The New York Herald Newspaper, April 16, 1862, Page 7

Daal IMPORTANT FROM YORKTOWN. "Peogress of the Sicge—Activity of the Hos- tile Armtes—Rebel Batteries at Glouces- ter—Phe Works Below Gloucester Shelied by Union Gunboats, dic., dc. Buvors Yorstows, April 15, 1562. ‘Yoaterday morning, about two o’clock, a section of artillery was posted within half a mile of the redo, works, near the river, supported by sufficient infantry ‘to prevent them being captured. Fifteen shots were fired into the rebel earthworks before they were able to bring thoir guns to bear, when our men withdrew with- Out damago. ‘A fino view was yesterday obtainod of the position of the rebels both at Yorktown and Gloucester, from Fair- child’s house, at the mouth Gof Wormlith’s creck. Twenty-four guns were seen in the water battery at Yorktown, and nine at Gloucester. At the latter place a large number of workmen were engaged in erecting new ‘works. At Yorktown the old works used during the siege of ‘L461 wero atill visible, and readily distinguished from ‘hose of recent construction. Heavy guns were mount- 04 on tho walls, and the rebel fiag was flying ‘from ita battlements. The principal wharf was covered with commissary stores, while theriver was dotted with saile, Every one appeared to be busy,as though the ‘goming struggle dependod upon his individual exertions. Lato: in the afternvon a schooner, anchored a short ‘@iatance above the wharf, was burned, ‘The flotilla was yosterday afternoon engaged in shelling ‘out a body of rebela who wore engaged in constructing ‘Baboro battory about Cour miles below Gloucestor. The weault of the firing was not known. On Saturday Corporal Walter H.Boan, Company E, ‘Berdan’s sharpshooters, what shot through the neck and ‘back while on picket. Last night things wore remarkably quict. A slight shower ocourred this morning, but the sun soon mado ‘Ate appearance Operations of the Union Flotilla in York River. Wasurncron, April 15, 1862. ‘The steamor Yankeo, Capt. Eastman, arrived at the Navy Yard to-day, having left York river at six o’clock yesterday morning. Tho Yankeo went about eight miles up the York river on Sunday night, and anchored off Gloucoster Point, ‘whero the steamers Penobscot, Marblehead and Wachu- ‘Matt wore alroady lying. Tho rebel batteries at the Point, ‘which aro said to be very extonsive, mounting mostly 100-pound rified guns, tried the range of their guns on ‘tho steamors about three o'clock yesterday afternoon, the ‘shot falling very little short of the Marblehead. Tho ‘vessels then dropped down the river, and about three ‘miles below the Point discovered a party of rebols build- ing a battery on the north bank, on whom the Yankee opeaed firo ab a distance of three-quarters of a mile. The rebels seemed loth to abandon their works, and although the shells of the Yankeo foll in their midst, ‘they ‘did not leave the vicinity, but took refuge in the ‘woods’ and behind some neighboring log houses. The - Yankee, after firing some sixty or seventy shot and ‘sholl during an hour and a half, left the acene, the other ‘boats having come up to do their share. ‘As the Yankee was leaving, the boats of the Marble. thead wore on the way to the shore to burn the houses ‘behind which the rebels had taken refuge. During the engagement a battery up the river fired ponte eight or ten shot, but they fell far short of thom, ‘The gun# in the batteries at Gloucestor Point are said to be only ins position to reach vessels Below them inthe wmiddlo of the river, and light draught vessels can ap- proach within a short distanco of tho Point with safety + Dy. bugging the shore. Fears of the Richmond People for the Safety of the City. Fortres Mownox, April 14, 1862. ARichmond paper contains an editorial exhibiting -@onsiderable fear forthe safety of that city, It inti- mates that thé Monitor, Naugatuck and Galena, all ‘armored vessels, might easily come up James river, and, by their invulnerability and powerfal guns, take and. keep possession of the city. To prevent such a result, it (Propoves that the channel of, James river shall be ob- -gtrugted by stone, which it says is abundant for the pur- (pogo, aad should be used at once. i NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE. ‘The Merrimac Still at Norfolk—Favora- ble Weather for Military Operations— The French Minister En Route for Richmond, &c., d&e. 4 Foxrress Monrox, April 14, 1862. ‘The Merrimac has not come out, and nothing has been -peon of her to-day. The tide has been low, and this may have kept ber in. Early in tho morning a rebel tug ran “Out from behind Sewall’s Point, but s»0n returned. Later in tho day there was a large fire in the woods on the Point, apparently from the burning of bush, which engaged the attention of the curious and gave rise to Bome speculations that the rebels wore building a new ‘Dattery thore. Wasmyoton, April 16, 1962. Despatches received from Old Point up to nine o’elock ‘this morning report all quiet there, Various rumors were curront about the Merrimac, but pothing reliable was known. She had not mado her appearanee up to the ‘our above referred to. Fortress Monnon, April 15—4 P. M. Sion. E. M. Stawton:— Nothing has occurred sinoe my despatch of this morn- flog to disturb the quict then represented. ‘Tue fine woathor is vory favorable for the operations «mt Yorktown, and it is probable that General McClellan willsooa be able to open his batteries at the fortifica- #ions of the onemy. ' The Frooch Minister honored mo with a visit this ‘morning. Ho bas. gone to Norfolk and will go to Rich. mond. On entering the fort I gave him a salute of thir- con guns. JOHN i . WOOL, M Major eer MEWS FROM GENERAL BANKS’ CORPS. Salate in Honor of the Recent Victo- ries—Picket Shooting of the Rebels. Woopsrock, Va., via Edenburg, April 15 , 1862. A national salute was fired at noon to-day, in honor of the recent victories, by order of General Banks. Grea enthusiasm is manifested throughout the division. The rebols continue barbarously to fire on our pickets OPERATIONS OF COM. DUPONT. Establishment of a Contrab: Colony— The Negrocs Set to Work, Make Them. selves Useful, d&ec., &e. Wasieron, April 15, 1862. The Navy Department has received despatches from ‘Com. Dupont, enclosing # communication from Com- mander Godon, dated United States