The New York Herald Newspaper, June 5, 1862, Page 5

NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 1862—TRIPLE SHEET. | FE VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH. | ies cm ™™"* Opening of the Battle by Gen’ Fremont, dey &., Our Army Correspondence. Faont Royat, June 2, 1862. Mareh' of Troops from Fredertcksburg to Front Royal— 1 Description of the Village—A Skirmish With the Enemy—Route of the Enemy—Capture of Cannon—A Railroad Accident—Names of Kitied and Wounded, de. Thursday a telegraphic despatch summoned us from the verdant valley of the Mattaponox, and before the ‘haze had lifted from the meadows our gallant boys were Stoadily tramping the hot and dusty road back to Frede- Ticksbnrg, disappointed, but not disheartened. Meeting the stern necessity of a return to Catlett’s, like their wonerals, with the sang froid of veterans, they forgot th® Drilliant hopes whose inspiration had smoothed the ‘weary route towards Richmond, and airy castles, tinged with the coming glory of a bivouack in the rebel capital | ‘vanished with the tents, that lifted as by magic from the broad sunny slopes, while officers and men, with th, @lasticity of youth, turnea to the promise of victory on the Shenandosh. Leaving @ sufficient force at Frede” wicksburg for eitner defensive or offensive operations» wo pushed up the blufls of Falmouth, past the ridge ‘where onr cannon woke the echoes of the hills six weeks before, past the narrow lane where our cavalry broke \wpon the rocklike defence of the enemy, and brave true men went down in the short, fierce struggle of the midnight ambuscade, and out into the dull mo- motony of Yirginia commons. The wheat that hardly brushed the ankles of our skirmishers | as we bore down upon the retreating enemy little more ‘than a month ago, waved in long heaving swells across the fields, and the oaks then bare aad lonely, rustled Pleasantly in the breeze and stretched out over us a wel- ome shade, Catlett’s looked more desolate than ever, and nothing but the expectation of the arrival of the Mains relieved the ennui which bears down like an in- Cubus upon the spirits of every pilgrim to its water soaked and fever breeding flats. i sf Zhe work of embarkation was 8; lily concluded, and away wa gioamod {gy the valley, Via Manassas Junction and theGap, A few miles from the junction, the ruins of the burned camp of the 109th New York regiment disfigure the landscape, A little further on, dismounted “‘quaker” balf hidden in the grass by the side of its hastily improvised carriage, indicates that “ strategy” Delongs not alone to the chivairy. Nearer the riage the barren fields productive only of rambling fern and sassa- fras, merge into grassy meadows and fertile hills until one is lost in admiration of nature’s lavishness with which the slopes of the Bull run mountain have been Dlessed, and which bursts upon the view with more ex- ceeding beauty at every angle of tho road. At Markham ‘Station a small party of us left the train, and pushed on ‘toFront Royal, twelve miles distant, on horseback. As ‘We entered the narrow defile through the Blue Ridge the Gun struggled out from the heavy banks of fog, lighting up tho valleys with indescribable brilliancy; while huge ‘waves of mist, fretted and torn by jagged spurs, drifted across from peak to peak—now rolling down like an avalanche into deep ravines,and then, again, sweeping up theclifs with a steady, onward surge, vanishing Uke a mirage. On the western slope of the ridge he country is even more rugged, and the road ‘Decomes, in many places, unpleasantly precipitous. Bold Dluffs, with ragged crests, shut in the prospect; the mountain streams leap furiously down, as if in test of speed; guiches stretch away from deeper chasms, and massive boulders obstruct the road; while here and ‘there the ancient rocks, piled tier on tier, with rampart, Dastion, scarp and pit, stand out like giant fortresses, guarding the beauty of nature’s treasures garnered ‘among the hills. Just beyond the ridge the heavy boom of cannon came rolling up the valleys, and from a head- land we caught » gifmpse of the smoke drifting off from the mountains of the Shenandoah, while the shocks of artillery beat more rapidly on the morning air. Dashing dows the mountain and through thé romatitic village of Front Royal, which resounded with the rumble of wagons and clatter of hoofs, mingled with the music of the church bells calling to morning serviee, we hasten- ed on towards the scene of conflict, when to our surprise ‘we brought up against our outer pickets, and found that instead of our own column Fremont was upon the ene- my. Abouttwo o’clock P.M. the cannonading ceased, and oar front resting only just beyond the Shenandoah. OneGeneral, with a brigade of cavalry, pushed on to Strasburg, before which he was encamped at two o’clock this morning, the rear guard of Jack’son’s forces occu- pying the place. Hnother General started by rail this morning to make a dash upon Strasburg, but finding the bridge over the Shenandoah partially aestroyed, was compelled to return. But for this barrier the trains ‘would have run up within a short distance of the village, where the troops would have disembarked and doubt- Yess succeeded in capturing the rebels in the place. ‘The bridge will be repaired to-day, and in the mean- time an advance of the Union forces down the valiey will, it ia expected, cempel the enemy to evacuate the place. The little village of Front Royal, which of late bas become so famous, is situated at the western on- trance into Manassas Gap, and consists of two or three ehurches, a few mills, taverns, an apothecary’s es- tablishment and about thir+y residences. It never num- bered over three hundred inhabitants, and is now al- most entirely deserted, save by our soldiers. The rail- way depot was burned by the rebels on Friday last, when they were driven out by Gen. Shields. The village was occupied by the Twelfth Georgia regiment, and was re- taken by the cavalry of Shields’ division, who charged own into the town, chasing the rebels across the She. gandoah and saving all the bridges. One hundred and forty prisoners were tgken and are now confined in the farge new hospital buildings erected last summer by .the rebels. Our forces had eight killed and four wounded, The enemy carried off their own dead and wounded, and we have no means of estimating their loss. Of course Abore was great