The New York Herald Newspaper, April 12, 1862, Page 2

2 IMPORTANT FROM THE SOUTH The Number and Distribution of the Rebel Forces. What the Rebels Say is to Be Their Force in the Field om the ist of May. THEIB FINAL AND DESPERATE STRUGGLE, &e., &e. &o. Our Baltimore Correspondence. Baurimogs, March 19, 1862 Statement of the atteged Strength and Diposition of the Re bob Arwies Now in tne Ficki—Movements of General Jackson from Strasburg to Staunton—He is Entrusied with the Befence of the Left of the New Defensive Line, &. IT hawe prepared the feilowing staiement of she strength Gnd present disposition of all the rebel forces in the field from data which Ihave reason to believe correct. The aggregate is large; but it will be observed that at no one potas is the strength of the rebels anything like that of ‘the Union torces opposed to them. Even on their new dofetsive line south of the Potumas they are greatly in. ferior teGea. MoCielian's splendid army, and must rely 0a the etrengthof their fortifications if they expect to ‘masiotain thoir position — DanAEDs OF the RATPAR OND OR. Concent Joseph E. Johnston; headquarters, Gordons- Staanardsvite on the west to the meuth of the Rapidan, holding Kly’s Ford, Ger- mania and the bridges at the railroad and road cross- ings, 66,000 troops, under General Gustavus Smith, head- quarters House. Right wi ee ‘Holmes, headquarters Fred- Lat wing—General Jackso! toa. ss 35,000 25,000 KAKM. peri cH Atead near Norfolk, General Huger... 25,000 ‘Atand wear Yorktown, Genoral Magruder 20,000 DREARTMBNT O¥ THE CUMIKELAND. General Albert S, Johnston, headquarters, Chat- tanooga, Tenn. At Kaoxville, and holding the Cumberiand Gap. . 35,000 At Decasu and Stephenson, DEVARTIENT OF Tine WiKT. Gonorat G. . Beauregard, headquarters Jackson, Tenn. ; Memphis aud the forts above it on the Misstse: and at points east of «+ 50,000 DEPARTMES Headquarters. New Orlesns. . . 30,000 Points oa the Mississippi below Memphis. + 15,000 DEPARTMENT OF TUX ATLANTIC. Mavannpal + 25,000 pag . - . ae Kaatera part of North Carolina. . 30000 ‘TROO?’S NOT ENUMERATHD AROVE. ‘Vacioes points on the Atlantic coast, in Texas, in Florida aod ia Tennessee 20, asset ttt Texas, Florida, &c.... 20,000 T have learned to-day come facts im regard te the movomente-ef: General Jackson since heawas to webige (rom the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road, which furnish a key te the object he has in view, and explain that part of the retreas from Manassas which ‘was entrusted to his management. In my letter of March ‘7 Letaited that Jackson's headquarters had been at Stras. burg fora week past,and that he had been strongly reinforced from Manassas during the last five days. ‘Theee was reason to believe at that time that these rein- forooments were sent with a view to resist the advaace of General Banks, as it was known that General Jackson's scouts at Winchester kept him advised of all the move- ments of General Banks. But it is evident now that the Fegimeats sent from Manassas to Jackson at Strasburg ‘were part of the rébel army on their retreat. The move. tment continued until Sunday, March 9,0n which day sion ow their way to the northwest. The number Of. troope thus sent, added to those which Gene- wat Jackson siready had at Strasburg, swelled is force to upwards of 25,000troops. With these he bas menaced on the 12th, and was continued unt!! the 16th inst., on which day the last of his scouts were withdrawn from the acighborhood of Winchester. Thereason that he was kept as Strasburg ‘6o long wes to watch General Banks’ movements, and prevent him from making any flank @vement on Manassas, not only uatil the evacuation was complete, but also until the new line of the Rappa- haanock had been thoroughly organized by the proper disposition of the troops. ‘The part now assigned to General Jackson is nothing lesa then the defence of the extension of the line of the Rappakeosock, from Harrisonburg, in Rockiogbam coua- ty, to Lewisburg, in Greenbrier county, thus covering the important line of railroad from Covington, in Alleghany county, to Gordonsville. The line is a most admirable one foe defence. From the Flat Top Mountains on the west, to the Blue Ridge, at MagaSytown, on the east, it con. sista Of an uninterrupted series of mills, which are oaly diversified by mountains and mountain ridges The roada—for there are roads, such as they are—wind hrough mountain passes, through narrow defies, along the almost precipitous sides of mountains, with fright. ful chasms below, and crose deep ravines by of ricketty and rotten bridges. Travellers who have visited the White Sulpbur Springs, the Warm Springs and the Hot Springs, all of which are situated along the western part of this line, wilt remember the wild grandeur of the mountain scenery and tbe primitive nature of the roads. Such is General Jackson's present field of opera- ions, If jolt undefended, oF not sufficiently guarded, the Union army, marching in Jackson's track, could not only take possession of the raliroad from Covington to Charlottesville, but could aise turn the rebels’ flank a Gordooaville, and so render their second !ine of defonce as untenable as that at Manassas became, while Lynch- burg asso would be within our power. Hence the im portance of that part of the line of defence entrusted to General Jackson. His troops constitute, fact, the loft wing of the army of the Rappabanpock Bartimons. March 20, 1862 Important Document from the Rebel War Office at Rich mond—Plans of the Kebels for the Spring Campaign— Work for General Premoni—Three Hundred Thowsond Men in Okie and Michigan Ready to Spring to Arms at His Oall—Path for the Pathjinder, de. Tho plans of the rebel government for the spring and eummer campaign are made ep &® much more extended goals than those for last yoar, The field of operations at home is more circumscribed, but they contemplate this yoar offensive operations oo a large ecaie, as well aso system of defence, The following table ie an exact copy of the one used by the Military Committes of the rebel Senate ia the preparacion of their plans, and of which it forma the basis. The latier were matured by the ist of March, and the offcers of the | rebel government are now actively engaged in all the Southerd States in carrying out the | wiwo) «2 pun Gucrog note SdOOAg TOUT PPT Vedoors Pest Hoos, J 4QAN wey me yn uy <+ees-guaam Barsneg Jo 2redeo | $9 pun gE xamg 0 “LM | 5 & 3 3 i won pew wo 0 ere wos NEW YORK HERALD, land, 230,000; Missour:, 692,000; Tennoasee, 555 000, aod Wostern Virginia, 230,000. ‘This part of uae population of the South, amounting to 2,197,000, deducted from the 12,000,000, would teave a secession population of above 9,304,072, which is, probably, the