The New York Herald Newspaper, May 21, 1862, Page 1

7 THE NEW YORK HERALD. SE WHOLE NO. 9384. * IMPORTANT FROM THE PENINSULA. Advance of the Union Army To- wards the Rebel Capital. Arrival of the Vanguard at Coal Harbor. SKIRMISH WITH THE ENEMY’S OUTPOSTS. The Rebel Pickets Driven to- Within Two Miles of Their Main Body. IMPORTANT NEWS FROM RICHMOND. Extraordinary Efforts for the Defence of the City. Gorrespondence Between Jeff. Davis and the Virginia Legislature. The Old Dominion Not to Be Abandoned in the Event of the Fall of Richmond. General Floyd Authorized to Raise Twenty Thousand Men for the De- fence of Western Virginia. Official Reports of the Operations on James River. NAMES OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED, &e., &e., &e. | Warrs Howse, Va., May 10, 1862. ‘Tus army commenced moving at an early hour this ‘morning in the direction of Richmond, and wil! encvamp Some miles In advance of this place. The advanice, under Gen. Stoneman, reached the railroad Dridge at the Chickahominy yesterday. It is # long trestle Dridge, two spans only of whichare burned. ft can be re- built in a yory short time. The pickets of the enomy are guarding the whole line of the river in front of Rich- mond, making it very difficult to obtain any reliable taformation from that city. Geveral McClellan went on ® reconnoiseance to-day to (he Chickahominy, ‘The programme of operations in front of Richmond ‘Wil soon be decided upon. ‘TuneraL’s Saatiom, May 20, 1662, ‘The advance, under General Stoneman, reached Coal Merbor,on the road running to Richmond by way of Mewbriage, yesterday, where be found the enemy to be tm force. Be drove their pickets into within two miles of their ‘malo dody, and encamped for the night. indientes that the rebels intend to defend Richmond with alt the available force they are able to ‘wring forward. = ‘Congressmen and representatives from every Southern State are there, encouraging their troops by tiwir pre- @emee and counsel to a determined resistance to an ad- vance of the Union troops. ‘Ihe two officers who came within our lines with a flag @f truce about a week since, on 8 trivial pretence, were allowed to return yesterday. Commander Goldsberough paid a visit to headquarters fest night for the purpose of an interview with General MeCielian. ‘The Richmond papers of the 16th inst. have been re- @etved. They contain @ correspondence between the ‘Virginia Legislature and Jeff. Davis in relation to the eoent movements of the rebel army. He stated that hho had never entertained the thought of withdrawing (@e army from Virginia, and abandoning the State; that 7, in the course of events, the capital should fall, the ne- @easity of which he did not see or anticipate, that would ‘De no reason for withdrawing the army from Virginia: ‘The war could still be successfully carried on and main- talnod on Virginia soil for twenty years. The rebel General John B. Floyd has been appointed ‘Major General of tho Virginia forces, with authority to Faise a force of 20,000 mon—new consoripts—for the de- fence of Western Virginia. ‘The engagement on Thursday at Drury’s Bluff, seven miles below Richmond, between our gunboats and the enemy's batteries on James river, produced a great panic ‘among the people of Richmond. They acknowledge a ons of six killed and seven wounded, MOVEMENTS OF THE LAND FORCES. Our Army Correspondence. Camp Nean Wante Hovrr, Va., May 18, 1962. Munday at the White House—St. Peter's Church—lis Pe- cubiariver—Iniian Town, de. Th ts unnecessary to state that ander the new allotment @f divisions into corps d’armee ours cannot pow be re garded as second to any. This order, of course, has ne- @essitated other important changes. In the first place, fn consequence of our General having been promoted, ‘the command of our division has been given to another general, one of the most competent officers in the Poto- mec Army. ‘This being Sunday, it has been very quiet in camp. ‘The day, however, has been one of glorious loveliners, the finest and most enjoyable day, in fact, that the regiments have epjoyed thus far ia their sojourn on tho peninsula, The curiosity about the “White House” aud other points of Meorest in the immediate vicinity bay- ing been patisfed, a large number of officers to-day Visited St. Peter's church, about two and » half miles distant, memorable, as is weil known, in bistory, as Being the church in which the immortal Washington was married, The ride by either one or the other two roads fn through the most delightful and picturesque portion of the peninsula that bas yot fallen under my observation. ‘The old church itself, on ite commanding elevation, and environed by mammoth oaks and stately pines, a ghrubbery a estes, was tho central object of inwerest. “1 ot describe its quaint structure, gothic windows, arched toorways of the porch, plain woolen ‘Stops, plain cotlings, rude wooden benches, pulpit devoid ‘of ornament, aoat chancel and the baptismal font. Tho ‘Ghoughts were not of thore, as thoy ontly of modern introduction, but upon the ott brick walls, the corniced and time-soared roof, and tho old tableis’ either side of the chancel; for it was within thos this roof and within sight of thoge tal Gon was united in the holy bonds of to that Martha whose paino is now as inseparably linked to that of Washington as is lis to immor- tality. I saw on one of the bricks the dato 1710, which is said to be the date of its rec fion, ‘Tho’ oldest tombstone ie dated back as far as 1716. Tho last services held in the church ‘e@ about @ month ago, the Rev. Mr. Repner, tho rector , having suspended services and Sao chee to Secessia.” In the Beighborhood of the church i#& fine old Virginia man- sion, the sole occupanta of which now are five females. It is now in charge of the provost guard, as are all the dwellings here about. Tho ladies, ailof whom have hus- bands or lovers in the rebel army, utter secesh strong, and say that the enomy wiii fight at Richmond to tho Saat gasp. Indian Town, across tho river, has boen and continues fo b&b a piace of rather popular regort. There fe a reserved travt of 1,700 acres of iand oceu pied by Indians, all of whom oiaim to