steamer Mohican, March 30, from which rs thaton the 17th uit., with tho launches and another armed boat, he entered Jekyl crook, and proceeded to Dubignon’s place, where the discovered a deserted battery of three guus com. . Mmanding thot stream, and the remains of a camp of some two tundred mon, A considerable number of cattle re- ‘mained on the island, but were very wild upon our men Spproaching thom. On the 22d the Bibb made her ap- Pearance, and Captain Boutelle at once commenced placing the buoys for the bar and channelg. Commander Godon says:—Contrabatids continue to come to us. 1 Sent a oumber by the Potomske to Fernandina, and also aavoral by the Connecticut. We landed our field pieces and a strong force on Colonel's Island and obtained what we noeded, and that night, after again firing a shel) or two at Fancy Biuil, proceeded to St. Simons. There Tlanded all qhe covtrabands, with their corm and pro- wisions, tools, &@., aud, having housed them, set them to work. Already they have planted potatoes. To-morrow thoy will begin to prepare the land for cors. They have set up thoir mill, and I have told them they are to plant cotton, and thus te become of use to themselyos, They @eem contented; but, without @ vessel at tho other end Of the island, they are in danger of being interfered with Dy soldiers landing in that direction and approaching them atnight, St. Simons is ® fine, rich island, about ton miics Jong; on the north end is a villago—Frederick. At ts eaid to be healthy, and a thousand blacks could be usefully employed hore and made eelf-supporting. Such as colouy properly managed would do much good. Those Mow here, some forty in number, live on I. Dullerking’s ‘pace, under cover of our guns, ‘ Tam Reorvitina Sanvicr.—Since the recent onder of tho War Dopartment stopping the recruiting of soldiers moarly forty officers detatied for recruiting duty have been ordored to ropair from this city to a rogimonts. Many of them have been here since ary last, and it i that they havo not received suything from the Recruiting Dopartment in Albany for their services OF OxXpensos since that time, and are now ordorod to active service without @ dotiar of romunera- tion for thoir recruiting duty, If true there is ® scrow loose somewhere NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1862.-TRIPLE SHERT. Wasumvaton , April 16, 1862, STORMY SESSION OF THE CABINET. ‘The Cabinet mosting to-day was stormy, and new Phases and slumbering prejudices are said to have beon developed; but the firmness of the President for what he believes to be the best interests of the nation, sup- ported by the Secretary of State and Postmaster General, amidst all the complications that existed prevailed over all opposition. THE TAX BILL. It has been positively stated that the Secretary of the ‘Treasury has prepared a substitute for the Tax bill, to be offered in the Senate, This is an error. Tho Secre- tary has only furnished much information vo Senators In regard to matters of importance tending to perfect the ‘Tax bill, and many amendments will doubtless be based upon this information and meet his approval. Tne Fi- nance Committee of the Senate are industriously collect- ing, from every accessible source, facts and figures to aid them in ascertaining the best mode of raising @ suffleient revenuc) with the least oppression of the people or interference with the general trade of the country, The opinion prevails that it will be best to approximate as nearly as possible to the English plan of Placing high taxes upon only a few articles, and those exclusively luxuries, such a8 malt liquors, spirits, horses, carriages, railways, &c. The census statistics furnish a basis for this system of taxation. It is shown, for in- stance, that there was praduced in 1860 about eighty- eight millionsfof gallons of distilled liquors for home con- sumption, exclusive of the amount exported. It is strongly urged that a high tax should be imposed upon this, and in order to simplify the tax and insure its realization by the goverament at the least cost of collection, it should be applied solely to the crude spirits, as it goes from the still, instead of attempting to follow it through all the processes to which it may sub- sequently be subjected. It is estimated that » revenue of fifty, or oven a hundred millions of dollars, may be thus realized, without injury to any branch of trade, and with little trouble to the government. APPOINTMENTS CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE. ‘The Senate in executive session to-day confirmed the following nominatious:— Governor E. D. Morgan, of New York to be Major General. Carl Shurz, Colonel Nathan Kimball, of the Indiana Volunteers. Paymaster Bonjamin Alvord, of tho United States Army ; Captain George L. Hartsuff, of the Adjutant Gene ral’s Department; William S. Smith, of Ohio; Colonel Chas’ Devens and Rufus Saxton, both of Massachusetts; Colo- nel James H. Van Alen, of the ‘Third regiment Now York cavalry, and Napoleon B. Buford, of Illinois, tobe Briga- dier Generals of Volunteers, Ames Perry, of Rhode Island, was confirmed as Consul toTurin. NOMINATIONS BY THE PRESIDENT, The following nominations were sont to tle Senate to- day:— J. C. Mansfeld, of Wisconsin, Consul to Bogota. Lieutenants B. F. Smith and Sheridan Wait, of Illinois, to be Assistant Adjutant Generals, with the rank of cap- tains. 