utmost strength of the confederacy, Of these their slaves amount to nearly four millions (3,953,524, having increased from 3,200,000 sino 1850), and their Gguimng men to & million aud a@ half (1,507,769), loaving of white noa-combatants four anda Ralf millions (4,422,779), to attond to the planta- tions and transact all other business, in connection with the slaves. The above enumeration of ablobodied mon does not include those im the States of Kentucky, Mary- land, Missouri, Tennessee and Virginia who are Union- ists, whother they are serving in the Union army Or not. After putting im the field their army of 700,000 mon, the South will still have at Mome,of mon capable of bearing arms, nearly as many inore—namely 601 ,260% men WORK FOR THE FaTHyINDRR, Tho wisdom digplayed by the President in assigning 10 General Fremont the department which has boon created for him will be evident {rom @ consideration of the ter- vitory embraced in the department, and the work to be done in it. It embraces the whole of Western Virginia, and, besides, all those othor parts of Virginia that lio west of the Alleghany Moumtains; the eastern parts of the States of Tennessee and Kentucky, embracing the famous Cumberland Gap, Knoxville, aud the important line of the great Southern Railroad from Abingdon, in Virginia, to Knoxville, and the entire States of Ohio and Michigan.’ Tho two last namied Staten are intensely abo- litioniat: Michigan, the home, of ** blood -letting’* Chand- tes, has a fighting population of ablehodied men of 154,000. Ohio—the heme ef Bea. Wade, who told the President a few weeks ago, when he refused to restore Fremont to bis command, that he was within half a mile of Hol!l— Ohio hag a fighting population of 440,000 men. Yet Michigan has only 24,000 men in the army, aod has coa” sequently 130,000 fighting men at home. Tho great ma Jority of the 24,000 in the army are democrats, while tho majority of the 130,000 who are at home are abolition” ists and republicans. Ohio, too, has only 67,000 men inthe army, while 373,000 of ner ablebodied popula- tion remain athome. Of the 67,000 Ohio troops in the fleld it is woll known that a majority are democral while of those who stay at home at least 180,000 voted for Fromont in 1856, and are abolitionists now. These stay at home abolitionists in Ohio aud Michigan wit!, no doubt, therefore, rush to Fremont’s standard by tens of thousands; and if they display half the alacrity now infighting for him that they did in siaging about (reo soil,free iabor, free love aud Fremont in 1856, he will seon have an army of 200,600 mon in the field and a re serve of another 160,000 to cail upon in a fow months. The work for Fremont to do is nothing less thaa to follow in the track of the victorious Union army of last fall up the left bank of the Big Sandy river, in Kentucky, to Prestonville, Pikeville, Manchester and Barbours- ville, and thence strike for the Cumberland Gap. He will find no enemy until he approaches the iat. ter point. There, however, he will find that part of the rebel army posted for the defence of “ the De- etre of the Cumberland,” and there he will | sicns of that day, and nally the orderis, with bis horse, we to fight. The rebele will be in strong force there, for they will dispute the entrance to Eastern Ton- nessee with all their power. But if Fremont’s abolitioe soldiers fight bravely the result cannot be doubted, The rebel armies will be swept like chaff before the wind, and Fremont will advance to Knoxville. He will thus be im possession of the line of the great Seuthern Railroad, and he can cut off the retreat of the rebel army in Eastern Virginia. ‘The rebels will then be compelled to evacuate Virginia by way of the North Carolina railroads. But if Burnside takes possession of those roads the rebel army in Virginia will be caught in » trap, and forced to surren- der—all owing to Fremont. Yet some of his friends at Washington grumble at his department, and find fault with old Abe, because, as they say, there is nothing in it. If Fremont has the genius his friends claim for him he will organize his army aod find his work. THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION. Operations at Beaufort and Newbern. The Beleagured Garrison of Fort Macon. WRECK OF THE ALBEMARLE. THE UNION ARMY READY FOR WORK. THE SOUTH RETURNING TO LOYALTY, kee Rey ae. ‘Oar Newbern Correspondence. Nxwnray, N. C., April 3, 1362 Matters at Newbern—Establishmeont of @ Provost Marshal- ship—Its Effects—Captain Messinger, of Gen. Foster’, Staff, Loves His Horse at the Battle of Newbern—Inte- vesting Statement of How it Occurred by a Rebel Pri- soncer—The Rebel Forces Marching to Retake Newbern— Their Advance Guard within Fifteen Miles of Our Picktts—A Skizmish with Pheir Cavalry—The Rebet Generol Branch Disgraced and Superseded by General Ransom—Who General Ransom is—Our Troops Getting Paid Of —Disposition of the Contrabands—The Weather — ‘A Grand Review of all the Troops by Genera Burnside— Sailing of the Gunboat Hussar with Sick Prisoners for Washington, N. C.—Incidents of the Passage—TheSteamer Altemarte Injured by Striling on Concealed Stakes in the Pamtico Rwer—She is Run Ashore—Phe Kebels wn tha Vicinity Attempt to Capture Her—They Are Foiled in Their Undertaking— Mysterious Movements of a Schooner, de., de. Yo record affaire in Newbern since the late eventfn! fight would be like reporting (he progress of affairs at the Special Sessions in New York—i. ¢.,@ succession of trials, reprimands and rel for trivial cases, in which the crime was originated by am overweening love for the “cratbur.”’ AD nt provost marshalsbip has been established but, notwithstanding, the tars from the gunboats and our own soldiers manage to obtain an odd “drop,” so that the guard, at “‘clore of dewy eve,” bas occasionally to consign @ disciplefof Bacchus to that receptacle vui gariy cesignated the guardhouse } would not wisb to convey from the above few lines that there is anything like disorder in town. On the contrary, upon the truth of the proverb that exeeptions prove the rule, I cite these few instances to show the almost unswerving and invariable exactitude with which the prohibitions of our Provost Marshal are observed, ‘And while I am speaking of the Provost Marshal, who ‘a mort estimable gentleman, Captain Dauiel—Dan for short—Messinger, Quartermaster of General Foster's staff, T cannot help relating how he lost « val upen tbe occasion of our capture of this place the troops landed, on (he morning of the 14th ult tain Messinger seot his horse ashore in charge of an or- derly, who was instructed to take particular care not only of the animal, but of the valuable saddle and other accoutrements thereunte belonging, together with other