The New York Herald Newspaper, May 28, 1859, Page 12

10 ThE STREET COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE. | ee ~—_— interesting Sketch, of its Past and Present Condition—Accoant of the Work now in Progrsss, and that in a State of Forward- ness, viz, the Improvement on Diamond Reef, the Bulléing of the Sew Tompkins Market, City Hall, Wtiening of Beckman Sureet, Building of ® Steam Fire Engine House in the Prick, d&e., &e. jbe Street Department has charge of street improve ments, wharves and slips, roads and s'yenues, public ands end p!sces, Inmps and gas, constroction and repairs ef public buildin, supplies to public offices, expendi. ‘ures for fro apparatus, removal of encumbrances and wbsiructions from streets and he rbor, and the collection ‘of nescesmente. It will be seen at the first glance that the department of a city government having such a multipli- sity of bureaus under one ‘ead, in a city like New York, of considerable is cae importance. In the prin- sipal office, besides the Street Commissioner aod bis deputy, there are ten clerks, five inspectors and three messengers. There are nine ge- parate bureaus J: the department, in each of which there ‘ie a soperinter.dent or officer in charge, besides neces” sary clevks and sub-inepectors. The discharge of ‘the immenge an’ varied buginess of the department, involy- ing an anv ual expenditure of about three millions of dol- Mas, uly ting, as it does, nearly every interest in the city, and being intimately connected with other depart- mente, and largely doperdent upon the Common Council, Fequit’ os to be conducted with method and system, as weil as eH ct adberence to law. The difliculties im this de~ Part mert in the Conover and Deviin case as to their ro BP ctive title tooMce, which resulted in eo much litiga, 7 pn in cur Iw courts, are still fresh in the memory of our © aadere; but ail this was altended with much embarrass, ment and expenge to the taxpayers of this city. On the 28th of Apri}, 1858, Edward Cooper took barge of the de partmeet. The bueiness at that time was in a state of con fusion and disorder bordering on chaes; the result in point of defective laws, of ignorance and neglect, and .of designing fraud, and, im fact, owing, no dou! A, w the circumstance that for six months or more there had been no recognised Street Commissioner, and pa sorsily very little business done regularly by the de- P sriment during that time, It was found that the amount © Lofiice room was wholiy inadequate for the accommoda- ‘hon of the officers and clerks of the several bureaus, and for the proper preeervation of the valuable records of the Gepertmont. Notwithstanding the fact that there were ten separate bureaus in this department, hundreds of ap plications in reference to details of unimportant routine ueinces, properly belonging to the diflerent bureaus, were Yronght caily direct to the Street Commissioner. Among other things were a large number of bills—some of thom ef doubtful authenticity—for work done or supplies fur- ished during the time that the oflice was contested, near- 3y ail of which were, on examination, irregular—some efraudulent—the whole amounting to more toan one hun- dred and fifty thousand dollars. Most of these claimants, was well as otber persons baving business with this de- partment, insisted upon eecing the Street Commissioner, ‘and discursing, day after day, their especial griey- ances. There were sometbing like one bundred and fifty contracts for street improvements, involving Jarge interests to property holders, contractors and the ity, Jbe Corporation acting as trustee, wiih limited powers. These contracts, with scarcely an exception | were found to be irregular; very many of them illegal, and some fraudulent. The routine business of the de partment had been in part allowed to le over, and caue crow’ ing into the office. In this etate of affairs the Street Oommirsioner (Mr, Cooper) at once recognized the fleces- sity of @ radical change in the whole department, He adepted arystem of accounts for the transaction of al) mew business of the office, and at the same time com- menced collectng information fiom every available gource in reference to the exiting condition of the works and accounts, by contracts or otherwise, which had been for ycars in progrese, and were still lying unseitied, ‘New ordinances for the government and protection of the Gepartment were prepared, and every effurt was made to establish the whole business upon a proper and secure basis. Mach bad been done towards the ascom- plishment cf this work before Mr, Cooper retired from tao Office. Afier a series of difficulties caused by matilated records and au imperfect manner in keeping accounts, the cifficulty bas been overcome in a measure; but it cannot be entirely until certein important changes are made io the city cbarter and laws. Anew system was adopted for the transaction of business and keeping of ac- ‘counts and vouchers, £0 8 to prove asafeguard to the city, No payments are made by this department ; nei- ‘her the Street Commiseiocer nor the officers of the de- patiment disbarte any of the public money, with the ex- ception of the chief clerk, who haga small account of portage snd other minor contingencies, which cannot by apy means be dispensed with. After tbe Devlin and OoLorer imbrogiio, ano the newly appointed Street Com- Fomeioner med his official functions, the contracts ‘were made in a book of printed forma, the blanks lett for being flied with figures only, instead ef being, as formerly, written out In words. These figures in the former Books bad evidently, in very many cases, alered; and in Do cage, for eeveral ears back, Were any of the contracts signed y the Street Commissioner, The contractors, it wes underetood, were not furnizhed with copies of their sontracts, and in some cases they signed the book as they were told to do, without really kuowing what sort of en ingirumen: they were signing. Under the preseat sye- tem al! contracts are made in triplicate, all pricee and smounts are written out in full, and eacn of the triplicates is wigned both by tbe Street Commissioner and contrac- tor, Que of these original contra:ts i then tranemitted to the Comptroller, to form a check upon his payment; one is filed in the Street Commissioner's office, end the third is 2 contractor,F0 that he may always have before ms and ep fications for his work. A certi- aso filed in the office of the bureau having uperintentence of the work. Monthly reports ed of ail the euperintendents, stating the amount ‘work done, or supplies furnished, and the cost ount of the appropriations in each ease, what in expended aad the balay on hand; wogether with Breton mukiwg an exbibitof u. the puouc property in hor posseesion, besides having the books by compe- tent men, to as to show the exact condition of the depart. meni at aglance. With asystem properly carried out, as we have exhibited, it cannot fail to work eatisfactorily 2Jers of our city, aud with credit and honor b titation, and co After Mr. Cooper retired from office, ith, bis able and efficient deputy, was chosen to, the head of the depurtment. This gentieman nad formerly been con nected with the Uuued States Topographical Engineer Corps, and bis fitness and ability to fil the office was not for a moment questioned. Shortly afver Mr. Smith azsum- ed the control of the department his heslih failed, and he was obliged to leave the city on atour for the bene‘it Of bis health, and has not yet returned. During his ab. Bence, the elitire management of the aifairs of the depart- ment bas devolved upon his a: Capt. Mans dela Lovell, formerly connected with the United States Army, aud more especially koown as the Aasistant Adjutant General of Genera! Quitman’s brigade during the war with Mexico. It is but an act of justice to state that this entieman gerved a long time in the regular army of the Inited States, and had many accounts with the head of the War Department, at Washington, and resigned his Commission to aseume the walks of civil life, having first discharged his reeponeibilities to the deparuneat with which he had been connected. A few months ago the business of the office was transferred from the dingy aud inadequate apartments in the Hall of Records to the more spacious and fireproof quarters in Park row, where the business is now conducted. Ample accommodations now «njoyed by the beads of the different bureau ‘the old nuisance of allowing log rollers, contractoi hangers on to lounge around the office has been entirely ispenzed with, and the business is now conducted the Same as at apy merchant’s counting room. In a depart- ment of the magnitude of this, it will not probably be w interesting to