The New York Herald Newspaper, February 2, 1862, Page 1

T WHOLE NO. 9275. TANT FROM GEN. GRANT'S COLUMN. dditional Particulars of the Reconnoitring Expedition. \OVEMENTS OF GEN. SMITHS BRIGADE. tecomnoissance of the Tennessee River and Fort Henry, with Its Surrounding Earthworks. SUCCESS ‘©F THE EXPEDITION. THE FORT NOT YET EVACUATED. MAP OF THE POSITION, &o., &e., &. ANOTHER RECONNOISSANCE OF FORT HENRY. OUR CROWN POINT CORRESPONDENCE. Cuown Ponrr, Ky., Jan. 21, 1862. Departure from the Camp—Rebd Gunboats—The Fort Fired at from the Lexington—No Reply—The Kort Not Yet Bvacuated—Destruction of a Rebel Picket Camp—Guer- villas at Work—The Order to Return to Paducah—A Specimen of Southern Literature, dc. Bince I eommenced writing, the gunboat Lexington has arrived, convoying the transport Wilson and two barges loaded with provisions and forage. The Lexington was sent up to Fort Henry on a reconnoitring expedition, and through the politeness of Captain Shirk, her com- mander, I was permitted to accompany him. We had Just got under way and turned a bend in the river, when the rebel gunboat Dunbar was discovered coming down. On discovering us she quickly turned about and put back with all possible speed. A round shot and two shelis ‘were thrown after her; but the distance between us was two great for execution. She declined returning the oom- pliment. She is a rapid sailer, and soon distanced us. When we arrived within sight of tho fort, the bout was lying abreast of it, in company with @ consort. They are both up riv steamers’ having no other peculiarity than that they each carry two twelve-pound rifled guns, and are the fastest sailers to be found. | The Lexington went within two miles of the fort, and threw a number of shells into it, without eliciting & reply. It is quite evident, however, that the fort has not yet been evacuated, as their pickets were seon in several places along the shore. One picket camp was @estroyed bya well directed shell, which undoubtedly id good execution. The fort mounts four thirty- ‘wo pounders, two of which are rified. Be- eides these they have a number of field Pieces, designed evidentiy tobe hauled out into commanding positions along the diuffs in case of necessity. They have also recently thrown some earthworks on a igh bluff above Fert Henry; on the west bank of the river, mounting two fifty-four-pounders, which effectu- ally command the fort, and will make it untenable, if taken, until they are silenced. steaming up the river the Lexington was fired upon rdly miscreant concoaled in tho woods on the , very wear the federal camp at Crown Point. fellow thot a charge of buckshot, slightly the ree bag tude order hea’ ey ecemtates: ice genet hy Sooo thus Pred Pant gro that : which have secret, was a feipt to aid Gen. Buell in ‘bis on Green. t object ac- ‘complished, Gen. Smith had but to’ obey orders, like the tree sdidier he is, and return. But on the report of ‘Osptain Shirk, showing that Fort Henry is not evacu- vand being so near it, with a determined of well disciplined men, who have been led vwith the expectation that that was their desti- General bas ordered a halt, and will wait orders from headquarters It would of folly to tarn our backs upon this for- we are soncar it,and nothing could greatly dispirit and demoraitze the command. Bot let writers who have ly abused General Smith im the past if we are now couatermarched from this place “without stri a blow at Fort Henry, the blame is at- ‘tributable to ‘authorities than General Smith. As a curiosity of Southern literature, and as givivg the ‘atest news from Colambus, I euciose # letter of late date ‘from a soldier incamp at that place. 1 beg its insertion Uteratim:— a Travia’ Risa, Crr. Bacanvs Courry, Covovmnous Ky Dec 26 1861 Dear Parants I sete my self to night in my sehanty fier side to Inform you that I am well at this time find you all weell & inging Crismous It is litle us hear Thavent had bot 2 drams “this tims air doul hear & men cop close to thir Som thinks that unkel Abe wil ceme down 't the firat weeke in 62. I dont now whether it is soc not thoe I gees not Pillers Bragade is going to Bolin- green and the missippi melitia volenters for 2 monts thay have had afte with the northen caverly at monsonville out by the old tol gat about cardens & thay have rowted the ecamps from Rolla me my «ld tram grownd we air stil preparing canons we have a larger Rifelcanon inthe same place the other was hear wate is 14,860 Ibs and shois the same bay! the manaca Ram [think is head little be lo hear ower battery 1g reddy for action the Artilermen have bin training the eanons the River is vary loe for this seson of the year I have not heard from you senco Jams smith.camo down I want you all to Writo tome & came down ef you can shortly & when ‘you come down i want you to ietch ine one or to quilts for thea:nits is giting cold. Aud when you, come I want you to fetch mea bout 2 shirts for 1 it Dut too and thay ant mutch & Tant Dron anny mony yet and I dont now when I will git anny amost of the oficers have bin pado and I dowt tie ert, giting any onder too monts yit I want Alick and }. R. Me.Nall to come down of thay can end I want them to write tome thay never have wrote to me sence hear If bin 1 cant tako the time to write thom seperit letters to thom tho It sems that I write letters at onst of the family aud send them in your letters but you must not let ther letters be exposed ef it is to Beane give my Reapecks to Jobn Harras bot you most not let him read this Letter for yo now how young foaks air [ dont now whea | will ever git home I dont now whether we will git any forlows any moer or not write tome shortly and the Rest I will writte to you evry week or too nothing moer at present give my Respecks to inquirn frends and them Abdomtiqu Devels I wush them agave gourney to hell from your fon. R. W OVERBY. aes ie £ E 3 | gs Crown Por, Ky., Jan. 28, 1862. General Smith and Staf’ Reconnoitre the Rebel Defenc:»— The Shells from the Union Vessels—Fiow They Took Ef- fect—The Fort Replies—The Reconnoissance a Sucerss— The Return to Padwah Ordered by General Swith— Where is the Paymaster ?