The New York Herald Newspaper, January 11, 1864, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 9977. GENERAL BANKS’ DEPARTMERT. Buamored Concentration of the Rebel Forces for a Cam- paign in Texas. . An Effort to be Made to Drive the Union Army Out of that State. Re-Dnlistments of Veterans in the Department of the Gulf. Tho Bark Grapeshot in Court Under a Claim from George Law. Return of General Andrews’ Expedition, and What It Accomplished, Interesting Interview with the Re- turned Exchanged Prisoners, Rebel Operations in Northwest- ern Louistana, REBEL GUNBOATS AT SHREVEPORT. Destitution of that Region of * Country. NEW YEAR’S DAY IN NEW ORLEANS, Ren Rey he. The stoamehip Columbia, Captain De B. Barton, arrived ‘Gt this port yesterday afternoon, with New Orleans dates ‘w the Sd inst. Information had reached New Orieans from three or four ditiereot directions thas all the rebel troops who avo beep operating in Western Louisiana, om the banks @f tho Mississippi, and, in fact, the whole force of the @memy, were gathering in Central Texas, and uniting to form one large army, to attack our new acquisitions on } heer of Texas. They will number at least twenty - The most ample preparations had been made to mect this rebel ferce ag well as possible with the number of to the department, and it was expected that news ‘great interest from Texas would soon be received. The Niveteenth army corps still remained at New Woria. Nearly every regiment had re-enlisted as vete- ‘The agent ot the State of Connecticut was at New ia, paying every man from that State who re enlisted hoodred do!'ars, The Twel'th Connecticut bad re @alinted en masse. ‘We are indebted to the kindness of the purser, Mr. B. BB. benderson, fir taking charge of cur despatones. Mr. Charics BH. Farrell’s Despate New Oxreans, Jan. 3, 1864. Bew Line of Steqmers—The Famous Bark Grapeshot in Court— George the Repondent—Novl Present to Moaxor Gencrak Ba ks—New Yuar's Day in ihe Crescent Oity— Unusual Cold Weather—Non Arrival of New York Steamer—Racing Stock Under the Hanmer, de. A new live of steamers has jast been established to run Between New York and this port, touching at Havana. The veases of the live are the Havana and Matanzas. have been long and favorably known as swift The equipments of both vessels are superb. ““ Private intelligence from our blockading fleet off No- Ho says that everything was quiet thereabouts up to the ‘B%Mth uit, The guodoat Octorara returned froma cruise to Peosscols on the 16:h ult. Acting Master Jobr A. Johoeion bas Leen promoted to Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ‘ant, and ordered to the command of the eupply bark W. G, Anderson. In the United States Proyisional Coart—Judge Pea Do ly presiding—ou the 30th uit., in the caso of Wi Massxi & Co., ve. the bark Grapeehot, the argumente of Counsel were beard. The case isa libel filed on a bottomry oud, to recover the sum of $9,767 45, together with Maritime inveresi, at the rate oF 19\% per cent, which ‘wos lonucd by Mes:rs. Wallerstine, Masset & Co., ou the Dark Grapeshot, at Rio Janeiro, in April, 1858. The , Vertol was sold in New Oviouns in 1868, under proceed ings to Admiralty. The ameunt of the sale, together with the freight, boing about $16,000, was paid into the regis try of tbe court, Mr. George Law, of the city of New York, is the claimant of this fand, and ne contends that * Mere wes no necessity which made it eeseutial that Captain Clark, of tue Grapeshot, should have borrowed ‘the money for repairs to the vessel, and that the bot- tomry bond was pull and vord—that the whole transac tion was an attem)t to chext and defraud bin. it will be remembered by the rowers of the Herat ‘that tho Gropeshot wae the vese~! cout from New York to tho Canary Islaods in search of L@wis Biker, ibe alleged murderer of Wm. Poole, It was «ilo ou this voyage ‘Ut the above debt wus incurred, Tus case is still be fore tbe Court Capt, Jesse Molton , of the Sixty-ninth Indiava, bas been Feiteved from daty 2s Provost Sherif of New Orleans, fand Liowt. Col, Bugene Tisdale bus been appornted in iv place. ‘Ab amateur theatrical entertainment, for tho benefit of the New Orleans brauch of the United States Sanitury Comma iesion, will be given at the St. Charles theatre o1 the im inst. If successful, a series of eioilar entertain. ments will follow. ‘The little eide-wheel steamebip Sovora, which left thie Port oo tbe 6th uit. for Tampico and Vera Cruz. ran out of fuel during a storm in the Gulf, and was in