The New York Herald Newspaper, May 24, 1862, Page 7

NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1862.-TRIPLE SHEET. "TNPORTANT FROM THE PENINSULA. The Union Vanguard Within Five Miles of the Rebel Capital. reparations for an Attack on the Enemy. ‘Reported Proposition for an Armistico for Ten Days. ‘Declaration of the Rebel Leaders to “Fight to the Death.” General Beauregatd Reported to Be in Richmond. -Frightful State of Affairs in Richmond and Petersburg, &e., &e. Fortress Moynom, May 22, 1862, ‘The steamer from White House this afternoon brings -@ Dumber of passengers from the headquarters of Gene- sal MoClellan’s army, which were in proximity to Bot- \tom’s Bridge, over which a portion of the army has al- ready passed, the Second division having crossed the “Chickahominy at New Bridge, about seven miles further sup, and within eight miles of Richmond. It was rumored that a proposition for an armistice for ‘ten days had beon made by the rebels; but of course no ‘such idea could be entortained. ‘The advance of our army was understood to be within ‘five miles of the city, to which point the onemy has fall- en back, with but a slight movement to check our on- ‘ward movement. The advance by the way of New Bridge enters the city on the north side, ‘Tho tug Dragon, from tho James river this morning, ‘rings down two very intelligent citizens from Peters- ‘burg, who fled from that city yesterday to avoid tho (Pressgang under the conscription act. In view of the important information which they bring it would not be Proper to make their names public. Having been brought $» Commodore Goldsborough, they were imme- diately sent to Genoral Wool, and will leave this orning for General McClellan’s headquarters, for whom they have somo information which they have not ‘yet made public. They represont tho condition of affairs at Petersburg and the surrounding country as of a most deplorable character. The sufferings of the people are almost beyond endurance. The scarcity of provisions ‘was so great that overything was seized for the army, and even the soldiors have boen on half rations for a ‘week past, with no prospect of even this supply con- tinuing for any groat length of time. The rebel army, or at least a groat portion of it, they represent as demo- alized and dispirited to such an extent that it is only old together by tho most rigorous appliance of military law. Still the work of conscription was progressing, and the roads to Richmond were thronged with unarmed man, old and young, being driven aleng under strongly armed guards. They represent that no people in modern. times have suffered more than the people of Virginia are now suffering, every household being in mourning, with the prospect of an approaching famine. They also state that Genoral Beauregard arrived at Richmond on “Tuesday. On being questioned as to their authority for ‘this statomont, they say that it was so announced and understood st Petersburg on Wodnesday morning, no -one doubting the fact. Jeff. Davis and the military authorities had deciared their intention to fight to the death before Richmond; but ‘strong suspicions were entertained that it was really Ghoir purpese to abandon the city after @ short defence at tho works surrounding it. Large numbers of women and children from Richmond Ahad arrived at Petersburg, who represented the distress ‘Prevailing in the city as beyond description. Threats “wore made by the soldiers from the Guif States that, if ‘they had to leave Richmond, thoy would lay it in ashos ‘Before doing 20, Great foars were entertained that their vthreat, would be carried into offect. It would require the greatest efforts on the part of the citizens to prevent <guch a catastrophe. The number of troopsat Richmond and in the vicinity ‘was generally bolieved to bo fully two hundred thousand, including the unarmed and poorly armed of the recent ‘levies, who were having pikes put into their hands for active service. Desertors from Fort Darling report that the infentry force in the vicinity of the work is nearly thirty thousand men. &e. Wasmixotow, May 23, 1862. ‘Tho latest advicos from the Army of tho Potomac state “that General McClollan had crossed the Chickahominy at Bottom’s Bridge, and that his headquartore are near New Bridge. Preparations for an attack are being made, ADVANCE OF THE GRAND AR Our Army Correspondence. Batimons Cross Roaps, Va., May 17, 1862. ‘Couch's Division in the Advance—A Reconnoissance and Collision—Only Siztecn Milesfrom Richmond, de. Gen. Couch, in obedience to an order to feel the enemy -on the Richmond road, towards Baltimore Cross Roads, Yesterday advanced, with five regiments and two bat- tories, to & point within sixteon miles of Richmond, drove in the enemy's pickets, and routed his rear guard of cavalry. This bold advance was made entirely with- sont lors, aud Couch’s division last night bivouacked near Ealtimore store, in the extreme advance, on the road to Richmond. Orders had been given that groat eau- tion should be observed in the advance, as there was every possibility that the enomy would dis- pute the way and bring ona general action. Every pro- -eaution was therefore taken to make doubly sure the assurance of our entire readiness for any event. Far in advance of the artillery and infantry went a company of the Eighth Miinois cavalry, with all the dash and swag, gor of cavalry everywhere, and that company proved, in reality, to be the sensation organ with which we ‘felt the enemy.” Not the loss admirable, however, wore tho dispositions, behind, of the several regiments, which— alas for the censorship—we cannot name, Wood after wood was passed through with ml proper care. We were evidently across the Dixio threshold, and it became us to be on the alert. We soon found the usual felled trees that indicate the approach to all the enemy's strong