The New York Herald Newspaper, December 27, 1861, Page 2

2 NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1861. ARRIVAL OF THE TRANSPORT BALTIC. \ ae Important from Fort Pickens, Key West and Havana. Sefzure of Two More Rebel Commissioners. They Are Taken from Under English Colors. The Sumter Blockaded by the Iroquois at Cienfuegos. INTERESTING REBEL CORRESPONDENCE, &e., &e. &e. ‘Tho United Statos steam trapsport Baltic, Commander J. J. Comstock, urrived at this port yesterday, bringing us very iutoresiing news. The Buitio left New York on December 6, at one P. M., with the Seventy-fifth regi ment New York Volunteers, and arrived at Fort Pickons on December 13, at Gve P.M. After tanding troops and cargo,ehe left her anchorage at one A. M. on the 10th, arrived ut Key West at five P.M. on the 20th, took in coal and sailed on the 22d at six A. M., arriving at Sandy Hook on tho 25th, at twelve o'clock M. The Baltic brought tho following passengers:— Captain J. Eldridge, governtuent agent; Col Richard 8. Bly, Hartford; Dr. H.R. Triton, United States Ariny; Jno, W. Moore, Chief Engmeer United States Navy steamer Richmond; Major Geo W. Gregory; Charles A Brown, United States Army, Captain J. M. Higgius; Nel son Fitch, Secretary Seventy-iifth regiment; Captain Phillips, Captain Stickney. The following persons were put on board the Baltic as prisoners of State from Fort Taylor, Key West, for Fort Lafayotte:— : J. W. Zacharie, New Orleans; J, Reynaud, Kentucky; Thos. 8. Rodgers, Texas, Left at Fort Pickens the United States flagship Niagara. All well, The United States gunboat Wissabickou leftFort Pickens for Ship island on December 17. ‘Tho Unitod States steamer Richmond left Key West for New York on the ist, under sail, her machinery being disabled. On the samo date ‘ho United States schooner Wanderer sailed for Havana, leaving the lately captured privateer schooner Beauregard as guard ship. The United States steamer Iroquois has the privateer Sumter biockaded in tho port of Cienfuegos. The Unitod States guuboat Flambeau was off N blockading tho robo! steamers Isabel, Theodora, schooners laden with cotton: from Charleston, Matters at Fort Pickens remain us last reported. Our Key West Correspondence. <@: West, Dec. 19,1861. Rapid Run of the Karnak—Arrival at Havana—A Rough Passage on the Schooner Nonpareit—Some Additional Fucts Concerning the Affair at Pencacola—Gallantry of Our Sailors—Arrest of Two More Hebel Agents—Another Slidell and Mason Case—Dulness of Business, de. The Karnak arrived at Havana yesterday afternoon, | after a rapid run of forty six hours from Nassau. A few ours after leaving Nassau, when off the Berry Islands, we wore spoken by her Majesty’s steamer Bulldog, from Havana for Nassau, which was the vessel sent by the Jommodore, at the request of the Governor of the Bahamas, to look after the operations of our terrible Flambeau. Immediately on arrival at Havana ¥ communicated ‘with our Consul Goneral, Mr. Schufeldt, who kindly ton- fered mo @ passage in the schooner Nonpariel to this place. While at the office bf Mr. Schufelut I bad the plea- ture of an introduction to Commander Ridgeiey, of the Gaited States Navy, commanding the United States steam- er Santiago de Cuba, thea in the harbor. He is cruising in the Gulf, and may be found in places where least ex- pectod, and will no doubt give a good account of some wessels now sailing under false colors,ag he has dong already. Availing mysolf of the Consul’s permission, T at once embarked on board the Nouparie!,a beautiful schooner of eighty tons, and at sundowu sailed for this port. We bad four other passengers, two of thom ladies, and for their sakes desired a quick and smvdoth passage, which desire was, however, not destined to be granted. After passing the far famed Moro Castle the wind aod foa increased, accompanied with heavy squalls of rain, which caused our little vessel to jump in a frightful man- j ner, causing my fellow passengers to seek their berths, and the baggage, crockery, &c.,in the cabin, to go to leeward. ‘Ihe wind continued strong throughout the aight, and those on deck experienced a constant shower * bath from the spray that constantly tew over us. At four A. M. we made Sand Key Light abead, and at seven A. M.,whon nearly up with it, wo discovered a steamer to the castward, with her jack set, as if wishing « pilot Wo at once tacked ship and stood towards her, and whea near enough discoverd her to be the Rhode Island, bound to Fort I 8 and Tortugas. We trausterred to hor the mails for those places, and kept on our course, arriving mt Key West at ten o'clock this forenoon. The United States steamer Richmond, Captain Etlison, is in port awaiting repairs to her engines, and will, when ready, rejoin the Gulf blockadiag squadron. debted to some of her ollicers for particulars tho late affair at Ponsacola, It acems that the damage done to our vessels was mueh less than we expected. Oue shot, however, came very near siuking the Richmond; it struck her on ihe starboard quarter, about three feet e the plaaking, but not I. caused a serious leak, but the ship »y the “donkey pump.’’ Had the shot passed through, (he vessel must uaye sunk, for it would have been impossible to have froed her wh aay means they possessed, ‘The Richmond lost but one man—James Cook, of North Shields. ie w ainof agan, and the shot which killed him first cut away the lower studing sail boom, then passed through the ship's main rai!, s ciking the first reintores of the gun, knocking off the yvugent sight, and, hitting him in tho right breast, pass:d upward, tearing his head Lo pieces, and throwing partof bis skull to the opposite side of tho deck. Some of his braing and blood were spattered over the person of Lieutenaut Boyd, why was standing near, aad to whose division the man be Jonged. The shot then passed overboard, through the porton the opposite side of the ship, The olficers speak in the Lighest terms of tho conduct of the ship's company. Tosiow how zealous they were, thoy say that at une o'clock, the action having com Toenced at eleven, oue watch was piped to dinner; but the officers could not drive the mea away to their meals Bo anxious wore they to see the fun and keop the entir broadside of the ship engaged. Tho battery which anaoyed the ship was situated in the rear of a lagoon at the back of Fort Mer. , and was distant nearly threo miles. The guns were rifles of the heaviest calibre aud of tremendous range, as can be ima gined by the force of the shot which killed the uuforta- uate man. The United States schooner Wanderer, Lieutenant J. Ht. Spotls commanding, is im the harbor, and acting as guard ied by tho Beauregard, prize to the United uderson, Which vessel’ has been purchased, by the government. “The Wanderer leaves for Havana to-morrow evening, I believe, with despatches, ‘There ure also in the harbor two other prizes—one, the schooner Victoria, taken by the United States steamer Santiago de Cuba, about one hundred aud fifty miles to the eastward of Rio Graude. Sha was from Brazos San- tiago, bound to Havana, with afuli cargo of wool and eleven passengers, aud was brought to this port by Act ing Master A. W. Muldaur and a prize crew. She was under English colors, and was taken a prize for having wed port and carrying two paseengers—Mr. Wot Savanuah, anda Mr. Reynaud, both of whom are supposed to be agents of the Confederate States. They ace now contined a Fort Taylor, and will be sent North by the first opportunity. ‘The other prize ix the schooner Fashion, of Cedar Keys. Sho was captured by the United States ship Ethan Allen, off Tampa, and has been sent here for condemnation and sale, Afew days after the capture of the Vietoria by the Santingo do Cuba, she overhanled the schooner Bugenia Smith, under Lnglish colors, from Matemores for Havana, and took from her a My ‘ow OFleans, and a Mr. Rodgers, agents of the € States, The latter person was 'n the san a taken ag the only we wasters soy a uiort, vie—very drunk. je was loud in bis denunciation of tha gove the United States, and of “Abe Lineoln’’ in particul and it was found’ rnp » for him to gay constitution” in @ MaDLsr becoming a sober aud tes bie citizen. ‘They are lodged in Fort Taylor, and yw: rs being confined in Fort Wart’ i, hy { comparing the difference of tex West and Boston harbor, T nave called on Major Hill, of the Sevens artitie: commandant of this post, and d Captain Hunt, of the E F he mation, Fort Taylor #8 in magnificent the main work is eutirely finished, and a Lirge pecta 0 doubt, after capital opportunity Fature bewween Key force is at work on the covered face which protects the land front of the main work, Tshould jadgo that the inhabitants of this piace deemed tt best to take the'outh of allegiance without a marmur, when they found themselves powerless Lo take possession of Fort Taylor; for tt commands the entire island, and could reduce the city to ashes in half an bour, Business of all kinds is very dull. There are no vessels hore, no wrecks and no excitement of any kind. ‘The ar- rivals of mails and yews from the North are what the \nhabitayts hve upon. There is an excellent hotel, at present but poorly patromzod—why so [kiow not; for persons coming South for hoalth and a quiat life would find Key West preferable to Havana aud iur better than Nassau. Kay West, Dec. 20, 1861. All Quietat Fort Pickens—Desire of the Cutans for a Coli, sion with the United Slales—A Loyal Officer from a Sece. ded Stats—His Father's Rebellious Advice—Key West Under Martial Law—Need of Reinforcements, dtc., de. This afternoon the Baltic arrive: in some coal I avail mysolf of the opportunity to send the latest news from this section of the Gulf, ‘Tho Baltic reports all quiet at Fort Pickens with a pro- bability of its continuing 60 for somo time; and I am of opinion that stirring events aro more likely to take plac® about Nassau, Havana, the Bahamas and coast of Cuba than on any part of the Gulf Coast of the United States. Tt appears to be tho desire of the Cubans and ‘*Couchs,"’ as the inhabitants of the Bahamas are called, to dosomething (hat may bring ona collision with our naval forces, They evidently want war between the United States and Great Britain, and will have it if their conduct can bring it about. This morning I visited Fort Taylor, and, with Captain Hunt, of the Engincers, inspected the work. I do not feel at liberty to state the number of guns mounted or their calibre, or the number of the garrison. Ican only say that Major Hill is quite ready to receive hostile visiters, jet them come from whatever direction they may, or in any number, and he will guaranteo them a very warm reception. I was hospitably received by the oflicers, who are a jolly set of fellows, and whoare in very good spirits, although separated from active rervico. In conversation with one of the officers of this post, he in- formed me that he was from one of the seceded States, and told me of the influence that had been brought to bear to in- duce him to resign. He showed mea letter from hisfather, and kindly allowed me to copy the following paragraph. Jt spoaks volumes, and shows how nobly this young officer hag resisted all appeals, and how he has given up every- thing—tamily, friends and all—before consenting to break his oath and become disloyal to the United States. April 22, 1861. ‘Mr Son—The Stato of having on tho 18th inst. seceded from the United States government, and resumed, as she has the right (o do, the government of her own af- fairs, you, as one of her sous, nro now vatlod upon to resign the commission yon bold under that government, and offer your services to your own native State. Cases like the above, Iregrot to say, are very rare, and are deserving more than a mere passing notice. Nothing would give me more pleasure than furnishing you his name and giving you all the letter. This, however, he would not pormit, es he did not wish to give the matter more pub. licity. ‘I trust that our government may reward men who havo ‘acted as this young o has done with all the honors it can bestow; they are richly deserving them, as much, if not more so, than the General who wins a hard fought battle. Hearn that the Baltic has brought orders for tho Rich- mond to proceed at once to New York for repairs to her machinery, aud that she will leavo to.morrow afternoon. ‘This is unfortunate ; her loss will bo severely felt_in the squadron, as it ts sadly deficient in steamers. Her en- gines dre on the same plan as the Pensacola’s, which I learn have been condemnod, as I g.ppose hers will be eventually. Here we are again indebted to Mr. Toucey for the loss of tho services of two of the most effective ships injour navy. He adopted the plan of Mr. Sicki mere exXperimemt—anc the consequence is a miserable failure. ‘These engines were both constructed in the Washington Navy Ward, at am expense of at least thirty- three per cent more than if built at the Nevelty or Allaire Works m New York, and now they will, in all human probability, very soon adorn a ecrap hoap anc be sold for old iron. Lieutenant Robert Boyd, Jr., Second Lieutenant of the Rithmond, has beon detached from her and ordered to the Niagara, as First Lieutenant. He leaves by first op- portunity Koy West is now under strict martial law, and is one of the moat quiet and orderly places I have ever seen. Formerly you could see drunken men in every square; now no liquor is allowed to be sold, aud all pablic places are closed at dark. Woe bo to him who is caught by the ever watchful Major breaking the law; his certain desti- nation is Fort Taylor. Several have lately spent afew ys themp, and will no doubt profit by their experience, ort Taylor gives them a chance to reflect, as they are not distracted by much company, and persons who are confined there generally come out wiser, i not better men. ‘The supply of coal in Key West is now very deficient, and if nut-scon replenished will give trouble. The go Vernment should at ail times Keep at least ten thousand tons hero; but now especially it requires that the supply should be large. The Paitic had diifculty in procuring two hundyed tens, so short is the supply. Large feinforcemenis must bo sent io the Gulf beforo we can operate effectually on the aggressive. ‘The handful of men that we have at Fort Pickeus and Ship Island are but a drop in the bucket, aud are hardly enough to hold the. positions they occupy; twenty thousand men will be the least thut ca attempt'an assault on Pensacola, and by the timo they arrive it will probably require forty. We must have the means to crors from Santa Rosa; and our vessols will be compelled to force the eutrance before this can be done, Fort McRae must be destroyed, and ‘the batteries surrounding it, that bave a raking fire on tho channel over the bar; for, as the bar is now com. manded, I do not bolieve that the passage can be forced by our squadron. Thope to be able next week to visit Fort Jefferson, on the Tortugas. This is an interesting spot. Wo have bad but little information from there during the war, and, as it {8 one of our most impertant fortifications, 1 shall no doubt be able to give interesting accounts regarding its progress iowards completion, its garrison, and the vartous sub- Jects of interest that are to be found in a Grst class mili- tary post during the existeuco of war. . Kay Wesr, Dec. 21, 1861. Arrival of the Santiago de Cuba—More Abou! the Arrest of Revele—Sale of Captured Prizess, dv. de. The United States steamship Santiago de Cuba, Captain Ridgeley arrived at this port on the 12th, from a cruise in the Gulf of Mexico. She has captured the British echooner Victoria, from Matamoros bound to Havana, with a cargo of wool, and, placing a prize crew on board, sent her to this port, where she has safely arrived. The Santiago alzo boarded a schooner in the Gulf, bound from Havana to Brazos, and took off ‘seven passengers, among whom was Jas, W. Zachario, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Now Orleans, who has beon of late materially assisting Jeff, Davis in prosecuting the war of the confederacy. Mr. Zacharie was placed, on the arrival of the Saritiago de Cubi, in the hands of Major Hill, commander of