The New York Herald Newspaper, December 29, 1861, Page 2

2 ADDITIONAL FROM EUROPE. THE MAILS OF THE NOVA SCOTIAN. What England Hoped to Gain from a War with the United States. The Rebel Army of the South to Aid the British Navy Against the North. Canada Likely to Annex a Portion of the American Territory, THE EXPEDITION AGAINST MEXICO. Address of the French Admiral to His Men, &e. &., &e. ‘Tho mulls of the Nova Scotian reached this city from ‘Portland yesterday morning. Our European files are dated on the 12th of December—one day later than the Papers received by the Edinburg—and contain the fol- owing important details of the news. THE AMERICAN WAR QUESTION. CONSEQUENCES OF WAR WITH THE UNITED STA AS PICTURED BY ENGLAND. [From the London Post (government organ) Dec. 12.) ‘What will be the consequence should it be found neces- sary to declare war against the federal States of America ? This is a question which. is now in every person’s niouth, and whioh, of all others, is the most difficult to answer. ‘The immodiate consequences it would not perhaps be very difficult to predict. With navy such as Great Bri. tain has at her command, the issue of the conflict could Bot long be doubtful, The few ships which compose the American marine are now engaged in effecting an imper- fect blockade of the Southern ports—a blockade so imper- fect that it is only owing to the circumstance of theSouth- ern States being destitute of any navy whatever that it ie maintained for a single hour. But on the hg Ae war ts declarod what willbe the position of the belligerent pope! Bata be the the nis government would, in al A recognition Confederate States as @ sncta Indeed, this would seem inevitable. England find herself obliged to de- clare a the United States as they were known. are -, —) and as id a a permeates in i worl ible; for, of 80, ish feet shoul, toe consistent Bodie Chalet aa wal at New York, and should sink a confederate privateer with the same readiness asa federal crt ‘. This being ie festly absurd, tho distinctive line which will establish the immunity of the Southern States will doubtless be drawn & the official recognition of their separate existence, ‘ith the recognition of their separate existence t! would become a distinct State, af war witha nation which we also were at enmity. 1e relative position of the Confederate States and England would then in no respect differ, except in the mode of its creation, from the posi- tion of France and Sardinia in the eampaign-in Lombardy, or England and France in the Crimean war, An alliance woould formed between tha two Powers, or, if it ‘was not, it would be an unexampled instance in ‘history of two States making war against a third entirely inde- pendent of each other. At all events, whethor such an alliance were formed not, the ef- fecta would be ponte. the same. The Northern States would find themselves obliged to cope simultaneously with two Powers, and to defend the Southern frontiers from the inroads cA the confeterate troops and their rd Trom the hostile armament of England. It does not need a person versed in naval matters to conjecture the issue of any conflict in American waters between the fleets which can be despatched from these shores and the few ships belonging to the federal government, whose names and calibre were furnished to our readers a few days since. In tho event of war they would be obliged to abandon their occupation of the Southern waters, and fly for such security as they could find to the Northern ports. ‘The immediate restilts, therefore, of war between England and the federal States would be the complete paralysis of the trade of the later, and such destruction as the armies of the confederate ani the navy of Great Britain might fore hostilities were suspended. ‘SUll, however, the ultimate consequences of such a war ‘are those which possess both for statesmen and commer- cial men the greatest interest. How long the Northern ‘and Southern States might have maintained the present conflict, how long the federal government would have pursued the vain attempt not only to subdue their ene- mies but to convert them into loyal citizens, it would be impossible to say. There is no reason to doubt, however, that the struggle must have been a protracted one. If President Lincoln bas been able to collect an immense army, aod lavishes with no sparing hand millions on pro- parations for the coming campaign—President Davis governs a confederation equally prepared for the shock of battle, and encouraged by the success which has hitherto crowned their efforts at resistamce. Self-love and the necessity of redeeming their military reputation ‘would have prevented the North yielding to the demands of the South; whilst the latter, conscious of itd own Strength, would have refused obédience to a power which it perceives is inadequate to enforce it. Thus time would have roiled on whiist the two component portions of what lately formed the United States of America were squandering their resources without the most distant ex- pectation of a profitable result. But how will this conflict be Influenced by the inter. Position of a great maritime Power? Isit equally probable that under such a contingency it would continue thus tedi- ously to ‘draw its slow length along?” Impossib!e. Under such circumstances nothing but the most insensate folly could prompt the Northern States to continue the struggle. They could nover seriously hope to successfully resist the attacks of England and af the same time regain their do. ‘minion in the South. The sole question which would re- main for consideration would be the time when the in- evitable capitulation should be cutered on, and conse uently when the present internecine war should end ani ¢ Confederate States be recognised as an independent uation. ‘The consequences, then, of a war with land must ul- timately be the complete and final severance of the Northern {rom the Southern States, and the establishment of a sepa- Fatenationwhich recognises slavery as the distinctive feature of its constitution. If it be. as there is every Feason to belive it is, true that tfe captain of the San Jacinto acted on his own responsibility, the federal go- ‘vernment have not planned this novel mode of putting an end to the war. It cannot, however, have failed to have struck them since, that if, by refusing to deliver up Messrs. Slideli and Mason, they provoke a war with Eng- gland, they will be able to yield with a better grace to their Southern adversaries. They may evade the charge of pusillanimity in recognising as an indopendent State a peo. ple whom they have hitherto designated as rebels by alleg- ing their inability to cope on the high seas with the fleots of Great Britain. These considerations must not be lost sight of should the intelligence reach us that the Cabinet Washington have refused to surrender the Confederate Commissioners. If it should be found necessary to declare war against the Federal government, let not the timorous too quickly conclude that we are entering on on enter. prise which must cast this country the lives of m: brave men and the outlay of much treasure. Let t! wot fancy that we are undertaking a secoud American’ war like that which, in the reign of George IlT., cost this country’ one bundred and thirty-six millions aterling. Such will not be the case. We shall be entering on a war of which the event cannot be doubtful, and couid only be delayed throngh an imbecility on the part of the federal government, which, with all their faults, we%bolieve does not charac: terige them. It is more than probable that if they refu our present demands and force on a war, it will only be to enable themselves to yield with better grace toa superior force. Whether such should prove to be their motive or not, England will doubtless require an indem- gity for being thus dragged into a quarrel in which her sympathies are not engaged; and ifthe Northern States are anxious to apply balm to their wounded self-love, they must not object to paying the price such balm will cost. COULD CANADA ANNEX A PORTION OF (ane NORTHERN STATES? ie London Post ronment organ), Dec. 12. 