rejoicing among our own men who were captured by the rebels a few days ago, and our wounded in their own hospital are recovering quite ‘as rapidly as they would have done under rebel nurses. The depot burned by the enemy-last Friday had in it an émmense amount of iron and horse shoes, and one of the cars destroyed was loaded with arms—nothing of them now remaining save bent barrels and dissected decks. The railroad bridge and the turnpike bridge over ‘the north fork of the Shenandoah were fired by Colonel Kenly’s troops and saved by the rebels. Several car Yoads of clothing and equipments left in the retreat of General Banks were removed by the rebels last week; and, when General Shields retook the place, ing was found save two trains of cars and a few wagon loads of &, corn. A magnificent rified 12-pounder steel gan was captured rom the enemy on Saturday, together with 8 number of prisoners and several wagons heavily laden with har- ness. The cannon bears the following iascription:— ‘The prespect of a battle with Jackson is at present ex- seedingly dubious, as be will hardly attempt to withstand sur advance down the valley while the fall of Riehmond ts 90 positively certain, but will continue to fall back ‘antil his base of operations ia no longer in danger. With Fremont and Banks in the mountains, the rebels could en- ertain no hope of recovering their lost ground, and must, with the fall of their capital, evacuate entirely the fertile walley now devastated by their hordes. A serious collision occurred on the Manassas Gap Rail- road yesterday morning, by which one man was killed and forty wounded, of the Second regiment Sharpshoot- ers, Col. Post. The following are their names — KILLED. COMPANY D. 'S. Bartlett. ‘WOUNDED, COMPANY A. Sergeant . Corporal Walker. Private Sexton. = Private Charles. Private Little. Private Hershberger. COMPARY By Private Priv Private Hunt. Sergeant Stevens, Private Chandler, Private Tooker, Private see Cumming, Wilcox. COMPANY By Private smith Private Tirrill. Private Culnor, Private Holtine. Pri Partridge, Several of the wounded having been removed from the hospitals at Rectorstown, their names cannot be obtain- ed. The remains of the person killed were interred by the side of the track, noar the scene of the collision” Great blame is attached to the officcrs in charge of the train, especially the conductor, who, finding his train too heavy to pullup the grade, uncoupled two cars loaded with troops, and left them standing on the track with- out any signals. The engineer of the next train, which followed close behind, could uot see the cars in the darkness, and dashed into them, strewing the track with the wounded and the wreck of cars. A large num- ber of the Colt revolving rifles were demolished, and the etliciency of Company D, by the crippling of menand loss of arms, almost completely destroyed. NEWS FROM GEN. BANKS’ COLUM Marnyssvaa, June 4, 1862. Reliable statements from Strasburg say that Jackson’s whole force, with his train and prisoners, succeeded in passing through towards Newmarket. The firing on Monday was an attack by General Mul- roy on Jackson’s rear guard, at Fisher’s Hill, a strong Strategic point, a mile and a half south of Strasburg. From the best information attainable, the enemy held their ground and resumed their retreat during the night. It is reported that Jackson’s advance guard were in Newmarket on Monday night. Generals Smith and Longstreet were in the Valley with fifteen thousand men; Dut their exact position was unknown. Wituamsrort, May 31, 1862. Great regret and some indignation is felt here that ex. aggerated, unauthorized and unfounded statements of losses of public property gustained by our retroat from Strasburg and Winchester, have found publicity through the papers at a distance, At present the figures cannot ‘be accurately ascertained, but the heaviest losses are known to be very light, compared with the amounts ex- posed to capture or abandonment by such a rapid retreat as it was nocessar, to perform. |... 5 “the Tntelligente cess Re this morning from other points in this military department is calculated to arouse reaction in the corps in anticipation of being shortly able to turn the tide of success against our enemies. It is cenfirmed that our reconnoitering party of last night hold Martinsburg, and that the enemy were too weak t° respond to our shells last night and this morning at Har- per’s Ferry. They have probably thought it wise to ef- fect # hasty retreat southward; and by whichever route they may take, there is no doubt they will meet with an unexpected obstruction. An interesting account is given by Gerald Fitzgerald, attached toa trayelling theatrical company accompany- ing the army. He left Strasburg on Saturday, and con- sequent upon fatigue, slept too late at Winchester on Sunday morning to escape before being cut off by the enemy. Dressed in citizen’s clothes, and being a South- ernor by birth, he readily deceived the rebel officers, and fivally volunteered to drive an ambulance contain- ing the veritable Ashby to Martinsburg, who, in consequence of a wound in the left shoulder, received at Front Royal, found it inconvenient to per- form the journey on horseback. Before leaving Win- chester he observed that our prisoners were generally treated with kindness; hays there was no killing of our sick and wounded,nor, as far as his observation extend- ed, any black flag. On the road near Winchester he noticed a fatigued Union prisoner—too tired to return— struck in the face by the rebel guard, who, irritated at being compelled to abandon the pursuit, cursed his priso™ ner ag a d—d lazy Yaukee. Ashby said but littie along the road, frequently mut- tering to himself. Passing a body in Union uniforms by the roadside, Ashby requested his driver to see if he was alive. Fitzgerald said he was dead. Ashby then ordered him te carry the body into an adjoining field, but in a position where it could be neadily discovered, in order, as he said, to prevent mutilation by animals. Fitzgerald discovered that the deceased belonged to the Tenth Maine regiment. ‘This occurred just in the rear of our retreating army, and amid the noise of cannonading, musketry and dust. According to Fitzgerald’s information Lieutenant Colonel Dushane, of the First Maryland, was killed by a ball through the head on Saturday, at Front Royal. He heard nothing of Colonel Kenley or Colonel