The New York Herald Newspaper, November 26, 1861, Page 10

10 aS NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1861.TRIPLE SHEET. ‘ GEN. HALLECK’S DIVISION. der, from tho commander of this department, made its NEWS FROM THE REBEL STATES. ——— appearance — GENERAL ORDERS—NO. 3, GOSSIP AT OND. REPORTED Sts on <anmnal, PRICE'S snanganns Diparaey Manon, stoner aa: 28S RICHMOND sss . : , Nov. 20, 1861. Richmond, Novem detalles Sunatsa, Mo., Nov. 25, 1861. 1. Ita boon represented that tinportant’ information | RI 15 ayy contedorato capital two days ago, Wt is reported that General Price is still advancing to- ‘wards this place, and that the Union pickets were driven 4m towards here this evening, A number of rebels were arrested last night who were ‘on their way to join Price's army. Rebels in town are quite certain that the Union force are to be driven from this section of Missouri. They aro still, in regard to the movements of Price, without doubt that ho is advancing towards Sedalia, The military re- gulations are very strict now, and no one can pass the Jines without passes signed by the commanding officer of tho post. ‘The train from Warsaw arrived yesterday A.M. Pas- roport that a sick soldier left at Warsaw was eae by the rebels of that town. All the businces portion of Warsaw was burned in th® late fire, No cluo has yet been obtained as to who fired *. Syracuse, Mo., Nov. 25, 1861, Intolligence has been received here from parties direct fom Osceola that General Prices army crossed the Osage siver at Hoffman's Ferry on Friday last, and the advance guard would reach Osceola on tho following any. THE MORTAR FLEET AT ST. LOUIS. Sr. Louis, Nov. 25, 1861. ‘Tho work on the Mortar fleet at this point has not been topped, as stated in the Cincinnati Inquirer, but is pro- greesing rapidly, Tho boats are expected to be finished ‘this week. The mortars aro being already cast and wait- ‘img shipment at Pittsburg, Pa. APPOINTMENT OF MISSOURI REBEL DELE- GATES TO THE REBEL CONGRESS. Covumnra, Mo., Nov. 22, 1861, ‘The Statesman, published here, has information from ‘Neosho that tho rump Legislature of this State, after ob- taining » quorum by tho appointment of proxies, elected John B. Clark, formerly member of Congress from Howard eounty, and R.L. ¥. Peyton, of Cass county, Senators to ‘the rebel Congress, The Logislature also appointed members to the rebel ‘Bons of Representatives from the different Congressional districts of the State, among whom are Emanuel Mac- downe!, of St. Louis, of habeas corpus notoriety ; L. M. MeHenry, of Adrian county, and James S. Rains, of Jas- - Per county , a// of whom are’in the army of General Price THE WAR CLAIMS INVESTIGATION. Sr. Louis, Mo., Nov. 25, 1861. ‘The committe appointed to investigate tho claims Against the government of this department has ben in eevion something over two weeks, and claims amounting to more than $6,000,000 have been presented and ap" Proved. Many witnesses are examined daily, and their evidence relating to different claims still continues to be presented daily, in large numbers, and the labors of ¢! noma will hardly be concluded for several weeks OUR 8ST. LOUIS CORRESPONDENCE. fr. Louis, Mo., Nov. 19, 1861. General Halleck Assumes Command of the Army of the Southwest—The Mooted Campaign in the Mississippi River Valley—General Orders—General Hunter to Take Command of the Forces in Kansas—The Fremont Claim, ‘Committee— Promotion of Major Schofield—Navigation of fhe Mississippi—Formidatle Preparations of the Colum- dus and Memphis Rebels, de. General Halleck arrived here yesterday morning in the ‘Cincinnati train, and without parade or ostentation made his way to the quarters that had been provided for him. ‘During the day and until late last night he was busy in Scquainting himself with the position of affairs in St. Louis and in Missouri generally, and only received ® fow visiters whose business could not be delayed. This morning he mace a brief and formal cal! ‘en Gen. Fremont, tho ci-devant commander of the Western Department, with whom he had a slight acquaintance in California, To-day has been spent in business matters, ‘of which, I am told, the campaign of the Mississippi Val- Tey has been a prominent portion. On questions that Ihave been asked him relative to the immediate future ho ‘has maintained a judicious silence, but is, I think, fully re that a condition of war exists, and will conduct silairs accordingly. The army lately in the Southwest is Doing rapidly drawn to St. Louis, as if with a view to a blow in some other direction, Gen. Halleck to-day issued his first general order, which was as follows: GENERAL, ORDERS—NO. 1. Heapquanimns DeraniMext oF Missocrt, Sr. Louis, Nov. 19, 1861, I. In compliance with general orders, No. 97, head wuarters of the army, Washington, November 9° 1861, nndersigned hereby takes the command of the De! partment of Missouri, including the States of Missouri, rs, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mlinois, Arkansas, and that portion of Kentucky west of Cumberland river. Il. All reports and returns required by army regula. tions will be made to the headquarters, in the city of Sy. Louis. H.W. HALLECK, Major General, U. 8. A. General Hunter leaves in a day or two for Leaven- ‘worth, to arsume command of the Department of Kansas, His command here has been exceedingly brief, brieter even than that of any one of his three predecessors, General Halleck is the fifth commander of the Department of the West, and the hope is mincerely cherighed that he may —haye some degree of permanence. ‘The expression from Kansas, ‘through the press and from residents of that State now in Bt. Louis, is quite favorable to General Hunter, though there is cousiderable disappointment manifested by the friends of Jim Lane at the refusal of the administration “to place the border General in command of the frontier. Below is General Hunter’s order turning over the Missou- ¥i Department to his successor: ORDE 16. Heanquanrens WesteRs Deparrwenr, Sr. Lours, Nov. 18, 1861. The undersigned relinquishes command of this depart ment. Major General Halleck has been assigned to the Department of Missouri, and Major General Hunter to the Department of Kansas. D. R. HUNTER, Major General Commanding. ‘The Claims Committee still pursues its investigations Mmto the disbursements of moneys in this department, and [am credibly informed that it has yet found no prot of anything like fraud in the giving out of contracts or orders. ‘The work of adjusting the accounts of these who have claims against this department is. ve: te aud it 48 possible that the committee may be employed for tw or-three weeks tocome. At present there are not many Rew orders given out, eave those requisite for the sub- Bistence of the army now in the field. Major J. 8. Schofield, who acquitted himself creditably at Wilson's creek,” and latterly at Frederick town, has been nae Brigadier General of volunteers, In the former fection he was several times grazed by the enemy's bullets, but escaped unhurt. At one time, while in conversation with General Lyon, a rifle ball passed through his beard, just escaping his chin, aud buried itself deep in a tree ai his side. Captain James Totten, who has bornea gallant and prominent part in neariy every action in Missouri since the outbreak of the rebellion, has been made an Inspector General, with the rank of Major, in the regular army. Major Frank J. White, who commanded a battalion of prairie scouts un ene. ral Fremont, and made himself famous for the capture of Lexington, is now engaged in the reorganization of this corps. Major White is a resident of New York, and was prominent at the Bull run tle. Captain Mulligan (bi ts still here with his. ‘any particnlar portion « ‘The navigation