The New York Herald Newspaper, February 10, 1862, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 9283. THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION. Importayt News from Roa- ‘noke Island. Rebel Reports of an Engagement Be- tween! the Union and Rebel Forces. The Union Force Said to Have Been Twice Repulsed. cciiard atl ieaeate i THE FIGHT STILL GOING ON. SKETCH OF ROANOKE ISLAND. Ets Strategic Importance, Fortifica- tions and Garrison, oe de, &e. . =a FoR itovnoe, Feb. 8, 1862. ‘The fag of trace trom Crancy Island to-day brought vor several ladies to go North. One of the lady passengers reports that to-day General juger informed her that he had reccived’a despatch from Island, to the effect that the federal forces had advanced to Roanoke, Island, and had been twice repulsed. The attack commenced at seven o’clock yesterday morn- ing (Feb, 7), and the fight was still going on when tie latest mews was received. &e., Norvorx, Feb. 8, 1862. A messenger, arrived to-day from Roanoke Island, re- ts that four federal steamers wero off the island last ight and a large number of vessels were twelve miles below the island. An attack was expected at that point. ‘Gon. Wise is in better health. SKETCH OF ROANOKE ISLAND AND THE REBEL FORTIFICATIONS. ~ ‘The above communication is from a rebel source, from no less a personage than Major General Samuel Hnger, the commandant at Norfolk. The last private advices we ‘Ihave from the expedition were up to the Sth instant. On ‘that day the gunboat fleet and troop transports left Hat~ ‘teras for Roanoko Island. Our correspondent writes:— Commodore Goldsborough feared that the delay already experienced would give the enemy a great ad- vantage, provided they had been sharp enough to im~ ‘Prove the opportunities thus afforded them. He consid- ered thatthe’ expedition had“ been favored with good Iyck s0 far in escaping the chances of storms upon that Point at this season, and getting so many yessols inside the Sound:safely, It seemed to be tho opinion of the commander that in future such expeditions should be ‘more under the control of the navy officers. He feared more difficulty for the large vessels after they. should eave Albemafie Sound, and was anxious that the gun” Doats of light draftshould be hurried up.” General: Burnside’s force, which is very. numerous, ‘was to ‘have boen landed on the lower end and cast side Of the island, ‘under the guns of the war vesrols. Com- modore Golasborough’s fleet were to engage the batteries on Croatan, Sound, at short range, while a portion of the land force. was to haye pushed to any point where the enemy should show himself in force. When the expedition sailed from Hatteras all were con- fident of success. Ail were in good health and good Spirite, and good order and discipline prevailed. All they wanted was a chance to met the enemy. The ves. els were supplied with provisions for sixty days, and a large supply of coal. We ‘rather opine, if a blow has been struck at all on Roanoke Island, the result will be in favorof the Union arms, a8 their numerical strength and equipment were of & suporior character to those of the rebels. ‘The. object of taking Roanoke Island by the Union forces is to take the initiative, towards seizing other points on the railroad running directly South from Rich” mond,and thus effectually to cut off the supplies from the Southern States, If the Union troops are fortunate enough to secure its capture, it will put a stop to the in- Jand coast navigation of North Carolina, which means of ‘transportation has been so usefil from its safety against Dostile eruisers, - The most important object of the seizure will, however, be the threatening of Norfolk, and, if it is thought advi- Bable tofollow up the advantage, the flanking of tho rebel army at Norfolk. A movement securing Panilico and Albemarle Sounds, and thus commanding the great Albe- marle and Chesapeake Canal and the Dismal Swamp Canal, ‘would command the adjunct canal known as the Jericho Canal, connecting, through Lake Drummond, with an im- portant railroad junction ata town calied Suffolk, on the Nansemond river, where the main railroad route from Norfolk branches into what are called the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad and the Seaboard and Roanoke Rail- road, thus completely cutting off all connection by Fail or water between Norfolk and its surround. gg country and the other parts of the rebel re. gious. The strategic importance of such a move- ment, if sucosssfally mate, will form one of the most important features of the war. The island fu ® position which is valuable to us, commanding, a3 At does, the Currituck Sound, which opens into Albemarie. ‘Currituck is about Hfty miles long, ten miles wide, and is ‘avigable for vessels drawing ten fect of water. Owing to the natural breakwater which protects a large portion ‘Of the coasts of North Carolina and Virginia, the water is @s placid as a Inke, and easily navigated. It bas been fortified by the rebels, who bave estab- lished an imtrenched camp in the centre, and erected five forte to defend it at important points, THE REBEL GARRISON ON ROANOKE ISLAND. General Hil, commanding. Brigndier General Henry A. Wise. TROOPS—WISE LEGION. Light artitory batve:y: Captain Romer. First regiment, Colonel Ewall. Recond regiment, fauk Anderson. ‘Third . i. i vie. ‘Wofantry battalion, Lieutenant Colone! Gibbs. Infantry battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Patten, Infantry battalion, Major Dutfleld. Jofamtry battalion, Hanshorough. Georgia regiment, Colonel McMillan. North Carolina regiment, Colonel In all about 5, troops, ‘The” fortifications are: supported by a emall naval forco,under Commodore W. F. Lynch. ‘The names of tho obel steam gunboats are the Fanny (captured from tho ‘Dnion), Curlew, Seabird and Post Poy. Bach of these ‘weesels bas an armament of two guns each, OUB EXPEDITIONARY CORRESPONDENCE, Uxerep States Gcxnoat Cossack, } Hatteras Inter, Jan. 31, 1962. Arrival of the Schooner Colonel Satterley, with Ordnance Stores, Riyfled Cannon, dc.