without bringing a greater strain
upon the gun. It is believed that the fifteen-inch
gun can carry an elongated projectile of half a ton
weight. The smashing effect of such a missile
would not only be greater than that of a lighter
missile, but even more destructive at a low than a
high velocity, according to the representations of
military engineers.
2. Besides all the advantages of position and ra
pid loading described, these seven heavy guDS throw
a far greater weight of metal at a broadside than
any other war vessel in the world, as will be ob
served from the following table:
-WARRIOR.
Length 380 feet between porpendioulars:
over all, 420 feet; beam 58 feet; draught,
when displacing 0,000 tons, 26 feet.
Weight of broadside, protected guns B*4 lbs.
do total guns (48) 1,564 lbs.
LA f. LOIRE.
Weight ot broadside, protected guns 1,130 lbs
' MINNESOTA.
Weight of broadside (without armor)... .1,122 lbs
| STEVENS BATTERY,
Weight of broadside
Mr. Stevens proposes completing his battery,
should Congress make the appropriation he
desires, in less than four months. His memo
rial answers successfully the objections of a
portion of the late commission appointed to
examine it on the part of the Government, and
proves that by adopting the suggestions of this
commission it will be made capable of terrible
execution. The distinguished professor, Joseph
Henry, a member of the Board, makes a strong
argument in favor of its speedy completion.
You will perceive how long and laboriously
•Mr. Stevens and Ms brother have labored upon
this great engine of war; that they have ad
vanced $228,000 out of their own pocket, and
that they ask an additional appropriation of
$730,000. No one who reads the memorial
from which I have quoted will hesitate as to
the importance of immediate action on this
subject. Not only would the money invested
hy the Government he saved, but a great
floating-battery susceptible of doing enormous
execution would be added to our coast and
harbor defences. I esteem it of the first con
sequence that Mr. Stevens should be now on
the ground to urge upon Congress its comple
tion.
In the. engagement near Fortress Monroe,
two of our finest vessels, the Cumberland and
the Congress , were destroyed by the Merrimac
and its assistants, before the Ericsson came to
their aid. Our whole naval force of the old
descriptions proved utterly ineffective against
the iron-cla-i steamers of the enemy, although
for months we had been making preparations
to receive them. The value of the national
vessels destroyed was probably greater than
the whole sum necessary to complete the
Stevens Battery. It will readily be perceived
how speedily the presence of such a terrible
engine would have changed the whole face of
the late contest, and how easily the blockade
of Norfolk could have been rendered complete,
and the town itself placed at our mercy, de
spite its frowning batteries. Occasional.
[Correspondence of Tbe Press.]
Washington, March 10,1862.
The retreat, or .the assumed retreat, of the rebel
army from Winchester and Fairfax, and from va
rious points on the Potomac, excites gr at diversity
of opinion. The party that have always insisted upon
an advance on the part of Gen. McClellan claim
it as a fulfilment of their theories, and insist that
he has lost all his chances by allowing his adver
sary to escape. They assert that the retreat is
preparatory to a demonstration upon Burnside
in North Carolina, and probably upon Buell and
Grant in Tennessee. The friends of McClellan
say that the retreat is a part of his plan; that we
will be in Kichmond in ten days, and that the
whole Secesh conspiracy has broken down.
The details of the naval engagement of Saturday
and Sunday will doubtless be given at length in
to-morrow’s papers. Lieutenant Wise } U. g. N. }
son-in-law of Mr. Everett, and others, who got
here this morning from Fortress Monroe, speak of
the efficiency of the Monitor , Ericsson’s great lit
tle salamander, in enthusiastic terms. She hung
on to tho Merrmm with tenacious courage for
four hours, and finally drove her off. As to the
amount of damage inflicted, that is unknown. The
gallant commander of the Monitor, Lieut. Worden,
got here this morning, and is suffering from the
accidental injury to his eyes. He says that nothing
could surpass the entire success of the Ericsson ex
periment, and ihe performed wonders.
“The day of mail-clad steamers has come; and
now sailing war vessels are to be classed among the
fogy isms of the age. What a reproach it is that
we had not seen this before ! X. X. Z.
THE EVACUATION OF MANASSAS.
LATEST ADD FULLEST INFORMATION CON
CERNING THE REBEL MOVEMENTS.
The Washington Star of last evening, com
menting on the evacuation of Manassas by the
rebels, says:
We believe that thev [the rebels] only came to
the conclusion to abandon their elaborate defences
on Thursday last, when they probably commenced
falling back froxu Winchester and Leesburg; the
latter having long been really untenable by them,
unless they were willing to risk a decisive battle
there.
They made no contest at Leesburg with the two
or throe companies of our troops that oame down
from Lovett's Gap, {of tho Blue Ridge,) on the day
before yesterday, to feel them, as it were. In re
tiring from there, they doubtless struck direct for
their Manassas works.
We find many incredulous relative to the fact
that they aro abandoning them also. That, how
ever, is » military necessity, since they hare aban
doned their defences on both their right and left
flanks. The fact that they are doing so is confirmed
by ten or fifteen refugees and contrabands, who,
availing themselves of the withdrawal of their (the
rebel) picket guards, have come within our lines
in ihe last twenty-four hours.
They cannot have spiked their guns and fled
from their Potomac batteries and their camp 3 and
batteries from the mouth of the Occoquan up to
Wolf-run shoals—burning and destroying every
thing they could not oarry off in a hurrj, as they
certainly have done—without thus leaving their
right flank wholly at our mercy, as well as their
Winchester defences—their left flank—with' any
intention of continuing to remain a moment longer
at Manassas than may be necessary to enable them
to run their main force away from that position.
A portion of the refugees and contrabands from
whom the information received comes, believe they
intend to make a stand at the Rappahannock river,
twenty-four miles in the rear of Manassas.
That is simply impossible, because the line of
that river for ten miles north and south of the
Orange and Alexandria Railroad is utterly untena
ble. even with properly constructed earthworks—
which they are without there.
The first range of country which they might
make temporarily defensible is at and around Cul
peper though its frequent waiawsM
affurd quite as good attacking as defending posi
tions, and there are plenty of them, too. ( So, we
do not believe they will Btop running until within
sight of the smoke of the chimnies of Richmond.
We deem 4 it prudent to say nothing whatever of
the movements of our army that has thus fairly
elbowed them out of their only defensible posi
tion this side of their nominal capital, farther
than that its operations having already brought
about their anticipated effort to steal away from
Manassas, the country may rely upon it that it is
nobly carrying out its glorious work thus so ad
mirably commenced.
Thu President and Secretary of War and the
General-in-Chief, of AOUM©, Are busy Afl bBAS, with
the matter in hand, as well as every officer and man
in (he army of the Potomac. ,
We have further to add, that we do not believe
the rebels will attempt to hold Riohmond for a week
longer; judging their purpose to be to get back
into tho cotton States as soon as possible, Riohmond
being Ues defensible than Mauoss&s wa3 thfSS days
ago.
Our speoial correspondent, at Washington, at a
late hour last night, telegraphed that nothing
positive has yet been received of the evacuation of
Manassas. The only foundations for the report
are the statements ol refugees and contrabands,
which are quite conflicting.
Pianos'. Pianos !!—George Stock (New York)
makes a Piano-forte which has no equal in fulness
nnd richness of ton® «ud beauty of touch. J. E.
Gqvlh, Seventh and Cbwtnttfc.
THE PRESS.—PHILADELPHIA TUESDAY. MARCH 11, 1862.
FROM WASHINGTON.
The Rebel Batteries Oh the Poto
mac Abandoned.
THE EVACUATION OF MANASSAS.
MOVEMENTS OF THE REBELS.
THE RECENT NAVAL BATTLE.
DESPATCHES FROM COMMODORE DUPONT.
OCCUPATION OF FERNANDINA AND AMELIA ISLANDS.
The Town of SI. Mary’s in onr Possession,
THE NEW ARTICLE OF WAR ADOPTED,
COM. ROWAN'S REPORT OF THE WiNTON EXPEDITION.
Special Despatches to “The Press.”
Washington, March 10,1862.
A Fine Field lor Enterprising Jour-
It is suggested that ns our armies advance into
the South, all the rebel journals should be imme
diately suppressed, and the types, machinery, and
paper used to publish Union newspapers. Nash
ville, Memphis, Charleston, Mobile, and Savannah,
will be fine fields for such enterprises as these.
Onr troops would liberally patronize all such pa
pers, and the surrounding people would have an
opportunity of understanding the right and bright
sides of the questions involved in this war.