Murphy. ‘When the enemy occupied Winchester, in front of one of our hospitals was a pile of boxes of medicines, guarded by a hospital steward. A rebel officer rode up and in- quired of the steward who and what he was. The stew- ard replied, ‘1 am a hospital steward left here in charge of these medicines, &c., for our sick and wounded, know- ing that your army is deficient in these articles.”” “ Take them into the house and remain ther: id the officer, and rode off. Jackson, with kis whole force, pursued our army to Bunker Hill, where, in consequence of the fatigued con- dition of his men, and finding that he could not flank or cut us off, returned to Winchester, first directing Ashby to pursue us with his cavalry and artillery. General Johnston was not at Winchester with Jackson, It is more than probable that he went up the valley to- wards Woodstock, to prevent any advance of our West- ern troops in his rear. ‘The Twenty-second North Carolina regiment, which was nearly annihilated by onnelly’s brigade, near Win. chester, had received no clothes or pay since they were mustered into the service. They were almost destitute and looked much like an organized eet of ragamuffins. Captain Sheets, the late guerilla, was killed at Buck" ton station, between Front Royal and Strasburg. After Ashby took command of the cavalry brigade Sheets ‘was appointed to command Ashby’s original regiment. Another captain in the same regiment was also shot dead there. At the depot at Winchester the rebels found some tin ‘Doxes with an elegant illuminated representation of a peach on the cover, and’ labeled French peaches. An officer broke into one and discovered it contained pad whiskey ‘What won’t these d——-n Yankees invent next?” was bis remark. After rematming in Martinsburg tif Friday, Fitzgerald found his way to this place. Captain Abert, of the United States Topographical Engineers, was cut off near Middletown, and after four days Low nd Lee arrived here, by way of Hanoock, wi ‘ol DeForrest and Captains Hampton and Collis: with their com Nine rebel prisouars of war, captured this morning by our cavalry, have just been brought into town. Some indignation was exhibited by our soldiers and Union citizens as the prisoners appeared, but all demon- strations of disrespect psd appressed by Gen. Hatch. Dr, Kline, « su Brocken! s rebel battery, who was capt on Saturday, has been paroied, and ordered to report at Washington. He is from Loudou county, near Bnickersville. ‘The full list of killed, wounded and missing are com- pleted with some few exceptions. Considering all the circumstances, and the disorganization attendant on the retreat, great credit ao Assistant Adjutant General Wilkins, of General William sta, ag well as the brigade and regimental‘officers. General Williams’ official re- port will be shortly completed. The Baltimore and Ohio Ratiroad. Bastmons, June 4, 1862. ‘The entire ronte of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ia now epen, and the large federal force south of the line insures, it is believed, perfect safety. The road is also open to Winchester. Assurances are given from Wash- ington that tho most fall and permanent protection may in future be relied upon. Board of Education. APPROPRIATIONS FOR NEW SCHOOh HOUSES—RE- PORTS FROM THE WARMING AND VENTSLATING COMMITTEES, ETC., ETO. Aregular meeting of the Board of Education was held last evening—W illiam B, Curtis President, in the chair. ‘The minutes of the last meeeing were read and approved. A faolation was adopted appropriating the som of $18,918 for the purpose of crecting a new schoo! house ia the Twelfth ward. ‘The sum ef $18,500 was also appropriated fur the pur- chase of lots Nos. 63 and 70 Monroe street, on which to erect a new school house for the Seventh ward. ‘The Committtee on Warming and Ventilating poesented two reports on the subject of warming and ventilating apparatus in Ward School No. 20, of the First ward. One + recommends the awarding the contract to Mesers, Twomey « 60. The other wag Elder, their bid bei in fa or of awarding to Mess & Smith, thoir ag cueny and rather disgracefal debate ensued A on this subject. Fully one hour of the time was taken ed in discussing it, the committes having the matter in cl being divided in their opinion and presen con- flicting reports, which called forth much poe recrimt- nation. On motion of Mr. Tucker, af the ighth ward, it was made a special order of business to be disposed of at Special meeting to be held on Wednesday next, the 11th won pm being Soy for ‘thirty vod s ber ‘and reports were ac wi adjourned ‘anbll Wednesday next! ade OPERATIONS ON THE JAMES RIVER. ‘The Herald’s Special Despatches. ‘Usirep Sratas Steamer Srerrina Stomms, Barnert’s Fenny, Cuickauouiny River, May 28, 1002. } A Naval Reconnoissance Up the Chickahominy—The Bar—The Depth of the River—The Seenery Along Its Bonks—The Surprise at Our Appearance—Salt Pork as Valuable as Butter, dée., de. ‘The Stepping Stones and the Island Belle have arrived thus far on their return from @ recounoissance up the Chickahominy riv We forced our way up within four miles of Jones’ bridge, much higher than any vessel of greater pretensions than a rowboat has ever gone be- fore. Along the entire route wedid not encounter a single obstruction, and not a battery, nor even a soldier— Union or rebel—was to be seen, But let me be more particular, Yesterday afternoon, when we returned from our econnoissance up the Appomatox, the sigual was made on board the Wachusett flagship for all commanding officers of vessels to repair on board. It was soon ar- ranged that this morning the Stepping Stones and the Island Belle should proceed up tho Chickahominy and ex- plore the river as high up as was practicable for the ves- sels togo. The light draught of the two steamers, par- ticularly the Stepping Stones, admirably adapted them for this duty, Early this morning we weighed anchor from City Point, and wore son steaming down the James river, the Island Belle foliowing closely in our wake. At eight o'clock we entered the mouth of the Chickahomiay, situ- ated afew miles above Jamestown. Here we found a troublesome bar, and nearly ran aground in five fect water. The Island Belle was not so fortunate. She got stuck fast, and we had to turn back to her assistance. ‘This delayed us nearly an hour, At length we succeeded in towing our consort off, after parting a hawser, and proceeded on our