The New York Herald Newspaper, April 13, 1862, Page 1

WHOLE NO, 9347. THE VicroRY AT PITTsBuRG. | ABDITIONAL REPORTS OF THE BATSLE. Rebel Account of the First > Day’s Fight. BEAUREGARD’S OFFICIAL DESPATCH ‘WICTORY CLAIMED BY THE REBELS. eee ‘General A. Sidney Johnston’s Death Confirmed. Bu “SHE BATTLE oF § SHILOH.” No Mention of the Second Tay Conflict in the Rebel sitthahain THE “REBELS IN THE FIGHT, 4 ue = i Phncll &e, THE UNION ACCOUNTS. ee _ py April 12, 1662. © Tribune reporter, who has retyrped from furnishes the following:— ’g and Waterhouse’s batteries, supported by the ‘Winols, ‘Seventy-seventh and Fifty-third , Were the first in the fight. Both the ts ran—the Seventy-seventh without firing ‘Waterhouse without any support. He however, retiring with three of his peta in the. thigh by « Minie ball, His battery is badly cut up. Taylor's |. to fight, supported splendidly by the ad ‘until he and bis support were out- ‘doth sides. He then retired through a cross having but one man killed and seventeen wounded. ith his threeguns, took up a supported by the ‘Second brigade of }, compozed of the Eleventh, Seventeenth, Twentieth, Forty-fifth and Forty-cighth ‘Marsh commanding. During the fore- 4 J costal to retire through their ‘with heavy loss, into eome woods, Apo iate tere neces lite of bisile. B advance was then ordered by General McClernand,. ‘rods advance brought them in sight of she Here"comimenced one of the most fiercely cov- ents of the day, resulting in the repulse of ‘were driven back through our excamp- took s position on the parade green of the firm, and opened on the rebel battery, piaced eight edyards distent, and « eplondid artillery due! ‘The rebel battery was silenced and their caisson blown up. Taylor's battery was then ordered into a reserve. the fight several Mississippi regiments, which arrived on Saturday night, came on at doubie quick, Dab were almost immediately repulacd. “On Monday s Michigan battery, captured the day be" , Was retaken by the Sixteenth Wisconsin. fight, after taking this battery, was conducted in person by General Beauregard, In his efforis to recover ite was wounded in the arm. He was successful in taking it, but it was again taken from him. |t was cap. sored and retaken no loss than six times. Company A, of tho Chicago Light Artillery, who were @Oveverely bandied on the first day, were only able to ‘man three guns on Monday ; but with these, after a despe- Yate contest, they succeeded completely in silencing and capturing the rebel battery of six guns. They were, however, compelled to abandon it, from jack of horses to draw it off; their own piecos were brought off by hand- ‘The general retreat of the enemy commenced at dark op Monday , our cavairy following them nnti! the horses ‘were tired out. But for the almost impassable condition ‘of the. roads the rout would have beon inade complete, ‘apd we could have carried their intrenched camp a Corinth. It will be impoasibJe, on account of the condi- ‘tion of the roads, to do it now for some day: ‘The rebel artillery was superior to ours, their small arms were almost equal. The rebel lors was fifteen thou- sand killed and wounded ; ours was ten thousand. These ‘will be found moderate estimates. ‘The enemy have taken more prisoners iban we. The ‘Fightb Towa were captured en masse. ‘When the reporter left, on Wednesday morving, our advance, which bad been pursuing the rebelx, had only ‘ecoupied. the ground formerly held by the enemy, Rolf way between Pittsburg and Corinth. The enemy are straining every nerve to get in reinforcements, and Dloody work must yet occur before we drive them from ‘their position. ‘The Chicago Times special despatch says -— ‘The responsibility of the surprise resis with the com- manding officer, On Friday a large force of rebel cayairy appeared within sight of our lines and remained there, but General Sherman, who occupied the advance, had , been ordered not to bring on an engagement, consequent. Jy Be sent out no corresponding force to meet them. They remained in this position until Sunday morning. They @erved as a screen bebind which General Beauregard formed his troops into line of battle undiscovered. When the attack was first made, the Fifty-third, Fifty: seventh, Seventy-first and the Seventy-seventh Uhio regiments displayed inexcusable inefficiency. The latter fed without firing a gun. The others fired one or two vounde and then fled. Cowardice! Those regiments left the point undefended, and the enemy immediately closed in and surrounded the more advanced regiments. Jt is ‘also stated that tho Eighteenth Wisconsin and the Six- teenth Jowa fled after firing two or three rounds. When the enemy fled they burned al! their wagons, and loft their wounded behind, all of whom aro prisoners. ‘The Waterhouse battery lost one killed and sixteen wounded. Willard's Chicago battery had five killed and thirty wounded. One of the New Orleans regiments, the Louisiana ‘Tigers, were almost entirely loft on the fleld, either kill ed or wounded. They were nearly all wealthy men, and Gressed in the Zouave uniform, General Prentiss escaped on Tuesday and came into Camp atone. In the confusion of the retreat he managed to elude the rebel vigilance. Geueral Beauregard intended to make his attack two Gays previously, but extraordivary rains impeded his Progress and delayed his arrival. Had the attack been fade at the time intended, General Buell could not pos. ibly have reached in time to save us from defeat, ®r. Lovie, April 12, 1862, Major McDonald, of the Fighth Missouri regiment, ar fivodghere last night, direct from Pittsburg Landing. He confirms the death of General A. 8. Jobuston, and was