The New York Herald Newspaper, February 8, 1862, Page 8

THE NEWS FROM TENNESSEE. WROM FIRST PAGE) Jess Dulk of timber. ‘The St. Louis and Cimcinmati are ierced for thirteen guns each, the Essex for nine guns. "The bow guns are heavy eighty-four pound rifled cannon ; the others are eight-inch columbiads. The sides of the boats, both above and below the knee, incline at an Augie of forty-five degress, and nothing but a plunging shot from a high bluff could@trike the surface at right angles. The iron plating has been severely tested by shots from rifed cannon at different distances, and has shown itself to be utterly impervious to any shots that ave been sent against it, even ata range of three bun- dred yards. ‘The boats, It will be perceived, are built very wide, in proportion to their length, giving them almost the same steadiness in action that @ stationary land battery would possess. They ere constructed on the same Principle as the famous iron battery at Charleston, the sides sloping upward and downward from the water ‘Mme at an angle of forty-five degrees. The boats were built so that in action they could be kept ‘ bow on;” ence the superior strength of the bow battery. Broad- sides were go arranged as to be delivered with terrible effect while shifting position. To facilitate movements ‘m action, the engines and machinery are of the most Powerful kind. The boilers are five in number, con- structed to work in connection with or independent of each other. In case of damage done to any one or more @f them, @ valve was arranged to close the connection ‘Detwern the damaged and undamaged boilers, and the Intter operate as if nothing had happened THE UNION NAVAL OFFICR&3. SKMTCH OF FLAG OFFICER ANDREW H. FOOTE. Captain Foote is @ native of Connecticut, of which State he is a citizen, and from which Mate he was appointed to the navy of the United States. He is @ son of Senator Foote, of Connecti- out, to whom Daniel Webster replied, in the Senate, with one of his famous speeches. He entered the United States service on the 4th of December, 1822, and has couse- quently served the country nearly forty years. He Gteadily rose in his profession, and was made a com- mander on the 19th of December, 1852, under which com- mission he saw about two years and three months sea vervice. His total sea service was nearly twenty years ands half,and he performed nearly eight years shore duty. He was unemployed for over ten years, and was last at sea in June, 1858. At the breaking out of the | present troubles he was in command of the Navy Yard ‘at Brooklyn, and shortly after the commencement of hostilities was promoted to a captaincy, with the charge of the Western or Mississippi flotilla, of which h® ig the commodore or flag officer. While ‘engaged in hig duties ne is reported as having worked night aud day with a zeal and energy that are worthy of emulation in both branches of the service, and has accomplished an of the Military Academy at West Point, and was a mem- der of the graduating class of 1836, which included also Joseph R. Andersen and Christopher Q. Tompkins, of Vir- ginia; Montgomery C. Meigs, of Georgia; Peter V. Hag- ner of the District of Columbia; O’Brien, of Penasylva- nia; Sherman, of Rhode Island ; Allen, of Ukio, and others, all prominent in the existing war. Four of the same class have boen killed in battle, namely :—Shackieford, of Virgimia, at Molino del Rey; Burke, of New York, at Churubusco; Daviels, of New Hampshire, at Molino del Rey, and Haskins, of North Carolina, at Monterey. Gen ‘Tilghman was promoted a brevet Second Licutepant in the First regiment dragoons, July 1, 1836, and made Second Lioutenant four days thereafter, but in September following resigned, as many of the officers of the army did about the same time, inorder to follow the profession of civil engineering. He was di- vision engineer on the Baltimore and Susquehanna Rail- road, and assistant engineer in the survey of the Nor- folk and Wilmington Canal, of the Eastern Shore Rail- road, of the Baltimore and Obié Railroad, and on other prominent works of public improvement. On the break- ing out of the war with Mexico he repaired to the Rio Grande, and served as a volunteer aid-de-camp to Briga- dier General Twiggs in the bavtles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. He subsequently commanded a small volunteer partisam corps, superintended the erec- tion of defences at Matamoros, and, during the last year of his service in Mexico, was captain of a company of Light artillery in the regiment of Maryland and District of Columbia Volunteers, commanded by Colonel George W. Hughes. After thé war he returned to his profession of engineering, and became principal assistant enginecr of the Panama division of the Isthmus Railroad. For some time past he has resided at Paducah, Kentucky, and was one of the earliest to take the ficld from that State in be- haif of the rebel cause, Raving been appointed colonel. His regiment, as a part of the First Kentucky brigad rendezvoused at Clarksville, Tennessee, where it remain- ed, undergoing thorough drill, until the movement of the rebel troops into Kentucky, when it advanced to Bowling Green, about the time of the occupation of Muldrough’s Hill. Since that time he has been appointed brigadier general—-General Buckner, who is several years his junior as @ graduate of the Military Academy, and who was brevetted for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battles of Contreras and Churubusco, having been pro- moted to the command of a division. REBEL ACCOUNTS. Msmrms, Feb. 5, 1862. ‘Thras federal gunboats appeared on the Tennessee river yesserday, and opened fire on Fort Heury, The latter re- sponded. There was no damage done to the fort. The federais are landing troops two miles from the fort. An attack is expected. The Confederates are in full force on the Tennessee river. No damage from the federals is appre- hended. almost herculean task. Being dependent upon the Navy Department for men and a portion of his equipment, and compelled to call upon the War Department for other things equally necessary to the success of his mission in the inland waters, and apparently an object of jealousy 4 aad a subject of neglect from both, he has quietly worked through all obstacles, and is about prepared to undertake ‘tbe opening up of the Mississippi river from Cairo to New Orleans. He is a quiet, gray haired veteran, and, al- though holding a rank equal to major general of the land forces, attained by @ life’s service on the broad seas under the old flag, has been quietly and unostentatiously serv- amg bis country at the junction of the Ohio and the Missis. ‘ippl, His present expedition has deen carried out with epirit and energy, and the result is gratifying to the ‘bation. SKETCH OF COMMANDER PORTER. Commander Wm. D. Porter is a son of the noted Com- modore Davia Porter, of the Essex, of Revolutionary fame, and has been in the service of the United States eearly forty years. He was born in Louisiana, but was appointed to the navy from the State of Massachuseits. Ge ies cittzen of the District of Columbia. He entered the navy on the Ist of January, 1823, and, although not rieing rapidly in rank, the fault arose more from the system with which the service is conducted than froin ‘any personal demerit of that officer. His present com. mission of commander dates from September 14, 1855, on which day a large number of officers of the same rank were created. In the list for 1861 Commander Porter stands No. 28 as to date of commission and prospect of promotion. His sea service under his present commis sion Was but one year and six months; but his total wey service was twelve years and four months, and he bas served nearly five years anda half on sbore and other duty. He was for over twonty years uvemployed, and was last at soa in October, 1850. At the eommencement of the year 1861 he was in command of the sloop St. Mary: and when the rebellion broke out his memorable letfé to the government, defending his character against the char of disloyalty , will not soon be forgotten, but, with similar instances will be recorded in the pages of his- jory. In the revised Navy List for Angust 31, 1861, reuignations and promotions bad caused Commander ‘aaeon rise on the list of commanders, he then stand- number ten, He is algo revorded as await) ers doubtless pending the ane fataoder u ed was afterwards appointed to the Western gunboat flo- lla, and named his present vessel after that of bis te hie beavaty tbo Bata Soot, i his loyalty the following correspondence gives a graphic Milustration. The correspondence passed betweep Com- wmander Porter, of the Union gunboat Fesex, and Miller, of the rebel steamer Grampus, and is emy ‘tbe part of Porter, to gay the least, if it is not to the Chesterfield style of correspondence: — ‘ aie PORTER TO MILLER. Jome ou! re, you cowardly rebels, and gunboats. 7 P MILLER'S REPLY Manine Heanqvarrens, + Covrumvs, Ky., Jan. 13, 1862. 5 Cowmanoar Porter, on United States gunboat Essex-— @ir—The iron-clad steamer Grampus will me Wavex at any peint and time your honor may ‘and show you that the power is in our hands. reply will be agreeable to your obedient servant. MARSH J. MILLER. Captain commanding C. 5. |. C. steamer Gi COMMANDER PORTER'S KRIOUNDER. ‘Unrrep States Gunvoat Exsax, Wa. D. Poxren.Com’g., | Fort Jrrvxmson, Jan. 18,1862. To the traitor Mansa Miriex, commanding a rebei gunboat called the Grampus:— Commander Porter has alrcady thrashed your gunboat feet, shelied and silenced your rebel batieries at the dren Banks, chased your miserable and cowardiy seif down behind Columbus; but if you desire to meet the Essex, sbow yourself any morning in Prentys’ Bend, aud you shall then meet witha traitor’s fave—if you hare the courage to stand. “God and our country; rebels offend both.” Pr Au early SKETCH OF COMMANDER STEMBEL. Commander Roger N. Stembei is anative of Maryland, ‘Dut is a citizen of Ohio, from which State he was appoint ed to the navy. He entered the service on the 27th of March , 1832, and has, therefore, served the United *tates mearly thirty years. He was promoted to lieuten- aantey on the 26th of October, 1843. Under that commis- sion he was eight years at sea, his total sea service being wixteen years and nine months. He was for nearly eight yearson shore and other duty, and was for over five years unemployed. He was last at nea in January, 1860, ‘and at the commencement of 1861 had the charge of the Naval Asylum of Philadelphia. At that time he stood No. 38 on the list of lieutenants of the navy, The rebel- liom and other causes made several vacancies in the list above him, and his uame stands on the last published list of commanders No. 96, be having beem promoted te ‘That rank. He held in the present coutest the command of the gunboat Cincinnati. @RETCH OF LIRUTENANT PAULDING. Lieutenant Leonard Paulding is a native and eitizen of New York, from which State he was appointed to the savy. "He first entered the service on the 19tn of Decem. ber, 1840, and has therefore served the United States over twenty-one years. His present commission of lieutenant ‘bears date from September 14, 1866, and he bas seem un. der that about five years sea service. His total sea ser. ‘vice is nearly sixteen years, with about four years shore and other duty, He was unemployed about eighteen months, ead was last at sea in December, 1460, on board ‘the brig Dolphin. He then obtained # short leave of ab. © 868, after which he was appointed to the steamer Michi. gan. While on the Dolphin bis name stood No. 157 0n the list of lieutenants, and at the commencement of the re. beilion he bad only ascended six rounds of the ladder of prometion, being then No. 161. The traitorous resigna- tions jn the navy, however, did him some good; for im the extra navy liet bie name stands No $8. Ip the present engagement he had the command of the gunboat st, Lovis, THE REBEL GENERAL. SKETCH OF BRIGADIER GENERAL LLOYD, TILGMMAN, ‘This rebel officer, cow s prisoner of war in our hands, ‘was in command of the rebel defences of the Cumberland «and Teanessee rivers, on the line of Forts Donaldson and Haary, with bie beadquariers at Fort Donalason, near = on the Cumberland, in Stewart county, and near ‘abe dividing Mae betweon Keniucky and Tennessee. General Tilghmaa is a netivo of Maryland, s graduate THE CUMBERLAND RIVER EXPEDITION. The Union Troops Marching to Attack Fort Donalso: Lovisvi1g, Feb. 7, 1862. Genera! Grant will attack Fort Dona)son to-morrow. Three large steamers, Benjamin J. Adams, E. H. Fair- childs and Baltic, left here for the Cumberland and Ten- nessee rivers this evening. All quiet along the line of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. A despateh from General Halleck to Genera] Buell this evening says:—We have taken Fort Henry. The enemy has retreated on Paris, leaving part of his guns. Our cavalry are in pursuit, IMPORTANT FROM WESTERN VIRGINIA, ROMNEY EVACUATED BY THE REBELS. PrrrsworG, Pa. , Feb. 7, 1862. The Wheeling Inicligencer of yesterday learns that the rebels evacuated Romney the previous night. Nag ene i ROMNEY REOCCUPIED BY UNION TROOPS. Wassnxeron, Feb. 7, 1862. ‘The War Department has recoived a despatch that General Lander now occupies Romney, the rebels having retreated. NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE. The Efforts of the Rebels to Got the Merrimac te, &., &e. Fortress Mowrow, Feb. 6, 1862. It has been raining hard here all day long. ‘A fing of truce went to Craney Island to.day. A large