8. F. Elliott, of California, to be Brigade Surgeon. The following nominations for meritorious service in the field have been made:— Brigadier General 0. M. Mitchell, ot Ohio, to be brevet Major General. Colonel J. C. Davis, of the Twenty-second Indiana Volun, teers; Colonel J. C. Robinson, of the First Michigan ‘Volunteers, and Colonel Eugene A. Car, of the Thjrd Illi- nois cavalry, all to be Brigadior Gonorals. THE PROMOTION OF GEN. MITCHELL. Brigadier General Mitchell was nominated to-day for Major General, on the recommendatien of the Secretary of War, for gallant services in the capture of Hunteville, Decatar and Stevenson’s Junction. THE NAVY. Tho following orders have been issued at the Navy De- partment to-day:— J. Milton Flint, of New Hampshire, appointed Acting Assistant Surgeon, to report to Commodore Paulding. Lieutenant Robert L. May, detached from the Niagara, to report for ordnance duty at Washington. Lieutenant Wm. K. Mayo, to report to Captain Hudgon, Of the sloop-of-war Housatonic. DEATH OF LIEUT. SANDS, OF THE NAVY. Information has been received here of the death, on tho Pacific coast, of Acting Lieutenant Wm. J. Sands, son of the Commander of the United States steamer Active. THE ARMY. Count Sweinitz Crain, late Aid-de-Camp to the Arch- duke Maximilian, Governor of Venice, has been tondered an appointment of Aid-de-Camp upon Gen.. Fremont’'s fr. - UE ABOLITION OF SLAVERY IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—WHAT THE NEGROES THINK OF IT. The ardeat expectation of the freedom shriekers, in re, ference to the District of Columbia Emancipation bill, have not yet been realized. The President still has the bill under consideration. What he will do with it, is still a matter of speculation. It is kaown only that, while he favors the abstract proposition of abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, the details of this bill are not altogether satisfactory, and it is gravely doubted if they are constitutional. ‘The most intelligent of the negroes, whom it is ostensi- bly intended to benefit, deprecate its approval. They contend that, instead of enlarging, it actually curtails their freedom, and deprives them of privileges they have hitherto enjoyed. They fear that as free ne. groes they will bo debarred from passing out of the Dis. trict, or from one State into another,and that they will be entirely excluded from nearly all the States in the Union. They fail to appreciate this nominal freedom, which in reality abridges their privileges. — CONGRESS AND ITS ADJOURNMENT. It will bo remembered that a resolution passed the House (reported from the Commitiee on Ways and Means) for a final adjournment of the present session of Congress (with tho concurrence of the Senate) on the third Monday in May next. Onan investigation of th® subject it appears that so far exclusively as the House is concerned, Congress conla adjourn in ten days without detriment to the country’s interests. Although there Is & vast number of bills (both Senate and Hous) on the still the passage of but a very few is absolutely ne- cessary at this time, THE COMMITTER ON GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS. In the course of a week the above named committee will make an extensive report on the result of its labor from the commencement of the present session up to this time, It will be one of the most important reports, ina Gnancial and contracting point of view, ever sub- mitted to this or any past Congress. Accompanying the report will be an immense amount of evidence; and this evidence will not only be manifest in facts aud figures of an interesting character, but also disclose schemes and contrivances of the most ingenious kind; aud in some instances designs frustrated, and plans and opera- tions unqualifiedly disoreditable to the participants, and deservedly meritorious of punishment to merely pro- fessed patriota. Before making tho report the committee will have to finish some of its labors in New York and Pennsylvania, and especially in Harrisburg: The report will not be so much to imply censure as to lay bare operations, and leave it to the good sense of Congress and the discriminating -eye of the people to discover where “fault finding” is necessary—where the “found wanting” exists—and the punishment, in what- ever form deemed prudent, is applicable. Since the time of making its last report the committee hag been vory busily engaged in its legitimate business; and, strange as it may seem, its component parte, in sub- divisions, have been as often welcomed to their task as the opposite. Judging from the private remarks made by persons composing such committee, they have had no pleasing task to perform. The ‘Zhou art the man’’ ia no gilded compiiment (7) to those who would fain eee such wise men from the East and tho West and elsewhere afar off. It is presumed that the committee's members, individually, have made but few friends and many enemies, in a comparative point of view. ‘One of the members of this committeo was desirous of connecting ite investigations with the doings of your Custom House; but om an investigation of the matter it was made evident that the committee was not created for any such purpose, and hence it is, no report will be made in the premises, as stated aforesaid, such investi- gations very proporly belonging to the supervision of an- other regular committed, or the Committee on Commerce. The transactions of the New York Custom Honse, by himself or his subordinates, through Mr. Barney's orders, have cortainly nothing to de with contracts rela. tive to the war, or the conduct thoreor, ‘TRE BANKRUPT BILL, ‘The bankrupt law seems about to fail, for want of sya. tematic and vigorous efforts to insure its passage, While thousands look to the adoption of this moasure as tho only relief from the prostration they suffer, there has been in this behalf no concert of action, without which it is next to impossible to push through Congress any other than political measures. Qne-tenth part of the activity exhibited in regard to abolition schemes to keep up agi- tation, if applied to the bankrapt law, would long ago have secured its passage through both Houses and eman- cipated the commercial enterprise of the country from the fetters by which it is bound. An effort is to be made in the Senate to get @ bankrupt bill through; but it will share the fate of the Houge bill, if those interested in its passage do not without delay exert themselves unremit- tingly to insure its passage. SENATOR M’DOUGAL'S SPEECH ON THR CASK OF GEN, STONE. Senator McDougai's speech upom his resolution for im- formation in relation to the arrest of General Charles P. Stone produced a marked sensation to-day. It aroused Senator Wade to such a degree that he boiled over with indignation, and replied with much asperity to the re- marks of Senator McDougal in reference to the Committee on the Conduct of the War, of which Mr. Wade is chair. man. He maintained that the committee lead never stab- bed @ man in the dark,and had kept inviolate the terrible secrets that had come into their possession through their investigations. His reply to the argument that General Stone’s rights, under the constitution, the common law and