fold by a lieutenant that Bushrod Johnson, who eecaped Trom Fort Donelson, was also killed. He thinks all the Toports about Beauregard being wounded are unreliable, An officer of the New Orleans Creole battalion, who was taken prisoner, says that Beauregard made aepeech on Baturday, defore the battle, in which ho told them the fosult was & sure thing and could not fail—they would captare Grant'sfarmy then whip Buell, and thus hold ‘their railroads. If thoy lost the day, he said they might St well lay down their arms and go home. Major McDonald thinks the story of the escape of Gene yal Prentiss js not truc, He and agreater portion of hig br: Were taken prisoners in the early part of the it on Sunday, ‘The funboats did fine work, and probably saved our army from total destruction on Sunday. ‘The beginning of the Aaht ov Sunday was @ complete =. ———— de va ©arprise, many officers and soldiers boing overtaken in ‘Uheir tenis, and slaughtered or taken prisoners. Genera) Smith was not in the fight, but lying sick at Sayannab, not being able to get out of bed. ‘ur forces on Sunday were not over thirty-five thou- sand men, and the enemy’s not less than ninety tbou- sand, Thg rebel Quartermaster says ninety thousand rations were issued before they left Corinth. ‘The second day’s ight wag not balf as desperate asthe first. The rebels soon gavo way beforo our fresh troops, and the pursuit was not continued. Major McDonald thinks our kflicd will number at least 1,000, and 3,000 wounded. He says 1,400 or 1,600 wounded rebels were left on the field, and thinks their killed amounts yo 3,000. Besides the wounded, we did not take more than 600 prisoners. is thought not tobe “prepared to make a stand at Corinth, and, if pushed, will retreat to Jackson, ‘Mississippi. [Oorrespondence of the Cincinnati Times.) THB BATTLE A DESPERATE ONE. ‘The intricate knowleage possessed by the enemy of every foot of the contested soi] on which the battle was fought, gave them a greater advantage than was awarded ‘us by the trifiing increase in numbers; but on either cide ‘the battle was fought with a desperation which! could not have believed to exist inthe minds of men, unless in cases of strong personal grievance. The actermination appeared, even under the most galling fire, to be victory or death. The Mississippians on the side of the enemy were the ruling spirits,and thoy well deserve to be se down as among the best igbting men of the day. In regard (6 the killed and wounded, shall refrain from mentioning anythng further than ] have in former parts o° ‘my epistie. The various rumors afloat, without a shaiow Of foundation, justify me ip this determination. No direct estimate can be made within the next fwe days, as it will require some time to gather tbe wounded together and inter the dead. CARRYING OFF OUR SURGEONS. I found, even at the end of the first day’s fighting, that many of our surgeons were missing, They were known to have been at the hospital tents at the period in which the battle opened; but after that time they eee. After the retreat of the enemy wand than the wk who had t Deen left in the were in under t! Pl our troops, aa rebels had forced the ‘uitghom away fo inorder that they mighi attend to their THE BATTER OROUND—ITB LOCATION. ground upon which this most bloody battle was ig known as Pittsburg Landing, and Te situated in the mouth of the Ten- from the bor- ‘upies aneminence of some fifty feet above has buttwo houses, both of which were vy ‘the shells of the gun! the national treops frst arrived, ren @ weeks since. It was the main ontlet, previous to the building of the Memphis and Charles! for the transportation by steamer = ‘more interior portions of the State. ae Neetehs Sen beyond the eminence, stretched away along 2. Tidge, which was pierced at intervals by ior Tayi palin nes, running mostly, ina southwesterly direc- scrub Oak, growing £0 close .- cae ary i was impossible for either infantry or cavalry to press thi h them and at the same time pri wy kind of » In this serub oak Jack,” the enemy thomecives as much bi: 8 possible. the river bank to the furthest Hine of the Seieiceds ceene Rises, ware Lint, Care ba from fifteen to five acres each, a ae oe ‘10 cross these, into whe ier forest on oS the ridge, that our troops enabled to do thom the most damage. PRISONERS TAKEN. in the batile was, that neither yca- é 1 seen many prigoners. On our 101 be acantest for re Tt was He to us, and the rebels seemed to as to (hemeelves. i do not be- lieve that more than one hundred prisoners were taken to the rear during the battle of Dott days. All I know is, that if prisoners were teken,{ do not see how they disposed of them. 7 £ Ht DEATH OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CANFIBLD AXD CAP- TAINS BERTRAM AND WARNER. Ag I write this I just learn of the deaths of Lieutenant Colonel Canfield, Seventy-second Ohio, Captain Bertram, of the Forty fourth oer 0. ae nd Captain Warner, of the Forty-sighth Ohio. the former pamed oficer t is peculiarly enn Bis amiable lady Rantenaeed here in company with ber young son, in time to learn that ber busband has been sent to Savan- nah severely wounded. He, 's, now send, and nis body has been placed he J. W. Pattin for transporta- tion to Padueah, vay etn Bertram's s bedy will be sent forward to Cincinuatt to-morrow. |.icutenang Colonel Sas was a resident of Medina, ne brother of Judge eld. OTHER BATTLES WERE SKIRMISHES COMPARED TO THIS. An old surgeon who has been long in the service, and who has just revurned from the field for the first time since the battle bey ¢ as he sat down to- night on the river ban! been present at both Bull run and Fort Donelson, but they were skirmishes morning.” Sach, it to what | have sven since Fesiorday seems, is the testimony of all with whom I hnve con versed in relation to thiy great contest. General Nelson’ mand the Forty- first Ohio Regiment. 