great dan fer uotil relieved by the French war steamahip Finis terre. The French vessel kept the Sonora in tow two ays until the svorm abated, aud then supplied ber with Coal. Among tbe Dumerous jacidents of the first day of th wow year the moet striking and appropriate occurred at the boudquarters of the Commanding Goneral. General Banks was receiving the congratulatious and good wishes @f the paymasters of the department, headed by Majors Brighow and Parker, and accompanied by fourteen others, fnd dni ing this scene, while standing around a table spread With scme choice wines aod refreshment, of which ail Were frecly partaking, ah elderly geatloman stepped up to the General and handed him a letter, which he wished him to rereive @ testimonial of respect and appreci- ation. The Genera! opened the letter, and, glancing over the page, found ft was an antograph letter from Goneral Warhington, dated at Carlisle, Pa, The letter treated upon the whiskey ipsurrection, and Contained many clear aud striking suggestions upon the subject of rebellion. So applicable inrtoed, wore the } @pinioos of that great man to the present troubles of the ; nation that, eecing this, General Banks said be would read the letter aloud, which he did, to the great interest of every one present, One of the opinions advanced by the dotler was to the éflect thas ma government like ours it ust HOt bo presumed by any ul the disapprobation of wority should be sufficient to nullity the acts of the ty. ‘Ibis .8 precisely the cause of the trouble now. A general order has been jseued from the headquarters “ of this department whieh ie of great importance to the . people of thie Staté «The Commanding General has in- Sorporated in the order the ambesty proclamation ro. cently jemmed by resident Lincoln, and such parts of the President's message ax explain, limit and regulate t fine, The oath of allegiance proveribed by the Presi dont, aod which he requires to be taken by all who would take advantage of his offer of \ pation, i# algo embodied in tho order, and Gen: ral Baok# informs tte people that all who are desir us of doing KO Can take It at once. The Provoet Marsbal Serarst (Bowen) is directed to instract all Provost Mar to Uhia effect abd author)» them to administer it A private lovter haw recentiy been received in thie city Nich eocure {he following paragraph, which showe leretine , | ing to Pensacola, baggard. ragged and dirty surprised to seo our soldiers ing Feat , and Teady to enlist for a stomaob full of U! Sam’e rati for eighteen years. vaiting ne paring the compliments of the season which prevailed here ‘mer years to a t extent and on @ grand scale was almost entirely abandoned this year. ‘Tho places of business kept.open as usual, and the New ‘Year’s calle were confined to persons from the Northern section of the country. pers ya thie ity, has changed hands, by the reuireaent papers city, is, by the ret: ot of Hugh , Faq., who has sold hia fetorehip to Hoo, Michael Habo, late member of from this State. Mr. Kennedy bas wielded the editorial pen for fourteen years with abi and retires from the pro- fession on account of ill His successor is to the manor Born, man 6 literary abilities and well known cityand State. The paper is to be ap |. unconditional Uniow journal and an earnest supporter of the national admini istration. The steamers George Cromwell and the Creole, which ‘were advertised to leave New York o@ the.23d ult., hay ‘not arrived as I close this letter. It ts thei: trig gaio baving prevailed for several days. thip Columbia, which leaves for New York to-day, takes sixty-five of them mer- Chaat of this city golug to Abother evidence of the make their spring purchases. growing prosperity of New A large auction gale of racing this city-on the 16th The the hammer is the formerly the Kenver, The property is to be under the pro- visions of the Confiscation law, the owner being disloyal and now an officer in rebel army. sale is by order of Captain C. K. Mark, Assistant Quartermaster. The horses coosist of Casta Diva, bay mare, by Voucher, Ed of Pig! six Hey iar pay wane eek mate, by lane, four fs al , by West Aus- tralan, { reo Sorrel station, by Albion. four years old: also seven Morgan and Black Hawk etallions, nad several blooded colts of different pedigrees. Some colored troops belonging to a Rhode Island heavy artillery battalion, which arrived here a day or two since, have already been the cause of considerable excite- ment. . They bave not yet been quartered in