The New York Herald Newspaper, January 11, 1863, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 9615. WEWS FROM NEW ORLEANS. Arrival of the Steam Trans- ; port Marion. eee The State House at Baton Rouge Destroyed. ©EB LIBRARY CONSUMED. STRENGTW OF PORT HUDSON. ITS LAND AND WATER DEFENCES. (Expedition to Capture a Rebel Outpost. ork Troops in the Southwest, a, &e. de steamship Marion, Commander Johnsten, from Mew Orleans on the 24 inst., arrived at this port yester- @ay. She brings four days later aavices from that city, ‘Dut there Is Ro pews of importance, THE STRENGTH OF PORT HUDSON. Our Batom Rouge Correspondence. Baton Roves, La., Dec. 28, 1862, a Land and Water Defences—Number of Batteries and Gune--Number and Condition of the Rebel Treops— Visic Opposite Baton Rouge, dc. ‘The following statement in relation to the condition of affairs at the rebel stronghold above here—Port Hudson— I delicve to bo in the main correct. 1t embraces the sub- (Mance of the various statements of negroes and rebel soldiers who have deserted and escaped to cnr lines. ‘Theso have been questioned separately and repeatedly , and their statements carefully compared with each other and with known facts; and when, under such circum: (ances, Dumerous statements corroborate each other and agree with known facts as far as |, we must @onciudo that they are substant true. Ihave no hesitation, therefore, in expressing the opinion tbat the following summary is mainly correct at the time of this ‘writing. But the rebels understand fully the value of ‘time, and a few days may make a great difference in “their ability to resist an attack by land and water. WATER DRYENCED OF PORT HUDSON, . The water defences of Port Hudson consist of eight mounting at present only twenty-one guns, thar Deing destitute, as yet, of ordnance. Bor about five miles above Prophet's Island the Missie straight; but then there ie an abrupt turn, forming . . A little beyond this abropt tura a creak, called’ ‘TRompeon's creek, runding southwesterly, empties into the river. West of this Thompaon’s creek ia an impasea- die miareh, which forme.a-natural defence above. ‘The first formidable obstacle the gunboats will bave to eontend with 10 ascending the river Is a battery station. @don @ dluf some eighty feet high, which height en- dios the rebels to cover the decks ef our vessels by plonging shots. This is of great importance in the case of an irep-clad which has sloping sides, like the Fesex, as it enables them to fire into her at right angles. ‘There are two water batterles—one of them masked— gnd five other batteries on the Bluff, the last one bveing Juat below themeuth of Thompeson’s creek. | have placed the total apmber of guns in these batteries at twonty- Ope, whicd, it may be, Je rather small; but ] am satisfied they mount less than thirty, all told. They. Rave a ene hundred and twenty-pounder, which ‘wan brought down by railroad from Clinton last week. She reat of the guns are twenty-fours, thirty-twos and Ba addition to these batteries, 1t 1s reported that within last few days the rebels bave obstructed the cbhanuel jween Prophet’s Island and the eastern bank of the Mis- leeippl, by driving spiles.and erecting a bridge, which @mabies them to run light artillery ever to the island ana ‘oppose the progress of the gunboats, if not to compel ‘@hem to go up the channel on the opposite side of the faland, whic will deprive them of the shelter gained by (pecing the eastern channel. it is doubtful, however, ‘whother these reported obstructions will really prove to Be a sorious obstacie. ‘Tho water defences, saying nothing of this last, extend bout three milos anda half along the bank of the river, end, if properly worked, will no doubt ecriously engage the attention of our flect, . LAND DEFENCES, ‘The land defences of Port Hudson are ly of very secent construction, having been mostly wo up since our occupation of Baton Rouge. ‘They are nine to ten miles in extent, consisting of a parapet wail, fronted by a ditch and more or |e2s abatis, ‘These works commence at a point on the river just below the first river battery, and extend in a semicircular form Thompson's creek , whete the impassable marsh albeady Mentioned forms a natural terminus and defence. Tho ‘works ure extended so far to the rear that they can be manned without danger of molestation from the gunboats, Deing out of range of our guvs, and will have to be carried by « land attack, unless, indeed, the gunboats should suc, eeed in silencing the batteries on