Evening Star Newspaper, December 30, 1864, Page 1

~ FOR THE HOLIDAY s° BTHRNG NEW FOR HOLIDAY PRESENTS. } @REAT INDUOBMENTS are offered. A fine stock of Bog Oak, Marquirites, Hair, Coral Jewel- ry, Belts, Buckles, Facey Hair Pins, Back Combs, Fans, Chinese and India Goods, Iam prepared to geil to the Washington public all of the above goods at low prices, Call and see for yourselves, J, FLETOHER, No, 394 Penn’a avenue, dee 20-td3i* Det. 434 and 6th sts, F°? rUuRsS! PURS! 910,000 worth ef FURS for Ladies and Qnil- @ren, now on hand, which we guarantee to sell 25 yer cent. cheaper than apy other place in the ety. , Ladies will please take notice that “hese goods are consigned to us py the largest house in New York, and we are therefore enabled to sell them cheap. beast LANSBURGH & BRO. 371 and 375 Seventh street, | _a@ec Se doors above I street. | Whetd FURS!) FURS The attention of the ladies is invited to my large and @itjce assortment of FINE FANCY FURS, embracing all styles and quelities, from the low ent grades to the finest Sable, s' « which may de found UDSON BAY SABLE, QOANADIAN MINK, BOYAL ERMINE, BTONB MARTEN, -RUSSIAN PITOR, SIBBRIAN SQUIRREL AND OTHER VARIETIES. | Also, a large and well selected assortment of CARRIAGE ROBES of every desoriptign, including elegant WHITE AHOTIC FOX and WHITE POLAR BEAR, WOLF, BUFFALO, &o, Gentlemen’s FUR CAPS, COLLARS, GLOVES, ac. in great variety. Every article of the above Waving been carefally nelected, cannot be surpassed either in excellence ty orstyle of finish, A call is solicited be- chasing elsewhere. . J4ME3 Y. DAVIS, HATTER AND FURRIER, 356 Pennsylvania avenue, under dee 12-dlw&eotw Metrepolitan Motel. FL **220uz Grr Ts FOR THE HOLIDAYS, — Usefu! and ernamented, the largest stock in the city. wholesale and retail, Gold and Silver Watch- ex, Jewelry, Photograph Albums, Silver Plated Goods, fine Tableand Pocket Cu lery. Your choice o.tof a theusand articles for 75 cqnts, Hunting Ci $10. At Singer SeWine Machine Agevcy, 416 E street, near the Post Office. dee 2-70" Cuan: AND NEW YEAR CAKES,—The fimest. asgortment of PROIT AND POUND | OAKBB inthe city is to be seen at FUSSELU’S, corner of 12th and F a1 de 22 6t” 1SHBR'S UNRIVALLED MINCE MEAT, B.S xersce sane a an eoumy of this delicious 0! or Pies, or Sale pues EGAN & PERRIE. 4) _deeleiw Sorner ot B and 9th streets. UST REOEIVED FOR CHRISTMAS— gals, R hao Bie, CHOICE APPLES. oy Mince Meat. APPLES. o'c0 tbe. DRIED CUBRANTS, 1STNS, 20 kegs CHOIOR PICKLES, eealloms TOMATO CATBUP Sof bushels SAORSON. POTA TORS, SOULTRY, fe vhen i Ghrietevas » &e,,&e., for Chris | POULTHN ANS S°RURNOWBS. 496 oth st, @e 17-10" bet, D street and Penn. avenue, Neapegny 18 NOTHING LIKE LOOKING | AROUND WHEN YOU WANT TO BUY A i HOLIDAY PRESENT, ms = ov =m Soi 4 bye And while you are looking take a look at ! RUSSELL’S BOOKSTORE, 525 Tth street, near Pennsylvania avenue, — And see the Largest, Most Varied, Richest, and Cheapest stock of PHOTOGRAPH AZBUMS, WRITING DESKS, Ladies’ Workboxes and Dressing Oases, Gentle- : ea, Ladies’ Companions; the GOLD PENS AND PENOILS, PENKNIVES, Cigar Cases, Books in best binding, &c. Make an offer fer the artiele you want, and you shall bave it without regard to cost. e are seliin, Orie Kat ting cheaper than any lace in the city, Remember Laat) RUSSELL'S BOOKSTORE, 7th street, between Penn. avente and D street, Under Avenue House. P, 8.—Just received a fine collection of Qnil- ’s Booka, Building Slocks, Lill’s Blocks of A \. dec 4-dtJanl ( 0 TO RUSSELL’S BOOKSTORE x FOR HuLIDAY PRESENTS, You eannot fail to be suited in style and price, Phe ects ——- for presents to members of the jatholic Church. 526 Beventh street weet, near dec 14-tian 1 Pennsylvania avenue, RESERVED FRUITS, &0. SERVED QUINOES, (Freh, — PINE APBLES. ex : HES, ns ee SONS. He pacha et EES ANP JELLIES - KRANT JELLIES, *° LUIES. BS ¥ mom i} o> Zr et] UP s ’ KING & BUROHRLL, at "Corner Vermont avenue and Jsth st} "NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. We would inform our customers i and the public generally that we ti aca O43 De! have now oo hand atwur LARGE BNITURS ESTABLISHMENT avery extensive and general assortment of fine and medium quality FURNITURE, GILT MIRRORE. &c., that we can sell at great bargeins, Persons in want of a ace ‘ JBN an sai aaine®: HOUSEKBEPING GOODS do well to call and examine ont steek at No th strect, between Louisiana avenue and D "Ge Im __ Mo@REGOR & ZIMMERMAN Ceres tt ‘ tt CHES AND Cumae WATCTHOLESALE. ym 53) JEWELRY AT ra, Country Merchants, Pedlars, and gener- supplied at immenee barg: . Watches Iry of every description in any pattern or quality. and im any quantity, constantly on band and madeto orver, Fatimates of any clase of work furnished Good Cai ig aap oe Wanted. Prices and full Goncriy Ad- dreas T. & H. GAUGHAN, 71 Broadway, New York Bov 21-1m ork, nm - cF. 4 adie ] , NEW BOOT AND SHUR BTORB? : a CHAS. B. BAYLY & 00., ra 27S PENNSYLVANIA AVENUB, | «Bet. 11th and 12th sts., near the Kirkwood House Would respectfully inform their Friends and the Public, that they wil! open On MON DAY, October 17, 1264, Afineand new assortment of LADi£S, GENTLEMEN, MISSES, BOYS, AND OHILDRP: BOOTS AND SHOES, made up ip the Latest and most Fashienable style. We wik sell at reasonable prices, and hope, by * tattestion aud integrity, to merit a fairshar % Pualie patronage. lar attention has been pald to the Ladies ecm B92 , Dep t of the business, and we can safely \, _ boast of one of the finest assortment of : L&DIgS’ BOUTS AND SHOES i in the city. : OHAS. B. BAYLY & 00. eel4-tf No. 278 Penn. av., bet. Lith and 1th sts i Ww ASHINGTON CITY SAVINGS BANK, ImcuRPoRATED MAacH Stag, 1864* RDWARD BIMMS. President and Treasnrer. EDW'D CLABK, Vice President and Becretary. DIREOTORS. J, J. COOMBS, . THUS. J. GARDNER. B. V. NILES. Pere WM P. DOLE. 4OHN BR. BLVAN b NEW BANKING HOUSE, v.. under Simm’s New Builting EDWARD CLARK, Secretary, ‘ EDWARD CLARK & 60., BANKERS, At the Savings Bank, No. 68 Louisiana avenue, ; DEALERS IN EX@HANGE, GOLD AND SILVER, And Geners] Banking Business. Joum B. Exvays, — SRSA My! Sete st Te em Fe Tee mm Towinp Cran, tel? eotm » M22ica BooKs.