the military law of the country, had Deen violated, was, that the government, in this great ‘exigency is bound to protect itself, and that the consti- tution is virturally repealed until the government has ‘becomsabie to restore its authority in the rebellious ‘States, General Stone’s record, as presented by Senator McDou- gal, certainly entitics him toa speedy trial, and if he i* guilty of treason, after having rendered a0 much patriotic service, he ought to be executed with the least possible delay. In the course of his remarks Sonator Wade said that he did not know by whose order General Stone was arrested, but the Committee on the Conduct of the War had obtained testimony against him that would warrant the arrest. OUR RELATIONS WITH MEXICO. ‘The Prosident to-day, in response to a resolution of the House, transmitted voluminous documents, embracing all the correspondence which has taken place since June last, relative to the affairs of Mexico. From a hasty glance at their contents it appears that on tho 3d of that month Mr. Seward, {n writing to Minister Corwin, in- forms him that from intelligonce wearing an air of au- thenticity, a design exists on the part of the in- surgents of this country to gain possession of Lower California, and that the President ex- pects him to exercise his best judgment not only to thwart this scheme, but to prevent rebel armed vessels from finding shelter in Mexican ports, and from carrying arms through the territory of that republic: ‘The defence of the Mexioan sovereignty is urged upon the attention of that government, and the declaration made that the United States does not desire to acquire any part of Mexico. On the 9th of June Mr. Corwin tuforms Mr. Seward that it had been his constant endeavor since his arrival at the city of Mexico to possess the Mexican mind of the true cause of our difficulties, and thus enable them to cstimate ger which would result from any termination of them. He was quite sure that whilst tho Mexican government would endeavor to preserve peace- ful relations with all ®kuropean Powers on fair terms, it regarded the United States as its true and only reliable friend in any atruggle which might involve its national oxistence. Toward the close of July Mr. Corwin, in the course of his de- spatch, incidentally remarks that Europe is quite willing to a6e us humble, and will not fail to take advantage of our embarrassments to execute purposes of which sho would not have dreamed haa we remained at peace. This was said with reforence to the intervention by England, France and Spain in the affairs of Mexico. Mr. Seward writing to Mr. Corwin, on the 2d of Sep- tember, assures him the President groatly desirod that the political status of Mexico aa an indepondent nation should be permanently maintained; and in December, after speaking of the joint intervention, informs him that the government cannot consent to his returning from Mexico ashe desired. It is known that Mr. Corwin negotiated a treaty with Mexico; but the Senate re jected it on the ground that it was not advis- able to assume, a3 was proposed, any portion of the principal or interest of the debt of "Mexico, or which would require the concurrence of Ku- ropean Powers. In communicating this result to Mr. Corwin, Mr. Seward says, April 3:—‘Under these circum- stances, the President is unable to suggest to you any other snode for contributing to the deliverance of our sister republic from the emberrassmeuts by which it is surrounded, whicl will be accoptable to the Senate. Meanwhile, I desire to direct your most earnest attention to the necessity of guarding, if pos. sible, against any such pledge of the rezources of Mexico to foreign Powers as might affect our cause in. juriously, or impair the ability of the people fof Mexico to sustain the free government established by their own choice. You will not les the government of Mexico in doubt for a moment that the government of the United States are not indifferent concerning the perils by which they are menaced. "’ SEMI-MONTHLY PUBLICATIONS OF THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE NATION. The resolution receatly introduced requiring semi- monthly official publications of the receipts and disbursements of the Treasury, is approved by the Secretary of the Treasury as sound in principle; but it is represented to be quite impracticable at a time when it is deemed necessary to keep secret the military and naval operations of the government. Even if all the data for such a statement as would be satisfactory and intel- ligible were always within reach of the Treasury Depart- ment, instead of having to be groped after in all the rami- fications of the other departments, they could net now be publishett without disclosing proj:cted military opo rations. In times of peace such butietins may be pub- lished with much nearer approximation te accuracy, and without detriment to the pabdlic service. REORGANIZATIONOF THE COURT OF CLAIMS. The reorganization of the Court_of Claims, and the refe revee of all claims against the government to it, asa court of final adjudication, is regarded as one of the most Deneficial measures of the present Congress. It will relieve Congress and all the departments of a character of business that has greatly obstructed attention to cur- ent and necessary operations, HOW CONGRESS TROUBLES TRE DEPARTMENTS. ‘Tho practice of passing resolutions of inquiry, or call- ing for information, without any idea of the labor in- volved, has occasioned great inconvenience in the vari- ous departments. One instance is cited where twenty clerks have been occupied eighteon months in preparing information thus carelessiy but imperatively demanded, while the member who called for it has boen more than a year out of Congress, and the whole subject forgotten. It is proposed as @ remedy to authorize the secretaries or assistants to occupy seats in the Senate and House of Representatives during such times as such resolution be offered, in order that, without voting or participating in tion, they may afford information upon these topics and point out the utility or dimculty of complying with unnecessary demands. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO SUTLERS. ‘The following order has just been issued:— Heapquarrers Provost MARsHat’s maa A dr goer April he sed a Hereafter no more passes wi Fe eae for the ship- ment of sutlers’ pty to the army of McClellan. Pagses for tho [transportation of utlera’ corte saree the Potomac willouly be granted on permits from the com- manding officers of regiments or detatchments within Em | military district, stating the quantity and destina- of , ajor W. . DOSTER, Provost Marshal, E. Rosinson, Adjutant DEFENCR OF THE ae MEN. At the Indian Department to-day, Shobeora, the head chief of the prairie band of Pottawotamies, made a most eloquent speech in defence of the rights of their tribe. ‘Ho was dressed in the highest style of Tndian art—in furs, feathers aud skins; ands more noble specimen of human pature has been seldom seen. His arguments were forcible, his metaphors brilliant, and the whole characterized by a dignity of manner vainly looked for either in the American Senate or the British House of Lerds, He was socompanied by @ delegation of some ‘irteen half breeds, and Mr. Ross, the agent at Topeka, ‘THB CLAIM OF BAMBAY AND CORMACK. Notice has been served on the First Comptroller of tho Treasury to take testimony {in reference to the claim of Ramsay and Cormack for two millions of dollars damages upon an old contract for mail service from Vera Cruz to A contract was made for this service in 1853, py hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars per uae ‘on condition that it was to have no force or va, lidity until an appropriation was made by Congress proving it, This approval was never given. Tho parti however, prepared to execute the contract, although tho Post Office Department refused always to recognize it in any way. In 1958 0 resolution was adopted by Congress referring the claim for two millions of dollarg damages BBY ord Lr hr to the First Comptrotior. It was examinod by Com troller Whittlesey, and in 1858 Comptroller Medill, sus- tained by the opinion of Attorney General Black, decided that the claimants wore entitled to no damages in law, equity Or justice. President Buchanan was anxious for its payment, and was angry at the decision, The claim is again revived, The Post Office Department has written to the Comptroller protesting against the reopening of case that has been adjudicated by every department of the government to which it has been referred. DEATH OF MRS. CLARK, ‘The wife of Hon. A. W. Clark, M.C. from the Jefferson and Lewis district, New York, died im this city yesterday after a brief illness. FINE ARTS. Thirty-Seventh Annual Exhibition of the National Academy of D: ‘The exhibition for the present year opened on : Monday last, under circumstances that augured favorably for its charactor. The forced idleness to which our artists havo been reduoed for tho last twelve months, by the almost total suspension of orders, afforded them plenty of leisure for the preparation of show pictures. What they could not gain in monoy they could by this means, at least, gain in fame, Thero was this additional induce- ment for a little extra exortion, that their works were to have the advantage of a new and more suitable locale for exhibition (the Derby Gallery), where there would be less opportunity for the Hanging Committee to exhibit their partialities in favor of particular artists tham in the old Tenth street building. We regret to say that these auticipations have been disappointed. We scarcely recollect a year in which the works of our artists have exhibit- ed less progressiveness as a whole, and in which, a8 regards individuals usually distinguishod for their industry, less ambition to excel has been dis- played. We can only account for this by the assumption that the apathy and hopelessness which up to a recent period had seized upon all the productive classes of our community,from the gigantic aspect of the rebellion, were equally shared in by the profession. In another rospect we observe but little improvement on former years. Whatover could be done to create arti- ficial distinctions between the works of the exhibitors and to depress merit, while undue prominence has been given to pictures remarkable for the absence of it, has been accomplished. By converting into a sort of oven tho front gallery, from which the light of day is but im- perfectly excluded, and which consequently struggles for ascendency with that of tho gasburners,a@ locus peni- tentie has beon provided, to which we need not say all those who do not find w in the oyes of privileged mediocrity are remorseleasly consigned. Having said thus much of the manner of arrangement, let us now examine the pictures themselves. No. 1. A portrait of a gentleman, by Saintin, ts capitally drawn and forcible in expression, but harsh in coloring. The position, too, is siiff, and the general effect of the picture is, consequently, not ploasing. No. 4. ‘*A Sleighride in Broadway,” by Alox. Vion, is a clever little picture, thoroughly French in its spirit ‘and handling. No.8. A portrait of alady, by 3. A, Mount, N. A., is detestable in coloring and worse in drawing. It contrasts unhappily with a amall portrait (No. 5), by # young girl of seventeen, Miss 1da Powell, which is placed in juxta- Position with it. This latter picture, considering it is a first effort, is astonishingly maturo in treatment. The head, that of achild (the artist's brother), is beautifully modelled, and there is a sweetness of tono in the whole picture which is in harmony with the subject. No. 9. A winter aceno, by R.Gignoux,N. A. Acharm- ing landscape, clear, crisp and bright in its effects, and fuller of detail thaa is usual with the winter scenes of this artist. No. 10. ‘‘Un Carro de Sevila,” by Goorgo H. Hall, is one of thoso studies of Spanish life on which this artist is now almost entirely employing his pencil. In group- ing, atmosphere, and local features generally, the sketch isfaithfully characteristic. There is @ conventionality about the faces, however, which detracts from these merita,and the effect is further spoiled by the wooden aspect of the mules attachod to the wagon, which look as if they had been copied from a toy shop. No. 14. A gentleman at full length, by Thomas Hicks. In the bibliophile here delineated with appropriate sur- Toundings there is no difficulty in recognizing Dr. Cogs- well, of the Astor Library. ‘The likonoss is excellent, and