know the work which it has now in progreas or under advisement, and we therefore make the follow- ing exhibit: — IN WS2—HOUSE FOR ENGINE COMPANY NO, 15, House tor Eugine Company No. 15, situated at No. 284 ‘Weat Thirty sixuh street. fhe puilding is to be of the best quality of North river bard burnt brick, three stories im height, and to be fitted in the best manner, at a cost of NEW TOMPKINS MARKET, The alterations and advitions to tho new Tompking market, now in course of erection on Third avenue, Detween Sixth and Seventh streets, At toe time woon the present head of the Sireet Department came into office, it was discovered that at the rave and in ihe manner the contractor was doing the work, the new mar. ket wouia probably share the fate of the new State Arse- bal, and it was deemed advisable to stop the work at once, untl some material alterations were made in the original Plan. In cog this a supplementary contract had to be made, and bids reccived for the finishing of the work in ® proper manner. These bide were closed on the 28th of April last, when Mr. Theodore Hunt, the original coatrac- tor, was found to be the lowest bidder, and the coatract wee awarded to him, and now awaits the confirmation of ‘the Common Council, after which the work will be pushed on to completion. The amount of security required from the bidder for the iron work was $26 000; for the mason ‘aud carpenters’ work, $14 000: for the roof, $10,000; and for the irst tory floor $5,000." During the last winter the Legielatare appropriated $200,000 to complete this work bat that amount is too small ‘by $15,000 or $20,000; the work on the bui'ding, however, will snortly be resume! Third, The expense for the alterations now guing on in the upper toor of the Hall of Recwrag in throwing the Comptrolier’s old and Strect Commie? sioner’s offices into one, for the rcoommodation of the fox, mer officer, is estimated at $8 009; wnen completed the ‘fice will be ample ant commodious’ Tor the tele recpes of the Grancial records of the city, and not be Bunjected to be overhauled or defaced az und or tho Fiaggoniao tem. The repairs will bo ted witnin titee weeks, WORK FOR WHICHJPROPOSALS HAVE neey 1 : In Novem ber, 1858, the Aldermen passed tution authorizing the Street Commissioner to adverts for Dro. 18 9nd cont,vact for the eraction ofa new polica station ‘efor the for. ¢ of the Fificentn precinct on the ste cupied by use-present station house, and alen for pow Duildive a prison anc! Jodging house in the rear of thy sams | J NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 28, 1859.—TRIPLE SHEET. >. read; the lowest bid was | est, mates to be made of the cost for varie, webli spened and Sulldings are” three stories bilo works, and for ‘no by oral ey ref pout, dwelling houses; they iy construction of Sew buildings for the Fire 40”, Police in helght, and were altarad from hey Te aorces eines near Amity, and oan we ra Cre is aitached to the southerly Dull ing is to be taken down, and the old rubbish and Matsrial to be removed. The new station house, priton and lodging house will be four stories in height, and bruilt of brick, io ‘a good eubstantial manner. The entire main nalgingeare torbe ‘extended thirteen feet, making Use whole building, when Saute fifty-five feet deep and forty-three feet wide, front and rear, ‘A new station, prison and lodging house will be erected on lot No. 9 Oak street, for the use of the Fourth precinct police. The sum of $12,000 was aypropriated for this pur- ¢. The buildings will be built of brick, four stories tn Peight; the outer walls will be built of the best quality Kipp’s Bay quarried stove up to the first tier of beams; the partition walls im the cellar of the main build ing Will consist of piers and arches. The founda- tion of the prison walle, will consist of a base course of stone not less than ‘wo by three feet, and six inches thick, laid crorswise the wall. The base of the prison wall will be three feet below the surface of the prison yard. The ceiling of the first story of the prigon building and the floor of the gecond will be formed of blue stone, De ents. Tue Legislature, Te the’ estimates to the amount of $142,000, and a” ee ‘was bearly the whole amount wanted to “an the Bloom- py Hee earn legislators. Frys of ve tales = re 5 bul ‘educed the sum ask Tor to duch a degree that the work gtuce ‘on for present, The rey to the “Mayor's -office have just en completed under the dir ection of this department; and at present workmen aro employed in raising the rade of tho principal pat’, in front » incing aval ihereone og Oly a by This department is + 4 9 groat d subservient to the Common Council, 8”,4 especially to the Board of Alder- men, who have to ‘enforce all contracts before the Street Depanee) cad progress; and since tne chances for iene here have been cut off, the Aldermen move ng at anal) pace in the discharge of their dutics. City Intelligence, New ‘/ork Prison Association.—The Executive Commit- tee of he above association held their stated monthly meeting last evening at the residence of John H. Griscom, M."D., No. 42 East Twenty-ninth street, Present—Dr. not Jess than four inches thick, the joints to be filled or ceulked with lead, and the whole mada water tight. Tho frames of the cell doors will be made of iron bars, three- quarters of an inch equare, and crosged with bars’ three- quarters Dy one-quarter of an inch, the horizontal bars six inches apart. Tbe bolts and locks for the same will be of the most approved kin A vew brick police station house will aleo be built tu na) Nineteenth Exact. ie which purpose the sum, of 000 hus been appropriated. On the 20mm. of april, 1867, the Board of Alformen passed a resolution, which was approved by the Muyor, to advertise for proposa!s for building an extension, two steries in hetgnt, on the eastern side of Centre market. To carry tho work forward the sum of $11,000 was m- eerted in the tax levy of 1859, which was passed at the last session of the Legislature; se that tne work will soon be commence’. Tho front and rear wails of the part of the market frouting en Grand street will be strongly braced with long timbers; the second story floor to Be raised up with screws, and to be sup. ported when up with eight inch plated cast iron columns, With fancy cays, plas end ehoes Under each of the abeve columns in the basement, where there is no wall, there will be columpe as above, supported on a base stone, four feet by four teet, and ten inches thick, weil bedded twelve inches below the basement floor, and to have a stone two feet square on the top of said stone eight inches think, well bedded in cement; to have eight inch cut biue stove two feet long, well bedded im cement on the top of wails, to rest the columns on where the walls willanswer. After the second story floor is properly secured, the front ‘and rcar wal's are to be brought ioto their place, and well avcbored with long wrought iron auchors, tecured to the girders in the best manner, To cut out the window open- Inge and make good the brickwork, for doorways through the east wall for entrances, from present building to the DeW addition, apd build up ail openings in said wail where the windows are to be taken out in the second story, a large opening wil be made, ehown on the plan‘of second story, from the present E guth Regiment drill room to the Dew rom, and io have @ cast iron lintel over the same seventeen feet long; algo, to cut out and arch the opanings in the second etory, berween the Seventy-tiret Regiment drill room end the committee rooms on the Broome street fide, and between the room of the Sixth Regiment. The walls will be of the best brick, and the general plan mace to conform to the style of the present building. Al the portions and walls between tho Seventy-first and Sixth regiments will be taken down, and the poitione of the committee rooms of former regi mept; the old cupola is to be demolished and the inte- rior of the *bole building lathed, plastered and painted The old sheds on the east side of the market building are aio to be removed. HOUSE FOR HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY NO. 9. Anew bouse wii! be built for Hook and Ladder Company No. 9on the site purchaced for that purpose, at No. 119 Fast Twenty eighth street. The building wili be built of brick, three stories in height, to be constructed in the best man ner, with gas and plumbing work and other modera im- provements; the whole at a cost of about $4,500. STEAM FIRE ENGINE HOUSE IN THE PARK. A new brick building, two stories im height, will be erected in the Park, iu the rear of the Hall of Records, fronting on Centre strect, to answer the requirements of a tewporary location for the three steam fire