5 {foreman on the address with which he has.just applied the great question of the day to the redemption some pertion of bis own lost popu- larity. It ig an ill wind that blows no one any good; and the chances of war bring some hope of political resurrec- tion to Mr. Horsman. No more patriotic and sensible speech has been made upon the American question than his speech of last Tuesday to the electors of Stroud. Mr. Horsman. like others, holds the disruption of the Union to be inevitable, whether we ourselves have or war with the North; and, if that anticipation be just: swemay lok with nearly equal confidence to the fall of slavery in Mr. Horsman declares that we shall have no war with the North. He is bold prophet, and we hope he may be @true one. But his reasoning goes only to show that it will be very much against the interest of the North to make war, aod that such hostilities as they may wage Must be very ineffectual in charactor. ‘only assump- Hon, however, in favor of war, has all along been that he Amncricans would prove too headstrong to consult their true interests. Tt” :, It ia hardiy, therefore, to the pur- Pose to point out that the North would have but an indifferent prospect of taking Canada; for a Power 00 passionate to be led by a calm consideration of ite true interests would be also too headstrong duly to Galculate the probable issue of a campaign. Mr. Hors man says with truth that we should probably not only the Americans srom any ine of Cana- as to recover the discredit and insecurity involved in Ashburton Treaty. Nor iz ho less accurate seying that we should now have litle w apprenond fromthe North asa privatecring § Southern ports, whict were among the chief pointe of egress and refuge for American privateers in the war of 1819, are nee oe much closed against the North under a ot warlire as the chief European ports are ci: Against thom onder thostipulation of the treaty of Paris. ‘The { ‘ advances, that every member of Cc tion to some swaggering braggado Order to make somo allowance for show that all mea: be popular, At thie m “ nig thet tuowe are most prudent who do not prophesy, Yu are con tent to wuld mn: session bofore the close of the year. {From the London Times, Deo. 12} Mr. Horsman founds his auticipations of peace on two distinct grounds. He holds thatit is not the interest of the Northorn Americans to go to war with us,and that it is “consisiont with their character and honor’ to avoid that extremity, The first assertion is, indeed, incontro vertible, Amoricans wore always weaker than our. ves, and they are now Weaker than ever, We happo to bo prepared for war to an extent never before known, while the federalists are unable to gain any material aivantage over an enemy already confronting them in the fold, le it is said that a foreign war will at any rate enable them to esc pe with less humiliation from a bi ss civil war, and indemnify them by conquests in the North for Josses in the South, Mr. Horsman replies that on this frontier, also, they are quite as likely to lose as to gain, and that Canata may gain territory in the States instead ef the States gaining territory in Conata, ‘Then at sea thoir navy will be unable for a moment to cope with ours, while the days of privatoering—tho old resource of the Americans—must bo considered as gone, Not to men- Gon that steam would drive ail old fashioned cruisers from the occan, it is plain that American privateers could neither leave their own ports, which would be closely blockaded, nor bring their prizes, if they made any, into any ports of Europe, which would be all closed against them. Keery word of this is true. THE BOSTON BANQUET TO CAPTAIN WILKES. (From the London Times, Deo, 12. Massachusetts is one of the most respectable States in the Union, and the Governor of Massachusetts came ex- ulting over the fact that an ingult had beou offered to the emblem of this country. Boston is the chief city of that respectable State, and the eid of that city saw in that insult the resurrection of the fallen glories of tho Republic The Dare raion to periodical re-election, might have trembled for their positions and truckled to ‘the popular voice; but their preference of force to expositions of law showed at least the temper of the audience they ad- |. Boston claims to be an intellectual city, It is the seat of atiterary clique—it is thefocus of transatian- tic sma}l talk. There are salons where men and women talk carefully, and there are societies such as Moliere ri- diculed. Boston is in America what Edinburgh is bere. It islast the place to which we should have looked for such coarse extravagance and such vulgar insult as that we have transeribed from the mouths of judges and governors and heads of corporations. It is a bad symptom to find such noxious folly so rife in such a p On the other hand, we may, porhaps comfort out Selves with the reflection that in a great crisis these cir- cles and coteries have never been found to exercise much influence over the general public. In the days of tho ges Paris was ruled by its salons. But where were jers and Guizot, and all their train of ers and ‘writers, when the revolution came? That them all away like mown grass, and discovered, to the astonishment of all, that they had no root in the soil. It may be so in this case. This Boston person, roa be merely the clatter of a little sect ified by the ec! of a large hall. Offensive and in taste as the de- mongstration was under any circumstances—for the demonstration was partly made against captives held to prison, but bag against a neutral and unoffending people—it may still have no root in the great popular mind of the country. WILL EUROPEAN EMIGRATION GO TO CANA- DA TO OBLIGE ENGLAND? [From the London News Dec. 12.) The ‘‘practical freedom” of Canada fascinates nobody, while the liberty of the United States has for eighty years attracted to its shores an emigration which can only be compared to that great removal of the haman race which preceded tho fall of the Roman Ame- rica had nothing to offer but her freedom—e falr start for all in the race for advancement—the assurance that no one class should be sacrificed either to the convenience or the embellishment and perfection of another, But this was enough to people the desert with crowds full of life and hope and eagerness. The vigor of the people of the United States springs from the know- Jedge that their interests are in their own keepin, Everybody is interested in the government, bocau partakes in it. “Every one,” says De ' Tocquevil “takes as zealous an interest in the affairs of his town: ship, his county and of the whole State, as if they were his own, because every one in his own’ sphere takes an active part in the government of society. Therefore the traveller hears"everywhere the sound of the hammer ay the aw, and sees new homes spread over the West aim North, and therefore while fools are prating of failure the census returns tell eve ten years of an in- crease without example in the history of our race. Canada, too, will be great and popnious some day; but she must fifst learn the great lesson of gelf-reliauce. THE ENDORSEMENT OF CAPTAIN WILKES, AS VIEWED BY THE ARISTOCRATS. ALARM ABOUT NAPQLEON’S POLIGY. (from the London Herald, (Derby organ,) Dec. 12.3 though Captain Wilkes has assumed the entire re- sponsibility of the outrage on the Trent, tt would be a mistake to conclude that the American question has lost any of itsaarker aspects. It is, of course, sati to know that the boarding of the British mail paeket and the,kidnapping of Messre. Mason aud Slidell from under our flag, were not carried into effect by the express in- structions’of the Washington Cabinet. ‘Had such orders been given, the answer to our demands would have beep aforegone conclusion, and there would be no hope of remajning on peacoful terms with the United States. But if we are relieved from all doubt on this point, little has ‘een said or done on the other side of the Atlantic to re- move our fears leat the illegal acts of Captain Wilkes should be sanctioned and approved by Mr. Seward. It is particularly noticeable that on the question of “ rights”’ no individual in the States has dared toventure an opinion adverse to that which Captain Wilkes has put for- oople okupfor guidance and sutberty have displayed people look up for guidance and authority have Ay either the grossest ignorance or (he ‘most criminal dishonesty ‘intheir efforts to justify the wrong their. mitted, “Even here Northernors at are all convinced that the captain acted strictly within the limits of the law of-nations ; and since, whatever may be said of American patriotism, it cannot be charged with that cosmopolitan indifference to its country’s honor which is esteemed a virtue by our own radical oratofs and writers, it seems more thaa probable that