the picture generally is clearly and effectively painted. If there is any fault it is in the redundancy of color given to the flesh tints. No. 16. ‘The March of Silenua,” by W. H. Beard. A gro- tesque and clovér ecnception, showing on the part of the artist a thorough acquaintance with zoological anatomy, without which it world be impossible for him to give such vitality to these eccentric groupings. It differs from the treatment of the same subjects by the old mas- tors in the fact that its Ogures of wild animals, no matter how exaggerated their position, are always conscientious- ly accurate, No, 21. ‘Amalfi, on the Coast of Naples,’ by W. 8, Ha. soltine. Thore is a glittering unsubstantiality about this landscape which, however correct it may be in certain conditions of tho Neapolitan atmosphere, is very unsatis- factory ina picture, There is no point of repose for the reat fault ia a work in which such dazzling effects troduced, Michael and Satan Contending for the Body of Moses.” An ambitious subject indifferently treated. No, 28. ‘A Lady,” by R. M. Sta! A pleasing and sketchily painted portrait in the artist's best style, No. 32. Plewant Remembrances— ers and Wood- cock,” by A. F. Taite. So far a6 the de.iueation of animal ife is concerned, Mr. Tuite has few superiors. We could wish that his landscapes hada little more freshness and naturalness. Nothing, for instance, can be tamer than that in which he bas introduced tho present sporting episode. No, 33. ‘A View in Switserland,” by R. Gignoux, N. A. ‘We like this landscape leas than the one by the same ar” tiat that we have just noticed. It is, however, effective- ly treated, and forms an agreeable pendant to the latter. No. 34. “Sunlight and Shadow,” by A, Bierstadt. ‘This is one of the very best pictures in the collection. It shows a skil/ulness in the management of effects anda strength of color such as we (lid not give Mr. Bierstadt credit for. Nothing can be happier than the choice of Scene that he has made, so porfectly in keeping is it with hia main idea, Tho front of a country church, with @ partial view into its interior, and the rays of the atin stealing softly through the deep shadows cast by the old trees that surround it, gilding portions of the columns of # balustrade that extends half way across the build. ing, make up the features of this admirable picture, We forgot: there ig a figure of an old woman seated upon the stops of the church, with a child sleeping upon her lap; Dut these add to, rather than detract from, the repose and stilluess of the scene. We congratulate Mr, Bierstadt on the genuine success that he has achieved in this picture. No. 37. “A Glimpse of Lake Champlain,’’ by Shattuck, is charmingly treated, and is one of the most pleasing efforts of this clever artist’s pencil, No. 38. “Ttinerants,"’ by Thomas Le Clear, A capital picture, We see in it not only the result of at- tention to the general effect, but of the careful elabora- tion of details, As much study evidently has been be- stowed op each figure of the group as if it were to form a separate picture in itself. T! violin 1s inimitable,and would not be unworthy of a place {none of Wilkie’s tableaux. The sentiment of which he is the embodiment contrasts charmingly with the co- quettish archness of the girl who aceompanies him, and who is herself arrested in her rounds among the by- standers by the straing that hold them charmed listen. ers. In tone the picture is all that could be desired. ‘The background i @ little too much broken up for our taste; but where there is eo much to praise it is hardly fair to suggest as a biemish what others may, perbaps, deem conducive to the general effect. Ne. 44, ‘The Hon. Hiram Barney,’ by W. Page. Weare disposed to pass by with indulgence the eccentricities of ‘an artist whe errs from too much ambition. In socking to treat a modera portrait classically we should, how. ever, look for conaistency from @ painter like Mr. Page, who has imbibed ideas from the very fountain head of classic inspirations. Nothing can be in worse taste than the accessories of this portrait, They present us ‘with @ melange of Corinthian columns, tesselated pave- ments, showy wall paper, and Bowery furniture of the most approved pattern. In point of color the picture is without force, Mr, Page has spent so much of his time imitating the works of the old masters that he has ended by adopting their faded tinte as the media of natural effects. His portraits have, consequently, none of the consistency of flesh and blood, and appear to be dissolving through the canvass rather than to stand out from it, It is a pity to see 80 fine an artist lose himsolf in this manner. He has forgotten that i art as in every thing else tho world moves, and that the printor \ ture of violont effects, too violent to be agroeubie or even natural. The success which Mr. Inneas has met with in the delineation of unuaual phases in the aspects of na ture tempts him at times into extravagances. To this class the present work bolongs. snarlingly forcible. Longfollow’s poem describing Evangeline as straying in churchyards, and gazing on crosses and tombstones, has been selceted as the subject of this picture. It is sombre, but offective, and carries out the description as poetically 6 it is expressed in tho original. tone and general treatment of this picture are exceedingly agrocable, and impart to it # value which a more por- trait would not possess. Richie. A clever composition, painted with anice ap- Preciation of the subject, and carefully handled. pity that the artist did not give himself a little more room on the canvass. It would have enhanced the value of tho figures. fectly, but not altogether unsuccessfully, wrought out. scenery and peculiar atmosphere of the Roman Campagna ‘are capitally rendered in this picture. N.J.,by T. B. Thorpe. An effective aketoh, highly cre- No. 48. “Light Triumphant,’ by George Innes. A pic. No. 63. “A Skye Borrior,” by W. J. Haya. Clever and No. 55. “Evangeline,” by Edwia White. The line ia No. 58. “Chancellor Ferris,” by D. Huntington. The No. 69. ‘Fitting Out Mosea for the Fair.” A. H: itisa No. 64. “ Laboror’s Dessert.” A happy idea imper- No. 70. ‘Torre dei Schiavi.” 