places, and presently felt the way into @ magnificent fiold, whore, as we subsequently learned, the rebels had in- tonded to give battle, They give us battle in a fairy copen Held! Of course they thought botter of it, and ‘wore not there. Yo} we did nos know it at the time, and our force was drawl up in tine of battle, ae shown in the diagram, and we waited in momentary anéicipation of their appearance, while the cavalry pnshed on as a further challenge. - Still they came not. Toward noon Licutevant Smith, with a squad of about twonty men of the Eighth Mlinois cavalry) came on a portion of the rebel rear guard near a house At Baltimo ro Cross Roads, and obarged them at once. They ted into tho wood beyond in a hurry; but two were cut off—a private and the adjutant of the regiment. Lioutenamt Smith, ahead of his men, rushed upon the adjutant, who wont around the house, but fired as he went—a noar shot, but just a miss, from our gallant Lioutenant, Smith fired simuitanceusly, and hit the “Tebol’s hore, but not so as to bring him down. During this galant exchange the private rushed upon Smith to divort attention and save his offiecr; but the officer left him, and as Smith’s next barrel cowered him he sur- conderod. From him we learned that his regi- mont was Fitzhugh Lee's (late Stuart's) Virginia gowalry, and formed part of the rebel rear guard. Tho brave young fellow asked if he had not done his duty, and felt proud at Lieutenant Pnith’s acknowledgment that he had. Immodiately after this capture Lieutenant Smith ob. served that the enemy's regimont seemed to bo ona circuit through the woods to his right, and lest they should out him off, as the road thoy were ov camo into the main road behind him, he fell back on the jntontey, ‘This proved to be in the immediate neighborhood of some force of the evemy, and we again anticipated a col- lision; but it came not, and towards night our men wore puched on aud we occupied all the ground that had bean gone over. GENERAL COUCH'S RB)ONNOIS*ANCE AND ADVANCE, (Camp Firresy Mites From Ricumonp, May 19, 1862. Our Onward Movement—Our Army as It Is—The Sick and the Medical Department—Phe State Physicians, &c. Colonel Russell, of Massachusetts, yesterday recon- noitered towards the railroad bridge on the Chicka- hominy with one company, and established satisfac. torily that about one hundred feet of that structure had been burned, and that the remainder—between fiyo and six hundred foct—was in good condition. He was fired upon by the enemy’s skirmishers,on the other sie of the stream, and had one man wounded. At daylight this morning Major Harlow and Captain Holman, of the same regiment, went to Bottom’s Bridge, and found it blown up. We are therefore within twelvo miles of Richmond with an army of oid soldiers; for oid soldiers our men noware. They have acquired, in the few past months of activity, the habits of soldier life more than would seem possible. They can and do make thomselves com- fortable under almost any circumstances, and they stand fire like salamanders. More are ill than ought to bo, than need to be, or than would be, if the medical admin- istration of the army kept pace with the other depart- ments. Thoze who are simply unwell—unfitted by some trivial derangement fora day’s march—are now lost to the army; for they must be sent back long distances to permanent hospitals or to cities, and, im many cases, are well before they reach their destination. Then they are sent on after their regiments, and swell the army of stragglers that now follows the Army of the Potomac all along Ks line of march. We pass comfortable and abandoned houses evyorywhere. Less than twelve yards from where Islept last night—a damp night, with dow heavy as rain—thero lay a soldier on the ground, nearly dead with typhoid fever. Thore was a pleasant and comfortable house with fireplaces within pistol shot. This preten- tious respect for the rights of the inhabitants is a cruel and criminal farce. “Contraband” intelligence represents that there is but a small force of rebels cn the Chickahominy; that they have some artillery, but that Richmond itself is all fortifications. Our division, you may be aware, has been detached from its old command, and is in the advance on the right. Whether this was done because the trqops that our com- manding genoral had trained wore thought the only ones worthy to Jead in any direction, or whether it isa sign that the corps arrangement isto be relinquished, cannot say. General McClellan expressed entire satis- faction with what had been done. Phystejans sent down at State expense to assist in the army aro one of those peculiar humbugs that are the more despicable because they impose upon so good a phase of our common human nature. If the State authorities have some favored doctors whom they want to send upon pleasant excursions at the public expense, wocan’t object; but let them not send them to the army and publish that they do good. They do no good. They come down and run around to see sights, bunt up hand- some operations for practice in gunshot wounds, and go home. The arduous duties of an army surgeon have never yet been lightened by any of these gentry. Texstant’s Station, May 20, 1362. We Move On—A Fine Locality and a Pine Parade—Generay Magruder ¢ Servant—Yorktown Garrisoned, de. The ordor comes tonight for our corps to march in the morning. In conjunction with other troops we are to push further toward Richmond. Whether we shail see a fight before seeing the rebel capital ains to be seen, Cannovading heard an hour before sunset in the direction of the Chickahominy revives hope that some of the enemy till lingering between hore and there, and that a passage at arma with the rebel foe is not alto- gether a forlorn hope. The heavy gun firing is supposed to be an attack on General Stoneman’s cavalry and fly- ing artillery, who