—Gundoat Practice—Chase After a Rebel Gunboat, de. Some anxiety was felt regarding tho fate of the trans- port achooner Colonel Satterley, which was relieved ‘when sho calmly entered the inlet on the 29th inst. She has the expeditionary signal corps on board, and hence the anxiety regarding her safety. She loft Fortress Monroe on the 16th inst., and made Matters light the fame evening, but, unwilling to enter the inlet after sun- wet, stood on and off during the night. On the succeeding day she was caught in a gale and compelied to put to soa. Fhe remaiacd in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream until tho gale had died out, and then mado for the inlet, reaching the bar outside on the 29d, where she anchored over might. Another gale blew her out to sea on the following ‘Morning, and kept her out until she again made this an_ whorage safely yesterday morning, She suffered no da. nage whatever, In addition to the signal corps, she rings @ valuable cargo of ordnance etores, consisting of Shell, powder and rifled cannon of heavy calibre, Tho gunboats havo been practising their gune ‘dnring the past few days, with the buoys as targots, fPme excellent shooting has been made, The Coveack @o jost been armed with two steal twelve-pounders, @ 1d is ready to ‘take @ hand’? in the figh’, if necoseary, The gunboat Pawance, whicb, was thought, hea NEW YORK, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1862. THE NEW YORK HERALD. PRICE TWO CENTS. ‘Deen hopelessly grounded, is afloat again, and but little injured. ANOTHER CHASE APTER A REBEL GUNBOAT. ‘The rebels are growing very audacious in their eager- ness toreconnoitre our movements, Day before yester- day a sail was observed in a northwest direction hovering around as if watching our movements. The gunboat Underwriter finally got up steam and started to overhaul the rebel craft, which, from the sail, was thought to be a sloop, but subsequently turned out to be a schooner-rigged steamer of vory light draught. ‘The chase became, a most exciting one, and was watched with intense interest by the fleet, from which every glass was levelled in the direction of the two vessels, The pursued and pursuer passed out of sight in a couple of hours, and towards nightfall the Underwriter returned empty handed. Tho rebel got away in shoal water, th:ough which it would have been impossible and dangercus to follow. Beyond this little incident nothing has occurred within the past two days to break the unyarying monotony of life in Hatteras Inlet, IMPORTANT FROM TENNESSEE. eee Gunboat Reeonnoissance from Fort Henry up the Cumberland River~The Advance Upon Fort Donelson—Large Amount of Property Captured—Depar- ture of Cavalry and Artillery from St. Louis for Fort Henry, é&ec., d&e. Crromyatt, Feb. 9, 1862. Special despatches to the Gazelle and Commercial, dated Fort Henry, February 8, give the following intelli- gence 5 ot SEE oH ae Directly after the capture of Fort Henry the gunbocts Lexington, Tyler and Conestoga started up the river) with tnstructions to proceed as far as they saw fit. Yesterday tho Carondelet, in charge of Colonels Webster, Riggins and McPherson, of General Grant's staff, made a reconnoissance as far as the bridgo of the Memphis and Clarkesville Railroad, at Danville. They found quarters had been built at the bridge, and occupied by some troops, and where was also found a large quan- tity of army supplies, commissary stores, wagons, &c. The inhabitants were deserting their dwellings for miles around, and fleeing in every direction. The bridge at Danville was partially disabled bythe first gunboats which went up the river, Another of the plors was crippled so as to completely prevent tho pags- age of trains. There were but eight guns captured by Hickey’s caval- ry and Colonel Logan, instead of fourteen, Nearly all tho guns were spiked with telegraph wire, which can easily be removed. They are brass six pounders and in fire order. All the prisoners taken (about one hundred) were sent to Cairo yesterday. The amount of property captured will exceed $1 ,000.000. Reconnoisances have boen made by Col. Logan and others to within a mile of Fort Donelson. Gen. Grant and staft make @ reconnoisance this afternoon be- yond Danville, Sr. Lovis, Mo., Fob. 8, 1862. Acorrespondent of the Republican says that the pro- perty captured at Fort Henry is valued at upwards of $200,000. : One thousand five hundred cavalry and a battery of light artillery left here yesterday for Fort’ Henry. BPorward Movement of Gen. Tho! Division—Three Armies to Invade Tene nessee. Crxcinxani, Feb. 8, 1962. A special Indianapolis despatch tothe Commercial says that/Gen. Thomas’ division is said to nave made a for- ward movement, and will invade East Tennessee at three different points simultaggously. General Carter goos through Cumberland Gap, Gen. Schoepf by the central route, and Gen. Thomas, with Manson and Maccook’s br’ gades, will cross at Mill Spring. They will advance im- mediately on Knoxville, where they will take possession of the railroad, cutting