The New York Herald Newspaper, January 3, 1862, Page 1

ot - “eS: ca cae i Wwe WHO'8 NO. 9245. i — ag NEWS FROM WASHINGTON. The Health of Major General McClellan. Celebration of the New Year’s Fes- tival at the White House. Tue Observance of the Dav in the Camps. Asrival of Released Prisoners from Richmond. Interesting Statement Relative to the State of Affairs at the Rebel Capital. The Appointments and Promotions in the Army, &., be. cee ‘Wasumaton, Jan. 2, 1862. HEALTH OF GENERAL M’CLELLAN. ‘We are happy tosay that at no time has General Mc- Clellan been dangerously ill. He is rapidly recovering from a severe cold, taken at General Porter’s last review. ‘Ho is attending to all important business, and will bo out ‘ma few days. FALS2 REPORT RELATIVE TO GEN. M’CALL. It was yesterday reported that General McCall had ‘been killed in a skirmish, the innocent firing of guns the night previous being the only foundation for the rumor. Perhaps the reports prevailing in distant cities, and about which questions by telegraph are asked to-day, ef the death of General McClellan, result from a partial similarity of the names, CONDITION OF GENS. MARCY AND LANDER. General Marcy is fast regaining his health, and will be ‘at his post of duty again ina day or two, General Lan- der is in the field again, in command of an important, column. MOVEMENTS OF GEN. ROSECRANS. General Rosecrans is still here, but leaves for Whecl- tng, Va. , to-morrow. THE DEPARTURE OF MESSRS. MASON AND SLIDELL, The delivery of tho Trent prisoners on board of the British gunboat Rinaldo concludes the Trent affair- ‘The Rinaldo was despatched, by order of Lord Lyons, to receive them. Notwithstanding the hopes entertained by the rebels that England’s ultimatum, as they call it, would require a great deal more than the mero surrender of the prisoners, and despite the blustering menaces of the Canadian rebel sympathizing prees,it isafact that the settlement of tho Trent affair, concluded between Secretary Seward and Lord Lyons, is entirely satisfactory to her Majesty’s representative in Washington, and it is believed, by those best informed on the subject, that it ‘will be equally so to the British government. RELEASE OF GEN. BENHAM FROM ARREST. General Benham bas been released from arrest, and is ordered to report himself for duty atonee. The Court of Inquiry ignored the charges against bim as soon as they were read. ABRIVAL OF OFFICERS OF THE NEW YORK SEVENTY- NINTH REGIMENT FROM RICHMOND—THETR REPORTS FROM THE REBEL CAPITAL. Captains Shillinglaw and Manson, and Corporal Me- Donald, of the New York Seventy-ninth regiment (High- landers), are at Willard’s. They left Richmond, where they havo been priscners of war five months and ten days, fast Toceday morning, and arrived at Fortrees Mon- foo that afternoon, After a pleasant interview with General Wool, they left for Washington, via Baltimore, and arrived here this afternoon. Captain Shillinglaw was badly wounded nt Bullrun. His lett thigh was shattered by aball striking it in a diagonal direction, and after falling he received a ball in his left arm, near the elbow, which has not beon extracted; also a terribly lacerating wound by a fragment of a shell im his left arm. Captain Shillinglaw lay helpless behind a dead horse, where he had crawled for protection, from fly- fng bullets, until he was taken. The Assistant Surgeon of the Seventy-ninth dressed his wounds temporarily, in presence of General Beauregard, and he was placed in an ambulance and conveyed to Manarsas, where he arrived om Monday about midnight. He lay unattended throvgh Tuesday, and on Wednesday a surgeon came and dsired to amputate his leg. He refused,and on Thursday his slothes, saturated! and stiffened with Dlood, were split off, and he was lifted out of them, and conveyed ina shirt and blanket to Richmond, The Saturday following he was taken to the general hospital, and lay. there till Sunday morning, when Dr. Sinton, a skilful surgeon, dressed his wounds, and attended him two wecks. The wounds were treated with cold water, and the arms were healed, but the bones of the thigh didnot unite. Captain Shillinglaw laid thirteen weeks with his leg splintered and suspoude'l from the ceiling. He was afterwards removed fo tho lower hospital, and placed under care of Dr. Higginbotham, Ho was ekilfully treated for six weeks, suffering much pain fiom the wound in his thigh from injections of iodine, His leg was not dressed for some days before his arrival at Fortrers Monroe. ‘The prisoners at Richmond still suffer grievous hard ships. No coffee is furnished them. The rebels profess to be confident that they can whip (Re federais, Captain SBhillingiaw was the last oMccr in prison at Richmond. Mr, Flagtor, a New Yorker, who lived near Centreville, bas been a prisoner at Richmond until three weeks ago, when he was released on solicitation of his daughters. He stated to our prisoucrs that the rebels were whipped three times during tho fight at Bull ru Our Treasury notes are at par in Richmond, and gold romman’'s 50 per cent premium above the paper cur &e., rency of tho confederacy. Boots bring $25 a pair ; salt, 625 a bag, Ke. seven hundred Union prisoners are to be sent from Richmond to §: next week, and other indi. cations point tow fonment of Richmond as a capital put. The rebel goverument begin to feel insecure at Richmond, of Dr. Revere, surgeon of the Twentieth Massa huectts regiment, to Captain Manson, were:—Toll our friends to send me, as quick as posible, 8d liver oil for our sick.” This appeal, as well as that for clothing and other comforts for tho Union prisoners, should be promptly answored. AFFAIRS ON THE LOWER POTOMAC. The steamer Stepping Stones arrived at the Navy Yard last evening. By this arrival the Hxrann’s special Poto. mac river correspondent reports that night before last the Avac:stia, which hod left Washington with a quantity of time ehells. charged with