be descend. ants of Pocahontus. I spent several Bours among them this forenoon. It secms that General Magruder bad ali the men in the tribe capable of shouldering a musket improased into the service, The feevie old men, wiyos and young equaws made # pow-wow abyut it, and applied to Governor Let«! v redress, whieh resulted fm the impressed masou | vetng returned home. An intelligent member of the irtbe told me that the rebels were in a of trouble about the two engineers of the railroad, both being Northern men, Afraid that the engineers might bo working against their cause, they arrested them semi-occasionally, and, with a view to keep them straight, threatened to nang them, shoot them or tar and feather thom, and do anything but dis- charge them, which they dared not do, a8 they could not possibly get along without them. A conversation I heurd to-day between two dealers in bread will throw some light on the soft bread question, which, I think, i» worth revealing: ‘ Brkap Dearer Yo,1—T shan’t pay you this bill, air. It’s a damned swincte. Braap Dwacer No. 2—What’s the dimculty, sir? Breap Dzaver No. 1—You havo charyod Me fifteen cents per loaf, and IT'shall pay you only twelve cents. No. 2—Don’t you seli the bread at twenty-five cents per loaf? . 1--Of course I do, No, 2—Don’t you make ten eents on every loaf? Ain’t that profit enough? No. 1—But you pay only eix cents a loaf, and sell it to me for fifteen centa, which is two hundred’ and fifty per cent profit, while I’m not makiug over one huncred per cent. [say you area damned swindler. No. 2—I shall sue you, No, 1—Sue and be damned, I did not stop to hear the end of the bread dispute. It is a busy night in camp, ag wo move in the morning. We move in tho direction of Bottom’s Bridge. Near Comagriann, Ov Tas Paxnxey River, May 19, 1802. } General McClelian’s Despatch About the Conduct of Gene. rat Heintzelman’s Corps Well Received—Another Oavalry Recomvissance—The Operations of the Engineer Corps, dc. bc. The appearance in the Hxratp of Saturday (which wo got hero incamp on the following day at six P. M.) of General McClellan's despatch of May 11, in which ho does justice to the conduct of Heintzelman’s corps @armea in the battle of Williamsburg, has ex- cited the liveliost satisfaction here. It fully corroborates all that my letters stated in re- gard to that eritical moment when our army was so hard pressed by superior numbers of the enemy, and when, in the language of General McClellan, “General Kearnoy’s division arrived in time to restore the for- tunes of the day.” ‘The particular brigade which ren- dered this eminerit service was that of General Berry, which that officer brought to the front in spite of the ob- stacles which seemed insurmountable, and which ho handled, when he got them up, with consummate skill. He was under fire four hours; many of his officers were shot close to hii nd his regiments lost 354 killed and wounded. Generai Stoneman made another reconnoissance yes- terday, with a large force of cavalry, light artillery and three regiments of infantry, toa poiut within leven miles of Richgnond, ‘The indications are that tho enemy are making @ chow of preparation, but that they will ancon Richmond, as they did Yorktown, ag soon as we ready to attack. Butit they do veniure to stand and fight there cau be no doubt as to the result. General Woodbury’s corps of ongineers are engaged in building roads and bridges in the advance, to facilitate the movement of the army. ‘Too.much praise cannot be awarded to the ‘liligent labors of the officers and men of this highly useful corps. NAVAL OPERATICNS ON JAMES RIVER, Admirable Management and Action of the Galena Off Day’s Point. Wasuixatow, May 20, 1862. A private letter from officer Coan, of one of the ves- sels belonging to Commodore Rodgers’ flotilla, speaking Of the recent engagement at Day’s Point, just above New- port’s News, on the opposite side of tho river, says— The Calona,{ron-clad, was admirably mancayrod, 80 beautifully and satcily that sho passed, five or six times, asclose as she could get, and silenced ono of tho bat- teries. She then passed and repassed the second bat- tery six times; but, finding they were using so much ammunition, for which we expected to havo better use higher up, Commander Rodgers ordered the two wooden ‘vessels to run up, while he in the Galena lay abreast of the battery andgisconcorted the rebel gunners. ‘The Galena then followed; but the buoys have been displace, and misplacad go that the pilots last evoning fan thé Galena ashore, and she is still aground. None of our veasels were seriously injured. Official Reports of the Engagement at Fort Darling. Wasmincto, May 20, 1862. ‘The following reports havo been received at the Navy Department by Commodore Goldsborough = REPORT OF COM. RODGERS, OF THE GALENA. Usirgp StavEs STRAMER GaLrna, Ore Cory Port, James River, May 16, 1862. Sm—I have the honor to report that this vessel, the Aroostook, the Monitor and Port Royal, with the Nauga- tuck, moved up the river, getting aground several times, ‘Ddut meeting no artificial impediments until we arrived at Ward’s Bluff, about eight miles from Richmond, where we encountered a heavy battery, and two separate bar- riers formed of spiles, and steamboats and sail vessels. The pilots both say that they saw the Yorktown and Jamestown among the number. ‘The banks of the river we found lined with rifle pits, from which sharpshooters annoyed the men at the guns. These would hinder the removal of obstructions, unless driven away by a land force. ‘The Galena ran within about six hundred yards of the battery, as near the spiles as it was deemed proper to go, let go her anchor, and with a spring sprung across the stream, not more than twico as wide as the ship is Jong, and then at forty-fivo minutes past seven o'clock A. M. opened fire upon the battery. The wooden vossels, as directed, anchored about thirteen hundred yards be- low. The Monitor anchored near,and at nine o'clock she passed just above the Galena, but found her guns could not be elevated enough to reach the battery. Sho then dropped a little below us, and made her shots effect- ive. At five minutes after