property of the Captnia's. 4 cba Captain Messinger to another part of the feid of opera 4 up missin bat bad become ef bim co y be conjectured; but mt least Doth man and beast In the course of eveuts Newoern wan Messinger was appointed Pro- vos of rebels, pickets, catme © their cage. Dui the progress of the Captain Meeseger inquired at random be eremy baa captured ® horse belonging tothe Union ‘erces, The re bels replied almost in ® brewth (hes (hey bad—one belong: jug to Captain Dao. Messizgor Tbe mystery of the dis- Bppearance expianed The un ell inte the hands of | i SSEEreesaxs 23323323333 fo tue above enumeration of total population they in- Chude the “tories,” or “Lineolnites,"’ as they call thein— f. ¢., Voronisia-ia the States of Bontucky 540,000 Mary de prisoner. The orderly wae a employed bis leisure momenve in printing Upo avery of the boree the name of the owner, so that when od bo made 0 Dan Mes- wings mous among the rebels as it is among us for an eut administration of his provost marsbaisnip. But now for the latest itema of mews from this point. It i thought that the rebels, actuated by # hallucina tion that they can whip the forces of General Burnside, five to one, are moving down upon us with a very strong foros, with the intention of r ng Newbern, and are now strongly ve at Kingston, about thirty in from here, in ¢ f deborough. Four of their rey ing most probably of the Nineteentd ‘Thiety-first and Thirty third nina ‘rag have advanced to within twelve or fiftoen ues, and with two or ow threatening ry night bofore last, aud the information that they v penill, who #9 ingloriously Smounted hoss cavalry," at Che Aight which resulted in the capture of this phice. Your readers wt! perhaps romember that Bricadior General Lawrence O'B. Branch, “who was never kaown to smile” excopl it was upon’ invitation at the bar of Willard’s, in Washington, during his connection with the legislative bodies at Lhe soat of government, was in com mand of the rebel forces which defended Newborn at that ime. But Brigadior Gener: raced swmce thea for bis unsu appear by the appomiment of General Ransom (no joke im tho naine, although yesterday was All Fool's day) to tho command of the reveis in this vicinity. By the way, whats spleadia example the rebels set us upon this point, Now, the anemy’s gonoral’s name is an ominous one like the declaration of the oracle when consulted by Darius, which proj ied that af he did somothiag or auother ‘a great kingdom would be destroyed,” it por- tonds as mueb dangor to one side as the other; 69 thal, Like the Western jury, wo can bring im a verdict of “quits.” 1 bad almost forgotton to mention that (his Geaeral Ransom ia a graduate of West Point, and previous to the outbroak of the rebellivn was # captain of cavalry in the regular army. By the arrival on Sunday, at Hatteras Inlet, of sevoral vessels from the North, we have received. gratifying in- teltizence of the progress of aifairs in Virgivia. Two of tLe steamers—the the South upd the Marioa— were among the number, to whose gentlemanly com- manders—(Captains Woodhull and Phillips—the regi- mental officers on board would convey their most Bincere and heartfelt thanks for courteous treatment during tue down trum Raltimore. ‘Majors Sherman, Vedder and Folsom, paymasters of tho United states Army, acr:. d here alow days since, auc have commenced to pay off the treops. ‘The negroes, or ‘‘contrabands,”’ ag they are better known in cump, havo beew nto. ‘of inbor- efs, and are quite choerful in their now ‘They Teovive the stipulated sum of $8 per month for sheir. ser vices; ib them ‘sorvants of Camilies 12 town, wear a white band on their cannot tunclude without dw that back- eyed vopic, the weather, While up North you ai wading through élush and snow, and suffering from dij theria,down heres we enjoy alltheJuxuriant beauties of Tar advanced spring. Halmy breezes, budding fruit trees, flowers in full bloom, gardens redolent with the scent of roses —such is Newbern at the present mom-nt. What a pity that the retreating rebels will take us away from the contemplation, if not enjoyment, of these piea- sures. Woe had a grand review of all the troops this alter- noon by General Burnside and the brigade commanders. parole not to take up arms until exchanged. In- formation that they were going had beer previously sent to Washington uncer a flag of truce, with @ request that the enemy should have # steamor in Pamlico river ready to take them from the Hussar. But the rebela had no vessel,aa the litte steamer Albemarle accompanied the Hussar, and the party came to anchor about aine miles below the town on Monday mornivg. The Albemarle then took the pri-oners on ‘board and started to go up the river, Dut hud not proceeded far when she struck upon several rows of stakes which were concealed just beneath the suriace of the water, Decoy stakes were visible distance further on, and led to the that there wore nove lower down in the channel, The Aibemarie, aiter striking, was immediately backed off, when it was discovered that she was leaking very fast. Whereupon she was headed for shore and run up in shoal water Here she settled, aud the men were sent ashore on the following day. But the night did not pass without mecidents, thrilling ough o make them worthy of narration. Washington 3 the Union flag flying over it; but the secession senti- ment i strong with many of the people in the town and vicinity. While the Albemale was aground the rebels thought an opportunity was afforded them of burning or retaking her (she was captured at Newbern by our forces), and dering the night several boats filled ‘with men were observed putting off from the shore. As they approached, Lieutenant Heddon, who was in charge of Albemarle, chailenged them three times, and, re- ceiving no reply, ordered the guard to fire, whereupon the suspicious crafts turned about and went towards the shore in a most precipitate manner. Owing to the dark- ness of the night it was impossible to ascertain how many were killed and wounded in the boats; but the weil directed fire of the guard proved effective enough in Griving off the maraudersfrom their intended purpose. During the uight # schooner was observed coming down the river under full sail, and the lights were out on board the Albemarle. As she approached a light was accidentally shown on the Albemarie, perceiving which the schooner tacked around and went up the river. What her object was is a mystery; but she probably came to reconnoitre the pos: of the disabled steamer. It will be impossible, it is thought, to save the Albe- marie. The stakes trausfixea her bottom, and in some ee tore it off, #0 that it will be impossible to repair ‘The rebels up tn the vicinity of Washington