the city, but yesterday most of them got on shore from the transport which brought them, and which is lying at awharf in front of St. Mary street, and became 60 unruly that the Fourth district police where wholly unable to control them. ll the police that could be spared from the First district were sent up to assist Lieut. Duane’s force; but still the prospect of restoring quiet to the neighborhood was not very flattering, and about dark a squad of white soldiers were sent for to aid the police. Some of the Fourth district citizens, as well s the “sons of the moon,’’ are said to have been very roughly handled by the darkey troops, and some of the latter also got sore heads in the affray. All of the regiment who were found ashore were arrested forthy@eh. ‘The Rev. Mr. Cobbe Alican. a French missionary priest, who arrived in this city recently, from Europe, has deen creating a great sensation by bis superior oratory and eloquence among our French citizens, ‘The scene of bis Jabors hae been ja the Catholic Cathedral in Chartres street, to which he bas attracted overflowing audiences. He is represented as a very finent speaker, of great per- wuagive force—elevated add philosphical. ' He has givev seven lectures on ‘‘Phariseeism.” It is said that these Jectures have been obnoxious to one of the priests of thie very cathedral, who is eaid to be worth several) hundred thoueand dollars. On the Sist ult. a difficulty occurred in a cofice house in this city, between Corporal Wm. Maytield, of the First district police, and tH, Charieycoun, y 1, Ninety-seventh Iiimois infantry, which resulted quite unfortunately, After the exchange of ib words the ruck |, Whereupon the latter shot him in the abdomen, inflicting a severe and dangerous wound. Both parties drew their revolvers and fired at the eame time, but the Sorgeant’s shot did not take eflect, Mr. George Wm. Brown's Despatch. New On1nans, Jan. 3, 1864. Various Matters on the Lower Mississippi—Return of the Expedition Sent Out by General Andrews! from Port Hudson—Foraging on Humboldt Island, Near the Mouth of Red River—Dr, Smith Captured and oo Hastily Released —Ne Gucrilias Seen and No Disturbance of any Kind—Ewrything Accomplished that Was Intended— Quietness at Port HudsonmIts Strong Impregnability Against Astault, dc. Last mfight } returned from Port Hudson, Bayou Sara, ‘aud the country about the mouth of Red river. The ex pedition sent out eome days since by Brigadier Genera) Andrews-—a votice 6f which was sept to the Herarb—bas eafely returned, and it is now not improper to give an account of its.movements and operations. It consisted of detachments from four regiments and two guns from the Twelfth Massachusetts battery, al! under the com mand of Colonel William H. Dickey. The fine government transports Jobo Warner and Iberville were under orders to take the troops and | artillery on board and await instructions a8 to destina- tioa, &c. Finally, December 23, at two P. M.. all the preparmtions were made and everyihing ready for the departure, the steamers were off and bound up stream. At starting every one, except the chief officers in com- mand, su di up the Red river and ‘beyond,’ if the gueritias wonld perinit, which was somewhat doubtful. ‘The transports, crowded with troops and packed with their accoutrements, proceeded forward rapidly wutil they reached & point four miles be- low the mouth of Red river, where all doubts and appre- bensions as to destiqation were quieted, and a landing made on the right bank. Here was Humboldt Island—an island twenty miles in circumference, long and irregular, on one side forming the wnk of the river and on the other serrated by the windings of a bayou, which | ts narrow and muddy. A sufficient guard being ‘on board the steamers, the remainder of the were ordered ov shore, when it was { was intended. | Foraging parties io every direction, with imstructions to were sent “impress” horses, forage, cotton, sugar, &c.