The New York Herald Newspaper, December 31, 1861, Page 3

NEW YORK HERALD, TUESDAY, DECKMBER 31, 1861.—TRIPLE SHEET. river Dan® No, 6, on the Upper Potomac. They Sere ivan at by the. Union ridemen, whh the loss of or twenty killed and many wounded. No Joss op ous wide. ‘Becramento, Stockton, Marysville and other places in @diivornin word inundated, caused by avery heavy freshot, Some lives were lost, and large amounts of property and tock destroyed, @th—A detachment of another stone fleet , composed of @tx ships and one dark, loft New Bedford for a Southern Porty Union men, freon Colonel Buroside’s Togiment, Barued a bridge at Whippoorwill, five miles from - wille, on the Memphis Branch Railroad. ‘They attacked ‘Me rebels guarding the bridge, numbering thirteen, killed ‘Swe and Wook the remainder prisoners. 20ch—Four gunboats of the Potomac flotilla opened Bre upon Freestone Point, and, after driving the rebels from tho vicinity, a boat’s crew went on shore and fired Sour buildings, which wore filled with the enemy’s stores, ‘Tho buildings and their contents, burned for eighteen al, South BAtb—All the islands it to Port work of @aroina, were occupied by Union troops, and t eriton picking on the plantations commenced. BBh—A destructive coutlagration broke out on the might of the 11th, in the city of Charleston, 8. C., and con- ‘Gauod nearly the whole-of the day. Five hundred aud eeventy-six buildings were destroyed—among which were Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Pever’s Episcopal ‘church, the Cumberiand street church, the Methodist hy and the Vircular church, the theatre, a large goach factory, th express building, the old Executive Daiiding, and nearly all the principal stores in the city. dollars. ‘Tho fire was supposed Lo have been the work of ‘Moendiary negroes. ‘23th—William Henry Johnson, a private in Company B, First New York cavalry, known as ihe Lincolp Caval- FY, wasexecated for having deserted from the national army, withthe avowed intention of giving information to @eencmy. The unfortunate man was shot by twolve of comrades under a military order. A rebel fortification in the woods ite Edwards’ ; Va., was routed out by shot aud shell from Frank- Inland bat ‘Verry be ye tery. Of the hardest und best fought battles of suo war pisee Alleghany Camp, Pocahontas county, Va., @on. TL Milroy Decunaodiog the Union troops, and Georgia, command: the rebels. The daylight tilldark. Gen. Milroy with- at pightfall, intending to renew the at- morning, but during the night the rebels , Durning everything could them. Our loss was twenty killed and wounded. The loss of the rebels was thirty-one and ninety-seven wounded, according to their own of Papirsvilie, Mo.,was burned by Union command of Major H.H. Williams. The Deen notorious for harboring rebels and ma- fit? 344 % i ty Me ‘The town of Butler, the county seat of Bates county, Mo. , was also burned for similar reasons. hana ga a few days more a a J pei Tesitences and propert) rebels, were ‘Burned in the Western countive of Missouri by order of ‘Gol. Jennigon. Sunpay, 25th.—The Union pickets were attacked by » of rebels at Point of Rocks, on the Potomac river. Union men retreated, fighting thelr way to their vents, and lost one man killed and two taken prisoners. ‘The rebels lost two killed and Gve wounded. 1Gth—Piatte City, Mo., war fired by the rebels, and be- fore the flames could be subdued dy the Unionists the Dourt House, Post Oftice auct @ number of other buildings ‘were burned. I ‘The government troops, under General Sherman, were @mployod picking sea island cotton on all the piantations it to Port Royal harbor, South Carolina. excitement was created in this country caused by fhe belligerent tone of the British press in relation to the ‘weinure of the rebel am! , Mason and Slidell. 2Fth—Three reyimonts of rebels attacked eight com” panies of the Thirty.second Indiana volunteers at the wallroad bridge across Green river, near Muufordsvilie, Kentucky. After « short but severe fight the rebels were with the loss of one colonel and sixty-two pri- yates killed, and large number wounded. ‘The Union ‘was thirteen kiied and thirty wounded. ‘The entrance to the harbor of Savannah, Georgia, was Blocked up by sinking seven vessels loaded with stone. ‘Tho English steamship Fingal, which had succeeded in ‘ting past the blockading fleet and entered the port before So old vessels were sunk, was effectually shut in, BSth—General Pope's expedition successfully cut off ‘the enomy’s camp near Shawnee Mound, Missouri, and Roattered them, twenty-two hundred strong, in every di. wection. Three hundred prisoners were taken, with most ‘@f tho onemy's wagons, tents, gage, horses, &e. A Wain of seventy wagons well loaded for Prive’s rebut army, was captured. A part of General Pope's forces. under Colonel J. C. Da. ‘vis and Major Marshall, surprised another camp of the enemy at Milford, Missouri,« little north of Warrensburg. [ i ‘arms, one thousand horses, ~ po Wagons and & large supplies. Our loss wus ‘and wou! ‘The enemy's loss in killed and wth war foctiog “boca ‘became rampant throughout Cauuda ‘ead the other ow Rog ~ 29th—The rebel battery at Point of Rocks commenced @eslling the encampment of Col. Geary’s Pennsylvania Sebsts setronted. with elas of founoen tnles ease with ‘wounded. The Unionists did not lose a nan, een office