eleven o'clock the Galena had expended nearly all her ammunition and I made signwl to discontinue the action. We had but six Parrott charges, and not a single fillod nine inch shell. We had thirteen killed and eleven wounded. ‘The rifled 100-pounder cf the Naugatuck burst; half of the part abeft the trunnions going overboard. She is therefore disabled. Lieutenant winan, the executive officer, was conspicuous for his gaijant and effective ser- vices. Mr. Washburue, acting master, bohaved admira- biy. There are selected from among the number. ‘The Aroostook, Naugatuck and Port Royal took the Stations previously assigned them, and did everything that war possible, The Monitor eculd not have done better. ‘The barrier is such that the vorsels of the enemy even, if they .avo any, cannot possibly pass out, and ouré can- not pase in, I baye the honor to be your obedient sere vant, JOHN RODGERS, Commander, United States Navy. REPORT OF LIRUT, JEFFERS, OF THE MONITOR. ‘The following is the report of Lieutenant William N. Jeffers, commanding the Monitor in the late ougagé- mont near Richmond, It is addreseed to Commander Rodgers:— Unrrep StaTke ThOW Chap StmameR Mowrror, } Jastes Riven, Va., May 16, 1802, Sm—1 eudmit the following report of the movements of this veasel during the action of yesterday Shortly after weighing anchor from our position near Kingsland Creek a sharp fire of musketry was com- me from both banks on all tho ships. At half-past seven I discovered an extensive fortification on an él tion of about 200 fect, with soveral smaller battorie apparently mounting guns of the heaviest calibre, At the foot of the bluff, io tho river, there is an obstruction formed of sunken vessels and steamers secured with chalaa, and the shallow water piled across tho river. The Galona haying anchored at abvut 1,000 yards distant from the fort, and being warmly engaged, I endeavored Wo pass ahead of and take off some of the fire; but I fouud that my guns could not be elevated sufficiently to point at the fort, [then took position on the ling with the Galena and maintained a deliberate fre until the close of the action, when, in company with the other vessels, I dropped down to the anchorage. The fire of the enemy was romarkably weil directed, but vainly, towards this vossel. She was struck three times, one rolid eight inch shot square on the tur- ret, and two solid shot on the side armor forward of the pilot house. Neither caused any damage beyond bending the plates. I am happy to report no casualties, In conclusion permit to say tho action was most gal- lantly fought against great odds, and with the usual of. foct against earthworks. So long as our vessols kept up a rapid fre they rarely returned our fire, but the mo- ment cur fire slackened, they remanned their guns. It was impossible to reduce such works except with the aid of a jand force. REPORT OF LIEUT. CONSTABLE, OF THR NAVGATUCK. ‘The fellowing i the report of Lieutevant D. C, Con- NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 1862. stable, commanding the steamer E. A. Stevens (Nauga- tuck), in the action, The repert is dated May 16, and is addressed, as are the others, to Commander Rogers:— Sir—I have the honor to report that in yesterday’s attack upon the enemy’s battory at Ward’s Hill, near Richmond, Va.,I placed the vessel under my command in the position avsigned me by you im tho line of attack, and opened fire upon the battery, which I continued until the bursting of our gun, Whilst getting into position, during the bombardment , and while falling back with the squadron, the veasol was under quite a hoavy fire of musketry, which was constantly returned by us with shell and canister from our light broadside guns. I have likewise to report to you that two of my crew are wounded—one by a musket shot through the arm, and the other by a severe contusion, They have been sent on board the Port Royal for surgical treatment. My officers and crow behaved to my entire satisfac. tion. I would respectfully request that you appoint a board of officers to examine into and report upon the cause of the bursting of our Parrott gun. LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED, The following is the roport of Assistant Engineer Van Gieson, of the Galona, giving the account of the killed ‘and wounded In the tate action at Ward’s Bluff ON BOARD THB GALENA, Killed. ‘Thomas Ready, captain of theforetop, James H. Webber, third class boy. Michael Maney, landsman. Martin Milberry, landsman, Jobn Smith, ordinary seaman, Robert Boyd, ordinary seaman, Richard A. Adams, seaman.: John Quigley, ordinary seaman, John Russell, landsman. W. H. Horton, ordinary seaman, Joseph Johnson, private, marines, Jared D. Boorum, gunner. David Patterson, landsman, Wounded. John O'Connor, third class boy, burned antl wounded in the ank’e joint. ‘Wm. Stevens, seaman, not seriously. * George McDonuel), seaman, slightly. Thomas Finnegan, seaman, arm seriously injured, Henry Watson, ordinary reaman, Wm. Earrison, lancsman, slightly. ‘Thomas Clark, landsman, slightly. Diederich Visser, seaman, slightly. Andrew McCleary, acting master’s mate, not sericus!y. Owen Doherty, coalheaver, mortally, Frederick W. Johneon, first class boy, not dangerously. ON BOARD TRE PORT ROYAL, Wounded. mee N. Morris, Commander, flesh wound of right ‘ightly. ON BOARD THE NAUGATUCE, Wounded. James Wilson, musket shot, not seriously. Peter Dixon, not seriously. Oficial Report of Flag Officer Golds- borough's Expedition. ‘Wasnrnoton, May 20, 1862. The following has been received at the Navy Depart- ment:— H { ‘Unrtep States FLacanrp SwsquReANna, James River, Va., May 18, 1962. } Sm—In consequence of a report from Commander Rodgers that thore were two batteries on the south side of this river, one at Rock Wharf Landing, and the other at fiardin’s Bluff, or Mother Pino’s Landing, whic’, ro. quired reducing in order to open the river to get sup. plies up to him, of which he was Joout to stand in need, snort up to thom ‘esterday with this abip, the Wa- chuset’ tng Dacotah, Maratanza and the tug Young America, but found that both had been recently aban- doned, and left comparatively in a useloss