—Description of Fort Henry and Map of the Vicinity, de. Yesterdey morning General Smith, accompanied by his staff, proceeded on board the Lexiugton to reconnoi- tre Fort Honry in person. The boat proceeded up the west channel of the river, which, owing to the present high stago of water, is navigable for all craft to a point within one and.a half mile of the fort. Throe steamers were discoveres lying off the @outh of the «mall creek that emptics inte,the Tennessee Just above the fort, but with no steam up. A well directed sholl, striking fair in ‘he stern of one of thom, soon woke them up and stimu- ‘ated active efforts in getting up steam and pushing up the river. A secand ehell fell ehort of its mark, bursting t the water just in front tho enemy's works. A third burst.in the air, directly over the fort, doubtless doing good execution. Such temerity ou the part of the savcy Lexington was not to be endured by the garrison of the fort, who now brought a thirty-two. poundbreech-leeding piece into play, throwing a round shot considerably to the rigat of the Lexington, which fell into-the water nearly half a mile short of its mark. With the aid of a glass a fine wiew of the garrison of the fort was new obtained from the deck of the gunboat, anda more canfused mase of exchted humanity is seldom acén, Howover, General Smith had accomplished his purpose in drawing the shot of the enemy, and satisfying himeelf of the pasition and strengtlt of their works, and therefore bade them farowall with a couple of sixty-four pound shells, Un returning to camp orders were # once issued to countermarch to Paducah, and this gaorning at eight o'clock the column will move, This actiog of the Gone- ral js evidence conclusive that he hag had s10 orders to a‘tack the fort, but that, had he been eatisfid.' that he could have taken it without too greatta risk, ho would have made the attempt. One thing is certain: tho utter demoralization of this command will follow its return to Padveah, unless on their arrival there they shall ind Paymenter in waiting to pay them off. For five months they have wailed patiently without a cent of pay. and when the order to march was given last wook they at Cairo, which are now used by bankers, while he Beatosine Cregiariy returns from Paducah as an excuse for off. The men have earned their money; the go bes it now remains pregnable. I am enabled to give you not only the accom- Panying map, showing the position and calibre of each a, but also tofurnish you the exact strength of the bottom land to the Pine Bluff landing,.six miles below the fort. The chart of the fort gives the position ana calibre of the guns. “The garrison consists of the Fourth and Seventh Mississippi regiments and a regiment of Louisi- ana volunteers. Of these three regiments the returns of last Saturday gave but thirteen hundred effective men. Those are commanded by Colonel Stecker, of the Louisiana Volunteers. The fort may be reinforced, however, at any time from Fort Donald- son, which may make the garrison twenty-five hundred strovg. Both forts are under the general command of Brigadier General Ti!!man. ‘Upon a biuff on the opposite side of the river, further up than the fort, and effectually commanding it, the rebels have recently erected a battery of two sixty-four pounders, to be used against a successful enemy. Those aad by a detachment from the garrison of the fort. Officers are now at work in various localities in the region of the fort, impressing men for its defence, in an- ticipation of an attack from us. They are not quite ready for an attack yet, and hence this haste. In & week or two they will have a second Columbus at this point, when our military authorities will begin to think of re- ducing it. If the blow is to be struck atallit can be struck at no more favorable time than the present. MOVEMENTS OF GEN. SMITH’S COLUMN. OUR MURRAY CORRESPONDENCE. Murray, Cartoway County, Ky:, Jan. 10, 1862. ‘The Advance Eighteen Miles Below Fort Henry—The Halt— Rumors of the Evacuation of the Fort—Capture of a Rebel Descendant of a Noted Congressman—He is Released on Tulcing the Oath of Alleyiance—A Brutal Murder, de. After six days hard marching General Smith hag reached the county seat of Calloway county. Heavy rains and consequent muddy roads during the last halr of the march have been the principal adventures. The country through which we have passed, and that in which we now are, is intensely secession. Thiscounty has the reputation of being the strongest hold of se- cessionism in the State of Kentucky. It was largely represented in the bogns Convention that resolved tha State out of the federal Union and attached it to the Southern confederacy. There is scarcely a Union man to be found, at least in this imme- diate vicinity. Deserted houses are common, and have been since we left Graves county, the rebels flying in utter confusion at the first intimation of our approach. Fortunate, indeed, were those who remained at home, for a house without a tenant was quick!y de- spoiled of its contents of any value. In some instances the white males alone had fled, leaving their wives and children, with their piggors, to the mercy of those who were such @ terror to themselves. In such cases the households were sacred. In other cases the niggers alone were left, and these were called upon to furnish a meal for the tired and hungry soldier. The panic is univer- sal among all who are in the least tinctured with seces- sion proclivities. 