the river, enabling our troops to enter from the river side. Op these land defences are mounted about thirty guns, @ome of them of heavy calibre; and in adidition to these ghe enemy Is provided with four field batteries, which cau be readily moved to any part of the works. ‘TARE RERRL FORCE AT PORT HUDSON. ‘The rebel forces at Hadson are commanded by General Beal, who was, 1 believe, educated at West Point. ‘The commissary department issues rations for @housand men; but this includes the negroes at on ‘he fortifications, the sick and the camp followers of every Gescription, The number of soldiers is about twelve @housand, and the offective Oghting force # less than ten *housand. ‘The rations consist chiefly of corn bread and molasses, with meat, when it can be obtained, which is seldom. Desortions are numerous, and the sick list is large. VISIT OF JEFP. DAVID AND GENERAL RRACREGARD, According to 8 Jackson paper, Jeff. Davie was iv Jack eon, Missiesippl, on the 20th inat., and left that day for ee “important point.”’ Just about this time we heard of Bim at Port Hudson, and there is no doubt he was there, probably on the 2ist. The details of his visit aro very edeagre, and he seems to have kept it somewhat recret at he time. Port Hudson is of great importance, as the ter- entnus of the Clinton Railroad, and no doubt every possible ‘t will be made to hold 4 Goueral Beauregard is also reported to bave visited Hudson about the time of Jeff.’ visit, ‘The Port Hudson Chronicle of the 27th has ween re or+-e00 on each side of a smal! slip of brown wrapping per—and js altogether the movt startling example ot the ity of printing paper in Dixie which Ihave eson. i* te devoted roainly to start! ing rumors from the Nory REVEL CATALRY OPPOSITE BATON ROUGS A body of rebel cavairy, from fifteen hundred to two strong, operates on the western bauk of the | wiver, opposite and below Baton Rouge. It is in command of General Sibley, of New Mexico (ame It watohesevery My to Gre apen our transports w hes the gunboats — Ore not around, and watches our movements Witt great wigilance, Tt i# andowbledly detache (rom the Port ison army for that purpere THE STATE HOUSE DESTROYED. Oar Baton Rouge Correspondence. Batox Roger, La., Dec. 29, 1862. we in salon Rouge—The State House Burned Down— The Library Consumed—Tutal Destruction of the Building * and Ma Contenta— New York Firemen on Hand—Svs- pried Kebet Incendiarism—Citizens Firing Upon Sol- diers During hf FiremOne Arrested with Arms in His Hand. — Rebels Resoieing at the Destruciion, de. ‘This c'ty Inet night And this morning was the scene of rewaged w the otal desiraction of the Capitol of this rebellious State, with all its contents. ‘The State House, the finest building in Loyisiana, and the pride and life of Baton Rouge, bas beew laid in ruins; and asl write 1 can took through my window and see ite Diackened walls—all tbat remain of thie truly beautifat and stately edifice. : THE NEW YORK HERALD. NEW YORK, SUNDAY, JANU ARY J, 1863. PRICE FOUR CENTS. THE REBELS ON THE MISSISSIPPI + Te Duiiding @as of brick, covered with slate, and all Strength of Port Hudson—Its Land and Water Defences’ who bave travelled upon the Miscissippi river since ite erection cannot fai! to bear ip mind a pleasing recollectiva of its architectural beauty. Situated upoo the Great inf above New Orleans, it loomed up im fair and graceful proportions, the first relief from the monotonous scenery of plaptation houses, with their negro villages, seen be. youd the levee; and from this circumstance, as well as from {ts undoubted architectural merit, it could aot fai! to impress itself upon the memory. It was about the only building of any pretensiore im this portion of tbe State; and were it not for the blindness of the people, which induces them to prefer the destruction of their property to ite occupation by the United States forces, ite Joss would be regarded here as ap unspeakable calamity. The fire broke out about balf-past five o'clock yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, just after the various regimenta had deen dismiased from their dress parades. The alarm was sounded om the bell, and there was immediately a rush or! solliers, guided te the spot by-the dense column of smoke which jeaued from the roof. There is ao engine house and a very fine engine in the city, the latier Daviog “U.8.’’ conspicuously painted on ite sides, with the na tional coat of arme—the “bird of freedom” and“ E Plur! bus Unum,” having survived the rebellion. But there ‘was DO organized bedy of firemen ready to meet the crisis. The engine house was open, however, and a loose body of sotdiers, without orders or direction, soon Drought the engine to the desired place, and it was not long before be hose was set and the brakes manned. ‘Tbe State House -was Quilt in the form of a cross, the main portion of the building running parallel with the river, while the wings op the front and rear were separated by Beavy brick walle There were eight massive towers, these a the entrance of the building on the river fromt being oc tagonal andjthe remainder square or oblong. The fames first preke forth from the northwest turret. The eagine was first placed on the street te bear upon this portion of the building; but the fire made such headway wat a) hope of saving this wing was abandoned. A detachment of Billy Wilson’s Zouaves came up, and seemed to be very much in their element. Ao officer who ‘was Do stranger to such scenes was placed in command , the eogine waa removed to the front of the building, the hose placed in the river, aud the efforts of ali were now devoted to save the maip part of the building and the ‘wing fronting on the river. Night soon came or, and the scene became grand ang picturesque beyond deecription. The moos was shamed from sight by the splendid illumination of shat brigby colump of fame which rose from the turrets jike the pil lar of fire by night, while the glowing windows lighted the city for many blocks withthe brightocss of day, and the flashing canopy of sparks looked as tbougb ail tbe stare of heaven were plunging beadiong through the air Groups of negrocs crowded the corners of the etreets and -looked on with apparent indifference, while ‘here and there might be seen a citizen; but the tater were very few. They generally kept aloof and paid no attention to the fire, a8 though it had becn. an’ efiair ip which they: Lad no interest or concern, z . AB goon ‘engine was properly manned and a euffi- cient and efficient force had been detailed to manage tbe fire, al! other soldiers ami officers were ordered by Gen Grover to repair immediately to their respective rogi- ments, and Captain Leamans, the efficient Prevost Mar. shal of the city, promptly enforced the order. Every lingering soldier who was not neéded was immediately arrested and escorted to hie camp. The first effect of thie was to restore an admirable state of order, andthe second was to plage the army im a state of readiness fer any comergency that might arise, It was thought that the State House might have been tired for a purpose by some lurking emirsary of the rebels, and thas its fames were to jliumine the path of an attacking army. Therefore & was that extraordisary precautions were taken and upusual vigitance exercised during the nigbt. ‘The fire raged with great fury until about pine o'clock in the evening, at which time the combustible material fa the west wing of the building had been mostly con. sumed; and notwithstanding ithe shower of fire that fei! ‘ncessantly upon the roof, and notwishstanding the intense beat of the partition wall, the maiy part of the building was*not yet on fire. The bright. ness of the flame gradually faded away, and before cleven o’clock the danger to the main building peemed to be almost entirely over, and the few spectators dispersed, under the impression tbat the fire wan at an €nd. The firemen, however, were kept at their posts, the engine was kept in position, and a strong and active guard placed over the building, with @ vigilant watch to give jostant alarm in case of a recurrence of the fre, FINAL DESTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING. ‘These precautions, however, as the result showed, were not sufficient to save the State House from destruction. ‘The main building took fire five times during the night, and in each instance the firemen were successful in quenching the flames. At last, just after the tewn ciosk had struck four this morping, the alarm was sounded once more, there was a loud noise of excitement, and the light whieh suddenly flashed up gave undoubted evidence of the final catastrophe. The scene which bad been so grand and impressive the previous pight was vow sdr- parsed; for the moon had Jong since disappeared apd a heavy thick mist shrouded the river aud the iandecape, and six lofty columns of flame, instead of two, now Jed together, shooting ap far into the dark sky. ‘The building bad been prepared for burning before tbe evacuation of General Butler’s troops, and was fall