Evacuation of Winchester and Cen-
There is no longer any doubt that the rebels
have evacuated Ceiitreville, Winchester, and other
important points, indicating a general falling back
of their forces.
The Lower Potomac—The Abandonment
of Rebel Fortifications.
Lieutenant Wish, commanding the Potomac
flotilla, in his official report to the Navy Depart
ment, confirms the rnmor of the abandonment of
the rebel batteries at Cockpit, Shipping, and other
points along the line of tbe Potomac, and also the
burning of the steamer Page and other rebel
craft.
The following new article of war, which was re
ported by the Senate Committee on Military Affairs
last week, passed the Senate yesterday. It will be
promulgated as an additional article of war for the
government of the United States army :
Article.—All officers or persons in the military
ot naval service of tbe United States are prohibited
from employing any of tbe forces under their re
spective commands for the purpose of returning
fugitives from service or labor, who may have es
caped from any persons to whom such service or
labor is claimed to be due, and any officer who shall
be found guilty, by court- martial, of violating this
article, shall be dismissed from the servioe.
Section two provides that this act shall take effect
from and after its passage.
.2,200 lbs.
Representative Conivav, of Kansas, has filled
the only appointment, to which he was entitled, in
the Naval Academy by a selection from that State.
Samuel L. Casey took his seat, to-day, as a mem
ber of the House from the First district of Ken
tucky, to fill the vacancy caused by tbe expulsion
of Burnett.
Tbe telegraph to Fortress Monroe has been fully
ocoupied on Government business all day, which
has prevented the Associated Press despatches from
coming forward, but there has been no change in
the state of affairs at that point. Every effort will
be made to give the names of the killed and wound
ed at tbe earliest possible moment.
Occupation of Fernandina and
Amelia Islands.
TOWN OF ST. MARY’S IN OUR POSSESSION.
Washington, March 10.—Captain Davis, late
floet captain of the South Atlantio squadron, ar
rived here to-night, bringing an official despatch
from Commodore DrrotiT, of which the following
is a copy :
Sir : I bad the honor to inform you in my last despatch
that the expedition for Feraaridina was equipped And
waiiii s only for euitable weather to sail from PoH ltoyal.
I have now the pleasure to iuform you that lam in full
possession of Cumberland Sound, and tbe Island of Fer
nandina and Amelia Island, and of tbe river and town of
fct. Marys.
1 saiud from Port Boyal on llie last day of February,
in tbe WafatsA, and on tbe 2d inst. entered Cumberland
Sound by St. Andrew’s Inlet, in.the Mohican . Comman
der W. God on, on board of lyhicb ship 1 hare lioisted
my flag.
Thu fleet comorißed the following vessels. Bailing in the
order in which they are named:
The Ottowa, Mohican, (accompanied by the Ellen,)
Seminole, Pawnee, Pocahontas. Flag, Florida, James
Adgtr, Bienville, Alabama, Keystone St*te, Beueca,
Huion, Pembina, Isaac Smith, Penguiu, Potomska, the
armtd cutttr Henrietta, tbc armed transport McOleil *n 5
(!he latier having on board the battalion of marine* un
der the command of Major Reynolds.) and the transports
Empiie City, Mariou, Star of tbe South, Belvidfre, Bos
ton, Georges' Creek, containing a brigade under the
command of Brigadier General Wright.
AVe came to anchor in Cumberland Sound at half past
ten on the morning of the second, to make aa etamlnh
tion of the cbnuitel und wait for the tide. Here T teamed
from a contraband, who bad been picked up at sea by
Commander Lanier, and from the neighboring residents
on Cumberland Island, that the rebels had abaudoned in
ha*te the whole of the defences of Fernandiua, and were
even at that momeut retreating from Amelia Island, car
rying with them such of their munitions as their pre
cipitate flightwould allow.
The object of carrying the whole fleet through CiAl
berland Sound was to turn the heavy works on the south
end of Cumberland and the north end of Amelia Islands,
but on receiving this intelligence I detached the gun
boals and armed steamers, of light draught, from the
maiuland, and, placing them under the c -mtnand of
Coimmmder P. Drayton, of the steam-sloop Pawnee, or
dered him to push through the sound with the utmost
speed, to save the public and private property from
threatened destruction, to prevent the poisoning of tbe
■wpUbj aod to pat e st<jp to »!l these outrages, by the per.
petration of which the leaden of this nefarious war hops
to deceive and exasperate tbe Southern people.
In the meantime, 1 wont out of tbe Sound, and came
by sea to tbe main entrance of this harbor. In conse
quence of the bad weather, I was unable to cross the bar
till this morning.
Commander Drayton accompanied by Commander C.
B. P. lloJgers, with the armed launches and cutters, and
tbe small aimed companies from the IFa&asA, had ar
rived several hours before me. ‘ Immediately on his en
tering the harbor. Commander Drayton sent Lteutenaut
White, of the Ottawa , to hoist the flag on Fort Clinch, the
hist of the national forts on which the ensign of the
Union has resumed its proper place since lire first pro
clamation of tho President of the United States WM
issued.
A few scattering musket shots were fired from the town
by the flying enemy, when it was discovered that a rail
road ti ain was about to start. Commander Drayton, on
board the Ottawa, Lieut. Commanding Sti vens, chased
thin train for two miles, and fired several shells at it,
aiming at the locomotive, some of which took effect, It
was reported that the Hon. David Yule©, Into a senator
of the United States from the fitateof Florida, escaped
from thiß train and took to tbe bush.
Commander C. R. G. Rodgers, pushing ahead with the
launches, captured tbo rebel steamer DarUngtou, con
taining artillery stores- army wagons, mules, forage, Ac.,
and fortunately secured the drawbridge, which was held
during the night by the second launch of the Wa&asA.,
Thure were passengers* including women and children,
aboard the Darlington, and yet the brutal captain suf
iain suflertd her to be fired upon, and reinsert to hoi*t,
the white flag, notwithstanding the entreaties of the
women. Mo one was injured. I send the captain of the
sttamer home a prisoner. Ilia name is Ja-'ob Brock.
He is a native of Yermont, bht has been a resident of
Florida for twenty-thiee yeara.
Tbe seme night Commander 0.?. Rodgers ascended
the St Mary's with the Ottorca and took possession of
the town, driving out a picket of the enemy's cavalry.
Early in tho morning the town of Fernandiua was also
occupied by a party of seamen and marines from Com
mander Dray ton’r command. In both places mo it of the
inhabitants bad fled, by order, it is said, of the rebel
authorities.
A company o t seamen and marines under Lieutenant
Miller was sent from tbe Mohican te hold Fort Ollach.
It is reported to me by Lieutenant Commanding
Downes, of tho Huron, that the whole structure of the
railroad on the Fernandina side, including the swinging
draw-bridge, is quite uninjured. The rebels have done
tpme damage, by fire, to the trelsel work 014 (b? QtIWP
side of ihe river, but 1 am not yet informed of its extent.
Several locomotives, baggage-tenders, freight cars, and
iK-me other property, besides that found in the
Darlington, have been recovered. The whole number
of guns discovered, up to this time, is la, embracing
heavy 32-joundere, 8 iocli guns, and one 80 and one
120- pounder rifled guns.
The towns of St. Mary's and Fernandina are nnin
jurul. I visited the town. Fort Clinch, and fhe earth
works on the sea face of the island. It is impossible to
look at these preparations for a vigorous defence without
being surprised that they should have been voluntarily
deserted. ..The batteries on tbe .north and northeast
shores are as complete as art can make them. Six are
well concealed and protected by ranges of sand- bills in
front of them, and contain perfect shelter for tlu- men,
and are small and thoroughly covered by the natural
growth and (lie varied contours of the land that to- Strike
them front the water would bo the mere result of chance.
A battery of six guns, though larger, and affording,
therefore, a better mark, is «quaily well sheltered- nod
masked. Those balterws, and the heavy guns mounted
on Fort Clench, command all the turnings of the main
ship channel, and rake un approaching enemy. Beside
them there wiia another battery of four gunson tho south
end of Cumberland Island, the fire of which would
cross the channel inside of the bar.
Tbo difficulties arising from the indiiectness of the
channel and from the shoalness of the bar would have
added to the defences by keeping the approaching vessels
a long time exposed to fire under great disadvantage.
And when tbe ships of an enemy had passed all these dcs.
fences, they would have had to encounter a weH-con
,lruci«4 cud naturally-moated battery At ilia him
which commands the access to the Inner anchorage.