Mr. Lincoln’s government, in refusing to acknowledge the justice of our claims, will have the sym- pathy aud support of the whole North. Had one man of note inthe States taken an impartial and dispassionate ‘view of the case—had there been even suggestion from ‘any anthoritative quarter that the rebel commissioners should be given up, aud the question of international law left for discussion—we might take a more hopeful view of the result of the deliberations at Washington. As it is, we can bnt express our fears that the American govern: met will be unable to recede from the position into which the rash act of its officer has forced it. Jue Freoch semi-official press is to be by no means in- dering iy trusted. Its talents for Inventiqn are so thoroughly” recognized that we need make no apology for our want of confidence. But last night's despatches from Paris are too significant to be passed over entirely withont notice, The sudden return of Gen. Scott to the scene, not exactly of his triumphs but of his dificulticn, 1s in itself ominous. " He is # soldier, but not necessarily an authority on international law. Tt can scarcély be on the legal bearings of the question at issue between the two governments that his opinion has to be consulted. But it is poxsible that his cqunsel may be required wlth a view to.ulterior consequences to which Mr, Seward cannot shut bis eyes, and that the young and inexperienced com mander, whom a strange chance has called upon to lead the armies of tho North, may not inspire the confidence which the yeare and practical knowledge of his predeces- sor may naturally claim. Another report, hardly less ominous is that of the thanks of the Naval Department having been tendered to Captain Wilkes. This would be the first official recognition of the outrage. ‘The applause of mobs, the approval of self-seeking politicians, the sword of honor, were nothing. But if the thanks of ‘the govern. ment have been actually bestowed on the perpetrator of the outrage, we need scarcely trouble ourselves much more abont the probable reply that wil be returned to the demands of our ambassador. That our government are preparing for the worst is very plain, ‘That in doing so they are taking @ prudent and statesmanlike course is equally clear to all but Mr. Bright and his fraternity. Our gToatest, our only chance, we believe, of obtaining repa- ration without hostilities, is the power we may possess of impressing on Mr. Seward our determination and our readiness to exact it. Moreover, our previous quarrels with the United States have shown us that with them ft is not alwaysa word and a blow, but that the blow sometimes comes before the word THE ENGLISH DEMOCRACY ON THE SUR- RENDER OF MASON AND SLIDELL, From the London Star (democratic organ), Dec. 12.] The uct of Captain Wilkes has placed the government of Mr. Lincoln in a dilemma which has scarcely been noticed yet on this side of the Atlantic, but which tho arguments of some of the most respectable journals of the United States forcibly bring under consideration. Everybody here has beon discussing the event on the ground of international law; and naturally so, since Eng- land has recognized the Confederate States as belligerents. But it murt be remembered that the United States govern- ment have never admitted the propriety of that recog- nition. In the literal seuso of the word, Jefferson Davis and the people whom he commands are undoubtedly bel- ligerents; nevertheless they are, in the eyes of the Wash- ington government! imply revels. ‘Thoy are guilty of treason to the legitimate authorities of their country; ‘and, sustaining their treason by force of arms, they fall within the eaidgory of rebels. “Now, the question arises, are Messars Mason aud Slidell to be treated as prisoners of war, or as captured rebels! If, therefore, Mr. Lincoln should see paramount rea- sons against acknowiodging the belligerent character of the Southern States, and should find himself unable to treat his captives otherwise than as rebols, he ought at once to face the necessity of surrendering Messrs. and Slidell, and by so doing avoid being impaled on the other horn of the dilemma. We are not in & position to ofler an opinion beyond this in the matter, as we cannot know the considerations which may weigh with the Washington government against recognizing the South as belligerents. The Northern statesmen may be right in withholding that recognition; yet nothing can be plainer than that, to justify the capture of the Southern Commis- sioners on the grotind of international law, the belliger- ent character of the South must be granted. On that ground the quostion between the two governments can only be satisfactorily determined by an appeal to a third and impartial authority. To treat the captives as rebels and traitors, however, entirely changes the issue, sweeps away all precedent id of war and limited im 193 the question upon a footing on nation will not even condescend to argu Contraband 48 or persons enjoy no iinmunity under our flag; but gitive rebels who claim {ts protection shall receive it i assailants aa long as England remains what i of which wo anxiously hope Pre coln and hig Cabinet may have some faithful | means of becoming convinced, so that this country and \ America may d tho bilter calamity of war. Mo: deration on one side, and a recognition of facts on the oth A ‘ow of dishonorabls compro: | miso, w vert th groat evil NEW YORK ‘MIE BRITISH LEGISLATORS AGAIN ON THB SUBJECT, MR. MULLER, M, [¥rom tho Manch:ster Guardian, Dec. 12.) Mr. Miller, M. P., addressed a meeting or his constitu ants at Laut on ‘Tuesday night, ‘Tho honorablo gentie nan, alluding to the critical state of our relations with Amorica, 8aid:— It has long been acknowledged in the States that a cry of war with kngiand was the surest means of gaining political capital and paying the way to the Presidential chair. And this cry at last became so common that we actually began: to think fittle of it, and treated it as a mere vulgar frivolity on the part of the mob, trusting, as we wore always assured we might do, to the’ destinies of tho ro- public being in safer hands incase of need, But that re- tiring and influential class, of which we have heard #0 much as existing in the States, appears to have beon al- together mythical, or mt least utterly powerless to have stopped that retrograde legislation and practical injustice on the part of majorities which, at least, may be said. to have buen greatly instrumental in bringing about the ruin of their country. Wo must, therefore now come to the con- clusion that wo have actually escaped by a very narrow chance being at war with the States on one or more of the occasions of those frequent outbursts of unfriendly feoliug towards this country on the part of a braggart people, who, withont any experience of the consequences of real warfare, have at longth rushed headlong agaiust each other, in utter contempt of the proffered mediation of aimost’evory European Power, and have brought upon themselves a series of calamities which, I hope, will result in eventual good, by teaching them that Witle isto, bo galued ty a Uurleaue political freedom, while ‘their commercial policy becomes every day more obstructive and hostile to other countries, and now truly may be sald to constitute a blot on the endight- Y., ON THE WEAKNESS OF THE NORTH, enment of the age in which we live. And should we unfortunately bo dragged into a war by the government at Washington fathering the gross insult which has Deen offered to our flag, the question of separation will soon be decided by a short blockade of the ports of the North, and wo uball be pretty sure of compensation for the expenses incurred 3 eee increased , through a ly trade in manufactured goods with the States of the South. There never was a when i never was a period since the peace of 1815 when England was 4oalrong. But wo must remomber that the weaknoss of the North is not admitted; onthe contrary,they are ready to push atthe South, dispose of England! help themselves to Can Laughter.) We must remember that the abuse menacing of England, has Rewapapers ste sold by itz Ue metabore of Congresa get newspapers are so! It, members of get theirelsotions by it, the ‘Secretaries of State sro raised to office by it, the Presidents mount the highest steps in the ladder by it. It is the whote political capital on which mon thrive—perpetually reviling and challeng- ing England. | We have disregarded it, 9 we