4 ‘The main column of General Smith’s command has nog yet come up, being still floundering in the mud about four miles west of here. They will probably come up to- morrow, and the whole column will halt here until all the stragglers come in. The incessant heavy rain of Friday and Saturday has rendered the roads terrible, and almost im- ar for artillery and baggage trains. To-day has een clear, with a warm southwest wind blowing, which had dried up the mud considerably; and should the same weather prevail for a day or two longer the roads will be again,quite passable. Fort Henry, toward which we are headed, is on the east side of the Tennessee river, just south of ‘the boundary line between the two States. It is now occupied by a garrison of about two thousand rebel troops. It mounts Auumber of heavy guns, though its peculiar position renders an accurate reconnoissance, that would disclo: the actual number and calibre of the guns, impossible The Conestoga ai a ty ler approached within two miles of it on Friday last, Inted it with half a dozen strong yollies of shells, but without getting a response. They returned on Saturday to try it again, but with what suc- cess has not yet been learned. The distance from this point to the {1 hteen miles, which will re- quire at least two days travelling. We hope ww be in possession th hest, by Thursday. 1 5 tion of that point is desivable, as securing safe transpor- tation for army stores to the northern portion of Teunessee, ond furnishing a good basis tor further operations to §6the «(interior of that State, .The omy experienced by our forces is, that the rebels will hav. uated before we can get wt them. They undoubtediy have news thei already of our approach, though I doubt whether the; know our actuakstrengih. We have been six diys away from Paducah, during which time we have recived nota word of news from beyond our immeriate force. Kentucky, or at least this portian of the State, is utterly devoid of mail acc: = dations of any kind. The people are ignorant of what is transpiriug about them, as well South as North. a farmer visits Paris, Texm., or Paducah, and owing to the unsettled « Won't we be glad to get out of the wilderness.”’ As jilustrating in some degree the literary attainments jon, T enclose rs circular of Miss Boggs’ Feina'e seminary, which 1 found tacked upon the d ‘4 axaioon iu this village, I may say that it is writes in , which amply illustrates the ‘* devotion 'y acquisitions” of (ue fair Miss Boggs. Tt ought also to be said that Miss Boggs is meeting with d success, quite a number of * budding intellects” sought ber skill ndg for expansion aud tramming. Hor cireular reads as follows:— MORRAY remAt aday J ry. Witsout boa: i trusts her pa quisicioas. h ored hier mind with such knowledge ant q sas will an roux py vate # the high rates r session ot tive mouth :— 161 Avithmesic 2. Advanced Ati w colinteral be carried on ‘Tuition fees uraished vats of scholars vent, RILNSIA D. BOGGS. Budding intellects and tobacco seem tobe the only crops raised in this part of the State, A littie corn for home use and smail crops of rye tor coffve occasionally are gathered. Coffee is not w be had for any price. pices are extremely scarce. All luxuries © long since been abandoned. The plainest fare is to be found 9 on the table of (he wealthiest planter and the pou: est iavorer, whether white or negro. The usual meal is salt meat and hominy, hoe cake and molasses, and rye wide; butter is seldom’ seon; sugar only found dccasior ; Vegetables only to be ndays or visiting occasions. The planters have large crops of tobacco on hand, and are anxious- ly waiting opportunities to get it to market, autioipating large prices for it, There are no young men in the coun- try, having all joined the Southern army. Nine out of every ten of the old men have conversed with en- tertaia Southern views, but are willing to be restored to the Union, if by such a’step they can have peace and the restoration of their former privileges. They want mails and freedom to qo to market. With these granted them thoy are setistied, whether attached to the Union or the Southern confederacy. But they aro heartily sick of the war, the blookade, and"the jaternal disruption that seces- sion has brought upon them. THE DISTRESSED CUNDITION OF CALLO- WAY COUNTY. OUR AURORA CORRESPONDENCE. Wast Bank Tansmisne River, Fove Mirns Souti or Avrora, Jan. 21,1862. The Residents of the County Greally Inclined to Secession Prineiples— Deserted Houses Very Common—A Paniom General Smith's Advance—The Location of Fort Henry— Dearth of News in the County—Budding Intetlects and TovaccomHow the Callowayians Live, ée. Seven days’ bard marching, with rain and mnd beyond any conception, has brought General #mith's colamn to the west Bank of the Teunessee river, about cighteen miles below the rebel Fort Heury. A balt has baa ordered and a messenger despatched in a dugout to Aurora—four miles beiow—to order up the gunboats that ate lying there convoy ing pleamars with five days’ ad and payable at ond of session. by the padtuns oF at Welr expense, t NEW YORK, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1862. THE REBEL POSITION ON THE Map of the Tennessee River, Showing the Position of Fort Henry and the Battery Commanding That River, and Fort Donald- son, Commanding the Cumberland River. F—64-pounder, smooth. G—Magazine. H—Three 6-pounder field pieces. TENNESSEE AND CUMBERLAND. Thirteen hundred effective tien. Col. Stacker, Louisiana Volunteers, Commanding. Brig. Gen. Tilimam, Commanding at Forts Henry and Donaldson. ditional rations for the troops, who have nearly exhausted their supplies. The recent raing have so swollen the streams tributary to the Tennessee