off supplies and commueication with the rebel government. NEWS FROM THE UPPER POTOMAC. OUR POOLESVILLE CORRESPONDENCE. Poouesvitse, Feb. 6, 1862. Brisk Skirmish with the Rebels near Edwards Ferry— Tricks of the Enemy—Vigilance of the Union Troaps— The Rhode Island Batlery Engaged in the Skirmish— Flight of the Enemy, de. ‘The first skirniish with the enemy that has occurred in this vicinity for a considerable time took place yester- day near Edwards’ Ferry. The rebels have been for some time observed erecting a stockade fort on the opposite side of the river, near the ferry. First they came in small working parties and operated under cover of thenight. Their proceedings were well known to our troops; but they took no notice of them, for reasons which were made obvious by the sequel. Next they came in larger parties, and continued their labors under the shade of darkness. Emboldened by the supposed absence of vigilance in the Yankees and their own sue cess, thoy continued the construction of the embryo fort yesterday. Now was the time and opportanity for our troops to pay the rebels the military compliment of martial honors. While the nntinished fort was yet unable to make any defence, Battery G, of Rhode Ixland, suddenly opened on it yesterday afternoon, Tt was crowded with rebel working parties at the time. Our artillery throw the ten and twelye-pound Parrott shells and balla into it with great precision, completely demolishing the fort and causing groat consternation and terror among the astounded rebels. It is unnecessary to add that they hesitated not torun for their lives, which some of them were unable to carry off. A fow harmless rifle shots were fired at our artillerists; but no harm or injury was done by any of them. The rebels have not dared to show themselves in the vicinity of their aban- doned work since, and by this they have proved. their wisdom. This is the manner in which rebels are checkmated on the Upper Potomac, OUR SANDY HOOK CORRESPONDENCE, Saxpy Hoox, Md., Feb. 8, 1862. On Thursday night, about one o’clock, Major Tyndall's pickets, stationed on the Maryland side of the Potomac, and along the village of Sandy Hook, were alarmed by a Gunshot from the foot of Loudon Heights, just below tho embrouchure of the Shenandoah, followed by female shrieks of murder and cries for help. Colonel Geary, who was at the Major's quarters, immediately ordered a corps of riflemen © concentrate opposite the point whence the eries emanated and fire continuously on the level of the road at the foot of the mountain, and on both sides of the house where the cries were heard. The order was obeyed, and when the morn broke it was learned that the house of the widow Stipes had been broken into and ran- sacked for salt, tea and sugar, bya gang of eighteen or twenty men, supposed to belong to Captain Baylor's guerrillas; also that the woman had been maltreated be. c& 8¢ &@ signal shot had been fired by her son. About seven o'clock yesterday morning a flag of truce was displayed in @ landing arch in the rajlroad wall, just avove the recont Harper's Ferry Bridge, where an angu- lar flight of steps led from the town side of the stone om. bankment, under the railroad track to theriver. The person waving the flag and calling for a boat to come TANT Gt WATERS ASTN See ee ake a ‘With ten men, to proceed to the other sido and set fire to them, which they speedily accomplished, bringing back several trophies dropped in hasty retreat by the murder- ing party, among which was a splondid Minnie musket, loaded, but not capped. The houses fired were tho Wager Galt and Railroad Hotels, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad depot, the Win- er Railroad depot, Welck’s store, the telegraph office, and the dwelling houses of Mra. Wager, Mrs. Darin, Mrs. Ellen Chambers, George Chambers and Wm. J. Ste" vens, none of which were occupied. The destruction of the block now. gives our pitKéts and datterymen‘a view of the Shenandoah road from Charles- town, and willenable our men to protect the village in daylight from any clandestine occupancy by the enemy's forces, as well as give them a warm reception if they should attempr to advance in force by their favorite and hitherto protected route. The conflagration was maguill- cont, the volume of smoke and flame almost concealing the surrounding mountain heights and enveloping the doomed town, Occasionally a concealed shell or guu would explode in the burning buildings, and give a tem- porary relief to our cannouiers and riflemen by ® hope that thoy were the guns of an Approaching enemy. ‘The once populous town of Harper's Ferry now con- tains but seven families—all good Unionists—-numbering perhaps forty souls, all told, During the sholling, these as has long been chetomary, huug out white flags, and their domicile were accordingly respect-d by our ‘can noniers, When your correspondent ascended the Maryland Heights, in the afternoon, none of the rebels were visible except a squad of cavalry stretched across the road at @ small woods behind Bolivar, nor were more than a dozen citizens seen in the three villages of Harper's Fer Re Camptown and Bolivar for several hours. Squads of the ouemy’s cavalry were occasionally seen on the road near Charlestown, but their nombers did not indi- cate any important movement. At five o'clock P, M., three of the enemy’s cavalry came down the Charlestown road, and dismounting en- tered te ferry. Afew moments later one made his ap- pearance with @ flag of truce on @ platform car, standing directly over the landing arch, where