condition. At Harding’s Bluff the guns wero spiked, carriages burnt and magazines blown up; but a little below it a solitary gun remained intact, this we put outof use. At Rock Wharf Landing the guns were alsospiked and the carriages burned, but neither the magazines dor bomb- proofs had been destroyed. ThiaI ordered tobe done, and it was effectually accomplished. The James river is now open from ‘its mouth up to Ward’s or Drury’s Bluff; or, in other words, up to eight miles of Richmond, where, as you will perceive by Commander Rodgers’ report of his fight, it is soriously obstructed. Iam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag Officer Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. Grnon Waris, Seeretary of the Navy. THE UPPER PAMUNKEY RIVER. Oar Army Correspondence. ‘Whrre Hovas, Pamowxer River, May 17,1862. Navigation Opened to White House—The Burned Gun boats and Bridges—Sunken Vesela in Channel—Ra- vages of Guerillas—Horrible Atrocitiee—Williamuburg News—Recovery of the Dead, dic. ‘To loave Baltimore at dusk on Friday, and to be located in the advance of the grand army, eighty-five miles from Fortress Monroe and tweaty-three miles from Rich- mond, by dusk on Saturday, is an experience that your corregpondent can imperfectly realize. The mail steam- boats leave the fortress at eleven o’clock, and reach White House at sixP. M. As I came up to-day the whole river was filled with craft. They make a continuous line from Old Point to the mouth of York river and tho masts and spars that environ Yorktown and Gloucester remind one ofa scene on the North or East rivers. At West Point there is an array of shipping scarcely less formidable, and the windings of the interminably crooked Pamunkey are marked for leagues byjsatls, smokestacks and masts. ‘The landings and wharves are besieged by flatboats and sloops, and Zouaves may be seen hoisting forage and ban et stores up the red blufis at every turn of the vessel. The Pamunkey ts 2 beautiful stream, densely wooded and opening up occasional vistas of whoatfields and moadows, with Virginia farmhouses and negro quarters on the hijitops. Many of the houses on tho river banks appear to be tonanted by white people; but the majority haye a desolate, haunted ap. pearance, and the only of life are strolling ‘soldiers, who thrust their legs through the second story windows and contemplate tho river from their pase 9n the sill, or groups of negroes who sun themselves on the piazza, and rush out io the brink to gaze and grin at the passing steamers, We seg ogcasioual residences not unworthy cf o!d manorial or baronial times, and these are attended, at a little distance, by ne gro quarters of logs, built in @ row, and provided with mud chimneys, built against their gables. Indeed, fow of our Northern navigable rivers are so uniformly pic- turesque and varied. We parsed two rebel gunboats that had been half com. ploted, aud burned on the stocks. The charred elbows and ribs were commentaries upon the ruin effected by secossior, West Point is simply a tonguo or spit or land, dividing the Mattapony from the Pamunkey river, attheir junction, A few houses are built upon it, anda wharf that makes out into the Pamunkey shows the formor t»rminua of vhe railroad from Richmon4 | “py rails do not appoar (o haye beeh MO!ered, A water bat tory, erected oy a scale comtneasitrate with the whole of thWorks, is the sole avidence of war. Retow Camberlon¢—a colleetion of huts and a whart— a number of schooners hal been gunk across the river, and, with the aid of ‘un island in the middle, con- stitute @ pretty rigid dlockade. Steamboats can para through,” steering carefully, but — sailing vessels must bo towed. ‘Tho tops of the sunken masia only can be discerned above the water, and it must have taken much time and Inbor to place the boats in line aud sink them. Our vessels can be counted by scores above and below this blockade, and at Oum- borland the masts ave lke a forest. Pontoon rafts on scows constitute features of the scenery, being grouped tn some pluces to the number of sores, - The river could have boen defended readily, and masked batteries planted upon the thickets of the high bluffs could have eeu tised with deadly et ot “White House” is simply a white house; gut tho high Danka are littered with wagons, tents, horses and forage. Vesselsand steamo:# crowd the ehoro, and jast above, whore the railroad used to cross the river, the timbers of a blackened aud brokem bridge attest the flight o. the rebels. " Four of our gunboats, mounting five guns each, lic here, although tho river is not more than one hundred and fifty yarus wide, witha channel but thirteen feet doep. Light draught Boats can ascend thirty miles io ehrubbery is dense, and clnstors of wiki peep out from the embowering leaves and trees It in a little old to feel that we occupy the site of tho rebel Genorai Lee's headquarters, who was located here only theo days ago. The few remaining residents pont ‘Out the late footprints of rebel cavairy and invantry. ‘Tho whole peninsula here and cisewhere is swarming with guerillas, Who rob and murder without restraint, prowling ato ‘our camps and lurking im tho edyes ot woods to suek an opportunity to shoot down stragglers, both eivit and military, ‘The artist of an illustrated paper started from York. town to-day to walk to Wililamaburg, but wus stopped by a company of evar fome little Uistance from the former place, aod told that it was dangerous to proceed, ‘Two Massachusetts soldiers had just been found hanging to trees, shot, and with their throats cut. Two bad been shot the day beforo, aud so notorious have thes» depre- dations become that our cavalry are scouting the vountry to secure the perpetrators, Sixteen rebels were sent to Fortress Monroe to-day, and they are supposed, tn fact to belong tothe guerillas, as they were found armed near our lines, Thave been mingling to-night with the gallant fellows of Wisconsin, whose camp adjoins the hendquartors of their Gexoral. Col. Cobb, who cheered on his men at the Pitch of (he Williamsburg atruggie,Je a quiet gentleman, ‘who spoaks deliberately, froquently pausing, and whoss whole demeanor indicates