Dumber of ladies and children returned with it to go North, and aiso Lieotenamt Preston, of the New York Seveuty-first regiment, who is to be exchanged, and J. H. H. Sands, of the Fourth Michigan regiment, a prisoner of war, who is released on parole. ‘The flag of truce brought back no news. je area Rhode Island arrived from New York thig afternoon, ro cs Awe me ] Adjutant General Schouler, of Massachusetts, arrived this morning. The Conetitution sailed again this afternoon for Ship Island. ‘THE IRON CLAD STEAM RAM MERRIMAC. TRE BLACKSMITHS OF THE NAVY YARD AND THB MERRIMAC. (From the Norfolk Day Book, Feb. 6.] We alluded to the fact some day or two since that the dlackemith department of the Gosport Navy Yard had volunteered their services to Commodore Forrest to per- form extra work gratuitous!y, in order to expedite the com- gittion of the Merrimac, or other work, the speedy com. pletion of which would advance the interests of the go- vernment. Since then we have come in possession of « list of the ,workinen who thus proffered their services, which we take great pleasure in transferring to our columns. It is ae follows:— undersigned, biacksmiths. finishers and strikers, agree to do any work that will expedile the com wm of the Merrimac, free of charge, and continue ou until eight o'clock every might; or any other work that will advance the inierest of the Southern cunlederacy. BLACKSMITHS AND STRIKKKS. Jas. A. Farmer, M. & David Wilking. Chas, Snead, 1st Foreman, Jas. Wilbern. ‘Wm. T. Butt, 9d Foremas. Wm. Keynvlds. * Pat. Parks. Walter Wilki Jno. West. Jno. Cain. Jae Watteld. Fi. Tatem. ‘Wilron Guy. Miles Foreman. ‘Hugh Minter. Green Blozom. Jae. Miteneli Joseph Rickets. ‘Thos. Frefklia. Southey Rew. 4 Julius Morien. Thos. Powell. Joe. Askew Wm. Shephard, Anthovy Butt, Jno. Carram. Thor. Bourke. ne Jordan. Wm. Hosier. ley Howard FiSISUERS. Jno. B. Rooke. Charlee Sturdivant, Bian Bridges Jeawe Kay. Anderson Gwina. William Shipp, Jobn Stoakes. Witliam Peoworth. E. H. Brows. Lawrence Herbert Harvey Barnes. T. 1. Rooke. Lemuel Leary. Calder Sherwood. William Jones George Collier, Heary Hopkins. ‘William Leary. George Bear. John Wilder. ‘Walter Thornton. ‘ick Bowen. Faward Walker, ‘Thomas Dunp. COMMODORE FORREST'S RELY. Frac Orricen'’s Orns, Dock Yano, Gosport, Va., Jau. 11, 1962. Sim@—The Commandant has received the proposition from the bisckemiths, finishers and strikers of this yard, “offering gratuitously to work until eight o'clock every night on the Merrimac, in order to expedite her eomple- tion.” He embraces an early occasion to express his high appreciation of the loyalty which influenced them in making this tender of their services, affording evidence: if any were wanting, of their patriotism and seal im the discharge of their duties. if it should be found necessary to require their services as expressed, they will be duly notified by the executive officer of the yard. Respect- fully, your obedient servant, F. FORREST, Flag Officer, &c. Mr. James A. Pansemn, Master Blacksmith, N, ¥. G, The Europa Outward Bound. Hanirax, Feb. 7, 1862. The Furopa, from Boston, arrived at one o’elock, aad galled at five o'clock this ovening ‘The Adriatic is frozen in at Sydney There are no signs of the America. The weather is beouming thick, NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, INTERESTING FROM THE SOUTH. More Fighting on the Georgia and South Carolina Coast. Important French Interna- tional Case. GEN. BEAUREGARD IN NASH UILLE. The Railroad Connections at the South, &e., &e., &e. ‘The Richmond Dispatch says that the Miesouri difficulty Bas been satisfactorily arranged, and adds that General Price will doubtless be commissioned as Major General, and the Missouri! troops received into the Confederate service as twelve months volunteers. Gen. Price was reported to be in Richmond. ‘The Virginia Legislature went into secret session on the 4th instant, for the purpose of considering an im- portant communication from tho Governor, in regard to which, it is understood, the State and Confederate authori- ties are entirely agreed. Its purport will not transpife at present. The Richmond Dispatch also says, in an editorial, that “Spain is the natural ally of the South. If the South has bad a friend from the beginning of her troubles it hes been Spain. We think it due to her genorous and chivalrous people to have sent repro- sentatives to the Spanish Court, and thereby laid broad and deep the foundations of permanent and close amity with that nation. It is not too late now to rectify the ission, which was not dictated by any want of courtesy.” An order was issued from the War Department at Rich- mond on the 4th inst. ordering all military commanders to impress all the saltpetre found in their districts, ex- eept such as is in the hands of original manufacturers and government agents and contractors, paying ther>for forty cents per pound, and no more. ‘The order is issued ivconsequence of the monopoly of speculators and the exorbitant rates charged the government for the article. REBEL TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCHES. Norroux, Feb. 4, 1862. SECRETARY SEWARD AND A FRENCH SUIVECT. Among the persons recently arrived here by flag of truce from’ Fortress Monroe, was Mr. De Babian, of Wil- mington, North Carolina. He was arrested last summer at the North and confined in Fort Lafayette. Through the interference of the French Minister he was released, but be was refused permission to return to Wilmington. He then applied for a passport to go to Europe, and ob- tained it; but Mr. Seward endorsed on it, ‘It is under- stood Mr. De Babian is not to enter into any of the in- surrectionary States.” He went to Paris, and hadan interview with the Emperor Napoleon, and showed him Mr. Seward’s endorsement on his passport. The Emperor promptly declared that he should be allowed to return to his place’ of business. The French Minister of Foreign Affairs prepared the necessary papers for the French Minister at Washington, and Mr. De Babian returned to the United States. He called on Mr. Seward for @ pass™ port to enable him to return to Wilmington, but he was refused it. On the next day the French Minister called on Mr. Seward, exhibited some documents, and asked for a passport for Mr. De Babian to return to Wilmington, and ‘Mr. Seward very cheerfully granted it. Mr. De Babian has applied to the federal Congress fo, the amount of damages he has sustained, and it is pro, able he will be reimbursed. HEAVY FIRING ON THE SOUTH CAROLINA COAST. Aveusta, Feb. 4, 1862. A private letter, written last evening in Savannah, and received here this morning, states that heavy firing was heard in the direction of New river, on the Seuth Caro- lina side, on Monday (yesterday) morning, which lasted