Fort jaylor, who has carefully guarded him until to-day, when lio transferred him to the steamship Baltic, for trausporta- tion to New York. i ‘The United States Marshal has taken possession of the Neitish schooner Victoria, and will hold bee until the re- turn of the United States District Judge. The sloop of-war Ethan Allen, Captain Eaton, on the Sth November, fell, in with the rebel achoouor ‘ashion, Captain Roberts, and took her tn charge, placing prize crew on board and sending her to this place. she ow inthe hands of the United States Marshal, and will await the adjudication of the court, The United States Marshal, on the 14th, sold the schooner Beauregard at auction. She not bringing balf her value, that officer bought her in for the United States for the sum of $1,810. The British schooner Adelaide and cargo were sold on the 10th by tho United 3 Marshal tor the sum of $4,060. The United States ship Richmond, Capt. Elligon, in leaving the harbor on the 15th, on a cruise, broke ber shaft and was vbliged to return. ’ Orders to-day arrived trom the Commodore for her to repair without delay to New York. She sails to-night. The schooner E. Churchiil,Gray, arrived on tho 14th m Brazos via Fort Jefferson. She has been churtored to take Capt. Burgess’ company, New York Zouaves, from. the Key West Barracks:to Tortugas, The United States amer Rhode Island, Newhard, sailed on the 16th for sew York. the schooner Ethan Cowles arrived on the 17th from Bi and sailed the 19th tor Tortugas. The steamer John Hart, Maury, arrived on the 18th from New York, putting in for cual.” She sailed for Nicaragua the 19th. Her Britanic Majesty's steamship Plover, Lieut. Com- Tnanding Corry, arrived on the 18th from Havana, and sailed the same evening on a cruise, ‘The brig Elma. Captain Barker, from Tortugas, and remai Arrived United States t Comstock, Fort Picke INTERESTING REBEL CORR! COPIES OF LETTERS FOUND ON THK SON OF B. HL HARDEE, SUPERCARGO OF, AND CarrvreD wiTH, THE SCHOONER ADELINE, BY THE UNITED saves rived on the 20th in the harbor, wisport steamnur Baltic, Captain ESPONDENCE. STEAMER CONNECTICUT, COMMANDER MAXWELL WOODHULL, KTC. No. I. ‘TREATS OF REBEL MOVEMENTS IN CUBA—A REUEL BOARDING HOUSE. The following letter is supposed to bo from a daughter or near relative of Mr. Newcomd, now a resident of Havana, who resides with Mrs. Brower, the lady referred to as keoping the “Secession House””:— Guavavacoa, Nov. 3, 1861. My Vert Daan Many—It is so hard to writo Molly, dar- ting, whea one doos not know if the letter will ever by ed or no, and I ret e nothing tu say except to he great desive | have i before, but one by svt e blockad bo try’aud write; aud we ai yours, as well as from ing. and i you know any hard uot ar from you more than at any oluer 3 sth thave befallen daily 5 better just See ECE wom: Ra eee A TS ATS ER TI A nc mg EE SN SNE a ae on ee now than sho has boen since her trip North. ‘The Southern Legotion are now at her parly that escaped safely From Charleston om the Theodora. I like Mrs, Slidell end daughtersvery much, and Mr. Ma- son seems a true Vi-ginia gentleman. Your aunt's hnuse is spoken of by all the Northerners as the Secession House, and she tsproud of the title, Thave a letter from sister Mary, dated the 27th of Sep- tember, which ¢ ct from the South, but father did rom what point. ary W, Loucks, Raton Roxge, and toll her ar that Ihave that letter and have answered it, I vrite (0 Lula Newoomb, in Natchez, also, Ma and the girls, Perta and Mia, tried to get South, but did not suc- ceed , and st t Buffalo. T have had to write in great haste, My kind regards Judson, Love to Kate and her little ove. Kies darling for me. and God bless you, prayr your loving your own affectionate MARIA, ‘This lotter is directed to Mre. Mary Judson, care of Wm, A. Allen, E8q,, Memphis, Tent No: now TE Rem RECKPTION IN THE RVER FAIFEEUL ISLE. ‘The following lotter is supposed to be from Mrs, Eustis, wife of the secretary to Mr. Stidoll, and addressed to Mrs, ‘Thomas Duncan, Markham station, Fauquier county, Vir- gina— Havana, Noy. 5, 1861, Thavo a chanco, dear Midio, to send you a few lines by ‘® gentioman who is going to run the blockade: this even- ing he leaves her plendid trip over, the soa perfectly calm, and no yeasela in our way. The nicht We ran out was very dark aod raining; we bad not « lixht on doar, and went so clobe to two of their steamer: we saw their lights, ‘Tho Captain says on such a night Kghts could not be secu tance. We arrived at Cardenas threo yo to-mor- row, and since thon have had asplendid tim. We left the Slidelis at dir, Catanos’ plantation, and we came to Mariana’s, nine miles from bere. George came int) town every morning, and in the evening we always hat com pany, who drove out to sce us. I have becn to threo balls, one the handsomest I have ever seen ino private house, | was treated with great honors, danced in the quadrilles of State with the Captain General, and went in to supper with him. ‘Tho Slideils, being in mourning, did not go vo any of.them, though they were crazy to. I lcurned to dance the country dariee, which is only danced here, two days be- fore the ball, and they were all so delighted to see me dancing it, the gentlemen all clapped their hands. | danced until I was too tired to dance moro. Saturday wo went out to Mr. Morlina’s plantatiog and passed two days, returning yesterday. Now we have joined tho Slidells, and expect to loave on Wednesday or Thursday for St. Thomas. Goodbye. George joins mo in love. Kiss the children for tne, and believe me yours, muetion- Lol anda half, as eater dis- ately, LIE. No. IT. LETTER FROM #., CORRESPONDENT OF WHE NEW OKLFANS TRUB DELTA. 4 Havana, Nov. 11, 1861. ‘Tave Decra—Among the arrivals of distinguished per- sons, we have that of Eugene Martin, Esq., commissioner and correspondent [rom the Hexatb oflice.' For that most reliable journal he will spice Havana, and return the delicious aroma to his chief for the advantage of its read- ers and the relief of the country by items of peace in liew of fraternal war. Old Scott, we learn, is out of business, retired on full Licutenant General’s pay—a cheap rid- dance of the incubus clogying the fame of MeCleilan and piercing with iron the soul of Lincoln, Nobody hurt. ‘The Commissioners got off on the Trent. schufeldt wished to have them stopped on the high seas; but Wilkes, of the San Jacinto and South Sea reading, cowldn’t find any law to cover the outrage, and decline! ofvusive measures, The Columbia arrived this evening, with opera and circus companies for our winter, and tho lady of our Consul General, Colonel Charles G. Helm—if not now, he will bo, and no one could perform the duties better. ‘The authorities are in sympathy with our cause, aud in ardent friendship with him. He is received with the utmost cordiality. Mrs. Schufeldt ard children are paesengers by the Columbia, Our news from Mexico by tho Trent to the 1st shows no improvement in the political condition. ‘The Spanish expedition is ready for sea when the balanco of tho squadron arrives from Spain. Spain will act energeti- caily, without waiting for France or England,and without respect for the dictation of Lincoln or the money proposi- tions of Corwin. Probably the Northern banks will have no hesitation in backing tho loan of $10,000,000 to Mexi- co, which cau be easily embraced in contingent fund for another great ‘sea sarpont” expedition ‘to open the cotton ports’? or destroy the green “turtles” of the Gulf of Mexico. % Nors.—The above totter is supposed to be from the able pen of Mr, Nemcomb, and it is to be regretted tha: the True Delia should have been so greatly disappointed in not receiving such a choice morsel. No. IV. BRITISH SYMPATHIZERS WITH THE REBELS. The following certificate from Henry Adderley & Co., of Nassau,N. P., which goes to prove their con- nection with the rebels,as 1 have stated in my letter from Nassau:— Nassau, N. P., Oct. 28, 1861. This isto certify that Ihave purchased of Mr. B. H. Hardeo — barrels spirite of turpentine, aud that it is not my intension to ship it to New York or any Northera port in the United States of America. HENRY ‘ADDERLEY & CO. Notr.