The New York Herald Newspaper, September 5, 1861, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 9126. NEW YORK, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER THE REBELLION. Confirmatory Reports of the Death of Jefferson Davis. Unfounded Rumors of Con- flicts in Virginia, Eegerness of the Hostile Ar- mies for Battle. ‘CHPORTANT HEWS FROM MISSOURL Particulars of the Attack and Repulse of the Rebels at Lexington. Retreat of Ben McCulloch’s Ar- my Towards Arkansas. Effect in the South of the Capture of Fort Hatteras, ~ Great Alarm of the Virginia an: North Carolina Rebels, Seizure of Rebel Property at Cincinnati and Philadelphia, Res Ree de. OUR SPECIAL WASHINGTON DESPATCHES, ‘Wasminctow, Sopt. 4, 1861. ADDFFIONAL CONFIRMATION OF TRE DEATH OF JEF- YERSON DAVIS. ‘Stall further confirmation has beon received here of the eath of Jefforson Davis, on Monday instead of Saturday, at 7e'clock A.M. A person arrived here to-day from ‘Bianaszas Junction reiterates the statement already re- @eived, and adds that all the officers wear crape on their arms. ‘The Executive Department has no information confirma- tory of the reported death of Jeff. Davis. WRCITING RUMORS OF CONFLICTS WITH THE REBELS— AUDACITY OF THE ENEMY—BOTH ARMIES EAGER FOR BATTLE. All day long tho city has been filled with rumors of ‘patties and captures of batteries. The rebel battery at Munson’s Hill was said to have been taken early this morning, and details of the action were given. A furious battle was reported to be going on at the Chain Bridge, or Great Falls, or Soneca Falls, or somewhere up the river. ~Perhaps some of theso rumors were telegraphed to New ‘York. They wero all utterly unfounded, There has been ‘mo engagement at any point of our lines during the day. ‘The rebels at Munson’s Hill have been bold and tan- talizing. They placed a band upon the parapet of ‘their works, and entertained our outposts with ‘Away Dewn South in Dixie” and “Washington's March,’ alternately all daylong. At one time thoy paraded about one hun- dred and fifty men before their works, as if it was their whole force, when we haye accurate information that ‘they have about 5,000 mon tlre, under General Long- Btreet. During the day parties and squads and companies of he rebola came down the road to within musket range of our pickets, and fired upon them upon several occa ‘sions; but the fire was not returned, as strict orders had ‘een issued for our pickets not to fire. This order has probably ben given by General McCicllan to put a stop, if possible, to the firing between pickets, a practice that ‘he condemns as murderous. It is evident that the rebels are prepariug for an im mediate attack. They are swarming at all points along ‘our lines, A large force approached last night to within ‘aahort distance of the Chain Bridge, but our troops are ready ata moment’s warning, and, in fact, are anxious for the onset, so that they may have an opportunity to troat Monsicur Beauregard to a Bull run affair on the other track. Mr. Ulrich Dahlgren, son of the distinguished com. mander of the Washington Navy Yard, is in command of ome of our batteries in front of Munson’s Hill. CAPTURE OF REBELS AT HARPER'S YERRY. Information has been received here that a detachment of a Macsachusetts regiment captured twenty-two of the @harlestown Home Guard at Harper's Ferry, day before Jeaterday, and took them to General Banks’ camp. TMPORTANT ORDER FROM THE GENBRAL-IN-CRIEP. ‘The following order has just been iesued by Lientcnant General Scott:-— FIRapQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Wasmorox, Septembor 3, 1361. The General-in-Chief 's happy to annonnee that the ‘Treasary Department, to mect future payments to the troops, is about to supply, besides coin, as heretofore, ‘Treasury notes in fives, tens and twentie-—as good as gold at all banks and govornment offices throngh- Gut the United Statos, and most ¢onve- nient for transmission by mail from the effieers and men to their families at home. Good hus- ‘Dands, fathers, sons and |, serving imder the Bars and Stripes, will thus soon have the ready and safe moans of roleving an immense amount of suffering, which could not be reached with coin. In making up packages, every officer may be relied upon, no doubt , for such assistance as may be needed by his men. By command of Lieutenant General SOOTT. E. D. Townsanp, Assistant Adjutant General. ABRIVAL OF THE STEAMER R. B. FORBES—-ARREST OF HDR OFFICERS. The gunboat R. B. Forbes arrived at the Navy Yard tonight. Her officers were immodiately placed under arrest. THE PURSUIT OF THE PRIVATEER SUMTER. ‘The Navy Department to-day received official informa: ‘tion from two points in the Gulf, dated the 13th ult. from which it is evident that three or four of our vessels | of war have reliable information of the position of the pri vateer Sumter, and have probably by this time closed down on her, as they were then preparing to do from aiffercnt points immediately. BEBEL REPORTS RESPECTING CAPTURED VESSELS— FLORIDA HARBORS BLOCKED UP. Tt has been ascertained here that the Southern press have been in the habit of representing the prizes bronght in by their privateers not only as prizes but also as ves- «els that have runthe blockade. They thus make the smost of a very little, ‘The prizes recaptured by our fleet on the Florida coast Shave been loaded with stone and sunk in the approaches to harbors slong the coast, ag has been done in the inlets ef North Carolina, rendering the blockade entirely ef- footual, and enabling our blockading fleet to atiend to | amore important points. HASTY FLIGHT OF REBRL SYMPATHISRRS, Recent arrests of known aiders and abettors of treacon ‘thave occasioned the sudden absence of several suspected persone, who probably feared being placed in duress, Many others of both sexes are under strict surveillance, and will be detained if circumstances require. THE OFFICIAL REPORT OF TRE CAPTURE OP PORT HATTERAS. Commodore Stringham has made his official report respecting the operations of tho fleet at Hatteras Inict. | Et contains no facts alditional to those already published. He concludes his o{rcumstantial narrative by saying: — Ihave naught