—anything Ol value that could be found and spared by these obsti- nate secesh, who, it was learped, had invited the gue rillag to their isiand,as a fit place for their operations against passing steamers. ‘The Von Phul, Black Hawk, Brazil and other boats had been fired into at this place and a great amount of damage done. For these reasons Hamboldt Island was selected as a proper place to forage in; Jurthermore, it was known to be fertile, and the sup- position consequently was that it abounded in forage. This view ultimately proved to be correct. Qur forces were on the island thirty-six hours, and obtained two thousand bushels of corn, twelve horses, a large number of hogs, besides ducks, chickens, turkeys, &c., in great abnndance, A mother prepared a basket of eggs for ap ollicer; but, as she was presenting them, the daughter said, ‘Do pot give them, ma, to the damned Yankee.” But the mother was fixed in her purpose, and tbe officer received the eggs with many feelings of pleasure. Before leaving the island @ pr. Smith wae captnred and brought to Col. Dickey, who released him, although suspecting that the doctor might be a desperate character. It has since been learned that he was certainly the same desye- rado who shot ja cold blood one of the mea who escaped from the ram Queen of the West whea that boat was cap- tured in Red river by the rebels in 1862. If the doctor should get into our bands again it is hoped he will not so easily escape. At length, on Christmas morning, the order was given to roturn on board, which movement was ac complished without any great confusion or excitement. No guerillas contented with bis snecessful foraging. Toe returned in time to Port Hudson to prepare a Christmas supper and sleep with happy dreams on (hristmas night. Thus pleasantiy returned the expedition that accom- plished all that was intended and directed. It may not be improper, in closing thie article, to remark the im- pregnable condition of the post of Port Hudson, and that if a rebel should venture so far as to enter those strong works at any time very soon he would certainly bave great difficulty to fod his way out, even if he were not captured by the many sentinels who are stationed there and jook upon travelers with suspicion, Our New Iberta Correspondence. New Tnenta, La., Deo. 30, 1863, Return of Bxchanged Prisoners from Natchitoches, La.— Interesting Reports from the Interior of the Rebel Lines— Movements of (he Bnemy—An Iron-clad Rebel Gunboot at Shreveport and Ancther Pitting Up—Great Dirsatisfac- tion Among the Rebel Troops—Treatment of Mr. Ayers, a Union Man—How our Prisoners are ?riated—A Thanks giving Dinner im DixieCondition of the Country Through which Our Men Passed, de., de. : About two weeks since, 8 already stated in the Henarp, Major General Taylor, commanding the revels in Western Louisiana, sent a communication to Geveral Franklin, of our army, 19 relation to the exchange of prisoners cap. tured by their forces. The reason for this request was the inabjlity of the rebel authorities to properly provide for our mon. The terms of the cartel were satisfactory to both par- ties, and was immediately signed. Several days ago the prisoners thus exchanged, numbering im all about seven hundred, returned here, having traversed on foot the en tire distance from Natohitoches, on the Red river, in this State, From several officers of the number we gather many interesting as well as important facts in relation to matters within the lines of the enemy. We learn from there eources that within the past few woeks graat activity bus been observed among the | enemy's troops. Genoral Mouton, with « brigade, has moved towards Monroe, a small town on the Washita viver, and at the present torminns of the Vicksburg and Shreveport Railroad. Tho object of the expedition i gaid to be to chock the operations of somo of etir troops that aro supposed to be scouring the aNd TY opposite Vicksburg. Generals Groon and Major, have been ordered to the Sabine frontier, and are now moving in that direction. Ono of the mont roasterly ox ‘soaiters aro (a 8omO porvions of the rebel States'— _ f IibiNoEs Of General Banks’ ability as a strategies wos ws Bile yesterday from Penaacola, woere I found | bere manifested. Several monthe ago wot a 5 tnocow dates wp to the 20th inst. from Montgomery. | powerfal column into thie country, with an ape There nothing bow in them, bub a genoral walloyer | paren’ intention to move across State and the ruin oepacts of the Southern confederacy. De- | enter von Florida and Alabawe are continually com § oF oortors 1 as by tho Sabine. Alter demonstrating wenki—juat enflicient time to allow the ena. THE NEW YORK HERALD. NEW YORK, MONDAY, JANUARY Il, 1864. my to become well concentrated on his fropt—he quietly embarked a considerable force upon trang} and ao- companied by @ number of vecee!s-of-war, Set sail for Texas, and effeeting a landing, marched Browns- ville, which acnated because of the weak- ness of its garrison. The enemy had not looked for an from this quarter, and consequently