8, R. Gifford, The wild No, 73. Scene near Lewellyn Park, Orange county, ditable to an. artist. No. 98. * Wind River Mountains, Nebraska Territory.” A. Bierstadt,N. A. This landscape has merit; but it is wanting in that strength of color for which we have just Given credit to Mr. Bierstadt in his other picture, No. 104. ‘Sunday Morning in the Camp of the Seventh Fogiment, near Washington, D.C.,” by 8. R. Gifford, N.A. A most interesting picture. The landscape is charming, commanding a long stretch down the Potomac, aud the incidents of the camp ground are capitally handled, We find that aithough we have only got thus far through the catalogue we have exhausted the spaco al- lotted to us for to-day. We shall, however, resume at tho earliest opportunity our examination of the remain- ing pictures. The Navy. Gatuva.—This new iron-clad sloop-of-war got up steam yesterday morning and proceeded on a trial trip from the Coatinontal Iron Werks at Gresnpoint to the Navy Yard, Brooklyn—a distance of about three miles. At half-past nino A. M. she gracefully moved from her dock, heading up stream, amid the tolling of steamboat bells, tho blowing of steam whistles on both sides of the river, and the huzzas of thousands who congregated on the dif- fo-ent docks and boats along the river. She proceeded upstream for about haif a mile, when hor course was al- tered, and with the greatest ease she rounded and pro- oooded to the Navy Yardat the rate of about six miles per hour. She minds her helm beautifully, and hor ma- chivery worked with the utmost satistaction, Assbe ‘was not at all in sailing trim, thig trial, although highly satisfactory, is not a fair test of her sailing qualities, and her officera feel. confident that when in proper trim she will at least make ten miles per hour. ‘The Galena is one of tho threo iron-clad veasels contracted for by the Secretary of the Navy, under authority of the act of Congress, approved on the 3d of August, 1661, the Monitor and Kensington being the other two. Having already given a description of her armor in the columns of the Henan, wo will merely state that she was do- signed by Mr. Julius Patteraon, and constructed at Mys- tic, Connecticut, by Messrs. M&xon, Fish & Co., and the general superintendence of the work was conducted by Naval Constructor Rook. After being launghed she was gont to the Continental Iron Works, Greenpoint, where she received her armor. She is not atall like the Moni- tor, being simply an iron-plated screw steamer of great strength, and modelled with a view tospeed. Hor di- mensions are:—Length over all, 208 feet; breadth of beam, 36 fect; depth of hold, 123¢ feet, and 1,000 tons burthen. She is pierced for eighteen guns, but will not carry more than six. She is now lying under the shears at the Navy Yard, receiving her armor and out: there is considerable work to be done on her yet she not probably be roady for sea before Saturday or day. She is officered as follows:— Commander—aAlfred Tayler. Liculenant and Executive H. New! Acting Masters—Arthur W. Emerson and "Samuel B. Washburn. Assistant Surgeon—R. E. Van Gresen. Acting Assistant Paymaster—J. H. Selman. Boatswain—Robdert Dixon. Gunner—Jared D. Boorum, PE campy Engineer, actingas Chief Engineer—J. Nat Bt - 1G. Pomble, Acting Masters’ Mates—Alexander Meldrum, Andrew McCieary, Joba H. Jeoks, Edward A. Gulando. eae the Welland Canal. . Catuzrines, C. W., a 143 =. ‘Tho Wolland canal opened to-day. "Veage ing each way. There are about sixty one = - Coroner's Inquest. Fartat Rattroap Accwwayt.—Coroner Wildey held an in- quest at Bellevue Hospital upon the body of Michae, Gleason, @ native of Ireland, aged forty-seven years, who was accidentally killed in a7 to front platzorin of one of the Secon “yg dahon ialiuad cars while intoxicated. Verdict in above facts. Deceaséd resided at No. 260 First “em where he leaves a wife and family. THE FALL OF FORT PULASKI. The Siege ana Surresane. of Fort Palas- ki—The Advance of the Union Army in VirginineMap of Yorktown and Its Sarroundings—Further Particalars o¢ cthe Great Fights at Pittsburg Landing and Island No. 10—Thankegiving in New York for the Recent Victories, &c. All particulars reeeived of the Siege and Surrender of Fort Pulaski, near Savannah, by the Robels to the Union Forces, will be published in the Fasmy Herat, ready this (Wednesday) morning. The Fawiy Herarp will also contain interesting Lottera from our Correspondent, giving full particulars of the Advance of the Union Forces toward Richmond, accompanied with a Map of Yorktown and its Surroundings and Approaches; Further Particu- larsof the Great Battle at Pittsburg Landing, and of the Capture of Island No. 10, and all the Latest Intelligence of the Movements of the Union Forces Throughout the Country; Late and Interesting Intelligence from the Southern States; The Latest News from Europe; Reports ot Sermons Delivered in New York last Sabbath in Com. memoration of the Recent Union Victories, and much other interesting reading. Terms—Two dollars per year. cents. Single copies, four ial a ¥ ot the Kentucky and o Delaware Stat Keyrucay, 30, 3, 125—April_ 15, ie k 1 88 20—April 15, 1 ; %. &, it, 4 ate, 50, 19, 1, 18-00, 46, 67. it eernpevee fOUN A, MORRIS & CO., Wilmington, Delaware, or Covington, Kent’. fal Draw! Marray, Sone & 0 Muses Sue Loterten ETRA CLASS: Hie 69, 35, 4, 59, 10, 27, 41 Kextocey, Crass 178~A) 1862. 47, 46, 10, 45, 24, Ta 3, 1s ‘ch 6, snr 73, 12. ware addi hiregning <itber Cire sent frve of charge oy ad vad So, Covington, Ky.,'or St, Louis, M tae 26. Prizes Cashed Legalized Lotteries. Information nm. JO! ) Broker, No. 19 Wall street, up ralra New York, jw’s Sooth: ~: ais one of the has beet “urea with never failing success in ti nels ot Mre. Wi ration is the prescri celpete con ead skilful nutes in “tt rot on! ‘oo the child from pain, but invigorates t! ah ana bo re, corrects acidity and gives tous an or to tl 1 almost i tn ny ‘ileve griping in the bowels an wert oe ay reer? ities, te, the, Remels and in det x, iudren, wheter 1 arteee foes ie Furious Gale of PByinte gd Nigh whirien our tla ander the fa cate position. We iinmediate! ter, corner of Fulton street and gudof bis spring siyle, and found it free Our promesade oh object of notice. ‘Tha Hat dd ital Beautiful Complexion.