a peculiar combustible mate- rial, threw sevoral of them into the rebel battery at Cock- pit Point, but without any apparent effect, as the shells id not ex; lode. ‘Tho Stepping Stones steamer, in her reconnoitering trip ap Occoquan Bay , lately scattered the rebels with threo weil directed shots from her 24-pounder rifled gun, the shells Darsting right in the midst of rebel soldiers, But on her toturn she was followed by riflemen, who, concealed bo. bind trees, fired several bullets through her sides. One of th se shots passed through the head of the captain's berth. ‘The new rebel battery, reported some dayn eines, is on Opossum Nowo Point, this side of Cockpit Poiut, and 1s shorefore the nearest battery to this city. At least ono heavy riled gun is mounted there, as shells have been yo into the mouth of Matawoman creck. An attempy ill probably be made by the steamer Anacostia to day to @et some tlunk shots at this battery. The Anacostia has heavy armament, and is accompanicd by Lieut. Radger, @rdannee | lcer. Last night two schooners ren tho blockade going down, and this morning two uthers passed the batteries coming ap. Neither of the echoonors was fired at, The t.gs Murray and Ierbert have been mustered out Of the service and have gone to Baltimore, Preporations have been made for the veesels comprising the upper flotilla to lay up for the winter in Mattawomen creck. in the event of contigs ' Weather ian J Mourns Commanding Fastmao haa returned to the the Potomac being frozen over, a vot likely to ocour so long as tho present fine E NE Yankee, Acting Master Commanding Amos P. Foster takes temporary command of the Wyandank, and Acting ‘Master's Mato Grumley commands the Stepping Stones. The Resolute is in the dry dock undergoing thorough repairs. THE CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAD, ‘The foreign Ministers and attaches, in full court dress, and afterwards tho army and navy officers, in uniform, for- mally paid their respectsto the President at noon yester- day. The outside gates were thrown open to the public sub- sequently, when the large mass of impatient human beings rushed in for a similar purpose. There was music in the Vestibule of the White House, and all was jollity. The weather is delightful. Calls were madeon the heads of departments, and many citizens and distinguished s0- Journers are also kceping open house, ‘The members of the Cabinet and Judges of the Supreme Court were among those who, at an earlier hour, had paid their respects to the President, Nearly the entire diplomatic corps, after leaving the Whito House, made a complimentary call on the Secre- tary of State at his residence, whero they and other visiters were cordially recoived and entertained. Lord Lyons and Baron Stocckl were not, it is believed, present on the occasion. ‘Tho city police, in new uniforms, were present and kept ‘everything in excellent order, Among the crowd at the President’s mansion, and of marked promiueaco, was Major W. F. M. Arny, succcssor of Kit Carson, United States Indian Agent in New Mexico. He wore a full suit of buckskin, made in Mexican style, and olegantly embroidered with beads. He privately Presented to Mrs. Lincoin a splendid blanket as a New Year’s offering. It is an evidence of tho taste and skill of the Rocky Mountain Indians. This blanket was made by a squaw of a Navajo chief, she haying been employed upon it for five months. It is of largo size, of wool, the figures upon it boing of white, red and blue. Major Arny says there are about ten thousand Naya- joes in New Mexico, who own, with the Mexicans in the Territory, probably a million of sheep, which are used principally for food ; the animals remain unshorn of the wool, which would make good blankets and clothing for our troops. Colonel R. H. Rush’s rogiment of lancers paraded the avenue yesterday, presenting a brilliant appearance. CELEBRATION OF NEW YEAR’S DAY IN THE CAMPS. Our soldiers across the Potomac, altogether, passed a very happy New Year. A clear, bright sunshine, gave warmth and cheerfulness to the day. The usual drills were dispensed with. A few regiments, whose soldierly ardor no holiday enjoyments can abate, turned out with muskets, however, and went through their usual exer- ciaes. A feature of some of these voluntary turnouts was the conduct of the regimental drilis by privates, and the exhibitions given in each case of high military acoom- plishment by those unaccustomed to command. ‘Tht exhibitions attracted large crowds of spectators from other regiments, and elicited a fervor of enthusiasm that gives gratifying and convinieng proof of the military capacity, pride and ambition of our troops, There were numerons contests at rifle and musket shooting, impromptu skir- miching partics and cavalry exerci All acquitted themselves well, But strolls about the camps, story telling, dinnors, speech making, music, dancing, recep- tions, illuminations and serenades comprised the leading features of the day and evening. By a specinl order no private was allowed to pass the boundaries of his divi- sion. This ruie did not extend to officers, many of whom came to the city to make New Year’s calls upon President Lincoln and Secretary Cameron. ‘The only event that occurred to mar the enjoyment or quiet of the day was a dispute among some soldiers of General Blenker’s division, in which one person was rather roughly handled, but not toan extent damaging his prospect of future fighting. Capt. Weeden’s Rhode Island battery spenta goodly portion of their New Year's experimenting with their 8 They haye six James’ rifled cannon. They fived from Hati's Mili, in the direction of Falls Church, taking as the point of aim a tree twelve hundred yards distant; but out of the first round of six shots five fel! within a cirele of @ foot aud a baif outside the tree, which is seven inches in diameter. The remaining rounds were Boi quite equal to the first, but