70 THE EDITORS OF THE CLEVELAND LEADER. 1 notice by the telegraph reports that Nelson's div.sion took part in the last day's fight near Corinth, and, as the report has it, drove iho rebels “ with wonderful rapi- dity.? In this division was our Fory-first Obio, and also the Nineteenth brigade, under Colonel Hazen. ‘Cap. tain Konkle’s battery was with Nelson, and was doubt- oe also, Captain Bartlett's battery was in Crit ’s division, und took part in the fight. I ven- ture the prediction that Lieutenant Colonel Mygatt, in command of the Forty-first, behaved like a man and a soldier, and that Colone! Haven has improved the oppor- tunity ‘long wisbed for by him, to wipe out the toul charges of disloyalty to our old flag. O.N.8. Ciavetayp, April ®, 1862. The Keoults of « the Battle. Crvamxant, April 12, 1662. The Gasette's Pitteburg (Tenn.) correspondent says the sum and substance of the battle is:— On Sunday we were pushed from disaster to disasier, till we lost every division comp we had, aud were driven within half a mile of the Janding, when the approach of night, the timely aid of the gunboats, the tromendous efforts of our artillerists and Buell's approach, caved v Un Monday, after nine hours’ hard fighting, we simp regained what we liad lost on Sunday, Not @ division advanced half a mile beyond our old camps on Monday, except Geveral Lewis Wailace’s. The lowest estimates place our joss ia killed and wound. ed at 3,300, and in prisoners 3,000 to 4,000. The rebel Joss in killed and wounded is probably 1,000 heavier, The rebels in their retreat left acres covered with their dead, whom they bad ¢arried to the rear, and destroyed the heavy supplies they had brought up. OMcial Account of the Pittsburg Battle Expected Soon, Wasmnaton, April 12, 1862. The telegraph line to Savannah, Tonn., was completed last Tuesday; but it has been broken and the wire car- ried away, 0 that communication is not now porfect, ‘The department, upto ten o'clock to-night, received no further information from Pittsburg Landing than has already appeared in the newspapers. As General Halleck is near the scene of the last battle an officia’ account Is very scon expected. The Gunboat Lexington. Annexed is a full list of the officers of the United States gunboat Lexington, who rendered euch signal service at the Pittsburg engagement -— Liew'enant Commanding—J. W. Shirk, United States Master—Jucob 8. Hurd. Pony Master—Martin Duvn. er—James Fitzpatrick. Fourth Master—Sylvoater Poole. Filote—Joveph McCammant Chu Big ince incer—Joseph Hubor. ‘act! Pog iiliam H. Meredith, Recon Assistant a Bisbop. Acting Paymaster—A. J. Assis m—G. W. Carve Master's ‘Mater—Vacant. Armorer—Reuben Strong. Carpenter—Righard Smo l THE REBEL A Bar rmetiy April 12, 1862. The Gnited States gunboat Reliance arrived here thie ‘Morning, with the sebooner Hertford, captured off the mouth of Wicomico river. A copy of the Richmond Whig of the 8th was fownd on board, which bas been furbished to the American. it contains the following despatches in reference to the battles in Tennesseo, all bearing date on the 6th, and giving an account of the Sunday fight only — William Fora, Barrie Feap Via Coniwim ax Crartaxooua, April 6, ra Gen. 8. Cooren, Adjutant General:—Wo have thie morning attacked the enemy in strong position in front of Pittsburg, and after a seyero battle of ton hourp, thanks NEW YORK, SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 1862. 10 Almighty God, gained « complete victory, driving the enemy from every position. ‘The loss op both sides is heavy, including our Oom- mander-in-Chief, General Albert Sidney Johnston, who fell gallantly leading his troops into the thickest of ihe Ogbt. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Genera) Commanding. FIRST DESPATCH. Momna, April 7, 1862. Special despatches to the Advertiser and Register, dated yesterday afternoon, say that the battle continues force ‘and furious, the enemy stubbernly resisting their fate, while the Southerners continue to press upon them with resistiess determination, slowly but surely forcing them back. Our loss is heavy, but our meu are im good spirits apd thoroughly up to the work in hand. All Sight well; but the Alabama, Mississippi and Louiei- aba troops display great gallaniry. The Twenty-first Alabama covered themee)ves with glory. This regiment captured two battorics. The Fir teenth Louisiana regiment of regulars (ook a battery. General Bushrod Johngon, one of the Fort Donelson prisoners, who subsequently escaped, is wounded. Suxpay Nicwr. ‘The enemy are in fall retreat and the Confederates in hot, pursuit. I write from the enemy's camp and on federal paper. Large numbers of prisoners have been taken, and we expect to capture the greater part of the federal army. We are driving them back on the river, and shail kill or capture the entire army. Tho batile is still raging with terrible fury. We have captured General Prentigs and a large numbor of officers. General Alvert Sidney Johnston fell at half-past two o'clock. One of his legs was torn by a shell, and a Minie bail siruck him in the body, He died while gallantly and steadily leading our victorious troops General Beanregard now com mands thearmy. He says this is a second Matassas fight. General Buell was not in time to.take part in the action. General Grant was in command of the federal forces. BECOND DESPATCH. Memr' A despatch from Corinth, dated y: ways the great battle commenced at daylight