of the few days since the etexmer Sunshine ng to Kansas City and Leaven ‘Wagons and flour for priv who to as overhauled by me two hundred 1 the boat to pre ps + in the count: tend to re the Cairo to th sence of east of re quiet. Jennise Karsas City and Indep It is reported here to-night Valley, on her way. from stopped at Landing, a short d Crpe Girardeau, by a tableforce unde son. The story is, that Thompson heard that Grant was on the boat, on his way to St. L nied by seve 8 of importance good opportunity to ‘bag’? somebody. was not on the Platte Valley, and so Thompson, appointment, administered ie oat to the pas” wengers, and then allowed them to proceed, From Columbus and Memphis [learn that formidable preps are being made to receive the Union army er it chooses to make au attack, For several the banks of the river are guarded by batteries have been are daily being made sironger, and st taken to make formidable esistauce to an ap proach from the rear. It is the general belief that our soverest battle will be ator near Columbu ng defences have been pri pored at Me Memphis papors of late date call Rite or of an, expedition from St. Louis, and W + in preparations to repulse tho en » Appeal gives thanks to General Price fork into the interior, and thus saving Memy apture. This accords with the belief I expressea a few weeks since, that it was the design of the rebels in Missouri to amuse and daily with the Union army rather than eng is a b ge it in battle, ‘Thera ling among the rebels of the Missis« General Grant refuses to rec nts, and it is to be feared that our may receive bad treatmcnt in consequence, Sr. Louis, Mo., Nov. 21, 1861. Important General Order by Major General Halleck—Infor- mation Comveyed to the Rebels by Fugitive Slavetm-Libera- tion of Negroes by General Lane's Brigate—Tha Ferling Of the Qficers in Regard to the Siaves—The New Gurdoat Benton and Her Destinatiom—One Result of the Fremont ter fe and Biair Quarrel—An Admirer of Jef. Davis Roughly Handled—St. Louis Loyal, de., de. fa tho papere of this evening the flowing general or- respecting the numbers and conditions of our forces is conveyed Lo the enemy by means of fugitive slaves who are admitted within our lines, In order to remedy this evil it is directed that no such persons be hereafter par- mitted to enter tho lines of any camp, or of any forces on the march, and that any slew within such lines be im- mediately excluded therefrom, II, ‘Tho General commanding wishes to impress upon all officers in command of posts and troops in the field the importance of preventing unauthorized persons of every description from entering and leaving our lines, and of observing the greatest precaution in the employ- ment of agents and clerks in confidential positions. By order of Major Goneral HALLECK. Ws. MoMicnam,, Assistant Adjutant General. The above has created some astonishment among the People genorally, though not as much as when Fremont’s celebrated proclamation appeared. There will bo con- siderable difficulty in enforcing it in many of the regi- ments and brigades of the army, particularly among the troops from Kansas. Gen, Lane’s brigade has made itself noted for the liberation of noegros, having sent away upwards of two thousand since the commencement of the war, and it will be a matter of extreme difficulty to persuade theso same negro loving Kansans to exclude all runaway slaves from their lines, or to return those now in camp. Many of the officers and privates in the Miinois and Ohio regiments entertain rather free senti- ments concerning the negro question, and they may not be as prompt in obeying the order as is consistent with the army regulations. During General Fremont’s march, and while he was in camp in’ Spring@eld, negroes flocked to the army in large numbers, aud were rarely returned. At the time of tho ‘evacuation of the Southwest a majority of the officers could boast of their “contraband” servants. Around the staff of the late commanding General the dusky fugitives were to be found in abundanco, but no one appeared to know anything about them or how they came there. After General Hunter’s arrival in Springfield he issued orders for the return of fngitives whenever their owners suc- cooded in finding and identifying them, but I do not know of a single instance where a slave was given up. The portion of the order commanding that slaves now in our camps be excluded therefrom, appears to clash with the late order of the Secretary of War, at least such is the opinion of the quid nuncs of St. Louis. ‘The gunboat Bonton, lately completed and now lying at the St. Louis Dry Docks, has a sign out announcing her tor Memphis and New Orleans, The painter was particu- lar not to place the word “direct”? upon the sign, as it is quite probable she may be delayed on the route, She is one of the largest and best of tho gunboat fleet, and will no doubt make herself heard when she comes into action. The guns for the rest of the fleet ‘were seut to Cairo a few days since by the steamer Maria Deming, convoyed bya gunboat sent from Cairo to this city for that purpose. Jeff. Thompson heard of the pro- cious freight of tho Deming, and while all were sunposing him at New Madrid, or below there, he suddenly inade his appeararce a short distance below Cape Girardeau, aud ‘overhauled another steamer, the Platte Valley, as soon as he ascertained that the former boat was too strongly guarded for him to attack. Pursuit of the enterprising Jeff. though attempted, was of course fruitles Coloncl Blair, ina speech a few evenings since, was from his visit to the army of tho Potomac, your corre pondent found affairs go coufuged and perploxed that ho could get at no clear understanding of “the situation,’” and thought it best to allow himself full forty-eight hours for an intelligent survey of tho past weck before resuming his letters. The resignation of General Walker had very greatly excited the public mind within those eight days; the grand Yankee armada had set out upon its voyage of Fai and destruction; General Leo had returned to Richmond; rumors of the wildest sort were flying about, guch ag that Beauregard had resigned and Johnston was about to imitate his exainple. it was dith- cult to estimate the effect upon popular sentiment of actual occurrences, or to know what confidence to place in the new and startling reports. ‘Tho correspondence between General Walker and the Acting Secretary of War gave rise to a very animated hewspaper controversy, conducted mostly in tho columns of the Whig, and with no little ability on both sides, A writer, who signed himself “Brutus,” attacked the ad- ministration with much spirit, and was wered by a friend of Mr. Benjamin, under the initial of “J.”” “Bru- tus,” so far as 1am informed, remains unknown to the public, but “J.” is said to be J. B, Jones, fsy., Passport Clerk in the War Department, late editor of the Sowhern Monitor, of Philadelphia, and many years ago proprietor of the Madisonian, of Washington city, the oflicial organ of President Tyler. The sensation created by Us tin broglio has now subsided, leaving upon the majority, I think, the impression that General Walker’s letter of he had been ent, and that es of Bo brave Tesignation was in wretched taste, but tl badly treated by the Confederate governt it were 2 thousand pities to lose the serv wad srilfal an officer. ‘Tbe rumored resignation of Boauregard as afact throughout the city, and the on di! ran to say that it was the wish of the Prosident bi withdraw from his command in consequence of bis hay- ing recited, in his official report of the battle of Manus. sas, a plan he had drawn up for the relict of Maryland and the occupation of Washington city, which was re- jected by the President before the battic, 