The New York Herald Newspaper, March 10, 1862, Page 8

— —— IMPORTANT FROM THE LOWER POTOMAC. | CWS FROM WASHINGTON. AsmRCTO3, 1968. The Abandonment of Cockpit iaieitine caame _—" Point by the Rebels. 18 l@ understood that the Commitics of Ways and ‘Moans will have a new Tariff bill prepared for presente, tion to the House by the time the Tax Dill shall have passed that body, Some of the articles in the present free list will be transferred to the dutiable schedules, and such other changes made as will yield two or three mil pion dollars of additional revenue. THE PRESIDENT’S SPECIAL MESSAGE, ‘The minor politicians in Congress are still in a state of painful uncertainty in regard to the President's special message. It came upen them so suddenly and unex. pectediy that many of the would-be statesmen have been unabte to define their positions. The force of the eom- servative sentiment of the country is, however, gradu- alty bringing them up to the endorsement of the policy of the Message, which is strongly supported by a majority of the Cabinet, THE REPORTED BATTLE IN NRW MEXIOO. Judge Watts, the delegate from New Mexico, has ad. vices of an authentic character from Fort Craig to the 14th of February, and from Santa Fe to five o’elock; eve- ning of the 16th, At that date the advance guxrd of the United States forces, 500 strong, under Captain Wingate? were on the west side of the Rio Grande, eight milc® below Fort Craig. Being at Paraji on the driving in o! our pickets, Colonel Canby marched in fore to that point, and after anxiously waiting until night without any appearance of the enemy, returning to Fort Craig, leaving his camp fires burning. Colonel Canby’s spy, Gray den, bad captured the principal spy of (ion. Sibley, and from him it‘was ascertained that the forces der Sibley consisted of fifteen hundred troops at Alimosa, and fifteen hundred behind, under Sibley, with eight eannon and 300 beeves, and that he expected reinforcements soon of eleven hundred lancers. Under these circum- stances Judge Watts is confident that no general envago- ment had taken place, but perhaps only skirmishes of the advance guard, which resulted in the falling back of our troops on Fort Craig, in order to prevent the Texan cavalry from getting between our forces in the advance and the fortifications at Fort Craig. The re- cently published despatch from Denver to Julesburg is not on its face authentic, and must heve been ver- bally communicated through a line of express riders over ® distance of 700 miles, and Judge Watts has ther information which satisfies bim that the necount, to say the least, is highly exaggerated, and some parts of i untrue. The Stars and Stripes Over the Rebel Batteries, &e., ko. xe. ‘Wasmwetos, March 9, 1962. ‘The Stare and Stripes wave over Cockpit Point. About two P. M. to-day the rebels commenced to fire their tents ‘end other property difficult of removal, They also Durned the steamer Page and all the other craft in the oreek. @ur gunboats opened fire on the Cockpit Point battery bout three o'clock P.M., and at half-past four landed and ran up the glorious old flag. ‘The little steamer George Page has gained for herself ome noteriety by her boldness in running down to with- te gunshot of oar batteries, and oecasionally throw! g @ shell towards the Union forces, although invariably re- (@reating when approached By the Union vessels or at- facked by their batteries. Her favorite haunts havo ‘been Occoquan river and Quantico creek. ABANDONMENT OF THE REBEL BATTERIES ON THE POTOMAC. Wasnrneton, March 9, 1862. General Hocker reports that all the enemy’s batterivs fm front of his line are entirely abandoned, and their gens spiked. Somo of the guns, of which we have taken possession, appear to be valuable pieces. This is virtually @pening the Potomac, and raising the so called blockade. ‘The above despatch is dated Budd’s Ferry. WEWS FROM GENERAL BANKS’ DIVISION. Caaniestown, Va., March 9—10 P. M. ‘Yesterday for the first time since our arrival, country @arriages came into town, and the occupants held social Satercourse with our officers and soldiers. Suits of seces- Bion gray are gradually giving way to other hues, and the Indies beginning to frequent the streets cn business and Pleasure. Dr. William Alexander,an eminent physician and un Minching Unionist, died at his country residence in this ‘wicinity last month. His son yesterday returned home from Charlottesville, deeply imbued with secession, and ‘was sent to Washington. Hundreds of contrabands are arriving from the coun- try. The course adopted in regard to them is, if they have been employed by rebel @ thorities, to turn them ever to the Division Quartermasitr/to be employed by the Union government; but if proved otherwise, they ‘are returned to their owners. On Friday Captain Coles’ company of Maryland cavalry, forty in number, pursued a party of Ashby’s cavalry for two miles, between Bunker Hill and Winchester, when he came upon about one hundred and forty of the latter. A skirmish ensued, last- fg an hour, resulting in the killiug of six @f Ashby’s men and wounding five. Captain Cole had ‘ree men wounded. A section of Mathew’s battery @eme up to Captain Cole’s support, when Adjutant Wil_ ‘kins, of General Williams’ staff, had his norse shot under Bim. Iti believed generally at Bunker Hill that the force at ‘Winchester has been greatly reduced, leaving not over ‘@hree to six thousand men there. Uthers say that Gene- pal Jackson’s force has been strengthened by the regi- ments from Leesburg. ‘Captain Cole’s scouts last night reached a point only four miles from Winchester, but encountered no resist- er enn from a small cavalry picket. ‘It is stated that but four hundred of the Nineteenth Mississippi ent remained at Leesburg at the time soe cracaaton These retreated in the direction of Second Lieutenant Eugene Picket has been promoted to 9 first tieutenancy in Company A, Ninth New York, and Corporal Stone jelected Second:Licutenant of the same iy. morning rebel scouts attacked General Ham- 's pickets, near