aro out in that direction on a rocon- noisance, Our camp ground is @ beautiful one; and were it not for pressing engagoments at Richmond I feel satisted Ybat Genoral McClellan would not ordor such a brief sojourn, We aro completely environed by hills, and the water is most excellent—a feature of camp life that is the moro appreciated and enjoyed from the longth of time the men have been obliged to drink miserable sur- face water. On the highest bill are the headquarters of General McClellan, from whose summit a fine view is had of all tho troops bere. The general who has just assumed command of General Fitz John Porter’s old divi- sion had the entire division out on evening dross parade to-night. A single call of the bugle called each regiment from itscamp. Gonoral McClellan and staff viewed the parade, It was boautiful and imposing sight—tho lines of regimonta covering the plain, 80 many bands playing Inconeort, andthe gleam of the flashing swords and bayonets in the evening sunset. We have long bad the coachman of Jeff. Davis We have now one of the negro servants of General Magruder, The lattor came within our lines tovay. He got disgusted with working for the rebel commander, and thonght ho would try Union service for a chan; ‘Tho bulk of the rebel army, he says, has gonoon to Richmond; but whothor they will stand there or elsewhere, or what they will do, he is unable to give any toformation. According to his story General Magruder is sick, and his troops have gone down James river to City Point to stop our gun- boats. Gon Johnston and the matn boay of the rebel army are in our front, Jel, Davis, he has it, has taken log bail and fled for parts unknown. The Ninoty-third regiment New York Volunteers, has bern sent to garrt. son Yorktown. ‘This is the rozimont whore eolonst ard miajor, it will be Femombored. some time ago fell inte | the clutches of the rebels. Lioutenant Colonel Morris, late of the Seventeenth regiment New York Volunteers, has been appointed to the coloneloy of the regiment. All the members of one of our brigades have been furnished with new “leggins.” This new and tasteful ap- pondage of dress gives an improved appearance to the men. As I close intelligence has come in that our advance has passed Bottom’s Bridge. Batumors Cross Roavs, Va, May 21, 1962. Our Movements Onward—St. Peter’s Church—A Recon notiwsance and a Skirmish—Panic in Richmond éc. In the progress of the march of the army towards Richmond, this corps is now within twenty miles of that city, We are encampod to-day on the spot whero, three days ago, thirty thousand rebel troops lay upon their arms, Their camp fires wore still burning whem our ad., vance came up. They retreated across the Chickahomi- ny over the Long Bridge and Bottom’s Bridge—the former five miles southwest of here, the latter six miles west of this place. I visited yesterday afternoon the venerable St. Peter’s church, two miles northeast of here, and four miles southwest of the White House. It is remarkable as being the church in which Gen. Wash- ington was marri of preservation. In the graveyard attached to it are the tombs of some of the most distinguished personages im early Virginia. Mostof the inscriptions are in Latin, nearly effaced by time. One of them is a wife’s tribute of affection to the memory of a departed husband, the purport of which is the quaint declaration that ‘a small piece of marble cannot contain the record a his many virtues.” One of our generals wont out with a reconnoitering party yesterday to the Long Bridge, over the Chicka- hominy. The cavalry in the advance came up with the rear guard of the enemy, and a little skirmish en- sued, in which no one was hurt on our side. The enemy appear to be insome force on the south side of the Chickahominy. On the way back to camp we fell in with a regular secesh farmer. He was frank and appa- rently honest, and his family lives on his farm, within our lines. He says he has been accustomed togo to Richmond to market every week, and went last week as usual. He describes the excitement, consternation and alarm that prevail there as existing to such an extent as to utterly interrupt business of all kinds. So many families were leaving the city that it seomed to him that tho city was being deserted. He could see no other in- dication of fortificdtions around Richmond than the line of low earthworks within a mile of the city describ- od in my letter of yesterday. Wits Hovsr, May 22, 1862. General Stoneman's Column in Force at New Bridge— ‘The Enemy’s Pickels in Chickahominy Swamp—Thev Are Seen in Force Beyond the Oreck—Probability of a Despe- rate Battle—Richmond Papers of the 19th tnst.—Skér- ‘mishes at the Bridge—Names of the Killed and Wounded, dc., dc, The advance of the grand army now occupies a stretch of country bordering on the Chickahominy swamp, and atan averago distance of ten miles from the city of Richmond. Trode out yesterday to the Union pickets at New Bridgo—or rather$the site of the New Bridge, for the rebels burned it at daylight on Tucsday—and witnessed some brisk skirmishing between the Sixth regiment of @ragoons (regulars) and a force of rebel infantry that fought from their ambush ina swamp. Having re- connoitered through the whole country on this side of the Chickahominy , General Stoneman determined to push to Now Bridge, and determine the character of its de- fences, if apy, and the force of the enemy in the vicinity. Tho iirst brush occurred a¢ an old mill, two miles from the creek, when a dragoon was wounded and his horso shot dead. As ten o’clock on Tuesday 8 force of infantry was sent to reconnoltre, and they penctrated tne woods to the verge of the swamp. Six mounted men were here selected to advance through the swamp by the New Bridge road and discover the whereabouts of the opposing skirmishers. ‘They galloped forward in gallant