this morn- ing. The Yankees wore driven back two miles. Our vietorious columns are sti] advancing. The First Loui siana regiment have captured one federal battery, and several others have been captured. Colonel Wiiliams, of Memphis, was killed. General Prentiss was captured, He says thoy bave thirty-five thousand wen on the fiel¢ and eighteen batteries, nearly x!) of which have been captared. Gencral Buell hada portion of his force at Duck creek. We have the enemy's camp and all their ammunition, stores, &c. The battle was a very severe one and the loss on both sides is heavy. The Sighting is still going on. General Polk is im the advance. Ger s Prentiss, Gravt, Sherman, McClernand, Wallace and Smith com- manded the federals. General Smith was sick. 2,000 prisoners have been taken and sent toour rear. It isp reported here that our forces are fighting Buell to-day (Monday). Genera) Clark and Colonel Brown, of Mis- sissippi, and Co}. Richards, of Missouri, were wounded. ‘The federals have been driven to the river, and are at- tempting to croes in transports. Many prisoners ave stil being brought ip. ‘There i.no account in the paper of Movday’s battle, in whieh the rebels were 80 completely routed, / General Gladden Wounded. Bavmimonw, April 12, 1662. ‘The Richmond Whig contains @ despatch announcing that the rebel General Gladden lost his left arm in the battle of Sunday. THE REBELS IN THE BATTLE, We give below the names, #0 for as we can ascertain them, of the regiments specially menijoned in the de- spatches of General Beauregard:— FIRST LOUISIANA REGIMENT. Colonel... “ W. G. Vincent. Lieutenant Colonel. . Wim. R. Shivers. Adjutant... P.W.s er, Quarterniaat Geo, M. Morgah. Assiaiant Quartormas| A. Campbel). Father Hubert, . Beard. Captain Lowie, Captain Nelligan. Captain Nolan. Captain B.M. Anderson Orleans Light Guard. Co. Orleans L.ight Guard, Co. Orleans Light Guard, Co. FIFTEENTH LOUILANA REGIMENT, Colonel... . Carroll, Lieutenant Colonel, .... —— Tyley. ‘This regiment was stationed at Columbus, Ky., prev- ious lo the oyacuation of that place, and formed a part of Major Genera} Bishop Polk’s division in the late battle, TWENTY-FIRST ALABAMA RRGIM This rogiment is, we think,a portion of the new levy ordered in that State, and is commanded either by Colo. ne} Jas. H. Clanton or Colonel J.P. Conley. SKETCH OF GRNERAL G1.ADDEN. Brigadier General Adley H. Gladden, mentioned as having lost his arm in the late fig! a native of South Carolina, a lawyer by profession. On the breaking out of hostilities between the United States and Mexion, when volunteers were cailed for to in the honor ot ihe American flag,General Gladden was among the fret to respond. He was elected Majer of the famons « Pelmet to”? regiment of South Carolina, and served through the Mexican war. At the battle of Cherubuseo, August 20, 1847, where the brigade of General Shields, of which this regiment formed o part, achieved such enduring yaurels, the command of the “Paimettos” devolved on Major Gladden, the gallant Colone) Butler and Lieutenaut Colonel Dickinson having fallen within a f each other. At the conflict of the Garita de Belen, Sep- tember 13, 1847, he was severely wounded, from the effects of which he suffers till this day. after the close of the Mexican war he removed from Sonth Carolina to Lonisiana, and resumed the practice of his profession, mingling somewhat promivently in the poli ties of the day, though never, wo believe, seeking any political position. He is of the “State rights’ school of politicians, and on the breaking out of the revetlion hoartily espoused the secession cause. He was madea Brigadier General by tho firat rebel Congress and as- signed toa Louisiana command. What was the compo- sition of his force at Pittsburg, we are not as yet in- formed. SKETCH OF GEN. BUSHR@D R. JOUNSON. Prigadier General Bushrod R. Johwson, reported as having been wounded fn the Into battle at Pittsburg Landing, if @ native of Ohio, from which State he was appointed to the Military Academy at West loint, enter ing asa cadet in 1830, After graduating, in 1836, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Third rogu- lar infantry, in July, 1840, aud was made First Lieuten- ant of the same regiment in February, 1844. He re. signed his commission in 1847, aud next year became Professor of Mathematics at the Western Mititary Tusti. tute, Georgetown, Ky. After the death of Col. Thornton F. Johnson, he was chosen Superintendent of the Insti tute, and was commissioned by the Governor of Ken. tucky as Color Whilst serving as Superintendent he ‘also ncted as Professor of Fngineering, Mechanics and Natural Philosophy. He continued devoted to his schoo! for several years avd enjoyed the reputation of an ac- complished scholar and thorough teacher. Abont the yoar 1962 sickness broke out among thé cadets, and the location proving insalubrious, the institute was removed to Nashville, Tenn., where he had succeeded in establishing the institution on a tolerably good footing, when the present rebellion broke out ‘and the school was disrupted. When Tennessee seceded Colonel Johnson offered his services to the rebel govern: ment. He fret raised and commanded an artillery compa ny, known as Company A of tho First Tennessee artillery, end served in it until his appointment as Brigadier Gen- eral by the rebel government. At the time our victori. ous Union Army of the Weet was pushing its way into ro- deldom, General Johnson held a subordinate command at Fort Donelgon, whore be was taken prisoner, but soonafter made his escape from his captors, Nothing porticula, was heard from him subsequently until the mention of his having been