they did not come far Dehind it. In each caso the gunners sighted the pieces. Not a sholl was thrown that did not burst. This is one of the best volunteer batteries in the service. Officers and men are anxious to show their skill against the enemy. On New Year's eve there was a lively excitement in Genoral Porter’s and General McDowell’s divisions. At@ lato hour orders came by telegraph directing extreme vigilance by the pickets, officers end privates to sleep on their arms, cavalry horses to be bridled and sad- dled, and batteries ready to movo at a moment's notice. Everybody supposed some hostile demonstration was about to be made, either on our side or that of the enemy. The alacrity with which the order was complied with did not exceed the prevalent onthuaiaem manifested at the hope and expectation of a speedy brush with the rebel troops. While the opportunity failed our men to turn their alacrity and wekcfulness to good account against the enemy, they did not fail to show their splen- did discipline, and the cheerful promptitade with which they are able to respond to a sudden call to arma. DEATHS IN THE CAMPS AND HOSPITALS. The following deaths of soldiers are reported:— Jamos Brown, Company F,, Fourteenth New York Vol- unteere, at Miner’s Hill. Angell 3. Downing, Company C; Dewitt C. Squires, Com pany K, Ninth New York cavairy. John Hand, Company B and George C. Burwell, Company €, Second New York cavairy. Wi'liom Sheppard, Company E, and C. W. Ridale, Com_ pany K, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers. William Holmes, Company B, Eleventh Maine Volun- tors. David FH. Collins, Company C, Fifth New Hampeshir® Volunteers. Harris G. Osborne, Company B, Fourth Michigan Volun- teers. Louis Eiszle, Company B, Fourth Pennsyivania Volun. teers. Vincent Bardine, Company F, Fifty sixth New York Volunteers at Fruptive Hospital. Fravkiia P. Persing, Company D, and Thomas ©. Wye koff, Company I, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. #.D. Ruthson, Company E, First regiment Berdan'’s Sharpshooter s. Samuel Dout, Company O, and Elias Weiss, teamster Company F, Twenty third Pennsylvania Volunteers, > John Lochner, Company A, Fitty-eighth New York Volunteers. Amos Busham, Company D, First Pennsylvania Volun- toors. William Shade, Company B, Fighth New York exvalry. Ieanc M. Austin, Company F, Second United States in. fantry. Mark Wasner, Compeny FE, First Pennsylvania ar. tilery. Henry Rowe, Company E, Fifth Counectiont Volunteers. Patrick Goldrick, Company G, Second United Statos infantry. Alfred Bodine, Company D, Fifty-sixth New York Vo- lunteer: Charles Whittier, Company F, Second regiment Berdan’s Sharpshooters. Samuel Willison, Company F, Fourth Pennsylvania cavalry. COLORS VOR PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENTS, The Pennsylvania regiments in Heinizeiman’s and Gen, Sumner’s divisions will be presented with the usual State colors. by Governor Curtin, or his appointed repre. sentative, Hon. Galueha A. Grow, Speaker of the United tos House of Represevtatives, on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday next. There are seven regiments from that State in the two divisions mer tioned, REVIEW OF TILE NEW YOuK FRENCH REGENT, Tho New York French regiment was reviowed today by Secietary Seward. AN INVESTIGATION UN FOOT. Tt is reported that the continnous Gring throughout Toenday night by our troops im Virginiass to be a gubyret of formal investigation. PAYMENTS AT THE TREASURY, ‘Tho Treasury is paying of ite own notes, furnishing only smal! amounts of specie for purp e nye. MR, TROLLOPS, THE NOVELIST. Anthony Trellope, the nove ist, is spending » few days with Captain Avehme ty, at Miner's bil. ABATEMENT OF SRRENADING, An ordor has Weow ‘sued prohibiting any bande in the | fervico of (he Vuited saves from going wut on vorenading | i. parties unless by previous permission of the Provost Mar. shal. Theregas, it appears, been an excess of such mu- sic at night; in many cases being more of an annoyance than a compliment to distinguished gentlemen whom it ‘Was proposed thus to honor THE ARMY. ‘The names of about one thousand military officers have ‘been reported from the Military Committee of the Sen” ate for confirmation, The report states that alarge num- ber of those named in this list are officers of the regular army, who have been appointed to higher grades in the volunteer service, who expect to be confirmed for the latter positions during the war, and at its conclusion fall back upon their rank in the line of the regular army. It is recommended in this report that these pro- motions from the regular army to the volunteers shall not be confirmed until after a resignation of the former commission. The report has been printed, and is under consideration in secret session. The following are the promotions in the Third Penn- sylyania cavalry regiment as ordered yesterday :—Lieut. Snead, of Company A, toa Captaincy in the samo com- pany ; Lieut. Gregg, of Company G, to a First Lieutenancy; Private Rogers, of Company B , to a Second Lieutenancy in Company C; Sergt. Walsh, of Company I, to a Captaincy; Lieutenant Ellis, Company C, to be First Lieutenant, Company D; Licutenant Martin, Company D, formerly of th» President’s Meunted Guard, Captain of Company K; Sergeant Fitzgerald, Company B, to be First Lieutenant of Company K; Lieutenant Russell, Company E, to a Captaincy; Commissary En- glebert to a Licutenancy in Company E; Lieuten- ant Bramrix, Company C, to Captaincy of Company M. These were promotions to fill vacancies from causes oi re- signation, Colonel Avery’s Third Pennsylvania, and Colonel Charman’s Eighth Pennsylvania, are included in the cavalry brigade, commanded by the former officers. THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY. The Houre Committee on Military Affairs is occupied chiefly with perfecting the details of tho hasty legislation of the extra