of ube most combustible materials, so that, the main part of tbe ‘building ones fairly on fire, all bope of saving it wan atanend. The Sremen, however, did not abandon it without a noble struggle for the mastery, but did all that it was possible to do for the salvation of this hothouse of rebsilion, The struggle was bopeless, and in three or four hours the blackened walls and smouldering rojns were all that remained of the noble edifice. ONUGIN OF THE PTkE. At the time the fire broke out anumber of rebel prisoners were confined in the State House, among them Brigadier General Carruth, Captain Castle and others known to have been conspicuous in guerilla and militia warfare, It was suggested that some of the friends of the prisoners had fired the building, with the hope that in the confution resulting from the conflagration these Prisoners might effect their escape. If such was the pur- pose it utterly failed, for on the first appearance of the fire Lieut. Commerford, of the provost , who was in charge of the captive rebels, promptly removed them under & strong guard, and placed them in a secure prison. AsT have before stated, it was also surmised that the —2 = = N EAnoe g ele. a ry we acsior *\n9?, cur orF IN A A TWEEN THE MUESISSPP) a BR OPELOUS/AS 6 © weer aaron Rouce y} y NY sa iS \ go 4 | i l tage BATON ROUGE M130 MiLES ABOVE NEW ORLEANS —— a, purpose was to show the position of our troops by this 20 completely dark that with the deors wide open one grand (liumination aod aid an attacking foree. But even if tnis bad been the purpose it was poorly planned; for while the light from the turrets could be men at & great distance, and the scene fn the immediate vicinity of the butlding was one of extroordinary brilliancy, the building was not in a could scarcely grope bis way through it, From present information I am of opinion that there was no fire there, and that we must leok fer another solution of the prob- CONDUCT OF THD CITIZENS AND PREOWERS. ‘The conduct of the citizens would sot by any means situation to light up the country for any considerable dis- | relieve them from the suspicion that, if some of them tance; and, even bad it stood on the highest point of land, were not responsible for this fire, they at least sympa- the brick watia wore of such thickness and solidity that J thize with the purposes of its destruction, whatever they the flames only shone through the windows. There are. dozen buildings i the city asy 0000f which would bave may be, There was a stolid indifference externally. As Tbave already said, they had pot even the curiosity to ‘been better adapted to such a scheme am this; andas | come out to see the fire, the negroes alone performing the ‘there was no attack and no apparcot movement of the part of epectators for the population, Had they been enemy, we are to concinde that t! bas 00 foundation tn truth theory of the case | guddenly and deeply moved, either by astonishment or gTief, at the destruction of the chief ornament and sup- But the quostion atill romaion whetber the Bre was the | port of their city, they would naturally have rushed to result of inceadiarism or of accident. The soldiers believe the citizens fred the building, and the eit cons intimate a Detlef that the soldiers did \t. the streets, particularly as the fre broke out in the day, time, and the fact that, almost without exception, they Kept clonely within their houses, would indicate that they ‘The portion of the building where the Ore vrigivated | were moved by no impulse of astonishment or grief. ‘waa unocenpied at the time of the oocurrence, aod had But the conduct of those who remained within doors ‘been unoccupied (or several days. Tho prisoners and th® | was calcuiated to throw suspicion upon them, moeh more provost guard oceupied the main portion of the bailding | was the conduct of some of the few who wore artostly on end (he east front. The fire. according to the bert au Vhentionted st! building, above oF im the cofling of the room immediately Over the Menaie chamber. It war suggested that the solders bad built fires in tbe basement for uli bary purpowea, and that imperfect and corroded fives had Leated the walls in such a manger as to ignite the b ghly combustible material which was cgrtainiy abund Ant io att the roome. But, after diligeut inquiry of the soldiers, | was wuable to avcertain that any fires had deen Lo lit in the Basement or elsewhere im that portion ofthe balding, The basement of that wing, as | know frow personal observation only a day