Smith’s Mill, killing one and wound- another private of the Twenty-seventh Indiana. were pursued by the Third Wisconsin, who had not vetarned at the last accounts. REOPENING OF THE BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROAD Our Baltimore Correspondence. Barrmors, March 7, 1862. @urcey Made for the Firtt Time of the Whole Line of the Road from Harper's Ferry to Hancock—Energetic Action Of the Railroad Company in Rebuilding the Road and Bridges—A Bridge One Hundred and Forty-four Feet Long Built in Forty Hours, de. Thave the pleasure of presenting to the readers of the OORRECTION. The despatch about the commanders of the corps @armee, last night, was incorrectly telegraphed, It should have commenced as follows :-— The first corps, consisting of four divisions, is to be commanded by Major General McDowell. The second corps, consisting of three divisions, is to be commanded by Brigadier General Sumner. ‘The remainder as telegraphed last night. HEALTH OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RESERVE CORPS, ‘The Pennsylvania Reserve Corps are ina remarkably healthy condition, some regiments having scarcely a man in hogpital and others not having lost a man by death, Their physical condition is excellent, and they are un!- versally anxious for a forward movement. THE INDIANS IN KANSAS AND NEBRASKA ENTHUSIAS- TIC IN THE UNION CAUSE. Hon. W. Dole, Indian Commissioner, reports that the Indian chiefs in Kansas and Nebraska are enthusiastic in the Union cause. During the recent visit of the Commis” sioner to the Indians, they offered to scalp and tomahawk secessionists to any extent desired by the government, but their services were declined. THE ARMY. Colonel Van Alen has been relieved from duty at the head of the board for the examination of volunteer ca- valry officers at his own roquest, and has left the city to Join his regiment in Banks’ division. Colonel R. C. Enwright was to-day restored to the com- mand of the Sixty-third regiment of New York Volun_ teers, by orderof the General Commanding, the Board of Examiners in his case having unanimously reported in favor of his competency. It is understood their report was very complimentary to Colonel Enwright. Colonel Dixon S. Miles has been assigned to the com. mand of a brigade of regulars. The Maryland dolega- tion in Congress are pressing him for an appointment as Brigadier General in the regular army, or as Major Ge- neral of volunteers. They claim that ho is entitled to tliis position. THR WEATHER. ‘The weather to-day has been delicious for the season. A southerly wind and a sunny sky give promiseof early movements of tho rebels. IMPATIENCE OF THE REPORTERS. Ahbost of reporters and correspondents of provincial newspapers have arrived within the last few days. Each are expecting a grand battle the mogent he gets foot in Washington. A few days experience in the capital cools the excitement of the speciais, who are swearing that no movement will take place this month. Having pro-’ it bard that the great fight should not come off to suit their wishes. SHODDY CLOTHING TO BE RETURNED. A large quantity of the worthless army clothing eup- plied by contractors will bo returmed to them, thus les. seping the lors to government. EFFORTS TO SMUGGLE WHISKEY INTO THE CAMPS. The guarde upon the bridges across the Potomac ale constantly annoyed by attempts to smuggle whiskey into Virginia. They are obliged to thrust their bayonets into every package, and frequently find barreis of innocent looking vegetabies filled with bottles of the contraband. VISIT TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. Yesterday morning Senators Hale and Clarke, of New Hampshire, with a large number of other gentlemen, wont down to Mattawoman creek on the steamer Yan- kee. They landed at Rum Point, where the Second New Hampshire Volunteers were reviewed. After going through their evolutions the regiment was drawn up ina hollow square, and addressed by the two Senators, who ever the country—namely. the reopening of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad along its whole extent—is now about to @ompany, although proverbially courteous, and hereto. Sore willing to communicate any intelligence proper to be made known, have caught the spirit of reticence which ia mew #0 prevalent among high officials, and were exceed- tmgly guarded and provokingly vague in answering any questions. But from other sources, and from persona; observation, the follewing summary is made up:— The recent operations of the railroad company in the ‘work of reconstruction have been confined to that por- ion of the road between Harper’s Ferry and Hancock, » @istance of about thirty miles. had eonstructed that portion between Cumberland and Han- & distance of about forty miles. It wason this of the road that the bridges had been destroyed | dwelt on the patriotism of the soldiors, expressing their ‘Over Patterson’s creek, the south branch of the Potomac end the G ‘and Little Ci pen rivers, all of which conviction that in the moment of action they would do their whole duty tothe country. The party returned to ‘Washington on the Stepping Stones, Commander Wyman. Lieutenant Commanding Eastman, Dr. Moore and Second ‘wore large and costly structures,and all of which were et rebuilt by the company as soon as the enemy them. The bridge over Patterson's creek, one hundred and forty-four feet long, with Ligh trestie work, ‘was rebuilt in forty hours, at time when the most im: | Engineer Carpenter, of the Yankee, went down en the tug fn heey om’ § 1 goer ge ae the age with | Leslie yesterday afternoon. Eee Gaeen of Gs aiagty caviied ae THE TELEGRAPH LINE TO FORTRESS MONROE. pA on yo The telegraph line to Fortress Monree wag built by wo weeks the rai! company have | order of the Secrotary of War, under the direction of ied ageeey before, owing to the presence | extension of the government line from Harrington, Del., enem: near Martinsburg. The road, for | to Cape Charles was comtructed in twenty-three days. §.distaee ot george Oot ae eae eters | Thirty