session for the organization of the vast army now in the eld. Every point worthy of consideration will be carefully canvassed, and all that may be required to improve the efficiency of the army will be presented by the committee tor the action of Congress, THE MECHANIC FUSILEERS ORDERED TO KANSAS. - Colonel Wiison’s regiment of Mechanic Fusileers has been ordered to report to General Lane at Fort Leaven- worth. The line officers will be sclected from the States from which each company huils. TUR ARMY SIGNAL Corrs. The complement of officers and men constituting the army Signal Corps is now fully made up. A lieutenant and three privates have been detailed from the artillery of each division, anda proportionate number from the infantry attached 0 each brigade from -the eight divisions across the Potomac. There have altoge- ther been detailed one hundred and two officers, Major Meyers, formerly Assistant Surgeon General of the regular army, commanding. The officers’ camp is near George- town, where each officer has been directed to report himself to-morrow, when the course of regular instruc: tion will commence». The code of signals is pronounced perfect of its kind, and so simple that they can be readi'y learned, and yet so complex that the enemy caunot by any possibility interpret them. Once in successful ope" ration, there will be no more shooting into our owh men, or drawing into ambuseade through display of the Union fing by the enemy. At the end of the course of instruc- tion a signal officer will be attached to the staff of each Brigadier General. THE LERALD'S LIST OF THE UNION ARMY. In your roport of the Generals of tho army and their staffs you omitted the names of most of thoseattached to Generay Morell’s staff. ‘The following comprises his staff:—George W. More!l, Brigadier General ;Captain R..T Auchmuty, / sist Adjutant General; Captain Samuel McKelvey , Commis sary; Captain George N. Smith, Quartermaster; Lieutenant J. Elliott Williams, Thirteenth New York Volunteers, Aid- de-Camp; Lieutenant Isaac Seymour, Jr., Harris cavulry, Aid-de-Camp; Dr. W. E. Waters, Brigade Surgeon. EXPERIMENTS WITH ARMOR. An experiment is to be made at the Arsenal to-morrow upon a suit of stec} armor, imported as a sample of armor to be worn by oflicers. It has been subjected to very severe tests, and is capable of resisting even a Minie ball at an ordinary distance, AXOTBER MONSTER CANNON. Another handred and fifty pound gun, finished at the rard, was tested to-day. OUR SEA COAST AND LAKE DEFENCES. ‘Tne subject of the improvement of our lake aud const defences was referred tothe Military Committee to-day. MR. GURLEY’S CONFISCATION AND EMANCIPATION SCHEME— INCREASE OF THE VOLUNTEER FORCE. It is not probabie that there will be a favorable report from the committee on Mr. Gurley’s Confiscation and Emancipation bill. The views of the committee are gene- rally adverse to it, aud instead of ita bill, prepared by the committee, and predicated upon the suggestions of the President's Message in regard to this subject, will be soon reported. ‘This committee is also in fayor of removing the re- striction limiting the President to a call for only five hun- dred thousand volunteers, and propose to authorize him to bring into the service whatever number of troops the War Department and Commanding Geueral shall require for the vigorous prosecution of the war. CONGRESSIONAL AFTAIRS. A quorum of members was not present in either House of Congress to-day. ABOLITION OF THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE. ‘The subatitute proposed by Mr. Duell for the House bill abolishing the franking privilege, simply abrogates entirely the franking privilege by the repeal of all acts conferring it upon any person whomsover. It authorizes the transmission free of only tho official communications of Postmastors, the Postmaster General, and Assistan’ Poatmasters General, the Chief Clerk of the Post Ofice Dopartment, tho Sixth Auditor and his chief clerk, and allows the transmission free of newspaper exchanges, and of newspapers to actual subseribers ia the county where the paper is published, ARRIVAL OF RICHARD H. DANA. Richard H, Dana, United States District Attorney for Massachusetts, arrived in town to-night. Ie has busi- ness in the Supreme Court and with the United States Attorney General relative to Maséachusetts affairs. COMMISSION TO EXAMINE INVENTIONS FOR THE NAVY. Captains Shubrick and Wilkes and Naval Constructor Pook, compose the Board recently appointed by the £e- cretary of the Navy to examiue and report upon certain inventions which promiso usefulness in that branch oy the serv OIL SUPPLIES FOR LIGHTHOUSES. ‘The Lighthouse Board, through its Secretary, Mr. Jen- kins, gives evidence of its vitality by advertising tor a supply of seventy thousand gallons of the best quality pure winter strained sperm oil, for the use of tho estab. lishment, THIRTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS. FIMST SESSION, Senate, Wasinxato, Jon. 2, 1962. ABOLITION PETITIONS. Mr. Kina, (rep.) of N. ¥., presented a petition, nume- rously signed by citizens of Now York city, praying for the emancipation of slaves under the war power. MALL STREAMERS WETWEKN SAN FRANCISCO AND CHINA. Mr. Larwam, (opp.) of Cal., presented a petition from the Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco for @ stoam- ship mail line between that port aud China, ‘THE PARIS CONGTE OF 1866, Mr. Somwer, (rep.) of Mase., offered a resolution that the President be requested, if not incompatible with the public interoet, to transmit to the Seuate all the cor pondence which has taken place since the Congress held at Paris in 1850, relating to noutral and belligerent rights on the cecan, which was agtood NON-NTRRVENTION WITIt #1 Mr. Kewexoy, (opp) of Ma, from the state of Mayland p with slavery in @ very. onted a resolution sting against interie tes by the geseral govern. ate A SRW