The New York Herald Newspaper, May 23, 1862, Page 1

HE NEW YORK HERALD. = WHOLE NO. 9386. IMPORTANT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI. Fort Wright Evacuated by the Rebels. Retreat of the Enemy to Fort Randolph. The Rebel Gunboats Gone Down the River. ” Arrival of the Union Fleet at Vicksburg. i Departure of the Squadron for Memphis, &e., &c., &c. Forr Wricut, May 21, 1862. Fort Wright, or Fort Pillow, has been evacuated by the robels. ‘The enemy has retreated to Fort Randolph, twelve mailes below, on the Mississippi river. On Monday last a flag of truce was sent from the Union fictillato Fort Wright, when the fact was first ascer- tained that the works had been desorted. No person was found in the fort, and none of the one- ™my’s gunboats were in sight. 7% The rebels came up with a whit@ flag; but no explana. ‘tious were given for their cours.’ Capt. Davis has not yet occupied the fort. Camo, May 21, 1862. An arrival from the fleet on Monday states that a flag of truce went around Craighead Point for the purpose of exchanging releaged prisoners, in accordance with an arrangement made some weeks since, After waiting some hours the flag returned without being ‘met by: sho rebels. Late in the afternoon one of their boats: upand effected an exchange. It is believed among the officers of the army that the rebels have ovacuated Fort Wright and fallen back on Fort Randolph, as no rebel gunboats could be seen around the Point. A reconnoissance in force, sent down by Com. Davis to ascertain the position of the enemy, had uot returned ‘when the boas left. Ps 2s yon. t s of the 17th instant apnounce the Of the federal fleet a6 Vicksburg, which had met no suecessful resistance. "oer ‘Adatbs is’ one hundred miles below Vicksbarg, and the presumption is that a ‘fight bad taken place. Camo, May 22, 1862. ‘The steamer De Soto, from the flotilla, has arrived, bat Drings no additional news. A ting of truce came up yes- terday from the rebel fect, and returned, but came up a second time. The object of this mission was not ascer- tained... The opinion still prevails that Fort Wright is evacuated. Deserters who came aboard the Benton on Tuesday re- Ported that Commodore: Farragut’s fleot left Vicksburg on Saturday last, thoir destination being Memphis. ‘The captains of the steamers plying between hero and ‘the flotilla report that thore are over a thousand refugees Delow New Madrid, and that the banks of the river are Mined with them, begging to be taken aboard and carried Morth. 4 Curcaco, May 22, 1862. Aspecial despatch, dated Fort Wright, 20th instant, * From indications made apparent yesterday, it js clearly Gvitient that the enemy have evacuated Fort Wright and fallen back on Fort Randolph, a strong forti- Beation onghe Second Chickasaw Blulff, twelve miles be- Jow their former position. Officers of the flotilla who went down tho rivor yoster- @ay with a fiag of truce returned with the intelligonce ‘that neither troops nor gunboats were visible; that Fort Wright and as far below as the cyo could reach were de- sorted. Towards evening the rebe! craft came up with a flag Of truce and exchanged prisoners. No-explanation ‘was offered as to why our flag was not answored in the ‘Taking all thecircumstances into consideration, thero fs not the least doubt that the rebels have left Fort Wright, and in their new position cau maintain a more thorough defence, aud be less exposod to the fire of our mortars. Wasuixcton , May 22, 1862, Advices received here, under the date of Cairo, Muy 21, from the tlotilla, aunounce the probabie evacuation of Fort Pillow. ‘The steamer Konnett, which wont down with a flag of truce, with a number of prisoners 4o be exchanged, re- turned to tho flotilia without secing any signs of life at the fort or as far as could be seen below. The goneral impression is that the enemy has fallen back on Fort Randolph, twelve miles below. Two hours after the Kennett returned a rebel steamer, with = flag of truce, came up from below, tuok off the prisoners from the Kennett, and steamed down the river, Memphis papers of tho 17th inst, announce the federal fect, under Commodore Farragut, opposite Vicksburg. Commodore Foote’s Reply to the Invita- tion to Visit New York. ‘The committee appointed at the meeting of the New Englanders, held at the Fifth Avenue Hotel on May 16, Bive received the following answer to the invitation #iven through them to Commodore Foote. It is hoped that the circumstances mentioned wil! pot long prevont his making the desired visit — CimvELany, May 19, 1862. GmwrLeMEN—Your commubication of the 16th instant, informing we of tho devire of the citizens of New Kay- land residout in the city of New York to express in some suitebie manner acceptable to myself their estimate of my character asa man.and of my achievements in the public service, has been received. Charged with great and responsible duties, and onvi- roned with difficulties which at times seemed insur- mountable, especially without the ald of the great Dis- of alleyents,] went as i bumblyand confidenviy 9 toHim;and in His strength my efforts, nobly se- eonded by my brave comrades in the flotilla, have thas far boon comparatively successful. Forced away temporarily irom my command, by digvnse resulting trom my wound received at Fort Doueison, and considered by the surgeons not only as im- Wat impairing, tor the time, my led, by the considerate kindners of the vy, 10 be here with my brothers, in a secluded part of city, where all that kind atteu- tions and goad nursing can accomplish for the carliest ible restoration of my health will be done, so far as ‘twenable ane to rejoin our brave ofcers and men, in bat- tling for the continued success of our arins im sustaining the supreinacy of the Union. I trust, therefore, that you, and those whom you Teprerout, will see that | cannot consistently, as] am unavle physically, visit New York at the prescut time, and { tuko the liberty to enclose you eopicn of betweon myself and the citisens of ing St a part of the communication, which that until such time as my health greatly roves, and Iny present mission is accom. lished, Id be compelled to decline your flattering Ronee, even were | now