miles of the submarme cable was manufactured from the Potomac, and that far, therefore, in Virginia. | for the channel crossing in twenty days from the date panecn yet ae miles from Harper's Ferry. en of the order, by 8.C. Bishop, of New York city. The Ki nly about twenty distant. pone te have | *xteen milos that was laid befere the recent gale ‘Deen ail along, until re lo | force at Winches. | Was recovered in good corlition, The cable to replace pI he os ion rg and | the portion lost of Cape Henry was furnished by Saeen ceunert 30 a mae, wy ty mii, | Mr. Bishop in five days. The shore end was landed at @onvinced them that Berkeley and Morgan countios were | Cape Charles at four o'clock, this Sunday afternoon, by nm pele ee < Mr. N. W. Heiss, assistant manager of the government proce wg ete the rail- | telegraphs, who has had the immediate charge of the ‘machine shops and all needed facilities for repairing loco- | work. Its complotion at this opportune moment, bring- sion of by therobeloand carfieacdr thoertiea Bosses. | ing the news of the splendid victory of the Monitor, and track of theread for twenty two miles (which, as it wase | (20 @isabling of the Morimac, has saved the country doable track, would make forty-four miles of singletrack) | from great anxiety and suspense. The delay in complet- had been a, and carried (away, with a remarkable | ing the cable connection, has been owing entirely to the Dumsld's, tve miles trom Heres portion of the road a6 | gontinued boisterous weather. ty sangeet rails, constructed by LIBRARIAN TO CONGRESS. H Charles Lanman has been appointed Librarian to Con- 0 Recap ae ech se | etme tn plc. Can they remain intact to this day, ® monument of the ee ee. yg The Situation at Cumberland Gap. track, = Get sport ai] the crose- A correspondent of the Knoxville Register, writing 4 id, Deen. got ia, ready Umberiand. | rrom Cumberland Gap on the 19th alt., saye:— from and all, and ever since the country bas been freed On the 14th inst. our pickets were drivon in for the from the the rebels the work has lod | first time, A body of the enemy's cavalry came unex. py, creek, Cherry and will be foished relaid from Harper's th ® few unimportant i : ; pectedly upon a squad of mine of our cavalry, and captur- ed the sergeant of the guard,and nine horses, guns, sabres, &c. The other eight barely escaped with their i i SE i ‘net tew Gaye days, “therefore, the wae fetes lives, without their hats, They came in sight of the Gap, Cumberland to 's Forry willbe tn operation ae @ | Sndaimost in range of the guns. Yesterday they ap- itary road, a single a com pan; f red im sight agait id course, will continue eae ee and by the exd of Tite of bi it ry, at of our fartid k Roy i view the present menth of it is hoped that road, | from the gu y were probably trying to provoke ‘With ita double traek, will be ready for the usual busi- | the artillery to fire, in order to of their Qess and traffic of the public. Im viow of the vast accu- | guns but they failed in that, for the officers do not wish saiation pp EES bara te o waste ememuaition vg their benefit, An attack might ’ mado e: ‘Visit the country near Martingb' storms and heavy of he Inst tow day ames witnees the arrival of assistance. If this key to Enst Tennessee,’’ and such an important position, why not send a force here sufli- clently strong to keep back amy number of the enemy? ‘The enemy are near us in force. Let every patriot of East Ten: essee raily tothe Gap, and defend their State it invasion. They can do more for the defence of ir homes bere than at any other point. Should this Stronghold share the fate of Fort ry and Roanoke Inland, the fault will not bo in the fow brave soldiors here, for hearts of tron and nerves broken by en overwhelming power. The probability is, however, that, for mill whieh will at once wuggest themseles Yo “the reader's mind, the robel leniers have at last been eompelied to relinquish their grasp of this road, which they have held #0 long, and thet ne efforts on thelr part ean now prevent its # rcopened and used as the groat ‘western svepus to the national capital. ; he vided themselves with horses and revolvers they think’! of steol may be | Roston, Maas.;W. A, Haddon, New. York; Manilla. NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, MARCH 10, 1862. OPERATIONS ON THE LOWER POTOMAC. The Stars and Stripes Over Cockpit Point---The Flight of the guops x j™iPr Rebels. GEORCETO is ® OXEN RS OS=y HOUSE © os Fe Ne Ritts eh \\' way, 2X4. PPAHANN OCS NEWS FROM ROANOKE ISLAND. Baxrmore, March 9, 1862. The steamer Ellen S. Terry arrived to-night direct from Rosnoke Island, bringing official despatches from General Burnside, in charge of Charles N. Woolsey. She also hag on board 125 wounded and sick soldiers from Roanoke, under chargo of Dr. Alfred Hitchcock, of Massa- chusetts, assisted by Drs. Bradford and Page, all of whom are doing well. Tho Terry algo brings the bodies of Colo- nel De Montiel, of the D’Epineuil Zouaves, Corporal Ran dali Mann, and private W. E. Holloway, of the Twonty- fifth Massachusetts regiment, killed in the action at Roanoke Island. Our Fortress Monroe Correspondence. Fortress Mownox, Va., March 7, 1862. Accident to General Butler's Plagship—A Flag of ‘truce to Craney Island—Colonels Corcoran and Wilcox mot to be Exchanged at Present—The Rebel Baiteries at Pig's Point—Payment of Proops—Dismissal of Officers from the Service—Seieure of Grain, dc. ‘The gunboat Mount Vernon, which arrived at this point day before yesterday, brings the intelligence that the transport Mississippi, hence for Ship Island, with General Butler and staff on board, went ashore on Frying Pan Shoals on the 28th ult., and stove a hole in her bow. ‘The Mississippi is a new iron steamship, divided into five water-tight compartments. Consequently but one com- partment, the forward one, was injured. The ganboat Mount Vernon, which was cruising off the shoals, went to the assistance of the Mississippi. “The United States transport Matanzas, from New York, bound to Pert Royal, ‘was