need a lesgoa, a la Roanoke aud Newbern, to make them keep quiet. Were it not for the presence of thegunbvats abroast of the town thay would no doubt dare to take down the Union flag, which, by the way, is nailed over the Court House. Our Beaufort Correspondence. Buavrorr, N. C., March 31, 1862. Trip from Newbern to Beaufort—Going Up Stocun’s Creck—A March on the Railvoad Tracke Visits to the Hoses by the Roadside—Tracks of the Rebel Army— Bridge Building by the Union Soldiers—A Rebel Camp—Caroli- na City—Morehead City and Fort Macon—Am Interceplad Mail—Colones White—Communication Batween Beaufort and Morehead City—Enghish Vessels in Port—Affairs at Beaufort—Arvest of tha Collector of the Port of Beau- fort—A Union Serman—Advance Towards Vort Macon— Our Blockading Flert, dc., dc. In my last letter I told you of the expadition thas had left the town of Newbera for the neighborhood of Beau- fort; but at the time ¢ was but partially acquainted with the full particulars. Since that time I have had en op- portunity of obtaining valuable information, gained by that most stern of masters, experience. Determined to take as little hearsay as possible, 1 stepped on board the steamer Union, Captain Charobers, and found there Lieut. Flagler, ordnance officer of Gen. Burnside’s staff, who was going down to Beaufort to arrange matters regarding the capture of Beanfort agd the reduction of Fort Macon There were also some officers connected with the regi” ments stationed below, and three or four other members of the press. Jt may be well to remark here that the steamer Union bas a bappy facility for going almost any. where where there area few inches of water. was consequently chosen to take the mail and the few passengers up to a station where some few soldiers are stationed, situsted about five miies from the mouth of Slocum’s creek. It will be re. collected that the landing of the troops#in the march to Newberu was made at the mouth ot this creek. We started, after some little detention, on Thursday afternoon, and after travelling some twelve miles reach" ed the mouth of the creck. TBe wight was clear and starlight, aod the run up to the station was pleasant al- most beyond description. Slocum’s-creek is not much more than oue hundred feet wide, and the boughs of the trees, as we passed up, were sweeping against the sides of the steamer. We were not loug in arriving at our destination; bat the prospect was not pleasant for a landing; sof concluded to remain oo the boat ail night and push on towards Beaufort in the morning. In the early part of the morning land some of the others slung our knape*cks and prepared for a long march of some twenty miles te Morehead Cit just opposite Beaufort, and within easy range of the g ‘ef Fort Macon, On first landing we heard he rather un pleagant intelligence that there were rebel pickets in the vicinity, and that some of our men had been pursued by aparty of rebel cavalry, but, owing to the fori the road, they were able to escape. Nothing discoar aged by this, four of us determined to puch on, although only protected by « coup! ‘The frst station at which we arrived was Hay nt trom Beaufort about nineteen miles. Here we found Captain Arnold, of tion of f the Fifth Rhode Island regiment, who, with six company, was uarding (ue station and some military stores placed there. We had some slight hopes of bein; to ebtain 2 band car here to carry us down to Morehead City No such thing was to be bad, however, and, wit) (be fear of the rebel pwkets before me, I started to walk to New port, the mext station, ® distance of sight mike. Nothing of interest occurred on the way, if I may except some occasional yieits to the email farmhouses tha, I found on the way. They all complained bitterly of the treatment they received at the hands of the rebel troops, and toe man wore ximest ultra-Union in their sontirents; still, debiod ai (he, yeu could percer strong dislike to the Northern soldiere, which the mbabitante coulé pot, and, in msoy (0 1 Bol, witb W Side. After pe t ght miles safety, | arcived at the villge a port, where (be «@ rebel army vere clearly discermibie,‘n ibe w burned bu dings, aod total destroction of a railroad bridge one bundred eighty feet long, whirls crommed it onlow port station, The des. bridge was inconvenience (0 Us, DASMUEH as | prevented the pas sage of band ears with in munities, wrtilery, &e.; but we are not the habit of’ beirg stopped by buman obs jeneral Bu-wwide de termined whe ‘best way to get ever this oulty was to have the bridge rebuilt. Accordingty Mejor Wright, of the Fifth Rhode Island, and Yr. Field, a woll known bridge builder, wi ft deputed to would occupy 1, who ia by pref i civil engineer, and hig that before the end of one week it w op the moruing of the 20th uit. it was ready fo. the pas. sage of cars, The persons connected with the rebuild f this bridge are deserving of tha bighest praiso for noe and umtiring industry arter of a mile below the villagsof New. ks lately occupied by some of re if accommod new, and the houses care and aregard fot the comfort of the men that was really surprising. The troops would havo varned th houses, but when they left to march up to the defence thousand vera they contidently expected to coms back vic« nce more take ap their quarters in their At ptoent thers ta stationed Chore the Fire’ tu (uode laiand Voluatoers, vader bue mail, judge by the remarks attempts to cross from Morehead City to Beaufort. engaged tn the reduction of the fort. glass I perceived which flvated Fort Sumter entered my mind, and [ could not holp think- ing thet an almost similar scene to that enacted in Charleston barbor would shortly take place here. Men were plainly seen walking about the beach, and the sentries could be perceived walking their rounds, peace- fully, but how long to remain ao Providence only knows. Tyke at Morehead City are two large English ships, wi head. One is the Alliance, spoken of before, and the particulars connocted wi them laid before allowed to float comment is umnecessary. fort, at the present time, will no doubt be found particu- tor eects ‘at the piers watching their move: rn iers wi eir mente, and ‘shea Ihe soldiers Funded open arms by the citizens could be to make them comfort: homes, as bad been the case in ott remained in the town, and the consequence has been that: tary command of Captain Wheels”, Major Wright's time Deing entirely taken up by the buil ting of the bridge I bave spoken of. The men have a great deal of bard work to do, but manage to got through it with cheerful- ness, and cousequenuy with les weariness. Tho health of the battalion is remarkably good, and is, from ‘sil ap- pearances, likely to remain so. After remaining @ abort time