We are told that General Lee pronouuced the place
perfectly defensible. Wo are not suprised at this,, if
true. We captured Tort Royal, but Fernandiua and
Fort Clinch have been given to us.
We had In the expedition Mr. W.H. Dennis, an. as
sistant in the const survey,;who posnesaed an accurate
kLuultdgeof a part ul ihe gruuutl >rc passed over, of
which, indlrrd, he lind nuule the topographical tanp,
under the direction of the superintendent. He- was
zealous and active, and it gives mo pleasure- to mention
him.
The Empire City , on board o£ which- woe General,;
Wright, grounded on the bar. As soon. as.he arrived in i
another ►teHuienmnM-dialc stops were taken to transfer
to him the fvi to ami all authority aud pusaeueiuu on the
luiul. 1 debits here to speak of the harmonious counsels
and cordial co*oprratiou which marked throughout my
iutercouree with this able officer.. Our pl&°B of
action have been matured by mutual consultation, and
have been carried into executiou br mutual help,
I take great pleasure in reminding iho- Department
that tbe principal and ultimate effect of tkoneval expe
dition I Imve (lie honor to command- was,. Id its firat cou-
GCfftiiou, io tako and tH* WhiJd 1I»A Af
the sea-coBSt of Georgia, to use the lan
guage of the original paper, that the naval power that
controls the sea-coast of Georgia controls the State of
Georgia.”
The report that tho fortifications at St. Simons, armed
with heavy Colwmbiads bad b**n. abandoned, wliicbilrst
peached me at Port Boyah is oonflrm d. This being
the case, tbe entire sea eout of Ocorgiftift now either ac
tually in my possession or under my control, and thus
the views of the Government have been accomplished,.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant* t
S. F. DI PuoT,
Commanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron.
To lion. Qtgxok Wi'-J-L*??! Secretary of the Wash
ington*
The Official Account.
nalis is.
treville
The New Article of War
Miscellaneous.
THE OFFICIAL REPORT.
Flag Ship Mohican,
llarbor of Fehnaxdixa, March 4, 1862.
IMPORTANT FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE BATTLE.
The United States Steamer "White
hall Blown Up.
the LOSS ON THE MINNESOTA.
Explosion of the YorktoWs Boiler.
the loss of life probably heavy.
[Special Despatch to The Press*]
Fortress Monroe, March 10.—The Minnesota
was got safely off this morning, and now lies in the
same position whieh she occupied previous to the
advent of the Merrimac. She does not appear to
have been very materially damaged ; but I under
stand that she will leave as soon as possible for one
of the Northern stations for repairs.
The steamer Whitehall was struck by&Bhell
from the Yorktown , which killed her assistant
engineer, Andrew Nesbitt, and two seamen, named
Robert Waugh and Charles O’Conner. During
the night she took lire. A shell from one of her
guns fell in the yard attached to the hotel here,
and exploded, the fragments dying into the fort.
She finally blew up with a terrible explosion.
The steamtug Dragon received a shot through
her boiler* Three of her men were slightly
scalded.
The brig Rescue came into collision with the tug
America , and sustained some damage to her ma
chinery. Tbo Rescue was in the action, but
strangely enough, escaped without other damage
than that referred to, and it is said was notonoe hit.
I have just learned that six men were killed and
seventeen wounded on board the Minnesota.
A rebel tug (name unknown) steamed out from
behind Sewell’s Point tki§ morning, but put back iu
the moßt precipitate way.
Tbe Monitor yesterday fired sixty-two balls at
the Merrimac , all of which took effect , although
tbe effect was not immediately apparent. Had the
Merrimac been twice as strongly constructed, she
could not have stood the terrific broadsides of the
Monitor for three hours with impunity. The in
juries she has sustained will begin to tell most
effectually should she ever again engage one of our
vessels. I should not be greatly surprised, how
ever, to hear that she had sunk before reaching
Norfolk.
One ef the Monitor's balls entered the York
town's boiler, whieh was blown up. As the rebel
steamer was crowded with troops, the loss of life
must have been fearful.
OFFICIAL DESPATCH FROM CAP
TAIN MARSTON.
Washington, March 10.—The following despatch
from Captain Maraton has been received:
United States Steamer. Roanake,
Hampton Roads, March 9,1862.
To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy:
I have the honor to inform yon that yesterday,
at 1 o'clock, one of the look out vessels reported,
by signal, that the enemy was coming out. I im
mediately ordered the il. linnesoto to get under
way, and, as soon as the two tugs appointed to tow
this ship canm alongside, I slipped our cable.
The Mernmae was soon discovered passing out
by Sewell’s Point, standing up toward Newport
News, accompanied by several small gunboats.
Every exertion was made by us to get all the speed
on the JRoaitoli that the twe tugs were capable
giving her, hut in consequence of our bad stoerage
we did not get ahead as rapidly as we desired to do.
Thfl IShrrimm went up ftbct immediately at
tacked the Congress and Cumberland, but par
ticularly the latter ship, which was hid from us by
the land. When about seven or eight mites from
Feitress Monroe, the Minnesota. grounded. We
continued to stand on, and when we came in sight
of the Cumberland we saw that she had careened
over, apparently full of water. The enemy, who
had been joined by two or three steamers from
James river, now devoted themselves exclusively
to the Cwg but she being aground, could
bring but five guns to bear on them, and, at ten
minutes before four o’clock, we had the morti
fication of seeing her haul down her flag.
1 continued to stand on till we found ourselves
in fathoms of water and were on the ground
astern. Finding that we Ceuld go no farther, I
ordered one of our tugß to tow us roued, and as
goon as Roano&o's head was pointed down the bay
and I found she was afloat again, I directed the tugs
to go to the assistance of the Minnesota, under
the hope that with the two others which had ac
companied her, they would be able to get her off.
But up to the time I now write they have nob suc
ceeded in doing so.
At 5 o’clock the frigate St. La.wmm, in tow of
the Cambridge, passed us, and not long after she
also grounded ; but by the aid of the Cambridge
she has got afloat again, and, being unable to ren
der any assistance to the Minnesota, came down
the harbor.
In passing the batteries at Sewell’s Point, both
going and returning, the rebels opened their
fire on us. which was returned.from our pivot
guDB ,* but the range was too great for these, while
the enemy's shot fell far beyond us. One shot went
through our foresail, cutting away two of our
shrouds, and several shells hurst over and near the
ship, scattering their fragments on the deck.
Between seven and eight o’clock we discovered
the rebels had set fire to the Congress, and she
continued to burn until one o’clock, when she blew
up. This was a melancholy satisfaction to me, for
as she had fallen into the hands of the enemy, it
was far better to have her destroyed than that she
should be employed against us at some future day.
It was the impression of some of my officers
that the rebels hoisted the Freuch flag. I heard
that the Monitor had arrived, and soon after
Lieut. Commanding Worden came on board and I
immediately ordered him to go up to the Minne
sota, hoping that she would be able to keep off an
attack on the Minnesota till wo had got her afloat
again.
j This morning the JM.erri.mat renewed the attack
on the Minnesota , but she found, no doubt greatly
to her surprise, a new opponent in the Monitor.
The contest has been going on daring the most of
the day between these two armored vessels, and
i most beautifully has the little Monitor sustained
i herself, showing herself capable of great endurance.
I have r>Qt received any official accounts of the
j loss of the Congress and Cumberland, but, no
{ doubt, shall have them soon, when they will be
• transmitted to you.
{ I should do injustice to the Military Department,
; did I not inform you that every assistance was free
i ly tendered to us. They sent five of their tugs to
I the relief of the Minnesota, and offered all the aid
I at their power. I would also beg leave to say that
! Capt. Poor, of the Ordnance' Department, kindly
: volunteered to do duty temporal ily aboard this
: ship, and from whom I have received much as
! sistance. Your obedient servant,
i ’ styH-V MA|!f>T9N,
j Captain and Senior Officer.
LETTER FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
[Special Correspondence of The Press ]
I annex ftirther particulars of ttie surrender of the
Cmpress: She hoisted the white flag, and a robel tag
came alongside. The officer in charge of the tug asked
, if they surrendered,and receiving an affirmative answer,
took away the officers, but left the men. The latter then
i got ashore as beet they could, and the rebel-, took posses
sion of the vessel; and set heron fire. Tho conflagration
: made a great light. As her guns became heated, they
| discharged of themselves, and the shells could be seen to
: buret agatnbt the horizon. About one o’clock this (Sun
day) morning, the flames reached the magazine, which
blew up with a terrific explosion. Such whs the end of
the noble Congress.