BUREAU IN THB TREASURY PRPARTMENT, ir. Larwam offered @ revolution instracting the Com. 16 o4 Finanee to inquire into the expediency of est 4 distinct burean fo Treasury Depa tient te and control the Nh was agreed to, rie aman. ) of Mare., oMred a resolntion, Military naire to rt t July, 18 United Seat: on tho eeeretary f carey € riMitonou, @ Ag. of War to reginenis Vif iv would | at oar slip nows RK HERALD. NEW YORK, FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1862. be advisable to convert those not yet mustered into sor- vice into regiments of infantry. reed to. Mr. Wison introduced @ bill to provide for the appoint- ‘ment of sutlers for the volunteer service of the army, and to define their duties. Referred. OF COLOMBIA AFRATRS. ‘Mr. Grnaxs, (rep.) of Jowa, introduced a bill in regard to the administration of justice in the District of Colum- Dia, which was referred. REPORTS AS TO THE SANITARY COND!T:ON OF THE ARMY. Mr. ee ery of on, Offered a resolution call- ing on the Secretary of War for ‘copies of the reports of the om General and Sanitary Commission on the health of the army, which was agreed to, The Senate adjourned to Monday. House of Representative Wasucton, Jan. 2, 1862. ARMS FOR THW SOLDIERS. On motion of Mr. Dugix,, (rep.) of N. Y., it was resoly- ed that the Secretary of War inform the House why cer- tain volunteer regiments from the State of New York» now encamped in this city, are not provided with arms and whether any legisiativn ig necessary on the part of Congress to enable the War Department to furni to the regiments now in the field. DEFENCES @F PUILADELPRIA AXD THE DELAWARE. Mr. Kerry, Moe ed introduced a bill to provide for the defence of the city of Philadelphia and the Dela. ware river. Referred to the Committee on Military Aguirs. arms ‘rte DEBE OF THR NATION. Mr. Vani anmieuam, (opp.) of Ohio, asked leave to offer resolution calling on the Secretary of the Treasury to report, at an early day, to the Honse the sum total of the present floating debt of tho United states, as nearly ag the same can be ascertained or estimated; giving also, ag far as practicable, the several hoals as to the depart- ments or subject matter unter which said debt may be ranged, A'so that tho Secretary of the Troasury be directed to report, a8 soon’ as is practica- Die, the amount, in pounds, of the importations of ten, coffve and sugar in the several ports of the United States for each month of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1861; also the amount in pounds of importations of the samo erticles for ea hh month of the current fiscal year up to January 1, 1862, with tho amonnt of duty collected on each since the Sth day of August last. Mr. Srmvens, (rep.) of Pa., and Mr. Fextox, (rep.) of bt Y., severally objected to the introduction of the reso- lution. TRADE WIT CALIFORNIA INDIANS. Mr. Puxips, (opp.) of Cal., asked, but failed to obtain, lenye to introduce @ Dill extending the laws now in force reghlating trade and intercourso with the Indian tribes to the Indiaus in California. Adjourned till Monday. MASON AND SLIDELL. Their Departure from Fort : Warren. Arrival of the British Sloop-of- War Rinaldo at Provincetown. Description of the Vessel and List of Her Officers. Sailing of the Rebel Commis- sioners for England, Kees Ker Kee Bostox, Jan. 2, 1861. The British war steamer Rinaldo, seventeen guns, arrived at Provincetown on the night of the 3ist ult. The commander said he was ordered to lay there, began unbending his sails, and appeared perfectly at home. ‘The Rinaldo is a screw steam sloop-of-war, 200 horse powcr, mounts seventeen gens, and is manned by two hundred hands, including the officers. Her guns, thirty-two pounders, are all on the main deck. Two of these cannon are pivots, each weighing over ten thousand pounds, The intermediate deck is used for the accommodation of the officers, and is comfortably fitted up. The list of the officers is as follows:— Commander. First Second Lieutenant. — Hewitt. +A. Arlington, -K. Terton, Master . ©. Smythe, Surgeon... A. Archer. Paymaster... . A. Thompson. Assistant Surgeon... seeses sees cove ode Nelooh Commander Howitt, while in this port, was noted for his gentlemanly conduct and unassuming mauners. The steamtug Siarlight left Fort Warren at eleven o'clock yesterday morning. She had on board the fol- lowing persons :— James M. Mason... John Slidell... . Minister to Francs George Eustis Secretary to J, Slidell, *Jumes E. Macfarland...........Secretary to J. M. Mason, The abovenamed wero en route for Provincetown, Minister to England. where they, on their arrival, were to be transferred to the Rinaldo. ‘The Starlight arrived at Provincetown at half-past four ovclock last evening, and the rebol emisearies were transferred to the British sloop-of-war then lying in the harbor. The Rinaldo sailed from Provincetown at six last evening, en route for England. The rebel commis- sioners wero on board tho vessel, and at the time she left the barbor the wind was blowing a perfect hurricane, NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA. Disastrous Floods and Immense Loss of Property—$590,000 in Treasure Kn Route for New York. San Francisco, Jane 1, 186: The stormy weathor has interrupted telegraphic com- munication within the Stato and over the Sierra Nevada since the 24\h ult, ‘The floods here have beou renewed to A great extent thronghout the valley and a portion of the State, Sacramento nad Stockton have been partially overtlooded again, without, however, much damage. Business with the interior is suspended, More property has been destroyed in the State by this freshet than by all the freshois heretofore sinco the coun- try hag been settled by Americans, ‘The woather is pleasant to-day. ‘The steamer Golden Age sailed for Panama, with one hundred passengers and $590,000 in treasure for New ‘York, and $170,000 for England. Judge Hoger yesterday issued an injunction