there, Tobtaimed a place, through the kindness of Major Wright, on a hand car bound down to Carofina City and Morehead City, After a most pleasant trip of cigit miles I got tothe first plage montioned above, where General Parks bas his headquarters, Visiting tho General, 1 obtained a pass through all tho Tinos of tho ‘Third brigade. Here also has the torch of the incendiary ben at work; @ very fine building, lately Occupied as & hotel, was desiroyed, together with some smali buildings. It is confidently stated that these buildings and the bridge 1 have mentioned bofere were destroyal by & party of mon that came over from Fort Macon for that especial purpose. isouLUs burnings do not appear to please the people by any means; but the soldiers engaged in the wholesale destruction care but liltie for the feolings of those whose property they are destroying. Hotela and large buildings are of course burned to prevent them from being used by our troops for barracks ; but they are only injuring themselves by such acts,as we always go prepared tw camy out wherever wo may be. Lleft Carolina City at about eleven o'clock, and ran down three miles further to Morehead City. The great object of interest hore is Fort Macon, which lea at a dis- tely commanding the town. It is anything of the po- fort,as you are already well ac- fagts re- | i tween two fires, however, as the most freee ee: and nen ane bere the ger of mutiny among 5 of the letters which wore opened that a sickness prevails among the men stationed wi fort, mostly of a nature that renders the handling guns or avy great bodily exertion entirely out question. 1 White, the commander of bears anything but an enviable reputation, if | passed upon him here, and himself doubly obnoxious’ just ab present by following up @ bad habit he has got of fring at anything in the shape of ee ae ex. = Ha ot! i 2 E Fe est this means he hag rendered the passage over an tremely dangerous one, as bis guns are so well trained that a row boat,even at the distance of a tnile and a halt, atords an ex crossing Bogu discovered or of being hit than during the glaring light lent target. The night is chosen tor ound, when thore is less chanco of being Colonel White is a graduate of West Point, and n old companion of some of tbe officers that will be By the aid of my umber of guns en barbetie, upon antly the rebel colors. ‘Thoughts of their national colors flying at the mast ‘Captain De Forress, and the other is Gooding. Both vessels have — r the public in your columns, They jaced on esent have @ guard p! board of them; both are euvily laden with turpentine, and are all ready to put to pea at any moment. ‘Considerable surprise was mavi- fested at the sight of the English flag, end at eeteee lo. ‘on vessels that have run the intereating, as it is the only place that has shown the least spark of a truly Union spirit,so far as lhave seen. Shortly after the Union troops loft Morehead Cit; Beaufort, the people of the town could be they were received with , and everything done that lable. running from their her places, The citizens, instead of the greatest confidence exists between the people aud the soldiers. The office of Major Allen is kept crowded all day by persons coming in to take the oath of allegi- ance, but few being required to take the oath of ni trality, owing to their Union sentiments. One partucu- larly pleasing feature at Beaufort is the number of ladies that may befound there. It is quito flattering to see such a strong evidence of good feeling existing among the fair sex cowards tis, as thoy are ‘isually the most rabid in their expressions of hatred to us, ying, no doubt, for protection upon the well known reputation of Nortbern men for respect to al] women, no matter in what condition or state of society they may be. In- vitationsto partake of the hospitality of some of the leading citizens of Beaufort have been freely extended to our officers, and other evidences of kindness have been made apparent onevery side. In the Post Office was found a large and ‘handsome American tlag, which the soldiers at once raised in the air, and it is mow floating, where it should have been always,over theCustom House. Speuking of the Custom House reminds me that the Collector of the Port, Mr. Josiah Bell, made off with bimself the other day, carrying with Lim the immense sum of two thousand dollars in secession mousy. Major Allen was desirous that he should remain under his charge, and accordingly sent asmalldetachment of men to capture him, which, after a slight search, they did. Major Allen brought bim over the river im the 14 handed him over to the tender m Perbaps on aversion: from the evils of secessionism to true Union pr have to record is that of the clergyman of (he Episcopal church at Beaulort, who, the Sunday before the landing of our troops, prayed for the rafety of and prolongation of Jeff, Davieand bis tribe, and the following Sunday the good old prayer for the loug continuance of the United States and the welfure of its chief officersyascended to Heaven from thesame pulpit and from the lipsof thesame minister. His sermon was oue (bat would have done credit to one of our staunch old preachers. He advocated in the strongest terms the stern necessity of ernment, and that government the U church was crowded with ladies end The atlemen, and the appeared wo be rebellion reigns supreme, inhabitants are Jess acquainted with us, and been led to regard ux in the light of robbers and invaders. On the coast and in the principal towns, where they have had an opportu nity ot being brought into cloe Convection with us, the feeling is altogether different, and it is there that the Unton sentiment is seeking 4 place to show itself, and is is oply necessary to #01 the ball im motion t cause an entirely different feeling in the hearts of the peor (On the 29th ult. « number of troops were landed long strip of sand ruoning to th rth and several cows belonging to For re captured and now belong tous. This is ® most serious loss to those ins they are sally in ueed of fresh provi- sions, their supplies being entirely cut off. i made an autenipt to cross Bogue Sound the other day in « small sail Dont; but, after cruising about for an nour er two, vainly seeking for @ landing place,! hadtoreturn. At one time I was within leas than three-quarters of a mile of the fort,and I expected every moment to see a hash from one of the guns of the fort, 1olowed by & 1 was hardly prepared to mos; but my good vailed, or Colonel White thenght me a foe nnw his steel, for I wae permitted to return unmoies: citizens are not allowed to sail ab ; for fear that They might conv rt, ko that the rebei officers in firtug at boats feel very ver: tai that there is no danger of