but praise to accord to the officers, sea men and marines of the ny vy, and officers and soldiers of the army who wore pr for their gallantry and cheerful devotion to duty anu to their go t, the United States of America, which they ail cheer heartily servo.” THE PROVOST MARSHAL AND THY PRES At the Provost Marshal's office to./ay a pass to cross the Potomac was refused to a newspapo.” repotter, about whose loyalty there is no doubt. In Genera) Porter's ab. fence a deputy attends to this business. It iy presumed, from the circumstance above relaied, that the refusal to bho prose is uniform, Y ora anization OF THE TENTH ANEW YORK LEGION: THR ARMY, ‘The following army appointnents were made to-day>— Captains J. Nelson Smith, Pennsylvania; C. W. Golding, aml Chas. D. Robinson, of Wisconsin, Assistant Quarter- masters of Volunteers. John A. L. Morrell, of Pennsylvania; Thomas B. Oakley» of New York, and M, Hoopes, of Ponnsylvania, addi- tional Paymasters. Captains Alexander Morrison and John L, Hathaway, Commission of Subsistence, Captains James Kelly and Patrick Kelly, late of the Sixty-ninth New York regiment, have been appointed ‘Captains in the United Ftates Army. Captain Robert Nugent, of the Thirteenth United States infantry, lato Lioutenant Colonel of the Sixty-ninth rogi- ment New York State Militin, has been granted special Jeave of absence until further orders, to enable him to ac- cept the Lioutenant Colonelcy of the new Sixty-ninth regi- ment New York Volunteers, and to aid in getting up the proposed Irish brigade, Captain Nugent goos to Phila- delphia to-morrow to wake arrangements for raising & regiment (here to be attached to the brigade, Captains Reid and Graham, Iate of the Second New York State Militia, are here, and have authority to raise a regiment for the Irish brigade. Major Dennis E, Minton, of the Thirty-seventh New York regiment, has resigned, and bis resignation is ac- copted. Captain Lylo’s National Guard regiment, of Philadelphia» which was among the first of the three months volun- tors accepted, was yesterday accopied for three years by the War Departinent, “| Hon, ©. H. Van Wyck, Chairman of the Contract Inves ligating Committee, now in session at New York, arrived here to-day upon business connected with the organiza. tion of the New York Senth Logion, to be made np ia the counties of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster. The regiment is to have attache to it one cavalry and one artillery com- pany. It is probable that Mr. Van Wyck will also while here endeavor to hurry np the statemeut required by the committee of the contracts made by the War and Nayy Departments since March 4, which was asked for more than six weeks ago, but has not yet been furnishod, EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION TO THE MEDICAL CORvS, A Board of Naval Surgeons is now in session at the Nava! Hospita) at New York for the examination of candidates for admission into the medical corps of the navy. It is understood that there are @ number of vacancies. Gen- temen desirous to connect themselves permancntly with the service would do well to avail themselves of this op- Portunity. Applications for permission to appear before the Board for examination muat be addressed to the Sec retary of the Navy, accompanied by testimonials of proper physical and moral qualifications, The candidatts must be between the ages of twenty-one and twenty-five, THE NAVAT, RETIRING BOARD. The Naval Board for retiring finiirm and disabled oficers have been orderea to meet at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, on the 16tb instant. THR PATRIOTIC LOAN, A pamphlet, containing all the information necessary in reference to subscriptions to the national loan, is being Prepared, and will soon be published under the auspices of the Treasury Department. ARREST OF AN ALLEGED ROBBER. John Gros, who was arrested about taree weeks ago for robbing a jewelry store at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, of ‘a large ‘amount, but made his escape from the officers while being couveyed toPhitadetpba by jumping from the cars, was arrested to-day by Messrs. Lamon and Bar- tholomew, Philadelphia detectives, in one of the camps tu this vicinity. THE BARRON FAMILY. There were two Barrons in the Revolution—Commodore James Barron and Captain Richard Barron—both in the Virginia navy. James had two sons, Samuol and James: ‘The latter, late of the United States Navy, was the one who killed Decatur. It is bis son, Samuel Barron, who was captured at Fort Hatteras, LOYALTY OF TH EMPLOYES OF THE BXECUTIVE: MANSION. The rocent intimations that some of the employes at the White House are secessionists are entirely unjust. Mr. Stackpole and all the other men there have been ready at any moment to take their gans in defence of the capital. They are faith{ul Union men, familiar with their duties, polite and attentive, and very much devoted to the President. It is small business, when the ranks of our army are flush with democrats, to ask the remoyal of these men on account of their former party politics, or—when we remember the gallant Sixty-ninth and Col. Corcoran—because some of them are Irishmen, REMOVAL OF THE OFFICR OF THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, ‘The office of the Secretary of the Treasury was to-day removed to asuit of rooms in the Treasury extension, which have been elegantly fitted up for that purpose, Rooms for Solicitor Jordan and First Auditor Smith will be prepared in close proximity to thoxe of the Secretary | as frequent conferences are necessary between these officials. The rooms of Comptroller Whittlesey are alrcady near by, but in the old building. THE PROPRIETORS OF WILLARD'S KNOW HOW TO KEEP A NOTEL. Willard’s Hotel, under the management of Messrs, Sykes, Chadwick & Co.,has already greatly improved. ‘The table is better, and bilis are actually made out now without any extra charges for articles which the guests have not had, THE WASHINGTON POLICE BOARD. Tue President has appointed Colonel Beaton, of the National Intelligencer, a member of the Metropolitan Police Board, to filla vacancy, But aithongh the appoint” ment is popular, it is probable