cr two before the fire, wan tbe Mest Ubinviting of places wr. HIEDY and | he concesling himself Im a remote and « the ground. One estizen, ! know, helped to extingniah the ements, commenced in the top of (h6 | @ames: but one at feast, and perhaps two or three, at. tempted to get ap ariet, and one at lenet went #0 far ae actantly (0 fire thres or four shots from a navy revotver | into the crowd. One of the balls barely grazed the hood of a major belonging to a New York regiment, and the | encen! who Me *hppaned to have fired it was caught with the weapon im bis hand 1 it showld be asked bow ony citieen could gain ae cose Wo the building when guardet it bas been over since our peonpation of the place, it may be acewered that a skilfohsod pertevering man, fully hant open such | a design, migbt (ally seromplieh thie in many ways and vented per ton of the building await the favorable moment, easily eecaping in the confusion resulting from the fre, or con- Coaling nimself to apply the torch in another place, tn case the @ames should be extinguished. ‘The suspicion that the fire was the result of rebel tn- condiarism is certainly strengthens by the conduct of the prisoners, who were confined in a large room of the State House when the flames first broke eut. They did not attempt to concea! thetr pleaanre and satisfaction thie morning when it was known that the wort, to use the Janguage of one of them, ‘had bees thoroughly dons."’ «Tamm glad of it,"’ eaid one of these fellows to a Hleuten, ‘ant; “Lbope it will be eo with every bullding in the South, ratber than that the Yankees should have posseos tbe lieuteoant replied that, go far as be was concerasd, he bad as lief it would be #0 as any other way CWall,”’ rejoied the prisoner,’ it will beso, the Yankees will make just as much by their conquest as Napoleon Aid when he took Moscow, #04 G0 more,”’ erroRT of THE ATOR ROWS erate weUse. Whoo New Oricane was the capital of Loulsians (as any citi eu of Baton Roage will (ef you), the grossest polit! cal corruption pervaded every branch of the State govern ment, Fraud ant bribery were the order of the day. the Lagisiatare and everybody else, if we may believe (he teat mony referred (0. were bought and sold, like sheep io the enambles, by the Money of New Orieans capitalinte and Naw Orieaoe was the seat of Corruption eo unbiushing that Albany, (n ber woret days, would have been ashamed to shake hands with the Creseeat City, If the capitalute of New Urieant waoted any scheme t> go through the Lagisiature fer (heir aegrandizoment, at the expense the rest of the tote, why, they went to work aod bought re and Governor. and ra thelr own views This state of (hings of comrse cremied bitter ) a determinat ow remove ¢ New Unless. @ | | or another fall short of oF differ from the form sathe- "\pacriptiona hook as well as they did before the fire. from the immediate influence of theso jobbing fellows, | Company C—Caritain, A. Stoar who always managed to carry their point. After along | H. Fales Second Lieutenant, 6 ‘ | fompany U—Captain, Win bir content tho authNew Orleans party carried H, and got tb@ | NG) Benjamin, Secend Liv pecessary legtsiation for the removal. Then the question Company B- tain, F wos where to put it; and Donaldsonvitlo was irat select: | V- BM. Berges 4 Lieutenant, W. 1. ¢ 4. But Donaidvonyilko in only soventy miles trom New | yg c™iaiy 4 Captain, W. &. Van Wyck, Pirrt’ Lieatee Orleans, and it i not a very smart lobby which could uot Company G—Firet Lioutenant, H. M. Timoiat, Second @xtond its influence soventy milog, aspeciaily in view of | Lieutenant, J. E. Melieth the fact that New York is more than twice that distance | yy ymPany H—Captain, F. Jackson; Bocond 1 from Albany. And #0, notwithstanding the foundation for Company I—Captain, F. Van Tine; second 1. ‘8 Stato Houge was actually laid in Donaldsonvilie, the ant}. | 1. F. Bthw. New Orioana party made another pull all together, and | yy Qerany K—-Captain, T, Tilorton, Second Lieutenant, got the capital removed to Baton Rouge. Perbaps by plac | gpony ymTROrOLTAN—ONK MUXDAED AND THNNST-TMRD ing the State House upon the first bluff they hoped to vate the Legislature above the demoralizing \nfucases of the metropolie. We will allow the State House to speaks for itself, Oo the left, as wo enter from the river side, we read the fol jow ing taxcription :— sew Ya The Second Motropulitan regiment, One Hondred and Thirty third Now York, was sent to the front soon after its arrival here, Colonel Currie served en the