—Draitt’s Sur Dalton’s | da, fbosicieuy: Dungison’s Medical fetionary; Praper’s Physiclegy; Ellis’ Medical lary} | Widhsen's Barger; Ludlow’s Masual of Bxam!- i Neill & Suith's Compendiam, Thomas? néing Medicat Dictionary; Gray’s Aua- i Prastice, 2 vels.; Woods’ Thera- FRANCK TAYLOB, Eben V%, XXIV. AMUSEMENTS. CANTERBURY HALL. wed LL }OaNTRASURY HALL.( SH RATER Lovina AVEEUB, Bear Corner ef Sixth strest, Rear af Nattenal aad BORGES LBA. 2 es ee PHOPTIONOE fosH HART ———~.-....... Bane Manager Louis Sz0LL08¥-——..—-... let Master Jeux Esruta____.__.___._.___ Musical Director A CARD—Mr. Lea, propicter of the above Pop- ular place rerpectfully imtimates to the ‘goodly citizens ard the community of Washington, that he rpares n@ pains oF expense in selecting and en- gaging the BEST AND MOST TALENTED ARTISTES im the profession; and, with his characteristic zeal a5 an gid established sr MANAGER AND CATERER ri OR PUBLIC AMUSEMENT; Proudly declares hie Troupe for OPERA, ry COMEDY, PAROD, oR PANTOMIME, Second to none in the WORLD. In proef of which the following Array of Artistic Abilities is rerpectfully submitted to the intelli- gent and amusement-leving people: -. ese Last week of TONY PA8TO TONY EARNS TONY PASTOR, TONY PASTOR, The very Ozar of whore loquacious and garrvious powers to ¢o; . late and verify the irs and’ ridiouloas: hes s yet never been equalled. a MESSRS, MURRAY AND HUTCHINSON, MURRAY AND HUPOHINASUN: . MURRAY AND HUTOUIN gon; MUBBAY AND HUTOHINSON, the wonderful and justly celebrated GYMNAST, ayia. YMNASTS, and Professors of ATHLETIO EXERCISES, sppear in their extraordinary GYRATORY GLOBE PERFORM. 5 GYRATORY GLOBE PERVORMANCE, and with their TRAINED AG ACIOUS DOGB. BAS AGiouS Dogs: BAGACIOUS LOG SAGACIOUS DUGS, H, DASH AND SPORT. Fence. Base 28B Bee PUNOH, AND BPOBT. Last week of ONS. MATHTIEU « Mons: MATTHISU AXD M’LLE DISIREE, M’LLE DISIREB, who will appear in TWS NEW BALLETS, TWO NEW BALLETS, assisted by the entire Ballet Troupe, entitled THE BIRTH-DAY OF MARY, VIVANDIEBE. BEAUTIFUL SINGING, GRACEFUL DANCING, ABTISTIC GROUPINGS, and the And Side-splitting NEGRO EXTRAVAGANZAS, The New and Brilliant ENGLISH PANTOMIME, with Trie¥s und Scenery imported by Mr, Lea ata cost of over FIVE THOUBAND DOLLARS, F1VE THOUSAND DOLLARS, isin full rebepraal, and will be produced durin the Holidays, hen the whole Auditeriam wiil be turned into a GORGEOUS BOUDOIR GORGEOUS BOUDOIR AnD PALAOE OF ENCHANTMENT. ythi roduced will be ENT i Everything Pee PROSCENIUM eS New Every Seat in the House will beso arranged as to enable all to obtains FULL VIEW OF THE STAGB, which is being now fitted up with NEW AND SPLENDID SCBNERY, thing will be omitted which will tend qecear our patrons and make the Somme PANTOMIME ¥ or HARLEQUIN FANTASIO ; HARLEQUIN FANTABIO ; HARLEQUIN FANTASIO ; on, THRE FAIRY OF THE SILVER BGG, THE CHEF DXEUVRE OF THE SEABON, MATINEE ON SATURDAY, MATINEE ON SATURDAY, MATINSE ON SATURDAY, when all the Company willappear. MONDAY, JANUARY 2, MONDAY, JANUARY 2, TWO PERFORMANCBS, AFTERNOON, AT 3, AFTERNOON, ATS. Saying, ats, BVSNING, AT 8; NOTIOE.—The foltowing talented artistes are engaged, apd will shortly appear: MILLE ANNETTI GALLETTI, WLLE ASNETTE GALEBET: MLLE ANNETTI GLLBTil, the Greatest Danseuse in the werid, THOMPSON AND KEBNa, Pi Bong and the beat and most original Boe Dance men in DELEHANTY AND WARD, ai Clog. acknowledged pak -_ “se Comedian og JOH MULLIGAN. pequalied Ethiopian Comedian. +. OFFICIAL. The First Cerps—Netice te Veterans. HuapevanTers First Corrs, } Wasuincron, D. O., Dec. 27, 1864. Veterans desiring to enlist inthe ist Army Corpe, should report m person at the office of Col. GC. F. Johnson, Soldiers’ Rest, Baitimore and Ohio Railroad Depot, Washington, D. O. Any Veteran who has served two years, has been honorably diseharged, and is physically qualified, may enlist in the Corps for one, two or three years. Those enlisting will receive from the Goy- ernment a bounty of $300 as soon as they are istered in, and, in addition, the regular in- alments from the (toverament, in proportion to the period of enlistment, as follows: $100 for one year’s service, one-third paid on enlist- ment, $200 for two years’ service, one-third on enlistment; #300 for three years’ service, one- third on enlistment. 