„ Tho rebel steamer Mcrrimact during the afternoon*
had been paying her attentions to the Minnesota, but,
as the evening came on, she fell back under the pro
tection of the Sewell’s Point battery.
By this time it was quite dark. But now the Ericsson
I battery, the Afontfor, is reported coming up! Hearts that
| were east dawn are now gladdened. After stopping for
a pilot, she continued on her course.
Later.—At daylight on Sunday morning the Merri
mac came from Sewell's Point, and steamed towards the
Minnesota , which was still aground. Evidently surprised
at seeirg IheMonitor, she put back, and hung out a signal
flag, when two more steamers, supposed to to the York*
iown and Jamestown , steamed out. The Monitor Uwn got
under weigh, and steamed boldly out to meet her adver
saries. As she came out she threw a few shells towards
, the YorMovtm and Jamestown, when those steamers
turned about and incontinently fled. The Mtrrvmas by
: this time was engaging tlie Monitor, and tho flashes of
t their heavy guns are plainly visible. The Union gun,
i too, is firing on the Merrimac.
\ As I write this, the battle is raging, but neither vessel
|appears to have gained any advantage.
The boat which arrived from Baltimore this morning
brought a large cargo of Seceabi both male and female, to
jrait for the flag of truce. They were intently watching
jjie battle, and seemed in great glee at the disaster to the
Cumberland and the Congress. As the roports of the
juris of the Merrimac could be heard, they clapped their
lands and smiled approvingly. They were- profuse «•
kieir inquiries a» to which weie the t! ConfuJferAte' 1 aud.
Vrhtch wvro the 11 Lincoln” veSleli.
ju b t before eleven o'clock, a messenger came to the
iCtel, with au order that all tho ladies must immediately
Uave, and go on board the steamer, which has steam up,
TSRdy to start at a moment's notice. Great anxiety is
nuuiileirted for tho safety of the Minnesota. Kortunately,.
htvwever, the precaution, though wise, proved unneces
sary.
;I have from an eye-witness, one of the sailors of the
GwwibcWaitd, an account of the disaster which befel that
vessel. Be says, in effect, that the Merrimac steamed
up, passed the Congress-, and immediately attacked the
Cumberland. The guns of the latter were brought* to
bear, and breaddde aStsr bri adaide was pouroddntoCiie
Metrimac, hut theshot and shell, all of them of the largest
size, rebounded from her iron sides as a-marble-would
when thrown agaliet a stono wall. Steaming on* she
struck the Cumbeifand just beneafh the water, line,
c utting a vast hole eitirely through the side of the vos
shJ., She then hack*! and tnrnpd t-pr attention. tc- the !
CWr*f?i Vldle tho Cumberland filled, fell over on« her j
broadside, and sank. Nothing but the inastacan.naw be !
efCB it H suppost’d that fully one hundred men are :
killed or drowned. The rest escaped in the boats, which,
strangely enough* were not fired upon by the Tobols.
The flag was *a.wd, nnd brought away by the crow.
When I left ta>- begin mj letter, the und the
JUmHv* were-tartly engaged; firing into each utkor* Ro
turning to my post as soon ai possible, I hails a view of as
grand a sight as ever was between two iron
clad vessels. The Merrimac. attempted to run the Moni
tor down, firing as she adYntic?d 5. but l>hn Latter vessel
was too active, nud escaped Liu threatened shock. Now
the baHEfrom fmmonae guns of tho Monitor
began to tell with foaitul elect ftgauiat the sides
of her adversary. Tha heavy railroad iron, with
which she was plated, was loin off, while a shell
frem the Minnesota was thrown directly into th>
amok* stack of the rebel. At this unexpected turn of
affair* the J/ermnsrc-turuedrottud km) proceeded ytttk
all possible speed tor Sewell’s l’olnl. With a telaacop©
h*r deck, or rather what might bo called a deck, being
merely a space enclosed by & rnilin|, could be seen
crowded with men, while the rebel stats and baraoould
be plainly distinguished filing, union doprn,' aa a signal
of wo# evidently stilus!) lumped, if not
disabled. "Finally, the Jamestown and the I’br&tOK'R
camo from behind Sewell’s Point and towed her away.
Tho Monitor steamed towards the fluff ship Minnesota,
with tl,e purpose of getting her ifl&kt. The rebels do
not seem dlspoM-ri to make another attack.
The loss of life is not known, but it is thought to bo
heavy. The entire loss, howovor, is not over one hue
drfcrt and twenty. Much of the spars and rigging, guns,
ft® CnmUrUnd mity be recovered. Tin Min
nesota is said to bo badly cut in her hull. It was re
ported, last night, that sho had had a shot through her
boilcri l , but the report is without foundation.
So has ended tho great naval battle of Fortrois Mon
roe. The raperiority of iron-clad vessels has boon de
monstrated by actual conflict, and tho Monitor or Ifrrica
eon battery, by hor light draught, her managea
bility, and the heavy calibre of her guns, has shown,
beyond all possibility of doubt, the immense superiority
which fhe possesses over the unwioldy Merrimac.
The Ericsson has been described boforo, and I will not
attempt to say anything explanatory of her; but I may
say that, but for her timely arrival, the rebel Hag might
now be waving over Newport News.
THE WAR IN ARKANSAS.
EXCITING INTELLIGENCE!
A MOST GLOBIOXTS VICTORY OVER THE
COMBINED REBEL FORCES.
THREE DAYS HARD FIGHTING !
Our Loss One Thousand Killed
and Wounded.
ENEMY’S LOSS STILL LARGER.
OFFICIAL DESPATCH FROM GEN.
St. Lons, March 10. —Tho following is an offi.
cial despatch to Major General McClellan, Wash-
ington :
The army of the southwest, under General Cur
tis, after three days hard fighting, near Sugar
Creek, Arkansas, has gained a most glorious vic
tory over the combined forces of Van Dorn, Mc-
Culloch, Price, and Mclntosh.
Our loss is estimated at 1,000 killed and wounded.
That of the enemy is still greater.
Guns, flags, provisions, Ac., have been e&ptuyed
in large quantities.
Our Cavalry are in pursuit of the flying enemy.
11. W. Halleck,
Major General Commanding.
St. Louis, March 10.—The expedition sent out
from Sedalia by Brig. General McKeon, into Bates
county, has just returned with forty prisoners of
war, recruited for Price’s army, and a quantity of
arms and ammunition.
Progress of the Operations Against Price.
Cross Hollow, Ark., March I.—Vigorous re
connoissances are kept up to watch the enemy’s
movements, and foraging parties are active in ob.
tainiDg supplies: Pork and beef are purchased in
the vicinity in abundance, and about halt the quan
tity of flour rtquircd is obtained in the same man
ner, and all our forage. Price, whose retreat is
acknowledged on all sides to have been ably con
ducted, has found refuge in the Boston mountains.
From two deserters, who earns into camp yester
day, it is ascertained that he is encamped on Cove
Creek road, while McCullooh is posted one and a
half miles distant. The latter had burned the vil
lage near the Indian frontier, known as Caulfield.
The supplies of the rebel army are obtained from
Van Bureii. It is skated, oh good authority, that
Price and McCulloch had a violent quarrel before
leaving Cross Hollow, at Fayetteville. We found
all the telegraphic despatches up to the time of the
evacuation by the rebels. A despatch from Mcln
tosh to Hoibert, in oommandat Gross Holla w, urges
him to press forward and reinforce Price, at Spring
field, at all hazards, as that point is important to be
held by the rebels.
Ex-Senator Johnson, of Missouri, who opened a
recruiting office in Springfield for the rebels previous
to Price's departure, was tho first to roach Fayette
ville, where he stopped Beveral days.
The clemency of General Curtiss, and the ju
dicious policy inaugurated in relation to the treat
ment of the citizens of Benton county, is bringing
its reward in the general confidence already show
ing indications of being restored among the fugitives
who fled at our approach.
Confederate hills, which were at twenty-five
cents discount on our arrival in Benton county,
have suddenly become valueless, and the inhabi
tants refuse to take them.
Major Wright learns that the citizens of Ketty
ville knew of the intended attack on that place,
and communicated the intelligence to the rebels,
but kept all intimation of it from Captain Mont
gomery. In the afternoon before the fight, the
ladies of the village left, one by one, and during
the attack all were out. Major Wright also learns
there are five hundred and fifty rebels in Cedar
county, Mo., and one hundred and ninety in Dade
connty—these parties are committing depredations
and swearing vengeance against the Union men.
The health of the troops has been good, particu
larly while on the maroh.