passing at the time of the accident, and went tothe relief of the disabled steamer, succeeded in getting her afloat and took her in tow, designing to take her into Port Royal harbor. Genoral Butler contemplated transferring bimself and baggage to another steamer, aad proceed- iug with the least possible delay to Ship Island. ‘The flag of truce which went fram this point yesterday to Craney Island returned at dusk. It was reported by the rebel officers who met the truce that Colonels Corcoran and Wilcox would not be placed at liberty for the pre sent. It is rumored that this was in consequence of the jan of-the rebels iu regard to future movements having imparted to them by Union people of Richmond, and that, furthermore, valuable maps and papers wei found on the person of Colonel Corcoran. ‘The rebel batteries at Pig’s Point were blazing away all day yesterday, practising their guns. They had better save their powder; they will want every gram of it, and more too, before the close of this rebellion. Major Fletcher, United States paymaster, arrived here a day or two ago for the purpose of examining the pay rolis prior to paying off the troops. The troops here and at ve~! griregitpig will be paid between thia date and u inst ‘The frigate St. Lawrence and the Ericsson battery, the fe have not yet arrived. They are hourly ex- The following order, dismissing two officers of the force here, has recently been promulgated and read on parade before the troops:— ee ORDERS—NO. 44. VARTERS OF THE ARMY, Abs’? GENRRAL’s Orricr, Wasuincton, Feb. 23, 1862. 4. First Lioutenant C. S. Pitman, Regimental Quarter. master Eleventh New York Volunteers, and Second Lieu. tenant George H. Herbert, First New York cavalry, re- rted absent without leave,are, by direction of the ident, dismissed the service, the fermer from Jamu. ary page: the latter from December 19 1861. By com- General McCLELLAN. L. Tuomas, Adjutant Gen A strong northwest wiad, accompanied at intervals b; the fall of sleet, set in last night. The wind is Diowings gale at this writing. The transport Suwanee, from New York for Hatteras, touched at this point and sailed again yesterday after. ‘hoon. Twenty wagon loads of grain were seized by a party of our ore sua taken from @ secret rebe! depot near Fox i. wane ae Minna T ee Sepator ison, of Mii ; Lawrence and E. Mervine, of Boston, and "D Jewett, of Staten Island, ero stepping at the Brevoort House. Alford Spann, of the United States Army: G. W. Smi- ley, of Philadelphia; W. H. Smjth, of Washing'on HI tlefela, of Oswego Jacod Stever, of Boston. Ping at the Lafarge House. Major E. A. Kimball, of Hewkivs’ Zousves, from Roa- noke Island; Dr, Lockwood and W. Hull, of the United States Navy; Captain Covey, of the United States \- Reera: Captain Stewars, of the United States army; J. A. D. Lilly and wife, of Indianapolis, and J. T. Newman, of Illinois, are stopping at the Astor 58. Hon. J. H. Duncan, of Massachusstts; Rey. Alfred Tay- lor and G. H. Stewart, of Philadelphia; 8. W. Marston, Jr., of Boston; D. 8. Cotdington, of Albany; J.C. Woods’ of Washi ;W. L. » Of St. Louis; J. 8. Jenkins, of Baltimore, and E. P. Lull, of the United btates pping at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. ed Cashing i E. L. Davenport, of Boston; J. B, Eades, of St. Louis; B. Mordheimer and C. M. Cornell, of ba er W. Wheatley and wife, of New York; James W. Quinbard, of Troy; J. L. Duff and L. T. Emery, of men a - W. Fairfield, of the Eighth regiment ‘ermont volunteers, are stopping atthe Mé Norm jopping joppopolitan H. A. Brigham, & widely known republican politician of Albany county, on Saturday received his commission the Waterviiet Arsenal. He sucoceds Sanders Lansing, who has held tho position for thirty ears last past. The salary attached to the position is ,000 per annum, pg atom tna ty | at oo & Co.'s American Agency and Reading Roomn , 10 Strand, London, England, fi Ist to the 16th of February, 1862:— Pte er R. Caldwell, Charleston, 8. C.; BJ. Harrison and W. H. Hommes, Philadelphia; G. W. Bacon, Pooria, Ill.; Wm. J. Townsend, New York; ¥.F. Humphrey, albany, N. ¥.; Col, smith and Charles Smith, Virginia; J. M. Whitoomb, Buffalo, N. Y.; Chas. Denison, Westerly, R. I.; George P. Anith, Philadeiphia; Chas. 8.’Dawson , Richmond, Va-; N. H. Wolfe, Jr., New Yerk; Col. W. Onss Goodloe, Seere- tary of Legation at St. Petersburg; Thos. Silver and R. B. Woodward, Philadelphia; W. P. Collins, Pittsburg, Pa.; ‘Wm. Burton, J. A juin and Mr. end Mrs. Trancio! New York; Mrs. hemus, California; —— Samp- son, New York; Mr. and Mrs. Byrne, New Orleans, Week ending Feb. 22, 1864.—Cyrus W. Field, New York ; Geo. B. Scnnett, Erie, Pa. ; Wm. M States Coneu!, Bayonne,’ —— Wilmer, Phiiad: Wethered, Baltimore » Boston; F. Sturbridge, Mass.; Rev. J. elly, New York; 'T, a’ Miller, jeston, 8. C.; J. M. Derners, Philadelphia; G, P. Bemis, Boston; i. B. Hart, New York W. W. Goddard, Boston; M. Furlong, Milwaukee, Wis.;'J. B. Swootser, TOP THE NAVY. Things ore as brisk as ever at the Brooklym Navy Yard, with a still large amount of work to be done. The two ship houses are undergoing repairs caused by the recent Severe snow and rain storms. The United States steam sloop-of-war Oneida, Captain 8. P. Lee commanding, left the Brooklyn Navy Yard at ‘an early hour yesterday morning. The Oneida is one of the new steam sloops-of-war lately authorized to be con- structed by Congress, and was finished recently at the Navy Yard, only cempleting a most satisfactory trtal trip on Wednesday last. The armament of the Oneida consist of a very hoavy battery, composed of two eleven- inch pivot guns, each weighing sixteen thousand cight hundred pounds. She is also provided with three thirty- pounder Dahlgren rifles, in addition to four thirty-two- pounders and one howitgor. The following comprises a list of her superior oficers:— Commander—Captain S.P. Lea. Psi Lieutenant and Bzecutive OfficerMontgomory Sailing Master— —-— Brown. Acting Masters—P. Griarrd, Thomas£dwards, William Commander Lee is one of the oldest captains