style, conscious that a moment would seal the fate cf Bome of them. Directly, midway of the reeds and slime, from behind a clump of cedars, a squad of rebels rose up and fired into their faces. Corporal John Venner, of the Sixth cavalry, regulars, Company A, feli dead; James Brennan, Company A, was pierced through the back by & musiset Dall that glanced into his chin, struck out his teeth and cut his lip open; Wm. Dixon, of the same com- pany, was badly wounded, and the horses of two dra- goons killed. The wounded men and the survivors re" treated; but the infantry pressed on, drove out the enemy and recovered the body. Contrabands come through the enemy’s lines from Richmond coustantly,and give much taformation as to the designs, force and spirit of the rebels. Jeff. Davis is still in Richmond. The enemy lie in immense force from the borders of the creek to within three miles of the city. They appear to have no formidable fortifications, but assert that they will so cut up our troops that they will never get across the Chickahominy to return. Great consternation existed in Richmond, and most of the lead- ing peopie had moved back of the city to await the issue of the battle. Curious bandwritings continued to be placed on the doors of the citizens, and the news- papers were calling for tho execution of tho in- cendiaries, The Ezaminer of Monday—of which I he & copy—bitterly assails the administration, and advises Mr. Davis to mount his horse and lead the armies of the confederacy, rather than proclaim frequent fast- ings and days of prayer. Mr. Davis,sayethe Bramiger, has jast been confirmed in the Episcopal church. Our army is again in motion this morning. Cars aro running over # part of the railread betwoen the Pamun- key and Chickahominy, and pontoons, mortars and life- boats are some of the instrumentalities ef death that we ‘see around and about us. The country between head- quarters and New Bridge is woody, well watered, and Drekea into ridges. The roads are good and favorable to the passage of artillery and commissary teams. All facts point to a desperate battle when our troops pass beyond the Chickahominy; thouch the rebels have boasted before that they meant to fight, and bave after wards retreated. Richmond papers of Saturday have been received here» and contain on assurance from Jeff. Davis that Richmond shall not be surrendered without a battle. The Virginia troops, we have reliably ascertained, have determined, if Richmond falls, not to leave their own State. Dissen. sions exist among the border State troops and the troop® from the Gulf States. The latter are accused of having no regard for the interests of Virginia, and a member of the Third South Carolina, as we soe by an order pub- lished in the Dispatch, was recently cnshiered for insult. ing his superior officer—Specification 2. Saying, in an abusivo manner, that Virginians wero more cowardly than the damned Yankees.” Meantime our army is united and confident. Thoir regard for McClellan amounts to positive worship. The General will proceed cautiously, leaving no avenue open to defoat; and I am sure that we shall occupy Richmond before anothér fortnight. The Pamunkey is now filled with shipping, and munitions ef every description are arriving by thousands of tons daily. The army has been rapidly advanced within the past two days. We are on the eve of our greatest struggle. IMPORTANT NEWS FROM RICHMOND. The River Batteries. [From the Richmond Examinor, May 19.) Everything has been quiet at the rivor batteries since Thursday last, the enemy’s gunboats not having made their appearance since the engagemont of that day. It is the opinion of officers of skill who have made a Teconnoissanee at Drury’s Bluff that the position possesses annmber of extraordinary advantages, which make ft tenable against all the enemy's gunboats that can be brought against it, One considerable advantage is that,” owing to the sinuosities of the river and the conformation of the banks, the enemy must find it impossible to ongage the batteries at a distance over six hundred yards, and that, therefore, no foars need be entertained of long range artillery. Wo learn that there is great neod at the batteries of negro labor. There were few negroes employed there yesterday evening, while our soldiers were toiling in lifting heavy timbers and in all sorts of arduous and unsuitablo work. Movements of Gen. Johnston's Division. "(Prom the Richmond Examinor, May 19.) General Johnston's forces have now occupied a line In the vicinity of Riehmond fo a8 to Cover the (river) bat- torios from any land attack. We, of course, do not enter into any details of tho re. cont movement of Genoral Johuston's forces, beyond the general statement that tt Is supposed to have contributed to the safety of the city of Richmond, Everything has been qniet on General Johnston's tine since their recont movement, with the exception of an unimportant cavalry rkirmish at Byttom's Bridge, tn whieh we guilyred no leas, » The edifice is still in a good state; Rebel eee as to the Utility ef Gunbouts in the Attack om Richmond, (From the Richmond Examiner, May 19.) ‘The time has passed when Richmond could be taken by gunboats. Although much work remains to be done ‘on the fortifications to render them secure from land attack and siege operations, it may be regarded as one cortain thing, that the enemy will not ascend the river in vessels. The position of Drury’s Bluff possos a natural strength scarcely to be conceived by those w have not stood upon it. No game of long taw is possible. The turn of the river thas brings the boats in sight is only st hundred yards distant. Tho biuff is a high ridge orcomb, To shell even an uncasemented battery there from any distance would be @ dificult, if not im. possible, operation. The river is not @ hundred yards wide, and the entire banks appear