1 have no means of knowing whether or not our Chief Magistrate was seriously displeased at this iutroductiou into tho re- port of matters not properly belonging thereto, but I do now that the gallant little hero, the beau sobrewr et bens soldat, Beauregard, has no idea’ of resigning—at least 1 have this upou pretty good anthority—and that he re- marked to a gentloman who mentioned the subject to ‘him at Centreville, that he had entered the Confederate service for the war, and expected to remain in it until tho final consummation of our independence, unless re- moved by the band of death, General Robert E. Lee reached Richmond on Friday last, from Greenbrier river, much broken down by bis arduous labors in command of the forces in the North- west, and has been transferred to the command of the Jand operations in the defence of the South Carolina coast. He left for Port Royal this morning, THE PROVISIONAL CONGRESS. The Enquirer contains tho Arst day's proceedings of this body, which met in Riehmond on tho 18th. Hon. Howell Cobb took the chair, Rev. Mr. Flyun, of Georgia, Chaplain of Colonel Cobb's Tegiment, opened the session with prayer. ‘Tho Secretary called the roll, when it was found there was a quorum present, six States being represented. Prosent—Messrs. Barry, of Mississippi; Venable, of North Carolina; House, Jones, Atkins and’ De Witt, of particularly severe upon the Democrat and Republican on account of their espousal of the Fremont cause, The Republican was nover a friend of the Blairs; but the Demozrat has been, until quite recently, the mouthpiece of the family. The recent unhappy quar: rel between the friends of Fremont and Blair has lost to the latter the support of all the newspapers of the city, and has alienated the Germans from their good will to- wards Blair and turned them in favor of Fremont. The ability that this young and shrewd politician — will no doubt enable him to bring the feutons back to the faith they once adhcred to as soon as the bitterness arising frem the present feud has passed away. Yesterday I witnessed an interesting scene which il- lustrates tho present feeling in St. Louis. Iwas passing a lager bier saloon, where some twenty persons, mostly Germans, were engaged in imbibing their favorite beve- rage and indulging in cheers for the Union and the flag. Ou the party, an Ame. rican, gave a shout for Jefferson Davis, when instantly half a dozen fists levelled him to the floor, whence he was speedily rolled into the street. When I came to St. Louis in May last it was much safer cheering for Jeff. than for Old Abe, and most men who were known as loyal citizens were accustomed to carry revol- vers when ever they walked the ets. At present the city, to all outward appearances, is as loyal as New York; and, though one occasionally bears treasonable utterances at hotel tables and in select groups cn the sidewalk, it is not considered a heaithy amuse- meut to cheer for Jeff. Davis in a beer saloon or in a mis- cellaneous crowd. THE BATTLE OF PIKETON. EPITOME OF THE OFFICIAL REPORTS OF GENERAL NEL- SON AND COLONEL SILL, We will briefly notice the contents of the reports of General Nelson and Colonel Sill. On the 7th November General Nelson despatchea Colonel Sill, with his own re giment, the Ohio Thirty-third, and the light. battalion under Major Hart, composed of a flank company from. each of the regiments, the Second, Thirty-third and ty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, Uniied States Army, and two Kentucky companies, together with one hundred and forty-two mounted men, under command of Col. Metcalf, Kentu volunteers, made up of men mounted from the mis, and thirty-six gentlemen volunteers, nnder Colonel Apperson, and «section of artillery, w march by the way of Jobn’s creck, and to pass to the left of Pike. ton, where the rebels had taken position—a distance of forty miles—and turn or cut them off, Colonel Sill marched at eleven A. M. on the 7th. At tive A.M. of the 8th Genoral Nelson moved forward with the Second regiment Ohio Voluntecrs, Colonel Harris; ‘Twenty-first regiment Ohio Voluntecrs, Colonel Norton: Fifty-ninth regiment Ohio Volunteers, Colonel Vyfte: the battalion of Kentucky volu under Colonel Charles A. Marshall and two sections of artillery, Captain Konkle, and took the State road direct to Pikeville, twen- ty-cight miles, Some eight miles from Prestonburg they met a picket of about forty cavalry and fired on then, Vut having no cavalry the ly. Atone P.M. the column had advanced along the narrow delile of the ntain that ends at Ivy creek. The mountain is the highest along the fiver, very precipitous, and thickly covered with timber and widergrowth, ahd the road, which is but seven feet wide, is eut along the side of it) about twenty-five feet above the river, which is close un der the road. ‘The ridge descends in ‘a rapid curve, and very sharp to the creek, or rather gorge, where it makes acomplete elbow. Behind this ritge, and all alons the mountain side, the enemy, seven hundred strong, lay in ambush, and’ did not ‘fire until. the head of Colonel Marshall's battalion, himself leading, was up to the the elbow. The skirmish was” yery sharp. The mountain side blue with pufls of smoke; and not an enemy to be seen, The first killed four and wounded thirteen of M: men. General Nelson ordered the Kentuckians to charge. Colonel Harris, whose regiment was immediacely behind the ¢ np the mountain side most 4 lantiy,and deployed them along the face of it. Colonel Norton, whose regiment had just reached the delile, an- ticipating au order from the General, led his mea up’ the northern ridge of the mountain, deployed them along the creek, and Went at the rebels.’ Two pioces of artulery were Zot in position in the road and opened npon them. required at Owing to the steepness of the mountain, all th tine. On the opposite side of the river, w point is narrow, deep and swift, there were also re who annoyed our men. In an hour and twenty m the rebels were dispersed and fed, leaving a nur killed and wounded on the ground, and six. pr hurt. As Generai Nelson marched immediateiy suit. the rebel los# was not ase thirty were found dead on the prisoners was H. M. Rus county. Our loss in killed was six, au wounded. If General Nelson hid tad cavalry he feels confident he would hay the whole of them. As it, was, the e cutting down trees across the uxtrow road, or cutting all the bridges, which are numero Nelson bivenacked four miles beyond the Ivy ed, and the men had to wade through mind sud in a 1 all the day of the tli, the mareh being heavy ructing the y repairing of bridges. At niglit kod in the November rain, and nol au ro Mens UN in pur- tained accurately, but id. Among the wounded State Senator from: ry ing . General ercek. It road. and the nec army again bivor Xt morning t arrived the of. the Second Ohte while leading the col During these ented ¢ ercly n up the mountoin side 8 the comrmund of Ci. ed Pikey ed ‘sand Hart's t yed ae skirmiahe which deb of tho rest of the were occup! Williams was there when the but he retreated, and Colonel his headq| The only « ‘On the route Colonel Sill twice men: t > 8th a party 0 ® Shawban’s , and it was reported ti rt fell back ip ille were not well olf for'provision: is a mill i vicinity in motion and supply themselves with corn meal, It was jossible to oblain any accurate accoumi of the num! of the dispersed rebsis, but they were moet ellectualiy cleared ot. Among tha’ effects of Colonel AVitliains, leit behind at Pikeville in his hasty retreat, was a letter from the Confederate Secretary of War, J. ). Benjamin, dated Octob introducing Mr. Lewis, a special agent for t Confederate government, who would make a c tion to Colonel Williams" about young Clay,’ in relation to which