over four hours. It was supposed to be an engagement with the enemy’s gunboats. A messenger, who reached here this morning, says that he was informed by a Confederate officer in Savan- nah that our batteries at New river had Deen attacked | and that one, at least, of the enemy's gunboals had been de jed. ve Avausra, Feb. 4, 1862. ‘The Charleston Mercury of to-day says that tho firing heard yesterday was at Red Bluff. The enemy destroyed the houses in the neighborhood. Nobody was burt. ‘THE COMMISSIONERS FROM THE FORTH. Norrox, Feb. 4, 1862. There is no doubt the Commissioners appointed by the Washington government to visit the federal prisoners in the South are at Fortress Monroe, but there is not the slightest probabilily that our government will permit them to visit the Confederate States. GENERAL DEAUREGARD AT NASHVILLE, TENN. Nasavitix, Feb. 3, 1862. General Beauregard and suite arrived here this even- ing. The heavy rains during last night and to-day inter- with the preparations for the reception of General a Tle Lt ae PORTANT RAILROAD SCHEMES. (From the Richmond Examiner, Feb. 5.) It will be recollected that President Davis recommend- 04, in his public message to Congress, the military neces- sity of ettablishing railway communication belween Dan- ville, Virginia, and Greensboro’, North Carolina. Whatever appreciation the country may have of the ‘military necessity” of the otherwise questionable poli- cy of aiding railroads, we believe that it will be surprised to bear of the extent to which this policy has been re- commended to Congress. We are informed, in the most positive manner, that the Executive estimate for aid to the Danville connection is one million of dollars, to be expended as the President may direct. We also loarn that President Davis has, ina second message to Congress, in secret session, advised the aid ‘of the government to be extended to the compiction of the Missizsippi and Alabama River Railroad, 30 as to conned Seima, om Alabama, with Meridian, in Mississippi; and that Congress proposes to authorize the advance of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the purpose of completing this connection. ‘The precedent of government aid to railroads is dan, gerous, difficult to be confined within proper limits, aud liable to abuses and corruptions, especially in a legisla. tive body which envelopes its proceedings with secresy. ‘THE MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD. {Telegraphic to New Orleans Picayune.} Manivias, Jan. 18, 1962. The line from Mobile along the Mobile and Ohio Rail- road was finished this afternoon, and will be in operation on Monday next. This completes the line between Mobile and New Orleans, via Jackson and Meridian. D. FLANNERY, Superintendent. ‘The completion of the above line is very opportune at this juncture, as the Yankees, having complete posses- sion of the Sound, may destroy the coast tine at any mo- | ment.—Ed. Picayune. Late from Bermud: We have files of the Bermudian to the 22d ult. Con- corning the release of Mason aud Slidell, the Bermudian of the 16th ult. says:— ‘These gentlemen, whose forcible seizure on board her Majesty's ship Trent has recently occasioned ev much controversy and uneasiness, arrived in these islands on ‘Thursday Inst, having been brought hither by her Ma- jesty’s ahip Rinaido, We understand that the Sout ‘Commissioners, with their secretaries, when re: from the custody in which they wore held at Fort War- rev, intended direct to Halifax, there to take pasaage iu the Cunard steamer for England. But in cou- foquence of the very severe weather encountered by the Rinaldo, that veasel was obliged to alter her course and bear up for Bermuda. Sir Alexander Milne having invited the Captain of the Rinaldo to diuner at Clarence Hill on the evening ef bis arrival, |. Mason, Siviell, Bustis and Macfarlane, as ‘in the imvi- "The Rinaldo left on the following day for St. Thomas, from whence the Commissioners and their secretaries in- tend ing to England, aed ali being well, we hall g000 hear of their arrival there, and of their reunion with their friends. ‘The same of the 8th says: —The American Cabinet has acceded to the just demands of Great Britain—viz: the resteration to Protection of the four persons forcibly taken as from the steamer Trent. This decision must, we think, be hailed with satisfaction by all partios, Weare thereby spared from apprehension of the horrors of aduitional war, and the Americans have shown their good seuse inthut complying with the very demande made,to (hem. In reference to the weather, theaame paper says.— During she past fortnight we mve been visited by sovere northwesterly gales, accompanied at intervals by heavy falls of rain and hail. These gales have been most severely veasels approaching thefiand as the records of ipping list amply show. At present we are enjoying yer yemperature, but appearances do not yot \a- ny very permanent change, mallpox laa male its appearance on board of afew vessels, but iu rather # mild form. Mer esty's war steamer Conqueror hat becom a total weeck. By the Intest accounte her back was broken, tnd her hold full of water. Hér gons, rigging, ond the | greater portion of the mores will be may THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION. The Fleet Still at Hatteras Inlet. The Forward Movement on Roanoke Island. THE LATEST REBEL NEWS, ae., &e., ae. THE FORTRESS MONROE DESPATCH. Fortress Monnos, Feb. 6, 1862. The United States steamer Suwanee, of the Burnside expedition, arrived here this forenoon. ‘The Suwanee left Cape Hatteras yesterday morning Feb. 5, having come out of the Inlet the day before. ‘The fleet was inside Hatteras Inlet, and nothing had been done. ‘Most, if not all, the vessels had gone over the bar, and about six thonsand troops had been landed. ‘The Suawnee was considerably damaged by thestorm, part of her bulwarks and wheelhouses having been stove in and her upper works injured. She brings a jarge majl.and thirty-four sick men from the expedition. Five men died on the passage bere. After landing the mails and passengers, the Suwanee will go to Philadelphia to repair. ‘The tugboat E. HH. Herbert, or J. A. Levy, was lost, in addition to those before mentioned. ‘The 8. R. Spaulding had crossed the “ swash,” and the expectation was that to-day or to-morrow a forward movement would be made. ® There was @ rumor circulated that the rebels had offered through a flag of truce to give up Roanoke Island» on condition that Elizabeth City should not be attacked, The Louisiana has been got off without serious damage. The steamer Albany arrived here this forenoon from Annapolis, with quartermasters’ and other stores for the Burnside expedition. THE PAMLICO SOUND DESPATCH. PamLico Sounp (NEAR Hatrgras), Feb. 2, 