—The captured schooner Adeline, from which Mr. Hardee was taken, was the property of H. Adderley & Co. at the time of her. capture. THE LATE BATTLE AT DRANESVILLE. [Correspondence of the Kichmond Dispatch.) Cenrravitim, Dec. 4, 1861. Yesterday morning a heavy skirmish occurrod at Dranes- ville, which resulted isastrously tous. Aforaging party wassent out by Goueral Stuart, consisting of about two hundred wagons, escorted by the Eleventh Virginia, Colonel Garland; the Sixth South Carolina, under Lieu: tenant Colonel A. 'T. Secrest ;the Tenth Alabama, Colonol John H. Forney; the First Kentucky, Colonel Tom Taylor; the Sumpter Flying artillery, Captain Cutts, and detach: ments from Rausom’s and Radford’s cavalry. Our whole force amounted to nearly twenty-five hundred mon. They started offearly in the morning, and before day were some distance on the journey. Soon after leaving a rocket was seen to shoot upin the direction of Dranesville, which, as was afterwards ascertained, was a signal from the eno: my, and indicated thatour approach was known. It is about Sfteen miles from here to Dranesville. When within a shoft distance of the place two or three regiments of Yankees were scen depioyed as skirmishers in the skirts of a pine thicket which stretched out on either side of the road. General Stuart drew up his force and prepared to mako an attack. On eithor side the woods were very thick, and it was diffcult to make through them, but our force was pushed forward in tho following order:—The Eleventh Virginia, being in the advance, was deployed on the right of the road with the Teuth Alabama, w! Sixth South Carolina and the First Kentucky ‘wei to tho left. On account of the dense thickets on either side the artillery was forced to advance down the road in order to rains position (9 make the guns effective. As we approached the Yankees the Eleventh Virginia charged them with a yell, and drove them back to their line within sight of Dranesville. The enemy scemad somewhat confused, but soon formed again in line of bat- tle. ‘The advanced ‘positions wero held by the Eleventh and the Sixih South Carolina, the formor on the right and the latter on the left of the toad. While waiting to gat sight of the enemy tho Sixth Sonth Carolina was drawn up, and the First Kentucky advanced tipon them, and, mistaking them for @ portion of the enemy, a portion of ihe regiment tited without ordors, killing live of the South Carolinians. ‘Lhe error was soon discovered, and Colonel Taylor alvanced cautiously to the left and soon after came in sight of another regiment but afew yards away. ‘To be sure there was nd mistoke, Colonel Taylor shouted to the Colonel and asked who he was? “The Colonel of the Ninth,’? was the reply. “Of what Ninth?” “Don't shoot we are friends, yout!’ asked Col. Taylor, “For the Union,” und immediately atter the Colonel gave the comman{ to fire, and a volley was poured into tho Kentuckians from the Ninth infantry, regulars, United States Army. ‘The engagemont then bécome general, and our four regiments, with Capt. Cutts’ four guns, were soon actively engaged. ‘The Yankees had every advan- tage of position. ‘There were several houses along the Leesburg turnpike and back of it a bill upon which their battery was placed. Lower down, and opposite the Eieventh, was another battery placed in position to enfl- lade the turnpike should wo enter it. The main battery of 8ix guns swopt the road upon which we were advanc- ing, and kept up au incessant fire of grape, canister and spherical casa. ‘The accuracy of their aim was renrarka dle, considering the rapidity with which the guns were fired. Capt, Cutts got throe of his pieces in position and returned the fire rapidly ana successfully. Meanwhilo the enemy advanced several regtments of infatry, and, protected by the nature of the ground, came witbin & hundred yards of us, and forming in line fired for some time, keeping the air full of Minie balls, and tinally attempted to charge, Three times the office: gavo the order and tried to got their men forward, but failed ‘they coulii not be pushed into tho thicket. ’Soon afte, this the tiring on both sides ceased, but not before great damage was done to our force. For over an bour doth sides had kept up an incessant firing. The wounded and dead lay ou every side, aud the regiments were be- ginning to get scattered. ‘To give tt a littie more in detail—as our first ad flank towards the Yanke t companies of tha th Virginia were thrown out as skirtuishers and i forward. Capt. Houston's company charged the Yankees with a shout aud drove ad sv0n after the shout was taken up by others, aud all advance Dragesville. Company Af tho Elovendh was de} othe right, but by S me tneans got ost, and Was separated (rom the regi- ment antil the fight was over, When the enemy formod ney drew tue van nce ha ne of battle, Cotone! For. fenth Aimbama up also,tad prepared to ad- The cowiness and uariig courage dis d by Colonel Forney was observed by every budy. wie backward and forward in front of the line, en raging his men, and in getting ail prepared for the coming struggle, Thosame can be said of Colonel Gar land. “Soon ater the fing comm ‘viouel Forney was shot Uurough the right arin, Li nt Colonel Mar- tin was kitie’, and the command of the regiment devoly- ed on Major Woodward, who commanded om one side the ‘ ‘h mon (org) batlerics all his hor son. Twer uns scat He su t sher # from the hidden. When ordered ty {a wo the tear by hand, w ci agons ani ead ¥ B Up back, 4 the afely to ub C. ofall back wo a better j hed to tbe rear in good order ceased firing. At this time Col. Tom Taylor rode to the Tight to kee what disposition had been made of his neigh- bors, and on returning found bis regiment gone and him- self noariy surrounded by Yankes cavalry, Throwing himself down ho eluded them and afterwards crept into a ine coppice and remained there \ntil dark, with Yan- ‘ces on each side of him. Atnight he escaped and joined his regimout this morning, Sustaining no jury beyond a slight scratch on the hand’ by a musket ball. Taking his force to the rear, where the ground offered better positions, Gen. Stuart once more drew up his force my, but he had enough of it and was disposed to give Buttle again, ‘Thus anded the battls of Dranesville, which, although disastrous to us, was more ao to the enemy, if recent reports are true,’ It is Delioved there were seven regiments of infentry, one of cavalry, and eight pieces of light artillery against us The following is 4 list of the casualtios — BLEY! 'H VIRGINIA, COLONEL GARLAND. Company A—Ritle Rangers, from Lynch Private Joun Henry, kAled accidentally. Company B—Lioutonant T, B, Horion, wounded in the thigh. Private Walker Thurmond, wounded in thigh ag missing. Company C—Privates William H. Hobson, mortally wounded in abdomen; S.’T. Franklin, wounded in thigh; Joseph S. ice, wounded in arm, slight; John B, Wood, both arms, slight, Company D—Vrivates Melvin Gibbs, killed; W. Carper and James McDowell, wounded slightly in fect. Company E—None. Company F—Private Robert Burt, slightly hart, Company G—None. Company U—-Henry Goldin, killed ; Joseph Flowers, severe wound in knee; Geerge W. Rogers, missing. Company [—Captain’ James H. Jamesoi, shot through the thigh; private Judson Emivey, shot through the thigh, Company K—Privates W. Campbell and James N. Painter, killed; Captain A. A, Yeatman, slight wound in the face from’ shell; privates James I.. Black, wounded in the leg; James D. Johnson, severe wound through the thigh; Peter Carylo, s'ight wound in the head from shell, ‘Tho following is ‘the list of companies in the Keveuth Virginia engaged in the fight, with the places where en- listed — Company A—Rifle Grays, from Lynchburg. Company B—Southern Guard, from Campbell county. Company C—Clifton Grays, from Campbell county. Company D—Fincastio Ritles, trom Finenstl Company E—Lynchburg Rifles, from Lynchburg. Company F'—Preston Guard, from Montgomery county. Company G—Home Guard, from Lynchburg. Company H—Jelf, Davis Guard , from