he wil decline the office, ‘The Board has elected %. C. Robbins their President, and William B. Webb, of this city, fuperintendent of Police. CONTRACTS FOR STFAM NAVAL VESSELS, The Treasury Department has issued proposals for the construction of five steam screw revenue yeesels, GOVERNOR GAMBLE AT WASHINGTON. | Governor Gambie, of Missouri, had wn interview with the President to-day, GEN. MITCHELL TO COMMAND AT CAMP DENNISON. Couvanws, August 81, 1861. Governor Pennison has been informed by telegraph | from Washington, that, in compliance with his request, | Brigadier General Q. M. Mitchell wiil be inmmodiately | placed in command at Camp Dennison, ARREST OF A REBEL AT BOSTON. Boston, Sept. 4, 1361. James Leguire, hailing from Halifax, N. S., was arrest. ed in this ¢ity to-day, on charges of conspiring agaiast the government, He has been ecrmmitted for trinl at the next term of the United States District Court, Bail was refused. Leguire was bound for Memphis, apd a uniform was found in his trunk, and other sugpicious circum. } stances led to his arrest, ‘ ARREST OF A REPORTED REBEL CAPTAIN. Baratooa, N. ¥., Sept. 4, 1861. James Chapin, of Vicksburg, reported to be a captain in the rebel army, was arrested at the residence of hi® father-in-law in (his village to-day by Uni.c” States Mar- | shal Burt, of Albany, by virtue of a warrant of the Sscro- tary of State. He is to go to Fort Lafayette. THE ARREST OF H. A. REBYE. Guesnvorr, L. 1, Sept. 4, 1861. The news of the arrest of H. A. Reevo, editor of the Watchman, pubiished here, cauees grout rjoicing among our Unjon men, ARREST OF TRAITORS IN MAINE, Portuann, Me., Sept. 4, 1861. rgent and Octavins F. Hill, of Yarmouth, , Who have been doing businoss at the South, were arrested to-lay by the United States Marehal, by order of the Secretary of War. ‘They are confined in jail, and will be conveyed to Fort Lat: ACQUITTAL OF AUGUST DOUGLASS. Y ELrMiA, Sept. 4, 1961. The trial of August Doxghss, of Baitimore, of high mis- demeanor, on tho charge of cudcayoring to Induce de 28 gortion, ment for the rebels, r honoral im | oyrns F. | Me, T. Louie, & Legion, martialed on a ‘chur and a gentieman, the Uolted St he ming ano Issed from the was prerided cn Approved 1 Pipe, and the fndiigs NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE, Effect of the Capture of Fort Hatteras Great Alarm in the South—The Block- ade Violated—Release of Captured men, &e., &ec, Fortress Moxror, Sept. 3, ‘Via Barone, Sept. 4, 1801. ‘The gunboat R. B. Forbes got off Cape Charles the night before last, with three fect of water in her hold, aud pro- ceeded to Washington this morning for repairs. She would have gone to pieces had not the weather been un- osually mild, ‘The rebe) slaves at Old Point now number eighteen hundred, including women and children. A flag of truce has just come tn from Norfolk, with the crews of the barks Rowena and (en, schooner Mary Alice and brig Jogeph, all captured by tho privateer Dixie, with the exception of the Joseph, which was taken ‘by the privateer Savannah. The captain and mates of the Glen were retaincd as prisoners at Richmond ‘The captain of the Mary Alice is almost direct from Charleston. Ho reports that the force there docs not exceed four thousand men, and that they appretenled an attack from the recent naval expedition. Congressman Ely is still at Richinond, and has to take his turn in cooking and carrying water for the prisoners. Colouel Corconan was lately put in irons several hours for refusing to answer to his name at the roll call. Butter at Richmond is worth 50c., ham, 30c., and coffe 45¢. per pound, iptain Davis made a reconnoissance yesterday in the direction of Back river, and captured two of the Mounted Worth Guard. Bazrmmons, Sept. 4, 1861. A copy of the Richmona Dispatch of Tuesday, received by @ tug of truce at Old Point, contains the following items of news:— A despatch from Charleston, dated Sunday night, says a brig laden with coftee run the blockade on Sunday morn ing, also 9 veesel with fruit, The ship Goudar, from Liverpool, arrived at Beaufort last week. The ship Alliance, which arrived at Beaufort last week, is spoken of by the Zzaminer as laden with arms, amm- nition, thread, quicksitver, &c. The Dispatch says we may in a few days expect Reanro- gard and Johnston's report of the battle of Manarsas, The Petersburg Express of Monday gives an account of the taking of Fort Hatteras, and ays a portion of the ‘wounded escaped on a steamboat. It gives the number of Killed and wounded at about eighty, and says that those ‘who escaped from the fort contend that the magazine ex- ploded, but the Express doubts this story, and adds:— Our latest advices from North Carolinaare up to eight ovelock last night. At that hour it was known in Golds. Doro that a formidable Yankee fleet was in sight of Fort Meson, which commands the entrauco to Beau. fort harbor, ani is spoken of as the most formidable fortification on the North Carolina coast, Au attack was expected on Monday morn. ing. ‘The garrison is well prepared for the assault, and will resist with a determination and daring worthy of the glorious cause in which they are engaged.” ‘Tho excitement throughout North Carolina and Fastern Virginia is intense. It was rumored that Washington, N.C., had boon de- stroyed by the Yankees. ‘No mention is made in the Dispatch of the illness of Jef- ferson Davia, but it contains a proclamation of the ‘‘Presi- dent” calling Congress together again on the 3d inst., ‘On account of its failure to deliver to the President for his signature tho bill containing the military appointments. OUR FORTRESS MONROE CORRESPONDENCE. Fortress Monror, Va., Sept. 2, 1861. Affairs al the Fortress— Vigilance of Major General Wool— An Amucing Incident—Arrival of the R. B. Forbes in a Crippled Condition, de., dc. ‘The even tenor of our way is still undisturbed, ‘The business of every one in and about the fortress is attend. ed to. Out of chaos and confusion al) is now order and sunshine, Geueral Wool personally inspects daily all the workings in hie department, and with the happiest ro. sults, A very amusing incident occurred the other day, showing his vigilance and system of dealing With do- faniters. He had heard that some of his mon were In the habit of returning to their bods aftor reporting at reveille, which is beaten about the break of day. He decided to check it, and on the following morning presented himseit at the bedside of one who was enjoying more than his share of eleep. The General nudged him, and was de- sired to let him alone. He repeated his effurts, and was told to go tothe ——. The sleeper was then called upon torise,and on hearing the voice of the old hero, was slightly “flabbergasted.” Tho last word, though not often used in our language, nevertheless will convey an idea of the man’s thoughts and situation. He, of course, apologized, and was told ‘improvement hereafter was nb- solutely necessary.’”