1862. Since my last nothing of special importance has oc- curred, the time having been consumed in passing Gene- ral Burnside’s ships into the Sound, where those imme- diately wanted (to the number of fifty) now ride at an- chor. The others can be taken over the bulkhead as they are wanted. Thishas been accomplished with in- credible effort, and in the face of the greatest discourage- ments. We have information, deemed trustworthy, that Gov- ernor Wise is in command of 5,000 troops, daily rein- forced at Nag’s Head, on the outer beach, and 300 on Roanoke Island, separated by Roanoke Sound. A vigorous defence of their position is expected. General Burnside’s force, which’ will be large, will be Janded under his own and Flag Officer Goldsborough’s guns on the lower end and east side of the island. The former will engage the batteries on Croatan Sound, at short range, and the latter will push his forces to that part cf the island where the enemy will befound. A gunboat will be sent on the outside to shell Nag’s Head. Four deserters ina schooner came down the Sound last night from Middleton, whore there are 800 troops, among whom there is much disaffection. They confirm previous reports concerning the panic prevailing on the main land. The weather isfavorable. The force in both the navy and army are inthe best of spirits and condition, and though there is every probability of & hard fight, the expedition will move off with every prospect off success. Weorespay, Feb, 5, 1862. The movemont which was to have been made on the 2d bas been postooned, and will be made to-morrow or next day. REBEL ACCOUNTS. THE LATEST NEWS FROM ROANOKE ISLAND. [From the Norfolk Day Book, Feb. 6.) ‘The steamer Arrow, Captain Slocum, arrived here last night, via Albemarle and Chesapeake canal, in fourteen hours, having left Roanoke Island on Wednesday morn- ing, at nine o'clock. By a gentleman who came passenger we learn all was quiet at the island when he left. Commodore Lynch’s fleet Of gunboats are still lying there waiting for the arrival of the Yankees. None of his gunboats have ventured in Pamlico Sound since the Sea Bird went down two weeks ago. Nothing is known at the island of the movements of the Burn- side expedition. ‘We regret to hear of the illness of Gen. Wise at Nag’s Head. He is still confined to his bed, and unable to tend to his laborious duties. He has designed many im- provements which will greatly strengthen the defences at Roanoke Island. It would have been well for the country if he had been assigned to that command several months ago. We hepe tf is not yet too late, and that his health may von recover, Most of the rifles and a considerable quantity of ammu- nition from the wrecked steamer City of New York (one a Burnside expedition) bhaye been recovered uninjured. PROCLAMATION BY THE LOYAL PROVI- SIONAL GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA. Stars or Nortu Carouxa, Executive Darartsent, Harrenas, Jan. 22, 1862. To vax PeoriE or North CaRoLina— ‘The invincible arms of the republic at length advance tothe suppreasion of the great revolt omy popular rights, and the national authority which essayed to you of your Amorican citizenship, and to enslave you to the will of relentless tic tyrants, ihe holy banner of the Union, consecrated anew through’ its baptism of teary and blood, is borne by loyal hands, the symbol and pledge of your final and compiete enfranchisement. Your silent and tearful prayers to God for reacut from the despotism that enthralis you are heard, and the hour of your deliver- ‘The brave men who come among you are not foes but friends, and their miasion is one i relief. ‘The war they wage is uot upon North ‘and her people, but upon the rebels and traitors who have in-: vaded your territory, and who bold you in constrained and protesting submission to their arbit! power. To co-eperate with those who now to your libe- ration, and who seek to restore rye your ancient and ipalionable rights, ia your sacred duty, and @ privilege which you will accept with and joy. Aportion of your brother North jimians are al- ready rejoicing in the restoration of their freedom under the protecting ensign of the nation. Side by side with that rorious flag they have placed the re-erected standard of foyal North Caroliva, aod acting in comcert with citizens of other sections of the State they have proclaimed a Provis:oual ent for the Commonwealth. An opportunity will soon be offered you to participate in the enjoyment of ‘and long accust: privileges. And that their may be no complaint in any quarter that your brethren first liberated from rebel thraidom have forestalled = action or Pe Poe share, I do now, by Presents, require the voters of this Commonwoalth to attend at the ‘gual voting places as established by law on Saturday, 244 February, 1862, an anniversary second in hallowed memory only to that of the proclamation of our national independen “*, at which time the ordinances of the Cou- vention of November 18, 1861, a draft of which is hereto appended, will be submitted to the people for ratitica- tion or rejection. And in order that the State may forthwith resume her participation in the councils of the Union, J dofurthermore direct that, upon the same day id, the polls be opened for the election of representatives in the Congress of the United States to fill existing vacancies. In witness whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand, and caused the great seal of the State to be affixed, at Hatie- ras, this 224 of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight bundred and sixty-two, and of the inde- pendence of ube United States the eighty sixth. IMPORTANT FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC. Partial Destruction of Harper's Ferry— The Rebels Barned Oat—The Enemy's Pickets Near Bolivar, &c. fanny Hoox, Md., Feb. 7, 1862. ‘This forenoon Capt. Baylor and three of his men, con- eealed themselves behind @ stone wall just above Har- per’s Ferry bridge, when one of them, either black or painted, by displaying a flag of truce, induced o loyal Virginian over. Whea nearly across Capt. Baylor and two others fired and killed the ferryman. Our batteries on the heghts shelled the buildings, Sub- sequently the men crossed and set fire to twelve houses, including the Wager and another hotel, railroad build. ing, ke. ‘The whole lower part of the town was reduced to ashos. A necessity existed for burning the buildings, as they had been biding places for the rebel riflemen who had been annoying our troops for weeks past. ‘The number of rebels was sot known, but many wore seen to mount their horses and leave the outskirts of the town by the Charlestown road. ‘This afternoon the rebel flag of truce, in the hands of threo @& Raylor’s men, came to the ferry, but