to have been created for tho expross use of sharpshooters. If wa cannot stop the Yankees there we had just as well give up ail idoa of self-defence. But when only three cannon were in position the plioe ‘was too strong for the Galena, the Monitor, and five other crack vessels. None of them were able to test the strength of; the obstructions in the channel, for the Ga- lena alone, the heaviest iron clad vessel of the United States navy. dared to come within two hundred and fifty yards. Here she soon got enough, was helped off by hor comrades, and none of them will be likely to re- occupy her place. Without a landarmy of sufficient force to surround and overcome the Confederate troops who defend tho Place, it is impregnable. Twodeductions may be made from the late affair in the James. First, that gunboats ‘are impotent in rivers with any bluff or bank sufficiontly elevated to throw something like @ vertical fire upon them. Secondly, that Richmond must be considered hereafter as an intorior inland town, not attainable by the naval force of the onemy, to be fought for and de- fonded , lost or won, by the operations of the army alone. Indeed, when the history of this war is reviewed it will be ound that the chief service the enomy has gotten from his gunboats has been to frighten bad officers and worse troops into surrendering positions which they might have continued to hold. Nowhere havothe gun- boats effected either real damage or extensive slaughter. Port Royal was taken by the heaviest ships in the navy coming up in deep water. At Donelson the gunboats were smashed; at Island No. 10 they did no harm: at Drury’s they wore beaten by three guns. Fortunately those guns had the crew of the Merrimac to work them, and not Yahoos, ignorant of discipline and command and miiitary business. Davis Inclines Too Much to Fasting and Prayer to Suit Some of his Subjects. [From the Richmond Examiner, May 19.] ‘The President proclaimed last Friday to be a day of official ppayer and religious ceremony, and it was so ob- served. The departments were closed, and the necessary work of this trying period was brought toa stand still for twenty-four hours. Never has any one year seen so many of these affairs. It is hop:d that the latest is the last- The country has had quite enough of them. Religion is the sentiment of individuals, not a matter of military order or formal injunction ; and though it is well that a govern- ment should pay proper respect to the religious cere- mony, that has been dono and overdone by the confeae- racy. In truth, these devotional proclamations of Mr. Davis have lost all good effect from their ropeti- tion, are regarded by the people as either cant or evi dence of mental weakness, and bave become the topic of reflection ‘with intelligent men. Piety is esti- but energy, tommon sense; impartial justice, courage and industry are also qualities very useful to rulers and to nations. It is to the diligent employment of the faculties God hag given us that we obtain His Dlessing, and not by vain and affected supplications. ‘When we find the President standing in a corner telling ‘his beads, and relying on a miracle to save the country, ‘instead of mounting his horse and putting forth every power of the government to defeat the enemy, the effect is de- pressing in the extreme. When the ship springs aleak the efficient captain does not order all hands to prayers, but to the pumps. The same newspapers that are burdened with the evacuation of Norfolk announce thay + President Davis has just been “confirmed” in the church. Perhaps the authority of an eminent divine in that church may have weight with him. His name was Muhlenburg, and one Sunday in 1774 he closed his last sermon with the words, that there was ‘‘a time for all things; a time to fight, ana that time had now come.” Having pronounced a benotiction, he deliberately pulled off his gown and appeared before his astonished congre- gation in complete uniform. ‘Then, descending the pul- pit, he ordered the drums at the church door to beat for recruits. His regiment was the first erganized for the Continental service; and both hisexample and his doe- trine, that “there is a time for all things,’ may be well recommended for the consideration ef all conside- rate persons. More “Handwriting on the Wall.” DEFACING PPOPERTY. [From the Richmond Examiner, May 19.) The citizens of Richmand hed their patriotism shccked again yesterday morning by treasonable writings ap- pearing on the walls and public places of the city. We are not of those who see in these devices the evidence of the existonce in our miést of a fecling in sympathy with the sentiments therein set forth; but rather look upon it as the malicious work of some lawless characters, who Should be arrested by the police and made to pay for their mischievous doings under the laws, by the imposi- tion of a fine for the defacement of public property. There may be & traitorous design in it, but we do not believe it. Still the thing may work evil by augmenting fo weak minds the excitement which present events naturally excite in all minds. For this reason citizens would be justified {n visiting upon any one found so meanly engaged summary punishment, sudden and se- vere, on tho spot. Let the midnight ‘‘chalkers” look out, whoever they be, whether secret foe in our midst, or mischief makers at large. There is vengeance steep- ing for such, and it may fail when not looked for, Union Prisoners (Civilians) Sent South. {From the Richmond Examiner, May 19.) Gows Sours.