could well afford to do ; but it is our duty, in the idterests of Amer- fea, a8 well as in the interest of’ Europe, to seo that she is brought to hor senses, and we must teach her that if she wishes to bo respected that respect must. be founded on her own regard for international obligations, her own respect for civilized law, and that she is ‘not to be respected in rtion to her own menacing and bluster. (Cheers.) It is my ardent and sincere be- lief that there will be no war. In the first place, it is not the interest of the Northern States to go to war. What are they to do if they go to war? At present ihey are pose altogether in South. But they say, “We aro dealing with the South, | We may lose territory there, but we ll compensate ourselves by taking Canaaa.’' But what do the Canadians eay to that? They say they live in too great a preximity to the great republic, and have formed a os correct notion of the value'of its y is for I connection. They think the Fnglish more respectable. And there is anothe: the Americans are unwise enough to over the frontiers of Canada, they may probably meet with rather a hot reception; and they will find some dif- ference between a war with Canada and @ war with the Southern States. After saongagenseat ith Canadian regiments, when the Northern heroes run;away they will be followed over the frontier; ant instead of the States annexing Canada, it may happen that Canada may annex @ goodly portion’ of the States themselves. (Choers.) Well, thea, what are they todo by sea? In the last war ery dangerous element to , and people cd will have the Ameri- can privateers again. But where are they to. sail from? ‘The whole South seaboard of the States, which wero their great harbors both of exit and refuge, will be closed against them. No Northern privateers can sail from these harbora,and if one enters, it will bocaptured. The whole of the ports of the European Powers are closed against privateers, and there are only two or three har- bors which the Americans have, which can be easily blockaded, so that any attempt at ‘privateoring would be checkmated. (Hoar*) I believe that when it is not the interest of America to go to war with us, it may also be shown to them that it is consistent with their character and honor to remain at peace. (Hear, hear.) Ibolieve that these two motives combined will make them ready to meet ball, way she jadicians concessions aaked by England. But whe’her there was peace or war, lieved there was an end of the Union, and the separa- tion would not only deat a death blow to slavery, by render- ing fugilive slave laws impossible, but would also give streigth to the Northern States. They would start up a new empire. The disastegs of the present day having opened their’eyes to the unsafe parts of their constitution, they would form a stronger government, when the few would § vern and the many obey, instead of every man governing and no man obeying. (Hear, hear.) Ifwar— he concluded—is to decide painfal and unhappy difficulties, there never was a time when England was in such a condition as to make the results of that war both brief and certain. Commercially, our position is sound. Financially it is 80 good, that while other nations aro endeavoring to extricate themselves, the var ended toy, the only quarrel with Yhe House of Com- mons is, whether the Chancellor of Expressing eontdence to the right bouorable.geatioman ‘expressing confidence ral x was carried with a few dissentients, - THE HON. H. BRAND, M.P.,ON THE AMERI- CAN QUESTION. {From the Manchester Guardian, Dec. At the dinner which followed the Lewes Fat Stock Show on Tuesday, the Earl of Chichester immediate supporters ‘ag ¢ Hon. H. MP, Se. neowe, M. P., the other member for Lewes: e health of the borough members having been pro- posed, Mr. Branp said:— ‘One hardly met a man who did not put the question, ‘Js there to be war with America?” That question was not to be answered by Englasd, but by America, (Gen .) And if anyone could tell’ him whother the ‘ican government, in their councils, were guided by passion or by reason, he wonld then bo able to whether there would be war or peace. (Hoar, hear. If the councils of the American government were’ guid by reason, we shoulki bave peace; if these coun- cils were guided by ion, we should have war. (Hear, hear.) Of this he was quite sure, that England regarded with the most friendly feeling the people of the United States. They at the civil war between the States themselves as 0 great calamity. ‘They would look upon a war between England and Ameri- ca asa greater calamity. (Hear, hear.) But the great- eat calamity of all would be national dishonor. (Great cheering.) "That England could not submit to. (Cheers.) Peace was the greatest blessing on the earth, and ought to make great sacrifices for it; but forbearance had its Iimits, (Loud eheers.) Peace, although a great blessing, may be bought too dear.’ He had had much intercourse with Americans. They had friendly feelings to- wards England, as England had cowards America. But, un- fortunately, thore was a small section in America of noisy ‘and excited ‘politicians, who, having nothing to lose, wish to involve the two eountries in a war, (Hear, hear.) might not have the upper hand, maintained between ENGLAND'S NAVAL DISPLAY. POUR NEW IRON CLAD FRIGATES. The London Shipping Gazette of the 11th of September (evening) states that four new iron clad first class steam frigates are to be built with all possible despatch. They are to be steam rams as well as steam frigates, The beam, or projecting stem under water, is to be twenty feet in advance of the stem above the water line. ‘These fresh additions to the royainavy Armstrong hundred pounders on gun deck and twonty- one on spar deck, two pivot guns at bow and stern, to throw two hundred pount s shot. As compared with the Warrior, they will be cighty feet longer, and only eighteen incties broader. Their tonnage will be 6,815 tous. BRITISH NAVAL INSULT® TO AN AMERICAN SHIP- MASTER. {From tho Manchester Guardian, Dec. 12.) The captain of an American ship writes from Greenock to the Glasgow Herald:— Gan you inform me if hore ig any discipline on board of her Majesty's ship Hoguet While towing past her. yesterday, a number of men were on the forecastle, and wellaft. Their language to me was very insulting, owing, I suppose, to the flag Thad at my peak—the Stars and Stripes. THB COMMERCIAL ASPECT. WAR RISKS ON BRITISH SHIPS—MEETING OF SHIPOWN- ERS IN LONDON. [From the London Herald, Dec. 12.) An influential and numerously attended meeting shipowners was held yesterday at the Jamaica en House, Cornhill, for the purpose of forming an asaccia- tion with a view of insuring British ships against war risks. Mr. William Phillips took the chair, and among those it were Mr. G, Marshall, Mr. C. Wigram, Mr. ‘Tindall, Mr. 8, Anderson, Mr. F. Somos, Captain Hunter, and many others. ‘The Cuammman briefly explained the object of the meeting, which was to establish o mutual assu- rance association, to be composed exclusively of British shipowners, for the purpose of insuring their ships against the war risk only. The present aspect of politi. cal matters showed the wisdom of that step. There was a great disinclination on the part of companics and underwriters to take the war risk, and as they had to go to other sources, and at a sorious disadvantage, it was proposed that the shipowners should form themselves into @ mutual association, and insure their own shi against the war peril. On joining the association the ipowner would deciare the value he was desirous of standing upon each ship, which was not to exceed £10,000, and the first premium or deposit would be 5s. per cent on the value declared, and which would covor the risk for twelve months, except in certain latitudes. A number of shipowners had already given in their sup- port to the association, and he believed that much advan- would acrue from its establishment. At present it bad not been decided whether the association should be of a permanent character. The state of affuirs which ox- isted between this country and America had suggested the formation of some such company, in which they could protect themselves. ‘Mr. BacteHour, the Secretary, then explained more fully the object of the association’, which was to be called “The British Shipowners’ Mutual War Risk Assurance As- sociation,” and to afford the shipowners of the British empire the means of protecting themselves against the of war in