staying tho sale of the Broderick estate until the question of the forgery of Mr. Brodorick’s will is investigated, Arrived 26th ult., steamer Uncle Sam, Panama; 29th, ehip R. B. Forbes, Boston; bark Zephyr, New York; 30th, ship Red Gauntlet, New York. Sailed 29th, ships Euterpe, New York; Nonpareil, Falmouth, Fortifying the Canadian Shores, Tn addition to the fortifications newly erected on the Canadian shores, and which we have previously noticed, we find the following interesting paragraph:— [From the Detroit Free Pross, Jan. 1.] ‘THY: PORTIMICATIONS AT WINDEOR, C. W A fow wecks ago a corpsof engivecrs, under command of General Williams, arrived at Windsor, and proceeded At once to lay out fortifications commanding the city of Detroit. The plaus have been completed aad the works commenced, and, it continued, wil be ready to mount guns in ashort time. The fort is situated on an eminence a little to the left of the matn village, and nearly in the rear of the Towa Hall, and completely commands the whole river front and principal businers part of this city, Th tifeatious consist of breastworks, embracing an aren of about sixteon thousand square yards, and sur. rounded by a dich forty fevt in width, The satne corps of engineors are now at Collingwood, selecting a site for similar fortiticatiors there. Newsrarsr 3B. Tuexen Ur at Sta.—Tho pilot bom Charles H. Marshall, 3, Captain F. Nelson, camo up from sea Tuesday afternoon, and re, ports—Om Sunday morning, thirty-five miles east by south from Sandy Hook, picked uy an India rob bor bag contnining a t of Hewaxps, Ame Tritunes, Sn i of Docoraber 27, supposed to have beew lost or thrown overboard fom the sveane Tontovia or City of Wastin Southampton and ¢ satied bexeo 23th The bag’s havi w tiwown over from Dot We belngent or tora of, Th ale ¢, Whitebal slip. ny of fact of tho GENERAL BUTLER’S EXPEDITION. Embarkation of Three Thousand Troops on Board the Constitution. Bostrom, Jan, 2, 1862. Nearly three thousand men of General Butler's Now England division embarked this afternoon on board the steamship Constitution, which is expected to leave to- morrow, Tho troops are cemposed of the Twelfth Maine regi- ment, Colonel Shepley; the Bay State regiment, Colonel Jonas H. French; » squadron of the Light cavalry, Captain Durivage; a company of the Boston Fire Zouaves, and Captain Reid’s corps of Mounted Riflemen. Previous to the embarkation standards were presented to the Maine and Massachusetts regiments on the Com- mon, and a salute was fired by a detachment of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, in honor of Colono} French, their past commander. IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI. CAPTURE OF NOTORIOUS BRIDGE BURNERS, St. Lovrs, Jan. 2, 1862. Despatches received st headquarters announce the cap- ture of the notorious Jeff, Owens, Colonel Jones and fifty of their bridge burning gang, near Martinsburg, Adrian county, by General Schofield, commander of the State militia, and the various gueriila bands along the North Missouri Railroad haye been pretty thoroughly scat tered. ‘The report this morning that six regiments of Union troops had started on a Western expedition is a mistake, Recent devolopements disclose embezziements in the County Collectors office, amounting to $30,000. These frauds were committed by Stephen D. Axtell, Chief Clerk, and extend back for a series of years. NEWS FROM KENTUCKY. NO BATTLE FOUGHT AT PADUCAH. Cincaco, Jan. 1, 1862. The Cairo operator says there was no foundation for the the statement that there had been aight at Paducah. Pmraprnema, Jan. 2, 1862, Captain Alfred Bacon was not killed at Paducah, a3 previously reported, but in a skirmish between the Union and rebel pickets near Calhoun, McLean county, Kon- tucky A guard, composed of men from the Third Ken- tucky cavalry regiment, was attacked by a larger force of the rebels, and five of our men, including Captain Ba- con, were killed and twenty taken prisoners. Tremendous Gale at the Eastward. Boston, Jan. 2, 1862. The galo at Boston last night was the most severe known for years. ‘The several steamboat trains from New York arrived this morning without serious detention, but the passen- gers report a tremendous gale on the Sound, In Boston and its vicinity many chimneys were blown down and buildings unroofed, but no loss of life is as yet reported, ‘The ship Belle Creole, from Cardiff for New York, at anchor in Newport, dragged ashore on Goat Island last night. She will get off. The brig J. J. Reviere, from Grand Sabine, arrived be- low last night. She had to cut away masts to prevent going ashore. Brig ArMbell from Aux Cayes for Boston, 13 ashore on Long Point, Provincetown. She will come off. Collision on the Harlem Railroad. A FIREMAN KILLED—NARKOW ESCAPE OF THE PAS- SENGERS. On Tuesday night a collision occurred on the New York and Harlem Railrond, at Unionville, between the up ex- press freight train and the down milk train, which re- sulted fatally to Werley Clark, fireman on the freight train. There were quite a number of persons on the trains, but strange to say all escaped injury but Clark. It appea:s that the two trains were endeavoring io gain the side track at Unionville, so that they might pass each other, and came in collision at Unionville, ‘The engineers eaved their lives by jitping. Clarke was knocked from his seat, bis right leg paseing through between the engine and tender, almost severing it from the body. It was amputated yesterday morning. Everything that could be done to save his life was resorted to, but he died at two o'clock. He leayes awlfe and child. Tho engines of both trains are badly damaged, and one of the tenders is a complete wreck. Two of the freight cars were also mach injured. New Hampshire Republican State Con- vention. Coxcorp, N. H., Jan. 1, 1862. Tho New Hampshire Republican State Convention to-day nominated Governor Berry for