injuring their own people. There ace at present un block aling service ouisuie Hew: fort the following ves Lippewa. Stace of rgia, Albatross and the Gems! bey will be valuable aid one of these days, and no doubt will be called upon. ‘The stars and bars that now toat over (he wails of Fort Ma cop cannot long remain bere, while the glorious oid Stars and Stripes are moving in all directions around it. 1 be avie lo date my ietters {rom Fors Macon, scription of its downfall with «full War Newbern Correspondence, Newnens, N.C., April 3, 1862 Journey from Beaufort to Newbern—Rairoad Travel in —An Alarm in Canp—The Rebel Cavalry Lurking Around—The Battle Field of Newiern, bo. de, de. } left Beaufort on the Sist ult, to return to Newberny expecting some xciiement up there in the sbape of an attack onthe place by tbe rebel forces: but up te the present tine no demonstration has taken place. From Beaufort } went up to Carolina City,distant about four miles, and (here I was just im time to meet the fires train of care that came over the Atlantic and North Caro. lipa Railroad sigce the oceupation of the road by our troops. It consisted of two large platform cars that the rebele bad not destroyed, and atx email band ca ty was heavily loaded with military atores, ke , the weight being equal to nineteen tons, The motive power was horses anda squad of men on thehand cars. ‘The train crossed the bridge at Newport that was rebuilt by Major Wright and Mr. Field with safety, wot the slightest vibration being perceptible. It is now fully an strong, if not stronger, than it was before. l obtained a hand car and proceeded to N the Fifth Rhede Island fo making, ae th ferred to the pri the comsequent dauger of tra guard; but Ineyer realized it so fully as on the nightof the dist ult. The officers were just going to supper when Iieut. Goodwin, the offieer of the guard, came in from the pick- ets with the inforination that a farmer, who had t the oath of allegiance, had come to the camp for protec. tion, stating thatsome Uifty rebel cavalry had come to his house, some five miles distar i threatened to burn it, and otherwise destroy his property. Major Wright the pickets doubled, and other precautions taken to prevent « surpris 4 intimation that one hun dred and fifty of (hese fellows intended to make into the camp at night, and make short work of ¥ was deemed ruficient, and the ust let fell upon the camp, butat about eight o'clock we w artied by tho discharge = Of two guOS—% wignal SATURDAY, APRII, 12, 1862—TRIPLE SHEET. alurm—apd almost in the of thine T take tw write it, tho whole batialion wore under arms und stationed in line of battle. There was no quoe- tioning, no running to aad fro, but like veterans, a they every man was in his placo and ready » moet any emergency that might arse. Another shot was heard SU nearer, and a force was sent out under Lieutenant Goodwin'to reconnoitre, Various reporta came i, one contradicting the other; but sufficient was gleaned to know that we stood in dangor of an attack. At about Dine O'clock Lhe men were dispersed, with mstructions to be in readiness at a moment's notice Ww repel ao tack. Nothing of importance, however, ocourred during the night, and it was not until the morning that we as cortained tho true stato of affairs. At cixht o'clock Lieutenant Goodwin came into camp, after remaining out all night with the pickels. We thon learned that a number of reboi pickols ‘of scouts had been seen and fired at by our men, bub their real strength was unknown. Tosether with the mon that Lieutenant Goodwin brought back with fim were twelve cootrabands, who had escaped from tueir n twelve Interesting Details of the In- vestment of the Town by the Americans and French in October, 1781. The Surrender of Lord Corn- wallis to Gen. Washington. The Final Blow of the Revo- lution of 1776, &e,, &e., &e. {From the New York Monthly Military Repository of 1796.4 Soon after she arrival of Lord Cornwallis at Wiiiams- burg he received despatches from New York, in which Sir Henry Clinton made a requisition of part of the troops under his command in Virginia, directing that they should be eent to New York without delay, and inform- ing Lord Cornwallis at the samo time of tho danger to which the royalarmy in that city was exposed from a combined attack which was expected from the French and Americans. But to understand the proper connec. tion of the great events that followed it is necessary to take a retrospect of the remote causes which produced them. A dawn of prosperity had begun to appear tn South Carolina, under the auspices of General Groene, yet the affairs of America in general seemed at this time to be in a ruinous state, and the contest on the point of ceasing on the part of the Congress for want of resources to ‘maintain it. Some enterprise of importance was no. cessary to rouse afresh the energy of the peopie and to restore the declining state of their affairs. ‘The Congress had been disappointed in their expectations of the co- operation of @ French fleet and army for three years auc- cessively; but soon after (be fal! of Charleston, in May, 1780, a statement of their distresses was made to the Court of France. A subsidy of six millions of livres was granted, and the King became their security for ten millions more, borrowed for their use in the United Ne- therlands. At the same time a naval co-operation was promised, and a conjunct expedition against their com- mon foes projected. In the month of Marci, 1781, M. de Graffe sailed from Brest with twenty-five sail of the line, several thousand fand forces and a large convoy, amounting to more than two hundred ships. A small part of this force was dee- tined for the East Indies, but M. de Graffe, with the greater part, sailed for Martinique. The Britiah Admirals | Hood and Drake were detached to intercept the French fleet, but a junction between the force of M. deGrate and eight ships of the line and oneof fifty guns, which were previously at Martinique and St. Doningo, was nevertheless effected. ‘The British fleet in the West In dios had been weakened by the departure of a squadron for the protection of the ships, which were employed in carrying to England the booty that bad been taken at St. Kustatius, and, by the combination of the French fleets in the West Indies, they had a decided superiority. M. de Graffe, in the beginning of Angust, sailed witha large convoy destined for Europe, and after seeing it out of danger be directed his course for the Chesapeake, and arrived there on the 20th of the same month. M. de Bar- ras, appointed to the command of the French flest then in Rhode Ialand, had arrived at Boston in the month of May with despatches for Count de Rochambeau. On the tof May a