calm courage and thorough command. Major Larrabee, of the same regiment, is & thick set mau, fall of nerve and adventure, whore eyes are of an intense bilackuess, and whose (ig jus is essen- tially of @ military nature. ’ The men of the regiment are thorough backwoodsmen, and Col. Cobb says that they have forgottemthe feeling of fear, Genera) Hancoek, with whom 1 have spent the evening, isa frank, courageous, chivalrous officer, who ig be- loved by his men, ant who is thought to be oue of the first tacticiang in the army. The steamers bring quantities of gentlemen to points on the Yorkiriver eyery day, who come provided with ¢ Mus to remove the bodies of their friends; slain in the inte batiles. Thess mournful processions are the first things that strike the visitor to the grand army. ‘The visitors have become so numerous and persistent thot it is believed our authorities will zoon have to recur to the old Roman method of burning the doad, and thereby obviating further trouble. Skirmishing has been going on al] day between the remote cavairy pick- ets, and correspondents who attempt to pass beyond our lines are arrested. NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE. Bautimorz, May 20, 1882. ‘The boat from Old Point has arrived; but it briags no news of interozt. It was reported that the Naugatuck was taking on board a new gun yesterday. Oar Fortress Monroe Correspondence. Forragss Monnoz, May 19, 1862. Th Rede! Gusiboats Jam:stown and Patrick Henry and Two Transports Sunk in James Ricer—Affairs at Norfolk— A Flag of Truce to Richmond, de. ‘The ony item of importance worthy of recording to day is that the rebel gunboats Jamestown and Patrick Henry and transports Northampton and Curtis Peck have been sunk by the eremy in the James river, to preven! their falling into our hands. Our boats were in such close pursuit that the rebels were either compelied to stand and fight, im which case their fate would have been sealed, or destroy the ships and escape to the shore. They chose the latter, and the crows of these vessels undoubtedly swell the rebel ranks. Tho news to-day from our gunboats near Richmond is more cheerivg. A vast amount of supplies has been scat up te them, and ina short time you will hear from thom some glorious tidings. Commander Rodgers, of tho Galo. ‘na, is not only an able sailor, but a determined, brave and undaunted fightor, and as long as there is a plank left in his ship he will give the onemy battle, and beat thom at that. . Affairs ih Nortolk are at a complete stand still. The citizens at last realize the fact that Uncle Sam has got full possession, and that his ancient bird, the eagle, is not the tyrant secesh represented. Although numbers of the population sneer and scow! at our men, and tho ladies (the few that walk the streets) gather their dross- es when our officors or men pass them, still the general pence | ‘not as bitter as on the day or two following our ‘oceupation, Thisiafternoon General Wool despatched a flag o? truce to Richmond, with despatches to Major Cznoral ‘in Huger, the lato robol command of the Department of Norfolle, Captain James ‘aitlward, Jr., Harbor Master, is the er of ne fiag, and has selected the steamer George W--aington as his flagship. A fow gentlemen as ied him, ams whom were Messrs. Cleveland ‘and Gillespie, of New York, aud William Jonos, son of Major William P. Jones, Provost Marshal of this depart- ment, and two or three others. The purport of the despatches I was unablo to learn, and it would only have ann havactas venture an a ae Pe of trace - we to Fit very close to Richmond, 16 proba- lity is that, owing to the obstrcctions in the rivér brow City Point, tain Millward will have to go by In the Heratp of Sanday, the 4th inst.,appeared a letter from this place, a portion of which reflocted some- what severely on the Tenth regiment. It wag alleged that the guard from that iment had broken into the Ordnance it, sto two barrels of whiskey and become « iutoxicated.”” Upon investigation it was ascertained this regiment had nothing to do with the thoft, and inasmuch as the publication of tho el tay wavo injured them at and in the service, I append a statement made by Captain James H. Briggs, officer of the day, and Lieutenant Charles Hiil, officer of the guard on the day when the allegod thoft was said to have been committed. On the advanco to Norfolk this regiment acted with great spirit, and had there been a battle I have no doubt that they would have reflected credit upon the State they hailfrom. The fol- lowing is Captain Briggs’ statoment:— 70 THE EDITOR OF THR NEW YORK HERALD. Smr—Having noticed in your Sunday's edition ot May4 a tatement under the caption of “A New York iment isgraced,” setting forth that the guard broke in the ord- nanee building in Fort Monto, Va., and stole two barrels of whiskey, upon which the whole’ guard became benatly drunk, Saisee undersigned, as officers of that guard, most Se ly deny the cbarge, and pronounce it false and untrue in each and every particular. Not one man of the guard me was intoxicated, and, a'though the crime was charged to our guard, not the sli; htest evidence was educed during the investigation to prove that even a single member of our it wa engaged or implicated in it. Trusting you will make this correction and remove the stain that bas been ‘upon us, and de a simple act of [ee to the officers and men of our regiment, who desire ny these facts to perpetuate the good nam to obtain a ind hitherto enjoyed, we are, H. BRIGGS, Captaih Tenth re JAMES: ‘gin 4 Fleld Odicer of the Day, Fort Monroe, Vi, Aprit 28, 1962. CHARLES HILL, Lieuienant Co. G, Tenth regiment, Ofiicer of the Guard Sunday, Four Nonvoux, NoRroux, Va., May 13, 1862. Since the advance of the Army of tho Potomac froin Yorktown, The officers aud mon of Genoral MoCiollan have been’ put to considerable annoyance by not re+ ceiving their packages sent by the Ad .ins Express Com- pany. Notwithstanding tho energetic efforts of Mr. Joba D, Sanborn, the éfficient manager at this point, and those of Captain Frank Eddy, at Wea Point, the mail boats steadily refusod to convey tLe freight accumu. lated here. For the benedt