ehowed little resistance. The Rio Grande thus felt our and f the are, a8 & matter of course, necessarily undergoing quite & revision, and it js highly probable will eee fit to almost entirely abandon thin part of Loujgiana, in order to ee more certain to hold Texas. * ‘hat there are ocean bumper of fogitive conscripts in the woods of the tern part of the State. Theee mem have mostly deserted, it is said, from motives of loyalty to the national government. in order to capture these men and restore them to com. mands numerous expeditions are being continually sent out. One Captain Martin is the most prom)nent actor in this department of military labor, and he is reported as exercising the most severe measures upon (hoge who unfortonately fall within Bis power. During the enue Se bas not been idle as re- y designs river during the high water however, will be made in due ‘troops of Texas and those of Louisiana a rather discordant state of feeling, judg- ing from the accounts we hear ef the brojls inces- santly breaking out between them. The Texans feel dis- vo go home and fight for themselves, and say the Louisianians are no fighters. In addition to these com- motions there reigos a prevailing dissatisfaction amouy, the troops. They are tired of the exposures and fatigues of a conilict to which they eee no termination. They are despondent, bopeiess avd homesick, and the majority of them, were it not for the rigorous enforcement of milita- ry discipline and the rewarkabie infatuation of their leaders, no consideration could prevent them from sever- ing themselves from a cause which they never did adopt in response to the dictates of an unhampered will. ‘To euch @ @trait bas this branchof the Traps-Miesiasippi rebel army beeu reduced for clothing that it is now . We understand, tor the men to supply them- selves with clothing, or eise receive it through the mu- niticence of their wealthy sympatbizers. ‘The pay of their soldiers bere is eleven dollars per momth, which ie about sufficient to purchase, } learn, one single plug of tobacco. ‘A short time ago, after our troops drew in tbeir moré advanced posts, Mr. Ayers, a native and a Union mav, ‘was surprised and taken from bis home and thown into prison at Natchitoches. Upon the arrival of our prison- ers at that place, our informaat was told that Mr. Ayer had, over since his capture, been kept in close confine- ment and treated with the most inbuman barbarity. He is considered a hostage for some citizens taken by our ‘troops in their advance towards the West. Some idea may be jormed of the great scarcity of cer- tain articles when the enormous prives at which they are held are considered bese prices, too, may ip a measure result from the tion ef the currency of the country. Gold is valued at ove dollar for eighteen in potes. Kebel money ean be had at sixteen gents on a dollar. Castile soap ie selling at five dol- lars a cake; Louisiana rum, of the vilest quality, twenty- five dollars per bottle; a twenty-five cent tooth brush, twenty-five dollars. The people of Natchitoches were very desirous of exchanging for our money, ana did so at a great sacrifice. This desire became so notorious tb the rebel authorities were obliged to issue ap order against any furtber exchange of United states for rebel money between the citizens and our soldiers. I made particular inquiry as to the manner in which our troops were treated. Jn some instances the enemy provides for their comtort us well as their limited means ‘will admit, but these instances are rare. At Nachitoches the privates were stationed in the woods, with no protec: tion but the trees. Binnkets and tents they had pot. ‘The officers were huddled into the Court House, which ‘was filled with vermin, tis thought by our men that the numerous sugar houses apd vacant bujidiogs, of which there are quite a number in the town, might be used as places of confinement instead of the cula, sun- Jess gloom of the woods. As regards food, the supply is barely sufficient, and iz distributed to them uncook It consists of corn meal and fresh beef. The men without cooking apparatus, and are obliged to eat their food but partially prepared. Many of the officers, at their own request, were marched under a guard toa restaurant, where, by paying a large sum, they were enabled to get their meal and meat heated, as they termed jt, but seldom cooked. Many of the people of tbe place enjoyed highly the humiliations ana indignities to whicb our officers were pubjected. Daring the