onward course. The bar passed, the river rapidly deepened, alternating between three and four fathoms, nearly all the way up as far as wo weut. In some places it was even deeper. The lead was kept constantly going, toavoid sudden shoaling, but the pre- caution, though a prudent one, turned out to bo hardiy necessary. Winding aiong the serpentine course of the river we passed through some magnificent scenery. In many Places the river, on either side. was overbung with precipitous banks clothed with dense food, wit & rich, undulating country beyond, and occasionally we caught glimpses of extensive fields of wheat, In soine places these flelds came down to the water’s eige. § etimes, too, we ercountered a strip of low, marshy land, overrun with rauk, coarse grass, while the broad leaves of the water lily grew plentifully far out into the stream. Farmhonses and private residences were constantly in view, and from nearly every inhabited dwelling a white sheet, tablecloth, or anything that could be extomporized into a flag of truce, was displayed as soon as wo have in sight. Hats, caps, and handkerchiefs, too, were waved at us in passing; but whether this may be rightly considered as indicative of gonuine Union feeling, or was done merely with @ view to propitiate us, I am uuable to say. As usual, wherever we have been in Virginia, the people we saw were principally blacks; and truth impels me to add that they were far more demonstrative in their show of welcome than the whites. Occasionally, how- ever, a white female or child would join ia the hand- kerchief waving. 1 need hardly say that white mon were hardly to be seen, as most of them are cither with the rebel army or haye been killed off in the struggle their leaders have provoked. A great number of houses were shut up, without the least sign of inhabitants in or around them. After running up @ considerable distance we came upon @ log house, built on a steep slope: There we saw @ white man, who met us on the landing in front of his house. Above, on the high bauk, were two grown white females and two or three white children. The man told us that we could run twenty miles further up, and that we could obtain a pilot at ‘‘The Shades.”” He said he had been forced nto the rebel army, but that he had desert: ed, not liking the service, as he was no believer in seces- sion. Proceeding on our way several miles further up, the river became quite narrow, and apprehensions began to De entertained that if we weut much further we would not be able to turn round. At a sharp elbow we came on an intricate spot, but piles had been driven to mark the channel. On our starboard side was a high bluff, on the summit of which stood a comfort. ablo looking house, with the usual appurtenances of » residence of some pretension. Some gentlemen aud two or three good looking ladies were standing under an open porch in front of the house, gazing at the novel sight of two armed United States steamers passing #0 high up their narrow and tortuous stream; and, pre- suming that they were unacquainted with the intricacies of the channel at that spot, well might they look, in ex- pectation, perhaps, of some catastrophe. The piles were safely passed, when suddenly the leadsman, from three and a half fathoms, called two, then one and a half, then one fathom, when bump went the bottom of the Stepping Stones on something hard—probably what is called a “snag”? or “sawyer,” in the Mississippi. The appre- hension, however, was ouly momentary, for the river immediately deepened almost as abruptly as it had shoaled. At this moment some one called out that five or six horsemen were gallopping down towards the river, near the house, Jo a very fow seconds our gun was swept round to the starboard side, but it was soon discovered that the men were in citizens’ dress. We therefore continued slowly on our course. Atthis juveture the Island Belle newly got ashore again. Admonished, probably, by our narrow escape from & serious mishap, Captain Harris, instead of taking the same channel as we did, kept close to the opposite bank, a small island being betwee. the channel he had chosen and the right one. He backed out iu time, and followed in our wake. He was destined, however, to escape not altogether scatheless. His starboard paddle box ran foul of a pile driver, which rather incommoded the narrow channel, overturning the apparatus in a twinkling, but crushing his metallic life boat, which hung at the davits, so badly that he had to abandon it. On ;rounding another sharp elbow it was clear we had reached our limits, for the river had become so narxow that the trees on shore brushed against the sides of the vessels, and the tura- ings were very abrupt. Great difficulty was experienced in turning round, the river being barely wide enough to admit of the length of the Stepping Stones. At length the feat was accomplished, and we wore soon running down stream on our return from the exploration. On our way down we called at the plantation of an elderly gentleman named Turner, where we purchased some eggs and milk. He professed to be a staunch Union map, but could not help showing the cloven foo, by speaking of the rebel army as ‘‘ our army.” He told us we were in New Kent county, amd that it was only ten miles across to West Point. He said there bad been none of “ our army” at that place- for some weeks, but that some federals had been im the neighborhood about ten days since; & piece of information, Iam afraid! did not receive with much gratitude, seeing that 1 couki have tok the old gentleman as much two weeks ago. He charged fifty cents a pound for hie butver, and twonty.five cents a doren for eggs; and, on our caterer demurring to the Price, he thought to use @ convincing argument by ob- serving that ‘our soldiers” paid those prices. We did not see it in that light, and remarked that there was a trifling difference between Uncle Sam's well-fed sailors, who had the pick ef every market on these waters, ang Jeff. Davia’ soldiers, whe were glad to get what they could at any price, Besides, there was another trifling difference between secesh shinplasters and good and law fal coin of the republic. That was a olincher, and we,| got the eggs for ten centa a dozen, receiving a small quantity of butter for some coarse pork salt, @n article more badly wanted than almest ‘anything else, Cash is equally scarce. A white man, from whom we bought some