his associates had committed the murder in the morning by the use of an emblem held sacred in war, even by the most barbarous and debased nations of the earth. Immediately two hundred cocked hafield rifles covered his fom, and two twelve pounders, loaded with Scriber's patent cartridges, (railroad spikes and jron slugs), were trained to bear upon the same spot. The men were almost insane to revenge the death of their late comrade, but were pre- vonted by gesture from Col. Geary. The boarer came from Charlestow: Tequest the body of young Carlisie, a doceased volunteer in the disunion ranks from Maryland, might he sent over for interment to-day, The Colonel ed that Maryland soil was no fit resting bodies of traitor®, and as the flag of truce heen vio- Juted in the morning, that game could not be p'ayod on him twice inone day, The flag responded that the act of the morning was unauthorized and would be punished. Golone! Geary responded that the first shot was fired by the in command, aud that he had no confidence in any auch assertions. ‘I will give you five minutes,” sald the Colonel, “to get bepoud ‘the reach of my guns. "1 have no more to Sis. e bearer of tho flag and bis companions were suddenly on the Charlestown road, and prompuly at the expiration of the five minutes, one of the twelve ders discharged its iron messougers in the line of their retreat. It was subsequently ascertained that the bearers of the flag wore Baylor's men, that it was Baylor who fired the firet shot at Robr, and ‘the flag man was disguised and painted as a negro to decoy our boat into the trap. Some time ago Rohr was driven from Harper's Ferry (whore he owned a handsome property and was carrying on @ flourishing earriago Lge ‘Dusiness), on account of bis Aielity to the Union. His property was destroyed and confiscated, and he, after securing the retreat of his wive to this side, devoted bis whole time to the government in designating the secessio Union people who sought to cross into Mary highly esteomed ond honored by all our officers, widow, who is now destitate, ia a Pennsylvania lady, anit deserves the consideration of the government and the Union people, Daring the morning two of the enemy were killed out- right by our shelis, and others were wounded. During the conflagration a mon in citizen's dress was over was the only one in sight, and he was ‘colored.”’ | seen walking to and fro between the abutment of the A boat, with the ferrymam and a gentleman named | Shenandonh bridye and near the house of Widow Kipes. After witnes Lis motions for some time, Colonel Geary orderei 6 squad of his sharpshooters to try range upon Lim—the distance being not less than thousand two hundred ya At the first volley the fellow ran up the road and tell—he affected t To fell again—a cloud of smoke momentarily bid him f view, and whon it rose he was nowhere to be seon. Near afiesure in the rocks was discoveres men crossed and went up the road at the double qu rriving at the rock the man was dis- covered, unharined, snugly ensconced in the opening of the rock, and the equ returned with him as i George Rohr (a loyal Vinginian, whose property had been destroyed, because of his Union sentiments), went over to respond to the summons of humanity. As the boat neared the arch Rohr remarked to the ferryman, that the man with the flag of trace was not a negro, but a white maa painted; neverthelers it was deciied to land and see what was wanied, The boat was pushed stern foremost into the arch, Rohr being seated in the stern. By the dim light it was discovered that the stairway was with men, and before the boat could be started forward! a man, pronounced by tho deceased to be Capt. the ball ti q | Soner. On being ihtorrogated he stated th = f taaes ming Seaceahe Goiepeumiavaamtanmes balonged to the Virginia, “militia at” Loesborg, knee. man, an camo W lo vis! an uncle, ‘olone! penta wounded, men, Soding Be Bad been | CiScy, penning bit hought he had better ‘entrapped, fired his musket into the recess, when a second bail struck him on the shoulder, and passing downward, came out below tho right breast. ‘When it became known on this side that Rohr had been shot, our ritlemen poured volley after volley into the landing arch and such places as the enemy might conceal themselves. The battery on the Maryland heights opened houses in the rear, and the pickets in ly Hook juadron of cavalry and footmen pushing up road in the direction of Charlostown, A foot soldiers were also discovered on the Loudon 8i Shenandoah, behind the abutment of the burned i beyond the range of our ritles, ‘The buildings which had the party of mur- derors from view and sheltered them from tho riflemen e hia name as Henr; arg, named Samuel T. to the river, opposite be turned over to Uncle Sam. He Demory. A deserter from Lees! |, Cain, previously found hie way Sandy Hook and was ferried over. Yesterday morning # considerable body of foot and mounted men, were discovered on the road at the east side of Loudon Height*, but they retreated without com. ing within Li eckson is rel say Mg og to be atill_at Winchester, On returning there from his late tour, bo denounced his officers as aset of ‘damned cowsrds,” his mon as baif traitors, and sont his resignation to Richmond. The au- thorities there requested him to withdraw it, and he will probably do #0, under a promise of a higher position, had long been the rendezvous, day and night, of Brigadier Genoral Lander, at last accounts received here, onemy's scouting parties, wlio were thus enatiod to ay. 4 Was at Romney with five