Lynchburg. Company J—Rough and Ready Biles, from Fauquier county. Company K—Valley Regulators, from Rockbridge. TENTH ALABAMA. Colonel John Forney, seciousiy wounded in the right arin, Licutenant Colonel J. B. Martin, probably killed. Ashville Guard, Company A, Captain Caldwell—Private Geo. S. Dannelly, killed# Coosa Valley Blues, Company F, Captain Truss—Sergeant S. L. Coleman and private R. G. Duviapp kidled; private B. H. Corley, wounded severely in the thigh. Alexandria Rifles, Company D, Captain Woodrulf—Pri- vates Jesse Sima, Calvin, Owens, Bauister, Jonuings and 1. Crook, shght’ tlesh wounds; and Lowis Reyaolds, wounded slightly in the face, Fort Wiltiam Riflec, Company K, Captain MeKenzie— Privates Bushrod, Moss, and John Caliahan, killed; pri- vate J. W. Lindsay, severoly wouuded in the thigh. Yancey Guards, Company I, Captain Hughes—Corporal ©. A. Webb, private Herman ‘Herzburg, aud William A. Jones, killed; vrai G. L. Jobuston, slightly wounded ; priva Hall, severely in the ankle; Abal Christopher, severoly wounded in the thigh; Benj. F. Fry, slightly in the heel; Lieutenant L. E. Hamlin, slightly wounded in shoulder and leg; private Thomas R. Fergri- son, severely wounded in arm and breast; private Thomas Womack, slightly wounded. Walker Rope ‘Guards, Company G—Captain ; slightly wounded in the leg; private Josse Harris, y wounded in the neck; private W. W. Maragne, wounded severely in the shoulder; privato James M. ‘Maragne, slightly wounded; private Wm. Moburn, slightly wounded in the mouth; private Jobn Francis, slightly wounded in the arm; private A. W. Wyley, slightly wounded in the face. Jefferson Volunteers, Company B, Captain Martin—Pri- vate James L. Partaine, severely wounded in the ankle; private Georgo W. Cawley, severely wounded in the right eyo; private James 2. Churchill, slightly wounded. Chocotocco Kifies, Company H, Captain Hanna—Corporal W. B. Lyons, kiled: private, 8. J. Bryant, killed; private W. 1 Sprinkles, killed; P. Thornyili Brownlee, severely wounded in leg; private Thomas E. Cook, slightly wound- ed in arm; private Alexander Cheatwood,sevore wound in the faco; private A. H. Hrnna, severely ‘wounded in the breast; private Samuel Wheoling, slightly wounded in logs; private B. F. Ooker, geverely’ wounded; private W. M, Caldwell, soverely ia thigh. ‘Talledgee Davis Blues, Company E, Captain Cook—Killed, J. W. Graves; wounded, James Spenco, severely in the bip; J. W. Glover, severely in the shoulder; Dr. MoT. W. Christian, severely in arm; Benjamin F. Sicles, slightly in head, iny C, Cahawha Valley Boys, Captain Cobb— Com; Rilled’ privates George Litton, Sanford Fulton. Wound- ed, Heury Alexander, severely in both legs; Corporal P. B. Harris, severely in hij Heury Cates, severely in neck and shoulder; G *. Wilson, severely in mouth and shoulder ; Fayette McClendon, slightly; Henry Harles, slightly; R. H. Smith, slighuly; Willlam Kooney, slightly; C. P. De Shazo, slightly; Sergeant A. J. Cost, slightly; T. F. Wood, slightly. . SIXTH SOUTH CAROLINA, COL. WYNDER, asout 350 MEN, UNDER LIEUTBNANT COLONEL SECREST. Company A, Calhoun Guards—Killed, none. Wounded, William MeFadden, seriously; RoboreS. Wylie, serious Company B—Killed, John 'G, Barbour. “Wounded, A. 4. Barges, soriously ; James Gladden, slightly; William F. Knox, siightly. Missing, D. Roddey. Buckhead Guards—Killed, Sergeant R. H. Frank English, ptain Means, slightly in thearm: Corporal W. ©, Byers, mortally; Corporal BP. Allston, slightly: private Zeb Mobley, leg broken, was left on the tleld; R. W. Bryco, slightly; John Blain, do.; B. W. Means, do.; A. P. Styles,'do.; D. W. Hollis, severely. Company D, Boyce Guard-—Killed, J. Mt. Elliot. ed, none. Company £, Chester Guards—Killed, private G. W. Broaktleld; missing, supposed killed, Thomas C. Harden’ Wounded, Captain O. Harden, severely; Sergeant J. A. Sanders, slightly; private John Lucas, do. Company, Chester Blues—Killed, privates W. Hi Abell, R. T. Johnson, J. McKewa, J. W. Smith, Sorgeant Carruiners, “Wounded, Sergeant itt, slightly, 8: Me- Aliloy, do. ; privates Boyd, do.; Lepsey,'do. clei)» T. Coldwell, W. Weund- Company G. Pickens Guard—Killed, S.McDill. Wounded, Corporal L. 8. Douglas, slightly; private M. R. Dyo, do.; S. M. Schouler, do. Company H, York Guard—Killed, First Lioutenant F. E. Moore, Corporal W. T. Robinson, Privates Thomas ‘J. Parks, H. P. Price, Samuel Hofman. Wounded, Sorgeant JN. mortally; privates William Hamilton, mor- tally; Win Crosby, severely; AF. Branch, do.; H. K. Sadiior, do.; Andrew Merritt, do.; Sorgoant Wm, Camp- doll, slightly; John Honey, do.; Win, M. Whitesides, do. ; Private Holles, do. ; Private Patterson, do. Company 1, Limesione Guard-—Wounded, 3. P. Sates, slightly. Empany K, Carolina Mountaincers—Wounded, T. B. Cunniugham, serious!y; D. W. Blaingame, do.; John C. Atkinson, do.; B. B. Latham, do.; J. L. Gritith, do.; J. M. Jackson, slightly; J. W. Holtzclaw, do.; J. W. Rewan missing; Lawrence Lenhart. do., probably killed. Major Thomas W. Woodward was wounded in the thigh, but not seriously. ‘Sunder Fiying Artillery, Captain A. 8. Cutts—Killed, Corporal Jobn L. McGarroh; privates W. F. Williams, W. P. Lang. Wounded, privates John A. Capps (since dei), mortally; Thomas Mills, mortally; J. L. Proctor, mor. tally; Corporal C. If. Varner, severely; privates John Murphy , severely: Jam Jones, severely; James M. Can- nor, severely; : th, severely; Sergeant W. H. Fletcher, slightly; privates H. 'T. Rodgers, slightly; 5. D. Frazior, slightly; William Richards, slightly; J. N. Eng- lish, slightly; Thomas Calhoun, slightly. FIRST KENTUCKY, COL. TOM TAYLOR. Company A—Corporal E. Loug, C. Cable and J. Parker, ing. Company B—None. Company C—Captain Jo Desha, wounded in shoulder; Corporal G. W. Lait, wounded in leg; J. W. Brown, in arm; W. N. Fisuback, arm; F.G, Alexander, leit on the field, supposed mortally wounded; John Mullin, left on the field, severely wounded; John L, Barbee, mortally, in the hea J. W. Brown, dangerously if not mortally wounded—r ceived three shois; William B, Phelps, wounded in arm and breast; A. J. Thompson, in side; J. Cummins side; George Sims, in foot; George Stump, slightly ; C,H. Stoner, seriousiy, if not mortally; M. 1.. Asbury, in arms; J. W. Lair, slightly, G. W, Simpson, slightly. Company D—Corporal Horine, slightly; private Smith, slightly ; private P. ae nd Corporal Robert Carr. Company E—Killed, Corporal John M. Johuson; wounded sorjously, Noah J. Parsons—left on the fleld. Company 1--Wounded, private Jas. Burham, slightly; W. Nelson, badly, not since heard of. Missing, Dr. J. a. Barnet. Company K—Wounded, private J. B. West, badly; R. W. Loonard, stightly. Missing, H. , Kenuealy. it is duo’ the Tenth Alabaina to say that thoy have omitted a number of wounded on account of thoir injuries being slight, and also all their missing, some thirty in number. AS their wounded are constantly arriving, the list of this regiment will be considerably increased. ‘The enemy seemed perfectly aware of tho approach of our party, and were prepared with an overwhelming force. Nevertholess thoy suffered severely, and lost, it is reported by the citizens of Dranesville, more than we did. We took two prisoners. This morning another forco was sent out under General Stuart, but bas not yetweturned. He took possession of the baitie fuld of the day provious,and still holds it. Ho reports this ovening the loss of the enemy much more heavy than ours, but lam unable at this early date to get Culler particulars, Captain Catt’s battery did excellent service, and worked the guns under a hot fire from the enemy. fle has since received the congratuiations and thanks of the generals, Tho Kleventh Virginia acted with great gallantry iroughout the day, ana every mau had an opportunity of Laving his courage tested. The regiment left home at four o’ciock in the morning, marched thirty-five miles, fouvhta battle, aud returned at four the next moraing, being Gut twenty-four hours, Arrival of a British Prize. The British schooner Jane Cambell, of Liverpool—for- merly the Herndon, of Washingtou, N.C.