2 They will be credited to the qnota of the dietrict in which they or their families may be domiciled and will, therefore, be entitled to local bounties. Free transportation will be furnished them to Washington by any Provost Marshal. The best arms in the possession of the Government will be furnished these troops, and they will be allowed to retain their arms when honorably discharged. Headquarters Major General Hancock :—158 F street, between 19th and 20th streets. Office of the Board for the Exam{nation ot Officers :—Brigadier General John R. Brooke, president, 183 G street, between 19th and 20th streets. By order of Major General Hancock. FINLEY ANDERSON, Assistant Adjatant General. AMUSEMENTS, GROVEK’S FHEATER. Pennsylvania Avenue, near Willard’s Hotel, THI8(Vriday) EVENING, December 30, BENEFIT OF SOPHIE GIMBER KUEN, and last time but ene of the great Sensational Play f the Age, or me ASS THE OOTOROON; dec 27-tf - Sophie Gimber Kuhn f of the Lepan Mr JO McCollom e' es with great pride an engagement with the Renowned T: i i semeMIss AVONIA JONMB, eee enn? FORD'S NEW THEATER. Tenth sirest, above Pennsylvania avenue. BENEFIT AND LAST APPEARANCE BUT ONE MR FRANK DREW, Last Night but One of A : MIS8 SUSAN DENIN, THIS (Friday) EVENING, December 3), The Perforc ance will commence With the cele- brated Irish i. of “HANDY ANDY. weeonelade with the Laughable Burlesque, en- SHYLOCK: 2 OR, THRE MEROHANT OF VENIO® PRESERVED, and Susan Denin; the Irish Drama of HAND ANDY. ands new gemtational Drama, entitled the The Eminent American Traged FORREST, wil) make his firat ap ice this sea- Janua . 1855. in Ba- nin’s Oelebrated Play of DAMON aND PYTHIAS. PINACOTHEUCA, Niath street, fronting on Pennsylvania avenue Immense ruccess of MISS KATHLEEN O’NEIL, Champion Bingle Clog Dancer of Ai . viet Dali BY BOUGHEREY To- morrow—Last appearance of FRANK DREW PIRATES OF THE SAVA Mr. EDWIN son on Monday Evening. Ja THE OXFORD HALL OF MUSIC AND aeeebs attractions for the Holidays. Houses fall The last t tion. 0 a Breas enti M BAYES, the great &t Orater f1 P. 1h . erent Stang ey Gane The great Comic Singer. M’MB MARZAT11 and MONS ANTONIO, The best Dancers in the World. The great Corps de Ballet, consisting of twelve beautiful young ladies, and twenty other Star performaners, FOX, CURRAN & MORRIS, Proprietors. _Ladies MATINBES every SATURDAY, and on BE SARE DAY, commencingat half past two le 27-1w FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Pp RES ENTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS T, POTENTINI, No. 279 Pennsylvania avenue, Has the pleature te announce to his numersus friends and patrons, that he has just received the most superb snd varied assortment of " FOREIGN CONFECTIONS, PRESERVES, &c., of his own importatioa, gonsisting in part of FRENCH OANDIES, GLACES, PRESERVES, BON BONS, &e. He would also cal) special attention to his un- Surpassed assortment of i FANOY OAKES, CANDIBS, &o. of his own mannfaeture, for which be challenges competition in manufacture and delicacy of Javor. PRIVATE PARTIES. UOMMITTERS, &0., are Hy requested to examine his increased er furnishing DINNERS, SUPPERS, &c.,at the shortest possible notice, to which he eet personal #:.pervision, baving now a CORPS OF COOKS AND WAITERS who are un- equalled in their line, Parties wisbing to send presents of Cakes and Confectionery to th friends in the ARMY, COUNTRY, or elsewhere, can have their orders premesiy, Sued: and immediately forwarded to eir des' ination His eamnlee RESTAURANT AND PRIVATE DINING ROOMS for ladies and gentiemen will be continued as heretofore. to which he would re- epectfullr cali the attention of Citizens and Stran- ger, where stall times meals are served at 9 few pa PIE: in the most recherche style, jee 20.2 _LEGANT HOLIDAY GIFTS, ALBUMS in every variety and style. Elegsnt Bound BOOKS, POETS. JUVENILES, &, BIBLES PRAY¥R BOOKS, HYMN BOOKS. &c, WRITING DESKS, WORK BOXES, DRESSING aongcco oops, CHILDREN’S GAMES, &e., GOLD pane AND PENCILS, FANCY STATION- Don’t forget to call SHEP Waae e a ey, de 15-2w Gorner 7th and D streets, SUrTAsaE if ht hha | FOR THE HOLI- PHOTOGRAPH ALBUMS, the atest variety in this city. ARTES DE VISITE OF Q£LEBRITIE Plain and colored. OPEBA GLASSES, FIEUD- GLASSES, FINE G OT s OLEB, PEB AND VIEWS, ETER. at the lowest EA eat a PRANKLIN & OO., Opticians, 244 Pa. ay,. between 12 h and 1th ate., and 388 Pa av., National Hotel Building, dee 20-tf '0 THE CATHOLIC CITIZENS OF WASHING. T TON, AND OTHEKS. a I bave again returned from the Northern cities witb the sargest apd finest stock of PRAYER BOOK, STATUARY, CROSBES, MEDALS, FINE ENGRAVINGS, with and without frames, ever of- fered in this ai¥y BOOKS JOR CHILDREN. and a variety of other articles suitable for presents, all of which will be sold at the lowest possible prices. ‘ M. D. RUSSELL, Bookseller and Btationer, _ dee 14-sjan 1 525 Beventh etreet. ATE DE FOURS DIES DE STRASBURG VEAU AUX PETITS POIS, VeéaU AUX TOMATES, BAU A LOBEILLE, DU PERIGORD AU NATUREL, kas) ot at ‘oo joo -For ssle by KING & BURCHRLL, de 14-12t Vermont avenue and i6th street REAT BARGAINS. Pri SUGABS. 19c, 2e and 2c. ' m BUCEW BRAT, GOLDEN SYRUP, only $1.20 | CURRAN TS aod RAISING ce Bran Paar tod EXTRA FLOUR rp cuca NgR Maar mh FLAVORING EXTRA! al Fi He For sale low. del5-10t* OTs 'BOURWON, WHEAT end RYS WHISKEY cice WINES, BRANDLES and SEGARS, 8. EVANS 487 sth st., bet: D and B. Ce R MASQUERADES, Fancy D: er iableses Priva’ beatcienle. ‘Re.. for dire and made to order. y 268 © street, be- a Neawn the now) ore GOURLAY & OURLANS. of address = be a R,B. id one tet parties Tg WASHINGTON. D. C. FRIDAY. DECEMBER 30. 1864. [PROM YESTERDAY'S THIRD EDITION.) The Operations before Wilmington OFFIGIAL REPORT OF ADMIRAL PORTER. caste eae The detailed report by Admiral Porter of the operations of the fleet in the attack upon Fort Fisher, has just been received at the Navy De- partment. It is dated U.S. Flag-ship Malvern, Dec. 26.