—A number of prisoners confined in vari- ous places about town on charges of being spies, traitors» &c., were} last Thursday morning shipped to Sauisbury, North Carolina, Those confined in Henrico county jail, on being taken out preparatory to being sent tothe Southern cars, informed the jailor that it was well they were not left a day longer, as they would in the next twenty-four hours have gotten out, On examina. tion it was found that two of the prisoners—Stan ton and another—bad, with broken pieces of crockery, dug ahole twelve feet deep through the floor of their cell, passing entiroly under the walls of tho jail. At the Provost's office Stanton told Aterander he expecteil to have the pleasure of officiating as Jack Ketch for him in less than @ week. Proceedings of the Virginia Legislature on tho 17th. {From the Richmond Examiner, May 19.) DEFENCE OF RICHMOND. Mr. Wrxwr offered s resolution, as follows:— Resolved, by the General Assombly, That the Governor be, aha ne is h ‘eby, authorized and requested to use such moans as, in his judgment, he may deem necessary to place obstructions in the’ James aud Appomattox rivers, in addition to those in the said rivers, erected by the Confederate government; and that for tho further. anoe of this object he be authorized to impress men and teams, and that this resolution be acted upon without delay. Mr. Axprnsox, of Botetourt, said he thought this move was very impolitic. It was proposed, by this measure, to set our military generals aside, and give General Letcher sway. (Laughter.) He thought this was a high-handea move. A VERY WISE PRECAUTION. ‘The House agreod to a slight amendment of tho Sonate the House bill authorizing a tomporary change in tho ‘government in certain contingencies. "KREPING UP CONFRDERATR NOTES AT PAR. Mr. Omvain offered the following resolution: — Resolved, That the select committes just appointed inquire mto the expediency of reporting @ Dill making it punishable by imprisonment to refuse Confederate notes in payment ‘any extsting debt, ta. 4 for the pur- obase of any articles, and in the ovent of such refusal, petepuing a payment of said debt for —— years, and interost, ‘Bho House then took a recess to await tho roport of the special committee, ‘The House having beon called to order, Mr. Axnersow, of Botetourt, presented the report of the committee, which om: raced the original resolution of Mr. Anderson, and an additional resolution, instructing our Senators and ropresontatives in Congress to endeavor to procure the passage of a bill making Treasury fotes of the Con- fedorate States a logal tonder. Tho resolutions wore passed. Yeas, 41; naya, 24, That Mysterious Visit of the French ‘i Minister. [From the Richimon 1 i Wo Lave some curious and iatucei ev or, May 19.7 & \atolligence with respect to tho late mysterious visit to Richmond of Count Mercier, the French Mintstor at Washington. It appears that,on leaving Richmond, Count Mercier had no sooner reached Norfolk than he committed des- patches addressed to his government to an express steamer iying off Norfolk, by which they were hasti!y couveyed toa war steamer at New York, which was al- ready under steam, and, having been boarded by the express boat, immediately started for Franco. Thesingular expedition of this transaction, and the air of importance given it bya number of circnmstauees, had created immense sensation ir the foreign diplomatic cirele in that city. We are poattively assured that, on the return of Count Morcier to Washington, the British Minister had deputed his Secretary to proceed ingtantly to Annapolis and take asteamer theré for Norfolk, en rou/e to Richmond; and that the Danis® Consul had also suddenly left on x- Pedition to this city. ‘Tho impression was that Count Mercier bad taken an advantage in his mysterious trip to Richmond, of which event the Washington government was wholly unadvised, and had laid the foundation of a treaty between France and the Southern confederacy. On the return of Count Mercier to Washington “he was called upon for an explanation by the federal govern- ment, through the polite medium of an invitation from Mr. Seward to give him an interview, The interview lasted some eight hours. The Count had landed at the navy yard from a French steamer which had her port- holes open. ‘These facts and circumstances are obtained from what is supposed to be an undoubtedly reliable source of in- formation; and we leave our readers to make their owa conjectures, without risking any-of our own, further than the negative opinion that the visit of Count Mercier to Richmond was something more than a diplomatic recon- noissance. Arrival of Rebel Prisoners at Boston. Boston, May 23, 1862. The steamer Rhode Island, which arrived here from New Orleans to-day, brings forty passengers, principally officers of the Confederate navy, captured at New Or- leans. MAILS FOR THE PACIFIC. The Union Advance in Virginia—The Evacuation of Fort Wright—The Latest News from the Armies in the South. west—Development of Union Keeling in North Carolina—The Iinpending At- tack on Mobile—Map of the Scene of Action—Im portant Proclamation of the President—The Latest News, é&c., &e. ‘The mail steamship Ariel, Captain Jones, will leave this port to-day at noon for Aspinwall. ‘The mails for Central America and the South Pacific will close at half-past ten o’clock this morning. Tas New Youre Huxatp—Edition for the Pacific—will be published at half-past nino o’clock this morning Its columns will contain:—The latest advices in re- gard tothe Movements of the Army of Gen. McClellan towards Richmond, Va.; Official Reports of the late ac- tion in James river betweon the Rebel Batteries and the Union Gunboats; An account of the Evacuation of Fort Wright, on the Mississippi, by the Rebels; A statement of the Impending Attack on Mobile by Com. Farragut’s Fleet, and a Description of the City and its Fortifications, accompanied with a Map showing the Scene of Operations; Latest news from the Armios in the Southwest; Interest- ing account of the Development of the Union Feeling in North Carolina, and all important news relative to the Progress of the War during the past week; Important Proclamation from President Lincoln pronouncing the Abolition Order of General Hunter ‘altogether void;” Late and Interesting Intclligonce from Europe, and & record of all the important events of the day. Single cofies, in wrappers, ready for mailing, six cents, OMotal Drawings of the ysteste and Delaware State Lotteries. Keyrocgy. Extra cam 1g1—] 5T, 15, 36. 