? I need scarcely say the General has endeared himself to all who have any love of order or pride, as soldiers, The navy, or vessels attached to the same at this point, are ull in excelient condition, with the exception of the R. B. Forbes, which came in last night about half-past eight in @ most lamentable condition, On Saterday she ran ashore on Sand Shoal, abont ten miles to the north- ward of Smith’s Island. Our Harbor Master weat to her reliof with the Adriatic and Young Ame and suc ceeded in getting her off, but in a damaged condition. On her arrival she had eight feet of water in hor hola, coal to keep her engine going. Her magavine was del and of course her ammunition spoiled. night her pumps were going continually—the ouly racans to keep her afloat. Coal was gent to her from some of the vessels lying here, I could not ascertain tho injory to her machinery. She isto remain here until th ficer’s return. It will be necessary to send her } repaira, which, I think, will take considerable tins cost a large sum of momey. This ia the gecond tis has been ashore since she Je't Boston, only a wack since She is commanded by acting Master 6: of Boston; there were no regularly eduested naval officers on poard. The vessel was shamefully handled from the timo sli started, and all who have seen muc i that it Could only have happened through gros NEWS FROM THE REBEL STATES. Loumvinsa, Ky. , Sept -A gentleman, just arrived in Uhis city from Richmond, informs the Journal that he war captured at Mathius Point, while on his way tothe North, and returned for trial to Richmond, Ho reports the number of troops in Virginfa a3 greatly exaggerated in the North ond Rich- mond, end that tho actual numbers will not reach seventy thousand in the State, many of whom are down with sickness—in substance corroborating the state- | ments of tho Southorn papers, that fully fifty per cent of the fighting force is in the hospital, He further s: that on Saturday last Joff. Davis wae very ill, and Hcik hopes were entertained of his recovery. The Journal’ informant at the trial at Richmond provetl himself an Englishman and was released. A letter from Dublin, Groves county, Ky., says that two brothers namod Bailey, with bowie knives, had kijled Buck Smith and Bell Sherwood, ina quarrel, which arose from a political fuss. Tho Baileys are Union men, Louisviran, Ky., Sept. 4, 1961. The Memphis Appeal, of the 3d, reports the receipt at that port of 150 bales of cotton and sales of 87. A despatch from Columbus (Ky.) to the Appeal, eays:— Three United States ganboats and one transport had ar- rived opposite Columbne with a large number of men, it ig thought for the purpose to seize Columbus or attack General Pillow. Amoctingof native Kentucklans,at Momphis, on the 2d inat. resuived to pledge themselves to render their nas tive State and her sons all the aid within their power whenever hor freemen shall inaugurate a struggle for aa ageertion of her liberty against the tyranny of the fede- ral power and despotism of abolitionists North. A Richmond letter to the Memphis Appeal reports tho arrival ot two cavalry companies from Georgia, said to be the finest and most efficient troops, and with the finest horses ever seen, ‘The Charleston Mercury of Saturday announces the ar- rival at that port of the armed privateer Gordon from a tix weeks’ cruise. She had captured four prizes, General A, Sidney Johnson had passed through Memphis on his way to Richmond. THE THIRD IRISH REGIMENT GOING To. DaY. The Third Irish rogiment aro under ordors to leave to- Qay,and the following has been issued by Colonel En- right Hranqvanrens Timp Tristi REGIMENT, ) CAMP Canaigan, 8.1, Sept. 4, 1861. ’f GEXBRAL ORDERS Ni All officers and enlisted men of command now on furlough are hereby notilied to report themselves to their hearlqurrters on or before Thursday, the Sth inst., twelve o'clock noon, at whieh time this re t is expected to jonye for W. on. All albscntecs not reporting them: Felves at (Nat time will be treated aa deserters. en! By order, + RICHARD (, ENRIGHT, Colonel, | 5, 1861. ‘DEATH OF JEFFERSON DAVIS. Strong Confirmatory Evidence of the Truth of the Report—Tho Rebel Flags at Half-mast and the Confederate Officers in Mourning—Bio- graphical Sketch of the Rebel President, a, &o,, &e. ‘Tho continued rumora which are reaching us of the death of Jefferson Davis, would seem to indicate that ‘hore js some foundation for their truth, On Tuesday we published the following despatch from Washington:— A despatch has been reesivod hore to-day from Rich- mond, via Lousvillo, announcing the death of Jeff, Davis, ‘This accounts for the display of flags at half mast from the rebel ramparts to-day, Anil yesterday the following:— A nogro. arrived here from Manassas to-night, reports that Jom, Davis died at seven o'clock on Saturday morn- ang. This report is believed by members of the family resident here, His physicians have long expected, from the condition of his health, that if at any time ho should bo embjected to protracted and extraordivary mental exertion, ho would die suddenly. The report of his death is believed here, The Washington Star, in an extra issued yesterday, says Ata late hour last night a branch of the government roogived a despatch from a reliable party in Louisville, notifying }} that thors in that city understood to be in Ure closest cotamonication with Richmond, were satisfied of the correctnoss