Colonel Williams was to use bis discretion, ‘The Secretary was anxiously awniting Williams’ muster ros, and stated that he had Sent to him on the 27th%a company illery with its battery, and would send tim a regi- mont of armed Virginians to Prestonburg im a few days. twas beet; but ther y intended From all we can glean, ‘ Cerro Gordo’? will not for t present have occasion for their us completely demoralized by the bad thrashing and worge fright which they rece The Weather at Cape Race. Sr. Jonns, N.F., Nov. 25,1861. The weather was clear on Saturday aid Sunday at Cape Race, but us the Fersia failed to call of that point, it is presumed she met with fog or heavy weather to the west- ‘ward, and sheered clear of the Cape. ‘'Fo-day we bave had snow eed p high pind, Tennessee; Curry and Chilton, of Alabama; Cobv, of Georgia; Wm. Ballard Preston, ‘lyler, Mactarland and Rives, of Virginia, rds Chait anuounced tho presence of a quorum of the louse. Mr. Venable, member from North Carolina, moved that a committee be appointed to wait upon the Presi- dent and inform him that there was a quorum prosent in the House, and Congres# was ready to receive any com- munication from him, ‘The Chair appointed the following members:—Messra. Venable, of North Carolina; Scott, of Virginia, and Barry, of Mississippi. MORE FEDERAL PRISONERS. Thirty two federal prisoners were brought to Richmond on Monday evening by the Central train, from Manassas, under escort of acaptain and six men. The Lnquirer says: ‘They were captured on Saturday previous while on a foraging expodition in the vicinity of Fall's Church. Six wagons louded with corn and a number of fine horses were taken with them. The following is alist of the ty — Captain W. L. Lanning, Lientenant James Andrews, Ser- geant W. Webster, Corporal Cooney , Corporal M.B. White, Corporal G. Vandngreen; privates G. Hooter, L. Mallen} E. Porter, P. Frasier, H. Stafford, W. Porter, H. Smith, Clarence Flams, W. Peck, R. Wheeler, W. Merrick, W. McCormick, L. Artigan, Albert Simmons, Cole Staunton, D. Morris, A. Halugan, J. Stale, D. Connor, W. Rowland; HS. Sticles, James Morrison, F. Riely, L. Morris, teain: ster—all of the Thirteenth New York Volunteers. ‘Corpo. ral Fullman and private Deibl, of the ) York German Volunteers. ‘The Enquirer also gives the names of forty-five pris- oners taken by & portion of General Floyd’s command in Northwestern Virginia, and who reached Richmond by the Danville road on Thar: The Enquirer A portion of the captives, including several who had voluntarily taken the oath of fealty to the Southern Con- federacy, were taken while tn the ict of holding an of tion under tho authority of Goy. Pierpont; the poll books, registry of votes, &c., falling into the hands of their captors at the same time) thus 1 mont in conclusive documentary evid son against Virginia and the Confed the prisoners were recognized at the time of their cap. ture as deserters from our army, and these were sumiiite Tily made, it is said, to pay with their lives the penulty of their double treason, EXCHANGE OF PRISONE! ‘The Enquirer objects to exchanging prisoners captured on the field of battle for the five resigned United States naval officers arrested in Boston at the moment of re- signing. BURSTING THE GREAT GUN. A Columbus correspondent of the Memphis Appeal, writing Novembor 12, says: A most painful a afternoon, being the in, the 125-pounder that h 9 ni! val leys for thirty miles aronud Columbus re-echo with its Potent voice. ‘the gn had been loaded during the pro- the batile of the 6th while hot, but no. oppert: nity offering itself in the latter part of the day Co use it to ivantage agaiust the enerny, it was allowed to Lup to yesterday afternoon, T am. told tha: ral McCowen assured the gunners that the piece would explode, supporting himself with a Incid explanati is! of the principles on which he based his suppositions ut the huge proportions of the gun were supposed tn be a sutticient protection to those around against the mine of saltpetre imbedded in the breech, and the gut was fired, exploded and caught the magazine belonging ce, which lay immediately beneata the gun, were Lieu f Colutn, whom who was knocked senseless by the concussion, having’ bis clothes literally torn off hint Captains of Artillery Rueken and Miller, seriously, though not dangerously wounded, and Captain Pickett, of the Suppers and Miners, considerably bruised by the concussion. BRIDGE BURNING IN EAST TENNESSE! A gentleman who has just ayrived from Richmond, says the Memphis Appeai of the 14th, advises us thal the journey from that city to Memphis’ is a tedious 0: jug to'tho interruptions tothe trains on the East T) nesseo Railroad, caused by the destruction of Uridgi He was making tue trip. Two ot the briug destroyed were a built; but the ra to keep commun! : temporary bridge: sings where the p: Sage of tiains hud been obstructed by the incoudia act the road will be put in order ut the earli cable moment. Great excitement pi route. The people were thoroughly ing in to ons, determined to exterminate t tra 8) between Bristol and ©! ; the principal damage was done, Gen. ( ippi, and being , among the detained p ised that there was a fo: at Uniontown, where the bridge wa 1a force of about forty, principally returning , aid marched against ‘them. A conilict took pt, bat the traitors fled early, not knowing ations that ‘some of ains bridge the gu burned, bis gallantry me subscription had been made up in the rieighborhood in At Knoxville Martial law hi for parts unknown. DOWN THE MISS! i to the withdrawal of the ‘The Memphis Appea nationa y bie undred t troop Will require all the 1 : tu ainst it; and what is more, The federal L eight ganbos itty bar completed, gix or bendred and as transports, ‘thes fact What troops a » are pregnant w arouse our whole pe da dmonish them t in store for them if they v rights and their sacred word from this 'y should be prepar t they have work dl the@ homes, their Toarms! must be the Every man inthe Parts wore to havo been executed simultaneously, but which have eventuated ina miserable abortion. Wohave been aware that there was a deeply fe orn ele- ‘ment in this section of the State, and have repeatedly Pressed upon our authorities—State and federal—tho ne- cessity of exercising a proper espionage over their mnove- ments. A traitorous combination, headed by Brownlow, ‘Trewhit and other lesser lights, aud in league with the exilos Johnson and Maynard, aro known to have been in constant communicstion with the enemy, and cognizant of his project to attempt the invasion of Tenaessee Lhrough Cumberland Gap, or some other inlet through that range of mountains, It was a stroke of policy merely that induced tho aban- donment of the Greonville Convention and the ostensible acknow. entof the Confederate government by the arch conspirators who were encouraging this schemo, In fact, it was a most dangerous part of their conspiracy, inaginuch as it disarmed our authorities, and the adhe- rents of our cause in that section, of all vigilance. They thought that the refractory spirit of the rebellion that at first showed its head bad been permanently quelled, and looked for no further manifestation of it. ‘This fosurrection, however, while comparatively harm- less from its being’ premature, gives evidence of a deep laid plot among a few of the most reckless traitors of that region to resist the sovereign voice of the of the State by force of arms, 60 soon as they have hope of assistance from the Lincoln despotism, It is fortunate that it has occurred at the present time, when we are fully able to put a lasting quietus upon it, from which no Appliances of future federal aid will evor be able to resus: citate it. We now have an open foo to conquer, who is