43, 61, 8, 84, 40 Ed 3357, 37, 18. Druawarg, 233—May 83, 49, 73, 3a 40, 43, 75, AL, 20, 16, 25, 34. Clrsalas oat Wy addressing ag MORRIE & 00. ‘Wilmington. Delaware, or Covingten, Kentucky. Official Drawings of en Edé@y & Co.'s Kentucky and Museau State Lotteries,” * Kenrucuy, Exrua Cisse 3i3—May 23, 44, 70, 24, 3, 53, 1, 59, 43, fort 51, ore i Kg 2M. 21, 66, 15, 78, 43, 40, 19, 22 31, 60, 55, 71. Circumrs sent free of pei a aa oo, Covinzton, Ky., or 8t, Louis, Royal Havana Healt! ob cay Cashed and information furnished by TAYLOR & CO., bankers, 16 Prizes Cashed In = a een Lottes ries. Information given. OSEPH Broker, i Wall sleet room No. 1, New York, aaavs Your Sort, says Goldfinch, and fears the public, when they observe those new Hats of KNOX! street. ‘The peculiar taste exhibited by bat up ® Hat has made him the pio- neer in that business, tovery one has Knox's tye, This accounte (or t e general a order tdadwire al niPnew mee ae ‘ne 8 duck fuck ofe 1e. taller soy ‘Takes the Lead in Fashionable Hats? WHITE, the King of Hatters, Look at his aplendid at; 216 Broadway. Six Fine Shirts = 4.) at MOODY'S, 499 , St. Nicholas Block. Gauze Merino Undershirts, 50 Cents. MOODY'S new store, 09 Broadway, St. Nicholas Block. A Pair of Good Patent Leather Boots for two dotiars, at BARTLETT'S, 872 Grand street, corner of a Brooks’, 575 mete een ge a 150 Falton stree:=The largest assortment of ie and Shoes in the city, for Ladien, Gentlemen, Misra, Boys and Children, at low'prices. Balmoral aud gil other styies in great abun- Dogskin Shoe: d Gaiters,and Every style suitable for summer. eee BROOKS & SON, 434 Broadway, corner of Howard st Dogs Do Ro! Fy to Bark and Bite—But ererybody has been to 808 he at, BARN eeks, and hence the Show © night, tee thean and the Dramatic Performances to-day. Anson’s D: rreotypes, La: Size, for 80 cents. —ANSO! the only plase where you can get f& good old fashione: uerreot) Which can alws Copied. woll, which. ‘not the case. withan am fambrotype or carie de visite, ANSON, 589 Broadway. ‘do Visite, four for $1. ‘Wanted to Buy Out—Some Good Store {ug business, not exceeding $2,060, for which, cash down wilt Bante a ood bargain can Address Cash, Tox 200 ie Be Cartes de Visite for §1, at PB, 0 Greenwich o strect, corner Barclay. Herring’s Patent Champion Fire and orgar root aces, 28 Broadway, corner of Murray street, iew Perego’s New Hosier: ‘au strect, near Fulton, ‘Cool Store is at 85 Nas- ndershirte” at retail, Resort.—Beautifal Scenery, = wo 4 of torest park; free from dust and other jaueos, with fir. class hotel accommoda- tiong, at Round Min alee Cure Northampton jMass, Prices ‘cunsisveut with the times, Keefe’s Pout ae tae and Private Rooms, 0 a street, adjoining BiPformner pice Se bustuaen, ony “teeh Od) Deafness, Impaired signe and Noises in the Head cured by Dr VON EISENBERG, oculist and au- fat, 38 Clinton pl Dr. Ki warranted to Head, Salt Bh disease of th Discovery Is Hala Ringworm, Scald d it, of whaleverastare, Cristadoro’s Hair Dyo, Preservative ane in th iC ‘hol vd Separately eputied thor Anoroue.| "OM ot oe Clash Pear far ecerning a est tying g an autitwing orca it Sul ch Seg a Brondway. Hatr=Ite Discascs, Change of Color. belts it treated carefull; GRAN! Thole embellishment treated garefully by GRANDJEAN, wry’s Tricopherous is vo a and comarca Reputifyin oy pat 3 te nate BW argue Trusece= Maral & Co.'s Radical Care BV peer eirent (under th ou ene . 0} be conuection whatever with any oth : tH Dr. Kinne’s New Truss—Only Perfect Summer and Bathing Truss, ap clean and com. foriable, 206 Broad Hernia Cured by Marsh's Radical Care Truss, A now style anepensory bandages ayd shoulder snow ready: Blaatie Stockings, Kien Cape and AnKtts, inital Supporters. er Ot Vroadway und Amn atcuet; parnum's Mu also 702 Browdway. A fomuic in attendance to wait on lation, Catarrh.<Dr. Goodalors Catarrh Remos Henly gives praw pt reliel, but exit th ive Ol. Depot Jie Bivadwar. Wend slau por vampulyh | 7 R itism, Scrofuln, Old Uleers and all discanee of the Wood —HYATT'S LIFE BALSAM ta ¢ moss certain remedy for these diseases, who sutferias the most torturing palair renember that doses of ‘his powerful, yot plcasant compound, wil afore cortain relief, of cases have been cured ané publahad ta the Harald and ather panes, Tasso onniicsin ary from well known citizens. who can “be seca and coum sulted at any hi Principal depot, 249 Grand strees, Clothes Wringers, Jast 4 tub, oT wrings beautifully, and bs 4 one dollar, Pierre D. Van BPate fe Addres So MISCELLANEOUS. AS hsironr gr WORK OX PHYSIOLOGY, 40—DR Larmout’s Paris, London aud New York Medical Ad Marriage Guide. d by anatoiny hospitals, €e., includia wi altiicling the human turn by (aa guiinent New York physic ‘ve to any address for $1, by Eo WARN ive Anion Hote, oF Rust roc sey Ovlice 647 Broudway, 1 Lat the now store, Twemy-tourit ot: wet, do not delay it dediy the place to buy your Boots rn Ww: T BARKE: Hi N wi Hair Broadway, your Boots and Shoes at the cash store, were are sold at small profits. Cail and be convinced. EO, RE. ot NEB, 37 377 Bowery; a pexbto Fifth street. Tt OIMBRED E's, ALBUMS 5 (TERY, PICTURES}. Arete Wedding Cards, Nove Paper, Monogrene in eres hg LARGE STOCK OF NBW -—. SBCOND HAND hand ot A Recta cea BTODD © RAFFERTY. PURE TOBACCO.—YELLOW BARx TOBACCO.— Bank Tobacco, f1 DVICE.