at St. Stephens, Me., was of type destroyed, of ac- to Lord — he British Mintsief, iter, fn relation to the seizure of Mayon and fusion jwere upon them. They ‘Ysat beard from were hurrying South. McKee, with one hundred and three men @f Colonel ‘8 command, encountered and repulsed hundred rebels four miles north of Hudson, Missouri, killed ten and took seventeen prisonors and thirty 1, Five of our troops were slightly wounded. The had attacked a stock train, eaptured all the stock, held the railroad men as prisoners. They were in the of unloading the stock, when the stock, train and men rescued by our troops. rebels destroyed, at night, about one hun- les of the North Missouri Railroad, commencing ludson and extending to Warrentown, All. the , wood piles, water tanks, ties, rails and telegraph ral Ord’s brigade, consisting of the Sixth, Ninth, ‘Tenth and Twelfth Pennsylvania reserva regiments, the ‘Buoktail Rifles, six companies of cavalry and a battery of ‘four pieces, had a brisk engagoment with a rebel force of ‘over five thousand men, near Dranesville, Va. After less on ‘ene hour’s hard fighting the rebels broke and ran, os feng dead and ten wounded on the field. Their , according to their own accounts, was forty. led,one hundred and forty-three wounded aud forty-four missing. The Union lors was seven killed and ‘thirty-nine wounded. BUs\—The rebels in the seceded States wore jubilant ever the prospects of a war between the United State: jeston, 8. C., insurance companies exc ‘one broke down an wont ihto guidatioa, Seg ey entrance to the harbor of Charleston, 8, C. edectually closed by sinking seventeen old whaling yes, eels loaded with stonencross the channel. It was thought ‘@hat the sand would settie around the bulks and form: an fenpacsable bar that no artificial or natural means will ever move, The city of Charleston may thus no longer ecnaidercd as a seaport town. The following is the osttion in which the vessels were sunk = nutter ie a ° ad : Neen sips! Suxpar, Wi—Two companies of the Twentieth New mrerk t left Fortress Monroe for Nowport News, Wa, and proceoved to New Market Bridge. While neat ‘he bridge thoy found themselves surrounded by rebel wavalry and infantry numbering seven hundred men, but ed in cutting their way out without loss, ine @orcements were seat for, and the remainder of the ‘meen! was sant forward, "The Naval brigade, under com- seand of Colonel Wardrop, was aiso unver arms and pro- @2eded ze far as Hampton Bridge. Six of the Twenticth gegiment were slightly wounded, Toa of the onemy are known to be killed aud a number wounded. Seven dead Bodies were found. One was that of an oilicer B3d—The navigation of the Hudson river closed. ‘Tair‘een hunted rebel prisoners, taken by Gen. Pope, { Missouri, arrivew’at St. Louis, BAth—The War Department issued orders stopping ‘ho enlistment of cavalry soldiers. The government had wl) the cavalry that were necessary. A dill to increase the duties on tea, coffee, sugar and molusues passed Congress. The’ duties were raised on tea to twenty cents per pound, on coffve to five cents, on sugars to two and ® half, three, five and eight cents, and ea molasses to six conte. | It wag estimated that the in- oroase would add to the revenue six millions of dollars a General Pope’s cavalry were sent to Lexington, Mo., where they captured two rebel captains, one lieutenant ‘and four men, with horses, &c. They destroyed the foun- ‘dry and ferry boats at that place. B5th—Christmas Day was duly observed. The Union foldiers in all ‘ue camps celebrated the day as well as “their moans and positions would permit. Major Gower, commanding a squadron of the First Iowa, cavalry, arrived at Jetierson City, Mo., with one captain, thirteen men and ten wagon loads of stores, captured from Price’s army, 2Gih—Tho government stables at Washington were @estroyou by fire, and one hundred and seventy-five Sarees wore burned, Hon. ly, representative in Congrese from the ‘Fwenty-ninth district o¢ New York, returned to Wash- from Richmond, ‘Where he had been confined as a if ince the 2ist of July, be having been at the battle of Bul) Tyg med run, He was exchanged for iplomatic correspondence in relation to the @vizare of four American traitors on board tho risen @eamer Trent, between the viciat representatives of the American, ye and Fretch governmonts, given to the pubtic, American Bovernmont acceded to this do- mand of England, and surrenderd James M. Mason and John Sidell, rebel commisaioners, and E. J. MacFarland ana George Eust's, their secretaries. General Prentiss, with four hundred and fifty men encountered and dispersed ning hundred rebels, under Colonel Dorsey, at Moant Sion, Boone county, Missouri, killing and wobnding.one hundred and fifty, and eaptur ing thirty-five prisoners, ninety-five horses and one hun- dred and five guns, Our loss was only three killed aud eleven wounded. 2OH—A slight skirmish occurred in Adair county, Ky., in which the rebels lost ve killed. No loss op Union side. 30th—The people of the United States exhibited un- mistakeable signs of satisfaction at the happy termination of the: misunderstanding and threatened dittieulties bs tween this country and Great Britain, in relation to the Mason and S'idelt affair. The bhnks of New York, Philadelphia, Albany and Bos- ton suspended specie paysnents, Bist—The army of the United States ab this date was made up of the following forces:— Volunteers 640,637 Regulars He - Total " c+ 660,072 The ‘navy, not including vessels 18 or unfit for service, was as follows:— Natting Vessels. Guns. Steamers. Guns. » 6 300 3 6 22 1 M2 OT 326 2 2 — = - — 38 pe 18 - - 8 92 - — 4a +18 63 - 18 8 - ~ 2 4 _ - a 9 — - ‘Totad............ $2 «887164 1,055 Totateftective vessels... to Total guns. hy 3,892 22,000 round del nambers, five hundred millions of dollars. After the inauguration of the rebellion at Charleston, S., C., on the 20th of December, 1800, It grew in proportions, and reached its culminating point about the middle of the Present year, when it presented a really formidable ap, pearance, The gloom which had overshadowed the country then began to be dispelled, aud from that time to the present, with the exception of an occasional threat- ening cloud that has parsed over usfrom across the At- lantic Ocean, matters have continued to assume a more Drightening aspect, ana the present year closes with pleasing prospects of a wpeedy restoration of tho Union and the full enforcement vf the constitution and Jaws iy all parts of the country. IMPORTANT STATISTICS. The Net Result of the Events of 1861. LOSSES BY FIRE DURING 1861. ‘The foliowiug is a record of the fires, together with the Value of the property destroyed, which have occurred in the United States during the past year, where the Joms at each was estimated equal to@nd upwards of twenty thou- sand doliars:— Date, Place, Loss. ie. Place. Lows, 1—Victoria ,"Texas.$100,000 18—Dadevilla, Ala. $40,000 2—Washing"n city 100,000 18—Chic, Falls. Mass 60,000 4 Detroit, Mich. 40,060 19—Toledo, Ohiv. 50,000 19—~Chicago, 29,000 21—Worces'r, 23—Louisville, Ky 24—Racine, Wis... 24—Sacramento,Cal 150,000 22—Greenyille, Ala 20,000 30—Jamest'n, N. ¥ 152,000 30—Milwartkee,Wis 45,000 3i—Alton, Il...... 25.000 B1—Lonisville, Ky. 80,000 Tota. e+. $61 A20,000 BESEEEE2 15—Ashland, N. Y. 15—Newbern, N.C. 17—San Francineo. Sesseesses e2 FEBRUARY. 4—Painsville, Ohio.$20,000 17—Gnffalo......... i—New Orleans... 30,000 19—Manstield, Conn &—New York 30,000 20-——New York, 12—Baldwins’lle,NY140,000 21—Richmond, Va. 2i—Portland Me.... 12,000 y MARCH. 1—Weat Pt.,N.¥.$100,000 16—Madisony’le, Ky$30.000 1—Cineinnali, +100: 11—New York.. “ 12—Giouces’r 60. ,Va 30,000 14—Sutheld, Conn.. 20,000 30—New Orleans... 16—Brooklyn .....4 20,000 31—Troy...... 15—Hartford....... 30,000 15—Newport, Fla..100,000 APRIL. 2—Minneapolis, Min$22,000 "19-—Harp.Ferry,Va.#200,000 Bf 11—New York. 20—Leaven’h Kat's. 125,000 16—Milford, N 37,000 21—Horacheads,N.Y 30,000 18—New York... 25,000 22—Coutralia, Hi.... 25,000 18—Macon, Ga. Havana, N.Y. 25.000 2 32 18—Housten, MAY. $20,000 19—Nashville, Tenn.$30,000 50,000 22—Albany. +++ 20,000 5,000 23-—N.Bedfurd, Mass. 66,000 000 25—Dunkirk, N. ¥.. 25,000 40,000 26—Munches'r Conn. 40,000 27—Cleveland, Ohio. 6,000 7—Fast Sag’ 27—Galesburg, Til ‘600 &—Momphis, 23—San Francisco... 70.000 &—Richmond, 000 0—New Orleans... .100,000 9—Washington city 20,000 31—Ashnelot, N. H. 75,0 18&—New Orieaus... 60,000 —— * ween ess $1,190,000 5—Wheeling, Va %—Norfoik, Coun. JUNE. 2--Marehall, Mich. $26,000 20—Cottonwood 1.$400,000 3—Oswego, N.Y. 30,000 20—Honghton, Mic h. 25,000 6—Winch'ter, N. 000 JoldSpring N.Y. j—Lane, Dl. 23,000, 10—Pittshold, Mass: 40,000 25—1 18—Milton, N.C... 24,000 JULY. 4—New York..... $25,000 14—Milwaukeo, Wis $25,000 4—Bovton.. 500,000 27—Columbia, Cal.. 27,000 6—E. Albany, N.¥ 500,006 27—Da Porta, Cal... 168,000 5—Now Orleans,.. 35,000 27—New York..... 20,000 5--Pittsfield, Mass. 30,000 30—Pittsburg, Pa.. 160,000 5—Milwankee, Wis 100,000 13—St. Joseph, Mo. 43,000 ‘Total... .... «$1,623,000 AUGUBT. J—Brooklyn...... $25,000 13—Ogdensburg,N.¥$40,000 1—Orville, Cal 35,000 19—Burfalo....."7.. "25,000 50,000 19—New York 35,000 22,000 20,000 40,000 100,000 23S. Reading,Mase 25,000 95,000 30—Bishop Hill, IN. 25,000 Va.. 500,000 30—Boston... 100,000 11—Kankakee, fil.. 30,000 pets 12—BoundBrook,N.J 35,000 Total....2..44 $1,222,000 SEPTEMBER. 1—Roone C. H., Va. $40,000 17—East Bloomt!’d, 2—New Yark..... 150,000 $20,000 2—Philadelphia ... 20,000 30,000 7—Jersey City... 50,000 amentoCal.100,000 9—New York.....130,000 28—Brooklyn.. 000 10—Pittaburg. 000 20—Memphis, Tenn. 30,000 11—Concord, N 30,000 11—Boston, + 100,000 Totai $790,000 ocTORER. 5—Cincinnati..... $25,000 25—Bangor, Me... $25 15—Columbus Ohio. 20,000 26—San Francisco. 60,000 17—St. Joseph, Mo.. 36,000 30—Philadelphia. 19—Miltow Milis,NH. 30,000 @1—Newark, N:J.. 20,000 NOVEMBER. 2—Gr’t Falls, NH. doe 19—Warsaw, Mo... - 100, Tota) 4—Norfoik, Vi 00 23-—Warrington, Fi 7—8t. Louis. 120,000 28—N. Providence 9—Chicago. 40,000 24—Aiton, Til 10—Memphi $50,000 13.Corner: 10—Guyandotte,Va, 60,000 26—Philadelphia... ; H.. 60,000 petit Gate Sebi $680,000 DECEMBER. 12—Charleston . .$7,000,000 22—Spr'field, Mass. 25,000 16—Platt City, Mo. 40,000 26—Wash’ton City. 25,000 ¥. 26,000 26—Brooklyn...... 110,000 25,000 26—N.Wtord,N.¥. 20,000 eharenoses $7,241,000 RECAPITULATION, ‘The following additional table shows the above losses during each month, compared with those of 1960: ———1861.