in your city. Permit me personally to add that your kind invitation posses. culiar inveerst and value to me, conveying, as it dow approbation of my own New |— the of that noble body of men who gave to the world the first true ideas of civil and religious liberty, end who have conferred innumerable blessings upon our @ommion country, by their rich contributions to science, literature, arts, commerce and agriculture, and in this wicked rebellion have so nobiy vindi ber oariier deads of valor in battling Cor the right. Ihave the honor to be, vory iniag a bas obe- dient servant, " q Messrs. B. W. Bonney (Chairman), Charles Gould, Boswell D. Hitehoock, Prosper M. Wetmero, Samuel Os- Goverament Stores Captaced by Gue- villas. | Rota, Mo., May 20, 1862, ‘A Wain of seventeen wagons, ladon with government stores, which left bere on Monday, was overtaken to-day, @ben about twenty miles cut on tho Springfold road, by aband of rebel guerillas, who burved the wagons and thetr contents and curried oT 61! the toules, eighty-six in aumber, é | the War NEWS FROM THE PENINSULA. Progress of the Advance Towards the Rebel Capital. Heavy Firing in the Direction of James River. Probable Battle Between the Gunboats and Rebel Batteries, we, Ae —— HeadQuarrans, ARMY OF THE PoToma0, May 21—P. M. ‘The encampment of the advance of the army, under General Stoneman, is still at Gain’s Mills, eight miles and @ half from Richmond, and one anda haif from the Chickahominy creek. The pickets of the rebels occupy the bank on one side and those of the Union on the other. General Stoneman, in company with Professor Lowe, made a balloon reconnoissance this morning from Gain’s Mills, and reached an altitude of five hundred feet. From their position an admirable view was had of Richmond and the surrounding country with a glass. ‘The camps of the cnemy within the limits of the cor- yoration were seen; also the arrival and departure of the railway trains on the road between New Br‘'dge and Richmond, Very few troops were visible ; but to the Jett of the city, on the line of the mail coach road lead- ing vo Bottom’s Bridge, a large number of troops were seen. i smoke from numerous camp fires was seen coming fromthe woods in front, showing that they were occu- pied by a large force of the enemy. Heavy firing was heard yesterday afternoon and this morning to the left of Richmond, which was probably caused by our gunboats endeavoring to force their way up the James riyer. ‘The weather is warm and pleasant during the day, with heavy dews at night, The health of the troops continues remarkably good. Two ratious of whiskey and quinine are now daily issued. REBEL ACCOUNTS FROM RICHMOND. The River Advance on Richmond. {From the Petersburg Express, May 14. Edmund Ruffin, Esq., of Prince George, has just sent us the following notice of the movements of the foderal flotilla on James river. &e., de. May 18—8 A. M. Five steamers are now (3 A. M.) slowly passing up the river by Berkley wharf. ‘our ure large, and one sits very low in the water, supposed to be the Monitor. Tho atmoephere is hazy, so that we cannot distinguish their tags, though they are fying. i smail boats of the steamers, five in number, are now sounding the channel over Harrison’s Bar. Harrison’s Bar is six miles below City Point, and at high tide vessels drawings fifteen fect can pass over. It having been ascertained that the fleet could easily get over, the vessels camo directly up, heading for City Point. Our pickets at the Point, perceiving the intentions and nearness of the gunboats, fired the depots and ware- houses at the Point, and left on an engine for this city Several hundred hogsheads of tobacco and many other valuables were consumed. An engine was sent down about three P.M. for the purpege of reconnoitering, and it was disoovercd that the Hessians had landed, but in what force could not be as- certained. They also had out their pickets in the direc- tion of Petcreburg a distance of two miles. We do not believe that these Yankee thieves contem- plate anything more this trip than a general reconnvis- sanco; but should they see enough to justify a favorable report, the inland cities of Petersburg and Richmond may prepare themselves for another visit at an early day. . Alarm in Richmond. [From the Richmond Dispatch, May 16.) y ‘The proximity of the gunboats of the euciny to this city places it in very great danger. A few hours wil! test the strength and efficiency of the obstructions placed jo our river to prevent thoir passage. It would be un- profitable and useless. to discuss the sagacity displayed in the selection of the point for the obstruction, and the ingenuity of the obstruction itself; but it may be doubted whether cither would stand agains: a fair criticism. Should the gunboats be resisted, however, that is all wo could expect; no matter what the style of the barrier, nobody can complain. Our news columns give all the intelligence we have from the point assailed, Jt may Le that the barrier will be passed. If 80, we shall have the hated foe here in a brief time. The question arises, shquid only a few gunboats pre- sent themselves, not backed by an army that has tought through our own forces, will the city be surrendered to them? We feo! assured that the people will respond with unanimity ‘No!’ The sentiment, as far 25 we have heard it, is most decided. We kelieve government and people are united on this point. Though there have been gross derelictions with reference to the river defences, the public are not willing to incur the disgrace of submitting to two or three federal gunboats. They will resist «nti? @ demand can be backed by such fores and ein. ances as at least fo wake a surrender an act na: to cimson the cheek with shame. Under any view of sucha fate as the occupation of this city of untarnished fame and generous rovown, by the federal invaders, it will be a painful, a mortifying occurrence; but whenever that event does Occur, let us at Ipast hope that it will carry with it no dishonor for thecommunity. Despairing of Richmond. [¥rom the Charleston Mercury, May 15.] ‘The fate of the capital, though still a mystery tous is provably fazed before those words can meet the eyos of onr readers. ‘Tho telegraph yesterday brought no {dings from Richmond, and wo have nothing later than the brief despatch, dated Tuesday night, announcing that tho enemy's gunboats had ascended the James river ag far as City Point. The subsequent silence may have been accidental, bul i looks ominous. We fear we shall have the same story of New Orleans over gagain, and that we have lost, through imbecility, sloth and delay, what the Grand Army of McClellan could never have won. But we wil! hope for the best. City Point, the head of deep water navigation on the James river, is nearly thirty miles below Richmond. For the past fortnight the work of obstructing the channo; at a point some miles higher upf has been vigorously going on, Upon the eflicacy of the obstructions reets the safety of the city; and before this, we presume, that efficacy haa been put to the test. The fall of Richmond woutd , indeed, be a heavy diow Tt is difficult to estimate the vast quantities of stores and public works which must be destroyed or abandoned in the event of sucha disaster. The caplure of the seat Of government would sadly shake the confidence of Burope in our ability to achieve our indepenaence. Wo see it stated that the unofficial advice given ina fricnily spirit to gentlemen of high prvition by Count Mercier, during his late vivit, was never fo surrender the capital. But, happily, the wealth and the strength of this con- federacy do not reside in ite cities. We have ceased to hope for encouragement or aid from the Powers of Europe; and the rebels of to-day, relying only upon themselves, will yet show to the world that their spirit cannot be broken by reverses, and that they are no degenerate sons of their fathers—the rebels of our first Revolution. Ra! ig of a New iment. Coxconp, N. H., May 22, 1662. In compliance with an order telegraphed from the secre. dary of War, Governor Berry will immediately raise another voluuseer es infantry for active gery ice. The regiment will be cdmmanded by Col. Joseph A. Gilmore, a whose superintendence the regiment will be recruited. Another Vermont Regiment for the War, Boniineton , Vt., May 22, 1862, Goyernor Holbrook , in conformaties with orders from Department, has called for another ent of Sse mentale the Btato. He will be recruited imme auutely. More Troops from Massachusctta. Boetox, May 22, 1862. In response to 9 commimication. from the War Depart. ment, Governor Andi lies ‘hut Massachusetts will promptly contribute aa of the maiditional troops Foquired wo put cown beiion. NEW YORK, FRIDAY, MAY 23, 1862. NEWS FROM GEN. FREMONT’S CORPS. Gallant Action and Defeat of the Rebels, &e. FRanwun, Va., May 21, 1862. Adespatch this morning from Lewisburg, Greenbrier county, states that Colonel Crook, with a strong force of infantry and cavalry and artillery, made a succcasful dazh at tho Central Railroad at the Jackson river depot, driving a large rebel force before him, burning the rail- Toad bridge ten miles from the depot, capturing the noted guerilla, Captain Shriggs, and several men, pass- ing through Covington without resistance, finding rebel despatches in the telegraph office, to the effect that the rebels’ military moyement in Greenbrier and Mercer 2ounties had failed, and that Union sontiment prevailed. Several prominent secessionists were arrested and the whole movement has greatly strengthened the Union cause in these counties. General Cox telegraphs that the engagement, when he Tetook Princeton, Mercer county, was warm, and con- tinued at intervals during the day. We lost about thirty killed and seventy wounded. Prisoners report the exemy’s loss couble or treble thatnumber. Our officers and men behaved admirably. The Capture of Pensacola. [Telegram to the Montgomery Advertiser, May 11. OAKFIELD, Pat left Pensacola at three P.M. this day. Thore was not @ federa! war vossel in the bay. small unarmed schooner lay between the Navy Yard and Fort Pickens. No federal soldier or sailor has landed in Pensacola. ‘Iwo officers from the schooner and one from the Harriet Lane came into the city, and had a conversation with the Mayor, These are all that have landed. On invitation from Commodore Porter, the Mayor went ou board the Harriet Lane. In reply to a question by one who went with the Mayor whether"troops would be stationed in Pensacola, he replied that they had no troops to spare, and if we had any about l’ensacola he would advise send- ing them to Mobile, as they would probably be wanted vely shorily. Porter wass olf Mobile last mght, when, seeing the light from the conflagration at Pensacola, he caine to see what was the matter. {Telegram to the Mobile Register, May, 11.] Penaacoua, May 10, 1862. At tweive o’elock last night the l’engacola Navy Yard and forts were set on fire and destroyed. Fort Pickens, when the enemy discovered what was guing on, opened a furious bombardment, which was kept up during the conflagration, but without doing tO any one at Pensacola, All the public property, excepting the Cus- tom igri ae oye being moved, was burned; but ali movable rate property has been saved. The railroad track leading outof city towards Montgo- ery was tornup this morning. A federal vessel, with fing of truce, came up to the city to-day, demanding its surrender, Mayor Bobe refused to conrply with the de- mand, but stated that all tho military iurces had left und he had no power to oppose the federais. Tne federal officor replied that they would occupy the city te-mor- row, but thatthe inhabitants need not be alarmed, ‘ [From the Mobile Advertiser, May 11.