of the rumors of the death of Jofforson Davis that had reached Louisvillo from Nashville on the night betore, Our correspondent telegraphs; as will be seen else where, that a gentleman from Manassas Junction, who arrived in Washington yesterday morning, states posi- tively that Davis died on Monday (instead of Saturday) morning, at seven o'clock A. M., and that the rebel officers at the Junction were wearing crape on their arms. Another gent!oman, arrived in Washington yesterday from Richmond, reports the death of Davis as acertainty. ‘That such isveatly tie case is borne out by many cir- cumstanoe—aincny others the display of the rebel flag at half-mast on the intrenchments at Bailey's Cross Roads» an honor that would hardly be paid to the memory of 80 comparatively insignificant an officer 93 Colonel Stewart. Another re for concealment by the rebols of their chiefs death js obvious, when it is considered what offyris are now being made by the secessionists of Kentucky to take that State out of the Union, The Jogisiature of Kentucky met on Monday Jast, and the rebels are re sorting to every device of bribes and threats to compel that State to join her fate with that of the confederacy, The death of Davis, however, would dampen the ardor of the rebels there, and materially inter. fere with their cause. Hence the motive for concealment. It is siguidcant, also, that wo re- coive no reports of the affair throagh Louisville, which is tho general source of news coming from the South. We subjoin a brief sketch of the leading events in the life of the Confederate President: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF JEFFERSON DAVIS. Jefferson Davis was born June 3, 1808, in what is now ‘Todd county, Kentucky, While yet an infant, his father, Samuel Davis, « revolitionary soldier in Georgia, removed to Miseissipp! and settled in Witkinson county. ‘Jefferson Davis was sent, at tho usual age, to ania College, Kentucky, from which he was transferred in 1824 to t Mili Academy at West Point, in 1828, which he lett with the brevet appointinent of Second Lieutenant. He was in the army about seven years, and distinguishod himself in active service on the Western frontiers in the Black Hawk and other {Indian wars. With the rank of Firet Lioutenant of dragoons, he resigued out of the army in 1835. He then returned to Missixsinpi and became w cotton planter in Warren county, where ho lived in re- tirement until about 1844, when he first took an active part im politics as a democrat, We believe his frat ap- pearance as 4 public spoaker was ata “barbecue” in Warren county, in answer to the colebrated §. 8. Pren- tisa, From that moment he became the leader of the Mississippi democracy. In 1844 Jofterson Davis was chosen one of the Prasi- dential dectors of Mississippt, in which capacity he yoted for Polk and Dail. In the sneceeding year he was no- mingted by the democratic party of his State as a candi- date for Congress, was elected, and took his seat in the body in Receniber. His first opponent for Congress was Mark Valoutine, then of Warrcy county, Miss., now of Carroll parish, La., whe, though of the same party, thought Jederson Davis not sound or pronounced enough on the repudiation question, and came out as an indes pendent repudiation candidate against him, ‘they came together in diseussion at Vicksburg, where Davis suc- covded jp convincing bis impulsive opponent vither that there wis no material difference between them on (he re- on hobby, or that, Wthere was sach a diffore itdid not make @ material jssne in the canvass ress. . Valentine then withdrew, and left the didate, Mr, ‘Tompkins, & lawyer f, ® very popnlar man and a fos asive vrator, who subsequently went to Congr election of Davis was the result. While in Congress he was foremost among the mem- bors who assisted to organize the war against Moxieo, and in July, 1846, when the First regiment of Mississippi Volunteers was enreiled for sery Moxico, he was elected fis Colonel, when he left his seat in the House, Mr 1 and jotuing his regiment, led it to reiniorce the army of ervives in the Generai Tay for ou the Rio Grande. Tis army thenceforth are matter of histor; ter the battle of Buena Vista that Gen danghter Colonel Davis Wd married under circumstances displeasing to her father, consented to bo reconciled his long repudiated son-in-law. The present Mra, is his second wife, the former one having died some yi 0. On the return of his reghment, in July, 1847, Colonel Davis was tendsred the appointment of Brigndier General of volunteers, which he declined, on the groand that the States, and uot the federal government, had the right to appoint the oMeers of the militia, He was appointed by the nor of Miswiseippi,in the same year, to fll a vaconcy in the United States Y iwas afierwards unanimously elected by the Mississippi Lvgisluture for tha remainder of the term, whi pired March 4, 1851, In'September, 1851, Colonel Da celgned bis seat 98 Senator, on boing nominated for Governor by the sect sion wing of the democratic party, in opposition to Henry S. Foote, the Union eandidate vas beaton by a majority of only 999 yotos, although the Union party went into the fiold with a majority of 7,500 votes, as indicated by the Convention election a short tim Colonel Davis was in retirement, when he rendered effective sorvice on the stum General Pieree, as democratic candidate for President, Appointed to the War Departinent by President Por he continued jn that position until the inaign tion of Mr. Bachanan, in 1857. While tn oilice he revised the army regulations; he introduc army, ni ptod to the wants of the c y ontier defences of the country; and had rt of the continent explored for scientific, dl railroad purposes, | «i to the Senate by the Mivsis 1 fore his retirement from the He again entered the Senate, tbere- for the term ending the 4h of March, 1863, 4ng seceded from the Union in January last, | oy lamented the Jin a brief | that body and announced his withdr: On the 9th of February last he was elected Provisional | President of the Southern confederacy, and in the cveut | of his demise will be succeeded by Vico Prestlent Ak ander H. Stephens. REYORT