between this point and Aurora that it is impossible to move the forces to that point. We hope to find transportation waiting to take us across the river, when we shall most probably push on with all possible rapidity to Fort Henry. But alas! for all hopes human, it is au- thentically reported that the last vestige of arebel has fled from the fort, taking care firat to spike their guns and throw them into the river, and destroy such of the works there as are capable of destruction, This leaves ‘us without the chance of an immediate fight, as the flying rebels have so much the start of us that it does not seem at all probable we can catch thom should it be deemed worth while to attempt it. However, i presume the post will be occupied and held basis’ for future operations. It is also reported that enemy are throw. ing up some defensive works a few miles further up the river on this side; but this is questionabl Tn passing through Murray, yesterday, we had the extreme pleasure of capturing ‘a secossion descendant of the late Hon. Lynn Boyd, who, for eighteen years, repro- sented this disirict of Kentucky in the federal Congress, and for four years was Speaker of that body. The son, Lynn Boyd, Jr., was charged with aiding and abetting the murder of a certain young man named Jones, a Union citizen of Murray. It seems that last August a brother of this Jones was invited to foin tl Not able to write himself, he call upon his br ir to write . The brother wrote meeting of citizers was thereupon held, committee was appointed to wait upon Mr. Jones aud in- vite him to leave the neighborhood. In tho meantime the particular Jones interested had gone to Tennesses. ‘The cominittes waited upon his brother and inquired for him. His brother asked them their business, and, when informed, told them that he wrote the letter, and in- quired what they were going to do about it. Whereupon he was taken into custody and immediately conveyed to a rebel camp at Union City, where an investigation of his case was had, resulting in bis discbargo, the military authorities declaring that he had cominitted no recoguiza. bie offences. After lis release he was followed by the Murray committee to a picce of woods lying between the camp and the railroad station, where he was brutally murd Ahasty investigation of the case by Colonel McArthur, in camp, showed that Boyd had nothing to do with it farther than attending the public mooting in Murray. His offence consisted in not protecting the man, rathor than in aiding in his murder. Ho confessod him- self a secessionist, and admitted that he had aided in the rebel cause by making speoches, writing letters, and in genoral conversation. He was therefore reieasod upon taking the following oath:— “<] do swear that [ will support, protect and derond the constitution and government of the United States against all enemies, whether domestic or foreign; and that 1 will bear true faith, allegiance and loyalty to the same, any ordinance, resolution or law of any State convention or Ivgislature to the contrary notwithstanding whutso. ‘Aud furthor, that 1 will not directly or indirectly ce to the people of the States in rebel- ernment of the United States. So hel ?? Upon subseribing to this onth Mr. Boyd was furnished with a safe escort out of camp, and ‘sent on his way home rejoicing. Dr. Bo, father of the famous Mies Hortonsia Boggs, ot ‘budding intellect’ pro- pensity—was arrested at the samo time, and for participation in tne same act. He pleaded that he attended the meeting to prevent violonce being done, and that he moved the appointment of @ committee to inves tiga at justice might be done. Ho, however, jt Mr. Jones rather rovugbly in his face, but asserted that Jones grossly insulted him. Further, he repented him of his rashness immediately after the commission of the assault. He had nothing to do with the final killing. He was offered his freodom on the same terms that Boyd obtained his; but his con- science would not ithim to takesuchanoath. He was willing to bind himself by an oath of neutrality, with the roserved privilege of di ing either side of the fence that the issue of the war might throw bis State. Such an oath Colonel McArthur declined administering, and the Doctor was brought along @ prisoner, greatly to his disgust. MILITARY MOVEMENTS IN KENTUCKY. Tho First and Second Kentucky regiments of infantry, the Fourth Kentucky cavalry, and the Thirty-fifth In- diana regiment are encamped about three miles from Bardstown. ‘The troops under command of General Smith are at a village Aurora, about ton miles distant from the ‘Tennessoe river, not vory far from Fort Henry. General Smith had sont’ to Padacah for seven days’ additional Fatioua, which wore forwarded by the gunbout Conostoga. The First Kentucky, Colonel Enyart; Second, Colonel wick, and the Twentieth, Colonel Bruce, have been Drigaded under Colonel 8. D. Bruce. igndior General Rousseau, Brigadier General R. W. Johnson and Captain Hoblitzel!, of McCook’s staff, arrived ‘at Loulaville on the 234, from Groen river, Clty Intelligence, Avrommwenss py mie New Cousty Cusex.