Tendered impotent by the very disclosure of bis hostility, and not less so by his isolation. ARRESTS AND MARTIAL LAW. ‘The Appeal of November 16 has these paragraphs, which show that it was thought expedient to resort to stringent measure: We loarn from private despatches that Chattanooga has been placed under martial'law. Sovoral arrests have boon made. One regiment has been pluced at Hinwasse to guard the railroad. General Carroll's brigade will move at an early day from Chattanooga, Major F. S. Heiskel, a prominent Unionist of East Ten- neasee, has been arrested ona chargo of inciting rebel- lion, Ho has been held to $20,000 bail for bis appear- ance at the Confederate Court, NO TROOPS WITHOUT ARMS, ‘The Jackson correspondent of the Vicksburg Sun has seon a letior to Goy, Pettus from Gen. Johnston, declin- ing to receive more troops under the late requisition, having already more soldiers than he can dispose of. Gen, Johnston requests Gov. Pettus to disband all com- panies organized under said requisition, unless they go armed aud equipped for the war. The Sun states that the volunteers who had been recently mustered into service at that city were very indignant on being dis- banded, and their oflicers had left for Jackson to lay their case before Governor Pettus. COAST DEFENCES. Tho Augusta (Georgia) Constitutionalist of the 7th inst. says:— We have upon the coast of South Carolina ten or twelve thousand troops and on that of Georgia eight or tou thousand in the Confederate service, to repel the ine vaders, Bosides these, Governor Brown holds in re- serve seven thousand troops, raised by him for such an emergency a8 is Low preseuted. In addition to these, reinforcements are now pouring down to the coast. It is to be hoped that the enemy will make an attempt to march to the interior. INCORRIGIBLE. [From the Richmond Despatch , Nov. 20.) We are informed by one of our principal publishers that the demand for Yankee books is not affected by the war, und that afew days ago he had an order for a con- siderable number of a Yankee arithmetic, although his shelves aro filled witha work by an eminent Southern scholar, which is confessed to be the best in the language. ‘There was one sentiment in the first letter of Prince Napoleon from this country which filled us with dismay. He freely expressed in this letter his opinion of the up- hill job which the North had undertaken in its attempt to subjugate the South, But he added that, in his opinion, after the war trade would resume its usual channels, If he was right in that prediction, the war might as well—might better—bave never been ionght. the ‘South is to continue acommercial tributary of the North— if, above all, it is to look to the North for the education of its children, it is asubject and dependent province, and nothing more or less, no matter by what mocking name of freedom it is deluded, How Jong a war will it require to win this people from dependence upoa the North? Better it should last for- ever than that the priceless blood already shed should have been shed in vain. We have no reason to fear the North in war, but when the army of bayonets becomes converted into an army of drummers the structure of Southern independence wiil be subject to a test more severe and terrible than any which Scott or McClellan are able to supply. As soon as this war is over a Northern horde of sales- men will overrun the land or come here to live and vote down our liberties at the polls. If we do not make pro- vision in our laws to prevent these objects Southern in- dependence is an idle dream. ASSASSINATION OF HON, JOSIAH M. ANDERSON, OF TENNESSEE. [From tho Nashvilie Gazette, Nov. 12.] We aro paiued to hear of the cruel and atrocious aseas- sination of Colonel Josiah M. Auderson, of Sequatcheo county, Fast Tennessee. Returning to his home from the poll on the day of the Presidential election, as he arrived at his own gate he was set upon by a desperate outlaw named Hallawell, who hod before tureateued to take his f verely stabbed by him as to cause his in . The murderer escaped. Colonel A, wi formerly a member of the Tennessee Legislature, and w: atone time, wo believe, a member of the old United States Congress. TRAITORS (LOYAL MEN) IN ARKANSAS. ‘The Fort Smith Times says the telegraph wire has been. cut several times between Van Luron and Fayetteville, by some Lineolnite. ‘The citizens of Van Buren offered reward for the villain. and we hope he may be arrested aud get his reward. It is also stated that some abolition scoundrel has been attaching wire to the telegraph line betweon Van Buren and Fayetteville, ruu- ning one end, and Majors Clarke and Montgomery's mes- kagos into the nd, thus destroying all comminication between the two termini. RISONERS OF WAR TO BE SENT SOUTH. The Enquirer earns that Gen. Winder contemplates sending a large number of the prisoners of war at present in Richmond to North Carolina and Florida, and that tter Richmond will be rezarded merely as a recety- ing depot for such prisoners as may be taken, the inten- tion being to send them farther south as seon as their nuinbers become burdeusome. A RIOT—BALTIMOREAN SHOT. i viding of Willan Smith, lias »t0 bail in $250 for participating im a riot at fionge on sat night, and adds peared from ‘the evidence, in the at- ‘orob Colonel Frank An- rs d ry, of a fiity dollar note which he bad left upon the counter; and, but for the : lege ental shooting of John O'Donnell, a Balti- his own hands, might have resulted in tho Tho thigh of the wounded y shattered that amputation will proba- sary to tho sulety of his life. ATED SHIPS TO O) THE BLOCKADE. ot Al of New Orleaas have unani- dopted the following: — as, the recent glorious attack of the onstrated the nueted aud protected, s, re ships, turtles, &c., the entrance to this port can be freed of the fleet of the invaders, and the blockade eilvctually raised; be it therefore Resuteed, by the Commvm Council of the Ci hat the sum ef $500,000 be, and the is the building 43 and iron plated ships. he sum of at least $7,000,000 shail and paid by the merchants, shippe y, juteréste:! in the said blockade raised and our ports opened to commerce, ATTEMPT TO POISON A FAMILY, On Saturvay uight last the family or Mr, Robert M. , residing on Governor street, Richmond, were i with’ violent vomikings shortly ‘after supper, and the similarity of their ilivess, together with other cir- cumstances of suspicion, induced the belief that they had been poisoned, and a girl named Elsa, a slave of Mr. P. M. Tubb, was arrested upon a charge of having admi the poison, off New Or- terod MORM TROOPS IN GEORGIA. Governor Brown, of Georgia, has issued his proclama- tion for thirty additional infantry companies to aid in the coast defeuces of that State. ‘they are required to be smed “with a good country rifle or double barrelled IN RICHMOND. amoug the distinguished per- chmond, are the Hon. Albert poct warrior of Arkansas, who is there on ofli- with the Indians of the Southwest; Anderson fayor of Savannah, y. Mr. Anderson in the fail in a yacht, which started in Europe purchased and hip Bermuda, whose recent arrival cargo of valuable munitions, and snecessful departure for England has » fitted ont, with a cargo of arms, which reached Savannah last week, ing her op the trip. , late United States Minister to Brazil, is also in Richmond: ru ©. hime quiver writes from Laury, as follows:-— K list, belonging to farted out hu little way fore doing which be put his gainst the cock or hammer, to blow through, In raising the hammer Ins he OTHER INSURRECTION. In an extra issued on N lanche says:—A most re nessee arrived here this mo: amauga creek, the Charles o Memphis Ava- Jeman from Fast Ten. Liek creek and Upper Hol ston bridges ‘were burned at precisely