engines re- cently built for the Corporation. The building will bo constructed of the best materials, cornices of the win- dows to be of ornamental brown stone, and the edifice fitted throughout with ges, smoke pipes, water pipes, agh pans and oiler necesazary improvements. The cost of the building will be $6,000, THE BATTERY ENLARGEMENT. Nothing can be done towards completing the Battery en- largement unts! certain legal restrictions ure vacated. The onginel contractor to do the work is a man by the nameof Concklia, He sold bis interest to George Law, aud the latter claims Leavy damages for work done. Georgo 13 evidently bourd to maka a good epecuiation out of the job if he can, In the meantime the once beautiful Battery re- mains in a sbocking bad condition, where decent people are loth to go. The enlargement of Battery place is in procese of completion; workmen are daily enguged in cut- tivg down trees and setting the old iron fence back to the new boundary line. THE BLASTING OF DIAMOND REEF. Mesers. Husted & Kreolil, the contractors for removing this dangerous reef, in proximity to Governor's Island, have the job wbout three fourths completed. They com: menced the work last summer, and continued to operate until the winter set in, when they were obliged to suapend operations. They expect to get to work again ina few days, and push the job to completion. When finished, there wili be twenty-five feet of water on the reef at low tide, ‘THE PXTENSION OF BEEKMAN STREFT ACROSS THE PARK. The boundaries for this work bave already been staked out, and wilt be commenced in afew daye. Within tho boundaries are some of the finest trees in the Parl, which will necesearily have to be felled. D tle street if ex- tended there will be an uninterrupted communication from Robinson street across Broadway and the Park to Beekmaz street, and thence to the East river. The new street will be forty feet wide. No particular etyle of pavement has yet been agreed por with which to pave the new street. LIST OF WORK NOW UNDER CONTRACT. Regulating 8th ave., between 59th and 82d sta. Regulate and grace 80th at., between 3d and bth ayes. Regulate and grade 60th st., between 3d ave. and East river. Regulate and flag 86th et., between 3d ave. and East river. Regulate and grade 11th ave., between 48th and 59th sts. Regulate and grade Sth ave., between 114th and 125th streets. Grade and curb and gutter 89th st., between 4th and Sth aves. + Quib and gutter and flag sidewalks, 86th t., between Od av., and East river. Regulate, grade, curb and gutter and flag 84th st., be- tween 8th ave. and Broadway. Regulate and grade 44th et., between Ist and 3d aves. Regulate and grade 58th st., between 8th and 9th aves, Regulate 56th et., between 3d av. aud East river. Grace, curb, gutuer and flag 61st st., between 6th and 8th aves. Regulate 50th et., between Sth and Lexington aves. Regulate and grade 62d st., between B’dway and 6th ay. Regulate 55:b st., between 6ch and 7th aves. Regulate and grade 62d et, between 4th ave and East river. Regulate, curb and gutter 57th st., between 8th and 11th aves. + Regulate and grado 4th ave. , betwoen 71st and 79th sts. Regulate, curb. gutter ond flag 56th et., between Broad- and 6th ave. Regulate, curb, grade and flag 57th st., between lat ave. and host river, Regulate and grade 56th et., between 4th and 5th aves, Regulate, curb and gutter and fig Sth ave., between 49th and Gist sts. Regulate, grade, curb and gutter 40th st., between let and 2d aves. Regulate and grade 55th at., between 3d and Sth and 7th and 8th eves, Curb and gutter and flag 434 at., between 3d and Sth avenues. Regulate, grade, curb, gutter and@flag 5th ave., betweoa 6lst and Serb ete, Lay ing out parks, 4th aye, between 34th and 8th sts, Regulate, grade, curb and gutter, flag 434 st., between ‘6th and 10ib aves. Filling sunken lot, $18 and 484 ets., between 10th and 11th aves. Flagging sidewalks, 40th st., between Sth ave. and Hud- son river. Z Flagging sidewalks, 4ist st., between Sth aud lth aver. Curb and gutter 52d st., between 10th and 11th aves, Fiag northeast corner of King and Varick sts. Regulate and grade Lexington aye., between 57th and 66th ste Flag sidewalks of 31st st. 100 feet east of the same, and flag sidewalks of Lexington ave., between 334 anc Sith Bis. Altering the grade of Mulberry street south of Canal. Reguiade und grade 9th ave., between 45th and 64th ts. Flagging the new Bowery between Chatham equare and Peck Bip. Reguisting 93d street, between 24 and 4th eves. Regulate and grade 117th st., between 3d ave, and ayo. Regulate, grade, curb and gutter 130th st., between Sd ‘and 4th aves, Regulate and grade 62d st., between 8th and 9th aves. Curb aud gutter and flag 2d ave., between 77th apd 86th ats, Fiagging 17th et. , between 8th and 9th avs. ing Bast 17\h st, between avenues A and B. Regulauing and grading 10th ay., between 6410 wt. aol miogdale road, Regulating, grading, curbing and guttering 39th st., be- tween let and 2d avs, Grading dd av., between 86th and 110th sts. Flogging 25th at., between Sd and 4th avs. Repairing sidewalke in West 32d st., in front of No. 32 Flagging sidows ke in East 12th et., from No. 19 to tho corner of University place. Flageing sidewalks on east side of 84 ay., between 421 and 44h aa, ; Flogging tidewalke on weat ide of 3d ay. ‘ane ‘e. ie v., betwoen 43 * Flagging eldewalke in 34th st., between 24 and 4th avs. Flagging, curbing and guttering 39th st., between 24 and od Ch peer -_ Flogging Lexington av. ween 83d and Sith ats. Flagging north eide 20th et., between Ist and 24 avs, Flagging sidewalks in Varick st., infront of Nos. 184, 190, Flogping sidewalks in University place, in front of No 55. Flagging sidewalks in University place, from No. 72 to corver 12th et. Regulating and grading 9th ay., from 53d to 64th et. Several of the above aro pew contracta, which bays been let out during last fali and this spring, the awards Le which have not yet been confirmed by the Common ouncil, WORK LN CONTEMPLATION, Repatrs to City Hall... Station hovee 4, Eideldge st. Lad ter Co, Noll, 4,900 3,000 remixer. In accoro:*nce with thie resolution, pronenve Were received until MAY 12tn inscant, waen ther were nnoD ed careful 1 to the Cd Commissioner vst G'eiscom, Chairman; Richard Reed, Israel Russell, John A. Bryan, Stephen Cutter, Henry A. Oakley and James C. Holden, The Treasurer's report acknowledges the re- ceipt of thefollowing contributions tothe funds since their Jost meeting:—Otis D, Swan, $10; J. & A. Petrie & C., $16; D. Moran, $5; Mitchell & Pott, $10; C. H. Sand, $10; J. Sturges, $10; 8.’G. Bogert, $5; C, Burkhalter, $5; Grant & Barton, $5;J. L. Scbicffelin, $5; Babcock & Milner, $5; Haekell & Co., $5; J. Messenger, $5; R.S, Williams, $5; Walsh & Con'ter, $5; B. M. Whitlock, $5; Casn,’ $2; Frederick ©. Gebhard, $5; W. H. Aspinwall, $25; 0. N: Talbot, $25; Dancan, Sherman & Co., $25. After the trap- faction of the ordinary businves, the agent of the Discharg- ed ConFict and the Detention Committees submitted his diaries, which showed the following to have been their operations during the last month :— Persons visited in our city prigons, nearly. Comp\aints caretully examined... Complaints discontinved on their advi Persons discbarged from custody on their recommenda- Diecharged convicts and others aided with money... Persous supplied with clothing Otecceces Discharged pereous furniehed with employment....... 18 Letters cf pecuttar interest have been received by the Assccia\ion, clearly showing that a large proportion of thore diecbarged from our penal inatitutions are susceptl- Die of permanent reformation. To develope more fully the philanthropic objects of the Association, increased patron- age ond eupport te earnestly solicited. Contributi a douations will be thankfully acknowledged by their urer, Henry A. Ookley, Esq., No. 64 Wall street. Parcels of clothing, shoes, caps, and ‘useful aud appropriate books, especially on temperano, will be gratefully received by the agent, Abratam Beal, at their office, No. 15 Centre street, corner Chambers. Fire ws West Tamty rir Suirer —Shortly after three o'clock on Friday afternoon a fire broke out in the irov railing manufactory of John Kennedy, 120 West Tairty- fifth etreet. It originated on the third floor of the rear building, and was caused by the carelessness of one of tae workineh in the pattern shop. The firemen were prompt- ly at the premises, but before the flames were subdued the stock! was damaged to the extent of $1,200 by fire and water. No insurance. The buiiding is owaed by Migs Baidwin, It is damaged about $400, and is ingured in the Rutgers’ Insurance Company for $1,500. TesMmMONIAL FoR SxuTH O’BRIEN.