thousand men, t free nseen fire upon our pickets, Their destruc. The Mill Spring Prisoners, heretofore been contemplated, but doxisted from out of consideration of tho. Waltimore nnd Olio Railroad Company, who had a considerable interost thorein, Colonel Geary, however, ordered their immedi. ate dostrnction by Ore, ant failing to ignite by shells, Major Tyndall detached Licntenant Greonwalt, of Com: yany F of the Twenty eighth Pennsylvania rogiment, Lovisvittr, Feb. 8, 1962. Forty-six prigoners, captured at tho Mill Spring fight, ‘were brought here to-night. Among them aro Lieutenant Colonel M. B. Carter, of the Twentieth Tennessee, and three lieutenants of other rebel regimente, THE EXPEDITION TO ROANOKE ISLAND. Important Strategical Position of the Island----The Rebel Bat- | teries on the Island and on the Mainland, INTERESTING FROM SAN DOMINGO. Our San Domingo City Correspondence. . San Domunco Guy, Jaa. 13, 1862. Termination of the Republic and Commencement of the Provincialisn af the Cowntry—Non-Recognition of the New Governmett by the Great Powers— What Spain Hat Accomplished Promisca—A Splendid Location forthe Surplus and Mfce Nejiroes of tha Uititedt Stales—How the City Has Improved in Dashing “ Purnouts, Toilt'es, Crinoline and Howe Decoration—War News from America—Thealrieals, ike. We are mulling along here iv a kind of * cucumber time” between hay and grass, The poor old Dominican republic has breathed its last, and been interred with the usual amount of howling; but Spain still sits awkwardly in the new saddle, She dads here a splendid. opportunity to invest the reals she got from Morocco, and those she expects to get from time to time from Haytiand Mexico (D, V), She does not think she has got such an almighty bargain in San Domingo after all, Still her okt Castilian pride will not permit her to back out without a first rate excuse. 4s yet none of the great Powers have recog- nized this island os a Spanish province, aud the several consulates of France, England and tho United States present @ singularly modest aud “attendant” as- pect. Spain, however, has begun well—vhe is on her good be- havior. A new tariff is proposed, reducing duties on merchan- dise in foreign bottoms from 30 to 20 per cent. It is also proposed 4 tub to Uncle Sam's whale to make Samana a free port for all nations, and it is darkly hinted that President Lincoln will be invited by his august cousin, Isabella II., to send his “comtrabands” to our fertile (not sacred) soi). ‘The most entire religious toleration will be exercised Emigration from every Jand under the sun, including ‘sDixie” and “the land lying east of Chinese ‘Tartary,” will be encouraged. The coasting trade is thrown open to all fags; and last, but by no means least, that nation whose name for cen- tories bas been the synonym of tyranny and oppression, Bas stepped boldly into the front rank of the progressive people of the earth; and here, on the spot where African slavery was first planted, and whence it spread its poison laden branches Jike a blighting curse over the surround. ing countries; here ber first act after annexation has been to declare the chains of the slave broken, and broken forever. Materially the city at least has been benefitted by the change of government. Carriages that haye goen servico on the boulevards of Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the paveos of Havana, begin to show themselves in our unac- customed streets.’ Humbler vehicles—such as buggies, dog carts and New York drays—are abundant; and “Jackass-dom”’ is scorned and disgusted. Several fine horses from Cuba and Porto Rieo bave been imported, and, gayly caparisoned, bear their creole masters right rowily. PSoliete are more dashing, if not more distingue than for- merly.. Less ot the machete and bare back order end preposterous crinolines flaunt their yoloptuous curves in our talons. Houses, too, are catching & fresh cont of white or yel- low wash, and shops and fordas innumerable meet the eye every where, Meantime traders are not frequent, but loafers abound. Thore is large tal , and, #8 sometimes happous in provincial circles, confused notions of things. There are “wars and rumors of wars.’’ We learn that, in consequence of the bluster made ~ 4 John Bull upon the arrest of Mason and Slidell, the Frenel Emperor has calied upon John to account for the dispo- sition made of his uncle, who placed himself as a rofugeo (not io act of war) on board a British o1 Iso that the Southern confederacy has declared wer against some of the German principalities, and that a Hessian fleet has been seen off Chariest In the interior things await the coming of the hasband- men. Tho island is the same wilderness as when Oolum- bus gazed with rapture upon its ever green hills and mag- nificent plains, Vast herds roam at will over the gavan- the herdsmen are few. Its mines, that once yielded @ no inconsiderable portion of the revenue of Spain, are unworked; its teeming valleys are anbroken by the plough; its rivers flow sullenly through lowering thickets to silent harbors. What a glorions felt! to try the experiment of free black labor in the tropics. Who He isan ex- will undertake it General Santana is #ti!] Captain Genero!, emplary gentioman, but slow. Affwirs are mucb A, his Excellency, the Snperint po man General, who are both men of intelligence and of extremely liberal views. - cans have been gradually set aside in the public offices, and Spaniards occupy their places and pocket their emotu- ments, Mr, Joeger, our new Consul, is at his post, but, like his