respect of their vessels, on the pri ual assurance. It was well known that already, in ticipation of hostilities between this country an a, the rar United Statos of Am compa nies ant underwriters at’ Lic ng and Ob. gaining high promiums for insurance of British ships against war risk, which no doubt would bo lar increased on the announcement of au actual declara tion of war, In the ungertainty that at progent existed as to the nature and extent of the risk there could bo little doubt that tho underwriters, in fixing these pro- miums, mado their calculations $0 as to leave a consider. ablo margin in their own favor, ‘The plan of mutual as- surance proposed by this association would save the ship owner any unnecessary outlay under this head, and s9- cure to him a perfoct indemnity at the lowest possible cost. It was proposed to udmii vessels sailing under the British flag and bona Ade owned, the value of each vessel to bo declared at time of eutry, Vessols sailing at any time during tho year in wators adjacent to the eastern or western coast of the United Statos—that was to say, within tho following boundaries:—50 deg. north latitude, on the north; the equator on the south; 60 deg. fest longitude, on the east; 130 deg. west longitude, ou thegwest—should be charge with an extra premium of 1 per cent. In order to provide afund for the payment of claims, each vessel should pay on entranco a premium of 58. per cont., and the committee should thoreafter baye power to lovy, from the bers from time to time such additional sums by way of per centage on the amount severally entered by them as should be found necessary; ail claims would be adjusted according to the usage of Lloyd’s, and whon passed paid within one mouth. ‘he Chairman then submitted @ formal resolution, ap- proving of the formation of the association, which was unanimously adopted. It was stated that the rules would be submitted at the next meeting, and also the question whether the asgociation should be one of a permanent character. A shipowner suggested that operations should be com. menced as early as possible, ‘The Americans were very quick people, and in the event of war boing declared they might send out their small vessels to intercopt our homeward bound merchant ships. ‘The chairman explained that they might be able to take two per cent on the value of the tonnage, No time would be lost in completing the arrangements. An influential committee was then appointed. and the meoting was adjourved for a week to admit of rules being submitted and approved. American Shipping Abroad. MURDER OF THE MATE OF THE SHIP SOUTHAMPTON, OF NEW YORK. {Liverpool (Dec. 11) Serrempaaionce of the London ja ws.) On the arrival at this port of the American ship South- ampton, on Tuesday evening, information was conveyed to the detective police s that the first mate, Alex- ander Small, had been murdered by a seaman named ‘Thomas Dufly, fifteen days after tho vessel left New York for this port. ''The vessel sailed from New York on the 16th November, and on the first of the present month Small directed Duffy to go aloft to do something to the rigging. After being in the rigging for some time the ordered him dow! hecame om deck some angry words were band: Dufly drew his knife and stabbed Small tothe heart. Small fell prostrate on the deck and died instantly,and some time afterwards his body was thrown overboard. Duffy was placed in irons. After committing the murder he walked into the forecas- tle and gave his knife, which was stained with blood, to @,seaman named John Sullivan, saying, ‘That’ is what I did it with.” When Inspector Carlyle took him into custody, the prisoner said that the mate rumbled at him for a very trivial matter. He then or- Gered Mim to x some rigging, but before going up alott the mate struck him da the back of tho neck with a be- laying pin. He did strike the mate with a knife, but his intention was not to kill him. The prisoner is in the hands of the police awaiting his transfer to the oftivials of the American government. BURNING OF THE ELIPHAT GREELY, OF PORTLAND, MB. From the London News, Dec. 12.) Last week we reported that the New York merchant ship Lady Franklin was on fire in Plymouth Sound. To- day we bave to record the same thing of the Eliphat Greely, of Portland, Maine, at Brixham. ‘The Hliphat Greely is a ship of 1,000 tone, and owing to the war between the Southern and Northern States of America ste was being sailed as the Sloman, ot Ham- burg, from -which port she was bound in ballast for Akyab. Her master’s name is Mr: A. J¢Cutter, of Port land, Maine. This vessel arrived in Torbay on Wednesday moriing, at%three o'clock, on fire. As goon aa sho came within ‘sight of Brixham tho alarm. of fre was raised. Two fishing emacks—the Sophia and Charles—went to her assistance, and with their help she was run into Elbury Cove, whither the coast guardsmen repaired, under the direction of Mr. Milton, the chiof officer of ‘the station. Failing to extinguish the fire, they deemed it prudent to bring her to Brixham harbor; and on her being moored abreast the Breakwater; the town fire ongine was brought to her asgistance, and, onder the superintendence of Mr. Wm. Brown, the town engineer, the engine was speedily and effectively worked. ‘The engine was placed on board the Harbor Commissioners’ barge, known as the Lampey, and, with a promptitude which reflects great credit upon all engaged, was bronght to bear upon the fire. It was extremely difficult to got at the fire, which was confined tothe after part of the vessel, the cabin stores, sails, ropes, &c., all of which were unfortunately destroyed. It was not until three o'clock in the afternoon that the fire was subdued. ‘The cause of the fire is unknown. Of course various ramors aj afloat, the most current one being that it was wilfullydone, ‘The ship was first dis- covered to be on fire on Monday night at half-past seven o'clock, just off.the Bolt Head, when tho master bore up and arrived in ‘Torbay as before stated. Mr. Cutter’s wife is with him. THE EXPEDITION AGAINST MEXICO. Address of the French Admiral to the Men of His Ra rte of {From the Paris Patrie, Dec. 11. e dence A pris from Teneriffe, which we have just received, has brought us some interesting de- tails. “The steamship-of-the-line Massena, from Oran, had cast anchor there on the evening of the 22d of No- vember. On the following day the Rear Admiral Oom- mander-in-Chief addressed the following order of the day to the squadron— - ‘Satvors and Socgmne—We go to Mexico; we havo not only to continue, like the valiant squadron of which some of you formed party, the reparation of numerous and re- cent complainte—we have, above all things, to claim more serious guarantees than have hitherto been offered to us for ‘to our flag, the safety of our commerce and the existence of our compatriots. We do not enter- tain any animosity against the Mexican people. We know what we might expect from that noble and generous raee if it could put an ‘ud to its internal discords, but governments, powerless to maintain peace at home, will Always, whatever their banner, badly protect’ the safety ‘of strangers. Our real enemy in Mexico is not this or that political fuctim—it is anar- chy; anarchy is an onemy with whom it is useless to treat. Saroms anv Sorvimas—In the new campaign you are about to commence you have the sympathotic opinion of your country as the judge of your good rights, the con- currence and assurance of the whole civilized world, and ou Will soon have, in Mexico itself’, the good wishes of all st men. the duties which this po- sition imposes upon you. the example of order and discipline to the populations. ‘each them to honor the name of our glorious country—to envy the prosperit: which we onjoy—and you may then repeat with legitimate pride those words which, u few months since our Emperor addressed to you—* Wherever the flag of France is displayed a just cause precedes it, a grand pco- ple follows it. JURIEN DE LA GRAVIERR, Rear Admiral, Commander-in-Chief of the French Expeditionary Forces in the Guli of Mexico. ON Boar THE Mascxna, } Roavs or Tennnirrm, Nov. 23, 1861. The Massena sailed from ‘Teneriffe on the 25th of ‘No- vember, en route for La Martinique, where the French squadron is to asseinble before proceeding to the Hayan- na. A GLANCE AT THE SCIONS OF ROYALTY IN EUROPE, The Prince Imperial of France—His Ap- pearance, Dress and Accomplishments. {Paris (Dec. 10) correspondence of London Star. ‘The