} hig evacuation of Pensacola, tually cousuinmated as our special corresponden e8 Us, has been quictl, going on for & week or two. ome greater portion ar the popaiation of the city of Pensacola, as well as of the settlements aboye, on Blackwater Bay and river, and on Escambia Bay, have jeft their homes and sought the interior with their negioes and such of their movable property as they could transport. These exiles are mostly scattered along the route of the Pensacola and Montgomery road, at Evergreen, Sparta, Greenville, Menigomery and other places, aut are generally more comiurtably quartered than could be expected. The track of the road will be torn up to the point where it is intersected by the Mobile and Great Northern road, and sufficiently remote from the coast to be beyond any pos- siblo danger of the enemy reaching it. The munitions, guns aad other public property have been carefully and effectually removed, and the enemy” fail heir to ® barren aequisition, save that the harbor will be of some value to 48 & Baval rendezvous, and its shores as @ hospital station for fleet and army when Yellow Jack aud other litte ailments incidental to the sojourn of the unaceli At less healthful locali- ties on the Gulf shores, begin their work among the in- vaders, as they assuredly will ere long, United States District Court. Before Judge Betts, IMPORTANT PRIZE OASE—RESTORATION OF THB BRITISH PRI“K STEAMER LABUAN, Mar 21.—This was a motion to vacate the above veseel and cargo for an alleged violation of the blockade of Brownsyille, Texas. ‘The vossel was laden with & cargo consisting of 267 bates of cotton, owned by De Jersey & Co.,of Man- obester, Englatid, and 170 bales, owned by Herman Diaz a Spanish citizen, resident of Brownsville. The vessel was cal at the mouth of the Rio Grande on the Ist of February last by the United States Portsmouth. Tho cinimants contended that voase! was lying at she mouth of the Rio Grando, between the coasts of ‘Mexico and Toxas, and that ber pa; and the circum. ‘stances of the case showed that abe was carrying on a trade with Matatnoros, The government clatmed that the trade with Matamo. ros waa simulated, the actual commerce being carried ‘on wits Brownsville, Texas, which is located atmost im- mediately opposite moros. The case has been on argument for several days, aud was brought to a close thig morning. ‘The Judge rendered an oral opinion, in which he order- ed an immediate restitution of the veave! and cargo, on the groand that they were neutral property, and not taken while in actual violation of the viockade. Tue Judge atzo held that at the time of the seiaure the block. ado of Browne ville was not actually cflective, the United States vessel Laving only arrived on ine day of the sei- mire. The question of costs aud damages for detention, the Judge reserved for farther consideration. Daniel Lord, Larocque & Barlow, and Wright & Merri- hew for claimants, Wm. Mi. Evarts and Stewart L. Woodford for govern- ment. Probable Murder in the Eighth Ward. MAGOK JOHN 8. WATKOUS SHOT IN HIS ROOM BY HS PARTNER, BTC. Between seven and eight o'clock last evening a most remarkab.e case of shooting took place at No. 89 Prince street, which will, no doubt, prove fatal to one ef the parties. lt secms that about half-past six o'clock Mr. James Carson, well kuowa among many of our merebants as @ heavy contractor in the mining business, called at the residence of his partuer, M John 5. Watrous, No. 89 Prince street, and inquired if he was in. Tho servant etated that ho would find Mr. Watrous im the front parlor bedroom, and according!y Mr, Carson repaired to the room, where he was weicomed by the Aw jor, Curson at the time was somewhat wader the influcnce of liquor, and on seating himself in tho room told Major Watrous that be had been drivking considerable during the day. ‘he Major wanted him to lay down on bis bed and take a map, but this Carson refused to do. He, however, laid down on the sofa, and Mr. Watrous, aftr a short time, believing that Carson was asleep, left the room to call x servant, whom he wanted to take a package out for him. On returning to bis room he was saddealy confronted by Carson, who, without saying a word, drew @ pisto: and fired, the contents of the weapon entering bis right side, between the ninth and tenth ribs, Carson, as soon as he tired, walked to the door, passed Out into the hali to the iront door, and went into the street. He was seon to go up Mercer street by ceveral parties with whom he was acquainted, but ag no alarm war given he soon succeeded in making his escape, Wairyrs when shot, walked as far asthe , when be fell, and the inimates of tue house hearing the’ noise came into the room and found him weltering in blood. Dre. Quackenbos and Clark. were immediately caliod im, and it was soon ascertained that Le Wad been fatally wounded, the bali having lodged in the liver, Strauge to say, no, persa heard the repurt of the stot, the heavy fail of the wounded man attracting the attention of the house. ‘the police were immediately made acquainted with thd fact, when Captain Heim, with several of his oifi- cere, proceeded at unce to, if possible, ferret out the whereabouts of perpetrator of the deod. They proceeded to hit residence in Kast Fourteenth Ftrcet, where they arrived just Ave minutes after Carson had Went out. He was seom about ten o'clock at the St. Nicholas Hotel, where, it i said, be inqwired if Wat- rous had been there during the evening. Up toa late hour last night he had, however, net been arrested. Watrous isa man about forty 8 of age, and has two childven residing iu the West. physicians say that in ali probability he will not live til! morning. + Coroner Wildey being senglor immediately repaired to Watrovs’ residence and held an ante-mortem examina- * tion, which is a8 fullows— Joln Stanley Wasrous, be’ sworn, deposed as fol- lows —Mr. James Carson caliel upon me about half-past six o'clock this evening; he came in my room, and [ ‘shovk hands with bim ; he then sat down on the sofa; we tuiked about business, and be said he had been drinking a prem, deal during te day; 1 gat with him whtii he pretended to be asieep; I asked him if ho would lie down upon the bed; be aad no; 1 then went out to get a servant to take a package for me; the servant care to the door and waited outside; all this time Carson preteuded to be asieop ;1 walked around the room carefully, both ovt aud it the room, so as not w disturb him, on my retarn from tie outside hall door, and when clore ‘by the folding door, Mr. Gargon ap{@ared before me alvat once and fired a®pistol witout sayivg & word; he then ran out of the house; there was not an angry word passod between us; we have been on the best of terms: he has lowt a great deal of money in business, and in our connection toge- ther; have been in tae mining