—_—_, ——-1840,-—__, Number Number Of Bires. Lars. of Hires. L January .. $1,420,000 25” 1.976.000 is 907,000 38 2,172,000 23 +302,000 2 161 G60 1,000 30 1,608,000 12 1,273,000 10 771,000 » 825,000 $18,020,000 251 $15,507,000 ‘The annexed table snows tho yaluo of property de stroyed by fires in the loyal and seceded States respective. ly, as exhibited in the foregoing record :— ‘States. Seceded State: January,..... #t0,000 220,000 February, "383,000 60,000 March. 880,000 385,000 312,000 20,000 685,000 445,000 000 805,000 “in 000 100) tio soa 000 100,000 341,000 17,000,000 Total $8,090,000 €,330,000 Add to the above the value of property destroyed by fires in the United States during the year where in each instance the loss was estimatod at less than twenty thou- sand dollars, and also the value of property destroyed in the South and West, such as the destruction of the pro- ucts of Southern plantations, the burning of railroad and other bridges, together with private houses, barns, stacks, &0,, which have been destroyed by erder of mili- tary commanders on both sides, and the aggregate would be increased to over forty-five millions. We add the fol- Jowing table of estimates: Losses ag shown above g By fires that destroyed han Products of Southern plantations 10 Bridges destroyed. . 5,000,000 Vessels burned. 2 3,000,000 Buildings burned by military order * 2,000,000 Products destroyed 2 To00;o00 ‘Total value of property destroyed in 1861.. .$45,020,000 ‘The following Agures show the lossea by fires in the United States during the past eight years:— LIVES LOST BY FIRES DURING 1861. ‘The tablo annexed exhibits the number of lives which have been Jost each month in this country during tho year 1861 in buildings which were destroyed by fire, compared with the number lost by similar accidents in —1860.—, Lives Bires. Lost, 7 8B 9 “4 %6 7 » .3 7 t 1 4 on 4 6 4 7 e RAILROAD ACCIDENTS DURING THE YEAR 1861. ‘The following table shows the number of railread acci- dents that have occurred in the United States during the year jast closed, which were attended with loss of life and injury to person. Our record is nat as complete as in former years, owing to the non-iutercourse Detwoen tho Northern and Southern States, which has deprived us to acertain extent of Southern intelligence for the Iagt eight monthe:— 1861 1880 —. = ARE 4 a) 10} 5] r 3] 2pm, a] a 3 ui 1]—] “6 4 2) al) OP at a7 6 32) 5 5 BB 3 4] 8 4] 4] 38 4 at 6 6 ory 4 4} Oli; 6 6) 29 13 G1} 234) 7 8 63 9 9 23) 8] 6) 2 | [heath aoe] ae 3 2 6 8 6 ls NMR iat snaaks teascnae 63 | a01! asol! 4! 57 | ans. The above tigures do not include individual accidents, caused by the carelessness or design of travellers them- selves, or deaths or injuries resulting from the reckless conduct of persons in crossing or standing upon railroad tracks where trains are in motion. ‘The following additional table exhibits the unimber of railroad accidents, with the persons killed and injured by sneb casualties, during the last nine years:— . Wounsled 406 STEAMBOAT ACCEDENTS DURING 1861, ‘The following table exhibits the number of persone that have boon killed aud wounded by accidents to steamboats on the inland waters of the United States during the past your, compared with the number killed aud wounded by the same causes in 1360, The tabla for 1861 is not com- plete, owing to the fact that our intercourse with the Souttiern States has been partially ent off:— LAST OF THE PATRIOTS OF THE REVOLUTION. Names of the Heroes who have Died Du- ing the Past Year. On the Ist of July last there were butsixty-three names of Revolutionary pensioners left upon the rolls in the Pen” sion Office at Washington. Probably not over fifty are now living. We give alist of the names of those who have died during the year, as fur as wefhave been able to col’ect them:—, Joseph Holmes. PASSAGES OF CALIFORNIA STEAMERS IN 1861, Amount of Treasure. Date of | Date of Names of Steamers. | Avrivat.| Sailing.|Days,] Specie, Northorn Light.. 4 | $1,492,245 North star 22 | “1446210 -“ bf 23} 1/619,003, S| Sibiee 241 a99) 3} poeta 22} 1,110;231 wlAprit 1) 23 577 4japrit 1] 23 800 yalaprit ai] 22} 765,102 wlMay 1) 23] 364115 ‘aMay ai) 22) a7g.2u1 aa|May 21) 22] 617 '361 Mjsuve 1} 23 | 80143 ‘3}tine 11) 22] _ Sti j36R ra[sune zi] 22 | 1,244,000 afsuly 11] 22] 2iaaKi2s9 . WjJuly 20) 26 Northern Ligi Champion . North Star. Champion. North Star ‘Total... Amount bro The following tat shows the amount of treasure bronght trom Califormia since the commencement of 1855:-— 33,409,400 34,979,547 Tota! in seven yeara...... $260,200 407 GOVERNORS OF STATES AND TERRITORIES. For 1862. —— Shorter Joho Mitton . Joseph kK. Krown, . Richard Yates Oliver P. Morton*. Bamnuel J. Kirkwoo Heriah Magoftin. Goorge W. John. Cbaries Kobingon . Thomas 0. Moore Israel Washbarne, Jr Augustis W. Bradford dJobu A. Androw ‘Austin Bai * Jacob Thonnpson G. Havris R. Lubbock ick Holbrook, é 6 1. Pierrepont. dobn Eatcher. Arizona. ‘ Hilti * Mr. Mortou was elected Lieutenant Goyernor, but be camo acting Governor on the election of Hon. Henry: L. Lane to the Benato of the United States. { Mr. Clark was elocted Lieitenant Governor, but su covded to the Executive chair alter tue death of John W. Ellis, HERALD CALENDAR FOR 1862, I ie) 3) =) 35 ~ [az te 3 318] . red rae |S =|F|s 5 J bod whilals 61 7} 3} oto 13 14}15)16} 97, t9}20 21}22/23}24 [20 *43a92y | “dag —— 1861180 > ~ Months. = vi pag EN WE 3 3) sj 2 1j—j; 1 2 ~j-|-— 5 4) 23) 20 1 2 TW 2 1j—|] 2 2 «| 1] 16] 20 2 Vata = November ... «| 5/18 December... | 1 2 ‘Total ts a} get 146 During the past nine years the number of lives lost and persons injured by steamboat accidents in the United States is as follows:— dents. Killet. Wounded. 