THE WAR IN NEW MEXICO.
IHE BZFO&TED BATTLE AT VALVEEDE
DISCREDITED.
Kansas City, Mo., March 10.—A letter from
Santa Fe, dated the 23d, with a postscript on the
24th nit., from a reliable source, makes no mention
of ths battle at Valrerde.
On the 16th the enemy appeared within a mile
and a half of Fort Craig, showing a front of 1,500
cavalry, with a reserve of 500 and six pieces of
artillery. Several shots were exchanged, when
tbe enemy retired in good order. The loss was
one killed on each side. Several small engage
ments occurred during the week, in which our
forces captured some prisoners and one of the
enemy’s flags, which was a United States flag, with
the letters altered,
As express arrived on the evening of the 23d,
twenty-four hours from Fort Craig, but brought no
official intelligence. A letter from Gor. Connolly
stated that fighting was going on when the express
left. Our forces had captured over & hundred of
the eneiny’e mulea and the prmeipAl w&gdnmaster,
and killed a great number of Texans. The enemy
was hard pressed for water, and were moving to
ward \alverde, at which point 2,000 of our men
were stationed.
March Oth.
No reliance Is placed In the report via Denver
city.
Reported Evacuation of Winchester.
Charlestown, Va., March 10 —lt is currently
rumored and believed that Winchester was fully
evacuated yesterday. A reoonnolssance was sent
out this morning to ascertain the fact.
Intelligence from other quarters greatly encour
ages all friends of the Union, as indicating a speedy
termination of hostilities.
Charlestown, Va., March 10. —It is now ascer
tained, beyond a doubt, that Winchester has been
evacuated by the rebels*
The prominent places between this and Winches
ter are occupied by our troops.
Ko More Fosses to go South.
Baltimore, March 10-. —Major G-efieral Dlj2 di
sires to have the notice promulgated that, for the
present, no more passes to go South will be granted.
Commander Rowan's Report of Ilis Ex-
pedition to Winton, N. C.
Washington, March 10. — A despatch from Flag
Officer Goldsborough, received at the Navy Depart
ment to-day, includes the report of Commander
Rowan. commanding the Bteamer Delaware, who
furnishes an interesting account of his- reconaois
sance.
On the 16th of February he moved hie forces,
and, reaching Wintos, was in-the- aot of letting go
the anchor, when suddenly a force of North Caro
lina volunteers opened a terrific-fire of musketry
and artillery on his vessel. Volley succeeded vol
ley in rapid succession, striking her one* hundred
and twenty-five times with musketry, but the ene
my’s artillery overshot her- Ftre was-oponed upon
the rebels from the ship’s shell gun- The Perry,
being in position, promptly throw a shrapnel among
the forces, which was followed by the ship. As
soon AS Captain Quackenbush could extricate her
from her position, and turn the ship in* the narrow
river, Commander Rowan ran down past the ene
my, and anchored his force about seven mOes be
low Winton.
Our troops subsequently entered the town and
destroyed a quantity of* military stored, tents,
arms, knapsacks, etc., and the quarters- occupied
by the troops of the enemy.
Tho official report of the casualties of the navy
on the taking of Roanoke Island gives- £ killed,
17 wounded, and 2 missing.
HEROIC CONDUCT 0? A, SAILOR.
Lieut J. C. ChapiD, commanding the U. S.
steamer Vatfoy City, off Roanulso laUad. writes to
Cmumudore Goldeboroughj under dace of Feb 25tb,
noticing a magnanimous act of bravery displayed
by John Davis, gunner’s mate on board of his ves
sel, at the taking of Elisabeth City. He says that
John Davis was at his station during the action, in
the magazine issuing powder, whan a shell from
the enemy’s battery penetrated into the magazine
ni.d exploded outside of it- Ho immediately
*hrew hu»»«df over of pnwdor, protoo injr
it with his own body from tho- fire, while at tho
same time be passod out the powder for the
Commodore Goidflborough, i-n transmitting thts*
lettes to the Navy Department, says: “It afford*
mo infinite pleasure to forward this conununtcatioii
to the Navy Department, to. whose special conwdse
rsvUou I beg Iraovo to re«e»ii'dssul tho gallant* nnd
sohte sailor alluded to.” In a postscript he- adds,
Davis actually seated himself on the the
top being curt, and in this position he rexQQined until
the flames were extinguished.”
Ancon* (X*'m.)
Bailey (Vem.),ra.
Biddle yltoin.)
Browne (U.)* K I.
Palvwt (V .)
_ Cold* (Dem..}
i Alleged Attempt in Enlist BttUsh Soldiers I curiiing tpcm.i
! 1 into the American Army. SSiTiaivT'
St. Catherines, C. W., March 10.—A man Uriitendeu (V)
i named Cornwall was arrcstcvd here to day, charged | Unl!(U.)
* wilb offering inducements 4o the British soldier* . Harding (IM
' desert and join the serviso. tie wfts£o»v- | Mr. ROSOOK C' 1
| V»\W*s for trial. I ts.lp' resolution was
HALLECK
XffIUTH (MiRESHIJIST SESSION,
WABHisQToa, March 10,1862.
SENATE.
PETITIONS, BTC.
Mr. IIALUI9 (Rep.), of New York, presented several
petitions iu relation to the employment of homeopathic
surgeons in the army.
Also, a petition ashing that tho Democratic pApnrs
which are now excluded front the mails, whose editors
have not been csnvlcted of treason, be allowed tho same
privi)eg*s ah the Abolition papers.
Mr. SUMNER (ltep.), of Massachusetts, presented
several petitions in favor of emancipation.
Mr. HOWARD (Sep.), of Michigan, presented a me
morial asking Congress to peimit no abridgment of the
freedom of the press.
THE HANOVER TREATY.
Mr. SUMNER, from the Committee on Foreign Re
lations, reported h bill to fulfil the treaty stipulations
with Hanover. The bill was passed.
IT. 8. MAILS TO FOREIGN PORTS.
Mr. COL LAMER (Bep.), fcf Vermont, from the Com
mittee OH foot Clliceß »ud I’ont KoiuJs, reported back tho
lull providing for tho carrying of mails to foreign ports,
with amendments.
DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST.
Mr. LANE (Rep.), of Indiana, from tho 'Committee on
Military Affairs reportod a bill to provide for tho pay
uiert of the bounty and poutrionu to the eoldiera and offi
cers actually employed in ths Department of the West.
DIVISION COMMANDERS
Mr. GRIMES (Rep.), of lowa, offered a joint resolu
tion, that in the opinion of the Senate no person shall be
appointed us commander of a division or brlgado, except
such as exhibit superior competency in the command of
nen, or gallantry iu eon flict against the enemy. Refer
red to the Committee on Military Affairs.
THE 1 CAVALRY BiLL.
Mr. KING (Rep.), of New York, moved to take up the
cavalry bill
Mr. GRIMES objected.
COMMODORE FOOTE.
Mr. CHIMED pffprp'l ft rr nlntl /B, teB&flBB ft® ft®»B»
of Congress to Commander Footo.
Mr. KING objected, as lie said the Senator from lowa
li*id utedlesslv objected to the consideration of the cavalry
bill.
Mr. GRIMES said he hoped It would go to the country
that the Senator from New York had objected to giving
thanks to a bravo and gallant officer,
Mr. KING HiiiU he supposed it would be the duty of
the clerk to make tho record.
VOLUNTARY EMANCIPATION.
Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts, offered a
joint lOHoiution tendering aid to the States of Maryland
end Delaware, and favoring voluntary emancipation'
Mi*. SAULSHURV (L)om.), of Delaware, objected, and
the resolution was accordingly laid over.
ENLISTMENTS IN THE ARMY.
On motion of Mr. WILSON (Rep.), of Massachusetts,
the bill to encourage enlistments in the army was taken up.
The question being tho motion of Mr. FESSENDEN
to amend, by adding the bill to organize tho cavalry, it
was adopted.
On mdtiou of Mr. 9HEUMAN (Uep.j, the number of
cavaliy regiments whs reduced to thirty instead of forty
Mr. WILSON (Rep ), of Massachusetts, said there was
a story going abroad iu the newspapers that thoio was
something wrong about this biil. The fact was the bill
re duced the force by 37 colonels, 37 lieutenant colonels,
111 iiihJotp, 450 captain*. and 040 lieutenants, making a
saYlDg of $2,900,000 to the treasm y.
Mr. FESSENDEN (Rep ), of Maino,moved to amend
so that no further enlistments shall bo made until the
whole number of the army bus been reduced to 500,000
rank and file, and the army shall uot be Increased beyond
that number.