in the United States Navy. He formerly commanded the Van- dalia and Vincennes, and has been both prominently and honorably identified with the Coast Survey. He is about fifty-two years of age. ‘The frigate Lackawanna is making rapid progress in ship house No.2, and in No. 1, where the Adirondack was built, the keel of another frigate, to be called the Ticon, deroga, has been laid. She will bea fac simile of the Lackawanna, The Victoria, Patroon and Wamsutta are to be put in commission the coming week. Their armament will be put on beard to-morrow or Wednesday. Tho steam transpert Coanecticut will sail in the course of the week. The storeship Relief sailed yesterday. Hor berthat the wharf will be taken by the ship Morning Light, to ship stores, The following is a list of the officers of the steamer Victoria:— Acting Master Commanding—J. D. Warren. ———_ and Executive Officer—H. A. Phelan, Assistant Paymaster—H. S. Bradford. Sans eae eT Te Acting Master's Matea—B. W. Tusker, W. H. Mayor, G. B. Howard. Acting Second Assistant Bngineer—J. D. Webster. : _ Assistant Engineers—J. B. Barren, E. T. Gillespie, . A. How. ‘The steam gunboat Dawn is in the dry dock, being re- paired, caulked and coppered. She is to be floated out to-day, when the steam transport Ericsson will be docked and overhauled. The gunboat Massachusetts is also to bo docked for repairs. The sloops-of-war Savannah and John Adams are to be overhauled as soon as the work on the steamers is Snished. The steamer Madgie, lying at the Commodore's wharf, was discovered to be on fire, a fow nights ago, by one of the watchmen of the yard. Mf took place under her boilers. The damage Gugtained is being repaired, and as the boiler had to be hoisted out, she will not be ready for sea befere a week. ‘The frigate Sabine is anchored in the stream awaiting orders. The number of men employed in the yard is about 8,000. There are about 600 recruits at present on the re- ceiving ship, and 170 men in the Marine barracks. In order to test the efficiency of the Navy Yard Fire Department, sn alarm of fre was raised yesterday after- noon. The mé@n turned out lively, and in five minutes after the alarm was given astream was ready to put, out the fire. In accordance with aa order from Washington, all act- {2g masters and master’s mates, hereafter to be appoint- ed, will have to pass a satisfactory examination in sea- mansbip amd gunnery. RETURN OF THE DACOTAH AND SAN GAN JACINTO. Bostox, Mareh 8, 1862. ‘The United States sloops-of-war Dacotah and San Jacinto have arrived from a cruise in search of the frigate Vermont, They report that they saw nothing of her. The Opening of Spring. A FINE SUNDAY—THE CENTRAL PARK, ITS VISITERS, ATTRACTIONS, BTC. The skating season is certainly over in the Central Park, and the beauties of Spring now cause more attrac. tion than formerly, Tho weather being very fine yes- terday—a warm sun and a cool breeze prevailing—a large number of visitors entered the Park, either to take Sctrolloradrive, The bridle roads ;boing in good c dition, the equestrians also turned out in fair numbe Aa the Drive was in splendid order, those who had vehi- eles preferred passing through to the Park from York- ville, Harlem, Manhattanvillo, &c., rather than drive through the mud of the avenues and Bioomingdale road. ‘The number of these visitors was pretty large. Tho pe- destrians founa amusem@at, as well as fri strolling aiong the walke, &@.; and such servatory, the Observatory Hill, the Mushroom, and the Ramble were well patronized. The Oak Bridge was crowded all day with persene of both sexes, watching tho motions of the aquatic birds in the lake bencath, The ice has become rotten, and in a few days will entire. ly disappear. The new green grass is making its ap- pearance among the dried blades of last season, and gives to it somewhat of @ more lively tone. The frozen snow has not yet all disappeared, but with the offorts of tho workmen and the it cannot last very long. Spring in nature has fairly opened, and the buds are making strenuous efforts to burst their bonds, One short week of this weather, and @ great change will be observable jn the Central Park. , / Smeady Uniforms, Shotdy shece and| THE CAPTURE OF LEESBURG. OORRESPONDENCE BSTWKEN GENERAL HALLBCE AND SHB QUARTERMAGT ES um, Fob. 7, 1802, si were completely off. Between the outer and inner soles the space {s filled in with pieces of old plate iron, which work loose and cut the stitches. It is an outrage on our troops to issue such shoes and clothing at all, and still greater that they shoald Seems full price. I have already urged @ reduction of prices, It must be done, if the government hopes to keep this Army of the West together. ‘Mueh of this worthiess trash has been received through the Governors of States, and there is no way of tracing ou: the contractors. This should cease. It seems that th troops here are preyed upon by all the rascally con- ‘.ctors in the United States, This must be stopped. It W.ll not be enduredmuch longer. I urgedthe importance <f sending good materials here, and that shoes and clo:hing bo manufacturo’i in St. Louis, thus giving an op- 1 0. tunity to detect and prevent frauds, and at the same te afford employment to the wives aud families of vo- 1 nteers, who, by closing the workshops, are left ina des- tute and suffering condition. ‘Yhis you think eannot be done, because of so large an amount of inferior supplies new on hani, which Lave been paid for by the goverament. You say that the in- spectors at the Philadelphia Arsenal, where these great frauds were committed, wore appointed agaiust your wishes, and that you vsed every argument in your powor to prevent sich appointment. No one charges you with blame; but it rests upon the War Department, and the government should suller the consequences, not the poor sohliers. If the government will employ incom» tent and dishonest agents in the Quartermaster’s Depart- ment, and against your advice (you say you forewarned the Sceretary of the result), the Treasury, and not the a my, should bear