conference took place at Weathersfield, ia cut, between the American and French generals. ‘At thie interview it was agreed beiween them to carry into execution the attempt against New York, which they had moditated the preceding year, if their forces, when mbled, should be found equal to the enterprise; but, in all events, it was their determination, upon the ar rival of the Count de Grate, to strike blow at ove or other of the British posts, where success was most rea- sonabiy to bo expected. Lotters were addressed General Washington (o the executive officers of the New Fagiand States, requiring ther to fill up the battalions composing bid army, and to have six thousend two Qumdred militia in readinose to march whenever ho should call for them, The letters written by General Washington to Congress, after his interview with the French generals, fell into the hands of Sir Henry Clinton, and in consequence of the information they contained, which alarmed him for the safety of New York, he inade 4 requisition of part of the troops under Lord Cornwatlts’ command in Virg! At the situation of Lord Cornwallis noar the Capes of Virginia, the arrival of & reinforcement of three thou- sand German troops from Kurope to New York, the soperior strength of that garrison, the backwardness of theSiates in filling up their battalions and embodying their militia, and the recent inte: ence from Count de Graff that his destination was fixed to the Chesapeake produced a total change of the plan of the campaign. jeneral Washington bad assombied hit army at Pecks kill, and marching from thence to White Plains, was there joined, on the 6th of July, by the Count de Rocham- bean with the French troops from je Inland. ‘Un the 24th of August, the allied American and French armmes, instead of proceeding on their original pr agaiust New York, directed their march towards Vir gunin, The appearance of an intention to attack New York had, nevertholess, been kept up; and, while this deception was played off, tbe army crossed the North Fr and proceeded on their march uninterrupted. Lord Cornwallis h 1 orders, a¢ has already been mettioned, te s troops to New York, he immediately prepared to comply with Sir Henry Clin. ton’s requisition; and ag, after the embarkation of those troope, he was of opinion that (he force which remained would not be sufficient toenable him tofemain at Wi! tiamsburg, bé resolved to pass James river and retire to Portamouth. Accordingly, on the 4th of July the British army marched from Williamsburg and encamped on a plece of ground that covered # ford into the island of Jamestown, In this encampment the British army re mained, whilst on the 6th and Gh their bat-horses and baggage were passed the river. The Marquis de Lafayette, (hinking that the main body of the British army had already crossed the river, alvanced by forced marches to strike @ biow at the rear guard, On the 6th of July, towards sunset, Lafayette, with about nino hundred Contineotals, six hundred militia and some ar- tillery, passod ® morass and formed in front of the British evcampment. ‘The British immediately advanced to the attack in two lines, The rightof the Americans being composed of militia only, were quickly pat to flight, but on (he loft the British wore opposed by the Pennsylvania line and a party of Continentals, with two pieces of cannon, Ov that side the action, while it lasted, was sharp and bloody, The Americans, however, after a severe contest, were at last obliged to give way and re- treat acrows the morass, The British horse wore ready to pursue, bul the darkness of (he night prevented ail further operntiona, 16 British arty, having passed James river, pro ri cveded Portsmouth, where dhe om'varkation of the troops destined for New ¥érk took piace; but pefore the transports put to aa Lord Corawallis recowed ordere from Sir Hoary Ciintoe which conntermanded their saat ing,and at tho same time directed Cornwallis to o« tablish a defensive post for the protection of shipa of the line, eithor at Old Point Comfort, oa Hampton Roads, os Yorktown, om York river. Lut as the works constructed on Old Point Comfort, according to tho report of the ea Ginoors who aurveyod the place, would neithor command she entrance into Hampton Roads uor secure any shipe when lying at anchor within it, and the port of Ports mouth not being better caiculated for the protection of shipping, Lord Cornwallis had no other option than ta fortify York and Gloucester, the ouly places that co mained capable of affording the requisite protection ta ships of war. Lord Cornwallis, without loas of time, evacuated Portsmouth, and on the 22d of Auguat ho had ‘ll his forces concentrated at York and Gloucester. After the arrival of the Count de Graffe in the Chose peake he was immediately joined by aa officer from the Marquis de Lafayotto’s army to communicate to him the state of things in Virginia; and, im consequence of the tnformation received from this officer, de Graffe immedi- ately took measutes for biocking up York river and for conveying up James river the French Innd force brough® from the Wost Indios, that it might form a junction with the troops wader the Marquis de Lafayette. Four of de 4 Grafie's tine of battle chips and several frigatos wore om- ployed in blocking up York river, and the rest he moore® ia Lyvhaven bay, The troopa brought from the Weet fadien, consisting of three thowssné two huadred aioe, under ¢he cothmand of ihe Marquis de: St. Simon, aceon ‘after formed « junction with the Continental ¢roaps under tho Marquis’ de Lafayotte, ahd tho whole took poat at WiUltamaburg. Sir George Rodney, who commanded the British fleet ia the West Indies, ecems to have been persuaded that it waa do Graffo's intention to proceed to the Bay of Chesa- peake, Upon the approach of the hurricane soason, therefore, be detached Sir Samuel Hood to North Amori- ca, with fourteen sail of tho lino, to reinforce the Moet then at New York. This reinforcement arrived at Sandy Hook ea the 28th of August, Admiral Graves, who had suoceeded Admiral Arbuthnot upon bis doparture for Engtand in the month of July, took the command of the whole, consisting of twenty sail of the line, and sailed rom the Hook on the 3ist of August. Bofore his de parture intelligonce had been received that tho Freach squadron undor M. de Barras, at Rhode Island, had satled oa the 26th; and it not being known then that the Count de GraiTe had already arrived in theChesapeako, and thas the feet under his immodiata command was superior to that of Admiral Graves, great expectations were-onter- tained that the British Moet would fall in with one or an- other of the French squadrons. According to @ preconcerted plan M. do Barras had sailed from Rhode Island