PROM NASHVILLE. Lovisvian, Sept. 4, 1991. A Nashville despateh to-day says that there js no trnth whatever in the reports of Jeff. Davis’ death. } IMPORTANT FROM KENTUCKY, Grcinwany, Sept. 4, 1961, ‘Tho Commercial says that it is understood in Frankfort that Governor Magoflla refuses to play into the hands af the rabid eecersionists; that he hos had a quarrel with Mr. Breckinridge; that he refuses to demand the break- ing up of the United States ramp in Garrard county, and that he doclares that he will submit to the wil of the majority of the people of Kentucky, a8 may be exproased through the Legislature, TUE KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE, Franxronr, Sept. 8, 1861. } coppered, Davia, on being appricod of the fact, withdrew | A Thore was nothing of tmportance transacted in the Home to-day. In the Senate, Judge Robinson, of Bcott county, war olectod President pro tem, fix or seven Senators more than the constitution al- lows have been elected, and the permanent organization of the Senate is delayed on a question of contested greats, Pranxrorr, Ky., Sept. 4, 1861. Two Union mombers have beon solected to fill the contested seats in the Benate. The temporary Spoaker then resigned, The Senate will be regularly organized to-morrow. CONTRADICTION. Lovisvnux, Sept. 4, 1801. It is reported that the President bas telegraphed the Union members who repudiated General Fromont’s policy in regard to slaves NINTH REGIMENT, N. Y. 8. M. Reeruits for this regiment are ‘requested to report at hea'quarters, corner of Thirtecnth street and University Place, to-day, to receive uniforms and equipments, THE NAVY. ARRIVAL OF THE GUNBOAT WYANDOT FROM FORT PICKENS AND KEY WEST. ‘The United States gunboat Wyaudot, Commander Bald win, arrived yesterday morning from Fort Pickens August, 28, via Key West 28th, Left at Fort Pickens United States shipColorado, flag offlcer Marion, Loft at Key West United States ships Santee, Capt, Eagle; Keystone State, Capt, Scott; Crosader, Capt, Corwia, Alt weil, Commandor Baldwin reports the health of do troops at Fort Pickens good. ‘The rebel troops had had a general stampede; largo numbers of thom had deserted and Bono home, ‘The Wyandot brings a letter bag from Fort Pickens and ‘4 mail from the fleet at Key West, Aunexed Is a list of the offlcers of the Wyandot:— Cimmander—Augnstas Baldwin, Lictulenants—James Stillwell, Leroy Fitch. Nurgeon—R. Dean, Hirst Agsidant Engineer—Wm, HH. Chiet. Assistunt Engineere—W. K, Puree, F. J. Brooks and W. B. Clark. Master's Matee—W. G. Wright, J. Paine. ‘The Wyandot has boon cruising for the past two years. She was put in commiswion in Soptomber, 1859, shortly after which she left this port for the south coast of Cuba, where, after continously cruising seven mouths, she captured the slave bark William, with five hundred and forty-six-slaves on board, She continued eruising for Slayers until November, 1860. In December she went up the coast of Florida in search of the then missing mail steamer Isabel, whoso engines had been disabled, causing her return to Charleston, About the middle of December sho proceeded to Pensacola Navy Yard, went into dry dock, had rome slight repairs done, her bottom cleaned, and just got off in time to prevent the secessionists from capturing her with the Navy Yar Junuary 12, 1861. On the 10th of Febroary sho trans ported Lieutenant Slemmer and_ his command from Yort rancas to Kort Pickens, For nearly & month the Wyandot alone, by her constant activity day ‘and night, along the inner shore of Santa Rosa Island, kept the rebels from crossing over, landing and attacking Pickens. During tho day a por- tion of the “crow assisted Lieutenant Slemmer’s small mand in mounting the heavy guns, At night the marines of the ship went ashore and did picket duty outside the fort to prevent surprise. Thus the Wyandot was by her presence and activity actually the protector of Fort Pickens, notwithstanding there was hot s liontenant aboard the ship, signed, leaving Captain Berryman ( ashes) and four engineers aboard, who performed all the various duties of the ship, After the Bevoklyn and. the rest of the feet arrived outside the harbor, the Wyan- dot kept open the commanication between them and’ the fort until the night of April 12, when she landed the re- iuforeements of marines and sailors of the squadron. ‘She afterwards was actively engaged luuciug retaforee ments, and for the last two months anda hall she has been blockading the pass of the eastern end of Santa Rosa Island. On the 17th August she narrowly escaped ehip- wreck by being blown ashore during a hurri- cano, which caused her to drag both anchors, notwithstanding she was using all the steam pewer her worn out boiler and dilapidated condition would allow to axsivt in keeping the vexsel off the lee shore. Had the gale continued fifteen minutes longer the faithful old Wyandot and all on board must have perished. In consequence of her unseawortby condition, the flag officer Immediately ordered her to this port. Daring the trying times off Pengacoia the mon suffered considerably from scurvy, living nearly lye mouths with- ont fresh provisions; and although three lieutenants aud tho wssistant surgeon had resigned on account of their secession proctivities, the crew were to « man loyal. ; ‘The Wyandot has proceeded to the Navy Yard, Breok. iyo. Cushman, acting THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD. ‘There are quite a nuinber of eteamers and sailing ves- sels at present at the yard to be converted into cruisers: The workinsn have already commenced on the barks Gein of the Sea and Brazilvira, ‘Thoy will mount four thirty” two pounders of forty-two ewt. Ligutenant Reed Worden has been ordered to command the steam gunlmt Stars and Stripes; Lioutenant Hapo- bar Collius, the Unadilla; Lieutenant Parrot, the Angusta; Acting Master W. J. Hotelkins, ch al Patnam; Act- ing Master Gregory, the BE. B. Hale, and Lieutenant Chap. lin, the Valley City: The KE. B, Hale will go into com. mussion to-day and proceed to her station off the James river Immediately. ‘Me old frigate Rrauvdy wine has been hauled ito the dry deck, where she will be caulked and She is to be med ag a hospital aud receiving bhip at € Point Comfort. The steamer James Adger will Boon be realy for ser, She will have elzht thirty-two Ponders, broa!side guns, and a pivot. Commander Walke, we understand, has been ordered to her, K the frame for a sidowheel steamer, two hun. y ix foot of water, was set Compicted she will mount a heavy battery, sam sloop on the stocks will be ready for launehing WW weeks. ‘Thore ave 1,000 recruits at present on “i the receiving ship North Carolina, The steamor Angusta came over to the yard yesterday afternoon to re- cvive her guns, OFFICERS OF THE STEAMER PAWNER. Wasmxcron, D. C., Sept. 3, 1861. Th your paper of yeatorday I saw an incorrect list of the officers of the steamer Pawnee. Allow me, sir, to sond youa correct one, viz.