wounded, which now reaches us through rebel sources. AEETOH OF GENERAL OLARK, Brigadier Gondral Chas, Clark , another of the rebel gon- erslsreported wounded nativeof Missippi. Henever roceived @ military education, but yed'as @ captain in Colon) Mavis’ regiment of volunteers in the war with Mexico until October, 1847, when he was olected colopel of sho regimont, aud gorved in # until ite disbapdment took place, July, 1648. His was among the ear!y ap- Pointments of brigadior generals by tho rebol govern- ment, but he bas heretofore done nothing to make his Bame notorious in the traitorous sebeme to overthrow the government of the Union. OCCUPATION OF HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, Capture of Fifteen Locomotives and a % pea cir cet, sey Two HUNDRED PRISONERS TAKEN. SKETCH OF THE PLACE, Mery Rey kee Wasnncros, April 12, 1862 ‘The Secretary of War has receiyed information that Huntsville, Alabama, wax ovoupied yesterday by General Mitchell, without much resistance. Two hundred prisoners were taken, aixo fifteen locomotives and a large amount of rolling stovk. Oficial Report of General Mitcheil. r Wasmnyoton, April 12, 1862, The ‘following despatch hag been received by the Secretary of War:— Heapquarrrns TuinD }avision, 1 Howisvierg, Alu, April 14, 1862. f Aftor a forced mareh of incredible difficulty, leaving Fayetteville yesterday ai twelve o'clock M., my advanced guard, consisting of Twichin’s brigade, Kennett’s cavalry and £imonson’s battery, entered Huntsville this morning, AL six o'clock. The city was completely taken by curprise, vo one having considered the march practicable in the time, We have captured about two hundred prisoners, fiftoen locomotives, a large amount of passenger and box platform cars, the telegraph apparatus and office, and two. Southern mei's. We have at last suceceded in culling the greal artery of reilway communication belween lee Southern States. 0. M. MITCHELL, Brigadier General Com’g. Sketch of Hanteville and Vicinity. ‘The capture of Hiunteville is of more importance than will be seen at the first glanee of the despatch. Oar little map will show ite position as regards Decatur, from whieh it is enly distant abont twenty-four miles, But a still greater vaiue is to be attached to the capture of this Place. Jt ig situated onthe main trank line which con- nevts Richmond with Memphis and the cities of the Southwest, and its possession by the Union troops de stroys the connection between the forces under Beaure- gard apd (bose under |.ee and Johyston in Virginia. The route for the transportation of supplies ie also cut Of by this capture, and the rebels at Decatur are threatened on their flank. Another road so Corjuth je opened to our forces, and fresh troops can be poored upon them via the Memphis snd Charleston Raitvoad, which connect# with other lines at Coripth, Huntsville ig.a beantiful town of Madison eounty, Ala Dama, of which covuty it ie aleo the capital. It is sitna- ted on the Nempbis and Chavierton Railroad, two hun. dred and feven wiles from Knoxville, ninety-eeven miles from Chattencoga, twenty-four miles from Deextar, sixty eeyen miles om Tuseuwhia, o litte over seventy miles from Florence, ove hundred and mineteen smiles from Corinib,one hundred. and sixty miles from the Grana Janetion, two himdred and “twelve miles phis, fouv hundred and forty-seven miles from Mobile by raiiread, bat only about three hondred miles ip an air line; five hundred and ifty miles from New r- Jeanw by rail, but scarcely four hundved miles ina steanght Hue; about three hundred wiles from Fort Pickens and qhe Guif const miug as the wird fies; about four hondred miler ) ibe Ation liv coast, ebeut Bve banelred and forty miles from Lynchourg, Virginia, and nearly weven hundred miles from Riehmoad., Jt is also distant from Taseateoxa abent ove hundred aud fifty intles ip @ north-northeasierly direction; about one haudred and eighty miles from Moulgomery, avd one bundred and eixteen miles south by east from Neshville. “At contains many handsome brick buildings, among whieh are the court house, erected at a cost of $45,000, and the bank (a stone edifice, built in # very splendid style snd with an Tonic portico), which cost about eighty thousand dollars. ‘There aro here establieted Keveral churches, a United Stales land office, three newspaper offices which Honrisbed fairly previous to the revelliou, and two female semina- rige, ono of which was estimated to bave cost at least $20,060. In 1854. Huntsville had @ popuintion of about four thongand persons; but what ii may now possess in exoens oft ) troops I8a matter of doabtcul estima- tion, Honteville is considered the anost beantiful town of the South, with the exception of Columbia, South Cepolina. Jt {8 alko the home of the Mon: nent C, Clay, ex-Vnited states Senator trem Alabama, and now @ member of the rebel Congress, Madison county is sitented in the northern part of Ala bam, bordering on Tennessee, and has an area of abou, eight bundred aud fisty square miles. 31 is intersected by Flint and Paint Kock creeks, altluents of the Tennesse viver, which forms the southern boundary. ‘The surface of the country if hitly, but the soil ie very fertile and extensively cultivated, Limestone underties & large part of the surface. 4 sailroud has buen commencnd betweon ‘Winchester, Tennessee, aud Huntsville, Alabaua, but an yet bas oniy reached bayettevilie, in the former State, about baif the distance. Ma:tigon county at one time wae one of the most densely populated portions of the Sate of Alabama, it having at last returus a popu” Jation of Rearly twenty seven thousand persons, of whom more than one half were slaves, who outnumbered the free residenteby over two thousand two hundred per. sons. The adjoining counties in Alabama are named Morgan, Jackron and Limestone counties, and the Tenner- fee State line borders the northern side. STRATROICAL IMPORTANCE OF HUNTSVILLE, Jem. Davis in the Ficld. Bavtimons, April 12, 1862. On Monday Jeff. Davis addressed some wounded s0!