one o'clock on Vrtday night. Other les were fired at the same time, bat wore extingvished. ‘The telozraph wires were stroyed at the same time. leading the insurrection. Hon, Josiah Andersoa was Dan Trewhit is at home ,a3 his men must be" Ascassinated at the polls on election day A thorough organization exiets among the Unionists in Fast Tennessee. Grand preparations are malig to receive Andy John- €on in Green county, his homesthad. MoDowell is standing firm and true, but cannot stem the current. tion of the East Tennessee members of the Legislat eat home making insurrectionary speeches. Eight thousand federals are roported at Red Springs, ‘Macon county, where they have burned the town. NOTHING SERIOUS APPREHENDED. [From the Memphis Appeal, Nov. 16.] We apprehend nothing sorious from the recent out. break in East Tennessee, but regard it, on the contrary, at least in point of time, as one of the most fortunatedin- cidents of the crisis. ItWwas ovidently one act in a care. fully arranged programme of the enfiny, all of whose foot slipped, and the load passed through his head, on- tering just at the corner of his eye, killing him instaxtly. A little boy, in company with witnessed the whole cturned to give tho painful tidings ther. ch port for the fiscal year ending no total receipts of the year from ments was $1,775,091, and tho expendi- leaving a balance of $8,220. Of tho internal | tures $1,766,5 “sinking fund the receipts wore $2,292,025, and the expen. ditures $2,223,716—Ivaving a balance of $68,809. The aggregate public debt is $34,800,824, and there is a Dalance of $17,708 in the treasury’ to tho credit of the literary fund. SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA. Tho appeal of Jobn Withers ct al. from a docroe pro- nounced,by tho Circuit Court of Alexandria county on the Ist of Jone, 1861, in which the Board of Public Works of Virginia was plaintiff, and Wm. Selden and others defend- ants, the decroc was interlocutory, and that the caso shall bo proceeded with to ® final Uecision before an appeal could be granted. BRITISH FRIGATE LOOKING AFTER ENGLISH INTE- RESTS. Avavsra, Nov. 18, 1861. ‘Tee Charleston Mercury of this morning says that an English screw frigate, the ‘that port, Doki eh ‘steam sloop Racer is expected in a few days. FROM MANASBAS. , Nov. 18, 1861. Manassas, Everything continues quiet here, although rumors are as thick as leaves in vallambrosa, FOR THE SCENE OF WAR, Colone! Wotford’s Eighteenth regiment of Georgia Vol- unteers left Richmond on Monday for Manassas, via Fredericksburg. THEATRICAL. ‘They are performing at the Richmond theatre the great national drama of ‘Tho Scouts, or ‘Tho Plains of Manas. fas.” John H. Hewitt, formerly of Baltimore, is the Jesuee and manager. MISCELLANEOUS, e Wo learn from tho Vicksburg Whig that the Legistature Of Mississippi, on the 11th inst., elected two Senators to the Contederat» Congress, Hon. A. G. Brown was elected on the first ballot. On the ballot for tho second the contest was between Hon, Waiker Brooke, of Vie burg,and Mr. James Phoelan, of Aberdeen, Mr, Brooke Teceived fifty-nine votes and Mr, Pheelan sixty-two. ‘The Memphis Appeal has soon a private letter from Col. Borland’s camp, which speaks of the danger of invasion anprohended by the people of North Arkangas, and further ads that the militia are rushing ‘o their deience in large numbers. ‘Tho Richmond papers of the 8th inst. announce that all the federal prisoners in that city were to be sent to North Carolina soon, So far as heard from, the following gentlemen have deen elected to the Confederate Congress froma Miss sippi:—Second district, Gen. Reuben Davis; Third dis. trict, Israel Welsh; Fourth district, H. C.’ Chambers; Fifth district, 0. R. Singleton; Sixth’ district, E. Barks: dale (no opposition); Seventh district, John J. McRae. ‘The Richmond Kzaminer of the 9th instant states that Brigadier General Heury A, Wise, who has been for some time confined by a severe and, it was feared, fatal attack of sickness, has recovered and gone to his farm place in Princess Anné county. RICHMOND CATTLE MARKET, NOV. 17, Carmx.—i'he sales of cattle at the scales this week amount to 319 head, which were taken at prices ranging from $3 25 to $4 50 gross weight. Supply heavy—seve- ral lots beiag held over unsold—bolders refusing’ to take the prices offered, Suxzr—In active demand, but few offered this weex, and thoy were but fair in quality, yet sold at $5 50 gross. HoGs.—A heavy supply held over. Holders are refus- ing to take less than $12 net The high price of salt cur- tails the demand. Interesting from the Rebel General e Magruder’s Camp. Statement of a Deserter—How He En- tered the Rebel Service—The Southern Cry of “On to Washington!”—The Camp at Yorktown—Defection of North Caro- Mina Troops—The Baiteries of York- town, Big Bethel and Deep Creek— Gencral Magruder=State and Feeling of the Country—The Escape—The De- struction of the Rebel Batterics at Deep Creek, é&e., &e. ‘The following statement was made by a Northern man who was compelled fora time to join the rebel army:— A few months previous to the breaking out of secession Tailed from the port of Boston to Fayal, in Spain, from whence (in the American bark Aurora) I sailed for Savan- nah, reaching that port onthe 20th of March last. Among the passengers was a young Georgian, with whom, on va- rious occasions when it was my turn to watch on deck, 7 used to talk about America, and in this way he took an interest in me, from which I afterwards groatly benefitted, ‘The blockade of the Southern ports when we reached Savaiinah Lud not boen commenced, but the State of Georgia was then out of the Union, and the wildest hopes wore indulged in, as to the final result of the bold and pa. trieticact (?) of South Carolina und the other States which had, up to that period, denounced the accession of Lincoln to the Presidency of the United States. Tho ladies of Ga- vannah and Augusta were particularly jubilant and flighty in the triumphs which they conceived tho first act of their State was but the precursor of. In Sayanaah there was not the slighestprospect of work, and there was no alternative left but to try my luck in Augusta, near which city my friend of tho Aurora lived. After a series of failures in applications for work I was forced to repair to his place, and 1 remained there for several weeks, until my friend felt called upon to join one of the companies then forming to strengthen the Southern army in Virginia, On the 11th of August I came back to Sa- yannah, where the cry of ‘ On to Washington!”’ was in every man and woman's mouth. Here thore was nothing left me but to join one of the companies proceeding to Richmond, and on tho 14th of August I enlisted in the Pulaski Guard. Ourjourney to Richmond occupied a week, the most of the road being through a thick growth of pine wood, We were treated very well along the road, not in any kindly or liberal spirit by the people, but through the suppiies afforded us by the tslismanic purses o our oflicers, At last we reached Richmond, ninety-iive of us in all—the Pulaski Guard—where we wero, in the course of a few days, mustored into the Tenth Georgia infantry regimeat, with our accession numbering 935 strong. Fore few days we were eucamped on the eld race track» along with two companies of Louisiana men and one North Carolina company. Tho Louisiana troops are in all parti- culars the bravest fighting men in the Southern army- They are the “Free Lances” of the Confederacy—men who, under their own leadors, fight on their own hook, Next in excellence, perhaps, stands the Georgians, and their great desire is always to fight alongside of their Louis- jana brethren, The North Carolinians never showed much pluck, but sinée the affair at Cape