—Admiral Porter says that he was in hopes he should have been able to present to the na- tion Fort Fisher and surrounding works as a Christmas offering, but he was sorry to say it has not been taken yet. He attacked it on the 21th inst, with the weight of his fleet. Previous to making the attack, a torpedo, on a large scale, with an amount of powder on board, supposed to be sufficient to explode the powder msgagine of the fort, was prepared with great careand placed under the command of Commander A.C. Rhind, who had associ- ated with him on this perilous service Lieut. G. W. Preston, Second Assistant Engineer A. J.E. Mullen, of the U.S. steamer Agawam, and Acting Master’s Mate Paul Boyden, and seven men. So much had been said and written about the terrible effects of gun powder in an ex- plosion that happened lately in England, that great results were expecied from this novel mode of msking war. Everything that in- genuity could desire was adopted to make the experiment & success. The yersel was brought round from Norfolk with great care, afd withont accident, in tow ofthe U.S. steamer Sassucus, Lieut. Com’r J. L. Davis, who directed his whole attention to tbe matter in hand, and though he experienced some bad weather and lost oneof his rudders, be took her safely into Beaufort, wheré we filled her up with powder ad perfected all the machinery for blowing her up. Admiral P. cays: “Gen. Butler had arrived atthe rendezvous before us, and 1 hastened matters all that I could, so that no unneces- sary delay might be laid to my charge. On the isth inst. I sailed from Beaufort, with all the monitors, New Irensides, and small vessels, including the Louisiana, de- signed asa blockaderunr’r, forthe rendezvous 20 miles east of New Inlet, N.C..and found all the larger vescels and transport assembled there; the wind blowing light trom the north- east, on the 30th a heavy gale set in from south- ‘west, and not being able to make a port with- out scattering all the vessels, I determined to ride it ont, which I did without any accident of any kind, except the loss of a few anchors, the monitors and all behaving beautifully. Only two vessels went to sea to ayoid the gale, and fared no better than those at anchor. The transports being short of water, pat into Beaufort, N. C., and were not suitable for Tiding out at anchor such heavy weather. After the southwester, the weather chopped around to the westward, and gave usa beau- t'ful epell of weather, which I could not af- ford to lose, and the transports with the troops not making their sppearance, I determined to take advantage of it, and attack Fort Fisher and its outworks.”” On the 234 Admiral Porter directed Com. Rhind to proceed and explode the vessel right under the walls of Fort Fisher, Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Saryey, having gone in at night and ascertained that we could place a vessel of seven feet draft on the edge of the beach. Lieut. R. H. Lamson, commanding Gettys- burg, volunteered to goin, in the ‘‘Wilder- nets,” Acting Master’ Henry Avery in com- mand, and tow the Louisiana into position, having assisted in the gale in taking care of the Louisiana after she and the Nansemond jhe vessel having her in tow) having lost all eir anchors. At half-past ten p.m. the powder vessel started in towards the bar, and was towed by the Wilderness until the embrasures at Fort Fisher was platoly in sight; the Wilderness then cast off, and the Lonisiana proceeded under steam until within two hundred yards from the besch and about four hundred yards from the fort. Commander Rhind anchored ber securely, and coolly went to work to make all his arrangements to blow her up—this he ‘wus ensbled to do owing to 3 blockade-ranner going right ahead of him, the forts making the blockade runner signals, which they also did to the Louisiana. The gallant party, after coolly making all their arrangements for the explosion, left the vessel, the last thing they did being to set her on fire under the cabin—then taking their boats they made their escape to the Wilder- ness, lying close by. The Wilderness et off shore, with good speed, to avoid all ill effects that might happen trom the explosion. At 45 minutes past one, of the morning of the 2th, the explosion took place, and the shock was nothing like sosevere a8 was expected. It shook the vessels somie, and broke one or twogiasees, but nothing more. At daylight of the 2ith the fleet got under way And stood in, in line of battle. At 11:30 a. m. the signal was made to engage the forts, the Ironsides leading, and the Monadrock, Canonicus, and Mahopac followed. The Iron- sides took her position in the most Beautiful and seamanlike manner, got her spring ont, and opened deliberate fire on the fort, which was firing at ber with all its guns, which did not seem numerous in the northeast face, though we counted what appeared to be 17 guns; but four or five of these were fired from that direction, and they were silenced almost as soon as the Ironsides opened her terrifi battery. & The Minnesota then took her position in bandeome style, and her guns, after getting the range, were fired with rapidity; while the Mobickon, Colorado and the large vessels marked on the plan got to their stations, all firing to cover themselves while anchoring. By the