After some discussion, Mr. FESSENDEN withdrew his
amendment.
Mr. DOOLITTLE (Hop.) and TRUMBULL (Rep.)
objected to tho provision of the bill which allows a
bounty for enlistment from the volunteer to tho regular
army.
Hr. CHANDLER (Rep.), of Michigan, said he also
was oppos'd to any recruitiug officer going to the Michi
gan regiments to induce them to leave their colors. All
the flghtiug lmd, ao far, boon stotiv by Yoiuutesrs,
Mr. WILSON (Hep.), of Massachusetts, did not con
sider that the measure would have uny bad effect on the
army or volunteers in any way. There ware men iu the
volunteer ranks who wish to go into the regular army.
But, if the Senate was of the opinion that the effect would
bo bad, he would move to strike out tho provision giving
& l>6tiniy for tatliatnuAU from the volunteers. Adopted,
p Jlr. (UIaK L>LEIt moved to strike out the section pro
viding for enlistments from the volunteers to the regular
army. Adopted.
The bill was then passed.
TIIE CONFISCATION BILL.
The confiscation bill was then taken up.
Mr. ItttLWMNS (RsP,)> of Illinois, said he assumed
that tvury Senate r agreed Id the wish that tile war
should be brought to a tpeedy and successful conclusion.
He also UEHunied that all wished to keep within the
limits of the Constitution, and preserve it in all Us parts,
lor our protection and for the benefit of posterity for
ever. We would prosecute the war to a sod end if we
only succetded in conquering the States by the over
throw of the Constitution. Unless we can save tho Uon
fitituticn with the Union, V 9 bad better let both go. All
the evils the rebels are now enduring are the legitimate
fruits of a violation ot‘ the Constitution. The Constitution
says “ No bill of attainder shall be passed.” But it seems
to be Admitted that this bill is practically a bill of at
tah der. The Senator from Maine [Mr. Morrill] seems
to place the authority of Congress to pass this hill in the
u war power•” but all the power Congress possesses is
granted by the 0 institution, &hd they were the game
yesterday as to-day, and will remain so forever. The
unlimited power of Congress, as advocated by the Sena
tor from Maiue, is < nly a foundation for despotism. The
functions of Congress are civil and legislative, and it
cannot control unlimited war power. He con
tended that the Supreme Court had settled this ques
tion, and decided the power wits in tho President.
He cited from the case of Luther vs. Borden, 7th Howard,
pp. 43 and 46; also, Martin vs. Mott, 12th Wheatley. If
*’ - President -•***• Jhe - • :* •' is a remodv ip.
CcngiCES: but if Congress usurps the WdF power, there is
absolutely no remedy. He cited further tho case of
Cross vs. Harrolson, growing out of the state of things
in California. California was conquered in 1846, but
Congrats had no power to legislate for it at all, and
yet llie President instituted a term of government
for it. But this bill relates to property not cap-
tured, or expected to ho. captured, aud is uot restricted
to property calculated to aid the rebellion, but is
intended to strip millions of persons in private life of
everything. The sure and certain effect of this bill will
be to make pence and reunion impossible. He contended
that il the rebel* were public enemies, we couM not con
fiscate their prlviU by the IUWB Of BAtIAjM, Atul
if they were not enemies, but insurrectionary citizens,
tbcu the Constitution forbids such confiscation. The bill
n.n inexpedient as it wub unconstitutional. It would
only s rve to consolidate our twenties, and make them
desperate.
[Mr. GRIMES here real a d-spatrh announcing the
capture of St Marys, Femandina, &c ]
Mr. DROWNING said ho thought h6fidfild g& 6fi With
more energy, lie waß willing, on their return to their
allegiance, to grant an amnesty to the deluded masses of
the people, but he would have the leaders buffer the ex
treme penalty of the law on the gallows He said that
slavery was the sole cause of the war—that is, if there
had been no slavery there would have been no rebellion
or war—and if, by some miracle, slavery was wiped oat,
the war would not Ikht thirty days. But usithet' toe
President nor Congress bad the power to proclaim eman
cipation. If slavery can survive the war, be it so. If it
dies, no patriot can complain. Slavery was entirely
local, and has no right to ask special privileges.
It must take care of itself. He would not have any
gallant soldier detailed as a slave-hunter. He conceded
to a loyal man all tho rights over his property that he
ever Lad under the Constitution; but If it should aver
come to a question between slavery and Uuion, then
he would be ready to wage a war of utter ex
teimin&tion against slavery. He thought that the
lo)al men in the South were as ready to yield as
much as any party ,of citizens for tne sake of the
Government; even, if nocespary, to give up slavery;
but, ÜBleßs necessity demands such a sacrifice, they
ebuuld be protected in their property the same as
other citizens. In regard to the property of the rebels—
the movable property—he thoueht it might be taken as
the property of enemiea under the rules of war. We
might tuke a uegro like other movable property, and it
needed i.o further legislation. No law was reeded to vin
dicate the confiscation of the property of the enemy. He
teid that in a ca*>e of necessity he would arm the fugi
tives who cnnift to tho army, though there must be an
urgent necessity for such a connw. In couclaaioD, Ik*
urged that tli6 c&htfcfet mould bo waged with vigor, and
be brief and fierce.
THANKS TO COMMANDER FOOTE.
The joint resolution of thanks to Commander Foote
wO9 then taken up, on motion of Mr. KIXG (Itep.), of
New York) and iiflßatd.
THE NEW ARTICLE OP WAR.
On motion of Mr. WILSON (Hep.), of Massachusetts,
the bill from tne House providing a new “article of war”
was taken tip. It provisos that no officer or soldier shall
return fugitives, Ac.
Mr DaVIS (U.), of Kentucky, offered an amendment
tlmt bitcli (Jllicws, «c„ bM nsfthsr 4?MB> h»rl>or, nor
conceal aiiy bucli fugitive. Disagreed to»
Visas—Messrs. Bayard, Carlile, Davis, Henderson,
Latham, IHcDoneall, Powell, ltico, haulsburjv and Wil
son (Mis»o»ri) —10.
Nay.-—29.
Mr. SAULSBCRY (Dem.), of Delaware,, offered an
amendment that the article shall not apply to-Delaware,.
Maryland, Missouri, Kentucky, or wherever the Federal
authority Is Tfcognintd. fcisugreed to—yeas ? r n»ys 30.
Mr. CARLISLE (U.), of Virginia, asked, if in case- the
Pn siilent should at any time call oot the militia to'on
force the law for returning fugitive kUvcb, which consti
tutional provision would this bill interfete with i
Mr. WILoUN, of Massachusetts, replied that that
would be for judiciaUlociaion. Tins nutation of return
ing slaves was a judicial and not a military one;
Mr, SAULSBURY ofterel an amendment ao os to pro*
vciit officers, Ac., from enticing or decoying any person
held to labor or service from the service of loyal masters.
Disagreed to—yeas 10. nays 27.
The bill was then passed—yeas 29, nays 9—beingthe
game relative vote that on Mr. Davis’ motion.
The Senate then adjourned.
HOUSE OF RJEFREsENTATIYEB
SUTLEBB IN THE VOLUNTEER ARMY.
The House considered the Senate bill providing for the
appointment of sutlers in the volunteer service and-de
nning tueir duties.
Mr. BLAKE (Rep.), of Ohio, made an unsuccessful
motion to abolish such sutlershipfl.
Mr ALDRICH (Rep); of Minnesota, favored the
motion of Mr. Blake, alluding to what lie hud - heard of
the sutlers swindling the t-olriiers.
Mr. BLAIR (Rep.), of Missouri, was opposed to-le
gislating against any class of men. If there had been
fewitkdlin* practised, the fault was with those who ap
pointed the sutlers, ftnd WbOW fensißMS it was to prevent
such prflpricoß.
The sutler system waH dißcussed at length.
The bill was then passed, after being amended;
Jt requires the schedule of the articles permitted to be
sold, together with the prices thereof, to be prominently
posted. Sutlers are prohibited from farming out their
offices, nor are they allowed to tell to soldiers an account
exceeding one-tonrth their monthly pay j nor shall the
poller have a IIM. Ob the WUUO.