1 29 158 587 295 176 107 368 127 322 36 300 107 342 146 597 324 69 80 3,070 Pars CENTENARIANS. ‘The following is a list of the names of the old folks who have been gathered with their fathers during tho year just closed :— Names. A Jerry Lowe (colored), Washington Mrs. Burch, New York. Catharine Hagey,, Tennes Patsey Atien, Indiana. Aunt Phillis (coloret), New Jersey dames Martin, New York Ebenezer Mower, Maseachusetts... Jane Quinn, Massachusetts... Tiannab (Indian woman), David Davis, Connecticut... .. Mrs. Polk (colored), Kentucky William Morris, Connecticut Jenny (colored), Alabama. Mr. Kinney, New York.. naa Margaret Wilson (colored), Massachusetts. Hanvah Cleveland, New York Hooper Bishop, Michigan... Dinah Geary, Penneylvani: Mary Parmenter, New York Jacob Rhodes, Maine. is Cesar Rursell (colored), Massachuset: Joel MeGregory, New Hampshire. Mr. Regan, Now. York. Jack Murray (colored), 23]24125 B0)31).. 9 3 le 26 .| 2] 3, 4 7} 38} 9f10n F fualasiuchrefis ? lailaalas|os|or 2|29|30|31}. 6 13 a7 I 24} 25126 cae | Relipses for the Year 1862, ‘There will be five eclipses this year, as followe:—~ 1, A total eclipse of the moon just before and after mid- nigiit of Suno 11. Total eclipse begins one hour and seven minntes after beginning, and lasts one houk three minutes, Total duration, three hours seventeen minutes, 2. A partial eclipse of the sun, June 27, in the morning. Invisible in America, but visible in the Indian Ocean. 3, A partial eclipse of the sun, November 21. Invisible in America, but seen in tho great Southern Ocean. 5. A total cclipse of, the moon early in the morning of December 6. Visible. ‘The eclipse becomes total one hour nine minutes after the beginning, and lasts one hour thirty-two minutes. Total duration, three hours forty- nine minutes. 4, Partial eclipse of the sun, December 20. Invisible in America, but visible in Avia yenerally, —_—_—_———— Heavy Gale at Cape Race. NO LATE DESPATCHES SENT OUT BY THE EUROPA OWING TO THE STOKat,. Sr. Joans, N. F., Doc. 30, 1861. ‘There was a heavy easterly gale at Caye Race on Satur- day and Sunday, with a tremendous sea, The steamship Europa, Captain Anderson, passed the Cape at half-past one o'clock Sunday afternoon, about haifa mile distant, but the sea being so extremely high, it was considered not only dangerous but foolhardy to riek the lives of the ‘boat's crew in attempting to board the steamer, Captain Anderson, of tho Europa, js entitled to the thanks of the pross and thecommercial public fur his efforts to obtain ‘the latest despatches, which would bave been eminently successful and highly gratifying o this occasion, had not the extremely dangerous sea precluded any attempt ‘at launching the newsbont, COLONEL MULLIGAN IN ALBANY. Atnaxy, Dec. 30, 1861. Colonel Malligan arrived here at half-past twelve to day, He was received by the Mayor and Common Coun- cil, and conducted to the Delavan Sfouse, whore he ro- maing during hia stay gas e gocet of the city. THE PORT ROYAL EXPEDITION. Official Report of the Expedition Up the North Edisto River. Capt. Davis’ Report Relative to the Blocking Up of Charleston Harbor. Engagement Between Union Gunboats and Tatnall’s Rebel Flotilla, - Res &e ke. REPORT OF THE EXPEDITION UP THE EDIS- TO RIVER. Unrrep Staves SteAMER PAWNER, »} Port Royas,, 8. C., Deo. 21, 1801. Sm~—In obedience to your order of the 14th instant, I left this barbor on the night of the 16th, accompanied by the gunboat Seneca, Lieutenant Commanding Danie) Am- men, and the Coast Survey steamer Vixen, Captain C. 0. Boutelle; byt at the bar found that the heavy northeaster which was blowing had raised such a sea as to render it out of the question to attempt enter- ing the river which I was directed to examine, I therefore returned. to my anchorage, which I left a second time, however, on the following morning» and reached the North Edisto at two o'clock, Shortly af ter I crossed the bar with the Seneca, piloted in by Capt- Boutelle, in the Vixen, which vessel he, however, left when we were inside for the Pawnee, bis vessel remain- ing astern of ns. At'the time we could plainly see forti- fications ahead oa Edisto Inland, distant a mile and « ‘Awit was reported to me they were filled with men, I commenced firing slowly trom my bow guns, as did the Seneca, but receiving no answer soon ceased, and running by the batteries anchored in the North Faisto river. On landing, I found the fort, which was en- tirely deserted, to consist of two redoubts for five guns, cach connected by a long curtain, and protected in the rear by a double fence of thick planks, with earth be- tween and toop-holed. ‘The guns, as the informed me, had all been re- moved towards Charleston some weeks bick. While 1 was making thix examination, Lieutenant Commanding — Ammen proceeded — up river for about five miles, the effect of which was immediately «pparent in the firing of cotton houses and outbuildings. As, during the night, some ‘Degroes came on doard and informed us that at the small town of Reckville, which was in full sight, there was a large encampment of soldiers, at least 500,’ and Captain Boutelle offering to go up the creek on which it was, I determined to make them a visit in the Vixen, and at