—was yesterday afternoon brought into this port as a prize by acting Mosier ker, of the bark Braziliera, SLe was tuken by tho steamer State of Georgia, off Beaufort. She was from Liverpoul, for Havana, and has acargo of 8 (some tlannel. Sh» had been laying off Beaulort some days, and was seized by order of the Com. modore ot the was towed to the Navy Yard, Markets. PHILADELVHIA STOCK BOARD Puta DEL i 6, 1861. nsylvania Stat Reading Rail- elphia Rail ‘hy henge om New York at par a 1-10 per Pm. Dec. 26, 1861. Lat. Wheat dcciued: salas 2,000’ bushels ; white, $140.4 $143. Cora qaiet: sales 4c, Provision ol, Coffee buoyant, Puta, 3,000 bushe Whiskey tre THE NEW COURT HOUSE. Interesting Ceremonies on Lay- ing the Corner Stone. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING. Addresses by Mayor Wood, Chief Justice Clerke and Mr. Supervisor Stewart, &e., &e. &e., ‘The corner stone of this odifice was laid yesterday af- ence of a number of spectators. A short time previously the Com- missioners superintending the structure, and those who had been invited to partake in the ceremonies, assembled in the “partments used by the Board of Supervisors for thoir ):oceodings, and forming in procession soon after wards appeared on the ground. The procession was headot by Wilsoa G, Hunt, Bsq., President of thd the Mayor. Next followed Commissioner John B. Corliss Then came Com- missioner James Salmon and Hon. T. W. Clerke, Chief Justico of the Supreme Court ; William R. Stewarts President of the Board of Supervisors ; Hon. George Op- dyke, Mayor elect ; Thomas John Kellum, Architect, and other members of the Board. The bench was well repre- sented by Judges Sutherland, Hogeboom, Bosworth and others. On the northeast corner of tho new building, fronting Chambers street, tho stone was suspended from a dorrick immediately above its intended receptacle, The ‘The Fpeakers, invited guests and reporters wore accommo: dated with a platform and tables in the immediate vicinity of the scene of operations. A largo body of -police were ternoou, at half-past two o'clock, in the Board of Commissioners, and his Honor and Rev. Gardiner Spring, national flag floated from the top of the derrick. ‘n attendance, and preserved excellent order. Sub oined is a description of this building as far as it has p-ogressed. The land taken by the Commissioners L: 525 feot front upon Chambers street, by 200 feet south of It is situated in the contre of this land, and is 246 feet six inches long,and 150 feet two inches wide. The first lines were given to commence the work ou the 29th of September last, aud the amount of excavation ‘Tho site was occupied by the old building, which was destroyed by fire some The old walls found in the excavation wero used for the purpose of manufacturing concrete, the amount of which under the old building amounted to 7,800 cubical feet. The foundation stones under the bottoms The brick work During tho excavation the engineer found an old well in the northwesterly corner of the building, which extended to the foundation, thirty four feet cight inches deep to the water, and which was built up solid, and to ¢he surfaco of the under side of the foundation, which is about twelve feet below the ‘The joints of the cdifice are all formed with lead, caulked, #0 that it is impossible that the frost or water can prove injurious to it. There is now a largo placed about kave risen to tho ‘The stones were pie ope from Kipp’s Bay.” Above the granite le the building will bo of white marble. Four hundred and fifty men have becn engaged.on this work since its commencement, and it must be apparent from the labor executed that ’great diligence has been used. It is expected by the officials having control of the Chambers street. now accomplished is 71,800 loads. years ago. of the walls comprised 6,200 cubical feet. jid atnounts to 650,000 bricks. curb atone. amount of stone on hand cut, ready on the walls, and ia all two weeks the building will height of the surface of the ground. to be Probability in water tab! erection of this Court House that it will be completed ina ‘the present time. The architoct is Mr. Super- year visor Little, associated with Mr. Kellum, and the engi- neering department is wnder tho management of Mr. Jas. E. Sorrell. The building now proposed to be oreoted will be of white marble, aud of a plain, substantial order of archi- tecture. It will be ove hundred and thirty-nine feet long by one hundrod aud twelve feet deop; tho wings each one hidred and forty-eight fect long ‘Tho extreme length will feet, and the extreme depth one hundred and fifty feet. fifty-three deep, On the first door will be six large court rooms and four The same number and size of court rooms witi be found on the second floor, with the addition of small ones, two fair sized rooms, to bo used as libraries or Grand Jury rooms. Thore will be six large rooms and four fal sized rooms in tho basement. ‘The height of the first story will be twenty-two fect; of the second story, twenty feot, aad of the basement, fourteen feet aud six inches. The extrome height of the building, from the erdewaik to the top of the parapet, will bo about seventy-eight feot. THE CEREMONIES. Wnsox G. Host, Esq., having called the meeting to ordor, said:—Gentlomen, the hour naviug arrived at which to commence thedaying ofthis stune, prayer will be offered by the Rev. Dr. Spring. Tho reverend gentloman responded by an appropriate prayer. Nee Hort then enumerated the following articles, which were at the appropriate time to be deposited within the corner stone, as follows ‘two copies of the Holy Bible. Constitution of the United States and Declaration of Independence. Washington’, Tho President's Mesengo. Report of the Secretary of state. Report of the Secretary of the Treasury. Report of the Secretary of War. Report of the Secretary of the Navy. Report of the Secretary of the Interior. Report of the Postmaster General. Constitution of the State of New York. Corporation Ordinances of Now York City, Revised 1959. Charters of the City o! New York from 1636 to 1857. Laws of the State of New York of 1858 and 1861, autho- Tizing the Building of this Court House. Procdedings of the Board of Supervisors up to 1861, Manual of State of New York for 1861. Manual of City of New York for 1861. Manaal of the Board of Education for 1861. New York City Directory for 1861 and 1362. Map of tho City and County of New York. Copies of all the New York papers,*including religious, secular, literary and scientific journals, Annu reports of tho Bible Society, Foreign Misstons, Pay roll for December 21, containing the namos of the employes cagagod upon the building. Map of the United States, State and City of New York. Rabyer’s Plan of the City of New York, engraved in 1766. The addresses of his Honor the Mayor, Judge Clerke and Supervisor Stewart. ‘A zine plate, having engraved upon it the names of the Commissioners of the New City Hall for building the Court House, architects, superintendents, clerks, &c. time elapsed in placing the corner stone in a pro- Per position to be raigod, whici having been accomplish- ed, his Horor Mayor Woop was introduced tothe audieuce by’ the President, and spoke as follows:— MAYOR WOOD'S SPEECH. We have assembled here to-day to lay the corner stone of another public editlca. We propose to accompany it with appropriate ceremonies. This custom is of ancient origin. In the eariiest ages—indeed, in advance of Christianity, and as soon as civilization devised buildings for public uses at all—it seems to have been the practice. It rr beon continued over since. And there is a pro- priety in it aside from its antiquity. It gives an im- portance to the building, and thus to some extent imparts pete sec to tho purposes for which it is intended; and who, as in this instance, the structure is designed ‘as a temple of justice, thero is a peculiar necessity for cloth ing the ceremony with all the solemnity which the character of the building would scem to require, ‘{his is net the first structure of the kind put up by tho city of New York. As early as 1642 a public hall, of some