- diers, and said he intended to share their fateon the next battle field, and, come weal or woe, he would be with them; and whatever might betide—whether victory or defeat ensued—of one thing he oreured them:—'‘The cause Js safe; we'll conquer in the end.”” Arrival of Prizes at Baltimore. Baxtiwore, April 12, 1962, ‘The revenue steamer Reliance arrived here this morn- ing with four prize vessels—namely , the schooners Hart. ford, Bride, Whig and Two Brothere—all captured in Wicomico river, between tho mouths of the Potomac and Rappahannock, They had all been landing coffoc, ealt, flour, flannel and whiskey for the rebels. Death of Hon, Theodo: e Frelin, sen. Newark, April 12, 1962. ‘The Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen died at two o'clock to-day, at bie residence, in New Brunswick, N, J, HE NEW YORK HERALD. | PRICE TURRE CENTS. IMPORTANT FROM FORTRESS MONROE. The Reconnoissance-of the Merrimac. The Capture of Three Union Vessels. - Interesting Details of the Operations of the Rebel Gunboats, Stratogical Importance of the Mler- rimac’s Movements, ac., &e., &e., Voutaess Moxror, April 11-2 P. M. ‘The return of pleasant weather today brought the Merrimac, ag was genorally anticipated. She had been #eon three days ago under steam at Craney Island; and, as the evening of yesterday promised that the storm had exhausted itself, few wore surprised this morning at the announcement that she was in sight, coming down. ‘The alarm gun was fired at twenty minutes past seven o’clock, and as soon as the appearance of the Merrimac was generally known tho docks, beach, ramparts of the fortress and other points commanding « view were crowded with spectators. ‘The Merrimac, after showing herself beyond Sewall’s Point, appeared to be heading this way. She did not long continue on this course, however, but turned towards the James river, followed by six other gunboats, which had come round the point in ber company, Of the latter the Jamestown and Yorkiown were recognized. Among the others were supposed to be the Raleigh and Teazer, Arriving at a point about half way between Sewall’s Point and Newport's News Point,and near the place where the French war vessels Gasgendi and Catinat, and the Knglisb steamer Rinaldo, had placed themselves carly inthe morning, the whole fleet came to a stop, while the Jamestown, followed at some distance by the York- town end a small tug, continued on her courge. ‘The intention of the Jamestown was not at first per- ceived. As she came around, leaving Newport's News on ber left, it was seen that her object was to capture two brigs and a schooner which were anchored near the shore, about two miles from the point. This was done without the slightest difieully, aud, the assistance of the small tug being rendered, the three prizes were taken off under the rebel flag. The whole affair was concluded in lees than half an hour; and the Jamestown, having rejoined the feet, wax ordered to tow the prizes to Craney Island. Taking one brig in tow astern , and the others alongside, she moved slowly away. Slightly alarmed at thie bold dash, quite a number of schooners in the upper harbor availed themselves of a favorable wind and gailed. Up to this time the rebe} fleet have remained in the position in whieb they first piaced themselves, and no- thing more bas been done. ‘The tide is now out, and pro- bably no new movement wil! be made for sowe hours, Af the Merrimac should then see iit to pay us a visit she will be appropriately welcomed, ‘The names of the tivo brigs captured are the Sabao, of Providence, R. J., andthe Marcus, of Stockton, Me. The former was loaded with hay on private account, and the latter was charterod by the government, but had been unloaded. The name of the schooner has uot been ascer- tained. The captains of the two brigs escaped to shore in a smal) boat, with four of the crew of the Marcus. Two men were left on board the Jatter, and six on board the Sabao, who made no efforts to lower a boat to escape, ‘They were all taken prisoners, together with (he crew of the schoonor, Ve iv said vhat the enplave! vesrele were ordered last night to move down the harbor for safety, ‘The schoonef Harmony, ised as» water bout by Mr, Noyes, government contractor fur sapplying water to the fleet, happened to be alongside one of the French men-of- war when (he Merrimac mace ler appearance, and was. taken under the protection of the french flag, thus eseap- ing capuure. Mr, Noyes bas previonsiy lost by capture two schooners employed as water boats Ly him. ‘The Jamestowa returned from Craney Island «i three o'clock. Not a shot was fired wniil four o'clock, when the Mer- rimac fired three shots in the divection of Hampton creek, The Naugatuck and Octorara, which had been stationed in that vicinity, replied with a number of shots, all of which fell near the rebel fleet. The whole fleet, led by the Merrimac, then returned to the Elizabeth river, “The name of the schoouer captured ix the Emily, She was from Washington, with sutier’s stores. A passenger steamboat, tilled with spectators, came out of Elizabeth river this afternoon, and a number of small sailboats could be seen through the day off Sewall’s Point. Interesting Additional Details. Barwworn, April 12, 1862, The following is the account given of the day's opera- tions