day- light of the 12th went on board that vessel for the pur- pore of taking with mo the boats aud marines of the Pawneo and Seneca, under charge of Acting Master Snell. Owing toour running ashore, we did not reach the town until near eight o'clock, a little above whieh was «stoop laden with cotton aud provisions, whieh | took possession of and towed alongside. There’ still being no signs of )ife on shore, 1 landed with fifty men to reconnoitre, and was soon satisfied that the troops had left, as the first thing seen was tho negroes pillaging a building, in which there ‘was @ large quantity of commissarial stores, consisting of rico, sugar, bacon, corn, &c. This | stopped at once, and had what remaiued removed to the Vixen. Being then informed that the camp, which was a mile from the water, was cutirely deserted, I went there, but, so far as | could learn, the troops had loft at daytight, ani it was then only a little after eight. ‘The uegrocs, whom {found as busy as bees, had re- moved the most valuable part of what bad been left, which was noarly thing exeopting their arms’ ‘The enrampment was one, had deen occupied for many mouths, sud its late tenants hud evidently been in {iw possession of every comfort, Lremoved to the boats: forty Sibley and four ordinary tents, besides a quantity of articles of no particular value, which were lying about; and found at a neighboring house, which seemed to havo beon used ay headquarters, a Confederate flag. Having pretty well cleared the ground of what was worth removing, and being desirous of exarining above, Lieft at two o'clock and proceeded up the river with the Vixen, not liking to trust the Pawnee in so narrow a channel, where we came on the Seneca, which had start- @d at nine o’elock to explore, faston a’mnd bank. We remained by her until nine o'clock, but found it inpossi- Ule to puil hor off, owing to the night tide not being so high as the morning one. While lying hore, however, T vent the boats and burneda sloop, which had been run ashore some distance beyond, while attempting to escape from the Seneca, and which could not te got afoa' ‘§ ‘The Vixen aferwards rolurned, for the night, to the neighborhood of the Pawneo, but went back at daylight of the following morning witha party of men and boa from this vense! to lighten the Seneca, which vessel got off at high tke. While the Vixen was comin; up the river she camo on a small loop laden with cotton, from whieh two white men were taken, whom I now bave on hoard as prisoners. As in the meantime nearly a 150 negroes, allin a great state of alarm, hud collected on board the ditfcrent veswels, J de- termined to land them on the point, and called in the United States sieamer Penguip, which was cruising off the fort, and to leave Licut.’ Commanding Budd, in chargwot the river,after my departure until he could hoar from Capt. le was kind evough to go ont in the Vixen and pilot the Penguin into her anchorage off the fort, where she uow ie. ‘On the morning of the 19th I ran down to the South Edisto, and louving the Pawnee and Seneca at the bar went in with the Vixen, I found the fortifications, which Are on Edisto Island, entirely deserted, und partially destroyed. They consisted of two redoubis, which mounted, 30 far ax feould judge, four guns each; but the guns had been remover ‘The Dalo being in sight across Otter Sound, in the Ashe- poo, I made sigual, aud Lieut. Commanding fruxton pulled over with four bouts. He reported that everything wa niet in the weighborhood of his anchorage, aud thit fort on Otter Island was rapidiy being placed ina defence. Up to the present tive, alt uoug! tu in sight of the South Raisto forts, where we they bad not yet landed tere. Having finish d my + returned to the Pawnee, and stood north with ty looked thremtening, and the Vixen wa yt out of coal, | went into the South Edisto again for the night order to baye an »pportunity of supplying her with nanding Budd reported every thin, bat on tho following morning negroes camo in and stated that the troops who had left the encemp- ment at Rockville, being largely reinforced, showed @ disposition to rexcenpy that place. ‘Aw the weather was too threatening to permit of my making a careful examination of the Stono, as I intended, [determined now to return at once to this place and re- port to you the state of affairs at the North Kdisto. ‘Thie A have done, reaching my anchorage here at Chree o'clock to-day, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P, DRAYSON, Commanding. Flag Olticer 8. F. Durowr, commanding south AUautic Squadron, THE BLOCKING UP OF CHARLESTON HAR- BOR BY THE STONE FLEET. ‘The official report of Commodore Dupont in relation to the sinking of the stone fleet bas been received at the Navy Department. The substantial part of the docu- ment consists in the report of Captain Charles Henry Davis, who had command of the fleet. In this report Captain Davis says:— In all this work I havo been ably assisted by Com- manders Godon and Goldsborough, and by Lieutenants Commaudirg Stoveus and Balch, and have derived mach valuable {nfo nation and important aid from the skill, local knowledy. and zeal of Acting Master G. H. Brad- bury and Mr. Godfrey, who acted as pilots, both of whom are worthy of your highest coufiden Also in relation to the active part of the expedition, ‘Captain Davis says:— On the