chickens, for which he re- ceived three or four shillings in silver, declared that he had not baadled #0 much specie for twelve months, We arrived here shortly before dark, and as it was not . Precautions—The Hara Labor to be Done by Contra- bands, dc., de. ‘We loft Burrow’s ferry, on theChickahominy river, this Jnorning, with the Island Belle jn our wake, aud ran up epally the the James river. On reaching Claremont, the property of Mr. Allen—ibe wealthy Virginian of whom I have al- ready spoken in a former letter as having a private rail- road of his own on his estate—both vessels ran alongsid tho wharf, a spacious and most expensive structure, built in the form of a Latin cross, with a double track of raileon it, The wharf has been rendered useless, how- ever, by the rebels, who set it on fire, as the charred Piles, beams and planking remain to testify. A Doat’s crew from each vessel was sént om shore, Mr. Allen was not at home, as he has been in- fected with the prevailing mania aud holds a commission in the rebelarmy. This Southern nabob owns, it is said, no fewer than nine hundred slaves. His overseer was in, but no information of importance was received from him. We obtained somo very large and superior strawberries from him, however. We called at two or three other places on our way up, and arrived here this afternoon, when we found that the Jacob Bell had arrived in our absence. She received a new boiler at Washington, was thoroughly renovated, and presents quitea smart aypearance. ‘he Satellite is tocome up. ‘This afternoon the Galena, which lies off the mouth of Appomattox river, threw several heavy shells into City Point, settinga house on fire. Tho flames did not spread. The following documents from Flag Officer Goldsbo rough have been transmittedto all commanding oilicers of United States vessels.f-war belonging to this squadron, The first, bearing date, November, 1861, contains general instructions to all persons belonging to the squadron, relative to rules to be observed at sea and tn port, At the end the following is appended:— GENERAL ORDERS. Usrrgo States FLAcsiur Minnusora, Nov. 5, 2861. As contrabands oan neither be expelled from to ser- vice to which they have resorted, nor maintained unor- ployed, and as it is aot proper that they should be com: led to render services without compensation, the Navy partment authorizes that when their services can be made useful they are to be enlisted under the same forms And regulations ad apply to other enlistments, with tho derstanding, however, that they are not wo. be rated higher than « thecomporsation of ten dollars per month and tion per day; and you will be pleased to govern yourself upon this subject agvordingly. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Based upon the foregoing the following order is now issued:— Unrrsp Stares Fiaqsure Minnesota, Hamiton Ros, May 6, 1562. Sig—The approach of the hot and sick!y season upon the southern coast of the United States renders it im perative that every precaution should bo use! by the officers commanding vessels to continue the excellent Sanitary condition of the crews. The larg> number of persons known as “contrabands” flocking to the protec- tion of the United States flag affords an opportunity to provide in every department of a ship, especially for boats’ crews, acclimated labor, The commanding otfl- cers under my command are required to obtain the ser- vices of those persons for the country, by onlisting them froely in the Navy, with their conaeut, rating them as boys, $8, $9,or $10 per month, and one ration. Leta monthly return be made of the number of this class of persons employed on board the vessel uader your com- mand, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag Officer. INTERESTING FROM MOBILE, Oar Mobile Bar Nuval Correspondence. Usregp States Gunsoat Kaxawia, Orr Mouse ar, May 8, 1862. } Good Luck and a Number of Prize:-—News of the Fall of New Orleans—The Informarion Intended for Rebel Ves- sels in Cula—Mobvilein Proccss of Evacuation—Exciting Chases of Rebel Craft by the Kanawha—Plenty of Con- traband Cotton, de. , dc. Since I Jast wrote you we have captured no less than six prizes—the last one called the Annie, sloop rigged, carrying only forty bales of tho ‘‘staple. We took her on the night of the 29th ult. We learned from her crew that there two large steamers going to run out very soon. Their cargoes consist of about a thousand bales each. Their names are the Cuba and the California. ‘Through some papers found on the sloop Annie we got the first news of the capture of the forts and city of New Orleans. From letters found on her directed to captains of vessels now in Havana, but intended to run tho blockade, the sage advice was given by the writers “not to leave Havana, a8 New Orleans hai been taten, and Mobile would soon follow.”’ One of the letters was ad- dressed to the captain of the R. C. Files, which vessel wo had secured some days previously, although they wore ignorant of the fact. ‘The women and children have all been ordered out of Mobile. One of their new gunboats—the Morgan, carrying ten large guns—came down the other day. We immediately up anchor and went to quarters, standing in towards her ; but no sooner did she ascertain that the Kanawha was in earnest than she ‘‘turned tail.’ Poor cowards! But they have had good reason to fear our ‘Yankee blue jackets.” Alittle account of our chase after prize vessels, real and bogus, may prove of some interest to the public, and will certainly satisfy all that tho Kanawha has not lacked vigilance at her post of duty. At daybreak of April 8 @ sail was discovered about three miles off. As it was blowing # gale at the time, aud as we supposed her to bo a eoal schooner at first sight (which afterwards proved correct), we did not pay much attention to her; but as her movements began to look suspicious to the captain he concluded to follow her. We had some sixty fathoms of cable out at the time, which of course took some time to get in. Mean- while the schooner disappeared from view; but we soon sighted hor again, and came up with her about three o'clock P. M., when we loarned that it was, in- stead of the hoped for prize vessel, the schooner J. D. McCarthy, bound for Ship Isiand with government stores, &c. So confident was the officer who boarded her of his prizo that he was not satisfied until the hatches were taken off. It was too bad