by the American's correspondent. Fortress Monxror, April 11, 1862. I said two days since that we were looking for the Mer- rimac aud sunshine together. Both are here this morning, ‘The day opened bright and clear, with the broad expanse of Hampton Roads almost uuruffled by » wave. About seven o'clock a signal gun from the Minnesota turned all ‘eyes towards Sewail’s Point, and, com.ng ont from under the land, almost obscured by the dim haze, the Merrimac wae seen, foliowed by the Yorktown, Jamestown and four smaller vessels, altogether seven in nomby. Lhere was instantaneous activity among the transports end versels im the upper roads to get out of the way. Stenmboats, several of which were erowded with troops, moved down out of danger. Steamtugs rao, whistling and screaming, towing strings of vessels be- hind them, while sloops, schooners and brigs took advan. tage of what wind there was, got up sail, and moved out of harm's way. In the course of an hour the appearance of the crowded Roads was greatly altered. The forests of masts between the fortress and Sewall’x Poiut disap- pesred, and the broad, open expanse of water bore on its surface ouly the rebel fleet, and two French and one English men-of-war, which, with steam up, still main: tamed their position. CURIOUS MOVEMEN' Hate-rast Eiowy o'Orock A. M. For the last hour the movements of the rebel fieet have apparently been directed towards decoy ing our fleet up to. wards Sewall’s Point. When the Merrimac first appeared, she etood directly across the mouth of the Elizabeth river, followed by her consorts,s if they were bound to New. port's News. The Merrimac approached tho English sloop-of-war, and, after apparently communicating with her, fell slowly around and moved back towards her congorts in the rear, The French and English .voesels then moved up as if they had been informed that the lower Roads were to be the acene of conflict, and they had beon warned to get out of rango For an hour the rebel floct kept changing posi- tion, without making any decide! advance in any diree- tion. Onour part nomovement was made, The Mont- tor ,with steanrap and im Sighting trim, laid quietly near her usual anchorage. The Naugatuck (Stevens battery) eame out and took position alongsite the Monitor. Sig- nals were made between our vestels, the fort and the Rip Rape, but no movement was made, Curiosity grew rapidly into suspense. A BOLD STROKE. At length the Yorktown moved speedily up, and, after advancing well towards Newportis News, steamed rapidly towards Hampton. The object wae then seen to be the capture of three sailing vessels—two brigs and e schooner, transporte—which were lying either aground or bad not been furnished with « eteamtug, in order to make their escape, The bold impudence of the manauvre, contrasted with the apparent apaiby of our fleet, ex- cited surprise and indignation. There was @ rebel ‘Doat, not built for war purposes, leaving the protection of the Mertimac and her consorts, when , it appeared to unprofessional eyes, she could easily ‘be cut off, and yet no attempt was made on ovr part to do it, Of course there were good reasons for this policy. though the crowd ‘could not see” them. The Yorktown ‘hgm steamed rapidly along the beach from Newport's Nows to Hampton, sent a boat to each oh of the vess which were apparently deserted by their crews, aud steamed towards the three. A small tagboat loaded wit troops followed, whilst ihe Jamestown laid off about & mile distant. Nine o'Croo A. M The rebel tugboat has made fast to the largest brig and is towing Lor of. The Yorktown is atill in the beud above Hampton. The Naugatuck has neared up, and is apparently getting within range of the Yorktown. There 48 no other move on the part of our fleet. Qur inaction seems unaccountable, except upon the supposition ‘has the desire is to get the rebels further down, Siill it isa painfulsicht to see these vessels carried off with Out an atiempt a: resistar iLacy-rasr Ninw o’Ctoce A. M. ‘The rebels have accomplished the capture of three vessels, the Yorktown towing off two of them, and the tug taking hold of the third. Not a shot was fredon either side. The Merrimac maintains ber position, about half way between Sewall’s and Pig Points. One of the French war sicamere is coming down to the lower Roads; she has a water schooner in tow, which was alougside her when the Merrimac appeared. One of our gunboats went up along shore towards Hampton, but too late to prevent the capture of the three veseels, if that was the purpose, The Yorktown and tug towed the prizes well up towards Norfolk, when small tugs came out and took chargo of them. Upon one of the brigs they hoisted the American flag at half most. ‘The sight was not # plea- gant one. Havr-pasr Tan o’Crock A. M. There is no change in the porition of affairs. The rebel fleet lies im Ii itie, stretching from Sewall’s Point up towards Pig Point. ‘Tho Merrimae is black with men, whocluster on the ridge of her iron roof. Tho other vessels are also thronged with men, In all the rebels show twelve crat—all except the Merrimac, Yorktown and Jamestown being insitnilicant tugboats, ‘The Jamestown is armed with an iron prow, which can be seen protruding about six feet beyond tho water lino of her bow, The position is simply one of defiance on both sides, The rebels are challenging us to come up to their field ©, battle, and we are daring them to come down, ‘The French and English veesols still Jay up boyond the rebels, the I'rench vessels not more than a mile from the Merrimac, and the Englishman further up. Not asho* has been fired by either party. ‘Twetve o’Crock M. No fight yot. The Merrimac occasionally