business; he attri- butcs the ose An going into the enterprise, and he has said that he woul! not bave 8 justained such a toes had I not got him into the business. The New Orleans Mails. PLankivisa, May 22, 1862. wuer Shwannee salied this morning. with &- sor New Oviouns, She carries no mail, IMPORTANT FROM KEY WEST. Arrival of the Gunboat Mercedita and Armed Ferryboat Somerset. Capture of the Two Anglo-Rebel Steamers Bermuda and Circassian. Value of Their Cargoes Exceeding a Million and a Half of Dollars, &e., &e., &, Our Key West Correspondence. CAPTURE OF THE BERMUDA. \ Kur Waser, May 8, 1862. ‘The arrival of the Mercedita at this port,a few days. since, brings us the gratifying intelligence of her capture of the English-Confederate sjcamer Bermuda, to the northward of the Bahama Banks: The Bermuda had a full cargo of arms and munitions of war. Her manifest, which oecupied some four pages of foolscap paper, 1 saw @ copy of, and the quantity on board a veusel of her ton- nage is really surprising. Besides pistols and cutlasses in apy quantity, there were a number of six and a half and seven and a half inch rifled guns, together with several complete field batteries. Then again there were nearly fifty thousand pounds of powder in barrels, besides cases upon cases of cartridges, fixed ammunition and shells. Among the papers found on board the Bermuda was a camplete code of night signals and sailing directions for entering the harbor of Charleston, both by way of Maf- fit’s and the main ship channel; also orders from parties in the South for goods to be purchased for them by the Captain of the Bermuda, which goods are now, no doubt, on board the vessel, It is @ most fortunate occurrence that the cargo of the Bermuda has been prevented from reaching Dixie. It ‘would have been invaluable to Rebeldom in their present dilapidated condition, and is worth to us at least one mil. lion of dollars. Too much credit cannot be awarded to Commander Stellwagen and the officers and crew of the Mercedita for having effected this capture. ThgBermuda, by her register, is owned by Frasior, ‘Trevholme & Oo., of Liverpool, a branch of the house of Frasier & Co., of Charleston, 8. C., and her commander ig aCharlestonian, The majority of the officers and crew of the Bermuda are here on board of the Mercedita. ‘What disposition isto be made of them I donot yet learn, no of her crew has given information that shortly before her capture a secession flag, together with a large number of papers, was thrown overboard by the captain, This fact may have weight in the evidence be- fore the Prize Commissioner. All the other particulars regarding her capture will no doubt be given to the Hera by ‘ts Philadelphia correspondent, as it is to that port that the Bermuda has been sent, in charge of ‘Lieutenant Abbott, of the Mercodita, The Morcedita is now coaling, and will leave ina few days for ber cruis- ing grounds. CAPTURE OF THE STEAMER CIRCASSIAN. ‘While your correspondent was on board the Mercedita asteamer was reported in sight to"the eastward. With the aid of s powerful telescope she was madé out to be a large bark-rigged screw steamer, in tow of one of our armed ferry boats. Various were the conjectures as to what she might be; but all felt confident she was a prize and that the vessel towing her was the Somerset. As goon asshe bad anchored Lieutenant Commanding En- glish, of the Somerset, which vessel the one towing proved to be, came on board the Mercedita to make his report to Commander Stellwagen, the senior naval officer in port. The English steamer proved to be the Circas- “sian, from Bordeaux, via St/Thomas, and purporting to ‘be bound to Havana. She was captured on Stinday after- noon, the 4th inst., about twenty miles to the eastward of Havana, under the following circumstances. The Somerset, as s0on as the Circassian hove in sight, ren down towards her, and, rounding to under her stern, hailed. and requested her to heave to until a boat could be sent alongside. To this request no audible reply was received, the Circassian putting on ee oxy and standing on her course. Captain English a dered « blank cartridge to be fired towards -her, but no notice was taken of it. A shot wasthen fired broad on her quarter; still no notice, A nine-inch shell was then thrown over her, which burst abead of the ship; still she would not heave to. Captain English then ordered the captain of the gun to fire at her masts, which was done, and the shot cut away the slings of her foreyard. Then, and not until then, did Mr. John Bull see fit to round to and state who and whathe was. As soon as she was found to be the Circassian, which versel was known to have loaded in Europe with a cargo for Dixie, Captain English informed her captain that he must be taken intoa United States port to have his case adjudicated. To this the Englishman objected, and made formal protest in writing, ‘but all to no avail. It was the intention of Captain English to send her to Boston, as ordered by the Flag Oticer; but as he could not do so without disabling his own ves- sel he determined to bring her here, and did so, towing her all the distance, x# the Englishman, as goon as taken, disabied the machinery so that it could not bo used. ‘The Circassian is an iron steamer, of about fifteen hun- dred tons, bark rigged, and a very handsome vossel. By her manifest she is loaded with tea, coffee, saltpetro, clothing, blankets, &e., &c.; but we are led to supvose that there are other articles on board of a different cha- racter; for the vessel is very deop—drawing now twenty- one feet of water. The vessel, since her arrival here, has been leaking badly, and it is the general impression that her crew have in some way injured the vessel for the purpose of damaging the cargo as much as possible. Hor crow are still on board. One of them, however, more communicative than the rest, stated thet when the true character of the Somerset ‘was discovered, a large number of papers were thrown overboard, which gives her case a very suspicious character. The capture of the Circassian is a very im- portant affuir, and Captain English is entitled to all praise for effecting it, The cage will undergo here a most thorough examination, and, if there ts ground for it, the Circassian be condemued, giving her owners the opportunity, of course, of appealing to the Supreme Court if they see fit to do so. ‘The capture of the Bermuda and Circassian will en- able the United States courts to ascertain how far Eng. land can yiclate her Majesty’s proclamation of strict neutrality. Wo have suffered enough through the con- nivance of English officials with the rebels, and the fa- cilities with which rebel vessels are placed under the protection of the British flag. It is time it was effectually stopped, aud the cases of the Bermuda and Circassian will afford our government the opportunity of laying before her Majesty's Ministers all the particulars, and demanding that England shall act up to her professions of strict neutrality in every particular. Sovattarel 8 _sveberxsormanhln Wattack’s THeaTre.