— Commander—S. C. Rowan, Lientenants—J. C, Maxwell K.P. McCrea, 'T. Hi, Bast- son, H, M. Blue, T. Snell, ©. R. Daniels. Gunnell, Chief Eaginser—W. H. Ratherford; Third Assistant En- inoere—). Hardee, J. Trilley, N. Chimpion, A. Adamson, Bellman. Paytmastor’s Clerk.-Wm. Robinson. Captain’s Clerk—0. Courtright. OPERATIONS ON THE POTOMAC RIVER. Under date of August 31 we learn that the United States steamer Reaolute, under command of Amos P. Foster, formerly acting Master's Mate on the steamer Penguin, Janded a crow and destroyed four beats capable of con- veylog three hundred men each, also the surrounding lings, at a place on the river ealled Ferry Landing. boats were no doubt in readiness to transport # the river, ‘The thames were seon at a dis. enty milea, ‘The Resolute, wader comtaan Captiin Badd, has beon a terror to all rebe'x, smd will continne 0 be, under command of Mr. Foster. MISCELLANEOUS. ‘The Ranson (brig) and Fatmorm Imouth, August 26. ¥ spinwall as Viewuis Ho! toresbip) were wimouth {2 sta- The corvette Sara- nd Sumter, Porto way back mder orders, The United enmer Sacinaw arrived at Swatow, June 17, with orders for the John Adams to proceed to Hong Kony on her home. «Island, in Narragansett Bay, opposite Yast ; is about to be Surveyed to ascertain its wuita- y for the new navy yard, Ne Atlantic House, ab Newport, has boen hired by the srpment for the locetion of a brangh of the Naval my thore during the winter, unboat Albatross ts undergoing repairs at the hia Ni Yara, steamers Underwriter and Jacob Bell are at the | Washington Navy Yard for repairs, IS ALL SAFR AT HATTERAS INLET? | vO THE EDITOH OF THK HERALD. Pamn}ico Sound {a eighty miles long and frem twenty to twenty-five wide, provided with steamboats and vessels Sntended for ‘he privateering service in large numbers. From the western eoast of the sound, and from Virginia on the north, an army might almost instantly be raised of several thoussnd fer an attack npon the handful of men leit in the captured forts by Mossre, Butler and Stringham, 1. is manifest, frem the reports yo pricing journal haa laid before the pubite, that th on the inside, in the sound, plenty of vessels to trangport these hostile troops from the mainland, worth, west and south of it, to the captured f at the South wileh aatnated t Plattsbury was invgited If toy have the apirit | oof Vermont whea ob : nieors going to the “ain with the Vermonters on If they go, carry with them whelps in the Beld 2? #pce upon the handful y five days’ provisions, and, for aught that appoars, almost entirely destitute of anmunition, The cannon taken are many of them apiked. ‘The emmiition shipped there by tho federal force is not likely to be suitable for the thirty-two pounders which compose the armatcent. The Harriet Lane is there in a « t witout gua to fgbt with or coals to our men are left there in kumninent danger of at upon a narrow atrip of sand hills, in forts that them little or no protection from ‘the overwheli that ean easily be placed both north ands stowed upon them for their skill in t portant @ position, unless they have left those men who remaia behind thera ypon 90 barren and inhospitable astrip of land iu far better condition to defend them. selves, to keep what hag been won, and to render it powerful aad efMfevent as an auxiliary to the blockade, than they appear to have beon left by the reports you have ao voffminoasiy and promptly subinitted, ‘There is a foeling of painful suspense in the community on this subject, and T hope they may be able to show us thnt all is perfectly sale, Tk would bo mortifying, beyond the power of ev Russell to exprese, if we lose the signal advantage @ Ung gained for want of reinforcement of tho tro PRICE TWO CENTS. IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI. A Brilliant Engagement in the Western Part of the State. FIGHT AT LEXINGTON. Four Hundred and Thirty Unionists Re- pulse Over Four Thousand Rebels. SIzTYT KILLAD. SEVERAL HOUSES DESTROYED, &eo., &o., &e. [From the St, Louis Bulletin, Sept. 2.) ‘We learn from Mr, Wasson, a gentleman who left Rich. mond and arrived by the North Missouri Railroad Friday Hight, Hat a fight took place at Lexington, Lafayette county, on Thursday last, inthe day time, between 4,500 rebels and 430 Home Guards and United States troops, in the intrenchments around Loxingtou, ‘Bie at- tack was made by the rebols, who were repulsed with a lows of wixty Killed in the battle, and three of their plekets. None of the Union force was killed. During the engagement Arcana Hall, eccupted by the Masons, and a private residence opposite to the Court Howse, owned by R. Aull, Ksq., of this city , and oecapied by 'f. Crittenden, Fsq., temporarily absent in Kentucky, were shelled and burned. The impression was (hat farmer contained powder derigned for the use of <ho Con- = Another attack was threatoued and appre- henided, We leasn farther that ex.Governor King, of Ray coun- ty, who had been taken prisoner, had made his escape from the rebels, but that Judge Ryland and his gon Jobb were still prisoners, ‘Two regiments of infantry and a squadron of cavalry Jott Jeflorson City yesterday morning, by land, for the relief of Lexington, LATER FROM LEXINGTON, A gentleman who arrived in the Pacific cars last. even. ing from Warrensburg, Johnson county, gives some Additional information in regard to affairs at Lexington, He had news direct from