—The Thomas Francis Meagher Club of this city will present Mr. O’Brien to day with a beautiful cave made of Mount Vernon hickory, aud mounted with a massive gold bead, with the following inscription:—‘Pregented to William Smith OBrien by the T F. Meagher Club of New York (organized in 1848), May 28, 1559.”” : Ton Comrany Natiovat. Gvarn.—This excellent com- pany, under the command of Captain James Price, and accompanied by the National Guard band, will make an afternoon parade next Tuesday, in commemoration of the eleventh anniversary of their present captais’s command of this company. Ih the evening the corpe will give a grand dinner ai the Met: opolitan Hotel. Dog Siesunc.—A number of worthless individuals make a living in this city by stealing valuable dogs and selling them to canine fanciers in this and other cities, waking quite a lucrative busicess thereby. Yesterday alte:noon there wag a case before the magistrate at the Essex Market Police Court, where a notorious dog thief was up for stealing a valuable black and tan dog, bus he was let off under the mistaken idea that a dog Property. The dog was, bowever, returned to his rightful owner, but the thief escaped punishment. Why ghoul | bot # thief be punished as much for stealing a dog work $100 ss he would be for etealing a horse worth thar amount? Is the crime any the less? Unrounpen CHarGe.—The cbarge recently made against Mr. C. E. Whitehead by purties enpnected with the Me- chanics’ Fire Insurance Company—a notice of which ap- peared in the Heratp of the 20th—was immediately dis- miseed by Justice Welsh at the hearing on the reading of the complainant’s papers, Sr. Nicnonas Hore, May 27, 1859, Roneerr Bowser, Fea. — Dear Sk:—The cffer you have made me to edit a chess department in the New York Ledger 18 80 exceedingly liberal thatI do mot feel at liberty to decline it. I will commence my contributions some time during the moath of June next, and ehail furnish chess matter to no other newspaper. Yours, truly, PAUL MORPHY. Wiilamsburg City News. Mriaxcnory Srram—A young man named Andrew B. Richardgon, residing in South Third street, near Fifth street, on Thursday afternoon went to the siable of George C, Wood, in South Sixth street, E. D., and hired a horse and buggy for the purpose of going to Flatbush. About half past one o’clock yesterday morning officer Murphy found bim at the Odeon acting ina strange manner, and took him home. The wagon was etanding in front of the Odeon, aud the borse ucarly dead with fatigue acd hard usage. About five o’clockjthe young man left his home and returned at noop, when he was placed under restraint, and will this morning be gent to a iunaticasylum. He has been otto fits of insanity before, and on this occa sion was observed by some men, who knew him, to be driving along Court street, W. D., in an unusual and fu- sious manner, He was afterwards geen near Bushwick. When he was found at the Odeon his pockets were filled with etones and bits of iron, and his appearance indicated that he was ineane. The horge is nearly ruined from the usage he has received, and the wagon is also broken, United States Coni:misstonci’s Coart. Before Jos. Bridgham, Ezq. THE ATTEMPTED MATL ROBBERY ON THE ERIE RAIL- ROAD—THE PRISONER COMMITTED. May 27.—The Uniled States vs, Edward Jackion.—After some further testimony, which was merely corroborative of tat already published, the Commissioner decided on committing the prizonnr for trial. A motion will be made to remove Jackeon to Pennsylvania by an order of tho Jucge of the Court, the offence having been committed in that State. Supreme Court—Special Term, Before Hon. Judge Allen. May 27.—Nathaniel Field vs. Roswell L. Ripley and others —Motion for receiver denied, with $10 costs, with leave to renew, after service of process on Ripley, or by appearance in thie action. Fighting Editors in Tennessee. THREE ROCNDS AND AN AMICABLE ADJUSTMENT. One of the editors of the Nashville Banner the other day declared the worst enemies of the South to be, not Seward, Van Buren and the like, but the Southern demo- cratic partisans by wbom their remarks are ‘caught up and re-echoed” through the glayeholdiug States; adding that “it i only through the means of such journals as the Union and American, and such candidates as Governor Harris, thet they are able to do any harm, The real ene- mies of the South, the traitors who ought to be most se. verely punished, are those democratic leaders.’? This last remark was more than Mr. Poindexter, of the democratic paper specially named, could peaceably tole- rate. It emote bim to the heart, and grievously wounded his tender sensibilities. He called upon the writer of the eaid article (Mr. Beaumont) for an explanation. Mr. B, assured Mr. P. that the word traitor was not used ina Pergonal, but an argumentative sense; and he further Stated that the word was one in common use amsng demo- cratic journalists in speaking of the opposition, therefore he wag not responsible for its introduction. . Mr. P. insisted on taking it as a personal indignity, The explanation was not eatisfactory. Mr. B. was invited to #b unconditional retraction of the offensive word. Ho re- fused. Mr. P. hinted strongly about settling some other way. Mr. B. eaid Mr. P. could choose his own mode of Settlement. Mr. P. then denounced the offensive state- meut in the extract a falsehood, Mr.B asked Mr. P. if he wag prepared to defend himself then. Mr. P. replied affirmatively. Mr. Beaumont then strack Mr. Poindexter. Ascutlle ensued, both parties foll, Mr. Beaumont over- powering Mr. Poindexter, and in the act of inflicting blows, when be was puiled offand the parties reparated. Mr. P. was then invited into the editorial room with a view t) &n amicable settiement. Before any preliminaries could be entered upon, however, Mr. P. again denounced the Statement in tbe editorial. Mr. B. replied that he had heard and resented that denunciation once, aud would notice it no farther—that he was surrounded’ by political frience, and would not geem to avail himself of any advan- tege growing out of that circumstance. Mr. P. replied to it in violent and still more offengive terma, and gaid he Would repeat it in his paper. Mr, B. said he had no ob- jection to that. Mir. P. continued to repeat it, until Mr. Beaumont geized @ cane geat chair and aimed a blow at Mr. P. Mr. P. drew a pistol and atterapted to fire it, but failed. Mr. B rvized and turned him, when parties pro seut took his pistol, aud Mr. Beaumont again overpowered. him, strock him several times, and wag again pulled off. Mr. P. was then persuaded to retire. How long an interval elapsed before the last bloody en- counter, we are not informed. Probably this was sufll- cient for one day. Wo subjoin the official narrative of the peculiarly rich and thrilling grand flaale— Subsequently both parties met on Cedar street, in front of the Capitol. Mr. Beaumout approached Mr. Poindexter from Vine street, the Jutter sitting near the steps leading to the Capito) grounds. As s0cn as a mutual r. ition took place, both parties approached to within about thirty steps toeach other. Mr. Kesumont requested Mr. Poin- dexter to change his porition £0 as to get out of the range of come laborers working in bis rear, which request be cemplied with. The parties continued to approach, untit they were within about fifteen eveps of each orb: when they halted and the firing commenced. They exchanged three #bois apiece, almost simultaceously, The second abot from Mr. P took effect in the calt of the leg of Mr. 8. , inflicting a slight and simple flesh Wound. After the third shot Mr. B. at- tempted to advance, wBan bis leg gave wuy,and he gank into ® reclin,"g position, The firtpg imme \ately caased. Mr. P, Iaid dov7n his weapon at his feet, approached Mr. B., shook big han’, expreneed his rograt for the whole occarrence, bis ple at it wou no worge, and thue the elajr ended Personal Intelligence. Married, at tho United States legation, fo @e Janeiro, on the 4th’of April, 1860, by the Rev. Mr. , of her Majesty’s forces, Mr. Robert G. Soot’,, Jr., United Staten Consul at Riodo Janeiro, to Anna } daugh- ter of Wm. Thompeon, of West Trenton, ‘sine, Gen. Shields, United States Senator from Minnesota, on arriving at Hastings on the 8tb instay,t found himself minus his pocketbook, containing a draft on New York for $2,000 and $500 in . It appears that, having taken his pock- etbook out, he left it on the deck of the steamer, and somebody rewarded his carelessness by making away with it, ‘The eix acting midshipmen who were dismissed from the navy for participants in tarring feathering one of their comrades at the Naval Academy, Mf April last, bave been reinstated in their former positions. Judge Loring, of Boston, Mass., aud Capt. H. A. Adams, United States: , are in Washington. It is not generally known that ex-Gov. Throop, of this: State, is atill living and enjoying good health. He resides near auburn, uga county, aged seventy.three, and his bair is white as driven snow. Subsequent to his ad- ministration, President Van Buren appointed him Charge d’affairs at Kaples, where he remained about seven year! During his administration as Governor he mortgaged hi: farm at Willow Brook, where he now resides, to funds to meet his Gubernatorial expenses, After his re. turn from Naples he redeemed his farm, and afterwards sold it to his nephew, Throop Martin. fe has erected a splendid brick residence on the corner of the Willow Brook farm, where he now resides and enjoys the fruits of an eventful and well spent life. The Prerident has recognized John B, A. Maas¢ ag Consul ot Belgium at Green Bay, Wis. ae following named pergons were in Chicago on the 25th lust.:—Hon. W. M. Edwards, Bon. A. Lincoln, Uli- noig; ex-Governor Barstow, Wisconsia; Hon, Silas Sey- mour, New York; Hon. N. 