time the last of the large vessels an- chored and got their batteries intoplay but one or two guns of the enemy were fired, this feu d@’enfer driving them all to their bomb- proofs. The smali gunboats took effective positions and added their fire to that already begun, and other vessels dropped into position according to order, and the battle became general. In one hour and fifteen minutes after the firet ehot was fired not a shot came from the fort; two magazines had been blown up by our shells, and fort set on fire in several places, and euch a torrent of missiles were falling into and bursting over it, that it was impossible for anything human to stand it, Finding that the batteries were silenced com- pletely, Admiral P. directed the ships to keep up a moderate fire in hopes of attracting the at- tention of the transports, and bringing them in. Atsunget General Butler came in in his flag- pp with a few transports (the rest not having rrived from Beaufort ) - Being too late to do anythin; P. signalled the fleet to retire More, Aamiral moletted by the enemy. There were some mistakes made, Admiral Porter says. when the vessels went in to take position—his plan of battle being based on ac- curate calculations, and made from iuforma- tion to be relied on, was placed in the hands of each Commander, and it seemed impossible to go astray if it was strictly followed. Admiral Porter says he required those ves- eels that had not followed it closely, to get un- der way and assume their proper positions, which wae done prompily and without con- forion. The vessels were placed somewhat nearer to the worke, and were able to throw in shot and shell, which were before falling into the water. One or two of the leading vesseis having mace the mistake of anchoring too far off, caused those coming after them to commit a like error, but when they all got into place and commenced work in earnest, the shower of shell (one hundred and tifteen per minute) was irresistible. So quickly were the enemy’s guns silenced that not an officeror man was injured. He, however, has to report seven severe casual- ties by the bursting of 100-peunder Parrott canDon. The bursting of the guns, (six in all,) much disconcerted the crews of the vessels where the accidents bappened, and gave one and all a great distrust of the Parrott 100-poanders, and (as subsequent evénts proved) they were unfit for service, and calculated to kill more of oarown men than those of the enemy. Some of the vessels were strack once or twice. The Mackinaw had her boiler perfo- rated with @ balland 10or 12 persons were badly scalded. The Osceola was struck with a shell near her magszive, and was at one time in 4 sinkin condition; but her efficient commander stopped up the leak, while the Mackinaw fought out the battle potwithetanding the damage she Te. ceived. The Yantic was the only vessel that left the 10 Tepair dam: Commander Jobn Guest, at the last end of the line, showed his usual jntelligence in se- Jectipg his position and direatiog bis fire. Twice his guns cut down the Lng. Spat en the Mound Battery, and he silenced the guns there for the night toa safe anchorage, which they did without being tar. N&. 3,692. in a very short time, the Keystone State and the Quaker City ovo- operating effectively. Lieutenant Commander J. R. Davis, with both rudders disabled, got his vessel—the Sas- sacus—into close action, and assisted materi- ally in silencing the works, and the Santiago de Cuba and Fort Jackson took such positions as they could get—owing to other vefsels not forming proper lings and throwing them out of their places—and fought their guns well. The taking of a new position, while under fire, by the Brooklyn and Colorado was 8 beautitnl sight; and when they got into posi- tion, both vessels delivered a fire that nothing could withstand. The Brooklyn well sus- tained her proud name under her present com- mander, Captain James Alden; and the Colora- do gave evidence that her commander, H. K. Thatcher, fully understood the duties of his position. The Susquehannah was mosteffective in her fire, and was fortunate enough to obtain the right position, although much bothered by a vessel near her that had not found her right place. The Mohican went into battle gallantly, and fired repeatedly and with effect,and when the Powhatan, Ticonderoga and Shenandoah got into their positions they did good service, The Pautuxet fell handsomely into line and did godtl service with the rest, and the Van- derbilt took position near the Minnesota and threw in a splendid fire. The firing of the monitors were excellent, and when their shells struck, great damage was done; and the little gunboats that covered them kept up a fire sufficient to disconcert the enemy 8 aim. The rebels fired no more after the vessels all opened on them, excepting a few shots trom the mound and upper batteries, which the Iasco and consorts soon silenced. Our men were at work’at the guns five hours, and glad to get a little rest. They come cutof action with rather a contempt for rebel batteries, and anxious to renew the battle in the morning. On the 25th, Admiral P. says all the trans- orie bad arrived, and Gen. Butler sent Gen. eitzell tosee him and arrange the programme for the day. It was decided that we should attack the forts again, while the army landed and as- saulted them, if possible, under our heavy fire. - Seventeen gunboats were sent