were warnod eff by Colonel Geary. Farge wumbers of rebel picketa, mounted, wore eta. tiowed all the afternoon near Bolivar Kupreme Court, Refore Hon. Juige Movell. Fen. Tein the ese ry — amatnies ey, Dock Company for negligence in Billing w man by an axpic- | oor the fury geve 8 verdict tor 1 plains (or 96,600, FEBRUARY 8, 1862. NEWS FROM THE STATE CAPITAL. Petitions Asking for the Investigation of Fort Gansevoort and the Hackley Con- tract—A Movement to Repeal the Grants of 1860—The Nigger in that Dodge— Broadway Railroad Bill—Its Incorpo. raters and Principal Featares—Spring Street Railroad—Reduction of Register’s Fees Sale of Lots in Water and Other Streets—The New City Charter, dc. Aupany, Feb. 7, 1862. Thio Legislature is in fair way of earning for them- Selves the names of investigators. Two or three investigat. ing machines are already in operation, and this morning ® petition was presented, signed by D. R. Jacques and several others in New York, asking for the appointment ofan investigating committee to inquire into the Fort Gansevoort job and the Hackley contract. The petition set forth the particulars in these measures, and was read to the Assembly and then Iaid om the table. Wo can see no benefit for an investigating com- mittee here. One was ordered last winter on the Hackley contract, but the committee nover had & meeting; besides both of these matters are being judi- ciously overhauled. The indictment of Taylor is the com- mencement of a trial and ipvestigation in the Fort Gan- sevoort job, while the action of the Grand Jury in refe- rence to the Hackley centract, which has already banished three or four individuals, will air that pretty effectually. Let the judicial authorities now attend to these matters. Mr. Tallman, of Westchester, to-day gave notice of abill to repeal the Belt Railroad and the other railroad grants passed by the Legislature of 1860. There is a nig- ger somewhere here, and Mr. Tallman unconsciously is being used to carry out some grand schemes. In tne first place a notice is given of s Broadway and Tenth avenue railroad, and then @ notice to repeal existing grants. ‘There is, to say the least, a good-sized woodchuck in that pile. There ig more under this than many would suppose at the first glance, and a view bebind the scenes reveals the fact that it is simply a grand log rolling scheme, intended to frighten those interested in those grants and make them be- lieve that if they opposethe Broadway their grants will be repealed; or, in other words, 1t is a dodge to force the friends of the grants of 1860 into supporting the Broad- way, under the threat of losing their own grants. This by some may be considered more honest than leaving checks in persons hats and dropping a thousand dollars here and there in the lobby; but all who have seen the evil results of the log rolling system so prevalent in the Legisiature, cannot but condemn any such mode to secure legislation. If those railroad bills of the Legis yature should be repealed, then tet them be acted upon on their own merits, The same » ''h the Broadway bill; if it is best for all interests that it s.ould be passhd, then let it go through on its own merits, and not be bolstered up by the attack on apy other interests—let each standon ils own merits. The Broadway bill was introduced this morning and referred to the Committee on Railroads. There appeared to be an understanding on the part of the Speaker with the friends of the bill, and he'sent it to that committee, although that class of bills have for several years past been sent to the Com- mittee on Cities, with the exception of the Broadway bill last year, which was, by certain lobbying of its friends, sent to the Railroad Committee ingtead of Cities and ‘illages. ‘the bill has had several new incoi names added to it in the last few days. The names now on the list are Clinton Gilbert, Henry Van Schaick, Isaiah Blood, ‘Anson Bangs, Ossian D. Ashley, David Smith, John Van Nest, Oliver Ladue, Nicholas Brandt and William H. Ben- nett. It incorporates those and those who may ‘be associated with them into a body corporate and poli- tic, under the name of the Broadway Railroad Company. ‘The route designated is as follows:—Commencing at a convenient point at or near the South ferry, in Whitehall street, and running thence, by double track, along White- hall streeg, around either side of Bowling Green, to Broad- way, thence, still by double track, through and along Broadway, around either fside of Union Park, or Square to Fifty-ninth street, together with the necessary connections, turn outs and switches, for the proper accommodation of said company on the said route, or on aay other route or routes upon which the said association may, by grant, purchase or otherwise, lawfully acquire the right to run their cars or any of them, authority being hereby granted to them to take up such pavements as may be necessary for the above . So many carsas the public convenicnce shall not require to run to and from the South ferry may be st on their down trips at any convenient poijat in Park row, or in any street near thesame. On such days as the entire use of Broadway, or any part thereof, shall be required for any civic or military ion, it shall be the duty of the Chief of Police, at or before nine o'clock on the morning of such days, to give notice in writing to said company of the route which such proces- sion will take place, and the part time during which it will occupy Broadway. Upon re- ceiving such notice the said company shall, duri the time in which Broadway shall be so 5 withdraw their cars from the same. but they are hereby guthorized in such case to accommodate the public travel Dy running their omnibuses on the strects parallel to Broadway. Sec. 3 provides that the track shal) be laid as near the middle of the street as possible, the width not to ex- ceed those now in use in the city. Sec. 4 refers to ing the pavement; taken up in laying the track, and that no steam shall be used. Sec. 5 provides that cars shall be ran every three minutes. Sec. 6 authorizes the company passenger rooms, ticket otfice, stable and depot, and to lay track to con: mect t stables with the main lin uthorizes them to purchase property for that purpose and give their bond and mortgage. Sec. wee provides that the cars shall stop only once in a block. Sec. § authorizes them to run sleighs when snow ob- structs their track. . 