the consequence of the frauds of these gevts. It therfore s:ems to me that these inferior ahves and clothing should be contemned and sold, and the workshops of St. Louis reopened, Wabsolately necessary to issue inferior articles, the tariff of prices should be fixed by the actual value of the articles issued, and not by what the goverament paid for them in Phiiadelphia. I respect(ully request that tas letier be laid befure General M Jan and the Secre- tary of War. Very respect/ully, your obodient se H.W. HALLECZ, Major G QUARTERMA*TER G+ NEPAL'S Ov Wasuinaron Crry, Feb, 12, 1862. Hon. E, M. Sranton, Secretary of W: Sir—I enclose a letter from Genera) Halleck, in relation to the inferior quality of clothing and shoes furnished the troops in the Western Department. He states that 8 meshces and boots had been worn out in from three tofour days’ march, He urges that inferior c.othing be condemned and sold; or, if that cannot be done, that in- ferior goods be charged a fair valvation to the soidicrs. of these inferior supplies, he says, his bee: through the Goyernors of States; bt he also refe large quen'ities, which are of bad quality, ® pear to bavec mo from the Philadelphia Ar: hive therefore corresponded with General Halleck on this subject; I in‘ormed him that the matter had been laid before the War Lepartinent, and recommended that such clothing as is serviceable, though not equal to the regulation material in qui@ity, be issued at a fair valua- tion, The Revised Regulations, pages 150, 151, para- graph 1,019, and tho following, in ‘describing the duty of Bourds of Survey, make full pro- vision for this case. Inferior clothing should be considered as damaged clothing, and, if serviceable, having been approved, should be issued to the troops at ‘a valuation to be fixed by the Board of Survey. Clothing which is worthless should be condemed. This I request- ed the Major General to have done as soon as possible, so that we might trace it back to the contractors who had —_ the fraud, and refuse payment not already made. To sell such shoesand boots as he describes would only be to furnish a temptation and opportunity for re- peated frauds, and it would probably be better to have such destroyed. The indignation of the Major General, and his sympathy with the working people of St. Louis, are natural, and will be shared by all who read his atate- menis. But with so large a stock of shoes and clothing on hand, much as I should desire to give employment to tho working people in St. Louis,I cannot advise the re- sumption of the manufacture in that city. While it ap- pears that there have been frauds in the inspection of clothing and shoes, I have no doubt that by far the great- er portion of the supplies on hand in the depots is of good quality, and that we can supply any requisi- tions he may make with articles satisfactory to the soldiers. Paragraph 1,022 of the Regula- tions makes it the duty of any officer who receives public property to make @ careful examination, to ascer- tain its quality and condition, and if the property is unfit for use, to call fora board of survey, in order to have it examined, and condemned by the inspector. If this re- gulation had been complied with in St. Louis, the inferior quality of these goods would have been ascertained im- modiatly after their receipt, and thus the attention of the officer at the depot in Philadelphia would have been earlier drawn to the frauds which appear to have been committed by contractors and inspectors at the Schuyl- kill Arsenal. General Halleck desires that his letter te laid before the Secretary of War and Commanding Gene- ralofthe army. I submit it with these remarks, and re- spectfully advise that his attention be called to para- graghs 1,019 and 1,027 of the Revised Regulations, and that he be informed that under those regulation he has the power to give that relief to thesoldiers of the De- partment of Missouri which the case demands. I am, very ameean obedient servant, C. MEIGS, Quartermaster General. QUARTERMASTER GENERAL'S OFFICE, Major General H. Wea Comiaaning Depertait jor General H. W. LECK, of the West, Sr. Louis, Mo. :— Genxnat—Your letter of the 7th of Feb »in to inferior quality of shoea, and asking relief for soldiers who havo received clothing of inferior quality, was, as you requested, submitted to the Secretary of War. I now, by his direction, enclose a copy of my letter to him on the subject, dated’ February 12, 1862. By tH ea ‘out the recommen of thi3 letter in re ‘d to ‘dia of survey, you ve it in your power to afford the relief desired. Iam, very respectfully, your obedient sorvant, M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster General. Heapquaniers DgPakTMest ov Tue Missourt Sr. Lovts, Fob. 25, 1862. bak ere General M.C. Macs, Quartermaster General, ‘ashington:— Gungral—Your letter of the 19th, enclosing one to the Secretary of War dated the 12th, is just received. As your letter to the Secretary states that paragraphs 1,019 and 1,027 afford the proper remedy for the abuses referred to in mine of the 7th, it may be inforred that there has which I been some neglect on my part in not heretofore this eS ‘This, in justice to myself, pr Aes |. Tho mattor complained of was not or plained. damage deficiency of clothing and ehoes, but inferiority of mate- rialand workmanship. Thi referred to do not provide for this, aud, as an order from the Adjutant tle, the Asmiy Regulations (anit extended by the event tl a ‘until exten: t it order of the Becretary of War) afforded no reltot Such was the opinion of the chicfs of the Quartermaster and Paymaster departments, and you yourself, in one of your letters to me, expressed the same opinion, and added that the schedule ought to be changed in regard to inferior articles, which could not be condemned as di |. Boards of survey, however, were appointed in many cases, and an estimated value given. 