staff of General Sinich during the pei paigh, Ccoupy ing the position of Assistant Adjutant General, He in @ ceccccceverrecesarersseccacsesrverooerecooros® | IHOTOUKH iKei;libarian, and there Is Ho doubt bie regi- 38aac Se mont will do orodit to tho city 56 repreeente, The follow. IRASSIMORE LANDRY, ing ‘New Yoar'e’ urdor will be read to the regiment on Lieutenant Governor. the Orat day of Jo PRESTON W. FARRER, wisi Speaker House of Representatives. ksdeanroen tee Mee AOR RO RIE PLOT EE TELE OLE LL DE TTEEDODS EOE DER orm wo Ub haw ttl ee, Colored Curne WALTER NRASHEAR, DANIEL D. AVERY, Commissioners. J.B. DAKIN, Architect. Ereeren, 1847. POLL LEOODROLDOIEROOLLLTL OODLE DEDEDE DLODLE L106 OA vyalis of the building have not fallen, and the above | \'\ 00 Che eitie’ And on the right band the following — The eslonel sesesracoscsoseneae sceenerrecseocensoveveooes | iain generally ; : MAUNSEL, WiHiTe, Griued tae regiinent mis i a The work on the State House was commenced tn 1847, aud was completed in.18: In 1861 the Lepisiature as. sembled in tt, as will appear from the fact that the iaxt rn can be arrived persion of the Legislature, which met therein in Nove | banat a ‘ ber, 1401, and lasted into 1862, was the first xeasion of | | To coned 1 Curie ” e reglinen Sew Year, a the sixth Legislature bela at Batou Rouge. Pivasure to him whieh hen bat nupe he way be cabled to Tho building was cracted on a portion of tho Morgan | repent with equal gratiieaisin, (HS order | aay eatato, purchaved by tho city of Raton Kouge, and given | stemnyy, Rowen, Adjutant nn” 10 the State for the purpose. The first appropriation for | Tho following \* a lintuf the ollioer# of the One Hundred the building was $460,000. This was soon followed by | and Thirty wuird — another of $75,000, and this by anothor, and #0 on until 4 Sta—Colonel, Laonard DH Ourrie , Liew about $750,000 bad been expended. it Colonel, Janee A. Hopkins, Major, Abraham. > Helay , Adjotant, Meury J. Foster, Quartermaxter, An extensive and valuable Stato library belonged to this State House. Many of the books hud been atoien by the soldiers before the prevent occupation of the city by our forces; Dut even at the time it was burned it con Bamvel Lrevourt, Cowpany A—Captain, James Silvey, Firat Lieutenant, Second Licutenant, George W Deoton H Alcott, First Lisutewant, tained a most valuable collection of Congressioval and | James i Hawen second Livutenapt, Williau Mt, Barker, Jegi#lative documents, statutory Jaw, &e., &e., em Company C junes K Puller, First Lieotemant, bracing a complete documentary bietory of the United Lorenzo D. Place Second Lieutenant, Willian HH Dun States and of neatly every Stato inthe Union, The room pany D—Cay rt King; Firat Lieutemant, ectenant, James C. | o0l8y y J. Alluire; Piest Lieo Richard W. Bretile ‘Company E—Captatn teuant, George Washburoe jn which thie valuable collection was stored had scarcoly been touched by the soltier#, aftfhough they stripped the Ant Second Lieutenant, Jobo HM. miscellaneous department of every thing of value. Fitzgerald, Tho removel of the capital gaye Dew life to Baton Rouge. | Company F—Captain, Matthew I. Moore, First Iieu- During the ressions of tho Legislature the city war peed rge Gerst Second Licuteuant, George H. n {pronged, pot only by dignitaries and politicians, buy by gay society, and every braveh of business was greatly benefitted. Tho people of New Orleans have never ¢ H—Laptain, Wilt ©. vr Given up the Kden of getting the capita) back to tbeie city, | ig Ammann Ae teptain, Witte 6 Bere ae apd after penco shall be restored the burning of the | Howley oO Company 1—Captain, Danie! Jacobe: First Lieotemant, State House will undoubtedly give them new courage vo reg bewren teed Mapai IM alte 20) Company G—Captain, Charles W. Rudgerd Fires Liew. tenant, Nathaviel Messerole, Second Liedlenant, Thoma P, Ogden. pursue their object vigorously. Company K—Captain, Jobo i. Sherman, Furst Lieu- tenant, Jobe K. Morel, Seound Lieutenant, Joba G. Bur- beut. MILITARY EXPEDITION, ETC. ‘The Third Metropolitan regiment ta mationed wt New TRste Me Orleans Our Baton Rouge Correspandence. FOURTH METNOPOLITAN—ONH NUNDRED AND HRVERTY.THIRD Baron Rovar, La,, Dec. 29, 1662. KEW TORK. Expedition to Capture @ Rebel Oulpost—Mistake of tha Five companies of thie regiment are encamped om ibe Negro Guide—Galiant Contest of Cavalry ana Infanir-— | trout the follow ug is & list of the ofeers:— r--Colone) , Health of the Metropolitan Brigade—Names of the Off — binge oy haries