9 fixes the fare at five cents per passenger. Sec. 10 refers to the articles left in the cars by pas- sengers. Sec. 11 provides that in case the owners of any omni- bus lines, whose respective routes lie along the route of the said rajiroad, south of Fourteenth street, for a tance of one mite or more, shall, within thirty days after the passage of this act, furnish tosaid company an in- ventory, duly verified, of all vebicles, horses, haracas, machinery, material and tools then owned by them, and actually used and required in the business of said lines respectively, and shail, at the same time, signify their willingness to sell and dispose of the same to said company on the terms herejwafter mentioned; then and in cage the said company, on the terms hereinafter men- tioned, before commencing to run their said cars, ahall purchase and pay the cash for the said vehicles, horses, &c., ut their fair and just value; aud in case the owners of the property and the raid company shal} disagree as to the value of the seid property, or any thereof,each party may Homiuate an appraiser to ascertain and fix the value of the same, and the vaiue fixed by the two appraisers ‘shall be binding upon said parties. If the appraisers disagree, they shall appoint a third person, whose decision shall be final. Privileges aud licenses bereto\ore vested in the owners thereof shall enure to aud become vested in said com- pany. If the appraisers disagree in the appeintinent of the third person, he shall be appointed by a Juative of a Superior Court of the State of New York and in the First Judicial district thereot on five days previous notice. Sec 12 provides that all omnibuses purchased shal! be withdrawn (rom the route of the cars, but run on the residue of the route to connect with the railroad. Sec. 13 prohibits the Mayor and Common Council from licensing or allowing any company or individuals to run upon any part of the route of the said railroad any vmni- buses ia pl of those that may be withdrawn. ‘Sec. 14 provides that they shall commeuce laying the track within four months alter the passage of the law, unless prevented by force of law. ‘The balance of the sections, up tothe twepty-sixth, is the general raiiroad act as far as it will apply to cities in reference te the right of way. See 26 provides for portable bridges to cross hose in ease of fires uloug the route. ¥ ‘Sec. 27 provides for the organization of the company by the election of thirteen directors, to bold office until oihers are elected in their stead, and appointe Clinton Gilbert, Henry Von Schaick and Isaiah Blood, Inspectors. Mr. Mel#od introduced the Spring street Railroad. ‘The following are the incorporators:—Charles Lent, Jas. M. Miller, Wm. H. Albertson, Theodore A. Sheah, Henry Willeta, William Jauds, Cornelius Agnew, Ferdinand Nichols, The route to commence at Weelawken ferry, at the foot of West Forty. second street, with a doube track into Tenth avenue, along Teath avenue to Feur- teenth strect, along Fourteenth street to Hudson, along Hudson to Broome, along Broome with a single track east side of Wooster street, also with a Single track from Hudson street into Spring and to Wooster streets, along Wooster with « single track to Broome, along Broome with a double track to the Bowery, through the Bowery to Chatham square witha —_ track into Oliver stroet, eo taeas, to South street, with & single track from the Bowery through Catharine to South sireet, thence with @ double track to Fulton ferry, the fare to be five eonts. ‘A bill was introduced to reduce the “s foes in New York; also the bill to sell certain ty in Water and other streets that has been held by made in colonial times, It will be seen that we had » regular avalanche of bilis this morning, aud @ goodiy osumber of jobs affecting interests in the city of New York. The reference of all these jobbing bills was just that which the friends of the measure desired. You must not be surprised to aee si ‘evidence that the ery of corrup. tion made against the last Legislature was started for the purpose of covering up their tracks and diverting public attention from the schemes in preparation for this. It appears that I was in error about route of the Broadway Railroad in my despatch of yesterday; but my report was made from the direct and distinct statementot the person who introduced the bill, that the cars were to goup prey ‘and down Filth avenue. Mr. McLeod introduced the Opdyke charter. The fol- lowing are its principal features:— ‘the Board of Aldermen to consist of twelve members. The twelve to be voted for at the charter election, six om ench ticket. The six having the highest numbor of votes to be declared clecied. ‘The six having the next highest aumber to be appointed by the Mayor, on or before the 24% of December, 1862. On or befure the first Monday of January, 1863, the Aldermen so elected are, in presence of the Mayor, to ify themselves into two classor, by Jot, of thrar each, and those appointed shail do likewlre, ‘The Dret vlasa eda! bold offve ono year, and the second clase two ywarr from January 1, 1863, Gn tho first Tues. day in Desemnber, 1968, ue cach charter election there. next following such election. ‘One Counc’ te be elected from each Assembly dis- trict, to form the Board of Councilmen, to be chosen condition of the city government; to recommend such measures as he deems proper to be adopted; to be vigilant and active in enforcing the ordinances; to exercise constant supervision over the acts of all subordinates, examine charges against them, &c. ; to appoint all heads of bureaus, and a8 many clerks as may be required in his officeand as may be by the Common Council; to converse from ume to time ‘and consult with the heads of departments, the Presi- dents of the Boards of Aldermen, Councilmen, Met i tan Police, Central Park, in relation to measures he devm requisite for beneiit of the city. ‘The Mayor to be elected for two years. He shall =p. point all heads of departments and chiefs of bureaus, in, Manner following:—First, nominate them to Board of Aldermen. If confirmed or not rejected in ten , the nomination to take effect. If rejected, he shall another nomination. If the last is rejected within ten days, the Mayor shall appoint peremptorily some other person, without the Board's action. A majority of the Board hecersary to coniirm or reject. The Mayor may be removed by the Governor for cause, the same as Sherif! ‘The heads of departments, except the Croton Aqueduct, to hold four vears, unless sooner removed ‘The May have power of removal, and shall com- municat: ause to the Common Council within four days, or ai \eir first meeting. ‘The chiefs of bureaus to appoint and remove their clerks—the chiefs to hold office the same term as heads of departments, unless sooner removed. The (ihief Engi- neer of Fire Department to be elected a8 at present. The number of clerks in each ‘tment LO be fixed by the ut the Mayor may reduce ips, consolidate bureaus, or them. The Common Council to fix the reated y them under authority of law, subject to removal by the Mayor. Creates a Health De- partment, to embrace street