—Henry Genet, the new County Clerk, has made the following ap- pointments and changes in his officor#:—Ieaiah Rynders, Clerk in Chancery, ealary $1,000; C. E. Loew, Recording Cierk, salary $1,000; William Williams and William ! Wilke ot Clerks, $500; Johu & Norris, Clork of ds, ‘salury $750; N. T. Rossiter, ulerk of Supreme Jourt Circuit, salary $1,000 per annum. Ma. MoMsermr’s Lagrore on Christophigr Colembus taitey’ place this evenin NEWS FROM THE SOUTHERN COAST. Naval Operations at Savannah—Re- ported Battle near Apalachicola. ‘The despatch appears in the Norfolk Day Book of 3 S1, and is headed, “By telegraph spe- cially for the. Day Book.’” Savawnan, Jan. 80, 1862. ‘This morning all is quiet. Yesterday a fleet of steam. ers went down to look after and strengthen the obstruc- tions of the river. They were unmolested by the enemy. Most of the Yankee vessels were drawn off the day pre, vious. Seventeen federal vepsela were at Warsaw Sound yes- terday and heavy firing was heard there. The cause is unknown. The Republican has a private letter, dated Bainbridge, January 27, in which it is reported that a fight took place ‘at James’ Island, noar Apalachicola, in which sixty fede- rals were killed and thirty-five taken pris:uors. The enemy were entirely routed. Our loss thirteen. News from San Francisco. COLD AND STORMY WEATHER—THE NATIONAL TAX ASSUMED BY THE STATE, ETC. San Francisco, Jan. 31, 1862. After one week of extraordinarily cold though pleasant weather, another storm has commenced here, which doubtless comes from the flooded portion of the State. The storm in most of the interior counties has sub- sided; but communication with. the mining districts is still suspended. es The Legislature, by" concurrent resolution, agrees to assume the California portion of the national direct tax. A resolution has also passed the Legislature instruct- ing our delegation in Congress to urgo tho establishment of a line of mailsteamers between San Francisco and Japan and China. All the navigable rivers of Oregon are closed by ice. Affairs at the Custom House. REMOVAL OF THE CUSTOM HOUSE—BUSINESS DURING THE LAST WEEK—CARGO OF TURPENTINE FROM HA- VAN CLEARANURS AND ENTRIES DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY, ETC., ETC. On the Ist of May Collector Barnoy will remove bis headquarters to the building now known as the Mer- obants’ Exchange, The presont Custom House building will then be occupied by Mr. Cisco, and the business of the Sub-Treasury Department will be transacted thore, ‘The roason for the change in the Custom House business is for the purpose of doing away with the building on Broadway at present used ag,the Appraisor’s office. In future the business of that department will be transacted in the Custom House building. During the last week, owing to the numerous arrivals from foreign ports, the business at the Custom House was very brisk. Upto the hour of closing yesterday the rush continued, and many had then to leave the building with thoir business unfinished, On Friday last the British brig Laurel arriv- ed hore from Havana, having on board a cargo of 787 barrels of turpontine, The clearances and papers of the brig wero all correct, and it is therefore evident that some vessel hag run the blockade of the Southern ports with a cargo of turpentine, which has been disposed of in Havana and reshipped to this rt, This is not a solitary instance, we believe, of a simi. far transaction, and should tncite our cruisers to exercise redoubled vigilance in the arduous duties they are called upon to perform. During the month of January the number of entries from foreign ports was 599, and the clearances wero 387. ‘These figures show an unusual degree of activity and prosperity in our mercantile and shipping interest, as probably tho official account of no other port in the world oan show the samo number of entries and clearances during one of the dullest months in the y ‘The exports of breadstuife still continue light, as the demand for them on the other side bas fallen off considerably during the last month, Tho export trade on provisions has increased very much of late, and is at present quite brisk. The order of the Secretary of the Troasury abolishing the office of marker, and in consequence of which ght ‘one employes of that rank wore dismissed, appears to creating considerable ill feeling. It was'at that time understood that the storekeepers were to perform the duties of markers in addition to their own work. Col. lector Barney has been considering the advisability of pointing assistant storekeepers; but tho warehouse. men contend that there is no necessity for such appoint. mente, as the one officer now employed in the bonded stores ha® not on an average an hour's work a day to perform ,with the addition of the markers’ duties, A committee has ber inted to wait on the Collector and try and arrange the matter to the satisfaction of all parties. | Conviction of a Murderer, New Bauxewiex, N. J., Fob. 1, 1862. } Michael Hennessey was yesterday convicted of the murder of Robert Gillie, at Woodbridge, last Septem! & verdict of tpurder io tho first deg | the jury returt E NEW YORK HERALD. PRICE THREE CENTS. Return of the John Trux with the D’Epineuil Zouaves to Fort- ress Monroe. The Expedition Moving To- wards its Destination. Roanoke Island the First Point of Attack. PANIC AT NORFOLK AND RICHMOND, key ke, ke. Fortress Mownon, Jan. 31, 1862, ‘The steamship Ericsson, Captain Cole, from Key West bound to New York, arrived here this afternoon, The Ericsson inakes the following report:— On Wednesday, January 29, at eleven A. M., in latitude 86 80 N., longitude 74 W., saw bark John Trucks, of Philadelphia, Captain L. Collins, with ensign hoisted Union down; went and spoke her. The Colonel of the re- giment (the Fiftysthird New York State Volunteers), said they were in great distress, and wished us to take them in tow to Fortress Monroe; we ther took them in tow. The second officer of the bark, who came on board, reports ag follows:—That the John Trucks left Annapolis on January 7, with tho Fifty-third regimont on board, bound to Hatteras; but drawing too much water (fourteen feet six inches), could not go over the bar; were then or- dered back to Fortress Monroe; left Hatteras on Sunday, January 26; has @ cargo of oats on board. The soldiers have been cn an allowance of four crackers and one pint of water per day since leaving Hatteras. They had only eight days’ rations on board when they left Annapolis. ‘The baru was ashore off Cove Point light, in the Chesa- peake, and there threw all their tents overboard, as well as other things. He says that the Colonel took full charge of the bark as woll as of every one on board. Several of the soldiers are sick. ‘The Jobn Trucks brings the gratifying intelligence that the Burnside expedition was about to movo to its des- tination. ‘Most of the vessels had started from the mouth of the inlet towards Roanoke Island, which, it was understood, would be the first place attacked. ‘The troops were in good health. When the John Trucks left Hatteras Inlet the weather was too rough to land the troops, and sho being unable to cress the bar, General Burnside ordered her to retura:to Fortress Monroe. ~ ‘The greatest panic prevails at Norfolk and Richmond in regard to the Burnside expedition. THE DROWNING OF COL. ALLEN AND SUR= GEON WELLER. 5 A LETTSR FROM ONE OF THE CREW, Ow Boarp Bric Dragoon, Harrexas Inuer, Jan, 17, 1862. ‘You may perhaps have heard by the papers rethis of the drowning of Colonel Allen and Dr. morning of the 15th Colonel Allen, Lieute- nant Colonel egrse Dr. ascot he pte eesorad and myself, with a boat’s crew, cons second mate, three sailors and two sie cate te tee ship’s boat (the ship was lying three miles outside the Cnet Heda an oe gn After reporting, around at the fort, &c., we were returning, and as we were passing through the breakers at the estragce of the inlet our boat was completely capsized. There ve twelve men, @ mile at least from any id it. nearly a mile from either shore, the waves ug and the boat upside down, lurching furiously Sometimes we hold of the keel of the boat+some- times we were under it: i Such an awful sight I hope never to see ivour con. dition was perfectly hopeless. As for mj E idea whatever of being saved. At last Dr. out, “Oh, 1 am gone.’ ‘TheColonel gave out a little afterwards. out of hola hie bead of the water, by taking hold under ia chin, could hold it long. carri Ly away. In the mean time the second mate of the ship had ip gunk. After tossing about in this wi ine gas our strength perfectly exhausted, yelling while to some schooners in the , thou; of being up by Ponts of the hyard—we wore at last pic! United States schooner Highlander, which was towed inside the inlet ‘@ tugboat, The bodies of the Colonel Doctor were both recovered, and every made by the officers of the vessel and of the nty-third regiment Massachusetts Volunteors—the regiment on board the ‘vessol—to resuscitate them, but they were both dead long before they were picked up. The rest of us have deen treated very Soi by the officers on board the vessel. I havo been on rd the Highlander uatil this morning, having no means of ting On Our own vessel. ‘To-day we buried tho bodies of our Colonel and our Sur- geon in the tands of Hatteras. We embalmed the bodies radely but effectaally, and Gen. Burnside has promised to send the bodies on as goon as circumstances will allow him to do 80. It ia impossible to tell how much we grieve for their loss, not only as fine officers but as true men. A nobler, more generous-hearted man than Dr. Weller I never knew. We will miss him very much as a companion, and will never find such another. I have had no bad effects from tho accident. Our destinatien (though of course I cannot speak with fect certainty) is up Pamlico Sound to take Roanoke island, which is strongly fortified and garrisoned, and after that I cannot tell where. Give my love to all. Your affectionate son, ABRAM ZABRISKIE, REBEL SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE EXPE- DITION. (From the Newberu (N. C.) Progress, Jan. 27.) ‘Three months ago it was announced in the Northern pers that another expedition would follow that which faa just eailed for Port Reyal, and would be under the command of General Burnside. This fleet is at last in our waters, and public expectation is strained to trace ite operations and to seo what it will accomplish. The Burnside is the fourth expedition which the Yan- kees have fitted out to mako demonstrations on different portions of the coast of the.Confederate States. The first expedition captured the Hatteras sand banks, the second obtained possession of Port Royal, and the third effected ‘a lodgment on Ship Isiand, a barren islet in the Mississip- pi Sound, remarkable for white sand and crocodiles. It remains to be seen what the fourth expedition will ac- complish. ‘The pojuts of destination and precise objects of this fleot have been for woeks a topic of busy speculation. It has hung on our coast like an apparition, and has been reported firet at one point and then at another, until the public mind has been excited and muddled about it to a degree that is almost amusing. The last report was that it had ‘‘gone to Davy Jones’ locker,” when an exeited in- dividual on tho street corner, where the report was told to aknot of anxious patriots, exclaimed “my gracious, orten Davis tohave defended that pint.” He supposed the locality to be a vulnerable point of North Carolina. ‘The fact is, there is no occasion for alarm and ‘“sonsa- tions,’ and no good reason to believe that the fourth na- val expedition of the Yankees will meet with more suc- cess than its predecessors. Should the enomy attempt to capture Newbern and push forward to Raleigh, which is more than one hundred miles distant, they would pat themselves in the most fatal situation possible, by ad- vancing into the interior of a hostile country where twice thoir number could be congregated almost in a day, no- body to oppose them, but to cut off their retreat. ‘Another speculation indicates Roanoke Island as the point at which an attack is immediately expected. This island {# situated in the channel between Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds, and it must be captured by the enemy before they can advance their expedition into Albemarle Sound. The fortifications on the island are quitepxtensive, and ought by this time, to be able toresiat & formidable assault. Should the Yankees succeed in capturing Roanoke Island they would then have free ac- cess to Albemarle Sound; and a number of little villages on its borders, as well as on the Chowan river, which, emptying into the Sound, would be at their mercy. This, however, would be the extent of the harm Lew | could inflict, unless they should propose the wild exploit of at- tempting, by a land march through swamps, without ar- tillery, and with supplios and retreat alike cut off, to outflank General Huger, co-oporating with the ‘On to Richmond”? movement of McClellan in front. It in said that there are two or three passages whero gunboats might run within «few miles of Portamouth, and one—the Albemarle Canal—where they could, if no obstructions were thrown in thelr way, rum through to Norfolk, Of course, however. it would be very little trouble to make these passages so that they could mot be navigated by any description of Yankee craft. (From tho same paper, Jan. 28.) Nothing would aflurd us more pleasure at this partieu- Jar time than to be able to give a strictly correct recount of the strength and condition of the Burnside expedition, We doubted some days ago whether there really had ever been such a thing in existence, and began to think it was alla Yankee lie; bot more recently we have be- come convinced that there is such a thing, and that what is left of it im actually at Hatteras, The country ts €o Situated about Hatteras that it is diffienlt to get elose enough to the enamy to take satistn vations withot being observed, We saw nil COnYerse ha gentleman yesterday; Port ace Sabarday yodh re 8 t » went to Ooracok” 3 before leaving, took a horse and rode down the as near to the enemy as was sefe, within ten or eleven miles, and took as good an observation as he could with & glass. Hesays he counted pinaty dagen vessele, about two-thirds of which were steamers, inside the bar, nd about twerity inside the Sound, and puts down the ‘umber at, at least one hundred. Those in the Sound were lying at anchor, and the one Outside appeared to be a iarge man-of-war and he sup- Posed it to be the regular blockading ship. We inte ted him particularly as to the ravages of the storm and the amount of damage done to the fleet, and he informed us that he could not satisfy himself that point. He, however, was confident that tinctly saw the wreck of what he took to be a large fri- gate on the bar outside and several vessels aground in- side, and gives it as his opinion, that not less than from cae Aneto bane beat Jost inside the bar in the recent gale. ‘These observations were taken on Saturday morning, and been reported here by a man who is said to be expedition.”” tleman informs us that eight of the Ocra- it have subse- ‘been released—having refused to serve in vy, even at the risk of their lives. ‘The: ré information has been furnished by a special ‘agent-who was left by Colonel Singletary when he left Yortgraouth for the special work, and may be relied on as being an honest report. Colonel T. M. Crosson, who we are to learn has been appointed in command of artillery at this port, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, went down Sunday morn- ing in command of the Albermarieas far as the mouth of Pamlico river, and seeing nothing, returned yesterday morning. 8 We are fully apprised of tho anxiety felt by persons at & distance, particularly those of our friends who have lately left their pleasant homes to avoid contact with vulgar Yankees, to hear the latest news and be apprised ofall the movements of the enemy, and wo shall spare no pains in our efforts te gratify their desires, but shall strenuously avoid street rumors or anything that. does not bear upon itsface very strong semblance of trath. Tc is not believed that the fleet will be able to rectify the breach made by the recent storm, get through light- tening their vessels over the swash, and get here for several days—perhaps a weck or two—but that they jitend coming seems to be pretty generally conceded. [From the Newhern Progress, Jan. 29. We have received nothing further from’ the Barnside flect that we consider reliable. ‘The stage driver from ‘Washington last night reported that some parties who had arrived at Washington just before he left, from the neighborhood of Roauoke, stated that the Curlew had been down near the enemy,and had been chased back by one of the boats, and also stated that but few vessels were visible about Hatteras. STILL LATER. Tho Albemarle left here Monday evening for Ports- mouth and returned last night after dark, and passengers < by her report that the Ocrocoke a had learned through a Yankee, who came up to that place to get con. veyance to Newbern, that a vessel had gone to pieces on the bar and 800 men out of 500 aboard were kst, and that eighteon vessels in al! have gone ashore since their arrival at Hatteras. Also that there are about 140 ves- sels there, inside the bar. Heavy firing has been heard at Hatteras for the last two days, supposed to have been done to raise the dead ‘Dodies of those that have been drowned to the surface, so a8 to procure them for interment. [From the Wilmington Journal.) SHEARING A WOLF. . ‘There are not wanting those who think that the Burn- side expedition was intended for Wilmington, and may rot pay this section of our coast visit. We think that the expedition was not intended for Pamlico Sound or Beaufort harbor, it was intended for the Capo Fear, but if it was it was a very foolish intention. With sufficient #0 might Wil