shifts her position, but does not come further out. The Yorktown and some of (be smaller tugs have gone up to Norfolx, ‘Two o'CLock P.M ‘The position of ailairs has not changed. ‘There seems to be little probability of any fight to day. ‘The Merrimac aud all the rebel tleet keep their position, ‘and so does our fleet. It is possible that the rebels may come down with the flood tide inan hour or two hence; Dnt it looks ay if both partics hesitated to assume the offensive. WHAT 15 SAID AND THOUGHT. The ovente of this morning are much commented on- and have caused considerable feeling of irritation and some humiliation. Beyond the capture of three trans- ports the demonsiration of the rebel floct has been little more than arecounoissance. It cannot but beconcluded, however, that the rebels have had the best of the affair. ‘The capture of the three prizes was a bold affair, and we can well imagine the hurrah with which their arrival.at Norfolk was greeted, Whether they might not have been saved and the rebele inade to. auffer for their teme- rity, isa point upon which shall not venture a decided opinion, Their position was close im beach, about half way between Hampton and Newport’s News, and from four to five miles distant from the position of the Merri- mac. A light draught gunboat or two sent up io time might have saved thom. The Naugatuck started, but a little too late to be of any effectual service. Of course the naval authorities are acting upon some concerted plan, and under definite orders, the carrying out of which_is considered of more importance than sav- ing two or three siaall vessels. The capture was effected almost under the bows of the French and English cruiers, and we may be sure (hat our netional prestige was not increased in their eyes by what they saw, AN EXOHANGE OF SHOTS. Have-vasr Four o’Crock 2. M. For some hours the Merrimac had continued moving about, sometimes advancing towards the Monitor, a it challenging her to combat, and then again falling back. About an hour since she moved over in the direction of Hampton, and fired a shot towards the gunboat Octorara, lying in the bend near Hampton, and fully four miles dis- tant. The shot fel! atleast a mile short. The Octorara immediately replied; but hor shots also fell short, though well in line, The Naugatuck then took part and discharged her rifled gun, making a splendid shot; but the ball felj beyond the Merrimac full half a mile, ‘The Naugatuck then fired at the rebel gunboats York- town and Jamestown, which wore lying beyond the Mer- rimac. The practice Was excellent, and her guns showed extraordinary length of range. Turning her attention from the Merrimac, her shots were all directed at the ro- ‘del gunboats, and of four which were fired all appeared to strike near the object aimed at. The rebel vessels fell slowly back, and firing soon ceas- ed, The practice and prowess of the Naugatuck’s rifled gun excited great admiration, and, if brought into piay this morning, would probably have prevented the rebeid from capturing any prizes. AsT close, at five o'clock P. M., the firing has ceared, and the Merrimac appearod to be returning to Craney sland. We look for warm werk to-morrow. ; RETIREMENT OF THE REBEL FLOTILLA. Hatr-past Five o'O.oon P. M. All the rebel fleet are moving df towards Norfolic. The Latest from Fortrese Monroe. Wasmxatoy, April 12, 1862, A despatch to the Secretary of War from General Woo) eays:— one Moxnog, April 12—5 P. M. ‘The Merrimac has been stationary near Sewall's Poin! all day, but in plain sight. my ~The Force Greatly In- creased—Results of a Balloon Reconnols- * sance—Gallantry of the Union Troops, &e., &e. Naar Yorktown, April 12, 1662. The sun shone brightly yesterday and to-day, much te the relief of the thousands of soldiers who are compelled to sleep in the open air. The roads are still in very bad condition. ‘Tho rebels stil] continue to Open with artillery when. ever they discover a picket post,to which our guns never reply. ‘The rebel forces have been greatly increased withia the last two days, On Thursday several vessels were seen to land troops ab Yorktown and also at Gloucester, opposite, which place has not been occupied up to this time, Reinforcements have alse beon received from Norfolk by way of tho James river. ‘The balloon reconnoiseance made yesterday by Gene ral Fitz John Porter shows that the rebels had mate- rially strengthened their works since the advance of the Union trosps,and that many additional guns had been placed ja position. He reached an altitude of five thou- sand feet, affording an unobstructed view as far as Wil- \iamsburg and Norfolk. General McClellan has written a letter highly compit- menting the Sixth Maine regiment for their gallant be- haviour while making & recomnoissance on Warwick river. Similar honors have also beem bestowed on the Berdan sharpshooters, by General Porter, for their con- duet while acting as skirmishers advances. ‘They now do picket duty in front of the 's works, ‘and many « revel hae falieu from the bullets of their un- erring rifles. ‘Among the wounded in the division hospital is private Fred. Kowalski, of the Misstesippi battalion, who was shot through the lungs while deserting from the exemy. Captain Spauiding, of the Fourth Michigan rogiment, was severely wounded, on Thureday, in the left shoulder. General Magruder Almost Captured. — Bartiwons, April 12, 1862. The Richmond Whig contains news from Yorktown that General Magruder, with Dis @taff,wasat the Lee House, near Lee's Mille, on Sunday, and came near being captured or killed by General Keyes. ‘The horse of one of bis etal was Killed under bim in hin Mirbs Be o enon eee