cleaning, the head to be Health Inspector of the city, who shall perform such duties as the Mayor y prescribe; the department to embrace bureaus ‘of sanitary inspection and stroet clean- ing,” under @ “Superintendent of Sanitary Inspection;”? of ‘records and statistics,” under the ‘‘Regisirar of Records;” of ‘the inspection, regulation and management. of public markets,” under a ‘Superintendent of Markets.”” The Coroners to make return to the City Inspector of all inquisitions, except those embracing homicide and fe- Jonious assault, which shall be returned to the General Sessions. The hydrants to be used by the City —— in strect cleaning, under reguiations of the Croton hk The Health Commissioners to appoint inspectors and sealors of weights and measures, with same powers and compensation as now, to hold office upon the sane terms as chiefs of bureaus. ‘The Common Council may establish such other bureans as they deem the public interest requires, and assign du- ties to them not inconsistent with ‘act; but no ex- pense shall be incurred by these departments, whether ordered by the Common Council or not, unless an appro- priation shall have been previously made covering such. expense. No officer of the Corporation of any descrip- tion shall be interested in any contract, work or business that shail be paid for by or be acharge on the Corpora- tion, nor in the grant, mortgage, purchase or other dispo- sition of any property, real or personal, or any interest therein, or of any , rights or franchises belonging to the Corporation, or of aby property which sh:lt be sold for taxes or assessments, or by legal process at the suit of the Corporation. In case of any violation of this provision,or of any fraud attempted or premeditated by any officer or =. of the city, it shall be lawful for any clector, a frecholder of the city, to bring an action in his own name against the Mayor or any other officer whatsoever who may be concerned therein, to restrain, relieve against and annul such wrongful and fraudulent act. ‘The Common Council, in the year next succeeding that in which any such sale, purchase, &c., may have been or hereafter may be made, may By or Gteanes annul the samo or any other disposition of ty. rights, or franchises of the said Corporation, made in pursuance: of some bona fide covenant, contract, agreement, ordi- nance, act or resolution. ‘The chief officers of the Department of Public Charities and Correction shall be known as Commissioners of Pub- lic Charities and Correction, shail be cos the same as other heads of departments; the glerks shall be ap- inted in the same manner as other clerks, and all shall Bold their offices on the same terms and subject to remo- val ag in allother departments. In all other respects the - department duties shall remain as under the present law. All parts of laws inconsistent with this act are re- peal NEW YORK LEGISLATURE, Senate. ALpany, Feb. 7, 1862. BILLS REPORTED FAVORABLY. To close part of Partition street, in the city of Brook- lyn. T Goeanirne the Asylum for Insane Convicts. Amending the 8 incorporating life and health ine surance companies. L9 NOTICED. By Mr. WoonncrnImending the Excise law of 1857. By Mr. Wassap— Dividing crime of murder into two degrees, and to define ishment of argon. By Mr. Harpix—Amending Revised Statutes reia- tive to bankers’ and brokers’ establishments. By Mr. Bett—Relative to ations by receivers of insol- vent mutual insurance companies. BILLS INTRODUCFD. By Mr. Ansotr—Providing for the examination of the accounts of the Treasurer of the Canal Departinent and securities of the Bank Department. Mr. Law—Amending the act providing additional al gers of jurors. By Mr. Conmoity—Amending the act altering the plan of New York. Adjourned until Monday evening at seven o'clock. Assembly. ; Atnaxr, Feb. 1, 1968, Mr. McLgop presented a petition from citizens lew York praying for legislation in regard to tho Hackley contract, and other alleged fraudulent transactions in New York, im which it {s charged that the Ring Board of Albany are interested. The petition was read. ‘BILLS REPORTED FAVORARLY. To amend the Ki County Court act. ‘To provide for the Public Defence. The bill is as sent in jotices: were given of the introduction of the following To repeal South and West streets and other street Railroad acts of 1860. Mr, McCane— divide the Twelfth ward in the city ot New York. | Mr, ‘¥—To amend the law regulating pawn- broking in the city of New York. ‘To regulate of amusement in New York. By Mr. Cowes—To the Department of Chari- ties and Correction in New York. By Mr. Suiru—To punish frauds by mock auctioneers. ms PASEED. To the proceeds of the tax to support the common sc! pols. ~" ‘To amend the act giving consent to the purchase of sites for lighthouses and fortifications by the United States. BILLS INTRODUCED. By Mr. fe nin mere J ‘the act relative to the: election of superimtendents of the poor and coroners in county. nee Meixon—Incorporating the Spring Street Rail- cir Regsse—Regulsting the sale of fruit in New ‘Mr. McLxon—Amending the charter of New York. = Lip i taking private property for public uses in New York city. In relation mf ‘actions on premium and stock notes: ven by insurance companies. ms To amend ‘the law incorporating fire insurance compa. nies by restricting the dividends declared by euch com- panies. ‘The Broadway Railroad bill. By ie A Danm-—Consolidating the several acts relative to the district courts in New York. Relative te the Su Court, Common Pleas and Ma- Court, New York. oy Mr. Keswer—Autborizing the Commissiovers of the: Taste Regain he feee of the ‘Registrar eae ace Src eS Bt Why i, Warmac ns —tenig the jurisdiction of jus- By Mr, Hatargan—Incresing the number of the Judges: “S Fag cer fe) act. A large number of bills wore introduced at @ Jate boor SHIPPING NEWS. a Arrived. U 8 sloop-of-war Savannah, Commander Jobn ‘8 Missroon, Port Royal, 80, 8 daye, Sehr Hen’ Hickman, to Janet, Deo 18, via St Thomas, 1¢ aaa i men's rowel, other ship news see second page. MISOBLLANEOUS. 7? CTED WITHOUT PAIN—BY DR. 11 SER or Na. ee os eae roadway, War s Hewes tor Are gr; vulcanized, gy patina, #10; gd, 9355 Fefaleas enamel oF bone dling, 6 cents, ee RFEITED IF FAILING TO CURE ANY 000 eer Rheamaimn, Neuraigis of Catarrh on tRe taco of the earth, in from a few’ hours to a few days, by bur Vegetable Electrical Remedies. Cures 10 $6, $10 and $100. Write to York Blectrical Institute, 661 Broadway. the patient has been confined in bed tw cance unauconsatully treated by whe most em canes where great quantities of medicine have Gain, somouinos restored in twenty-four hours, Cinna who nee our remedies have groaier suanens others, Some acents, formerly jaboring men, Lave fortupes by guar@n! cures with them. quarant or call