Well, we once knew aman wi worked several and made or worked out enough gold to make a not heavier than a gold dollar—we ‘saw that man the last time we tied our editorial cravat. wouldn’t pay by considerable—| of ad——cided we ‘The hair Lee are re 5 it would appear that the vessels of the Burnside fleet- haye left the waters of Pamlico Sound, and if this be so it would appear that they must have been destined for other » What point? That seems to be the tion, If—and we must repeat and emphasise the ‘iP? if the fleet is under the command of ‘° Hl i 3 35 : it their cause is lost. fore the first of May, and upon the next threo mont pends probably tho fé THE PRISONERS AND VERDICT OF THE JURY. ‘The inquest upon the body of John Canfield, the man who was found drowned on Wednesday last, was commenced at the late residence of deceased, in Rapelyea street, Brooklyn, yesterday forenoon, before Coroner Norris. Mrs. Schoonmaker and Timothy Valt, who were both held to answer the charge of murder in the case, strongly pro- tested their innocence, and the evidence which was yes- terday brought forward did not seem to point with any certainty whatever as to their guilt. Mary Valt, who acted in the capacity of a servant gir) to Mrs. Schoonmaker, was the first witness sworn. She stated:—I reside at No. 26 West street, New York; 1 know the deceased, John Canfield; did not see him but once on Friday evening, the 24th ult; saw him in Mrs. Schoon- maker's room; that was at five o’clock P. M.; there was no liquor in the room; he was very arank when he came there that afternoon; he there all the time until he started for home, at balf- ten o'clock P. M. ; did not accompany him out of room when he was going away; saw him take his watch out of his pocket that evening; he gave his watch to Mrs Schoonmaker, for safe keeping, and told her that he would call for it thenext day; heard him say co; he had been only about an hour in the room whea he gave his watch to Mr. Schoonmaker ; Mrs, Schoonmaker left the house in company with decoased that night, about half-past ten o'clock; witness’ brother, ‘Timothy Valt, was in company with them; they returned to the house together about eleven o'clock P. M.; was in the house at the time; deceased was so tipsy that when the party came back they said he had fallen two or three times; during his stay he slept at intervals, not more than ffteen minutes at a time; he took nothing while there but a cup of tea anda piece of bread and butter; heard Mrs. Schoonmaker say, on her return to the house that night, that sho had put deceased in the cabin of one of the Hamilton Company ferry boats; was servant girl with Mrs. Schoonmaker. ‘The last witness also testified that Mrs. Schoonmaker had tendered the watch to Mr. Myers, who keeps a lager beer ealoon near her residence, for safe-keeping. This testimony was corroborated by Myers himself. Dr. Barns, who examined the body of deceased , stated that the injuries which he received were not sufficient to cause death, and that there was no doubt Canfleid came to his death by drowning. After some further testimony the jury rendered a ver- dict of ‘Death by drowning,” and exonerating Mrs. Schoonmaker and Timothy Valt from all suspicion in the case. Both prisoners wore discharged. The Secesst Case. COURT OF GENERAL SESSIONS. Before Judge McCunn. Fes. 1.—In the Court of General Sessions yesterday Mr. Holmes, on behalf of Samuel H. Merritt, convicted of shooting John Swain, the secessionist, asked for a post- ponement of the sentence until next Saturday, so that communication might be had with the Governor. Judge McCunn remarked that he had listened atten- tively to all the facts disclosed on the trial in this case, and had, since the trial had taken place, endeavored to find from other sources such light as would’enable him ‘the Judge) to dispose of the case understandingly, and e was at a loss to discover the motive on the part of the prisoner for taking life, or to find that there was any in- tention at all on his part to commit the crime of murder the unfortunate Swain. From all it was an accidental shooting, the time, the position of the parties and the spotiess charac- ter of the defendant before this unate occurrence, and his mild and unassuming manner during his long con- finoment in prison, led him to this conclusion; and he thought the jury, or a majority thereof, had agrood with him, and consequently their strong recommendation of the prisoner to the mercy of the Court. Under these cir- cumstances he was disposed to it the motion, and would do all in bis power to place the case in its proper light before the Governor, so that the mercy of his par- doning power might be invoked. The Slave Trade. PREPARATIONS FOR THE BXECUTION OF CAPTAIN NATHANIEL GORDON. United States Marshal Murray has reocived instructions from the government to prepare for the execution of Capt. Gordon, convicted of dealing in the slave trade on board the ship Erie, and sentenced to be hanged on Friday next, epee ae i Beate ements Irv to testify to She Tuldimont of the sentence of the rt, Upkeep So) oe, paraphernalia, and iseuing jals and ot! invitations to a er persons who may desire it at the mournful ceremony. ba currently reported that the President had com- muted the sentence, ‘h tho Marshal had not received ification up to a late hour yesterday. a he ooctence on Gorton should be carried into effect, it will be the first execntion in this under the act which makes deuling in slaves @ folony and punishable by death. United States Marshal's OMice. GOOD KeWS FOR WITNESSES, JURORS AND BMPLOTES. ‘The United “tates Marshal received yesterday from the D “ot State $20,000 in Treasury notes, to pay of cortult dros to WitheEees , jurors and employes of the (, deral courts aud oifices, TORR i