predecessor, holds no official intercourse with the govern- ment. We have at the theatre a prestidigitateur, The feats, however, do not astonish the natives, since Santana changed 4 republic into a monarchical province by adash of his pen ‘The bark Harvest Queen, which sails to-morrow for Now York, carries a sample of native cotton which grows here abundantly, and ean doubtiess be cultivated to arlvantage, It appears to be of tho same apecies as the ‘errivian cotton tree, and grows well in our poorest soll. an probably bo faised in our Northern and Middle States. No othor American veasels now in port, Health of the city good. ADDITIONAL FROM PORT ROYAL. Arrival of the Sloop-of-War Savannah and Frigate St. Lawrence, INTERESTING FROM TYBEE ISLAND, Heavy Armament of the St. Lawrence. & AFFAIRS AT PORT ROYAL, nainne manindnesrie ITARY STATE OF THE VESSELS, dey Ren ae 2 The United States frigate St. Lawrence, fifty guns, Commander H. Y. Purviance, whose arrival here on Saturday afternoon has already been reported in the ‘Herat, is now anchored far out in the Wallabout bay, opposite the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tho St. Lawrence mounts on her spar deck eighteen 68-pounders, and on her main deck thirty-two 32-pounders=a very formidable armament. Before the St. Lawrence left Port Royal the genera? opinion prevailed that an attack would be made on Fort Pulaski; but nothing decisive had beon agreed on whea he shiled. The rebels in South Carolina are described as being in a most wretched state, bordering orf starvation. Their ships, or what they term their war vessels, are called by the Union blockading squadron mosquito boats. On the day before tho St, Lawrence sailed three of ‘Vhese mosquilo veseels actually sailed between the Diockading squadron on both sides, and succeeded 4m passing through without sustaining any injury. They are now, however, so completely hemmed in that ‘they cannot be reinforced or provisioned. Thero were ‘signs that a biow, on an extensive scale, was about to bo struck by our forces, The St. Lawrence brings many mementoes from. Port Royal, of which not the least unin- teresting are foar swine and two dogs, with their young. On her homeward voyage the frigate experienced ve- ry severe weather; but uo casualties occurred, and her officers and crew are in excellent heaith. The object of her visit to this port. is not yet dofinitely known, but it is supposed that when she is fully stored with feesh provisions and ammunition she will receive OFders to rejoin the blockading squadron. ‘The sanitary state of the ship is excellent, and her sea- worthiness js not in the slightest impaired. ‘The first rate sloop-of-war Savaunah, Commander John S. Missroon, now lying at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is the object of much attraction, and so many parties on Saturday afternoon availed themselves of the opportunity of paying her a visit in rowing boats and going on board ‘that it became necessary to prohibit the extension of such ® privilogo, from the fact that some of her crew are Liboring under the offects of scurvy, as was stated in yes- torday’s Hirarp. This, however, iu no way prevents the, active perform, ance of duty by the healthy pertion of the men; and, on ‘Saturday evening, her sails and top gallants were spread out to dry, whilst her “decks uuderwent a thorough cleaning. Commander Mirsrcon, with First Lioutensnt Johnston and the other officers, are using all diligence to have the vessel cleansed, puritied and refitted for active service. Her armament will be duly attended to, 80 as to have it properly strengthened for future service. On Satur- day last a large lighter, with powder and other war ma- terial, lay alongside to be transhipped in due course. Her commissariat will also receive due attention. Itis.gratifying to state that even, sinco the short time of the Savannah's arrival here, these who are indispose® on board aro beginning to evince symptoms of renewed heaith and vigor, and with due attention and the care which is now being bestowed upon the sick, it is to be hoped that they will soon be ready to resume their duties in tho frigate. OUR EXPEDITIONARY CORRESPONDENCE. Usirep Srares Srkawen Wyaxpor, Orr Trake, GaA., Jan. 31, 1862, } Movements of the Federal Pleet—the Proops at Work: at the Fortifications at Tybee Island—Daufuskie Island and its Surroundings—Gunboats at Nassau Sound—Reconnois- tance of the Rebel WorkimMovements of Troops—Firing from Fort Pulaski, des, de. I have little of importance to transmit, apart from in- telligence that you are doubtless in possession of. We are still maintaining the same state of inactivity that pre vailed at the date of my laatto you. The universal in- quiry among the troops on shore, as well as with the mon in the squadron, is, why is there nothing done by the government? The Seventh Connecticut as well as the Forty-sixth New York, encamped on Tybee, are anxious- ly expecting orders for a movement. In the interim they are strongly fortifying the sland by constructing masked batteries, mounting éffective guns, and throwing ap abat- tis. In their ordnance they number several eight inch rifled cannon, and a proportion of Parrott guns. But they will grow ‘¢rusty for want of use.” We are keeping watch and ward at the ‘mouth of the channel, in which notable duty we have th companionship of the Pawnee (flag-ship here) and the sloop-of-war Vandalia, Much intorest is felt in tho movements of tho Fingal, a vessel that flaunts the ensign of her Gracious Majesty the Queen, which craft has been