under com- mand of Captain O.S. Glisson to cover the troopsand assist with their boats in landing the coldiers. Finding the smaller vessels kept too far from the beach, which was quite bold, Admiral P. says he sent inthe Brooklyn toset them an example. To thisnumber were added all the emall vessels that were covering the coast, and finally he sent some eight or sine vessels, that were acling under Commander Guest, in endeavoring to find & way across the bar. This gave a hundred emall boats to land the troops with, besides those the army were already pro- vided with, about twenty more. At7a.m., on the 20th, he made signal to get under way and form in line of battle, which was quickly done. The order to attack was given, and the Iron- sides took position in her usual handsome style, the monitors following close after her. All the vessels followed accerding to order, and took position without a shot being fired at them, excepting a few shots fired at the four Tast vessels that got into line. The firing thie day was slow and only sufi- cient to amuee the enemy while the army Ianded, which they were doiag five miles to the east of the fleet. Admiral P. proceeds to say: “I suppose about three thousand men had landed, when I was notified they were re-em- barking. I could see our soldiers near the forts recennoitering and sharpshooting, and was in hopes that an assault was deemed practical. «General Wetzel in person was making ob- servations about 600 yards off, and the troops were In and around the works. One gallant officer, whose name I do not know, wenton the parapet and brought away the rebel fiag wehad knocked down. A soldier went into the works and Isd out a horse, killing the orderly mounted on him, and taking his dis- patches trom the body. « Another soldier fired bis musket into the bomb- proof among the rebels, and eight or ten others who had ventured near the forts were wonnded by our shells As the ammunition gave out, the veseels retired from action, and the iron-clads and Minnesota, Colorado and Susquehanna were ordered to open rapidly, which they did with such effect that 1t seemed to tear the works to pieces. We drew off at sunset, leaving theiron-clads to fire through the might, expecting the troops would attack in the morning when we would commence again. I received word from Gen’l Weitzel informing me that it was impractica- ble to aesanlt and herewith enclose a letter from General Butler assigning his reasons tor withdrawiug the troops. I also enclose my answer. Inthe bombardment of the 25th the men were engaged firing slowly for seven hours. The rebels kept a couple of guns on the upper bat- teries, firing on the vessels, hitting some of them several times without doing much dam- age eThe Wabash and Powhatan being within their yange, the object reemed mainly to dis- able them, but arapid fire soon closed them up. Everything was coolly and systemati- cally done throughout ihe day, and I witnessed some beautiful practice. The army commenced landing about three o’clock, Capt. Glisson, in the Santiago de Cuba. having sheiled Flag Road Battery, to ensure a eaie landing, and they commenced to re- embark about 5 o’clock, the Weather coming on thick and rainy. About a brigade were left on the beach during the night, covered by the gunboats. As our troops landed 65 rebel soldiers hoisted the white fiag and delivered themselves up, and were taken prisoners by the seamen land: ing the troops and conveyed to the Santiago de Cuba; 218 more gave themselves up to the reconnoitering party, all being desirous to quit the war. Idon’t pretend to put my opinion in oppo- sition to Gen. Weitzel, who is a thorough sol- dier and an able engineer, and whose basiness it is to know more of assaulting than I do, bat I can’t help thinking thatit was worth while to make the attempt after coming in so far, About 12 o’clock I sentin a detachment of double-endere, under Commander Jno. Guest, to see if I could effect an entrance through the channel. The great number of wrecksin and about the bar bas changea the whole formation, and where the original channel was we found a shallow bar. I sent Lieut. W. B. Cushing in to sound and buoy outachannel if he could find one, with orders to Commander Guest to drag for torpe- does, and be ready to run in by the channel when ordered. One boat belonging to the Tacony was sunk by a-shel), and a man had hie leg cut off, still they stuck to their work until ordered to with- draw for other duty. In conelusion allow me to draw your atten- tion to the conduct of Commander Rhind and Lie utenant Preston. They engaged in the most perilons adventure that was perhaps ever undertaken, and thongh no material results have taken place trom the explosion that we know of, still it was not their fanit. As anin- centive to others I beg leave to recommend them for promotion. Also taatof Lientenant R. H. Samson, who piloted them in and brought them off. No one in the squadron considered that their lives would be sayed, and Captain Rnind and Lieut. Preston had made an arrangement to sacrifice themeelves in case the vessel was boarded, a thing likely to eennen Iappend herewith the report of Capt. names of the gallant fellows who volunteered for this desperate service. Allow me to mention also the name of Mr. Bradiord, of the Uoast Survey, who went in and sounded out the place where the Louisiana ‘was to go, and has alwnys jently performed any