magnitude for the times, was rected’ by the Dutch West India Company, at the present north. west corner of earl street and Coontics slip, ‘Though at first used by that company for its objects, it was, in the subsequent year, coded to the city, and ased afterwards asa court house. To show tho diforence be- tween the uses of a City Hall in those days and at this time, it may not be out of place to add that the original City Hall was devoted to the sittings of the burgomasters and gchepens, and for acity prison, The chamber occu. pie@for the sittings of the magistrates was on the south. ‘east corner of the second story; thoeprison chamber in the rear. A bell, hung inthe cupoln, was rung for the assembling of thes magistrates. Tho magistrates or judges held their court once a fortnight—the bell ringing for tht purpose at nine o'clock in tho moruing, and at the closing at twelve o'clock for dinner. At one o'clock the sittings were resumed, if the business of the court made it necessary It was seldom, however, that afternoon gessions were required, ‘until a lawyer named Dirck Van Scheilyn arrived from Hol- land, when, of course, litigation largely increased. Judges and clients at once had their bands full,and longer sessions were required. Proclamations were made from the front of the hall door by the ring: ing of tho bell. The building was of stone, three stories high, and cost less than tea thousand ‘dollars. It stood sixty years, and was regarded highly by the substantiai f that day as tho ark of their safety, being the san Pure and simple justice unadulterated by evil intluences. In the ianguage of the historian, “it survived the nationality of its founders, and witnessed somo ,enerations of thoir descendants living under foreign laws, aud speaking a foreign language within its walls,” It was finally sold tor nind hundred and twenty pounds at public auetion. It gave place toja new city hail, con. structed at™tho corner of Wall street and Nassau street, opposits Broad street, where now stands the Custom House. This edifice was commenced in 1699 and finished in 1700. It was a plain but substantial building, sufficiently large for the then purpose of a ‘court howse, and cost only four thousand pounds. The original estimate of its cost was only three thousand pocnds, This Hall stood for vono hundred years, finally yielding to the present tom House, a buliding very far ita inferior, whether lored for its architectural heauty or the uses for which iy had been devoted. There is no edifice now ding in the couniry, pt the Indepoadeuce Hail, of Philadelphia, which possessed at the time of its destivction the interest of this venerable retic of the Re: La past period. It was from its fropt portico ington delivered his Inaggnral Address as Uresident of tha United Staves, and within its walls "sat the imemorable Congress of’ 1787 and 1789. ‘The iron railing fronting the portico where Washington stood is ys! preserved at the Bellevue Hospital at the en- trance to (iat building. The present City Hail was pro- jected \4 1,02, during the Mayoralty of Edward Livings- bout two hundred and fifty ton. A premium was offered for the best plan, which wae finally awarded to Macomb and in. On Thursday afternoom, on the 24th or ay, 8, of the the oi a and allie pipoceeion formed old City Hall (or ral Ball) in Wall street, at the hoad of Broad street, fom which place the Mayor and corpo- ration of the city, attended by the gentlemen of the bar aud adarge number of citizous, were escorted by @ de- tachment of artillery and of the uniform companies of militia, commanded by Majors Curtenius and Loomis, to the park. Precisely at six o'clock, on uns being fired, his honor, tho Mayor—EAward Livingston—assist- ed by the architect (John McComb, Jr.), laid the stone ‘At the southenst corner of tho editice, The artillery firod @ federal sainte and the band of music performed & mili- tary air. After which, the Mayor delivered a short propriate address, which was receive t wiih the acclam: tions of a vast concourse of cilizens assembled on the occasion, A few de joie by the uniform corps eousiudnd the ceremonies of the day. ‘Tho detachment marched from the ground, paraded in the park, and was served with refreshments, provided by ihe C -pora’ivn. ‘The new butiding was first occupied by the Mayor and other corporation officers, on: the 20uh of April, 1812. ‘The cost of this City Hall was abgut five hundred’ thou. sond dollars. It was nine years in building, ‘Tho front or southern presentation, ahd both sides, arcof a white marble from the quarries of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. it is observed thal the elevation fronting Chambers attoct is of an inferior red sandstone. The reason for this was, thas its projectors deemed it unuecossary to go to the expense ‘of white marble for that front, ns it was supposed that “as the city ‘would not extend much above Chambers street, this dijierence in the stone would not be ob served.”” ‘That City Hali has long siuce been insufliciout to answor tho requivements, and other buildings have for many Years been found nocessary. On this spot ouee stood a large building, known as the Almshouse, and o3- cupied as an ‘American Museut,” (and within my day ogcupien ag such) which, for several years before its de- struction by fire, was used for holding the courts ant for othor public purposes. After its loss the brown stone buildings to the cast of this spot, on Chambers street, were put up, and have been sineo so used. For some time, however, a new City Hall or Court House on.a more extended plan hag been contemplated. T called the attention of the Common Council to this necessity five years ago, recommending that inasmuch as Lhe growth of the city was rapidly popu- lating tho upper part of tho island, that a large edifice, ‘exclusively for covporation and municipal purposes, should be erected somewhere in a moro central position, and that the buildings now in this Park, including the City Hall, should be given up exclusively ‘for the use of the courts. This sugyestion was not, howover. finally cavried out, aud the present proposed structure has there- fore béen desmed necessury. We propose now to erect a building for additional court room accommodations on this spot. This ground was ouce used as a negro bunal ground; it was no doubt devoted to that purpose at a very early period. Although originally private property, it was supposed to have beer selected for that purpose ia consequence of its elevation. It was \known as Potty-backer’s Hill. In 1673 the — goverment made a grant of this tand to one Vua Forsum. ‘The limits of this grant extended along ‘tho line of Chambers street, which was the brow of the hill. Subsequently it was ceded to the corporation of the city, and connected with the common lands lying south of it. During tho excavation for the present Court Horse, hi man bonos have been disinterred, doubtless those of ue- groes probably buried thare over acentury ago—it may have been a hundred ane fifty yearsago. ‘It may no. bo ont of place for me to add that this Park is sacred revo- Litionary ground. It was the rallying place of the Sons of Liberty, before and during the American Revolution. As carly as March, 1774, the patriots of that day resisted an attempt of the British soldiery to interfere with tneir right to elect liberal men to the Colonia! Convention. It was hero that Alexander Hamilton, although « mere youth, rallied the people, by his powerful eloquence, to resist the tyranny of the British Crown. (Applause) Indeed, I claim for New York that it was here, and within one hundret yards of this spot, and not at the battle of Lexington, that 8 first American blood was shed in the cause of the Revoiution. (Loud cheers.) In conclusion; as I fix this stove in the place where it may rest for centuries, I can- not forbear expressing the hope that the historical asso- ciations of the new building may bo no less auspicious than those which belong to its predecessors; that, although erected in times of trial, truth and justice mi be maintaiued here by « learned and incorruptible