—Cherry’s pleasing comedy of «Tho Soldier’s Daughter’? was produced last ovening at Wallack’s theatre, with new’ scenery, costumes, and such a cast as one only can enjoy at this popular estab- lishment. The piece, though seldom performed here, may be numbored amongst the best Euglish comedies, and certainly its success last evening warrants its fre- quent repetition. The plot has the very desirable merit of simplicity. Frank Heartall,a young Loudon banker, gay, gene.ous, benevolent, and always getting inio scrapes, falls in love with dirs. Cheerly, a widow pos- sosned of youth, beauty wu fortune. He meets the ob. jest ‘of his passion at the opera, ana foliows her to her use, where, by mistake, he becomes acquainted with Ms. Matiort, an unforvunate lady, whore busband hus met with terrible reverses of fortune, and js almost driven to the pot of desperation, apologizes for the intrusion, and is al to with- daw, Wha Mr. Majfort arrives, aud a series of blunder. ing explanations follow. Frank has an evil genius in one Ferret, who makes ita business to misrepresent youn; Hoartal to his uncle. an unsophisticated, good huinor vid bachelor from India. The play is made up of the plottings of this Ferret, the love scenes between Frank and Mre. Cheerly, aod the misfortunes and jealousies of Malfort. The diaiogue is quite spirited, and some of the situations are extremely ludicrous and comical, Like most pla: the kind all ends well—the hypocrisy of Ferret is exposed. the loyers are made liap)y, and the anger of the jealous Malfortis appeased. Losteras Yous Heartall was admirable, and Hiake in the character f the uncle was in bis glory. Mrs. Hoey’s Wiiow Cheeriy was a most flvished performanco,and the eame may be said of Fivher’s Mr. Malfort aod Mies Foney Mo reut's Mra. Malfort. Ta fnet,the piny was well cast through- Ost, ang went off ju tie asuAi COVpicte style for whieh Ya thoatre has become justly celeb: ated, PRICE TWO CENTS. aaeae NEWS FROM GEN. HALLECK’S ARMY. Defeat of the Continual Skirmishing a Rebels. Huuzox’s Heapquarrens, May 22, 1862. ‘There was considerable skirmishing along our whole line yesterday. In every case the enemy was driven back with a loss of about forty killed and wounded. The enemy’s was about the same. Deserters continue to come in daily in squads, mostly from the Thirteenth Louisiana. Camo, May 22, 1962. Deserters from the rebel camp at Corinth, a week ago, arrived and report that Beauregard had 103,000 men, 30,000 of them being held as a reserve, under Breckin- ridge. ‘The rebels are suffering greatly from sickness, an ave- Tage of 600 daily being sent from camp over the Mem- phis and Charleston Railroad. All the houses along the railroad were used as hospitals. Beauregard is continually among his troops, making them speeches, urging and making évery effort to en- courage them. His troops are subsisting on half ra- tions. Salt beef, of miscrable quality, is issued once a woek. The rifle pits around Corinth command all the ap_ proaches to the Mobile and Ubio road,and are thirteen miles Jong. ‘The rebels are making extraordinary efforts to obtain heavy guns, of which they acknowledge having but a poor supply. Clay King, a noted guerilla chief, had been publicly disgraced from the Southern service, by an order publicly read at dress parade, at Corinth, not long since. THE REBEL ACCOUNTS FROM CORINTH. [Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. t Corina, May rere ‘From every appearance the eventful hour, so long an- ticipated, is at last upon us. The enemy are advancing by five different roads, converging in Corinth, and are probably now within ‘five miles of oar intrenchments. Oar pickets have been drawn in: the entire army is un- der marching orders; a porion are already behind our defences, and the work of preparation is silently pro- gress: ‘The first act in the approaching drama was performed yosterday. ‘The federals, several thousand strong, supported by a heavy body of cavalry and two batteries of artillery, mare a demonstration upon one ot our brigades, under the command of General Marmaduke, stationed on the front, about three-fourths of a mile beyond Farmington. ‘The latter is a small place, northeast of Corinth, distant about four miles. Firing between the pickets com- menced between one and twoo’clock. Our skirmishers were then deployed, and we drove them back. Mean- time the brigade, in pursuance of a preconcerted plan, retired a short distance toa better position, and here the entire force of twenty-five hundred engaged the one- my and maintained a desperate resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. Between five and six o’clock the federals brought up their batteries, and then commenced between the oppos- ing artillery a fierce interchange of shots, which lasted for nearly an hour. Covered by this the enemy made flank movements on right left, and the result wus @ further retreat of our forces through Farmington anu to- wards Corinth. In truth, such was the damaging effect of the shells—and they were thrown with precision—that our men could not wilhsland the storm,and the greater portion of two reaments scatiered in every direction. The remainder of the brigade came in in good order, without any attempt by the enemy at pursuit. Our artillery, which numbered only four pieces, is known as the Swett Battery, of Vickaburg, Mississippi, and gallantly did it maintain its position and return the heavy thunder of the federal guns. Our loss cannot be less than twenty killed and about one hundred wounded. That of the enemy was doubtless greater; in addition to which we captured sixty prison- ers, including a of engineers, a Missourian, from Bt. Louis. They lett for Mobile this morning. * * * From the federal Major I could glean not a word, except that the fight was a ‘‘reconnoissance in force.’