lying, perdu, since last spring in the vicinity of Savannah. Thad almost concluded that she was as mythical as the “Flying Dutchman,” until she was discovered from the masthead of the Pawnee, with her national bunting fly- ing. She will attempt to run the blockade, either here or through Warsaw passage. In either event she must keep a close watch over her cotton, as this staple is much wanted to protect our steam-chests. Her cargo is said to be made up of cotton and rice, both of which commodities would realize @ handsome division for our officers and men at present prices. Dawfuskie Island, where there are many fine planta- tions now deserted, is in charge of a provost marshal and a detachment of civil engineers is now encamped there. They have been recently engaged in sounding and clearing the channel off the end of the Island, and in the prosecution of the work, have, upon more than one oc- casion, approached close to the walls of Fort Pulaski. They are under the surveillance of the Seventh Conncoti- cut, and communicate in their line of pickets with the companies belonging to the same regiment quartered on Hilton Island. Both the New York and New England troops evidence great proficiency in drill, and are effici- ent, especially the former, in artillery practice. ‘These regiments are attached to the brigade of General Wright, who is an accomplished officer, aud much esteemed, The Forty-sixth New York under command of Colonel Rosa, hail from the vicinity of Williamsburg, in that State, and are mostly Germans, while Col. Terry’s command are from New Haven , having loft that place In September last, The troops are poorly cared for and illy clad, The appointment of brigade and division sutlers, positions created for the especial advan. tage of the friends of the departniont, has materially in- terferod with the comfort of both men and officers, Regi- mental sutlers in this section have no voice, and until recently the moet ordinary articles of consumption in the sutler’s stores bave been held at prices that, when paid, made gad inroads upon the monthly stipend. Wild fowl are here found in abundance, and you may see acres of them, almost, feeding on the sedge on the “ages of the shoals. The is!ands abound in game, and cattle and horses run wild, while vonigon can be had for the shooting. I retured froma successful forage a few daye since With the boats laden with hogs, poultry, vogetables and @ young bullock, the only fresh meat wo have seen siuee we left New York, The oysters are par- ticalarly fine, and may be taken by the bont load at low tide in any of the numerous crecks and inlets that inter- sect both Groat and Little Tybee Isiaude, On Sunday last, the 26th inst., while entertaining some of the officers of ‘tho Forty-sixth New York at dinner, the otficer of the deck reported a fleet of United States uunboats heading for Warsaw passage, We subsequent- ¥ ascortained that information was in possession of one of the officers here that a demonstration upon Savannah was in contemplation, | This morning (47th inst.) the stoamers were not in sight, At two o'clock P. M. the army tranaport McClellan, with Gen, Sherman and stat on board, 6..me to avebor,” All #round seemed to indicate a decided, if not an immediate movement upon bis part, It may be that the design is simply to out of anyeom- munication between Fort Pulaski and the main land. This afternoon the gunboats divided their points of occupa- wee, one detachment weathering Dawfuskie Island, while the others made their way inland by Warsaw Passage. Two of the latter, subsequently four, were clearly made out from the deck edging up in rear of the The United States troops on Dawfuskie Island have been recently reinforced by two regiments from Hilton ‘Head, part of Goueral Viele’s brigade, while General Ste- ‘Vans is encamped at Beaufort, Pulaski is silent to-day, and we have failed to notice the smoke of thoir news boat since she was apprised of the reinforcement we have received. There must have been “‘a sound,” but not ‘of revelry by night” in Savan- bab, ag that city is now complely Dlockaded. we anticipated, shortly after nine o'clock thiemorn- bm yo January), the “game of ball’swas commenced by the United Stites gunboats inside of Bawfuskie Island, opening fire with slot and shell upon the confederate steamers, five iu number, that hove in sight coming down the chanupl, At the same time our vessels, which had taken position out of the range of the guns {rom Fort Pu- ir messengers 4 succeeded ‘The Ida, a confederate utiet, and eventually came. ‘the ng Pulaski, A si ior Hanpage wae ily running down astern of the » to be in bonis i the tpper pesbuge, for che vader wore around At noon two others, emboldened by tho success of their file. }, bore away up the centre of the baliy Wore greeted with an warm reception. the Ida. got under mornin er exehanging with their persistent annoyers, weathered the point, Jeaving only a long line of smoke ‘to her Some of our gunboats were agronnd di the engage- ment, as the water is very shoal in the that they were Btatione? in, aud the tide had nearly run out when they opened fire. They all occupied such a position that they could not make tho channel, consequently many of their shot fell short. Athalf-past two P: M. the battery on Tybee Island triod the range of her guns on Fort Pulaski, which was responded to bya shot intended for the Pawnee, but which fell short some two hundred yards. THANKS TO FLAG OFFICER DUPONT. The President bas ont the following message to Con- grees :— To THe Senate ov Tee