THE VOLUNTARY EMANCIPATION PROPOSI-
Mr. ROSCOE CONKLIXG (Hop ), of New York,,
asked leave to offer the following resolution as proposed'
in the Presidert’s recent message:
Jiesolved, That the United states ought to co-operate.
with any Stale much may adopt gradual abohtiou.©f
(I.VMJ, siTjp* to »wb SM« recUßUty Mil, (Bta U9«l by
such State in Da discretion, to compensate for-the incon-.
venieners, rubHc and private, produced by such change
of system. oa
The rules suspended For that purpose—yeas-do, nays*
35
bii suspending the rules, to enable Mr. Coukllng to int
trodlice the PMaWent’s emancipation resolution, the voto
was as follows:
YEAS.
English (Detn.)
Ffssenden ( Rep. )>
Fisher (Union)
Fram-hut (Rep.)'
Frank (ltep.)
Goodwin (Rep.):
Granger (Rep.) -
Curley (Rep.))
llanchott (Bap.)
Harrison f Union)
Hooper (Kup.)
Hutchins f v ßop.)
Julian ( tvp.)
lveiley (Rep.)
KpUogg (jR )stich.
Kelluuu. (R.), 111.
Lansing (Rep.)
Lehman (Dent.)
Loomis (Rep.)
Lovsjoy (Rep.)
McXnifi’ht (Hep.).
McPherson (Rep.)
liitchell ( Rep.).
Muorhuad (Rod.).
'Morrill (Rep.),Vt.
Morrill fKep.Jile.
Nixon (kop.)
Oliu (Rep.)'
Phelps (R.), OaL
Ashley (Rep.)
Aldrich (ltapv)
Arnold (Rep.)
Babbitt (Bep.)
Baker (Rap.)
Baxter (,Krp.)
Reaiu&h
Bingham
Blair (SU-jn), Mo.
Blair (RvpO, Pa.
Blake )
Brown (U ), Vu.
Buffinlwn (Rep.)
CuuipbfcU (Rep.)
GlinßiberlMin (R )
Clerk )
Col'iu (Bep )
Conklin if, Fred. A.
Co»kking,R.(Rep.)
Oanway (Kep.)
Govtide (Rep )
3>avis (Hep.)
iMven (Hap.)
Buell (Rep.)
Bunn (Rep.)
Yds art on (Rcp.>
Edwards (Ueiv>
Eliot (Rep )
Ely (Rep.)
NAYS.
aoliDsnu (DemO
Kuapp (Itep.)
Law (Dew.)
Leary (Vuldu)
Mallory (U.)
May (Dew )
Morris (D.)
l?ot>ie (Pm.)
Norton (Dew.)
Pemiletju (Dem.)
Price
Richardson (P.)
ONKLINO (Rep)i of New York, aaid
ls in the exact words of the President’*
toconl spocinl message. It related to a subject with re
gard to which nearly every member had made up his
mind. Those who had not would not have their conclu
sions settled by discussion. He desfrtd, therefore, a vote
on ihe mibjftft.
Mr GUIDKIt (U.), of Kentucky, said that he had come
to no conclusion as to whether ho would vote for or against
the resolution, but he must bn permitted to remark that
lie saw no necessity for the introduction of the resolu
tion this morning, because the message on which it waa
■llgfiffttffl hod been referred tq ft* Cftfnmlttt* $f
Whole on the stftte of the Union.
Mr. RICHARDSON (Dem.), of Illinois, rose lo •
question of order. It was, that a debate arising, the reso
lution goes over.
Tho SPEAKER overruled the point on the ground
that the rules had been suspended for the reception of
the resolution.
Mr, ROBWB COVKU2W Mjd fo&t fW ft? he
bad Already stated, be demanded the previous question,
The House, by a vote of 5'J against 07, refusod to se
cond the demand
Mr. MALLORY (U ), of Kentucky, said that to him
and others similarly situated, this measure was more em
bfti raßhing than to any other class of members. They
wire most anxious that the question should not now be
pi'tsseo, because they wauled calm)y am] (9
consider as to what their action shall be.
lie was thankful to the House fur refusing tho second
demand for tbe previous question, and suggested a post
ponement of the subject till .Monday next for further
consideration.
Mr. RICHARDSON said ho intended to make a similar
motion. This matter was entitled to the gravest con
sideration. It was one committing them to a policy on
which th<H? dohfctitUSbtS hftd UOt teflected. The gentle
man frrm Now York (Mr. itoscoo Conkling) had declared
that all ought to have made up their minds on tbe subject;
but it was one of great magnitude, pud which all gentle
men boro bad not considered Thoy had not had time to
communicate with their coiiHtitut-nts. He was prepared
to agree with the message as to the rights of the Stales,
but he repeated that he did not belieyo tho people were
pp&p&pedtar tiiiu policy of emancipation. He knew they
were uot prepsrrd to enter upon a system of purchasing
slaves to be turned loose upon them. He had long en
tertained the opinion that the class of persons known a*
negroes are not capable of becoming the repositories of
the freedom of this Government. When the President,
in his annual messogo, declared himseir In favor of pro
curing some placo outside of the limits or this Republic
for colonization, ho (Mr. Richardson) thought he saw the
light Lreakitm upon him bhowing him tbe way by whieh
they might get rid of this institution us fast ta possible.
Mr. KELLOGG ( Rep.), of Ttilnois, was in favor of tbe
postponement of the resolution, so that the true spirit and
pm ppm of 111® Prerident’fl recommendation might h&
known. It should bn considered calmly. In this view
he believed that it would meet with the approbation of
thrcc-fourtlis of the member* of this Honan. There was
no occasion for raising questions which couid only result
in antagonism*.
Mr. WICKLIFFE (U.), of Kentucky, while aivo
cating a fair cbai.ce for the discuusiun of this measure,
said lie must have a butter commentator than Mr* Bing
hHni to satisfy him of the constitutional poxor of tbo
Government to purchase the slaves of rebels or any other
parties.
Mr. DIVKN (Kop ), of New York, was In favor of
a postponement. Congress should coufider such subjects
ns thc*e like patriots and not partisans. He hailed the
message us a bow of hope and promise.
Mr. THOMAS { Eb'p.), of MAiSachhsette, «Md he was
in favor of tho resolution, but would vote for the motion
to postpone. It was but justice to tho gentlemen, who
were situated very differently from those who camo from
the North.
Mr. BIDDLE (Dcm.), of Pennsylvania, briefly advo
cated tho pOHTponcment of the resolution.
Mr. BOSCOK ONKLING, while explaining why
ho had urged tho Immediate action of Congress on the
measure, said lie had moved tbo previous question after
consutiatiou with his friends. His purpose Inul beeu from
the commencement to give the Administration an anxious,
hearty, and unqualified support.
Mr. STEVENS (Rep.), of Pennsylvania, thought they
ought not T« posipono the resolution for no long n period
as was proposed, Ho moved to shbstlliitfl to- morrow.
Pending which question, the Uou>e adjourned.
PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE.
Tho Senate was called to order at threo o’clock.
The SPEAKER presented the resolutions of the Bchool
dirtetors of tho Eighth soction of Philadelphia, in oppo
sition to tho change in the mode of electing the Board of
Control.
Mr. CONNELL introduced a bill to incorporate the
Philadelphia Drug Exchange Association.
Mr. CRAWFORD, a biil relative to the Mifflin and
Centre County Railroad Coznpauy.
Mr. FULLER, a Mil to repeal the third section of the
act relative to foreign insurance companies.,
The supplement to tbe act incorporating the Congrega
tion of tho United Brethren of Nazareth and vicinity,
was taken up and paused.
Also, a bill incorporating the Philadelphia Drag Ex
change Association.
Abo, the supplement to tho charter of the city ol Read
ing.
Also, a bill relative to the Mifflin and Centre County
Railroad Company,
Also, a bill extending tho charter of the Southern Mu
tual Insurauce Company of Lancaster county.
Abo, a bill incorporating tho Northern Don Company.
The Senate then adjourm d.
Tk& H&uio aaoomhUil at half-past two o'elMk, lion.
John Rowe, Speaker, in the chair.
The SPEAKER presented a communication from the
school directors of tho Eighth section of Philadelphia
relative to tbe efficiency of tho present Board of Control.