—Laird’s Bloom of Youth, or Liquid Pearl, preserves and beauties the Com- plexion and Skin, Sold at 439 Broadway, Hill's Hair Dye, 50c., Black or Brown. Depot No. 1 Barclay street, and sold by all druggists, and aitract- ‘the chief Benutifal Complexion.—Laird’s Bloom { of Youth or Liquid Peari, for preserving and beautifying the eareplexign and skin, Ail drvggists avd at 499 Broadway, ‘BO more than tho politician cam oppose @ barrier to the Espe: progress of buman ideas, ‘dealers, ths whom purchase their hate aiready made, to sell Pa ESPENSCHEID, ‘Nassau Gatien, 99 the prot it estal of course, a Jshments of ‘Brosawa; Manufacturer of Gents’ Hats, 119 street. Spring Clothing for Boys, Youths and men. Our assortment is now ge and desirable. Orders for School Uniforms, ala wo Wintasy tary and Navy Uai- forms, receive particular attention. ted BARNUM’ ‘Belgian Giant ‘appear in th of **) uiter which the fatoe of “Lesson far Lovers Lovers Photographie Alb aad durabiy enna phic Albams—Hleg Taapliat te ny aos Sterner nied piace or | ‘ world ; harmles plied at BATOH. and Wiga, the best i prep al in. the world, w! ten nnn rrr nnn A aeapens yr PACKAGES Fi kages to all points canon LEG gus 2 ade ticles taken « ry the pow eat frelght rates. BBATT & RATHBUN (Successors to Alfred Munroe & Co.), 507 Broadway, under St. Nicholas Hotel, Two Splenaia Performances To-day at Musoum, in botivof which Com. Mitt asd. the lop O° yy, Thumb,” ‘LING, 65 and 67 Nassau atreet, At pat caterers, 573 Broadway.—Ladiecs’ dren's, SS anagt oe! Sy Micke autre Herring's 1 Patent Champion Fire and yun mgt Brow Safes, 261 Broadway, corner of Murray streety New Ye este New Restaurant and Private opened at = 126 Crosby pos y street, adjoining Batchelor’s 6 Hote Dye.—The Best in the sod (astontaneoun, “Seid d and ae Lowe Wie Factory, 16 Bond ste Cristadoro’s Hair ey mreinrative, and retail and privately applied at No. 6 Astor House, _—_—_——_———————— MISCELLANEOUS. ‘REE. RGE a TRANSPORTATION, receive ae Bo soldiers” charge only to corer the coat of vartermesters Sof the di aiteront regiments. jospital nurses free. Heavy an EXPRESS COMEANY i+ ‘ADAMS EXPRESS ‘Small pares 8 FOR SOLDIE! AT POINTS pe DS irre i hull be tut by HARNDEN'S PRESS, 74 Broadway, at ALS $3.50, $4 AND now ready ato aoag AND GAITERA, ge a JONES", land nina atreet. A GIM@REDE: 'S, 583 BROADWAY, 4 pHOTOGRARE ‘Albums (for tifty pictures) retailed at T Peeper per MONOGRAMS, WE! anes and 300 varieties of Note Paper, with Ee A’ 302 BROADWAY—WEDDING CARDS AND NOTE Pi at EVERDELL’S celebrated establishment, Eee TOBACCO.—YELLOW BANK TOBA000 —- urities, for sale tobacco ir dealers, and Whioleesie by E. GOODWIN & BROTHEM, ap Walcrstreet. A NUrat peers, moms a, Mass. (ATTENTION, CASH BUYERS. = PRINTS AND DOMESTIC FOR CASH. BLISS & WHEELOCK, 300 BROADWAY, for sale much below the mai ket, offer eT ste 6 mee MERRIMACK. WAMSUTTA, rN OPULAR PURE Goodwin's Pure ot Bank a renee: free from or coc! a ONION act oinere Also, HOBIE BY, WOOLLENS, | NOTIONS and § Nea BTA Beare 7599008 oops, Whereie 3 2 [AS sseuheeaes ack roi. 9 rik others made. oO BLE OU OUTLERY AN AND S arnt SEXED WARE, aogerscat KITCHEN COOKING UTENSI to gull ove wae ry ae Every article in HO xo cone ANY OTHER HOUSE. Hint rape tt, t6aa, at nt) oo ee wineett the Aaslanen? bong te co Guide—A ne anatom ‘and ex including a treatise po Tesect afflicting the human farm: causes, by an eminent New York phesician. ad for 0. tor House, oF BOSS TOUSEN, L3T Nasaau ascot, New T BROADWAY. we ~ VILLIANS Rg ons CELEBRA’ [BLE THREAD FAMILY SEWING MACHINES, TO $60. —Thean, machines, celebrated through. and the West, are not surpa others in the market, while they are FIFTERN DouLaich CHBAFER than the chrapest of auy other reapousible r. ily ume have never been made, They are sluple, reliable and warranted.” ‘Salesroow GO Broadway, ie A NEWSPAPER ROUTE TOR BALE (A. SURE E BUST. and )—Of 660 subscribers, and inc dn the New Imes, morning edition. . Tnquire al at Bockman street, New York, ret floor. AM res NO. 9 BOWERY. QWERY —ExOLisit MEDAL ae toee eke fe., at Furnishing Hemmers, &c. ORNS, Bi NIONS, INVERTED NAILS, ENLARGED Juinis, and all diseases of tbe Feet cured without paler or inconvenienee to the patient, by Dr. ZACHARIE, ‘Burgeos Chiropodist, 760 Broadway, Refers to physicians and sure geons of this clty, ORNS CURED FOR 25 CENTS EACH Club and Laverted Ni accessful Dr. W. B. RICE, chiropodist, at 68 Bowery, corner ARTLETT'S NEEDLE Ftd an bg god tas Broadway. Ae BUNIONS, ully treated by RUTCHES AND “CANES FO FOR yk THE MILLION—a? manufacturer's, C. PINNELL, oe No. 2 Cortlandt street. p™ses PLANTATION BITTRRS. fi fies the Bt invigocaine, srengeael ane ped ait a eectua fone in the world. aad a Se ceigbraued Ol roots, herbs, and pure rum. Partic the thing for th eg is and ‘saloons. i adizaE ‘San anal PRioATES CUMBERLAND AND CON yf the ere and orphans of ‘those in the OMMITTER. as Demarest, come Morgan. E. Page, Se Hoe eae weal jonry P. Marshall, fect delicate females; cures Dy: ys y ll received ii ‘gnats ra the sure beer ati Subscriptions sea Tecelved in behalt of +d Merrimac; and will be ‘appropriated as the donor donor irect. Richa ae street, mreasurer of Commitee, ORTON'S GOLD PENS.—PRICES TO suIT T THE pocket and Fens to suit the hand of every writer, at 25 Call or inciose stamp for cireula: neat RICE ety ive ce Cars, FEDERICA BRADY, Publlater, 24 Aun at, W. ¥. MITH @ BROTHER'S = ——=—~=~SCSCSC~CS~S NEW TORK FALE — EXx Mailed free ALE. browed trom the choicest ‘and 160 00 Wont Righiceott jo whole, half and quarter ca barley mait an Mtreet, between Soventh and Eight ana MANIA! RAGE!" a THE CARTE Bas Broad ae For Albuma, by MEADE BROTHERS, 238 Sraciat Norice, 7 F, Fourth regiment New The members of ork State sii, are, hereby nolided tg, mest at the Cg rednesday) taf wa lot the ernie A ing Lie ma renank che Bisty ninth regiment, RICHARD O'GRADY, Ceptain, ~_ NEWSPAPERS. Coxtegs ans oF oF 7a suming ePublications “Our hing af Positlou, ve tional iatory—How Gained Unig as and Mews,” &c., do, Five conte as it ynitorss fowusné Cet Maa er, 5 if ner YSTER AND DINING. M, 199 FUL. i—The finest a Regs acetic ta the market. finn ana served fret ak tne piace the articles. VENS 18 XOW OPEN FOR THE RB pea tan inends snd nev customers, with a ehotee recor Ae nigh! No. a saParetnieh arentin. SPENCEE DANCING ACADEMIES. ROOKES' Ler ph oh ACADEMY, 361 BROOMB Closing Peal i son om adngedey, April 23,