night of my arrival off Charleston the light- house was blown up, by which the purpose of my visit was essentially promoted. After the bar had been sounded out, two ships were sunk, one on the eastern and ‘one on the western limit of the channel, which served to limit the fletd of operations, After all’ the ships -which were to be sunk, sixteen in number, had been brought here and in @ position to be easily moved, they were towed in ed smaller steamors and placed upon and inside tho bar in a checkered or indent- ed form, lying as much as possible across the direction of the channel in sevoral lines, some disiance apart, and they are made so nearly to overlie cach other that it would he difficult to draw a lino through them in the direction of tho channel which would not be inter- cepted by one of the vessels. Commander Davis says that he was guided by several principles in choosing the place and manner for sinking the vessels, viz:—First, the bar was welocted because ft ig the principal and calminating point of the natural deporit in this fine. By adding tho materia, contained in the hulka to those alroudy placed there by naturo, it may be expected that the natural forces which aggregate the latter will tend to keep the formor in thoir assigned position. Second, Ly putting down the vessels in an indented form, it was intended to create a material obstruction to tho channel, without sorionsly impeding the flow of water. If it were possible to build a wail across the channel, the river, which must flow to the sea, would undonbiediy take another av similar path; but if, on the coniary, tho blockir the natural channel is only partial, the water may retain a part of ita old course, and require the addition only of a uew channel of smal capacity. ‘Third, the mode of sinking the vessels is in- tended to establish a combination of artificial jaterrup- tions and irregalarities, resembling on a small scale thoce of Hell Gate or Holmes? Hole, and producing, like them, eddies, whirlpools and counter currents, such as render the navigation of an otherwise difficult channel hazardous and uncertain, NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN WILMINGTON RIVER, ENGAGEMENT BRTWEEN THE PEMBINA, TENRY AN- DREW AND TATNALL’S FLERT, IN WILMINGTON RIVER—NORODY HURT ©: ‘ON SiDE—CON- DITION OF THINGS AT BAY From a letver written oy Mather, of tho United States steamer Honry Andrew, we oxtract the following interesting particulars relative to naval opera- tions in the neighborhood of Warsaw Sound:— G Uiitan Srares Sreamun Henny ANDREW, Deo. 24, 1861. Yesterday morning the Seminole, Pembina and Henry Avdrew went into Warsaw Sound and up to Wilmington Tiver, the expected exit of the propeller Fingal. While Wo Were getting in & boat (rom Commodoro Tatnall’s flarstiip the Savannah was down on Wareaw Island to see if the passage way clear for tho Figgal. On Shippi Island, throe mites above our anchorage, they have # strong fortification. Yestorday afternoon Tainall, with bis Heat, came down to tho battery and tovk a lock at ua, The Pembina and Honry Andrew got under way aud moved slowly up. Ths Pembina opened fire with hee eleven inch gun, but fell short, Wo steamed up to about two miles, and opened tire with our Parrott gun, whieb fell a little short. Wo then went nearer and plant shells so noar them (one hitting them) (hat they retired bebind a point of Wilmington Sound. ‘They fired three to one, as the Pembina withdrew on account of the narrow- ness of thechannel, and left us all tho fun to ourselves, but no one was hurt on our side, and but one shell game nearus. It was their wish to draw us up undor their fortifcations, which aro large columbiads, but that cause would not work. Wo were perfectly willing Wo meet them on an equal footing, and Rot stand about giving them aome odds, On our way out we picked up from the beach two sailors who had deserted trom Tatnall’s ship, one an Englishman, and the othor from Rochester, New York. From them wo learned that the troops in and around Savannah depend entirely on fresh meat brought from the country, Butter is worth one dollar por pound and coffee seventy-five cents, and other articles of Iuxnry are proportionably high, Clothing is very scarce, The Fingal brought somo of the latter, together with a large quantity of arms, , ONE OF THE REBEL PRISONERS. TO THE &PITOR OF THE HERALD. Ox Boarp Sar Gartayn, Pons Rov.2. Roam, Deo, 28, 180L,” f Visiting Fort Walker, on Hilton Head, I found at the hospital a secesh prisoner by the numo of Henry Kine dar, of Williamsburg, S.C. a beardless boy of aightoen, He was wounded in the beek of the neck, but is doing well, When able, I learn it is the intention of General Sherman to send him home. ‘He was anxious to have his mother, Suaan R. Kindar, know histituation, Believing your paper the best means of accomplishing this object, permit mo toask you to sive this a place in its columns. By so doing you will be very likely to give great pleasure to an anxious mother and several brothers and sisters, who are now lamenting his aboence, and ib may be, mourning his loss, as well aa confor a great favor upon your obedient servant, P. 8.—This will be handod baggy WoW, . 8.