re-election. Dr. Crosby, of Hanover, democrat, received the nomi- nation for Railroad Commissioner. Regolutions were adopted sustaining the government in prosecuting the war, endorsing the national adiministra- tion; demanding strict economy; endorsing the State authorities; thanking the volunteers for their devotion, and promising to support the candidates nominated, with out regard to party issues. Movements of General Scott. CALLERS ON NEW YEAR'S DAY. ‘Tho number of those who called on General Scott, at the Brevoort House, on Wednesday, was very large. ‘The great age and infirmitics of the veteran chief, while they exempted him from paying visits, were but additional incentives to draw around him many who were anxious to testify their sympathy for him in his present condt- Won, and express the admiration they feel for the many Iaeting benefits which have been conferred on the country by the gray haired veteran, Tho visiters were somewhat disappomted when informed that Genera! Scott bad expressed his intention to remain in strict seclusion during the day, Among those who called aud left their cards were the following:—Prince de Joinville, Count de , Duke de Chartres, Count de Monthoton, Hamiiton than Edwards, Jolin J. Ciseo, » London Times corvespondent? Colouel 01 De.aiieid, Lieutenant Colonel Van Buren and Major Leslie. Coroners’ Inquesta. min Weer Hoveton Strerr.—About four o'clock ‘8 morning a fight occurred at the saloon No. 80 West Houston street, which terminate. in the ligerents,pamed Andrew J son culty, it appears, commenced between two mea named Charles Golding and Bouquet Billy,” alias Lovls Matse!l, who engaged in @ rough and tumble fight. Fowler interfered on bebulf of one of the partis, when a genoral row ensued, ia which some six or eight persons, Doth men and women, were engaged. In the meleo Fowler was stabbed in the head, receiving such a severe wound it waa deemed necessary to convey him to the New k Hospital, The injured man was ins ble whew aitted to the institution, and remained in that condi- vntil the following morning, when death put an end to hig sufferings, The Eighth precinct police were romptly on hand and arrested all the parties, who wero locked up in the station house over night. Yesterday Coroner Wildey commenced an investigation into the cir- cumstances attending the death of Fowler; bit, notwith- standing a large number of witnesses were examined, no clue could bé discovered to the perpetrator of the homicide, ‘The most important witnesses have yet to be examined, however, and it is confidently expected that to-day's pro- ccodings Will reveal the name of the assassin. Fowler by occupation, and lived at No. 113 Laurens street. He was twenty-seven years of age and was aman of family. The police state that the parties engaged in the fight wore all drunk.and that tho difoulty originated from some remarks made to one of tho girls who frequented the p! Fatat Reevrr or 4 Si00rmna Arrnay.—Owen Pholan, who was shot by James J. Wail, aclerk on board the steam- boat Sylvan Shore, at the corner of 129th street and Fourth avenue, on Monday night, died erday at Bello- vue Hospival irom the eflects of his injury. An inquest wil) be held upon the body of deceased to day, Homie on New Yi Paeeevration.—Tho Warren Rifles, (Niacty-Atth regi mont Now York Volunteers), will this afternoon be pre* sented with a stand of colors by Mr. Richard Warren ‘Tho presentation will take place at to o’clock, at the corner of West Sixtocnth street and Fifth avenne. A num. der of pr nt persons Lave been invited ond a pleasant timo is expected. Arrivals and Departures, ARIIV ALS. HAVANA, —Stoomehip Columbia—M Baird, WA Dutt, © Ceriero, LB Pit, WHE . Juan Key, JM Woleok, B Jariows, JRO Ke DA Sid enue Ne AV ams, Drd W Stone Fu W Pw Mast, Bi PRICE TWO CENTS. IMPORTANT FROM HAVANA. Landing of the Spaniards at Vera Cruz. The City Surrendered Without Firing a Shot. Artillery and Munitions Abandoned by the Mexicans. Arrival of the French Flect at Havana. SPANISH GENERAL PRIM IN HAVANA. His Hnthusiastic Reception by the Spaniards. THE REVOLUTION IN ST. DOMINGO, Rey Ker kee The steamship Columbia, Captain Adams, arrived yos- sterday fiom Havana. We are furnished by hor. with our Havana papers to the 28th of December. They contain the important news of the occupation of Vera Cruz by the Spanish, which intelligonce wae brought to Havana on the 28th by the steamer Francis of Assisi. The Diario de la Marina, in announcing the event, says:—The city of Vera Cruz is in our power, and tho peunon of Castile waves over the fort of San Jnan d’Ul- loa and the public edifices of the town, Thus is taken the first step towards the regeneration of the degraded (desgraciado) republic of Mexico.” ‘The Spanish expedition, which left Havana on the 5th, consisted of the steamers Isabel la Catolica, Francisco @Azia, Pizarro, Blasco de Garay, Velasco, Guadalquiver, Cubana, Pajaro del Occeana, Cuba, Cardevas, Maisi, the frigates Lealtad, Concepcion, Blanca, Petronila, Berengu- clay Princesa @’Asturias, conveying the eailing vessels Santa Maria, Marigalante, Fayorita, Teresa, Sunrise, F ma y Paquita. Our Havana Correspondence. Havana, Doc. 28, 1861. The Spanish Expedition to Mexico—Arrival of the Fleet a, Vera Cruz—Landing of the Proops—Evacuaticn of the City and Fortifications ty the Mexicans—Comference of th, Spanish Commandcr:—Proclamations to the Army and to the People of Vera Cruz—Mexican Hoslitity to the Spanish Invaders—Arrival of the French Admiral and Part of his Preel—Enthusiasm of the Soldiery, de., de. We have news from Mexico at length, after an anxious deiay of many days. The principal, if not sole cause of the delay, however, is duc to the weather on the coast of Mexico, which, for several days, was 80 rough as to pre- clude all possibility of landing the troops. Late in the evening of the 20th her Catholic Majesty's steamer Fran. cisco d’Asis arrived here with