? Upon all other topics he was deaf, dumb, iri sistible impregnable. ‘There is little san | however, that the demonstration the design to vccupy our front lines operations, and to enable the enemy to make a heavy flank movement, whieh, from their actions, {a evidently in contemplation. Their present success bas necessitated the concentration out stronger than before. if From variousNorthern accountajI have been led to sup- it we are pose that the federal army would against us 130,000 men. I now have reason to believe it does not number more than 100, the outside. Sickness Northern ingenuity, hundreds are day disabled carried to the rear. Some there are who profess to believe that the fall of New Orleans will cause a c! in the federal pro- gramme, and that their Com -in-Chief will retire towards Memphis without the less of life and the destruction of the army which would result from a gene- rai battle. It is extremely improbable, however, that the Northorn army will now dare to retreat, in the face of the moral sentiment of oat that has urged it op, even though it be to accomplish a bloodless vict in taking possession of Memphis. They have it Dlood, and the cry is “ On to the cotton States.’? llearn from an officer just returned from a reconnois- sance that thefederals are pressing towards our left be Gahan line of the Mobile and Ohio and Mem- pl fee ae gig eometetal het nme raed communtostions. eee being made to in our rear, hem us in, and cut off pani pend} case of d feat. Skirmishing has been going ‘on ail day with smaliarms, uud an occasional di of feid pieces. A decisive bour is undoubtedly at |. The Hine of baitle will probably be not less than seven miles long. (Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. t Conuxti, Miss., May 6, 1862. ‘Two days of rain have thrown a damp: upo. our ex- pectations of a battle. and we now have to wait for warm sunshine, firm ground and dry roads before our anticipations can be tumediatety resumed. Eveu then the silence of the enemy is more provoking than in- spiring, becase of the uncertainty which invests their favure operations. Since the skirmish at Farmingion, reported in iy last, they have been as quict as death, excepting the asual email warfare which takes place be- tween tho a and tt is unknown whether they will fol!ow up this preliminary attack or not, Some affuct to delieve that there will be uo buttic; that the intelligence of the capture of New Orleans will chauge their pro- gramme, and, notwithstanding their close proximity, that they will content themselves with cutting off our supplies between here and Memphis, and, if possible, srike a blow at the Mubilc and Ohio Railroad, and thos also interrupt cur communication with Columbus, Mis. sissippl, which to us is an important post. My own impression—derived from general officers—is, that there will be a fight, and that the delay is iuci- dental entirely to the state of the weather, and the fact that the federals require time to make themselves ac- quainted with our position. With our extended line this cannot be done in less than a week. The reconnotssauce which resulted ir the tight of Saturday was a p rtion of these operations, and the daily advanee of their scouting parties upon our front 1 further proof’ of the correctuess of this view. Another signiticant (act indicative of the intention of the enemy is that for three days they have beon mareing an immense force upon our right flauk,and have by a sudden dash cut off th: Memphis and Charleston Railroad eigh: miles above us, This eveut is comparatively unimportant per se, but it may be made the basis of another foray upon the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, siz or seven miles beyond, the success of which would temporarily produce serious di These movements show that the enemy ure active along our right at least, aud their demonstrations cannot be without some ulterior object. 1am daily expecting similar movements against our left. No fears, however, can reasouabiy be tained us to the result. We bave a force azaply sufficient todefend our entire line, and, thanks be to Providence, the meture of the country is such that*the enemy cannot bring anything like orgamized lorces to bear upou us, They must creep through woods und undergrowth, naturally impaseable to artillery, until their troops are face to face with us, and then we shall have them in our toils. Of open fields there are few or noue, Conse- quently, ‘with all their odds against ue, we are fully their ual. “We have to-day, at headquarters, a draft fer one han- dred thousand dollars on the Confederate government, captured by the federals from the mail, which was toa negro by a federal soldier, aud by the former resold to one of our officers for a few pounds of tobacco. It being unendorsed it was, of course, useless until now, when it has reco full vi Capture of Rebel Army Officers. Inermuson Orrr, May 22, 1862, The following rebel officers have been captured by Brigadicr General Totten, while they were about crossing the Missouri, in the vicinity of this eity:—Lieutenant Colonel McChany, Judge Advocate of the Miwwouri State Guard, and @ member of General Harris’ staff; Lieutenant Colonel Rawlings, commanding » battery in the second division, formerly = paymaster on General Passons’ staf; Lioutenant Colonel Thurmaa, Paymaster of the Fifth Division, and Lieutenant Colonel judge Advocate of ifth Division. These men 74 omissaries tome the rebel army, and were on a mission to stir up rebokion im Missouri. They will soon be sent to St. Lonis and committed to prison, Safety of Colonel Brown. Puapeiema, May 22, 1962. A private letior from Norfolk states that Colonel Prown, of the Twentieth Indiena regiment, hes tarned up safe and sound, ‘the story of his disappearance was # hoax. Congressional Elcction in Ilinots. 