for the Chesapeake about the time de Graffe sailed from the Weat Indies for the same place; but in order to avoid the British fleet ho had takoa & circuit by Bermuda. In the meantime Admiral Graves preceeded on to the Capes of Virginia, whore he arrived on the Sth of September, and, finding the French flees at anchor within the capes, and the wind being very fair, the British fleet entered to offer it battle. But as soonas the French commandor perceived the British fleet, from an apprehension for the Rhode Island squad- ron, which he expected, and to gain more sea room, he gave orders for his ships to slip their cables. Both floete were now steering to the eastward io a line nearly parallel to each other; and getting clear of the capes, at four o'clock in the afternoon a partial action commenced betereen the van-and part of the centre of the two feots, which continued until night put en end to it. No ship on either sido was taken. The two fleets continued im wight of each other for five days, and were sometimes very pear, But the French Admiral, although it was ee ‘ai times in his option, from having gained the wind, for good reasons declined renewing the action; to which the British Admiral, from the crippled state of his fleet, could not compel him. While the two fleets were manes- uvring pear the mouth of the Chesapeake, .M. de Barras, with his fleet, in the night, got, unperceived, within the tapes; and the Count de Gratfe, on the 10th, bearingaway for the Chesapeake, had the satisfaction to find him there in gafety at anchor, with fourteen transports laden with heavy artillery, and all corte of military stores proper for carrying on a siege. According to the accountsof the French, their less in this action was about two hundred and twenty men killed and wounded, including four off- cers killed and eighteen wounded. The loss of men on board. the British feet amounted to ninety killed and two hundred and forty-six wounded. ‘The junction of the two Freach fleets gave de Graffea decided superiority; and Admiral Graves, after reconnoitering the position of the French feet, and finding that they blocked up the en- trance of the Chesapeake, took his departure and re turned to New York. While the American and French troops were proceed- ingon thei march to Virginia, the British Commander-ia, Chief at New York, with a view of making @ diversion ia Connecticut, aod drawing General Washington's atten- tion that way. detached General Arnold with a considera- bie force to make ap attempt upon New London, They passed through the Sound in transports, and landed on the morning of the 6th of September about three mites from New London in two divisions, one on each side of tho harbor. That on the side of Groton was com- manded by Colonel Eyre, and thet on the side of New London by General Arnold. On the side,of Now London no great opposition was made edoubt, from which the Americana bad begun @ canuonade, was abandoned by them upon the approach of Arnold's division, and Fort ‘Trumbull, which commanded the harbor, was ssssulted and immediately carried, General Arnold took posses- sion of New London, after a feeble resistance from @ small party of Americans who were statioued there. But ‘on the Groton side of the harbor ® regular work of con- siderable strongth, called Fort Griswold, was erected. It was assaulted by the diviion under Colonel Eyre and de- fonded by the Americans with the utmost bravery. ‘They entared the works through the embrasure, and considerable carnage ensned, until the Americans were driven from the ramparts and had ceased from all fur- ther resistance. The British Lad two officers and forty~ six soldiers killed, and eight officers, with one hundred and thirty-five soldiers wounded. Of the garrison, eighty. five were killed, including Colonel Ledyard, their com- mander; sixty were wounded and seventy made prison- ors. Ten or twelve sbips in the harbor were burned, which contained an immense quantity of European and West India goods. They also contained some gunpowder, by the oxplosion of which the flames were communicated o the dwelling houses in the town, and a great part of it was consumed. A great quantity of military stores, with fifty pieces of cannon, found in the differant works, were also destroyed But the damage done to the Americans by this expedt- tion, however grent, was not of sufficient importance to stop General Washington in his progress to Virginia, It was of the utmost moment to pursue the enterprise in which he was now engaged, and it was not to be expect. od that he would abandon it for any partial consideration whatsoever. ‘The combined armies, after passing Philadelpbt, marched to the head of Eik river, which falls jinto the Chesapeake at its interior gxtremity. The French troopa passed from Newport to the vicinity of Yorktown, adis- of about five hundred mites; and, what seldom hap- army, led through ® foreign country, at ee great a distance from their own, among & people of dit ferent customs, longuage, religion and manners, behaved y. They bad to pass through acountry abounding in fruit,andat a time when the most delicious productions of nature, growing on and near the public highways, presented both opportunity and temptation to gratify their appetites, Yet so complete was their discipline, that fn this tong march scarcely an instapee could be prodvced of anything being taken with. ont the consent of the inhabitante, General Washington and the Count de Rochambeau left the army upon its arrival as the head of Kik, ana pro ceeded to Williamburg, where they arrived on the 14th of September. They, with several other officers, imme- diately went to visit Count de Graff, on board the Villa Paria, and at this meeting the plan of their future operations was finally agreed on. Accordingiy, the com bined forces were ordered to proceed on their way to Yorktown, partly by land and partly down the Chesca The whole, together with a body of Virginia commanded by General Nelson, amounting in the aggregate to about twelve thousand menjrendezvoured at Williamsburg on the 25th of September, and on th, 28th they moved down to the investure of Yorktown, ‘The Fronch fleet at the same time moved to tho mouth of York river, and took a position which was calculated to prevent Cornwallis ¢ithor from rotroating or recoiving succor by water, The combined army enearved avout two miles from the works of the British, bub nothing material happened on this day, sither withiu ce without the lines, On the samo evening Lord Gornwailie ro ceived despatches from the British Commander.in-Cto: at New Yori, in which he was informed that upwarse of five thousand troops should be immediately embarked om board the King’s slips, that every esersoe would be