to be disap- pointed after so long achase througha rough sea. We cruised around that day, and at night we got a rope fouled around the propeller, which, of course, stopped our engine, and took us a day to clear it. We then started for our anchorage, the wind having abated and the heavy swell gone down. Ateleven o'clock ail bands were called to quarters, the lookout having sighted three sails four points off the starboard bow. They wore about six miles from us. It being a beautiful, clear, moonlight night, we could seo great distance. When within range ‘wo let iso which had the effect of bringiug one of them to. We ‘were soon within hail, when our captain asked: — What sehooner is that? ‘The reply was, ‘‘the Southern Independence.” Union Captain—Whoere are you from? Socesh hesitates. Union Captain, fn a loud voice—Where are you from? Seoesh, very slow—Mobile. feo Aa Farriige boarded’ ber with @ boat’s crew, and took pos- or cioet rerdiaee delay we went in pursuit of the others, who had been making fine use of their heels. Gne could hardiy discern; but the other, seeing we were gaining on her, waited fer us to come up with her. We ‘were delayed some time ere a beat could get to her. She wanted to give the other one as much time as possible, which, boing a fast sailer, was already lost = Fi. boat's crew, in charge of Master’s Mate J. L. Mason, boarded and took due cl of her. She proved to be the Victoria. alle, Wahine’ idole tie 1 icnots {nthe ‘direction. sbe laylight she was descried, three points of the port bow. She tried hard to fire’ car riled tweaty-pounder. Droaght her from our wrenty-pour up standing, and ended the She turned out to be the Ghariotte, of Mobile, with one hundred and sixt; *balen of cotton. We took part of her crew on board, an: sent her to Ship Istand in charge of Master's Mate R. B. ‘We next went in search of the two previously captured, ‘and about noon spoke # ‘coal yard’ bound to Ship Island. Shortly after another sail hove in sight. “tq ihe prizes we took turing u the night, we had of her. As wi ‘be one wore i Hd nu LATA ; HE Uy E eT Hu * 5: red and twenty-six bales: ee cotton, to Key West, in charge of Acting Master Partridge. ‘The aggregate number of bales of cotton captured by jhe ‘Sitawhe ie one thousand and feur, This, SER SE Eee S se ess ae tenant, Patrick Day; Second Lieutenant, Michael J) ‘onuor. Company G—Captain, Patrick Lataurette; First Lieu- fenant, William Kaue; Second Lieutenant, Jon A. B. oul. Company H—Not ready for transportation. Company I—Captain John C. Kenison; First Lieu- tenant, James Rathbon; Second Lieutenant, James H, Daughaday. Company K—Not going with the regiment at present. The night was extremely severe, but when they en- tered the cars a great crowd had assembled, they left the railway depot amidst the warm applause of all present. with the steamers California aad Cuba, which we expect to nab, will bring usa fair share of prize money. To-day (May 8) part of the fleot intended for the attack on Mobile are lying at anchor. Ike mortar boats already here are eleven in number. REBEL ADVICES FROM MOBILE. The Defences of the City Progressing. {From the Mobile News , May 26.) APPRAL TO OUK CITIZENS. particular attention tothe earnest appeal to our citizous, by order of the Commanding General, for the labor required to complete the fortifications in progress for the defence of the city. ‘These, we are glad to know, are rapidly progressing, and it only needs # strong, hearty and united effort to bring them to speedy completion. Lat this effort and the labor required be given without stint. Let every citizon promptly place all the negro la- bor he has, that ean possibly be spared, at the disposal of our officers, and then we will not have ourselves to Dlame if we are not prepared to give a suitable welcome to the foe, should he attempt to add this city to the num- ber of his conquests, Every cousideration of interest, justice, patriotism and manliness urges prompt and energetic action on our Part, and we pity Lue man who can be laggard or deaf to such a call. DEATHS OF UNION SOLDIERS AT MOBILE. In the Mobile News of May 26, we find noticed the fol- lowin interments of Union prisoners who died in that city:— James Rands, thirty-five y« Allen Wier, thirty-four years, debility. ‘'T. N. Campbell, forty-five years, pneumonia, [From the Mobile News, May 26.] SPECIAL ORDER—NO. 116, Heapquarrers, DEraRTMmnr As. axp West. FLonipa, Mosity, May 21, 1862. We call The Stanton Legion. |Heapqvanters Stayton Legion, Colonel Allen having ascertained that certain parties are using his name to recruit for other organizations, this hereby gives notice that no men are received into this command without first being personally inspected by him, or during his absence by Captain James H. Breunen. No others will case members of this regiment. = = wee W. H. ALLEN, Colonel Stanton Legion. NEW YORK STATE MILITIA. Recruits and members left behind will report to-day, at the Armory, Essex Market, for transportation to the regiment, at ¢leven o'clock. J. B. KIRKER, Captain Engineers, REBEL ACCOUNTS FROM VICKSBURG. JEFF. DAVIS’ HOUSE DESTROYED. THE REBEL SCOUTS OF “NO ACCOUNT.” sipelas. 1. Application having been made to the Commanding General of this department for eighty men to serve on board the Confederate States steamer Baltic, the com- manding officers of regiments, battalions or companies, stationed in this vicinity, are required to furnish to ‘this office lists of all under their respective commands who may voliinteer for this service. ‘The msn will be detailed for temporary duty or dis- charged upon condition of their immodiate enlistment in the navalservice for three years,or the war, as they may elect. * * * . By command of Brigadier General JOHN H. FORNEY. S. Cavom, Assistant Adjt. General, AFFAIRS BELOW MOBILE. [From the Mobile Register.) Yort Gams, May 9, 1862. There is, of course, very littlo of interest occurring here as a general thing, but yesterday the people who go‘‘down to the sea in ships’? made their appearance, to the number of ten, and two of them ventured so near Fort Morgau that the latter paid its respects to them with those (‘mortal engi hose rude throats Jo dread clamor imitate.” Some dozen shots were struck very close, as we could but unfortunately did not hit the mirk. It seomod te us they were taking soundings, and were within range half theday. The excitement, or rathe: interest, was