that city to Friday. At that time tho troops in the intrenchments still held ont against the rebels, He says that on Wodnesday tho rebeb forces male a demand far the aarrendar of the treops ia the fntrenchments, ‘This was indignantly refused. On Thareday the Confederates attacked the Union troops, and were repulsed—tive lows of the former being fiity or sixty killed. ‘The Unlon men had none killed, but some were woundod inside of the intrenchmeats. Five or six Union men bolonging to the Union treope, serving as eeouts, had een killed in tho neighborhood by the Con- federates, The assuiling party bad no artillery, ‘Their uuinber was estimated at 2,500, but they clatwied 4,000. ‘The commanding officer felt quite confident’ of being nstain himself against aby further attacks untii Tvipforoements could arrive, were certain to be there on Satorday night, and consisted of a regi- Meat of Minols troops, under command of Colonel Mar- shall, part of the Johnson County Home Guards, and Part or a regiment of Home Guards under command of Col. McClurg-—nombcring in all about twelve hundred men. ‘This force wouklenable them to drive the Confade- rates from that section of the State, when aided, ae they soon would be, by twoor three regiments on the marc! from Jefferson City. When near Georgetown the Titinois regiment was fired at by a person from a window, with a double barrelled shot gm, and one man killed and anether wounded, ‘The person firing was captured, and proved to be Colonel Ma- Folin, the leader of the ‘seceesionists im Pettis county (o {8 now a prisoner. Captain Staples, who has been greatly instrumental tn bringing on these troubles, was laying waste tho country, seizing the wheat of Unton men, and having it ground into flour for the use of tho rebel forces, Their day will soon be over, JneFERSON Cary, Sept. 8, 1861. ‘The latest information from Lexington confirms the safety of that place and the wihdrawal of the robels- ‘Thore is much disaffection in MeCulloch’s army, He ts in Arkaneas. This is reliable. An expedition crossed into Calloway county last night, destined for Columbia. Gueanpman, Sept. 3, 1861, rmy, which left Ironton some sop, some ten miles west of neral Prentiss and ataffare The iy General Prenties’ litt days since, arrived at J here, yesterday morning. now here. Noenemy wis met during the mare! report that General Preutins took one hundred and e prisoners is, therefore, false. A scout arrived from Hardeo's eamp ast night and reported that the rebels know the exact tine Goneral Prentise left Ironton, and finmediately commenced re- treating. Hardee was rapidly moving towards Arkansas with kix thousand men. The cncmy is reported to be strongly fortified at Sykestown. 4, Mo., Sept. 3, 1861, ‘The correspondent of the St. Louis Democrat has fur- nished the following -— A gonticman from Springfield en Friday evening re. ports that MeCalioch, with five thousand Texas, Louisiana und Arkangas troops, was moving towards Arkansas, ie was 4 heard from at the Chalybeate Springs, near Mount Vernon, is wounded were also being moved from the Spring- felt hespital and taken southward, On Thuraday, tho 29th ult., Generals Price, Parsons, Slack and Churchiit moved towards Bolivar, with a foroe of some 12,000 men- When lost heard from they were marching towards Jef- fergon City, on the road between Bolivar and Warsaw. Only & portion of General McBride's divistom remained in Springtield. ‘Thirty-ciyht of the Dent Connty Home Guard were sur- prited Sunay morning early at Bonnet’s Mills by 860 re- dels, and two of thom killed and eight wounded, ono mortally, ‘The killed and wounded of tho rebels filled a Jarge wagon, but their number conld not be ascertaii ‘The Home Guard retreated. Eighteen rebel prisoners who were taken by the Guard the day before wore con fined in @ honge near by, and the rebels, mistaking them Hansimat, Bept. 4, 1861. Corporal Dix, of the Third Jowa regiment, while out on ascont with five men near Kirksville, last weck, was | enrrounded in a farm bouse while at dinner by twenty. five rebels, who demanded the surrender of his party ‘This wae refused, and ihe rebels mado an attack on them. ‘The Aight wos severe, but the Union troeps maintainod (heir position in the house, driving the assailaats from ibe ground with a joa of seven killed and five wounded- Corporal Dix, on the Union aide, was killed, but none of the others were bart, Camo, Sept. 3, 1661. Lieutenant Tuft, who was sent with a flag of truce frour Gencral Mllow’s eamp at New Madrid, returned last night. Colonel Wallace's terms wero accepted by Cen. P., and an exchange of prisoners will take place to-mor_ row. 15,000 rebels are reported to be at New Madrid. Camo, I1n., Sept. 4, 1861. ‘The gunboats Taylor and Lexington had an engagement off Hickman, Kent: with the robot gunboat Yankes, this afternoon, Two baticries on the shore, supported by about fifieen hundred rebels, also fired npoa our boata. None of the shots took ef ‘The Taylor and Lexington xt (wenty slots, with what effect is not yet retnrned to Cairo this evening, and en the Colonel Hicks, of the Fortieth Mlinois regiment, who was seul to exchange prisoners, returned last night from Gharleston, ‘The rebels had but throe federal prisoners. It is reported that the rebels are falling back from Sykeatown to New Madrid. General Grant took command Of this post to-day. NINTH REGIMENT (IAWKINS’ ZOUAVES). Licutenant Colonel Betts yesterday sent forward fifty more recruits, besides the band. This raises the regiment ment of 1,046 men. The recruiting nant Colonel Botts starts this morn- , to take command of the portion of The remainder of the re- rt Hatteras, attack which led to being finished, Liew ing for Newport § the regimoat statior giment, under Coione having participated in the capture ofthat place. FIRST F UNGTON ZOUAVES, ‘This regiment is quartered at Carnp Vanderbilt, Staten Island, and numbers 800 strong. They arégunder excel- lent diseipline y companies, and expect to leave I ‘Two compantes. will be accepted by making apy t the tent fa the an abundant supply of proyjgions and munitions of INQUIRER, | Park, or wt headquarters, 76 Variuk street, t Colemel J. HH. Romaine.