of the fricnis and others of tho troops composing the Army of UicPotomac, 1 have boen requested te publish the followirg ordor from Gen. Margy, Chief of General McClellan's sia!f, to Genoral Van Vitet, Quartermastor General, instructing: him to have the freight of the Adams Express Company duly for- warded:— ‘ Heanquantens oF tx Poro:tic, Camp CompenLanp, May 15, 1902. x Virer, Quartermaster:— ‘You Will ive direction to the captains of the at ply between Fortress Monroe and the head- Je army, to receive on board all packages the agent of Adams Express may desire forwarded, directed to the officers and men of this army and the officers of the navy serving in connection with it An agent sf said company will accompany the freight and have {t landed on the arrival of the boat, Very respectfully, your obedien: 7 epee Be MARA INTERESTING FROM NORFOLK. quarters of Our Norfolk Correspondence. Nonvo1x, Va., May 10, 1862, A Further Improvement—More Exctensive Display of the American Plag—Business Prospects, de. ‘The streets yesterday prosonted quite an animated ap- pearance. The people, having acquired more conf donce, turned out very generally to attend the several places of worship, At the Episoopal churches consicle- rable Interest was felt to know how the clergy.non would moot tho exigencies of the timos, Under tho rebel fegime they have been required 40 pray for the “President of the Confederate States, and all |) .0 in authority)? bat yesterday they cut the Gorda) ..ot of thelr ecclesiastical difleulty by omitting the prayer al- together, creating quite a sensation in their cougraga. tions, The wisdom of their course {s approved by all except those who aro deep in the slough of secession. A further improvement in business is to be notloed this morning. Tho stores are open more generaiiy, an although the storekeopers—I am gorry 10 say it—havo but Little in the shape of wares to dispose of, 1 is much to their credit that they are disposed to do the beat they can with what they baye. Several Northern houses have been openod, and, notwithstanding sono people oxpress a decided repugnance to trading with the Yan. keos, they are nevertheless willing to avail themsoly of the moderate prices established by the new dealers, and the latter do a good business. The American flag begins to appear in spots from private dwollings, a few storling Union mon having found their tongtes on Satar- day. The secesh leaders extibit a decidedly abashod appearance. Matters are working admirably under the aiministration of General Vicle, who has really accom. plished wonders in his deiicate position. The American flag has been displayed over the formor residence of Governor Wire, about fourteen miles from thig city. A party of Lioutenant Colonel Jrdge’s envalry scouted out that far ou Saturday might, and on Sunday morning the old flag flaunted the breeze from the top of the old homestead. A Mr, Powell, the manager, and probably part of the family, was not at home, and, from the fact that he is a violout rebel and & man inclfied to moro emphasis than choico in his expressioua, it is thought that if ho should return and find his coun emblem of nationality floating over him some pretty tall specimens of iofty swearing will be beard in that quar. wr. Business in Norfolk may be considered to be fairly on the mend. The influx of Union men has had ite intluence. Cood money begins to be more abundant, and there are evidences of an inereasing healthy tons among the pog- plo, The Provost Marsh vl, Major Richard Nixon, is woll calealated to impress the people favorably, abd give ‘hem assurances that they will be fully protected ju thoie persons and property if they meet him in th proper spirit, Matters on the who! Promising, a PRICE TWO CENTS. NEWS FROM GEN. M’DOWELL’S ARMY. Wasmnatoy, May 20, 1862. A despatch was received to-day from Fredericksburg, dated yesterday. It states that the message brought in by a tlag of truce yesterday, consisted of a requost (hat & Confederate escort be permitted to enter our jines, and accompany the family of Robert E. Scott, lately kijled in General Banks’ Department, from Warrenton to their friends in the Sonth, Another flag of truce came in to-day, escorting a Isdy of Philadelphia, who has been detained in the South since the rebellion. A sergeant was the only officer ac- companying the flag. peserters from the enemy come in at the rato of three or four a night, but their reports concerning the rebel forces in our front are for the most part contra- dictory. Secreted property is found daily in Fredericksburg, a large number of insulators having to-day boen brought to light from an old cellar, where they hat them hid immediately after thotr yemoval from the poles by the rebels. The Union sentiment is evidently on the increase in this vicinity, the very good conduct of the troops and gentlemanly deportment of officcrs having completely won over tho inhabitants, and overcome their deep rooted prajudices. Several now stores have been oyonad in Fredorieksburg,and the city 43 already brisk with trade. NEWS FROM GENERAL BANKS’ CORPS, Formation of Rebc! Cavalry Guerilla Bands. Srrasnune, Va., May 19, 1942. Itis currently reported and croditel in military circles that 2,900 rebel cavalry, attached to diilvrentcommands, have been disbanded and formed into guoril!a bands, occupying the various mountain rayges and fastnessea. Colonel Geary, a few days since, learned that these bauds were in acave five miles from Rectortown, and made &rrangewents to surround and capture thom, On reach- ing the cave he ascertiined they had vacated it the pra- vious day. Forty men end horses had evidently been thero some time, tho former living samptuously, judging from tho empty bottles, boxes, caus, &c. It is probable they were a portion of th force which captured Geary'a guard train, near Loudon, layt week, aud retreated to- wards Warrenton on Goneral Shields’ approach. Col. Geary has been ordered to report to Gen. Banks in future. Ho has besn relieved from guarding the lower portion of the Manassas road, which duty he performed for several woeks to the extent of fifty miles of the Blue Ridge and adjacent ranges and spurs, which