I! Morton, Lieutenant cers—General ( rders Commending the On: Hundred and | poine. Peed selva alt A renee oe pn ayy ~ vaigh Thirty-third New York Regiuent—Locale of Billy Wit- } ton; Assistant Surgeon, Dr. Mather, Chaplain, Rev. Mr. sones Zowares—Celebration of the Christmas Holidaye, ée. je. i: ? A—Captain Geo, Rogers, Viret Lieutenant At three o'clock this morning # hundred cavalry and Robinbon Mecond Liewenent Weens.” Bree companies of infantry proceéded on the Clinton Company B- maplate Joke 8 Libbs, Firet Ieutenant turapike on a reconnossance, and with a view to captur. | Bergen, Second Lieutenant Wm. 4. Green. ng a rebel outpost stationed about twelve miles from thie ||, cu"pany Captain, Cunredy, Firat Lieutenane Miller, city. Company D—Captain Lae, First Lieutenant Lyned. The Clinton road ia very straight, and about six miles Hol beg nord B—Captaia Holbrook, Piet Lieutenant Coa- out from Baton Rouge is the Cypress Buyou; six miles wens Mitebene” Brownell Firih ‘seuienne Sadho, Deyond this i# @ road turning toward Port Hudson and | Second Lieutenant Rodger. eFonsing tho luck croek, Tt was ascertained that a small |, Company G—captain, Wills, First Lieutenant Petrie, a rebel force wan stationed on this latter road, somewhere | ee te ne touch, Binet Lieutenams Bill, Detween Black creek and the Clinton turnpike, and the | Second Lieutenant Fowler Cxpedition for their capture went out under guidance of Company 1—Captain Gregory, Firat Lieutevant West, Second Lieutenant Shea he sk who professed to be well acquainted with the | “Vinpany K—Captain Cochue, First Lieutenant Gre country. Kor; The cavalry force consisted of about fifty men from be MPTLOFOL/TAN—ONE HONDRED AMD GRVENTY-TOURTH Captain Mctiee's company, and about an equal number XBW YORK, from Captain Godfrey's. The infantry companion be The Pith Metropolitam regiment i# quartered im the Jonged to the Second Louisiana regimemt, and were com’ | Penitentiary, The following in a itet of te oficera — manded by Lieutenant Colonel Everett. Held and Siaff-—Covone Theadare W. Parmele Liewte- " nant Colonel, fi. Frank Stott, Maur, George Kating The tofantry proceeded as far as Cypress Bayou and cae gt gered sony “7 , halted, with orders to move on case firing was heard | Sargeor, fenanlt Gu eel. | ahead of them; an the cavalry pushed on, with orders to | Brown. second Assietant, Frenties J. Kent, Chaplain, jun Wa return if fring wax beard in their rear. It wan their in tention to go around the rebels and attack them in the ide mistook the road, and led them in front ofthe enemy instead, The first appearance of the 0, Company A—Caytain, James M Vandenboro, First Lieutenant, Iraac Wille Second Lieutenant, James O. Glyun Company B—Captain Viret Lieutenant, Jas. Groyory, Secoud Lieatenant, Joba 8 Habeock rebela was a party of about twelve pickets, who retired, | vinupeny Captain, Win. Ho Romaine Fires Liew and our cavalry gave chase, Snddenty our cavalry found | tenant, K. * Second Lieuteuant, D. © Va themaciver in immediate proximity to a rebel infantry Se t aptatn, Jamon ¥. Raker, Viret Lieut ‘ force of about twice their nnmber, with a email Geld | y Ww McPherson Second cast, tain a Woe piece, and ready to receive them. Canjpany BC aptan A. Sprowell, Firat Liew ‘The Hirst comptiment of the revele wan a discharge of me James Wood 4 iJoutenant, Frederick A. their field piece and a volley of musketry. The cavalry charged them in gallant style, and the miniature battle raged with fury for a fow minutes, the men fighting bind to hand, the cavalry cutting and slashing witn thei" padres, and the rebels thru with their bayonets or firing their muskets at sbort range. The encounter, though very brisk, insted but « short time, when both partien retired. On our sido the following casualties occurred — KiLuRD. Private McWaters, of Captain McGee's company. yrNDKD Private Berger, of Captain McGee's company, shot in apd not expected to recover umye, of Captiin Godfrey's company , slightly Several horses were shot under their riders, ‘The rebel joss is estimated at ton killed and twelve to Company P—Piret Lientenant, Thomas R. Scott, Recon Lieutenant, Kamuel J. Sanit Company G—Captain, John H, Hull, Piret Liewtenant, 6. Motieer Company IL—Caytain, Win, D. Mansfeld: Firat Lieo- tenant, Hiward Warreuer, veound Leeuieusnt, Charis Emoren. Company 1—Caytain, Jeond C, Moffman, Fire Liew Charles Coaterier, Secon’) Lieutenant, Augvet l. Trembley, Second lieutenant, Wiliam M tet Kinviel The Une Hundred and Seventy-fourth wae rained usder the