Hatteras they throw anxious glances towards their own State. Immediately after the arrival of the news of the cxpture of Forts Hat. teras and Clark the Second North Carolina regiment, then quartered at Yorktown, broke out in open mutiny in consequence of General Magruder opposing their imme- diate return home, ‘The Second resisted; the Geucral was, inexorabie, and called out the Second Lovisiania regiment to prevent, vi ct armis, the defection of the North Caro- linians; bat the Louisianions, perhaps deeming that, with tle progressive successes of the fleet, thet own homes might be the next invaded, and that their own stampede would be the next necessity of a national vic- tory along the coast, refused to present a front, and, despite of Magruder, ‘the North Carolinians left tho field with drum and fife and bau z ‘The uniform of the diitercnt State troops agrges in no particular; some wear a very coarse woollen sort of gray frieze, and this, perhaps, is the best material out, Great complaints are made at general and division headquarters on accountof the miserable material of which the uniform and the boots supplied the men are made, ‘There is very little noticc ver, taken Of them, as the men are . 'y woll and sub- clothing of the rank and file is far worso than any slave geen among the Union troops down at Fortross Monroe; and to say this is enough to show how terribly fleeced are the rebel troop: For a short waisted jacket of coarse friezo, inia I think they call it), and a pair of very inferior ofa nondescript qualily, they charged us of the a regiments $21, und as all the pay that our pay- master credited me with for upwards of three months was $22, one dollar was all I received from the Confede- rate Treasury for three months service. Our stay at Yorktown was but short. .s we were sent on to Williamsburg to throw up intrenchments. The preparations for detence at Yorktown were already formi- dable, extending, perbaps, on either side of the village for nine miles. ‘Tho calibre of the guus here is very heavy, and capable, from the manner in which they aro mounted and the little shelter affovied by the nature of the country, of great execution. ‘The batteries and in- treachimenis at Big Bethel are also very strong, and well defended by large guns. Our first duty at Williamsburg was to throw up iutrenchments, a continngtion of those at Yorktown and Big bethol, aud on to thi limit of our Iines at Newport ile hero Geveral Magruder reviewed us. ‘This was the second time J had ever seen him. ‘The drst was when one of the Virginia soldiers pointed him out to me in Yorktown, upon which occasion he was dressod in civilian clothes and yery drunk. At the review the greatest deference was paid him by the ere, but on other occasions J have heard them him dreadfully. However, near, his actual presence the strictest disc officers do as they like, and the same may be said of tho men, except those who are on guard. In guard duties they are very strict, and mounted scouts are continually ‘on the stretch, from the outermost pickets to the videties of the Union troops, to cut olf the many stragglers that from time to time atteinpt to eseape tho evils of rebel- lion. Asto the equipment of the men otherwise, tay aro armed with the smooth bore musket, the only sty!» of smallarm Ihave met with in the rebel army, with the exception of the bowie kuives and shotguns,’ Tho eunder Magruder is about 22,000, comprising the men in the batteries and camps at Yorktown, Big Bethel and Deep Creek, or Young is. At the latter place the troops on Thuraday last, Zist inst., wero busy erecting winter quarters. ‘ihe whole line of coussry from York- town to Hampton is deserted by the inhabitants. They remained just lon igh to cut grain and corn, which they sold at the best terms thoy could to the Con: 4 betook themselves to Rich mead amsburg. The greatest disquietade was felt among the peopie while (Ley remained at the presenco of the Confederate troops, and many times the women of the Villages have declared agaiust Jet, Davis and rebellion. ‘Tho most advaaced batteries raised, or thoge nearest to the Union lines, were some of considerable strength ereoted at Young’ or Deep creck, a creek. running up from the Jamies river. Theso have since, in conse- quence of information to Brigadier General Pheips, Deon attacked and levelled. They were occupied and manned by the Fourteenth Virginia regiment. After threo months’ service, on Thursday the 2ist inst., I determined to pata long cherished and frequently defeated purpose toa fipal risk. I left the encampment early in the fore- noon, and after sighting many straggling comrades, and, worse than all, having had frequently to conceal myseit from the Virginia mounted scouts, I, at last, on the evéen- ing of the same day, came across Some privates of a Mas- sachusetts regiment, two of whom I knew, and rushing into their mi st I claimed protection, announcing myseit with exhavsted breath a friend and @ Union man, My friends conveyed me to General Phelps, to. whom I stated what I knew, and I had the satisfaction of knowing that the battery at Young's Mills, or Doep creek, on tho James river, was on the same night destroyed by the = s f Britiahinterésta,” The Britis GEN. WOOL’S DIVISION. Sf pline is obzerved; but when absent the | hides, copper, ofl and 5,000 gallons tarpentine Hotig’ Kong, ‘carrying Chief, Hong Kong, with how vu ver ordered her No, 4.) a OUR FORTRESS MONROE CORRESPONDENGE., Fortress Mowror, Va., Nov. 23, 1861. r Activity in the Department of Virginia—The Butler Expe- dition—General Phelps Relieved of his Command and Assigned to the Expedition—General Joseph K. F. Mans- field to take Command at Newport News—Colonel Mas — Weber Appointed Commander of Camp Hamilton—Bom- tardment of a Ketel Camp at Warwick, om the York River—A Large Number of Rebels Reported Killed— Between Forty and Fifty Shells Tarown Into the Rebel EBn- campment, dc., ec. The Department of Virginia at present seems to be de- termined on by the powers that are to be of some im- | portance, after the Rip Rap Van Winkle episode we have passed Uarough since the first occupation and designation thereof, having been passed in masterly inactivity. The, arrival of numorous soldiers for the past three days has, infused new life intothe treops,as the prospects atleast indicate somo movement that is not crabliko. Of allthe soldiery that has been added to our forces here Pennsyl~ vania has the largest representation. How many more: we will get herolam unable to say, but rumor has it | that thirty thousand men will camp this side of Hamp. i ton (and probably beyond) by the 1st proximo. A regi- ment of cavalry from Pennsylvania, in command of Col- Harland, numbering 1,290 men, mounted and equipped, | are encamped near the seminary at Camp Hamilton. , General Butler left here again last evening for Washing, ton, Ho spent a portion of his stay with General Wool, and the other at Newport News with General Phelps, | The latter is to accompany General Butler in his con- | templated expedition, and to-day he has been relieved of } his command, and General Mansfield assigned'to the post at Nowport Nows. ‘The following special order has been issued on this subject appointing Colonel Max Weber*to the command vacated by Gen. Mansfield:— 1 SPECIAL ORDERS—NO. 109, | HEeapQuari kes DeraRTMeNt or ViRGINtA, For Moxkor, Va., Nov, 23, 1861. Brigadier General J. K.P. Mansfeld ‘will tura over the command of Fort Hainilton to Colonel Max Weber, wentieth regiment N. ¥.8. V., and proceed without y to Newport News an © Brigadier General J. . Phelps, or any other officer who may be in command of that piace. By command of Major General WOOL. Wa. D. Warren, Assistant Adjutant General. ‘Tho appointment of General Mansield: to