are infested with bands of guerilias who watch every opportunity to shoot and capture our pickots and foraging parties. Their familiarity with the mountain deflles and passes enables them to elude pursuit. Srraspcra, Va., May 20, 1862. Last night guerillas came down upon our pickets at the bridge west of Thoroughfare, killed ong and took two prisoners. They belonged to the First battalion Michi- gan cavalry, commanded by Major Arnold. IMPORTANT FROM MISSOURI. Mass Convention of the Friends of the President’s Emancipation Policy. Br. Louis, May 20, 1862. A mass convention of the friends of the administra- tion and those favorable to emancipation of the slaves of Missouri, under the plan submitted to Congress by the President, has been called to meet at Jefferson City, June 16, to nominate State officers. INTERESTING FROM TENNESSEE. Our Nashville Correspondence. NasHvitte, May 14, 1862. Arrest of Ea-Gevernor Neill S. Brown—Other Important Arresis of Diswnionists—Tennessee Men for the Union— Capture of Some of Morgan’s Men—He Swears to Recap- ture Them—Hunisville Safe and Quid—Pursuit of Mor- gan and His Band—Resumption of Mail Communica - tion—Gleams of Union Sunshine, dc. , &e., de. ExGovernor Noill 8. Brown was arrested in thia city to-day by order of Governor Johnson. He is on parole for s few days, in order to allow him timo to makdé ar- rangements for hig removal North. From present ap- pearances more Southerners of distinction will visit the North this summer than did the last. Governor Brown has not taken an active part in favor of the secessionists ‘since the Union troops arrived, but was one of the Mili- tary Board when secesh prevailed hero. ‘The motto of the Union men in Tennessee is now, « Who js not for us is against us,” and they are acting accordingly. A quiet but irrosistible revolution is going on in tho State, notwithstanding the Morgan raids, Mr. John W. Childers, of Murfreesboro, brother of Mra. ex President Polk, of this city, has been arrested by order of Governor Johnson. Soveral other S:ate prisoners from the same region hav@recently arrived here anit been placed in charge of Provost Marshal Matthews. The arrost of ng encouraging the depredations of marauding bands Will be prosecuted with vigor. It is neck or nothingnow etween redel and Union. ne arrest of Mr. rs, brother of Mre. J. K. Polk, om in-law. Lawyer Avant, with other j allompt to aseasst: Provost Marshal of the town, r William Wallace left Inst evening for Louisville, having om board i43 5 Liantenant Colonel Wood, Morgan’ and other officers, eantures neral Dumont at Leba: non inthe tate ft ‘The prisoners are under the charge 0 C: soning, Company K, Ohio Fify-f da detachment from the saw regimont, with her of conyalescents. Rey wore enrront that tempt would be made to captn'e the boat on her y down the Cumberiand river by Morgan and ints aon, Me gan has sworn that he would rescue his con.) 8 if he went to hell for it. There is no account of his *¢-ess by latest information. ‘We have accounts from Huntsville up to bast Sunday, ‘yibing was reported quiet, ‘The report thet the rebels is not confirmed, to obtain reliable in- vain John 1. when e' Mitchel was surrounded b; Nashville is a poor twliigonce of any movemonts; amd tt is un- safe toeuse it after it is obtained, Mail com- munications betwoon this point and the North are as yet of a somewhat uncertain character, consequent upon the colority of the operations of John Morgan. ‘The Union cavalry are in pursuit of Morgan and his band. The maranders witthardly escape, Gen. Dumont wes asked by one of the cavalry oificers, who was or- dere | ta puraue Morgan, how loag he should continuo the ch: “Until the flery lake freezes ovor,’’ replied the General. Mail communications will be opened in a few days to several points in the interior of Tennessee. A gloam of Union sunshine came from Camborland Gap to Jay. Wo shall soon hayo cheering intelligence from Fact Tennessee. God apeed it. The wouther is oppressively bot. Death of General Wim. H, Keim. Hannisnrmo, May 20, 1962. Genoral Wm. H. Keim died of typhoid fever on Sanda; His retains will be sont to Reading to-morrow, to be in- torred ‘here, Thoy will be accompanied by the heads of the military and civic departments. Arrival of Invalid Soldicrs at Baltimore, Bavrntonm, May 20, 1962 ‘Tho steamor Stato of Maine, with 461 sick soldie mostly cowvalescent and able to travel homewa arrived here this morning. The mep are mostly of N York and Massachusetts regiments. ‘Tho following deaths occurred in tho hospitals hore this morning :-—Wm. H. Fleming, Seventy-fourth Now York, wound@@; John Nanghton, Eleventh Maine, #4 Dexter Traccrse, Kighty-first New York, of typhoidfev _—— The Park Barracks, TO THK RDITOR OF THR HERALD, Tam requested by the Ladies’ Retief Association of | Park Barracks to say to the charitable public that tt have at proaont no need of jellies, sweetmeats, banda, or lint. On the other hand, shoes, shirts, flannel dre ers and undershirte, stockings, and clothing genera! ‘wines, liquors and cordials are always in demand, « will always bo gratefully received. Money also is neod«! Pormit me further to say, that the experience o past Week has demonstrated the necessity of entru the personal care vf the soldiers solely to the led the association, This, though it may at first see racions, is the only course which ean at once? fiom tho proper care, avd prevent them from inju:y the part of those whose sympathies overcome mente. Ju It is Impossible to permit access to the barracks Bolter are there, to those guided by mere cu: io A poirerh lesire to make themselves usoful, Port * their friends will ree tve plication at the south ent GEORGE BLISS, J Colonel Commanding Dopot of V ARRIVAL OF THE STEAMER RHODE ISLAND Interesting News from New Orleang and the Gulf Coast. Satisfactory Condition of Af- fairs at New Orleans. Particulars of the Evacuation of Pensacola by the Rebels. Return of Captain Porter’s Miortar Pleet to Ship Island, Ken, Forrness Mownow, May 20, 1862, ‘Tho United States cespntch stexmer Rhode Island, Captain Trenchard, arrived here his mormng with the maits and dates from New Orleans to the 8th, Southwest