'P. Hornton, New York; Col. Post, Chiet Eogineer New York and Erie Railroad; D, C. McCallum, former Superintendent of New York and Uric Railroad; L. 8. Le Hommedieu, President Cincinnati and Dayton iiroad; J. A. Brooks, President Michigan Cen- tral Railroad; R. N. , Eeq., Superintendent Michigan Central Railroad; Judge ‘Mitchell, Obio; Col. H. C. Cabell, Ta.; Dr. Reid, Scotland. ; The number of ex-Congressmen in Kansas is large. Joho A. Allison, formerly of the Beaver District, Penn., is in the lumber trade at Atchizon. Thomas L. Aiken, late representative from Missouri, is speculating in real es- tate in Leavenworth. Fred. P. Stanton, who for ten years represented one of the Tennessee disticts, is practicing law at Lecom| 's roditus Ransom, formerly repre- sentative from, and afterwards Governor of, Mich’gan, is Register in the land office at Fort Scott. J. W. Whitfield, who twice represented Kangas in the House, holds the seme position in the land office at Kickapoo. Gen. ‘‘Jim’’ Lape, who, in 1854, was a member of the National Coo. grees from Indiana, ia practicing law in Lawrence. John Pettit, ex-Sepator from the same State, is on the Supreme Bench of the Terrisory. American registered at the banking office of Lans!n; win & Co., No 8 Place de la Bourse, Paris, (rom May 12, J860-J. 0. Bartholomew, Bust and wife, Mra. ©. Mesd, Mrs, B. Mead, Jr. ©. N. Bales, J. 0. Kane, F. A. Livingston and wie, J.J. 18. Robison, L. Dubain Jr’, F. iancht, £. C Cowdin, 0. 4. Pezram, A. Mauger, F. Bocneau, 1. Hunt, J. M. Cooper and wile, James Brooke and family, beock, E. Lamb ll, New Yor! William Megear Pellers, Penn ; U. W. Gould, M. le isradiord, Mses.; J M Durand, W. B. Moit, Janies Brown, New Jersey; J_F. Gabriel, J. F. Noyes, Ghio; H. P. Poindexter, B. War- wick, Va; F. B. Brewer, Conn ; &. Lane, Ul. ARRIVALS. . At the Clarendon Hotel—Hia Excellency ‘Baron F. de Etoeckie, Kussian Miaister at Waabington, Madame Stoeckle aod W> servants, 8t. Pel raburg; Baron Osten Sacken, Seere- tary ot the Russian Legation; General Kimberly, New Haven, Ceptoin Wassleerky and Madam Wosilecrky, Suasta; Capt. ard Mra W. H. Switt, Boston; Mra Misrvatd, Springdod; Chevalier Van Cockleburge, Madam Van Cockleburghe and famuiy. Belgium; Mr and dre. J. K aay, Ubsrlea on; W. elplia; JMiler and servaute Wigs Harper, Man, Wood ng le ler and servant, ay Isnd, Ri ang Mry Frothinghis, Milusce Aun and Bllen Frois- ‘am, Boston. ‘From # epinwall, in the steamship Granada—Dr J Ringgold J.B Caverly, wife aud sister; P Conroy aod wife, John free- msn, hire Warner and two children, PA Or , wife and chila; W 5 kocheater, Mra fi Siebr, M econ) Mise 8 Larkio, Mre Phillipe and infant, Jamec Waits, U Fitch, GL Harrison, ‘WA Van arrage. JH 'Wtarn. Dr Benson, © Stewart, TB Dibblee and sister, J F Rangom, Geo Fox, Geo H Brooks, A J Kellogg, James Puimsn, & 8} amott, L W Moore, Capt Ross and wife, JJ ianer. E Moree, Mr Holland, Curus, § & Kendall, Geo Hi Mocre, Mr Lockwood, wife abd eisier; 4 J Pease and wile, Jobn juvning, PL Yox,8 McGill, Geo Mel; }, J W Joba: ton, 2 Hallam, J B Halsey, Mr Hunt, J M Cauotte, F Soto, Robt Kenredy, © Caur, B K Wait, wife and chill; Mre Lynch and childoren, J G Sexi y ld. BS Matnew- son, J W Bornee F fT Field, Jas Buckman, U Scoby, Mr Wil- sou, wife and child—and 140 in the steerage. From Savapneh, in steamship Augusta—F W Whitlock and lady, Wm Batley, lady and four children, Mrs Kain, Mre Wcodbull and two children, A Dittenhoetfer and lady, Geo H Brown, lady aud servant, Mre Kissam and two cbildren, Miss # senow, Mra Chan T Ward. J 1 Brander and lady, Mrs ‘Thos Kogers nurse and child, ies Wheeler, Mise Lott, H Young avd lady, Mra Haley and iofant, Miss Tucker, Geo W Ingerso)l and lady Mra H Brown, Chas Brown, lady, intant ard chid, Mi 8 Dickingon, satcheller eid, AS Dodd, miss Mury Wad and brother, Thos Kod- 'R Butchinson, T Mocdy, J M Ketcham ards B Sigermend’S B Hazzard H Roser O 1 Robillard & ftoae, x Geo Blaudin, J Blackburn, M Hum pbreys, Jobn F Kibbee, Chas Allen, Wm Little, R Katus, A Waleron, ls Harris, J W king, K Reynolds, H Zbart, srs D W Brown, Mrs bavis, Wm Freer, R MoCcllum Wm Tucker, EC Tuckey, J W Westgate J 0 ‘Rowland, © Cu K Uurtis, M Cleary, John Rodd, $ Strickland, D_% Woodrull, G Srglish, 'W G Lantunan, John Grivett, John Williams, Jos Battersby, GO Michelo, HC arnold snd indy, J M Ogden, George Shel Lovett, Capt wratello, H's Founialae at & breadior Jem a h rantley, 4 Kirkland and lady, and 35 steerage. n DEPARTURES. For Savannah, in the steamship Mont r—| W Bismith, #1) Barton, dS For, WH Paive cH & Deselaneh: DL Eenveman, C Collins, LH Ludlow, J Bogert, Mrs Heino: Weiz and infant, Master Heimowelz, Mian Heinoweiz, »\fred O Beinoweiz, Louls a Heinowelz, Francis D ieinoweiz, — Beofield, A Pemberton, H Stanton, Jas V Rogers, Mus A A Jackeon. For Charleston, in the steamship Columbia—Mra Blyden, Mies Grimth, Mie Ley, Mrs lierbert, the Marqule de Gabaicre ot IMoLelth, Jokn Thomas, Wm Keenan, Mr Bailes, JM Calder, EB sullany, John Koes, W A Wartiow, Samuel orb, e orrer ranlap, bene Mise Wellman. i armies Aad For Pusaau, in the steamship Karnak—John Reed, Phila- ‘oldie and wife, c. For ana—O Wels, F Martine, Havana’ J ‘alezsnder, Maines ~* = ‘m Untied States Circuit Court. Before Hon. Judge Nelgon. IMPORTANT EJECTMENT SUIT FOR LOYS IN HAREM. May 27—Mavia F. King vs. Richd. Ackerman.—The argu ment in this action consumed the day. The action is one of a number relating to the title of land worth a large sum of money, said to be balf # million of dollars, which formerly belonged to Lawrence Benson. The plaintiff claim, as heirestes at law, being daughters of the Rev. Dr. Mille- doler; the defendants claim under the will of Mr. Benson. The question has been pending some twenty years. De- cision reserved, The Zanesville Rescue Case. [From tbe Cincmnati Gazette, May 25.) Mr. Thomas McLean, the jailor of this county, went to Columbus Inst evening for the purpose of making a return to the writ of habeas eorpus granted by Judge Brinker- hoff, ordering him to produce the body of the negro Jobnson, who plead guilty to an attempt to rescue the wave at Zanesville, before the Supreme Court of the State. Mr, Mclean will return that the prisoner is in the custody of the United States Marshal, and that he (the jailor) has no control over him, beyond being the cus- todian of his person for the Marshal; that the latter re- fuses to permit the prisoner to pass beyond his im-. mediate control, aud therefore the respondent ig unable to produce him in court 48 commanded. In copnection with this case we may add tho fact, that Colonel Sifford yesterday received a letter from United States Attorney General Black, directing him to retain poetession of the body of the prisoner at all hezards; that if a writ of haveas corpus from the State Courts is served upon him, to obey it so far as to appear incourt with all the papers connected with the case, showirg by what authority he held the prisoner, but not to take the latter before avy of the State Courts upon an order made by them. The Marshal is advised that if he siould be attached for contempt, to report at once to the department at Washington, and ample protection will be afforded. He is further mstrucied to act generally upon the defensive, and to maintan the laws without regard to consequences. He muat not submit to the State Courts, or to ‘tan armed mob.’’ In obedience to these instruc tions, Colonel Sifford will refuse to obey any process from the State Courts which may contemplate the control of the body of the prisoner while under his charge, by authority of the United States Court. A copy of thesamo instructions, we understand, has been forwarded to the Marshal of the Northern District, in regard to the prison- ers at Columbus. Tne Guano TRavE—The clipper ship Hesp erns from San Francisco, bad an unusually short passage down. She is under charter to load guano at Jarvis Island, on account of William H. Webb, whose agent here is Dr. G. P. Judd. She is the eleventh vessel that has been chartered or filled with Jarvis Island guano. Few of our readers being aware how fast this article is going forward, we will give a list of the vessels that have taken guano, and the amount engaged and on the way. A ves- gel is expected to be ready every two weeks to load at the island:— _ Tons Guano Sept., 1858—White Swallow.........1,198 1,250 ., 1868—Fiying Kagio 11994 1.200 Oct.,’ 1858—Fiying Dra; 121197 1,300 Deo., 1858—Mary Robioson $1200 1}500 Dec., 1858—Brig Teutonia x 250 Dec., 1888—Alexander en 250 Jan., 1869—Reynard...... 11,01 1,200 Jan., 1860—Henry Brigham... ....1,068 1/200 Feb, 1859--Black Hawk. 114108 1}300 Mar., 1859—Rambler., 1,120 1,800 Mar., 1860—Fleetwing....... 861 15100 Mar., 1859—Rlesperus (in port)...,..1,019 1,500 Making ® total Of.....-..sesssssesceveseeneees+13,350 Tons of Jarvis Ieland guano taken off or under charter for shipment. Threo other vessels are shortly expected, un- der charter to load as above—the clipper ship Argo, about 1,600 tons, due April 6 to 10, and the Polynesia and Gos. port, due about the 16th to 20th of April. Our readers will thus perceive that this trade is to become of no smal | importance toour port.—Honolulu (8. 1.) Advertiser, larch 28, . Obituary. Hon. Jonn Harteston Reap died in Charleston, S. C.,0n the 23d inst. Mr. Read was born in Charlsston, in 1788, and was a gon of Dr. Wm. Road, of the Continental army under Gencral Washington. 1a his 18th year he was gra- duated at the College of New Jersey, at Princeton. Tao ‘bulk of his long life Mr. Road spent in Charleston a3 a ter, near Georgetown, Ho was rarely absent from th Carolina, having but once made the European tour. Mr. Read was hot ambitious of office, though he consented to serve b/s fellow citizens upon several occasions, Hoe waa an aid w Brigadier General Jacob Reed ja carly fife, and was for meby years President of the Socicty of the Cincinnati of Sow. Caroiins, which office he held at his death, Mr. Read at diffrent times represented bia native city in the Tegisiature, Abd algo bia od rm Georgetown, WH Evans, Capt | More About the Gold Mines of North Carolina, 70 THE EDIYOR OF THE HERALD. ‘The writer of the article published in tho Hgrarp of ‘Tuesday, May 3, over the signature of L. R. S., 880%", to | think that the mineral resources of the State of Moth | Carolina are of little value, compared with Pose of the gold belt beyond the Gulf of Mexico. Whiiz, he is willing | to admit that there are spots, or pockets of prodigious | wealth, he denies that any considerable advantage has ever been derived from working tho mines of this region | ‘The writer may, perhaps, be honest in his opinions; | yet it is evident that ho is not sufficiently acquainted with | ‘the mineral resources and mining operations of the State | of North Carolina to form @ correct conclusion as to their immense value. He says that ‘‘ The surpassing richness of that portion of the gold belt is a fancy eketch; that the belt exhibits far lees conspicuous richness this side the Gulf of Mexico than beyond it, and that the ores of the four gold producing States are comparatively lean.” During the past six years I haye had every opportunity to become acquainted with the mineral resources of the gold producing States, but more particularly of North Caro- lina and Georgia; and I have drawn ae widely different coxclusion trom the writer of the article as to their rica- nees and value, Along the course of the belt, from War- ren county, in North Carolina, through Abberville dis- trict, in South Carolina, there have been found mines that were immensely rich in gold—equa!, if not superior to apy in the known world, Many of these mines have yielced more than @ million of doilars, with a very mo. derate expenditure, Most of the mining has beer doue ia aclcap, rude manner, for the early settlers had neither experience ror skill in mining matters; yet, notwithstand- ing their ignoraxce of the subject, ‘their labors were crowned with succese—oftentimes finding largo lumps of gold which would amply repay them tor the toil of years. In Mecklenburg county, however, mining has~been carried on with more evergy and skill, and the statistics of the United States Mint at Chariotie clearly demon- strate the value of the mines in that vicinity, although not one half the gold obtained in that State finds its way to that mint. It is sold to the merchants in the neighbor. hood of the mines and they bring it North, instead of bills of exchange, for the purchase of mor- chanaise. In this way much of it loges its local identity. I would like to call the attention of the writer to some re- cent discoveries of gold in North Carolina, by Mr. Samuel Chrietian, on his owe panteton, from which he took out some thirty thousand dollars worth of gold, in lumps, at an expense of about five hundred; and about twenty thousand do!lars worth of the lumps can now be seen at the Bank of the Republic. Other discoveries, less vaiua- ble, are being wade frequently, which proves one impor- tant fact, viz: that comparalively very little has been done towards developing the ,rmineral resources of that State. Should a mine like that of Christian’s be discover- ed at Pike’s Peak, or on the top of the Rocky Mountains, and, through the press, it should be known to the public, thousands would be ready to take'up their line of march to that point without delay—making true the remark, “°T ig distance lends enchantment to the view.” I could mention a long list of mines that are and have been pro. ductive, and wou!d be eminently so if they were economi- cally and energetically worked. But I shall mention onl; one other, viz: the Dorn Mine, in Abbeville district, Soutl Carolina, which ig, without doubt, the most valuable gold mine that has ever been discovered in America or elae- where, There are besides the gold other valuable mines of cop- per, silver and lead in this region. Some enterprisin, gentlemen of the city of Baltimore are working the and copper mines of North Caroling, aod making them eminently profitable; and gome gentlemen of this city are working a silver mine to greatadvantage. I will call the attevtion of the correspondent to the reports of tho State geologists and otber scientific gentlemen, who have visited aud explored these regions with a view to ascer- tain the value of their mineral resources, for a con/ima- tion of what I have stated as to the value of the m uea, ‘As to the twenly millions that have gone out of New York, the wreck of which L R. 8. saw in his travels throvgh the country. If he had said that nearly one mil- lion had been expended along the gold belt with litile ad- vantage, he would havestated what was doubtless truc. This expenditure was made without effecting the object for which it was designed, for in very many instances no mining was done, und there was bardiy money enough to complete the machivery; and in other instances, where mining was commenced, it was carried on by p2rsens without experience, without economy and without eflicien- cy. And I would like to know what business carried on in this manner could be made profitable? This was not all. The proprictors of these mines, and the officers of the companies, had such wild and fanciful ideas of their future value as led them into every kind of extravagance of which their disordered imaginations could conceive. It is my honest conviction that there is no finer fleld for capital and enterprise, than this mineral belt under consideration, and that conviction is sustained by every one who hag made a thorough in- ‘vestigation into the subject. it i8 already attractivg the attention of English capi- talists, and Iam credibly informed that they bhaye had competent gentiemen to explore and secure ruineral lands in the State of North Carolina, and that large tracts have already been eecured. Doubtless, after the value of thee minéral lands eball have been made known, through foreign capitalists, we eball have occasion to regret our own ignorance and stupidity in these matiers. VERITAS. The Pike’s Peak Mines, 18 THERE ANY GOLD THEKE!