duty be hae been called upon to carry out. My thanks are due to Lieut.Com. R. R. Breeze, Fleet Captain, for carrying out my orders to the fleet during the action, and for general ueefulness; to Lieut. Com.H.A. Adams, for his promptness in gopplying the fleet with ammunition; Lieut. M. A. Sanders, Signal Officer, whose whole time was occupied in making signals, performed his duty well; and my Aides, Lieut. S. W. Perry and at.S W. Preston, afforded me valuable assistance, I have not yet received a list of the casnal- ties, but 1 believe they are very few from the enemy’s guns. We bad kill and wounded about 45 persons by the bursting of the Parrott guns. 1 must not forget to pay 8 tribute to the offi. onitors : Riding out cers and crews of the heavy gales on an open coast without mur. muripg or complain: of the want of com- forts which must have been very serious, they have shown 8 degree of fortitude and perse yerance seldom witnessed. nally brave in battle they take the closest work with pleasure, and the effect of their shells is 1 ic. The following are the names of their commande! and 1 hope I shallever keep them under es) hind, with the | command: Commodore E. 8. Parrott, com- manding the Monadnock; Commodore E. R. Calhoun, commanding the Sangus; Lt. Uom- mander Geo. S. Belknap, commanding the Canonicus; Lt Commander E. E. Potter, com- manding the Mahopac. “There are about J,0CO men left on shore by the army, who bave not been got off yet on ac- count of the surf and the beach. They will be got off in the morning, and the soldiers will be sent home.” (These men were subsequently got off safe. ly.—Ep. Star.) Accompanying Admiral Porter's report is the following coirespondence between himseir and Gen. Butler, alluded to in hie report: LETTER OF GANERAL BUTLER TO ADMIRAL PORTER. HEADQUARTERS DRPARTMENT VIRGINIA AnD NortB CaroLina, Dec, 25 —Aamiral:— Upon landing the troops and making a thor- - ough reconnoissance of Fort Fisher, both Gen. Weitzel and myselfare Faliy-of the opinion tha: the place could not be carried by assault, as it was left subs antially uninjured as a defensive work by the navy fire. We found seventeen guns protected by traverses, two only of whieh were dismounted, bearing up the beach and covering a strip of land, the praciicabie route, not more than wide enongh for s thousand men in Jine of battle. Having captured Flag Pond Hill Battery, the garrison of which,tixty fivemen andtwe come missioned officers, were taxen off by the navy, we also captured Half Moon Battery and sey- en officers andtwo hundred and eighteen men of the 3d North Carolina Junior Reserves, in- cluding its commander, from whom I learned that a portion of Hoke’s division, consisting of Kirkland’ d Haygood’s brigades, had been sent from the lines before Richmond on Tues-- day last, arriving at Wilmington Friday night, General Weitzel advanced his skirmish line Within fifty yards of the fort, while the garri- £0p was kept in their bomb proofs by the fire of the navy, and so closely that three or four men of the picket line ventured upon the par- apetand through the agriyport of the work, capturing a horse, which they brought off, kil- ling the orderly, who was the bearer of a des- patch from chief of artillery of Gen’! Whiting, to bring a light battery within the fort, and aleo EIOUERE away from the parapet the flag of the ‘ort. This was done while the shells of the navy were falling about the heads of the daring men who entered the work, and it was evident, as soon as the fire of the navy ceased because of the darkness, thatthe fort was fully manned again and opened with grape and cannister upon our picket line. Finding that nothing but the operations of a regular siege, which did notcome within my imstructions. would reduee the fort, And in view of the threatening aspect of the weather, wind arising from the southeast, rendermg it impessible to make further landing through the surf, I caused the troops with their pris- oners to re-embark, and see nothing farther that can be done by the Jand forces. I shall therefore sail for Hampton Roads as soon as the transport fleet can be got in order. ‘The engineers and officers report Fort Fisher to me as substantially uninjured asa defensive work. I have the honor to be, very respectfally, yourobedientservant, Bans. F. Bercer, Major General Commanding. Te Rear Admiral Porter, Commanding N. A. Blockading Squadron. ADMIRAL PORTER’S REPLY. NorTH ATLANTIC SquapRon, U. 8. Frac- snip MALVERN, Off New Inlet, Dec. 26, 1564.— General: I beg leave to acknowledge the re- ceipt of your letter of this date, the substance of which was communicated tome by General Weitzel last night. I have ordered the largest vessels to proceed off Beaufort, and fill up with ammunition, to -be ready for another attack, in case it is de- cided to proceed with this matter by making other arrangements. ; z We have not commeneed firing rapidly yet, and could keep any rebels inside from show- ing their heads untilan niting colamn was within twenty yards of the works. I wish some more of your gallant fellows had followed the officer who took the flag from the arapet, and the brave fellow who breughtthe « horse out from the fort. I think they would have found it an easier conquest than is sup-= jo8ed. *. 