—IF YOU “WANT TO SAVE MONEY, BUY goals Goodwin's Pure Yellow Bank ve from allan, Parisien, for 1 denters, aud at wholesale by Quy Wateratrect. sale oe0. AN Bes gE ‘GOODWIN & BROLHE. NEW GAs a R THE COUNTRY. Toe laa anon prevaren ia furniah thet NEW FATENT GAS _APPARAT COUNTRY RESIDENCES, PULLIC BUILDINGS, fou, at about one-half the oe OF g3y heretofore offered pul The cost of making Gas os this anemry ia reduced is, the same ratio, and the expense of liyhting a private res dence, using the burners, will not exceed thirty cents per week, GEO, H. KITCHEN « CO. . Patentess, 661 Broadway, New York. TIEND TO CURING YOUR RUPTURE.—wH'TR® Patent Lever Truss is alead of all others. Lt wili po aitively cure, tx light, easy and clean, We hav cured ium, dredy that never expected it. The principle and wetion of this Truss di‘fer trom ail eitra, cmale Supporters am Braces unrivalled, Pamvhletaf GREGORY 4 & CO., 25 Bond street, LDECADABRA.—BY WRITING THiS MYSTICAL word people of antiquity souxht to avold the occurrence of many diseases known to moderns as diarrhaa, summes complaints, and otheridsarraugements of the bowels, Lo stead of following this guperstitions formula, we of the present time morely employ the ren. Bitters as 0 anitual beverage. arvicle, which has been employed with success in the Crimea, and ‘against contagious dixc.net in Nortolk a tew years ags raining. the aiiicied ip life, te manufactured in France by Qr. Le Roux, und has raved the lives of many thousands. No man usiig it need ever feat the cholera oF lack vomit, or any other disarrangement ot the human aysten, (It purities the system, and no can work against its efficacy. ve had of 8. STEINFTELD, No. 7) Nassau strect ork. sole agent and importer, and of Mr. C. H. OAKLEY, No. u Park Row, and every reipectable liquor dealer und grocer ts *) PROCLAMATION, 7 tana, (AFTER ABRATAM,) ‘rom the pen of REOWNED GENERAL OF THE MACKEREL BRIGADE, wil easing “Suxpat TABLE TALK if To-morrow's BL Nba 3 MERCURY. Also in the columns of E GREAT SUNDAY NEWSPAPER wil pais iSIVE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT WAR Ni xD WAR CORRESPONDENCR From all the Union armies. tavariauy unucH® SUNDAY MERCURY nvariabiy 004 ATER INTELLIGENCE From ail paris of the world than any ott paper petnted om W. Pies or capetite Greatly exeoods that of those United series than the hi sigecs ay rely follor SE end vin n angers on, who mei we 5 y THE ULATION OF THE SUNDAY ansieeen exceeds by aby thousands of copies the com! all the yr Sunday papers, and it defies all com; cane r+ any and every departine = Roiph EARS WHITE? ‘hen you are white about the ears it the blood is fengeaea in its cirealat be lost. tion. No tii /DRETH’ should be taken at once. This advice may save you s sm rious, perhaps : pis er SECURE NEW STYLE, “BENJANIN BRANDRETH’S PILLS” ‘re many times printed on the libel around the wrapper, t= To imitate which isa felony. Sold - = 4 Union square and at Frank ce Wash rincipal 294 CANAL ST! , Brae ington, D.C. Pi { ett tease, N. N.Y. OURBON WISKEY.—4000 CASES BOURBON AND DP By Whe, rend. for fipment, Ollce and, depet way (formerly 24 Old slip). er ee OYs' CLOTHING, Bolieving their stock tn ths departenent cs be ving the! in decidedly the Joana attention of To their soralen, Bore Spring Sacks, School Attra Dress Sults, 4c. One price, and trow aoduisieie Nos, 121, 128 and 125 Pulwon atte, 214 Broadway,under the Musenm. = AND CANES FOR a MILLION—AB ‘the manufacturer's. PINNELL, No. 2 Gortianse aireet, Cons, BUNIONS, INVERTED bio ENLARGED ndash ag SAGA Sete Miroedeey to physicians aad way. Refers to eons of tae city. De ede en OCHENCK THs, CELEBRATED PAYS. dlisoatewhich ha: Deen long reparded at feeurabie by Uy Sw «been lon as fncural 6 body of physiciums—wll be lu New York -overy Monday, No. wt from 9 A. M. to examine vents. His long ron rave added to bis ‘thorough knowle. the perfection of the instrument which he makes ust liver and etomach. ‘We advil who think they Tay his services ts call on tim, at No. 82 street, New York, on Monday, where he has bis rooms, FASS, FLAGS, FLAGS WHOLESALE AND RETATI ‘at JOHN N. STEARNS’, 0 Cedar street, nearly oppor site othe Post fice, J EOPENING | OF THE PORTS uF NEW omar ADAMS" EXP Riss COMPANY will despatch Expresses daily ily in charge of spectad for Oar fret Be iW rei by eames BLACRSORE, 2 A Jao. 0 be Seiowes mahi Beoanoky h, and ‘Marion Shot shipmenia mauiet be ‘be accom Cymer a by an involes, For ree ee DAMS EXPRESS COMPANY. g== 4@ BROTHER'S NEW TORE — tye ery eo rity, airengihen a Fhe Breats's heatthy appetite dote to change of water and diet, joots of dissipation and Inte hotira, ‘stem and enliven the mind, Y sae aeiaity of the stomachs Bees are dyspepsia and Connie They cure i va Cholera anit Oholera Morbra, They cure Liver Oot int and Ni: They are the best Bitters in the world. ‘They maxe thes Freak man strong, and are exhausted nature's grvai resuarer. They are made of pure St Croix fium,. the esiebrated Cats herbs, and are taken with verage, Hleutarly Freoinmended to Ue #timulant all ‘cons Pe it, DRANG HE FRO LES, PROVISION COMPANY. DEPOT 265 pny bind | Lag Wd betwen Warrem irray, New York. an se Ron ieee ).3 BUCK-LSOAPS, ‘at About one-half ordinary PP. CO.'8 BUCK-I-FLOUR (best In the market), $7 per ir-cured Hamas, &. ; plain, ae shoulders, "90.98 portation Teas and Coffees, 10e. to 260, Live AX pat " with elty and ountey dealers forthe sale of theme goods b ng 2 TOot O.P. are or " horebr alretra BICAeaERe Oo, 61 hereby Higinn, avenne sun ho strcots ak in day (Satirtay). for’ em art ak ‘one esto thin the funeral of Patriarch a geo or. a ill tac NIVERSITY OF NEW XORK, MEDICAL as = The session of 1862-3 wilt U oe. Vaientine Mota Be thor 'D., Professor of *: itr 'D., Protessor ar Sungorta th ren M, D., Professor of Anatomy Jon: ot ete fessor of the Inotiititos and Prnetion ares AF? ATA KET KO RS iO oe AL the mumerons Ioupitte Ae sa ech olqnes in the college “4 pring, smmoe. and, aut & tot present session im ine ters oc Inquiry may be addrensed to Prov