The bill to repeal the act for the commutation of the
tonnago tax, tho special order for this afternoon, was
taken up,
The amendment of Mr. Scott was voted down,
£tr. ARMSTRONG submitted a new amendment,
Whereas, An act was passed at the last session of thd
Legislature, entitled *> An Act for the Commutation of the
Tonnage Tax; and whereat, It is alleged that the said
act was unconstitutional and void t therefore,
Be it enacted iCc-. % That for the purpose of testing
the validity of the act ol Mitch 7th, 1861, entitled an
t.ct for tho commutation of the tonnage tax, the Attorney
General ot the Commonwealth be,Band he is herohy, di
rected and required to issue immediately, an execution
for the amount of judgments held by tbe State against
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, for tonnage dues,
and to collect the ing to'lew } and, if uew#-
ynry, to contest Ihn validity of said act beinru the court
having jurisdiction ovor said judgment and to carry* the
same by writ of error, or otherwise, to the Snprems
Court for final decision; and if said act shall be declared
unconstitutional and void, cither in whole or in part, It
shall betbe duty of the Attorney General to proceed forth
with to sue for, recover and collect the whole or each
part of the arrearages of tho tonnage dueß as may be by
law recoverable.
Hr. ARMSTRONG remarked that the net was a con
tract which caimotbo repealed. That which the Legis
lature does, if dope in the exercise of its sovereign
power, it is fallacy 10 say that the grant of the Legisla
ture is void. Hhe parties to the contract wet e competent.
The act of 1861 requires the Feims>lvauia Railroad
Company to hasten the psiymunta upon the purchase of the
mMh line if public workn, and alto requires them to file
a contract iu the ofiice of the Auditor General. This
regulation was complied with. The discretion of the
company was limited by the net, for it says that, for the
purpose of developing the resources of the State, the
company is required to extend aid to certain railroads
mentioned in tne act with the sum of fifty thou
sand dollars. This was an advantage to tho State,
and was net optional with the company. The re
quirement has been fulfilled in part by the Com
pany. It is alleged, however, that the act Is uncon
stitutional in consequence of its passage having been
procured by fraud. It is an established maxim of law
that the king can do no wrong. Wo have no king, but
the Government can do no wrong- nor can the Legisla
ture, in its legislative capacity. The acts of the Legis
lature must be submitted to the judiciary. It is not
conipotent for the Legielalure to repeal All Act of thelAflt
eefe&ion, which ia a contract In all the judicial author!*
ties of Europe, England, and the United States, there la
not a single case upon record where it has been attempted
to arraign tho Legislature before a tribunal to investi
gate the qutßtion of fraud in the passage of an act of
ABit*mbly. If turh a thing was done our liberty would
be broken down.
tlr. WILLIAMS snid tbnt it ivns net fr-mhl in Lvst. Itlrt
fraud in law.
Mr. ARMSTRONG remarked that If the act was con
stitutional the contract canid not be repealed. If it is
unconstitutional, it is v nd uud needs no repeal.
Mr. WILLIAMS contended that a contract required
competent parties smd a sufficient c Moderation. Tbe
Legislature has tho rielit to ropeal tho acts of a former
Lcgblatnre. The taxing power ia not re-exaniionble la
the courts. The ll«use was established for the purpose
or rectifying tbe mistakes of others, aud by not passing:
the repeal net this year it would be an acknowledgment
of the constitutionality of the law of last session.
Hr. ARftHTRONfi considered that the Legislature only
had the power to repeal ordinary laws.
Mr, AUKOTT b*U«v«l that tha law 3801 was jus*
to the Commonwealth ami perfectly consistent with the
Constitution. _
landing the discussion of the bill, the Bouse adjourned*
until to-morrow morning.
The Latest from Fortress Monroe.
A despatch from Fortress Monros gays that thi
JUTerrimac did not make her appearance to day.
The Monitor was honored with salutes and
cheers, both from tho fort and the fleet, on her re
turn. Everybody was enthusiastic in her praise
for the good services she rendered yesterday.
liOUlsvillb, March 10. —On Friday night last, a
squad of cavalry, under the notorious rebel, Col.
John Morgan, (who was some time sinoe erroneously
reported killed,) attacked the United States pick
ets fifteen miles south of Nasbrllloj taking two
prisoners and capttiring six Government wagons.
On Saturday, a painty of Ohio cavalry sent in pur
suit, came np with the rebels and attacked them,
killing four of Morgan’s men, capturing eight, and
recovering the six wagons. They are now in hot
pursuit of the rest of Morgan’s gang* and confident
of catching them.
K.OSAS CiTT* Mo., March ID—Qtt&nlrcri UU
entered Aubrey, Kansas, on the 7th ffiSt., killed
five men, and stole fifty or twenty horses.
New York Bank Statement.
Ukv York, March 10.—The bank statement for the
’eels eßcltug on Saturday thows
A- Of IARYia
An increase of s pecie
Aa increase of circulation..,
A decrease of deposits
contatrtan exhibition at tho Wal on t • str eetJT hea- •
tr« deserves a creator success thfta ft hIB gftjnslr 89--,
y arrt appeared last night In WAI6 116 ISdMhlOg
graceful, and has bo cultivolwi the art of mod#*tjr
that, in hit female dress, one can readily got up a passion ,
for him. He it wondrously like » woman—dark-eyed,,
trimly-knit, aud voluptuously shaped. His riding la.
•narked by the daring of a man aud the fascinating graces.
of a woman. Melville, the Auoiralian, has no ntunl iu<
bare-backed riding, and lie attempts the moat dangeroua.
feats with impunity.
Ptfeo (Hep.),
Pomeroy (ltep.)i
Potter (Rep.)-
Kice ( Rep.)* Ho*
Rice (ft)* Mesa.
Riddle (Rep.)
Rollins (8 b N..HL
Sai'geaut (Rep.)*
rihanks (.Kcp.) :
Sedgwick. ( Rep.)*
Sheffield (,U:)>
Sherman ( Rep.)>
Sloan (.Bep.)j
steveus (Uup.)>
Stratton (Rep.).
TIIOIUEU rR;)dULK&.
Trowbridge (, ft.).
Vau Valkeuourgh
(•Rep))
Yorreo (Rep.)
Wallace (Rep*)
i VValron ( ft-. \ Ho.
Walton ( Rep.), Vt.
Wheeler (Rap.)
Whaloy {Union)
. White (ft.), lud.
Wilson {Rop.)
AViudom (Rep.)
Worcester (Rep.)
A torture will be delivered i» Concert Hall this even
ing, by Miss Annie Dickinson,.a yonng lady of consider-,
able ability as a public speaker. The cause that she re-,
promts is a deserving one/, and, from the well-known
talent* zeal) and ambition oti the young womkft, w map
expect a pleasant and profitable discourse.
Sale of Furnitcrs,. Pianos, &c.—Household,
furniture, plaDO fortes, table ontlery, A'e.,. witttba.
sold this morning, at Wb o’clock, at Bircfe)&.,Son's,
auotion store* No. 9iiii ChfiSlflUt Stf9®i-i
A State Sunday-school, Gonykn*
TION A meeting woe bold last evening, at. the Iter*
Dr. Crowell’-. Church, Broad street, above otie,tout,
for the purpoßti of taking preliminary stope.for the csjlina
or a general htat* Convention of Sabbath-school ,
Ks-OoVSKof Pallualt lust Ilia chair Thu object of UlO
meeting hns so tar accomplished Itßpwpo.e M to ageM
upon a form of circular to be addressed to.the Church**
tliroughont the State. An’ invitation wa» extondedto
each school to send one delegate. Ilhe Convention win
he held on the 20lh or May. at Sansoin-strcel Hall. Th*
delegates will he entertained by tho frionda of tho cans*
(laiiug tlieir gcjourn in the oily,
Robinson (Sem,)
Shlol (Rep.)
Smith (Dum )
Steelo (D.), N.Y.
Thomas (U.), fild.
Voorneos ( Dnm )
WiuisworU, (U.)
WfalW (0.), Ohio
Wood (l>eoi.)
Woodruff (Bern.)
Wright (C.)
Supper to the Returned. Ym.un-
supper give* at Pine Hall, Southwaric,
to Lieutenant Kenney and t orporal Brown, of the Cali
fornia Regiment, lately returned from niohiaond, WM
marked tiy Interesting * aar<!M ™ “" d feel
in. k floe w-lla'len met spread beforo the soldiers, and
their frieiule assisted them to da honor to it in a manner
at once creditable to their own hospitality, and the *xjt
taste of the caterer. Cap'alu Hicks, of the “*“• r **?J
ment, was present, and likewise, prlvateSchnrzy.of
Poyleatowo, llenry 11. Edmunds, Ksa, Mr. Kenney,
father of the lieutenant, wd Otnors.
Uarrisuoro, March 10, IMS.
S£MAT£.
BILLS INTRODUCED
BILLS PASSED.
HOUSE.
TIIE TONNAGE TAX.
The War in Tennessee.
The War in Kansas.
#4,819,090
809,685
555.284
4,258,m
Public Amusements.