lively at Fort Gaines, and our guns were trained on the ‘+insolent foe,”? but to no purpose, as we have not yet fired a shot. ‘This morning a schooner ran the bli and, at this writing, is moored under the guns of Fort Morgan; how she managed is hard to tell. We all like our Coloel here—a man of few words, very courteous and approachable to all; he commands our spect, and will be well supportod in anything he under- takes. ‘Ihat is one good thing of Fort Gaines. But, Jerusalem! wero you ever in the countries where mosquitoes carry brickbats under their wings to sharpen their bills? or in that where ‘‘chintzes’? pull the cover off before making an attack? or in that other wh monkeys are employed instead of fine toothcembs? or yet in that other where poets and brimsione are staples of production and consumption? Well, Dau- phin Island is as far ahead of them all as the girl who said “ yes” is to the one who answered “ask mamma.” “The fleas here are about the size of a marketable shrimp, and the sand flies as hungry as # diers. Just imagine the “situation,” and give Joador on the subject. But I drop the subject, and wish Jcould the fleas us easily. They'll draw blvod, if the ‘Yankees do not. THE DE SOTO DEPOT BURNED. GEN. DUNCAN IN VICKSBURG, &e., &., &. ‘The following items of interest we take from the Vicksburg (Mississipp!) Citizen of Friday, May 43:— DESTRUCTION OF PRESIDENT DAVIS’ PROPERTY. We learn that the vandals have come off their boats ‘and battered down and utterly destroyed tho residence of Jeff. Davis, and also that of Joe. Davis. Thoir acts of destruction and vandalism in that neighborhood were complete, leaving nothing but a bleak and desolated track bebind them. THE GUNBOATS. Since the last communication by flag of truce yesterday morning mo change has been made in the fleet. They still maintain their old position out of reach of our guns, Several shots have been fired by the gunboats at our men on the shore between the lower batteries and War- renton, but noone has been hurt by them. One heavy shell that did not explode lies in the Warrenton road, and is an object of much curiosity to all who pass that way. CAPTURED. ‘The federal fleet in front of Warrenton is committing all sorts of depredations upon the people along the shore, Two citizens of Warrenton, Mr. Walker and Mr. Gardner, have been captured and carried off to their boats. We have passed two nights at the and no oP. of SICKNESS IN THE GUNBOATS. roa iusicn einer se ‘Sonnet wo will sein *%- | Weare informed that there is an immense amount of change of pills Dr. ‘Lincolu’s to Dr. Davis??? ‘Anyhow sickness among the federal troeps on tho transports. It appears that they haverun short of medicines, and a party of them made a visit tea drug store in Warrenton and.sacked it of all its contents, One boat issaid to be filled entirely with their sick. It is the general impression that the enemy has landed the troops from the transports at some point below this city, We do most ardently hope this may be so. But fow of them will ever get home again to tell the fate of their companions, if they venture upon the soil of old Warren. our sick and disabled have all been moved, and we are ready. P. &.—all the gunbcats have loft—supposed they have gone te Ship Island. The attack is evidently f nas oro until they are stronger or more fz rable weal . The channel between the forts may prove a modern Ther- mopylax yet. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO DEFEND MOBILE. (Correspondence of the Mobile Rogater ) Ricawonp, May 17, 1862. Tam glad to learn, from private letters from home, that General Forney has determined to fight to the bitter end for Mobilo. This is asit should be. I have always doubted whether it could be taken by water, with the bay, properly fortified and obstructed. Place water bat- tories well casemated, with heavy guns, few hundred yards from the obstructions, and it is impossible for wooden vessels to remove the obstructions or pass them. ‘There is no officer in the service who understands such work better than General Forney. Some of the best batteries in Pensacola were erected by him, and if our people at home will co-operate fully’ with him, Mobile will be more difficult to take than New Or- Jeans. The natural dofences are bet than those of the Crescent City, inasmuch as large vessels can up to Mobile. I do hope that the fear of losing alittle property will not deter Mobileans from defending the city, If they make up their minds to fight to the last, Mobile will not fall. Which is better, to let our army have ‘ty, or give it to the Yankees? The alternative is plain, and we must choose between the two. Take off the wo- men and children and government stores, and, if neces- sary, let them take the city in ashes. Obstructions should be ready to sind in the rivers in case Mobile falls, and the high biuffs lined with ritie pits to pick off the pi- lots. Tho time has come for vigorous action, and the people outside of the army can do a great deal in partisan wartare. LOCAL MILITARY MOVEMENTS. OUR PROSPECTS. Whatever doubts we have had as to the merits of our defences here are now rapidly disappearing, and we are assured by the most competent and experienced military judges that our works are of such a character as to bid defiance to the enemy. Every day is adding to our strongth. GENERAL DUNCAN IN TOWN. ‘The gallant J. K. Duncan, who so heroically defended the forts below New Orleans, bas arrived in ourcity. No man could be more welcome at this time. SCOUTING PARTIES, Our scouting parties havo thus far effected but very little in harassing the enemy. In a little skirmishon Monday they succeeded in wounding five Yankees, bub we also had one of our best men seriously wounded. So far the Yankees have had things their own way, having taken one of our cavalry prisoner, captured several citi- zens of Warrenton, killed Mr. Johnston, destroyed Jeff. Davis’ and Joe. Davis’ farms and committing depreda- tions ad libitum everywhere. Why is it that our scouts cannot cut off these vandal parties ? A CAUTION. Have our military authorities taken any means to put a guard on the river above this city? Is it safe for our steamers to keep plying between this and the mouth of the Yazoo? The enemy can easily, by means of yawls and small boats, send aforce across the swamp opposite this city to eapture an unarmed steamer. This could be effected with very little treuble,and