—INTERESTING LETTER * FROM CAPTAIN MARCY, OF THE ARMY. The following extract from a letter written by Captain R. B. Marcy, U. 8. A., to a friend in this city, and which ‘we have been permitted to copy, gives some intereating facts in reference to the Pike’s Peak and Cherry creek gold fields, which are perfectly reliable, and will, wedoubt not, be read with interest. It will be remembered that Capt. M. was, in the spring of 1868, encamped for o month at Pike’s Peak, aud several days at the mouth of Cherry creek—now Denver City—and during this time he was constantly occupied in examining the country in that vicinity, Hartrorp, Dec. 2, 1858. * * © © In answer to your interrogatories concern. ing the gold discoveries in Western Kansas, upon which subject there has recently been a good deal of interest manifested, and very many conflacting statements put forth through the medium of the press, I remark that that there is no subject upon which men are more easily deluded than this. The gold fever, as you very well know, generally makes its appearance in the form of an epidemic, which seizes upon ail classes of our adven- turous and speculative citizent, but rages with greatest violence among the progressive iphabitanta of the fron. tiers; and, indeed, it sometimes continues for a long time without a shadow of cause, For instance, it is only a few years eince thate tremendous excitement was created about the rich discoveries of gold said to have boon made in Western Texas, and so much confidence bad people in the reality of this hoax, that several companies were organized, and at great expense and labor made a long expedition to the supposed new El Dorade; but what wae their astonishment and chagrin on reaching the locality to find that the rich auriferous deposits had eithor vanished, or, by some alembic process of transmutation, been converted into mica and iron pyrites. You will per- ceive, therefore, that all unauthenticated rumors upon this subject should be received with great caution. On the 5th day of May last, while marching from New 0 to Utah, I struck the head of Cherry creek (where aid the goid is found), and followed it to its con fluence with the South Piatte. I was at this time tn a ‘wagon road known as the “ Cherokee Trail,” which had for several years been travelled by gold hunters from Arkansas en route for California. ile we were paas- jpg cown the creek, I was informed by an old moun- taineer that the emigrants bad upon several! occasions found gold here, and bad made the experiment of washing it, but their success bad not been such as to induce them to remain long—they preferred travelling 1,300 miles far- ther and taking their chasccs in California. E.While we were upon the creck, several of my men With mess pans waehed out a small quantity of gold dust, thereby establishing the fact of its existence in this locality; but we wero of the opinion that it was not svflicientiy abundant to make the workin; remunerative. Our experiments were, however, confiu to one locality, and it seems quite within the bounds of reasonable probability that gold may be found more plentiful in other parts of the stream. Cherry creek rises about thirty miles north of Pike’s Peak, near the summit of the northern slope of the high ridge dividing the waters of the Arkansas from these of the South Platte, and near where this ridge unites with the Rocky Mountain chain, in about latitude 39 degrees north and longitude 106 degrees west, It flows over a sandy bed, in a course north ten do- grees west, nearly parallel with the mountains, and about eight miles distant from them at the point of junction with the Platte, and is something like fifty miles in length. ‘The country intervening between the eastern base of tho mountains in this section and the border settlements of Miseouri, Kaneas ana Nebraska, is with a few exceptions One vast expanee of open grassy prairie, which can easily be traversed with wagons in ali directions, and affords great facilities for making roads along the water courses. ‘There are numerous epring branchee iseuing from tho eastern siopee of the mountains in the vicinity of Cherry creek, which flow to the east into the Arkansas and Piatte. All of these have timber upoa their banks, with a rich slivvial soil, covered with a dense coating of nutritious grasses, upon which animals eubsist and remain in good condition without other forage during the entire winter. regard that partisular section of country which em- 8 the head branches of the Arkansas and Platte rivers, near the eastern bage of the Rocky Mountains, a3 Presenting greater advantages to the farmer than any cther I bave seen west of the Kansas frontier settlements. Tne inhabitants of New Mexico have for many years been desirous of settling here, and have made several at- Peeing but have invariably been driven away by the Indians. Tke foregoing items, which I have hastily thrown together, are the results of my own observa. Uon, and are facts which you can rely upon. I wish you, however, to Understand distinctly that I do not recommend you er any one cise to scok a fortune among the sands of Cherry creek; but if you de- tire a pleasant summer excursion upon the Plains, where the etmerphere is ag pure, salubrious and invigorating as aby upon the face of the earth, you cannot do better than tomeke a trip to the gold diggings upon Cherry creck. ‘The Cherokee trail from Arkavsas or the Santa Fe trace from Fort Leavenworth via Bent’s Fort will conduct you directly tothe foot of Pike’s Peak, where you can drink the most delightful mineral water from the fontaine qui bouilie, and where your eyes will be regaled with the most magnificent and picturesque scenery that tho imagi- notion can conceive of; while, at the game time, if you 2ro fond of field eports, ere you will. havo that to your heart's content, a8 the country abounds in elk, bears, mountain sheep, deer, &c., &¢. Fron thenco the trail ‘will !ead you *o Cherry ik, end you can return home by Fort Laram‘e or down the South Platte to Fort Keerney. ‘ tent lt News from Mexico. HON. ME. MW'LANE VISITS TAMPICO OFFICIALLY— LITTLE DOING AT VERA ORUZ—NON-PROGRESS OF THE WAN—DEPEAT OF GENERAL MEJIA CONPIRM- ED—DEGOLLADO TO RETALIATE ON MIRAMON BY SHOOTING HI8 OFFICERS— for meno LARGE HAUL OP SPEQIE By the arrival of the Tehuantepec Transit steamer Coatazacoaleos at react we sale nows from Mexico, dated at Tampico on the 22th and ab Vera Cruz on the 14th of May, A private despatch from New Orleans says Miramon’s Cabinet had issued a decree restoring Santa Anna to al? Fights and titles which he formerly. held in Mexico, and inviting his return yia Tampico, whither Gen, Woll ig marching to meet him. She could not, therefore, have loft yesterday with her the matter will be arranged in a few days. hig ateum Tampico. Pgener at 1o commuricate with his government by the Since the sailing of the Tennessee Cruz. the news: of Mejia’s defeat bas been confirmed. He was Generals Yuazua and Garagossa, and driven back. recalied abd ordered to join his forces to those of Mejia, tquadrons, and is consequently incapable for the present, reinforce him had led as faras the Punta National when been recalled to the city. officer taken under arms against the constitutional govern- An ipteliigent Mexican gentleman from the interior ment beyond paper receipts, so that there is now but legs from wantof Tho despatch also says tho steamer Coatzacoaloos, of the Tehuantepec route, has been attached by creditors, California mails and passengers for the overland route to the Pacific. It is thought in New Orleans, however, that On the 9th Minister MeLaue, accompanied bi 2 Secretary, Mc. Elgee, lett Vera Graz on the United We the United States Consul at 2 Ey “Nie cost A that place two days, and thence Coatzacoaicos. He left Minatitlan on his return "overs Cruz on the evening of the 16th, ™ uy on the 8th very little of importance has occurred at Vera Atfairs at the city of Mexico are in statu quo in connection with General Woll, on San Luis Potosi, whes he was met at Guansjuato by the liberal fortes under Marquez, who had been sent out from the yy omd Degolledo, and bad proceeded as far as Toluca, bee Ampudia is still in the interior, but from searcity of Provisions is com; to hold his men in detached of organizing apy effective military movement on Jalaps. The’ troops which were gent from Vera Cruz to they beard of his condition. There tney halted for a few days, and owing to want of supplies a great number have: ‘Degollado bas fasued a proclamation to the liberal forces throvghout Mexico, Loss ening them to shoot every ment, in retaliation for the atrocities committed by Mira- mon and Marquez at Tacubaya. states that the whole country is more or less destitute of provisions. Neither party has'been able to offer any pay- little inducement to cultivate the land, and many of the baciendas are neglected. Botn parties are on their last resources. An American, pame unknown, was shot at Tehuantepec recently by the native guards. The firet rain of the season had commenced falling. The Pacitic Mail steamship Golden Age, and the Orizaba,, of the Garrison line, left San Francisco on the 5th for New York—the former with twelve hundred passeogers for New York and New Orleans, and one million and a half of treasure on freight, for New York; the latter with 700 passengers and no treasure. The British sloop of-war Alert, with two anda half mil- lion dolJars in specie on board, arrived at Acapulco on the 12th, jy Mazatlan and San Bilas, and left for Panama same day, THE MEXICAN MASSACRE AT TACUBAYA. {from the New Orleans Picayune, Muy 18.) The Orst victim was Gen. Lazcano, an old soldier, who. was walking in the Archbishop's gardens atthe time of hie celzure. It would appear that he bad been a severe iseipiinarian, aud his former subalterns, in condu him to the place of execution, took that occasion toavenge themselves with ineults, to which the General replied: “TR is but cowardice to insult @ man coademned to deatb.’”