the command of Camp Butler does not seem to meet the approbation of all concerned. Since his assuming control over the forees j at Camp Hamilton everything has prospered, the troopa — composing bis brigade dearly loving him, andoftenex- _ pressed themselves ready to follow him to the death; and now, having brought them toa state of thorough pro- ficiency, he is removed und sent to a new department. Although Newport News is a very important point, still an officer not possessing the efficiency aad experience of” General Mansfeld might do very well to command the post, und the department at Washington ought to have placed the veteran General in command of a division either on the Potomac or in the great West. ‘The ontire army records do not show us @ more talented, able and experienced officer than General Mansfeld; and yet he is allowed to remain in a place where he hag opportunity to distinguish himself or do the service to hts country that his loyalty and atriotism prompt him to offer. However, the General hot expressed himself either one way or another. He is too much of a soldier and strict disciplinarian to utter one syllable against an order of his superior of- cers, even if that order should consign bim tothecom- _ mand of the Rip Raps or the Dry Tortugas. This aftor- noon, accompanied by his aids, Captains Clarence H. Dyer and Drake ReKay, General Manstleld proceeded ta Newport News to assume command of bis new depart ment. The new commander of Camp Hamilton, Colonel Max Weber, of the Twentieth regiment New York Volunteers, is so well known to the readers of the Hxrazp that a no- tice of his merits at this time seems almost su) His career from the commencement of this war, theor- guization of the New York Turnyerein into the Twen- ticth regiment,*and his subsequent brilliant achiove- ments at Hattaras, have been canvassed over numerous: times, so that the name of Colonel Weber is a household word. " ‘This offeer has the merit of being soldier par exeellence: from the battle fields ot Enrope, demonstrated the fact to» ©" every American interested in this war, and is nowplaced =| in command of a division large enough for two a generals, and still he is onlya colonel. If any man serves promotion it is Colonel Weber, and I will vemture- to say that no man among ali the Germans in this eoun- try would be more acceptable to our Teutonic citizens as a brigade commander than Colonel Max Weber. It is to be hoped that his acting in that capacity is only the pre- cursor of proper promotion, in order to give an ie ee nity for advancement to many gallant and efficient in the Twenticth regiment. qT nae excitement exists here in regard to an engage- mene two of our gurboats with a rebel battery on the Yy river. From the meagre reports I have been enabled to gather it appears that the gunboats Cambridge and Het- zel (the latter commanded by Lieutenant H. R. Davenport), had been sent from their station off Newport News to make recomoissance on the York river, and at about half-past ten o’clock last evening opened with shells on a rebel encampment at Warwick, where @ battery was be- ing orceted. Between forty and fitty shells, fifteen and twenty seeonds fuse were fired, and the supposition is that a large number of rebels have been killed. The can- nonading was plainly hoard at this point, and it was at first supposed that the Cumberland and Congress had dropped down and engaged Sewall’s Point. I ain in hopes of giving you full particulars to-morrow. OUR CAMP BUTLER CORRESPONDENCE. Camp Borier, Newrort News, Va., Nov. 24,1861. Shelling a Rebel Camp—A Reconnoitering Captain, de. On Friday evening last the steamers Shawbeen and ee | i iW Torkwood, Captains Calhoun and Graves, commanders, went up James river some six or seven miles and shelled _ { ' | ' ' q j the camp of the Fourteenth Virginia regiment, stationed fonr miles below the main camp at Young’s mill. The donte left here alittle after dust, and remained quietly: in their position until half-past twelve o’clock at night, when they commenced their work. They threw forty~ eight shells, many of which must have dono good effect, as the camp presented an excelient target from the man} guard fires that stood out in bold relic? against the di sky. Nothing definite, however, can be known until we have had some scouts by land in that direction, for the camp is situated about a mile from shore, and is hid from. view by a small wood extending along the water. tain Sylva, of tho First New York Volunteers, ac- companied the expedition, 2s he knows more about the country around here than any man in cump. He goes by the name of the ‘Reconnoitering Captain,” from ther fact of his peculiar fondness for peeping as far as possi- bie into rebel camps. Sometimes we mect him in the afternoon tired and dusty and ask, ‘Why, Captain Sylva, where have you been to-day?” The reply is:—“0, I have only been half a mile within the enemy's camp and seen their guard mounting.”” AWARD OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR: ARMY CLOTH. Puraperrara, Noy. 25, 1861. The government contract for four hundred and fifty thousand yards of sky blue army cloth has been awarded at $1 0234; three hundred thousand yards, double width, at $2, and one hundred thousand yards dark blue ditto at- $2 70 per yard, to Messrs. Bullock & Co., of this city. NEWS FROM NEW MEXICO. FINANCIAL AID FOR THE GOVERNMENT—ACTIVE EN- ROLLMENT OF TROOPS, ETC. Kansas Cry, Nov. 25, 1861. The Santa Fe and Cannon City mail, with dates tothe 16th, arrived this morning, two days ahead of time. ‘There were no through passengers. Ata meeting of the merchants of Santa Fe, on the tth instant, it was resolved that they would endorse for the goverment to any amount that may be advanced to the Territory. This action was taken in consequence of the scarcity of coin, which has heretofore mado up the cir culating medium in the transactions of business, and has from some cause almost entirely disappeared, causing an unusual stringency in the money market. ‘The call of the government of New Mexico for 12,000 militia men, to garrison the difforent posts in the Terri- tory, has been promptly responded to,and the wholo number will in a short time be reported for duty. A light battery, commauded by Lieutenant Anderson, United States Army, left Santa Fe for the south on the 9th inst. An important movement in this direction is anticipated. Gen. Hatch and family have Teft for the Fast. The smallpox prevails with fearful mortality among the children in the Rio Abajo, It hasalso spread to the Navajo Indians, proving fatal to many of the tribes. Wews from California. — San Francisco, Nov. 19, 1861. ‘The continued rain makes business dull. Sales of Isthmus butter, to arrive, 2c. a 28c. SHIPPING. Artived 16th, steamer St. Louis, Panama; ship Visurgis, LDS pet testy, Net Tory rye went ona ship Lotus, $95,000 in treasure; 4 Katie $65,000 in treasure, Saw Francisoo, Nov. 22, 1861. Sailed, ship George Peabody, Cook, carrying forty thou~ sand sacks of wheat. SHIPPING NEWS. Arrived. US steam gunboat FE D fate, Commander W J Foster, Washington, DC. Lett Indian Head on the 22d, Comes to this port for some alterations in guns, do. Us steam transport George Peabody, Commander Travia, from Fort Pickens, in ballast and passengers, Below. Ship Ann E Thompson, from Halifax, Ship Jupiter, from Priestly.—(Both by pilot boat Marshall.) hap Crescent Cty, of Bath, Bar) utgers. i Spoken. 24th, $ PM, 45 miles SE of Hizhlands, US bark Ther 33 liampton Roads, bound to Boston.—(By pilot 1 Chas H Marshall.) ring NNW, 47 miles, spoke ship Olt- andy Hook be ees, Otis, trom Liverpool Oct 20, for New York, and Philadelphia. (By pilot boat Washington, Unien troops. JAMES JOHNSON. (For other Ship News sec Sth page.) crea | | iy