the intelligence that Vora Cruz was in possession of the Spanish army, end that the city had been surrendered without asingle shot being fied. The Spaniards were in bigh glee. Additicnai jl- luminations, flags, hangings, mottoes and bands of music were provided as quickly as possible, and Havana looked gayer than ever; for, remember that the festivities in honor of Gen. Prim and the Christmas holidays continue with unabated zeal. Without any comment of mine, I will give you every thing contained in the papers here relative to the eveut in question, The vessel Concepeion, which is described Subsequently as baying been destroyed by the Mexicans, was one of those taken by the United States syuadron at the time Miramon was bombarding Vera Cruz. Firat in order comes tho Diaris de la Marina of yesterday, the 27th. Beco:— (From the Diario de Ia Marina ) morrow vhe deep anxiety in which the adzence of news from ore MilWnt eXpeuiti Lary army kept the city of Havans, gu) We might say even the outire island, Will be at length eve’. Her Majes y's steamer Fran- cisco d'Asis arrives toc ight, and has brought the mest favorable acquents respecting the first operations. The city of Vera tog # mour power; (bo banner of Castile waves over the vortress of Sun Juan (’( lloa and the pub- lic buildings m che city, The feet step towards the re- generation of the unbappy Mexican republic is alveady taken. Bat it 18 not our purpose to enter into redlections here; our rea. prefer news, aud we are goug to give that aa complete as possibly can be at the late hour in which we receive part of our correspoudence, Here is the first let- ter which Gomes to our hands:— Vara Cavz, Dec. 20, 1861. I do not know, Messrs. Editors, whether or vot you have any correspondent among those who compose the Sj expeditionagaiust Mesico; but howover that may be, 1 beg yuu to be kind ono ghto give « place im your es. teemed periodi al to the bows Fam going to cmipile, ae- tuated by no motive otber thom to serve my ecouairy with my pen,as i do with my swore You weil know the fimpa jard waited tor the ge the wrongs © Mexico, and you will easiiy comprehend che outhusiasm which réigued in Havana en the day which ew us de- part, The men of steam and ot the telegraph haye not yet found a way to pl the trans)os of Ue soul, hor daguerreots po tho The poucil stevia from na- ture the chiar oscwo of her .ikeness, the pen ber secrets, and the chisel her form, but what penell, or what pen, cau depict the extreme cl sensation? sheretore I give up the attempt to paint the enthusiasm with which te people of Havana yrectes the entire expedition, the joy with whieh that aumerous multitude was agitate ', as ihe cn contracts or dilates the depths of its bowwm.” Lot tt sail 10 know that ali exaggeration is weak, and that thoge fits of patriotism are not capab.e of desertp tion. At nightfalior the Sth inst., when we had Dareiy entered tho so-cadod Cainpeachy Sound. we saw a vewsel a, pear, lanneviately the telegraph of the frigate Berengacia, on board of which was Brigadier General Vargas, second in command of the expedition for the present, ordered the co de Garay to mal eoonnvissauce, Five Bes gal undieg space with ther biue to perceive that it was len SI Stationed, on the wheclhoc#e 01 Folyin which, I may weritg, came four companies and the regi- afl of the regiment of Napies, [saw en my right the son which was rising myestionlly anc as if ies. ing from the veptisof the ceca, while om my leit my eyes Anures chemseives in watching the faueiul wreatt/ which the columus ef smoke furmed frou the st Isabet la ¢ c jaay , Ve Were sent up ea tad, Coucepoion, Blanea, Petroniia, 4 Princesa’ d’Asturias, enveloping the hookers Sania Maria, Mari sa, Sunrise, Fama gad Paquita. I aute, thought 1 was looking at tue’Spanich fleet croesing vorita, Te the ‘strats to (nwngarate in Africa that briiant pleiad which has raisod Castilian honor eo high, and which, with joverpments like shat which now rules’ the destinies of the country, simu. lat sit to recover its ancient dominion. So brillia.t @ sight left no place fa my heart for recollections of bom’ where J have not stayed ten mouths after tweiv: of absence, and | only thought, like every ono the triumph of our arms, Cn the night of \he Tih, now very near Ve Cran, we geeted our chief with the #.bjoined hymn, which | com- posed without any pretensfon—music by Don Juan Benes dctti—and which my esteemed companions, the offfeers of the regiment of Naploe, hod the kininess to sing. (H re ‘ollows the hyn.n, to whieh the translator would be nable to do justice, and thereiore deelines the at tempt.) Ateleven o'clock in tront of V he morning of the Sih we passed 4 an immense vive of th. whieh a, pe ‘om the centre of the eit, rested cur alent taneted that tie Ve guns, to geatiiy their rage, had resolved to give 8 vctacte like that of the stern Numwantins. ’ Others, more eantious. tho. ght the conflagration the work o1 avei- dunt, and presently we observed the ¢ uadulyuiver steam. ing in the direc oO} two (rigates which were tu Savrt+ ficios. Senre wownchored in Autom Liza do when the magnetic threads of enthusiaem communicated cn all fides the news that the bulk of the popwati n, aba don ing their homes, bas withdrawn inte the inter for; thot the tio was fortiied as if, for a heroic ! that the pe f Vera (Mz, ¢ © iirage more to the many they have commmittod ag fd reason, Rad burned to ashes a Spumisiy merc vosset wh y had had for some time iu cherr yx with wiyeh aw'o dafe they wished to soemnive the Feast of the C’neeption, the verse! being cae La Coneoper a So ungust a roeedu one prou) wm @ of lk bees ane time. t with whieh the Mextows have ever ire ted their Dret: ren, the Spaniards, and nuh moe may be oxp: eved from a people wh pis to ive without pvernment (urmua Oi the oes og of tho same day woumw a Frosch ate a nt 1 ty Otol, fom. whiek Wei t ove) al off hoe ag interview wu Adiwual