aumpicon of the grocers of New York® ORL WOON E tata. “Willy Wilson's Zouavee,”" a everybody calle them— Loe Sixth repinent New York Volunteers—are encamped near the Penitentiary, They are the oldest regiment m thin departigent, and cannot be exoniled in the precteon apap iene of their evolutions by any body of vohinteors, The The cavalry having pushed on six miles beyond Colovel | gmaven have roen & reat deal f hard service, During Everett's force, it was of course imposible for him % | the bombardinent of Fort Mekens five companion were pean ee constantly under fire, and a portion of them manned and be pg mipoerunange: worked the guns. They were at Pensacols and Hante Three regiments of the Metropolitan brigade and Sve | Rigs inland eveven montis. For four evccessive manthe companies of another are encamped in this city and vi | they were on the rants, much of the time in water, Ab cinity, It will bo gratifying to the numerous readers of | the pattie uf Saute Rona Inland thie regiment showed ite the Hanaip who bave friends and relatives in this army | bravery ins conapicuous manner, At the time the at- to know that the health of the New York troops here i* | tack was made thirty mea were on picket, and theme held remarkably good, and that tmey are as comfortable in | heir ground until eleven killed and se many more every respect as soldiers can expect to be in the tented | were wounde’. The men are in excellent beslth and good field. fighting eondition. The Colonel saya the soldier's life PinaT METROPOLITAN —ONK REWDRED AyD TRIRTT FIRE FEW | gorge with them tous, ‘The following le & lint of tne offcer® of Colonel Wi) The One Hundred and Thirty-Oret New York, ander con's regiment, a8 At present organized — Coionsl Tarnbull, formerly « police captain in New York, Staff—Covone!, William Witen Licetenant vse cucarel Grover tne pewention tia ety ow te | fran Semen J Weary” Guarstmastet, Teen? he under General Grover tok possession Of this city om the . Jaenen + Qu , Thomas J Re ‘and ite camp ie & model of nesters and order. The | (ompany A—Captain, HAward Latham Firet Lieetem dross parades of the regiment ativact many visitors, and | ant, Jemer Kotwintlo. Keovnd Liewtewant Hagar W Roe would do credit ta the most experienced battalions in the | **' B—Captain, Witham J. Deosiow, First Liew fold. The military eritio would be unable to detect the | garam” Virginia Vaugiewn, seomd Lieutecmat, Alene slightest variation from the book im the pareias of | dor Ht. Wallace, . thie regiment; and thet ia more than can be said Company C— Captain, Revert sf Haseltine Firet Lice for many volunteer eolonele in the service, From — D , Patrick Dally, Firet Lieutenast, ' Fravem Seoond Iseatemant, Thomas Duly B-Laptain, J MoNute First Lieuten Roady; Reoned Lk , Oliver Mattows ou Gnweral Dew oat raain, William Kautmen, Fires Live laos Boway , Seomd Lievtenant, Joon T carcesmess, of from 6 belief thet the pre | Richard sorioed rules can be improved, one seldom wit nesses in our army ® parade which Goss not in one way ect, ce rised by the War Department, But Colonel Tarnbull doce tenant not permit any euch varistion, and the promytnene aod G—Capiain, Jemes H. Doble, First precivion of hie men in the manual of arms do him great yas ae bre Tne eretit an 6 Grit oMoar, |, Charies B. Huberer, Recon Liew Jue regiment celebrated Christman by marehing 10 tbe Kpacopal churet, which had bes opesed for the por pose, and stiending servings, by Rev, J. W. Williams chaplain. An organist wes called for, aod & private ln the ranks promptly etepped oat and volunteered, per forming bis part J9 8 very satifactery manner ‘The Poliew ing iss lint of the fears uf the One Heodret | acd Thirty fret -- | Picid and Staff-Coron', Charles 8 Tarobell, Livate. | nent Colonel, verant, Mayr, Nicholas W. Day) Her Dr. Rust, Acting Adjutant. W. fen, Chaplain, Wilbarne. Company A—Caytain, @. H. Wheaten, Yiret Lieutenant, J. Grinwetd. Renend Lieutenant, Je one Company RC ayia, AC. Tate, First Lnatensnt, & A Hobe aut 4 Cmpany Owen rosy Bape Vomant, Robert Gi! ‘The stjutaat of tue regiment and the second |ieutenant | of Company D are sow sbrent in New York on recruiting | pervion, sed the first liectenant of Company A le acting adjutant The pegroee are intolgiog in thelr unaas boliday amare , | mete Oe Chrletnes night they bat © Pal at Aentomy Hist, and another one was held on Saterday evening, Ow the former ocamon the band of the Masmachusetis Ff Kleth performed a part of the evening, thereby superset CONTINUTD ON RIGHTH PAGE)