Emporor, the Empress, and the Prince Imperial re- turned to town yesterday afternoon from Compivgne. The reception they met with in the streets was of the warm- est kind. So much has Napoleon enhanced bis value in the eyes of his subjects, that toward three o'clock the avenut the guichet, opening on the Rue Rivoli to the Rue de VEcholle, wore yesterday densely crowded with those who came to tesiify by their demonstrations their appre. ciation of the late ineasures which bring imperialisin into closer relationship with free institutions than it has known for nearly ten years past. A groat many riva/y greeted the Emperor along his course, to which he return- ed ropeated acknowledgments. ‘Tho Empress was all smiles, and looked as blooming as ‘or she has done since her marriage; but the Emperor appeared greatly careworn whonever his face ceased to express the graiffication afforded by some really heasty cheers. The Prince Imperial does not look the were infantine gentillesse that he was Jast winter. He has rbached that juvenile crisis when the front teeth disapy and the Teatures lose the softness and thoughtleasly gay’ expres sion that make the aspect of nearly every child under six or seven years old 80 pleasing. ¢ youthful Napoleon did not yesterday appear altogether in his sphere, seated between a pair of governante ‘although his entourage was otherwise very military. He has suddenly entered that stage of existence which, in youths less guarded and looked after, displays itself in torn elothes, goneral unti- diness and particularly dirty hands ; bird nesting, ball playing, and @ disposition to of, to war with urchine of For a child of his age there is much en. ergy of character expressed in his countedance ; and if physiognomy speaks truth his futurolifo will by no means be one of inaction. The Prince Imperial has already ® strongly marked chin, firmly closed mouth, without anything that presages narrowness or ill’ temper. ‘base of his mose is wide, and that feature rather long for one just entering his seventh year. His 8 are of avery light gray, quick, intelligent, and evidontly remark every thing that passes before them. ‘The eyebrows do not, like those of the Bonapartes, form aright angle with the nose, but are wide apart, high above the bridge, and form an acute angle in their rapid descent towards the cheek bones, which are also stronger than those of his paternal ancostors. The Prince Imperial Still dresses, or is dressed, like a little Highlander, with out any of the exaggerations of the North British cos- tume, by which so many youths from South Britain are here disfigured by maternal fondness and bad taste, The dirk, the hairy pouch, and tho cairngorm brooch fasten- ing a platd more ornamental than useful, in wet or cold weather, when fastened on like the blue riband of some English order, ure discarded by the tiring woman of the ‘Child of Franco,’’ and in the place of the latter garment 18 substitited'a short and comfortable looking tunic. On his next birthday the Prince Imperial will be placed in the hand of tutors and of tailors. Already he takes lessons in fencing, drill, is an accomplished by and dances with’ an amount of graco which storm the hearts of such of his father’s I mi ed to the honor of seaing him pra ps with the juvenile Wi +8 son of one of the mar- shals, and th oldest child of the Count de Morny, ‘There reat deal of talk in literary circlos about the proba may be app » take ct of bis M. Thiers was spok: being likely to be piaoad 9 ths dopartment of history, | ha has boon HERALD, SUNDAY, DEGEMBER 29, 1861. TR a eet tt a objected to aa boing too ono sided in his views to inatruct » young priuce in tbe most important braneb of bis edu- clition. peror takes great pains in instilfing juat ideas into the mind of his son, and finds time from his nume- rous Occupations to greatly occupy himself with bis edu- cation, ‘VN EMPEROR OF AUSTRIA AND 1119 SON IN VENICE, A Venice letter gives some details of the Emperor of Avstria’s visit tothat city:— ‘Tho Emperor arrived here in the middle of the night— 4 cireumstance which proves that he knows what are the sentiments of tho population, and for whom their hearts beat, The podesta, Count Bembo, however, bad St. Mark’s square illuminated the next night a giorno. Some malicious persons pretend that his doing #0 was an epigram destined to demonstrate the complete solitude which existed everywhere, notwithstanding un excellent military band for more than two hour: you the most popular overtures. But these Venetia obstinate and incorrigible in. their hatred on the one hand, and thoir love on the other. They were also abgeut from the Apollo theats hen visited by the Emperor, and like- wise from the review which ho passed in the Campo Marte, accompanied by 4 numerous staff, His Majesty had on his right hand the little Archduke Rodolphe-—a circumstance which reminds one of Napo- loon If. inspecting his troops with the Prince Imperial by his side. In fact, since Solferino, the Austrians copy the uniform, bearing and habits of the French army in many things. THE PRINCE OF THK ASTURIAS AND THE HOPE OF SPAIN. Tho birthday af Alfonso, Prince of the Asturias, was colebrated in Madrid on the 20th ult. The young prince is four years old. Ho must have a countenance singu- larly endowed with the power of expression; for in one of the Madrid journals, supposed to enjoy Ministerial favor, occurs the following’ fervid passage: — On the faco of this young prince we see already boam- tng thove eminent virtues and qualities which shone in Alfonso 1., ‘The Catholic;”’ in Alfonso Tl., ‘The Chaste;”’ in Alfonse IIT. ‘Tho Great;"’ in Alfonso'VI., ‘The Cou- rageous;”” in Alfonso VII. ,**The Pious;”” in Alfonso Vill. , “The Noble;” in Alfonso X. Wiso;”’ in Alfonso XI.) “The Avenger.”” -Ingenui villus uer indeed, Court of General Sessions. Before Judge M’Cunn, SENTENCES FOR MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER. Dec. 28,—There were several motions heard in thi? conrt to-day, cousistiug mainly of appeals from the Spe- cial Sessions. ‘The only prisoner sentenced was Aibert Uhl, who was indicted for the murder of William Yee ina drinking saloon near the Battery, but convicted of manslaughter in the fourth degree. Previous to the passage of the sentence Mr, Clinton, who defended Uhl, requested: the postponement of the sentence, he having prepared a bill of exceptions. ‘Tho motion was opposed by Mr. Anthon, who agrecd that a stay of proceedings should be granted until a writ of error was Obtained in a higher court. ‘The City Judge de- nied tho motion, and ina few appropriate remarks pro. to ent I. Ho said that his sym- enlisted in behalf of tho unfortunate, mM when recktoes of human life the penalty partly Es of the law muat be felt by them. As Ul bad acte in self-defence, his Honor intimated that he might use his influence with the Executive to have the sentence which he law compelled him to inflict modified, ‘Tho prisoner was sent to the Stato prison for two years. Tho City Judge will sit on Monday, d a8 to render tho District Attorney all the aid he can in disposing of prison- ers before the close of the year. Before Recorder Hoffman. ‘The court room ws crowded this morning, as it was expected Charles Jeflerds would be sentenced to-day. His Honor sentenced a number of prisoners,as will be seen by our report of the,proceedings, REDMOND M’MANUS, ‘The District Attorney moved for judgment upon Red- mond McManus, convicted on Friday of manslaughter, in causing the death of William Hogan, ‘The Recorder , in passing sentence, sai: Redmond McManus, the death of Hogan, charged against you in the Indictment, was the resultof your culpable carelessness in the use of your pistol.” His death and your almost totai ruin is the result of your intemperance and the wickediy foolish habit which cowardly men have of carrying pistols. Both prac- tices desire to be rebuked on al! proper occasions. The jury knew and have found that you intended noharm. Every one who has known you is sure of that fact. Your criminality resulted from carelesaness, not in wicked intout. If you had been at home, whore you should been; or if you had abstsined trom fatoxicating drink, as you shonld have done; or if you had left your pistol at home and relied upon’ other<ways for your pro- tection, as every good citizen should do, you would not hayo stood here now to receive sentence for having taken the life of afellow man: I know you have suffered in- tense agovy in thinking