2 I do not desire, however, to place my opin- ion in opposition to General Weitzel, whom I know to be an accomplished soldier and en- gineer, and whose opinion has great weight with me. I will look out that the troops are all off in safety. We will have a west wind presently, and &smooth beach abput 3 o’clock, when suf- ficient boats will be sent tor them. ‘The prisoners now on board the Santiago de Cuba will be delivered to the provost marshal at Fortress Monroe, aniees you wish to take them on board one of the transports, which would be inconvenient just now. I remain, General, respectfully, your obe- dient servant, Davin D. Portsr, Rear Admiral. To Major General B. F. BUTLER, command- ing, &c., &e. NEWS FROM REBEL SOURCES, —— The Situation in Georgia. {The Savannah Republican of December 20, the last mumber issued while the rebels were in possession of that city, contains the follow- ing interesting letter from the rebel capital:) RICHMOND, . 7.—I have not written you regularly for some time past, because there was little to communicate, and because the situation in Georgia occupied all minds, and filled all hearts with apprehension. The weather has been bright and and dry, and suches one seldom finds any where elee at this season of the year, and which is known here asthe Indian summer. But it is now raining, with eyery prospect ofa continuance of wet weather for some days to come. We learn by telegraph that it is raining in North Carolina and South Carolina, and, indeed, all the way from here to Georgia. While Grant has not been altogether idle, he has undertaken no moyement that looked to an early resumption of hostilities. The daeh againet Stony Creek aepot by afew hundred Federal cavalry, and the destruction of tha buildings and a few supplies at that place was an exception enterprise, and had no gon- nection with an general movement. Of the same character was the attack upon the bat- tery at the Howlitt House, by three monitors and 85 many batteries on the north side of the James. These demonstrations were made, doubtless to prevent Lee from sending rein- forcements to Georgia, and perhaps to ascer- tain whether any movement of troeps to the South was being madé. ‘They have been ac- cepted here, however, especially by the news- papers, as indication ofarenewal of the attack against our lines. The organization of all the negr) troops m the Federal army into a dis- tinct corps under General Weitzel, and the consequent shifting of bodies of men from one part of the lines to another, though made with- out hostile intent, and with no other purpose than here alluded to, baye also served to strengthen the belief that Grant was preparing for offensive measures. Asformyself,I know of no foundation for such a belief. That fresh instalments of troops from the . valley have reachédthe James, is not improb- able; though there is more reasou to believe that they have been sent fo the coast of South Carolina and Georgia to co-operate with Sher- man. If Grant is of the opinion, however, that any considerable body of men has been sent from Richmond to Georgia, of course he may avail himself of the circumstance and reeom- mence hostilities, ecially if he can procure reinforcements from Sheridan. It well known that the latter, in pursuance of his plan. of campaign in the valley, has septa heavy column across the Blue Ridge into Londoun and Fauquier counties, to devastate that pic- turesqne and fruitful region, and to render it impossible for Early to subsist hisarmy either in the yalley or the Piedmont district, 1t is not to the Potomay, therefore, that the enemy looks tor protection of his capital, not the troops who follow the banner of Sheridan, butto he ‘‘barren waste,” the wide, black deeert, which the’Federal incendiaries have made on the Shenadoah and ond the Rap. poseencce: ‘When their diabolical worm shal’ fave been completed it willbe impossible to support a Contederate army on the Potomac, and then the major partofthe vandals who Baye binsted that lovely district may be sent to other fields to renew their devilish work. Meantima the troops on both sides near Richmond ahd Petersburg have been engaged for some time in the work of preparing winter quarters. Lee’s army is in good spirits and guite strong enough for Grant's present force. The men are not discouraged in the least, and ‘Were never more firm in the resolution te- win Ngee indeaencence or perish in the at< tempt It is reported that the Committee on Military Affaifs in the House of Representatives have Agreed upon a bill for the increase of the army, It is said tnat all local preachers not exercising pastoral care by regularappointment oversome church, and all physicians who have not been practising tor ten years; if able and within can- scripting age, will be required to perform Lawpat duty. There is an additionay pro. vision in regard to physicians under forty-five, who are exempted, which relates:to the fees that may be charged by them for professional eervices. : Many ministers of the Gospel took an active artin the Secession movement, and it seems lo be the opinion of the committee that thould be required to practice their own pre- cepts, and show their faith by their works, Editors, printers, snd presamen are left ; ting law; bat all they were under the i employes about newspaper officer, such as re- + tere, bookk and if under © orty-five, will be sent to the field. The bill ' will be reported to-day, probably, or to-mor. ‘ Tow, when we shall know what are ite pro- Melgess in regard to farmers, mechan. ica, &e. ‘