—This wi dod to in W. W Taylor, late master of the bark Sareea, {ng squadron. Captain Taylor can tell you all abgot, the . The Steamship Niagara to Take the Rebe} Commissioners to England. Boston, Dec. 90, 1861. It was reported here this morning that, by instruction® from Lord Lyons, steamship Niagara, which arrived here on Sat dont will leave to-morrow (Tuesday) for Liverpool, taking out in her Messrs. Mason and Slidell, the rebel Commissioners, and their secretaries. But it is by uo means certain that the Niagara will be despatched to Liverpool with Mossrs. Mason and Slidell on board. The agents of the Niagara here deny that they have instructions to that effect. Another report was in circulation this afternoon that the agents of the Cunard steamers in this city have given orders to have the Niagara in readiness to sail for Liver- pool at noon on Tuesday, the Sist inst., bat nothing has as yet been received from Lord Lyons in rogard to Messrs, Mason and Slidell going out in her. The agents probably expert to receive some orders to that etfect by mail to morrow morning, ‘The Ningara took in coul to-day, to make room for the steamship Persia, soon expected here, and may or may not leave for Liverpool before her day. Surrender of Slidell and Mason. Crroumnats, Dec. 30, 1861. ‘The surcender of Messrs, Mason and Slidell and the saa. Pension of specie payments by the banks of New York prodnced # feeling of relief in business circles hero. SUSPENSION OF SPECIE PAYMENTS. Suspension of Specie Payments by the Banks of Boston, Boson, Dec. 30, 1861. ‘The presidents and directors of the banks of this city held a mecting this morning, und resolved to suspend specie payments forthwith. Suspension of Specie Payments by the Philadclphia Ranks. Pumapesima, Doc. 30, 1861. The banks of this city haye resolved to suspond payments, in confequcnee of tae suspension in New York. Suspension of the Albany Bantis. Aumayy, Deo. 40, 1867, In consequence of the action of the New York bunks, tho banks of this city suspended specie pay ments to-day The suspension occasions uo exchiement. The Pittsburg Banks. Puenvnu, Dev. 00, 1809 The news of the suspeasion by the Fast rn banks wer not wholly unexpected here, and creawd litte or 6° alarin, Our banks have not 5 of them, if bs nater-wed, SHE pny sng yeas, Vite ecbhh Mocvanica’, Chizene’, ant tron Suspension of thy Cleveland 1 Cruvanann, De ‘The Clevelang banks sutyen tod speek morning. NEWS FROM GENERAL BANKS ARMY, Frxonnick, Md.. Wee payee this Fyerything is reported quiet along the river | catny this morning. Notwithstanding the great uncertain comtinaing in this spot for any extended time, all the 0 em: ployed in building log hate and stab‘es for (he ceanfort of man and beast. Sonn vf tho strnatures: ace ie result of io wrebit } great labor, and even ¢ <M, and will probably remain for years, as specious of Yonkou: ingenuity and taste, * ‘The Provost Marshal bas instituted, for the bonetit of incorrigible prisoners, the ehain gang systom upon the streets, It is amusing to many to see the awkward at. tempts of the “incorrigivies’’ at street sweeping. The real benefit of this kind of panish is doubted by some; but it {s certainly » great improvement on tlogeing and the pillory. ‘The Genoral Court Murtia) is still engaged npou deser- tion cases. On Monday some more cases will come up for trial. Great anxiety ie felt to learn the result of tho pending difficulty with Eugland, and also if France withiake part against us. NEW YORK MILITARY MATTERS. ‘The volunteer companies in Otsego cuinty, fiveor six fn number, are ordered to the Albany depot, and will probably reach this city on Monday. Six additional regiments have been nutbered as fol. so inety. second, Potsdam regiment—Colonel Stavord having 657 men. Ninety-third, Washington county regiment—Colonel Crocker, having 675 men. é Ninety-fourth, Sackett’s Harbor regiment—colonel Voile, having 655 mon. : ; ty-fifun, Warren Rifles (New York city)—Colonel iddle, having 690 men. bares Plattsburg regiment—Colonel Fairman, aving 664 men. nav ing er eeverith, Boonville regiment—Colonel Wheeloek, ving 776 men. Darnee anilitia regiments which went into the field with their militia numbers have Been renumbered, so as 10 bring them in their.regular numerical order , as follows:— ‘Second militia regiment to be the Eighty-second Voluo- teers. Ninth militia regiment to bo the Eighty-third Volun- teers. Fourteenth militia regiment to be the Eighty-fourth Volunteers. & ‘Twentieth militia regiment to be the Fighticth Volun- teors: a o Fifty-fifth militia regiment to be the Fifty-sifth Volun- teors. s e Seventy-ninth militia regiment to be the Seventy-ninth ‘Volunteers. THE FIRST MASSACHUSETTS CAVALRY. ‘The Third battalion of the First Massachusetts cavalry, under Major John H. Edson (old army officer), numbering four hundred and twenty horses and men, arrived inthis city yesterday morning. Both battalions are ordered from Washington {o halt hers until further notiec, Col. Frank E. Howe has made arrangements to quarter the men and horses in tho Third Avenue Railroad staoles, Sixtythird street There are thus eight hundred and. id horses of the First Massachusetts cavalry fifty minis city. Colonel Williams will be here to-day. Farat. Fatt. Down Stars.—Mary MeMerny, s native of nd, aged ifty-eight years, died yesterday from che of injuries accidentally received by falling down % i icht of stairs at No, $08 West Ninetgosta street, ov the 1 h inst. Coroner Schirmer held as inquest upos the body. —-