judi- ciary and an eloquent and virtuous bar, Within these walls we may reasonably expect to trace the Saoreasing perity of the great motropolis, and the preservation bared stem 7 jurispradence by which boih indt- vidual freedom and pubiic order are secured. May law and liberty reat thon, a8 heretofore, on the giorious and unshaken corner stone of the American constitution, — (Applause. ) ‘Thestone was, at this juncture, lowered by the derrick into the receptacie appointed \or it, the Mayor con- summating the ceremeny by striking it three times with his gavel. ADDRESS OF CHIEF JUSTICE CLERKE, ‘The learned Judge was introduced to the meoting by the President, and spoke as follows:— ‘The Mayor, acting in my Masonic imagination, in the capacity of Grand Master ou this occasion, having appliod the plumb, square and level to the stove in their proper positions, and pronounced it to be well formed, true and trusty, it’ may not be improper for me to express to ny follow citizens—to the Bench and the Bar—my congrata- lations at tho prospect of erecting a suitable ediuce in which justice may, with dignity and convenience, be administered in this city. Every undertaking calculated to add to the embellishment and honor of the city should be contemplated with satisfaction. As in beginning the robuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, “ wheu the builders laid the foundation of the Temple of the Lord, they set the priests in thoir ap parel with trumpets, and tho Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cyinbals, and they sang together by course in prais: ing and giving thanks unto tne Lord,’ so ought we ina measure to rejoice that a temple is about to be raised and to bo dedicated to justice. Progress in architecture has been always a test and an accompaniment of civilization. Indeed, the first step man takes in civilization is to erect woellings for his protection from the inclemeacy of the weather ; and when, by his industry, he acquires more than what may be required to satisfy bis mere animal wants, he begins to gratify his tasto by oonstracting beautiful edifices for private and public purposes. He congecrates the latter to the sacred rites of religion aud justice; and no city in ancient or modorn-times has over acquired renown in history that has not been embellished with specimens of beautiful architecture. But tho chief ground on which I place my congratulations on the present occasion is, that the building of which we beve laid the corner stone this day, is now and has long been noeded. Indeed, the want of such a building has thrown great im- diments in the way of the administration of justicc, and fas caused serious injury and inconvenience to its minis- ters andYollowere. To many instances the Justices of the Supreme Court have been obliged to suspend business in consequence of the want of room. 1 have no doubt, during the past yoar we could have disposed of twico as much business as wo hav~ if wo had had suitable accommo- dations. We have not oaly been without the necessary number of rooms, but some of the rooms placed at our disposal are so contracted and go badly ventilated that they have yy the health of some of our Judges and advocates. No later than lastj week Mr. Justice Allen was so much incomaded in the room appropriated to the Special Toip for enumorated cases, that be determined that’ it would be unsafe for him to sit thoro any longer. 1 am assigned to that department of the court during the ensuing month; and Tnow give notice to the Supervisors, unless they procure me a better room, the Court will ordor the Sheriff to do. go, pursuant to the Code, section 23. A Justice of the Superior Court has rosignod hisoffice in consequence of the danger to which his health was ex- posed from the miserable condition of the court rooms. Since the resignation of his office [hope his health has improved. ‘Those of us who have not rosigned, but have shown so much tenacity of office, as well as of life and health, as to brave all those pernicious influences cven for a renowed term, deserve particular consideration, and should not be treated any longer asthe ancients su wed Pluto was treated, whose jurisdiction was in tho infernal regions. It was said that his court room there was shockingly obscure and gloomy,—so much so that all the goddesses refused to marry him, But he resolved to obtain by force what was denied to hig solicitation; and having become enamorod of Proserpine, he forcibly carried hér away,and com- pelled her to become the wife of the Chief Justice of Hell, and share with him’ his obscure and gloomy rooms in those disagreeable regions. I trust, however, that we shall soon no louger be obliged to compare our unfort)- nate fate with thet of Pluto, and that the erection of this building will relieve all persons engaged in ‘le aditais- tration of justice from the apprehension of impaired health,and the conviction that they are seriously hin- dered in eflectiveiy discharging their duties. Under the guilance of the Commissioners who have the saper- vision of this structure, I have no doubt that it will not only be beramrigae | ‘built, but that it will afford as capacious rooms, well ventilated, judiciously heated and well arranged. Ibope they may be able to say, when it is completed, with the architect of the Temple at Jerusalem, that having, according to the best of their ability, accomplished the task assigned to them, they surrender the implements entrusted to their care when the foundation of thefabric was laid, hoping that their exertions will bo crowned with the approbation of the publicand I hope the Grand Master who will officiate on that occasion will be able to respond and say that their skill and fidelity haye secured the entire approbation of the Grand Lodge (the lench, the Ba- and the public), praying that tho edifice may continue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit and liberality of its founders. And now, ‘according to the ancient coremno- ny, I do ‘typically pour the corn, the wine and the oi! on this stone, and ‘may the ail- bounteous Author of Nature assist us in the erection and compiction of this building, pro- tect the workmen against every accident,and long pro. serve this structure from decay, and grant to us ali a sup. ply of the corn of nourishmeat, the wine of refrestinent and the oil of joy.’” And I will add, in my own | may this building, now commenced in national dark: and depression, ih the midst of intestine commotion and sanguinary strife, when a foreign Power threatens to es. pouse the most wanton and unprovoked rebellion that has ever convulsed a peoplo—may this building, commenced in such an hour of gloom, emerge, completed in the brightness of calm and peace—our Union restored and re- vivifled, our iustitutions purified, the nation’s youth and strengths renewed like she eagle’s and our national honor vindicated in the face of Christendom, to the utter con- fusion and discomfiture Of unjust gainsayors at home and ‘abroad. (Loud applause.) SPERSH OF MR. SUPERVISOR STEWART. Mr. Sruwart was the next orator introduced. He said that since the destraction of the old building the principal courts had beon compelled not only to occupy apartments too small to transact their ordinary business, but that several branches of the same court had been compelled to sit in different buildings, and on several occasions have had to remove two or three times during the same term from the temporary accommodations afforded them, and more than one had been obliged to suspend business for the want of foom, thus seriously disarranging tho bus hess, and working intinite mischief to the suitors, some of tho courts the health of the judges had been 8 riously injured by small and badly ventilated rooms. By law, upon the Supervisors develves the duty of fur- nishing court rooms and accommodations for the various courts of record, and you ¢#n ail readily perosive what sn unpleasant and awkward position (he Board of Sapervieors occupied, continually receiving from the judges applica tious for proper accommodations, and listening to the fr