Usmrep States : The third section of the ‘ Act further topromote the famern] of the navy,” approved 21st December, 1861, provides :-— That the President of the United States, ae) the advice and consent of the Senate, shall have authority to Geotail from the retired list of the nape. for paniead ah . _ ‘Squadrons and ips, ofiicers as he may believe ‘that th db of the vi K chee A ee, Fontes Ao ue the Blasenin yy tion of the President of un Unite Stat shall ive Tote of thunks of Congress for cies ‘and ‘action ‘the eliemy, be restored to the active and not otherwise. In conformity with this jaw, Captain'Samuel F. Dupont, of the navy, was nominated to the Senate for continuance as the flag officer in command of the squadron which re- cently rendered sch important service to the Union in the expedition to the coast of South Carolina, Believing that no occasion could arise which would more fully cor- respond with the intention of the law,or be nant with bappy influence as an commend that of thanks of Congress for his sorvices played in the capture of Forts Walker and commanding the entrance to Port Royal 7th November, 1861. Wasuincroy Crry, 4th February, 1862. IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI. Advance of the Union Forces—Gen. Price Surrounded—Must Fight or Surrender, - Roma, Feb. 8, 1862. The news from the West indicates that tho prepara. tions for a decided blow against the enemy are nearly completed. The forces for this movement are nearly all concentrated at the point whence It is intended to move against the @iversary, and ina few days the whole com- mand will probably be on the march westward. Genorals Sigel and Asboth’s divisions have reached Lebanon, and Major Wright’s battalion of cavalry has moved thirteen miles west of that point. Gen. Davis’ brigade was reported to be crossing the Osage river on Wednesday, anda) portion of it was ex- pected to arrive at Lebanon on Thursday, ‘Twoof Major Wright's scouts report that Price haw made aspeech to his troops, telling them they were sur- surrounded, that they must fight or surrender, and that they all decided to Ognt. Price is, said to haye been, heavily reinforced from Arkansas, and to have eollepted Inrge supplics of provisions on the road leading from Springfield to Fayetteville. Captain Wood had arrived at Waynesville with twenty- feven rebel prisoners, including five captains, taken be+ aie: Lebanon and Springfield. Sr. Louis, Feb. 8, 1862. Nine hundred prisoners were transferred from hereto Alton to-day, where quarters have been. prepared in the old penitentiary. A regiment of cavairy left here yesterday for Rolla. Another Vessel Sent in Pursuit of the Pirate Craft Sumter. Tho United States gunboat Keargage sailed from Ports- mouth, N. H.,on the 7th iust., for Fayal anda cruise, ‘The following is a correct list of her officer, Commander—C. W. Pickering. Liewenant—T. C. Harris. a Pegamen tan A Smith jos. A. Smith. pitting Mastero—F. M Stoddard, James H. Wheeler, z. . Sumner. ‘Acting Midshipman—Fa. E. Preble, of Portland, who goes as Sailing r. Acting Gunner—F. A. Grabam. Beatswain—James C. Walton. Chief -W. 1, Cushman. Firs nt james W. Whittaker. Second Assistant incer—W. Hi. ma. ‘Phird Asvistant ‘Fred’k D. Miller, Henry Mo» Connell, Sidney L. Smith. Commander's Clerk—Charles 0. Muzzey. 's Steward—George A. Tittle. Pa: "g Steward—Daniel B Sargent, Prac ap aoe ae Sallin thy el of her, Tigrandeon ot Commodore Preble, and nineteen years of age. Rebel Accounts of the Capture of Fort Henry. Norvoun, Feb. 8, 1862. ‘A despatch from Clarksville says that Fort Henry hag fallen into the hands of the enemy, our force to Fort Donelson, Federal gunboats are at Danville, Tennessee, and the bridge at that place has been ed by the Yankeos. Twenty thousand federals formed the attacking column. Mexurins, Feb. 7, 1862, Fort Henry was captured by the federals yesterday, after two hours fighting. * Nuw Onueane, Feb. 7, 1862, Four hundred and ninety-two prisoners left yesterday for North Carolina to be exchanged. News from Fortress Monroe. Fortress Moxnor, Feb. 8, 1962. An orvler was isened from headquarters yesterday for tho Tenth Now York regiment, now attached to the gar- rison of the fortress,to remove to Camp Hamilton as soon as the weather will permit, in order to make room for the companies of artillery recently arrived, General Rosecrans’ Opinion of General McClellan. Tn a speech delivered at a supper in Wheeling, Va. , om tha 6th inst., General Rosecrans gave many reasons he had faith, great faith inGeneral McClellan. He known him as « student, and he had known him as « ‘acticat military man, and in both relations he excel Fre had always excctiet wherever [oe gy phy capac’ w . man taken hold. His ity wae undoabted, If any, tae hugo army, Tiiprecedented anit ia in history, 1 wae, it his opinion, NoneArrival of the America, Hatarax, Feb. 9—10 A. M. No sign of the steamship America, new overdue at thie 5% Catam, M@., Feb. 911 P.M. ‘The wires cast of this placo are down, ond. ae Scrrave Court Creciit.—Part 1.—Nos, 1687, 1596, 2045, 128, 690, 8, 125,301, 890, 868, 1106, 1145, 1140, 1162, 1108, 1204, 1289, 186, 4822, dle ai Common P.Ras,—Part 1.—Noa, , 871, 872, 873, 874, $75, 878, 879, 680, 499, 083, ' Part 2.—Non. 696, 50634. 68134, 902, 687, 622, 843, 400, 904, 667, $80, 1484, 200, 161, Screaton Count.—Part 1.—Nos, 2771, 1913, 3887, oot 3040, 8247, 2349, 2353, 9070, 145, 199, 280, 243, 247, ‘The \ast six numbers ore from the now calendar, Part 2—Nos. 1912, 3196, $198, 364, 2770, 1960, 8602, 3606! 9014, 9268, 423, 3618, 2002, 2022.