Pass to the 9th, Ship Island to the 20th, Pensneola to the 1th, Key West to the 14th and Port Royal to the 18tb. Among the passengers from New Urlcans are Colonel Demming, of tho Twolfth Conneeticnt, bearer of dis patches from General Butler; Captain Albert N. Smiths late of the gunboat Wissahicken,and A. G. Hills, corre. spondent of the Boston Journal; also betweon &e., &e. forty and fifty passengers, naval officers cap" tured on tho Mississippi below New Orleaus, Among them are several licutovants of our navy, including J. K, Mitche!l, commanding tho reba, naval forces on the Mississippi; J. W. Wiikineon, second in command on board the Louisiana; Beverly Kannon, 0 tne Governor Moore, destroyed, and A. F. Warloy, com! manding theram Manassas. On the passiige the passen. gers were obliged to take their turn doing guard duty over the prisoners. The news from New Orleans is not of special interest. General Butler commenced Janding on the Ist of May, established his headquarters at the Custom House, took possession of the City Hall, Mint, &c., and compelied the St. Charles Hotel, which was closed, to open for the accommodation of himself and staff. A conference had been had between General But- ler and the authorities of the city, with Pierre Soule. ‘The proclamation was discussed and modified in some particulars as an act of humanity to the suff-ring inhab- itants. The boats and railroads were allowed to bring supplies to the city, Negotiation for Confederate scrip is forbidden, but other species of currency in circulation fa allowed, The newspapers continue their publication. ‘The Delta was suppressed for refusing to publish the pro- clamation, but subsequently allowed to go on. Algiers hag been occupied by our forces, and Forts Jackson and St. Philip are garrisoned by our troops from Ship Island. ‘Tho Opelousas and Jackson Railroad was taken posses- sion of and all the approaches to the city cut off. Gon. Phelps had advanced fo Carrollton, five miles up the river, and occupied the place. There was very little public demonstration of Union fecling in consequence.f the uncertainty in reference to the future, @ great want of confidence prevailing; but under the firm course of Gen. Butler, business ia slowly reviving. The city is gradually becoming quiet, and affairs genorally aro perfectly satisfactory. It is stated that Porter's mortar flect had been off ~ Mobile and in the bay, and soundings had been made in the channel. On the 7th the fleet was fired on while en- gaged in this work by Fort Morgan; but no reply was given, The fleet afterwaras returned toShip Island. On the night of the 9th the enemy evacuated Pensa- cola and set fire to the forts, navy yard, barracks and marine hospital. Goneral Arnold commenced & bombardment when the destruction of property was bogun, with the hope of saving @ porticn of the forts and property. The steamers Bradford and Neaffie wore burned. , Fort McRae, the hospital and navy yard were destroyed. The barracks were saved, as were also the foundry and blacksmith's shop in the navy yard. The city and forte had been cecupied by General Jones with three thousand troope. Gen. Arnold was to establish his headquarters in the city om the 12th, and occupy the city with twelve hundred men. Thore is nothing of importance from Key West or Port Royal. Some few days ago the gunboat Wamsutta lest two men in a skirmish in Warsaw Sound. Our Ship Island Correspondence. Sur Isuanp, Miss., April 25, 1962. The Military at Ship Island—Escape of Two Refugees from Mobile--Their Stalement—State of Peeling at Mobile. ‘There is nothing of special interest occurring at Ship Islaud. Acting Brigadior General Shepley, who is in com* mand of the post, is displaying wonderful capacitics for reducing confusior@™o order. He has already imparted effective method to every department on the is:and, and matters here are moving with a smoothness and onergy ‘as novel as they are encouraging. The various regiments hore are improving thelr time by thorough drill, and have attained a prificieney which will be found most credita- ble when they are called into action. All are impatient to soe active service and chafe sorely at being left behind on this barren island, ™ Gouerai Shepley is exceedingly anxious to take the field, and ig much more ambitious to win laurels in the faco of the. enemy than to acquire a reputation for distinguished businoss or executive qualities, The news from the Mis- sissippi river was received by tho soldiers at Ship Island with the utmost joy and enthusiasi ‘The sloop-of-war Preble arrived here from Mobilo bay had escaped from Oue of the:n ise esterday. Sh two refugees, w! jobile in the schooner H. C. Files. German named H. Hofheimer, and tho other a Frenchman namod Joseph Tassieroire. The Fréenobman had pase- ports from the French Oonsul at Mobile, aud ‘expected to go North from Havana, if tho Files succeeded in reaching that place. Mr. Hofheimer belongs in New York, but sponds his wintere in Mobile, being engaged there in the furnitare busipess. He bad for along time been watehing for an opportunity to escaye, and learning that the schooner Mics was going to at'empt to run the biockade, he persuaded the captain to let him conceal hineelf cn the vessel, in the of cither getting to Havana or being captured by blockading vessels, ‘The schooner Files was loaded with two hundred and fifty bales of cotton, and was bound for Havana. Sho left Fort Morgan on the evening of tho 20th, and was captured the apg: ie gimbout \anawha, ant Commanding J. C. Feibeger. Mr. Horheimer brought nows of ths terrible battle at Shitoh, between Generals Grant and beaut and also ‘of the capture of Fort Pulaski. He says he saw nearly three thovsand Union prisoners brought into Mobilé, among whom was General Prentiss, is vory evident from Mr. Hofheimor's account, and the extracts from Mobile papers that he brought, that the revels wore badly whipped on tho seoond day of che battle of Shiloh, ‘Tho rebels are rejoicing over the tmprobab!e etory that at that batile twonty thousand federal soldiers, tneludin, four generals, and # long list of fel! officers, were kill and wounded, Mr. Hofheimer also