1 presume that insuch cases the difference between the estimated value of the articles issued and the schedule prices can be credited to the soldiers on their muster rolls. I shall 80 direct unless instructed otherwise. I perceive that letter to the gyn of War has been published the newspapers. I shall therefore publish this expla- In regard to the cloth sent here for making clothing, I would remark that net ere drpeine ohprcant meg ommemt of quality as to be nearly worthless for service. Moreover, it seems that the usual tickets, as to the number of yards in each bolt, have been ly taken off, 80 ns to re- boy the measurement of each one in order to ascortain the deficiency. To measure cach bolt here would employ the Quartermaster fora whole month. Again, it is fre- quently impossible to ascertain here, from any marks or invoices, who were the contractors for this defective cloth and clothing. This is especially the case with clothing, shoes, &c., which were distributed to this and other parts before I came here. ’niladel; places from which inspectors there eu; are sen should be turned out immediately, and honest ones ap- pointed. We eannot here, with all our efforts, fully ac- complish the object and detect the frauds. Very respect- fully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major General. Testimonial to Captain Ringgold. New Yorn, Feb. 28, 1962. Captain Rinacotp, United States Navy:— Daak Srn—I have the honor to transmit to you the gold medal awarded by the Life Saving Benevolent Associa. tion of New York. It has the following inscription— Presented to Captain Cadwalader Rit Id, in com- memoration of his successiul eforts, and thosoof the officers and crew under his command, on board the United States frigate Sabine, insaving over four hundred lives from the transport steamer Governor, on the 2d and 3d of November, 1861. ‘The association ask your aceeptance of this medal, with the a that it will prove an enduring and pleasing pe the Fn and signal ability which it gratefully acknowledges. Very respectfully ir obe- dient servant, 7. TILESTON, Prdeident. ‘Unrrep Statm Fricats Same, Navy Yarp, New Yorx, March 2, 1862, J. Trssron, Esq., President of the Life Saving Benovolont Association, of New York:— Daar Six—I have the honor to acknowl of the 28th ultimo, transmitt! the Life Saving Beney: ew York, iu commemoration of the successful efforts of myself and those of the officers and crew under my command, on board the United States frigate Sabine, in saving over 400 lives from the transport sicamer Governor, on the 2d and 8d of November, 1861.”” Tam gratified to know that our rable occasion have received th tion of which you vo feb o To save life is ever a sacred duty, ere were cireum- stances, however, that made the rescue in this instance peculiarly appropriate, ‘The marine corps, as is well known, forms @ very im- portant braneh of our navy. As «body, it has no supe. rior in point of discipline, gailantry and devotion to duty. the battalion under Major Reynolds, on board the transport, was a Hh the squadron to which the Sa- bine was attached, and whon we discovered its heipless condition, your own generots impulses will at once re- spond to the deep emotions that flied our hearts and tue alacrity with which we hurried to the rescue, ‘The medal, be assured, is most aeceptable, and will be reyarded snot more as ‘an enduring and pleasing mo- mento” than it will ever be cherished as a dalivate tribute of the respect entertained by the association for the service rendered, I am, rir, with great respect, your obedient servant, CADWALADER RANGGOLD, Captain United States Navy. the receipt General Dana officially reports the capture of this place in the following language:— Pootmmuiis, March %, 1662. To Bricapom Gayest 8. F. Wi1uams:— Dy the rebels. ‘The reports are that Colonel Geary’s advance is there, N. J.T. DANA, Brigadier General. ‘The details of the affair are to the effect that Colone}. Geary left Lovetisville on the night of the 7th instants with his whole command, and marched by two distinct routes through Wheatiand and Waterford to Leosburge capturing prisoners by the way and scattering the rebels Pell mell. In consequence of his taking these routes, the military necessarily entered Leesburg 01. the casterly and westerly sides, which movements they doubtless effected at the same moment, after taking possession of Fort Johnston, which hag been since rechristened Fort Geary. They entered the town with all the military glory of @ victorious commani, the rebels r tr ating rapidly as the Union troops arrived. Thec: mmand after capturing many prisoners anda quantity of stores took possession of the bank, pst office and public buildings, Forts Beauregard and Evans have also becn capture 1. SKETCH OF COLONEL JOHN W. GEARY. Colonel J, W. Geary, whe communded the advance, haa figured extensively in recent national events. He com- manded the Second regiment of Pe: nsy!vania yolunteerp ip Mexico, and was noted for the great firmness and the rigid discipline to which he subjected his men. When he first went to the war in that unfortunate republic he was Lieutenant Colonel of Roberts’ regiment of Ponnsyl- vania volunteers, and at the battle of Chepultepec, where he held chiof command of his regiment, was wounded, but notwithstanding led his men into the terrific battle fought at the de Bolen gato just pre- vious to the capture of tho city of Mexico. For his gallantry on that occasion he was promoted to tho rank of colonel, his commission bearing date November 8, 1847. He received special mention at Cerro Gordo. After the war, in 1848, he lived in San Francisco, of which place he was appointed Postmaster, and was afterwards elected the first Mayor of the city, hold- ing his office for two or “three terms prior to the organization of the Vigilance Commitice. He was next appointed Governor of Kansas under the Buchinan regime, and after his recall scttlod at Greonbury, West- moreland county, Pa., in the Congressional. district of John Covode. He was a J@nding agriculturiat for the greater part of bis life, and a!ways an administra tion democrat, supporting in the racent elections 0. Fos- ter for Governor and John