? And again, when told that he wasto die the death of a traitor, he answered, “Iam no traitor; and as to death, I only teel it for my family’s sake. For myself,,, Tam resigned to my fate.” He was allowed to driok a ‘ass of water, and fell, shot through the shoulder and ad, The officers who euffered with him were Colonela Villagran and Arteage, Captain Lopez and Lieutenant Sierra. The first is raid to have distiaguishe d himself for hig valor in the war with the United States, " Notwith- standing their entreaties all were shot with their backs turned, ag traitors. fhe physicians assassinated were. Dra. Portugal, Rivero, Sancbez, Duval and Abad. The firet was cousin of Castillo, Miramon’s Minister of War, an effice which, to his honor, he at ouce resigned. It is steted bat there unfortuaate men were advised to take refuge in fight, but they refusea. A few moments after, tho infuriated eoldiery, now drunk with aguadiente, rushed into the hospital, and drag- ging their victims ont in the street assassinated them the most barbarous manner. One of them was eagaged in binding up the wounds of the enemy at the tims; the otber in amputations, Among the most regretted of the victims is the youn Covarrubias, son of the well known Vera Cruz poet that name, and himself the author of many beautiful Be rics and other pieces, which gave groat promise for future. He was but a young man of nineteen years, ang though doubtless, like all such young men, open in his de- clarations of sympatby with the liveral cause, had nob been personally engaged in hostilities, This fact was called to the attention of Marquez, The assassin was in- exorable: ‘These young men of genius,” was his reply, “are juet the young men that we have moat to fear.” The whole number of known victima is fifty-three; though it is believed to be much larger. Thoy were as- sagsinated in the street, in their houses, Le ham the brutal goldiery chanced to mect them. Finally they were all carried off in common carts toa neighboring ravine, into which, as intoone great Golgotha, they were alt thrown together. In the meantime the victorious gene- rals were making their triumphal entry, with their pri- foners dragged after them as in the days of old, into the capital; the cathedral and its towers were hung with red; 8 procession of women—we can hardly beleve the state: ment—presented Marquez with a sash of the same san- | pee andasolemn Te Deum was chanted im onor of the victory. News from the Bahamas. OUB NASSAU CORRESPONDENCE. Banamas, Nassav, N. P., May 13, 1859. Legislative Session Clored—Hepes of the Governor—Iria® of an American Captain and his Acquittal—British Man-of War—Dificulties of Members of the House—- A Hostile Chalienge, co. The Karnak will be up to-morrow, and I must needs Prepare my budget. Governor Bayley closed the Legisla- ture on Saturday (30th ultimo) with a speech, in which he regrets the rejection of a bill introduced tn the lower . house for the endowment of a classical school—a measure which experience has taught the colonists would not succeed, as several schools, founded in the same man- ner, have been established here, and, like bubbles, glia- tened for a short time and then burst, Tue result is not “ cruel,” as they who wish to give their children a Jiberal education send them elther to Europe or to the United States. Isend you the speech, as published; but the following is the only additional paragraph of interest: I hope that the estabiiehment of interinsu'ar steam navigation will encourage the exportation not ouly of those fruits which have biberto been regerdeo as our etaple produce, but of others which grow abundantly io our islands, and which would command @ ready market in america, ‘The steam is up, and we are to have an interinsular steamer, our harbor dredged, a duck, a large hotel, and our wharves or quays carried out. But, when will these things be? One of the greatest events of the past month was the trial cf Capt. Paxton, of the American echooner Juana, of Bridgeport, Ct., and of Capt. Savage, also an American, anda resident at Jovy Cay, Fortune Island, for conspi- racy. The tacts were briefly, thatthe Juana, with a cargo: of sugar, left St. Jago de Guba on the 22d Febraary iat for New York. Woie attomptivg to get throngh the S: Rock paseoge, nesr Castle lsiand, she got ona reef, was lightened by one wrecker only, taken to Fortane Island to settle salvage and repair damage. The captain, having no fun rewith to pay saivege, which was settled by arbitration at $925, ordered a sale of part of his cargo to meet that avd other incidental expenses, Two surveys were held on the vessel, and one on the The report of the surveyors and the peculiar situation of the captain induced him to eell the cargo “for the benefit of all concerned,” as algo the vessel, which latter was not insured for a cent, Captain Savage was the consignee. The police and a police force are sent to Fortune ‘and apa Pexton's brought down a prisoner and placed in the com- mon jail, because be could not at first flad bail. Tae trial lusted four days, and the result of it was an acquittal of both Savage and Pexton by # jory of the country. Actions bave been commenced by certain ingurance companies againet the purchasers of the sugar, to recover it: value. ‘The British man of-war steamer Styx paid us a visit on the 8d inst. She brought despa'ches (rom the Admiral at Bermuda to the Governor, lett the same afternoon, and ig expected to return about the 16th. Politics have been to such a height that all Naseau is set by the ears, in consequence of a misunderstanding between: two members of the Houseof Arsembly—Mr. Thos. Dillet and Mr. McCartby, the police msgistrate. The latter sent. a bostile challenge, which was refused, but no explana- tion bas yet been come to. It appears to bave arisen upon aevupposed attack on the Governor and government of- ficers in the House, and things have gone 0 far that thera is a reguiar faction and set of partisans, of which the military cling to the Governor. It is an incident that hag. given rise to countless romantic fictions, and fools rush in where angels fear to tread. A Cunrovs Divorce Casz.—A suit for divorce bas been commenced here, says the Rochester Union, agaust Edwin W. collins by bis wife, who is well known a8 an estimable lady. Thoy wero married in 1830 or thereabouts, and lived as husband and wife for more than twenty years. The maiden name of Mrs. Collins was Pease, and she is a sister of the noted New York mis- sionary by that name, and has alsoa brother who is @ clergyman in Boston. It is said that she broaght as a. dowry to her husband five thousand dollars, which gave bim a successful start in life. They bave no children, A few months since Collina went to Indiana, and by the loose statutes of that State obtained a divorce, or somothing called a divorce, from his wife. This spring he was mar- ried sgainat Suspension Bridge, and some thirty days af- ter bad his marriage published bere, hailing from Indiana. We are toid that he was married on the Bridge—telling the: preacher that bo was a little romantic in his notions, and wanted to have the ceremony performed on that work of art, suspended ovor the roaring flood. He was ratified, and the ceremony wes performed. Some ma- ficious persons have intimated that Mr. Collina selected this place for the marrisge ceremony that an nocertainty might ariee whether it was performed in the State of New York or Canada, The suit now inatituted will no daubt be vigorously prorecuted. The trial may porsibly test the validity of the Indiana divorce, and even the subsequent marrisge on the Bridge. We believe somo late decisions have been made in vhis Stete which show these wild ont hiess ia this and other onlightenec divorces to be worth gommunities.