the enemy has the means and the men to do it; and strategy and trickery are the means by which they have accomplished every suocess heretofore. Letit not be said that they out- witted us at Vicksburg. BURNING OF THE DE SOTO DEPO?. This building, located immediately opposite Vicksburg, on the Louisiana shore, was set on fire last night and entirely consumed. No ‘attention was paid to the fire, every person thinking that the conflagration was ordered by our military authorities, as @ beacon light by which to watch the movements of the enemy. The story now runs that,the Yankee scouts came up through the swamp, surprised the guard on watch, and set fire to the build. ing. The guard escaped to the point of the river above, and made their way over to the city this morning. [Telegram to the Mobile News, May 26.) Jackson, May 24—Night. All quiet at Vicksburg. No prospect of an immediate attack. Twenty-fifth Regiment New York State National Guard. ‘Tho Twenty-fifth regiment New York State Nationa! Guard arrived in this city from Albany yesterday morn” ing. They left that city about ten o'clock on Tuesday night, by the Hudson River Railroad, and landed at the Chambers street depot at eleven o'clock yesterday. The regiment has already seen three months and fifteen days service—from the months of April to August im last year. By command of Governor Morgan they carry the following inscription on their regimental standard:— “WASHINGTON, APRIL, 1861.’" While serving the country last year they built the fort known as Fort Albany,on the Virginia side of the Poto, mac, and had the honor of taking the two first prisoner, captured by the Army of the Potomac. They were two rebel horsemen, who, together with their horses and equipments fell intothe hands of « Scouting party of the Twenty-fifth shortly after they had m over the river. ‘The Twenty-fifth regiment remained in this city at the division armory, corner of White and Bim str: for several hours yesterday, where they were armed with Enfield rifles and. received supplies‘of other equipments. The effective strength of the regimont at presont is about five hundred and thirty men. com- pantes are being recruited in Albany, and will follow the regiment as scon as filled up. The regimont will leave 4 city sometime to-day, and proceed by the Camden and Am! route. Tho roliewing is a list of the officers who are at present with the regiment :— Reported Surrender of Vicksburg. Gotonet— Mahal K. tn iprom the Missouri Democrat, June 2.) pm eg mea Aprivate letter dated May 28, contains the following:— Adjutant—Jobn M. Kimball. Twenty-nine refugees have just come in from a point (opens eso about ten miles from Memphis, which place they left y ‘Suryeon~-Thoman Beckett jast Thursday. They eame in with their and ‘A—Captain,.Jacod Fredendall; First Lieuten- | rifles, and said they were running from the hw and hanging. A more miserable set you never saw. They had to travel knee deep in water about twenty-four miles. Farragut’s advance was at Napoleon when they left. Vicksburg surrendered withoul firing the city. Farragut ant; John Patebin: an wep ry ee Company B—Captain, Timothy Mc! ; First z tenant, Andrew O'Keefe; Second Lieutenant, Quinn. ‘Company C-—Captain, John Gray; First Lieutenant, ‘Thoms Daan, Second Lioutenant, 1 Ryan. . Company F—-Captain, Miehael Keunallyy, First Lieu- car James Fahy; Second Lieutenant, Patriek H. | will likely be at Memphis this week. y: G—Oa) First Lieutenant Jamon i Cart; nn Wickham.’ | THE GREAT SCARE AT CHARLESTON. Company K—Captain, Hale Kingsley; First Lieutenant, ; ‘Abram Sickles; Secoud Lioutenant, M. A. Molan; Third [From the Charlesten Mercury, May 28.) Lieutenant, John Lawless. thw 5 are of iis aeaart di the pickets on Battery Island, six of whom, mistaking tneir orders, took refuge im = bombproof, where they wore captured by large party. -Coles’) and Battery Is yands were evacuated, everything movable being carried off and the barracks on the latter island burned. Inthe Arrival of the Nineteenth Regiment New York State Militia. ‘This fino body of men arrived in Jersey City yoster. day evening from Newburg, Orange county, State of New ‘York, and‘were warmly and emthusiastivally greeted. ‘They accompanied c- Newburg by Brigadier | afternoon the enemy passed through the wnfimished piling General y to apointabeve Battery Island. At night one Sergeant rere asaptosls geen vai buabiprtabay ervinigee’ the | wilson was caught by the Confederate pickets tn the act ‘The soldiers are young men, and appear | of deserting @ the enemy, It is said that two heavy guns to be animated with much en aye eg were abandoned On our outer kines of defence. The enemy uhat they are going out oe acted ou their arrival, | &® Vigilaally observed and alt their movements re- Ferre ly egos upon wit he foo perry aad ta Ceow? poise 2d. taes bagh dozen itiery , Ls heavy guns on Coles’ 4 could Rave kept them out those other ‘York fo sharing in Goriocs schtevemente which have siraay proved ow Of the river. Their presence has cecasioned the removal much advantage to the canse of the Unien. fellow. | @ large force of negrom, and the wenof the crops and fing t¢ a complete list of the officers:— on several plantations. Cdtone—Wm. Brown. By the praseasion of Stomo, only James? Inland intervenes M a Detween the enemy and the city of Charleston, from which Aajor—David Jagger. they are didlant eight miles as the crow flies, can. ye Personal Intelligence. a. ttle, ‘The Paris papers announce thas the King of Prossi hag ‘Preered Surgon—dacod M. Little, conferred npen Ristori the Order ard gold t Surgeon. Chaplain—Rev. J. Forsythe, D. D. merit for “ Arts and Sciences.’ This s,the first instance on record of thm Order having been conferred on a wo- A—Captain, 3, Smithy First Lieatonan severe Tidatenant, Daniel Torbudte "MO =i | sogn, The King handed it himseifto the grekt tragedionne at a private audience at the royal }» accompanied ‘Company tm service, Company C—Not at present going. with the diploma, beautifully tain, Isaac’ Jonkinson; First Lieute- gold ‘obi Sees Sree sik Ricca nant, away; Second tenant, » D. IY At the same pu ae oh i ration, | Hanae meter i ihe following igueriee ine in, John 87 Watts: Firat Lieutenant, | ten in it with her 0 wing — ‘Roos; Teoont Wm. 0. dans, ¢ % Ade why Marguide el Grillo, Li it, . ‘aibum offert a Adelaide Company P-Captalb, John Hi. ookey; Fire Lieu- | yar ia Riene de la Prusee,”