C, Breckinridge. His adven- turous disposition could not remain contented on the breaking out of this war, and he left a young and boau- tiful wife t go to Philadelphia and organize « regiment. Many of his old Mexican followers flocked to his standar@ from all parts of the State, and he has row the largest regiment, w@ believe, in the United States service. They are splendidly equipped, and armed with Enfleld riflee and sabre bayonets. Colonel Geary is a tall, powerfud man, and his bravery has long made him prominent in the military service, His command hag figured some- what extensively during the present war by their bravery and stubbornness under fire. On the Upper Potomac they have, on more than ome occasion, suecess- fully battled with the rebels, and this present exploit only adds another sprig to their already well earned laurel wreath. We have every hope that this is not the last occasion we shall have to speak well of Colone} Geary’s command, SKETCH OF LEESBURG. ‘. Leesburg is a handsome post borovgh in Loudon cous ty, Virginia, of which county {t is the capital. It is situated near the Kittoctan Mountain, three miles from the Potomac river, and one hundred and fifty miles north of Richmond, the capital of the State. The streets are well paved, and the town is built ing neat and substan- tial manner, It contains@ court honse, a bank, three churehes, a post office, an academy, and had, previous to the rebellion, a newspaper office. It is surrounded by # fertile, and what was once also @ weil cultivated coun+ try, which presented beautiful varicty of landscapes, These have, of course, been much injured by the horrors of war. The population of this place in 1850 was 1,603, and in 1854 2,000, and steadily advancing. THE OCCUPATION OF LEESBURG. Cuar.e:tows, Va., March 9, 1862. The report last night that our forces had occupie® Leesburg is officially confirmed. The enemy evacuated ‘he town on Friday morning, taking all'their supplies an@ baggage to Middlebury, but it is not known whether the troops retired thither or started towards Winchester. Colonel Geary occupied the town unresisted yesterday: morning, capturing considerable property accredited te the rebel army. All was quiet on our frontiers iast night. Loss of the Ship Niagara. Boeron, March 9, 1862. The brig Marine, from Cienfuegos, fell in with,on the 26th ult., the ship Niagara, from Philadelphia for Liver- pool, in a sinking condition, and took off the captain and crew, and brought them to this port. Court Calendar—This Day. Scrreve Cor T.—Part 1—Nos. 3179, 8, 357, 868, 1860, 1575, 1576, 1765, 1077, 1982, 880, 1160, 1168, 1322, 1838, 1345, 1863, 128. AL TeRM.—30 on Demurrer Calen- Fn 249, 264, 302, 354, Supreme Court—Sract. dar, 822, 14, 27, 28, 35, 199 363; 368, 372, '903, 306, 307, 324, Supremes CouRtT—GewEral TERM. 164, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 17: 178, 179, 180, 183,'184, 186, 187, 188, 189, Svrsnsor Covrt.—Part 1—Nos. 2593, 1907, 2059, 2057, 1275, 1285, 1823, 1361, 3389, 603, 540, 1066, 1875, 1377, 1379. Part 2—Nos. 8258, 2352, , 3380, , 1230, 204, 2084, 186, 3560, 1360, 1288, 1200, 1296, 1302, 1306, 1306. Part 3—Nos. 1005, 2643, 1273, 613, 2863, 1357, 1378, 3328, 8829, 605, 1391, 1383, 1386, 1387, 1389, 1391, 1303; Part 4—Nos.’ 8056, 2072, 1188, 200, 1310, 1314, 1816, 1818, 1320, 1828, 1336, 1332, 1342, 1348, 1860. Markets. Flour dull and Wheat quiet; but clchenged fet, but un and firm, Mose pork dull: $10 are eliered. Hogs. drave- nenco of mild weather, at (HORNS CURED FoR TWENTY-FIVE CENTS EACH at 63 Bowery, corner Canal street, over the Citizens” jank, by Dr. W. &. RICE. 0 CONSUMPTIVES.—THE ADVERTISER, HAVING been restored to health in a few weeks by « very «imple remedy, after hat several with a severe lung a! yn, and that dread umption, is anz- fous to make his fellow sufferers the means of cure. To ali who desire it he will se ‘copy of the pre- seription used (free of eharge), with the recdons ‘for pres ng and using the aame, which they find a sure cure the advetiiecrin sendiag the prescription isto weneut the of the in aiticted an nformétion” hick be eonostves to ‘be invaluable, and he he it will cont ‘nay prove ® blessing. Past es it coat them né es wishing thy prewar jon B's, wie bidress Kings County, N. ¥. ~f00 LATE FOR CLASSIFICATION, — J M. GOTTSCHALK.—MR. GRAU HAS TH PLUA- 5 1S 1@ announee that at th» particular req.es' of patrons ef Mr. Gottacbalk’s concer # he jas comluded to give three MAJINEES D'INSTRUCTIUN, at Irvi On ame, The 6 ‘object of 7 re noforte. pose two pianos will centre of the taloda, and on to see the hands of the d wi a he two instruments, Buch an arrany alk perf in on ‘one or other of ment Recensariy involves considerable sacrifice of space, nid ay in addition to this it is desirable that only a ii win Should be present, #0 that there Hay be ample. accommodas tion for. tl audience, and perfect acovesibiity te enable Mr. ik to converse pre- went, and explain what they may desire to hai made clear to them, it deen — determi: that these Matineos shall be by subscription only. Iiiui of ticl will be i-aued admiting to the three con- ibecribers will the sole privil pure! admissions, Mut under no circumstances will more tickets be jew persons admitted, than cam comfortably surround thgpishor Mr. Gottschalk on th selecting five pieces for each C ‘and the greateut care will be taken, 0 gmake hou, as et Fite hese Macdnees Wilt alleved, ‘be a soured of great eT ee wil a geceired ‘at Beer & Shirmer's, suce cossora to Bre Broadway, WINES AND LiQuons. [AOR BALE—IN BOND, THE BALANCE OF AN 1 voter fi 1 Gin, in three-quarter eee OU rege Bighth avenu ae RAILROADS, UDSON RIVER RAILROAD.—TRAINS FOR ALBANY, FA Froy, the North and West, leave Ohambers strvet at and 11 A. M., and 3:15, 6 and 10:16 P. M. ' EW YORK, HARLEM AND ALPANY RAILROAD. For Albany, Troy, Nort! ani West, commencing Monday, Nov.4, 1861. Express Mail in, from Twenty arrangemen For Albany 10:30 A. t epot, mae all loce! [enins see Thine Table. JOHN BURCHILL, Assistant Superintendent, anti no ee a