40, May v2, 1862, Official footings complete, of the ( ongrossic mal election im tae Ninth disthiet, give W. J. Allen plurality. INTERESTING FROM NEW ORLEANS. NEWS TO MAY 8, INCLUSIVE. Operations of the Department of the Gulf. Military Occupation of the Crescent City. Peaceable Reception of the Union Troops. DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY BY THE REBELS THE REIGN OF TERROR. Gradual Development of Union Sentiment. DECREES OF GENERAL BUTLER. Patriotism and Courage of the Hon. Mr, Bouligny, &e., MPORTANT xK., &. Our New Orleans Correspondence. + New Orueans, May 1, 1962. Union Proops in the Crescent Cily—The Manner im which the Oceupation Was Conduced—General Buler's Order to His Command—Quict Reception of the Troops ly the People—The March of the Military Through the Strects— The Quarters of the Union Troops—Destruction of Property dy the Redels—Desolate Appearance of the City—Condition Of the Rebel Forls—Death by Drowning of Captain Du- rivage, &c., dc. ‘This has been, indeed, a ‘Merrie May Day’ to the troops in Major General Butler's command, This night three regiments of loyal Union troops rest in tho heart of the great commercial metropolis of the South, and thou- sands more of the soldiers of the Union are either iying Just off the lovee, or making their way up the swollen wa- ters of the noble Missiesippi. We left Quarantine (which is about four or five miles above Forts Jackson and St. Philip) in the steam transport Mississippi, Cap- ain Sampson, at about twelve o’clock lust night, and anchored at the levee, mile above the foot of Canal street, at haif-past twelve this afternoon. On board the- Mississippi were General Butler and staff, General Wil- liams and staff, and the Thirty-first Masaachusctts regi- ment, Colonel Gooding. .\fter some hours were spent in conferring with Flag Officer Farragut, and directing othe™ transports arriving with troops as to their future move- ments, General Butler gave the order for debarkation and promulgated the followingjorder to the entire command :— GENERAL ORDERS—NO. 15. ‘HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF Tuk GULF, New Ontxans, May 1, 1862. I..1n anticipation of an immediate discmbarkation of the troops of this command amid the tempiations and inducements of a large city, al! plandering of public or og propels Da eee ee persons is hereby for- Il, No officer or soldier will absent himself from his station without arms or alone upon any pretext whatever. lil. bvecierere og regiments and cumpauies will be eg ely a ag “ay cor Major General BUTLER. ‘The Mississippi was hauled up to one of the wharves on the levee, and at five o’clack P. M. the Thirty-first Masmachusetts regiment commenced landing. Oa our here a crowd bad begun to collect about the piers, +: sntthoarand,of which many were of thesex +.we-tsorter,”? The people woreail very quiet, au. «, ,--Led like curious gazers at some unusaal ad- vent, such as the visit of the Japanese Embassy cr the ar- rival of the Great Eastern. A few boys and some row.iies, whose faces would msure thetn ‘‘ninety.@ays in the pa- rish prison’ in less exciting times, amused thems-ives and their immediate neighbors by venturing the remark — that*‘that Yankee officer, with his good clothes on, hadn't a picayune in his pocket,” or iuforming our sol- diers that their chances of again beholding ths Old Ray State were of the most limited character,and would not be at all augmented by the reception they might expect when they should ‘get up town.” Beyond euch trifling bars to be seen, and I regret to say that the only placo where “ld Glory’? floated was from the top of the Custom Hocse, where it had been raised by our navy. ‘Tho American flag had aiso been raised on the Ui States Mint, but was afterwards hauled down by some graceless rebel “plugs.” ‘Fheir pameés are ail known to the United States commanders, and they will soon find what itis to meddie with the glorious ensign of our great nation. ‘ As the troops commenced landing the wharves were speedily cieared by a line of soldiers, the crowd qaietly falling back before them. The Thirty-first Massachusetts regiment, Gooding, formed into ime on then marched to the Jevee, and to the © rner of De Lord strest, Genorat Gutter, and staf ‘and the regiment, Col. Paine. The process! in the following order:—Major General with a column of the Thirty-first Massach sida, at the right of the line; then the ‘Thirty- rachusetts drum corps ;noxt to them two sections (1 guns) of the Sixth Massachusetts battery, Capt. Evert under the direction of Capt. Kensel, Chief of Artillery then the balance of the Thirty-first; and, finally, Fourth Wi ved i ies the levee to Poydras street, Charles, past the well known Ff hotel Canal street; and down Canal to the Custom rived there, the reciments were formed in aronnd the bafiding, with the open side ‘The gate was obi w be broken in, having been ac: tally lett in the were marched up to the second fioor where they were comfortably quartered apt. Kverett’s four guns were planted in Custom Mouse; and a guard established for Besikios this, the European Brigade (a corps Frenchmen, whose interests are identived pence and goed order of the city, rathef than secessiontsm or Unioniem) are doing city and on the outskirts; but mo dis patod, as General Lovell, with his seven thousand men, has gone to remforce and there are no soldiers here but the mentioned abore, and the rowdies who nave the city lately aro pretty well su] rious to hear the old national airs as our’ through the city; and one would think tion, ufter @ burial of over twelve months in of our land, would appear to our deluded fel sore r H i H fi iu i i i i g fllt al i HH. uid [ g z i alt our soldiers. The ‘was frequently requested “Bali Lenten tenn a ay oye at made some insulting remarks, as the treop: passed the St. Charles Hotci o fceble hiss was up the winaows of that hotel. is mention the excellent bebavior of our front, they marched along with most stolid Inaigoren ce to the jests i : | ilk i ‘ met, his way, &e. Ate to him, Lasked him the rebels. omens