of the if you were alone concerned, I 8] punishment for you than the remorse I know you feel. But some example must be set to others. disease are about you which would probably render y¢ death certain if you were confined in the State prison or the penitentiary; you have bene Gipr some months in the city prison. ‘It is proper that you should remain there longer as an example and asa warning, The sen- tenco of the Court is that you be imprisoned in the City Prison for the term of six months. AUGUBIIND BARCO, An Italian, found guilty of manslaughter in the second de- gree, having killed a sailor named Williams, His Honor said:— Augustine Barco, you killed deceased with a knife stabbed him in a mudden quarrel. He was unarmed, and you plunged your long knife in his bowels. The jury convicted you of manslaughter in the second degree. ‘Whatever the Court can do to check the use of the knife must be done, and whenever such a case comes before me the law shall be felt in its severity. Your sentence is imprisonment in the State prison six years and four monthe. Who plead guil aaaalaagt = pl guilty to mans! iter in the second degree, was then sentenced as follows:— x Peter Weber, in accepting slaughter in the second degree, great leniency has been extended to yon. You killed your wifo with an adze, and altough her drunkeuneas and ill condnet greally provoked you, and sudden re- morse seized hold of you, a0 that you cried ont aloud on the instant that you had killed her, yet it was one of those acts of brotal violence on your part which law and justice require should be severely punished, on your own account and as an example to others. You are sentenced to Lppeiponrnene, in the State prison for six years and four months. plea of man- COARLES srt, Acolored man, who pleaded guilty to the second de- greoof manslaughter wus sentenced as follows:— ‘has. Smith, the Court accepted from you a plea of man slaughter in the second degree. You stabbed with a pen- knife the woman, who lived with you as your wife, and she died. You have nothing in your past life to recom- mend you to favorable consideration. The use of the knife in this city has + And i, too common, and must in all cases be severely punished, The sentence of the Court is, that you be imprisoned in the State prison for the term of six years und four months. JOSErH NINO, Who plead guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree, was sentenced as follows: Joseph Ni pmo, Grou have pleaded guilty of man- slanghter in the fourth degree. I have great doubts as to whether you would have been convieted if you had been tried. You threw .a pitcher at Colwell and the blow, after considerable time, resulted in his death, It is hot improbable, from alljthat Ican learn, that lie was at the time assaulting your "wife. It seems that he made a complaint against you for assault and bat tery, which he afterwards withdrew—thus to some ex: extent acknowledging himself to have been in the wrong—at the same time he was not considered to be. dangerously hurt. You were all, however, engaged in drunken and ,riotous conduct, which ofjitself deserves punishment; and by way of teaching you 2 lesson which you will remember, I shall, in addition to the time you haye already been confined, sentence you to the City Prison for thirty days. JAMES GALLAGHER Having pleaded guilty to alow grade of manslaughter, was addressed by the Court as follows: James Gallagher, you have ploaded guilty of man slaughter in the fourth degree. You became, through the use of intoxicating drink, a brutal husban#, and your brutality killed your wife. The papers show that’ you were both intemperate, and it was uo unusual thing for you tostrike her. There is nothing in your past life, aa far as 1 can learn, to recommend you to the favorable con. sideration of the Court, aud you must suffer the full penalty of the law. You are sentenced to the State pri son for two years. JO9E0B JONSON Who pleaded guilty of manslaughter in the fourth de gree, was sentenced as follows:— Joseph Johnson, although you have pleaded guilty of manslaughter in the fourth degree, it is very doubtful Whether you would have been copvioted if you had stood Utrialy Jets very probable thatyou were frst atlacked, and when you threw the brick, the blow from which finally resulted in the death of Casey, you did not intend serious harin. You made the first complaint, and Casey was then locked up for drunkenness, &c, When you learned that he was seriously injured you voluntaril surrendered yourself. Your character lis boon good, You have heen in prison about six months, and 1 do. not think you ought to be further punished. I shall there- fore impose upon you ® merely nominal punishment City prison one da; THOMAS REYNOLDS: Who waa tried and convicted of murder in the second de gree, having taken the life of Frederick Wiese, was the next prisoner placed at the bar for sentence:— Thomas Reynolds, you have been indicted, tried and convicted for the ‘murder of Frederick Wiese. Your miserable physical condition hag exctted my sympathy and that of all who witnessed your trial; but your offence Was clearly murder in the second degree, and of that the jury found you guilty. Having by accident lost your hand, you became a miserable drunkard, and gave your- self up to idle and vicious practices. A poor girl dropped her pocketbook; you picked it up and refused to return it, When remonstrated with by the deceased, you in a sudden rage and phrenzy seizod a butchor's knigeand gave the fatal tow. For this offence the law declares you shall be forover confined in a felon’s prison. There, At least, society will bo protectod against your wicked nid violence, and you will find yourself deprived of that poison—rum—which, when used, mekes men mad, and causes nearly all the crime committed in this great city, Tho sentence of the Court is that you undergo im- onment in one of the State prisons of this State, ept inconfinement there at hard labor, for the term of your natural life, DR. LOWENHERG, Who was convicted of murder in ‘the first degree, was arraigned for judgmont. Mr. Henry Clinton, his counsel, asked the Court to postpone sentence for the reason that it was the intention of Mr. Brady and himself to make an argumont to the Court in refi ce Lo the constitutionall- ty of the recent law of murder. It was understood that, in consequence of indisposition, Mr. Brady was unable to mt, but hoe had agreed to argue the question when 15 was brought up for sentonce on Monday. bir Clinton stipulated to abide by tho decision in the Jefferdt ‘cus, wheroupon Dr. Lowonberg was remanded to prison JOSEPH GRORGI, Indicted for tho murder of Joseph Justa, im Baxtes street, on Aprti 17, pleaded gutity to mansiaughter im thé first dogroe. Ho will be sentenced on Monday. GENERAL BUELL’S DIVISION. OUR LOUISVILLE CORRESPONDENCE. Louayiiie, Ky., Dec. 23, 1868. The Advance of General Bueli's Army—Atsence of AN Ob structions— Present Position of the Forces—-Johnion’s Ra comnoissance in Force—Operations to Cut Of Zollicofer<s Sad Need of Union Cavatry—Ten Thousand Rebels for Kentucky—Movements of the Traitors in the Rebel Army Strengthening of Frtifications—Property to le Confie cated, de., de. ‘The advance of General Buell’s army has met with a¢ obstruction sinoo the slight one offered by Colonel Terry's Texan Rangers, The central division of Genoral MoCoo& has assumed the position which the plans of Genorm Buell had designed for it; and, though we have bad rumors of offensive movements on the part of General Buckner, the advance scouts haye not beon disturbed. The Gene ral reposes undisturbed by enemies in his headquarters, in the heart of the village of fifty houses known as Mam | fordsvitie (not Mumfordsville, as everybody writes and prints it), and within a hundred and fifty paces of the pom toon bridge, which has been hastily erected at the old ferry, and amile east of the railroad bridge. In ane around the village, stretching north and west along and between the railroad and the old turnpike, lies the camg of anameless number of brigades. On the high blu@ that overlooks the now partly dry bed of the river, and tho low stream now confined to narrow. limit, by the ungonerous supply of water afforded’ by tho mountains at this time, are posted the artillery of thedivision, protecting the outposts twe miles further south. On tho right of our force lies the ‘Thirty-second Indiana infantry, guarding the railroad bridge, now fast approaching completion, while the Fif- teenth Ohio rests in its arms on the left of the centres ‘This position will hardly be changed for « week or two.” ‘Then a forward movement will have to be made to pre- tect the completed bridge and the advancing track Inyers. On the 20th inst. General Johnson, with his brigede, made areconnoissance in force in the ditection of Buek- ner's forees. The gallant advance guard of Colonel Wil- lich was passed at Howlett’s, or rather east of that point, still on the feld of their brilliant skirmish, and the brt- gade penetrated five miles beyond. Two miles south ef the river the brow of the; hills that confize the stream to restricted limits is reached, and the beautiful prairte lands of the State are seen stretching far away, affording an unobstructed view to the horizon. Gen. Johnson mes with no foe, and returned to camp onthe northern side ofthe river. In this position stands the whole force et pe Solan cian and thus, doubtless, they will romaim jor some days. On the 18th instant, as I advised General Schoopé, commanding at Somerset, ‘marched out of that place te meet, or to detain, Zollicoffer on creek, om which stream, having crossed the Cumberland, the rebel General has been lying, awaiting the reinforcoments doubtless due from Humphrey Marshall or Geo. B, Crit- tenden. Hicoffer’s forces. on Fishing creek consiat of 6,000 men; but it is stated there are 2,000 in reserve em the southern bank of the Cumberland, at Mill Spring. General Schoepff's force on the 18th consisted of Seventeenth, Thirty-Arst, Thirty-fifth and Thirty-cighth Ohio infantry, with Capt. Stannard’s and Capt. Hewitt’s batteries, four ritled, two Parrott and four smooth bore guns.ofsmallcalibre. This advance of Gen. Schoepif is sala to have been caused by 8 proposed retrograde movemens by Zollicoffer, who is fearful of being aut off by troope. ro. ported marching south, via Monticello, from Columbia, to & position in his rear. It is thonght that General Schoopal has been enabled to detain General Zollicoffer without, giving him battle. Unless, as is stated, the Kast Tea- hesseeans are with Schoepff, our force is much inferior te that of Zollicoffer. We are without cavalry at this point, though the repeated démands of General Schoeff have been accompanied by facts showing the necessity of good cavalry at that point. One of the facts cited in proof of this is that Captain Prime and Major Elvetti were cap- tured, owing to the actual cowardice of the one cavalry company in the brigade, and which had reported me enemy near the spot where these officers were captured. It is d that Marshall will make an effort to retm- force Zollicoffer. I think this highly improbable. It ap- pears evident that Marshall’s force in the extreme eastern counties is endeavoring to reach the Ohie river at or near Greenupsburg. The Ns Courier of the 10th intimates that his intention is to join Crittenden in a movement on Lexington; but ‘There is no ad ary i Naslern icon itucky to ere is no adequate force in ntuel him. Itisnot avail improbable that he may reach ana destroy Greenupsburg, if not carry the War of devasta- tion which he wages into Ohio. There is arumor here thatten thousand troops from the rebel army of the Potomac are to be sent to Kea- u Thave a little Southern news relative to the rebel épposing this division, which is of interest at the time, and is of ancnt{rely reliable character. It is made » Il known Kentuckian , who has lately arrived from Memphis ‘and Bowling Green, at the former of which places he has beon com Dy pecuniary interests te reside, though a Union man in his principles. He reports the force of Buckner up to the 10th of this month at about thirty thousand men, most of whom were Bowling Green. At ille, under the command of c. it three thousand more, w gaged in fortifying i ints on the Cumberland. Ciarkaville, on the Cumberland, and the Boat where the bets cocoa pore reethe to guaré great Preparat! maki the approach of’gunboate to dt. Among’ the torcee, at ing Green, drawn indiacriminately from all the rebel States of the Southwest, there are also about five haa- dred Indians. ‘There is little doubt that it has ever beon the intention of the rebels to make a strongstand at Green and Columbus. They have not heretofore made a grand show of numbers at these points; but since the 10th 1 y;and they bold and determined st at those points. Aside from the statement of thi ly it is known at headquarters that rei have been sent forward within the fortnight. Oar movements are well known to them. Information ie easily had, and, instead of being driven further south by the mere accumulation of large bodies of troops upom. their position, it has only stimulated them to action greater exertion. General Buell’s 100,000 men trating upon the admirable fortifications will find them 60,000 men eager to fight and ready to dispute title to the ition. No hope need be entertained the rebels will abandon that position. It 1s admirably suited by nature for defensive operations, and the skili of the rebel engineers has boen had to fortify it. Besides. the rebels are aware that no other point south iil of the: place and north of Nashville presents any Raturs:! advant of position. It is impossi. dle ‘to fortify Nashville. For many miles around the city the gray limestone lies on the surface of the earth, “There arc hills, but such as no engineering skill could model into fortifications. A few cannon are said te ‘be mounted on Capitol Hill, which is in the heart of the city, and which caiinot possibly aff . Tam not peered well posted to state positively, but I am Of the opinion that our gunboats cannot reach Nash- viile in the usual stages of water. At Columbus fifteen thousand men are engaged im strengthening that already strong position, To reduee this point will necessitate a fight—somewhat in the order of the Port Royal victory—a sufciency of shells haying to be thrown to dislodge the rebels. Large reim- forcements haye been sent to Columbus, as well as to Bowling Greon, These are mainly composed of the sixty days’ men, raised in Louisiana and Mississippi, and the drafted militia of Tennossee. Charles ¥. Trigg, formeriy a Union candidate for the United States Congress, in Fast Tennessee, has escaped. from Knoxville and reached Lexington, He represents that Parson Brownlow has been arrested and sent to Fifteen hundred rebels hold Knoxville. Sey- enty or eighty Union prisoners were at the same point when he left, while fort have been sent from that place to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for safe keeping. ~ ‘The political affairs of this division are quite interesting, ‘but Tam compeiled to give them in brief. ‘Mr. Spew, of the Kentucky Legislature, is reported to be preparing a bill for the confiscation of all estates of all persons of Kentucky engaged in the rebellion. The Union men appear indisposed to handle the delicate aub- ject, The House has instructed a committee to prepare arti cles of impeachment of Judge W. H. Burns, one of the mombers accused of aiding the rebellion. ‘The telegraph-has transmitted you tho resolutions re- questing the President to dispense with the services f Secretary Cameron as a Cabinet officer. ‘The sentiment of the people of this State is very adverse to giving up Mason and Slidell. Indiana has 60,000 men in the field. ‘The Kentucky Legislature adjourns to-day till theseoomd Wednesday in February. GENERAL MANSFIELD’S DIVISION. OUR NEWPORT NEWS CORRESPONDENCE. Camp Borier, Newrort News, Va., Dec, 23, 1861. Brilliant Skirmish at Newmarket Bridge—Negro Sol- diers, dc., de. A sharp skirmish took place near Newmarket Bridge yesterday, and regulted in another victory for our arms. At ten o'clock yesterday morning about 120 men, belong- ing to the detachment of the Turner Riffes, Twentieth New York State Volunteers, encamped at this post, under the command of Major Schnep!, went out on a scouting expedition towards Newmarket Bridge, about five miles from eamp, accompanied by Lieutenant De Kay, of Gem. Mansfleld’s staff. Arrived at Newmarket Bridgo, a strong reserve was posted, and Lieutenant De Kay, with forty men, pushed on towards Little Bethel. They bad not gone far before thoy discovered a strong force of tho ene. my, consisting of about one hundred infantry and one hundred and fifty cavalry, when the latter, who were im don the Turners, who took lo the woods f tho road, and poured into their asgait ing fire a Lo throw them inty coafusion advance, char upon each si atts such a gal