stay of our prisoners in Natobitoches a plot ze Coit to overpower Mane which rong it seventy-five men, enter Wy releage our cors Iu the Court House, sieve three bundred stand of arms und a number of horees in the town, cross the ferry, and take the main Natchez road, some mounted meu abead to report the affair at Natebez and ask for succor. The plot would undoubtedly bave been jul it not been for a deserter from our army, who dis- closed the affair, whereupon the guard was doubled. ‘There wos no large force of troops at the time within thirty-six hours’ march of the place, to which time add the necessary delay in devising some means of crossing the river, the ferry being destroyed, and 1t $s fair to sap- pose that’ all stroug euough to endure # forced march would bave escaved. While in the Natchitoches prison a party of sixteen of obr officers gave themselves a Ybunksgiving divuer, which cost five hundred dollars. The country through which the troops passed is men tioned as extremely desolate. ‘The inbabitunts of the rural trict, have congregated principally in the towns for protection or company. ‘There are no crops growing in many places How ever, in the vicinity of Natchitoches and Alexandria, some sugar mills are in active operation. ‘The sugar from these mills was at one time all shipped overland for the Rio Grande fronuer. Where it now finds an outlet we cannot learn. issue of new uniforme, overcoats, blankets and plenty of good rations, which were qell cooked. Many of them say their experience in Rebdeldom has but intiamed their minds the more to stand by the old flag and taaintain its authority over the entire Jand; for if this be not done we in onr turn, say they, may look for even a more de- plorable condition of affairs than now prevails in the South, THE MORNING STAR CHASED. Supposed Rebel Cratser North of Cape Mattcras—She Give Chase to the Morning Star—Description of the Sas- pected Pirnte, &c., Kee TO THR EDITOR OF THE HERALD. ‘The steamship Morning Ster left New York on the 26th ult, On the following day, between four aud five. M., when sixty-five miles north of Cape Hatteras, a propeller, square rigged, with long projecting bows, not unlike those of Englieh build, high smoke stack and burning 20lt coal, was discovered steering north. Immediately upon her making us out she changed ber course to the eastwara so as to come down across our bows, and by the immense volume of smoke which issued from her smoke stack all were convinced ehe was using an unusual pressure of steam. The captain disliking the appearance of the straoger, ber conduct and the circum stance of her burning soft coal. ordered our course to be changed to the east of what we were then steering (eouth by west), when she at once bewled to the northward to Intercept us, When ft thos Became apparent that the suspicious craft was resolved on overhauling us, our course was changed to the southeast, bringing her direct. ly in our wake, and the chare begav, We were then car- rying twenty pounds of steam, and the pursuer was coming up with us iast. All galls were then set to take advantage of a strong west wind which was blowing, and the pressure of steam increased to thirty pounds. Under this spread of canvass and head of steam we made fourteen knots apd gradually distanced the pureuer, in spite of the fearnest endeavors she made. Sparks and flame were seen to issue from her smoke stack, and at times her hull was completely enveloped in ished at night, and other it were adopted. On board our own ship the light around the engine was deadened by old sails, and the saloon, cabin, and tate room lamps were pat ont; and in darkness we groped about, apeaking words of encouragement, or fear, or anxious inquiry about the chase. No passengers were allowed on deck, lest rebel cmiesaries or sympathizers on board might ex- hibit signal lights to guide the dread pursuer. During the night we continued our swift flight, and when? morning dawned the dread apparition of the evening before had vanishod; yet no one felt disposed to make light of the tter, all felt that wo had cscaped a real and a threaten. No officer questioned the charac' nd inten sel, but all were unapimous in the opinion that she was arebel cruiser especially designed to make cnpeare of our merchant steam marine, it is only upon these hypotheses that all the cireum- ftances can be reconciled: First, she bad the appearence and puild of av English propeller; second. she burnt gott coal, a fuel used by fone of the Union cruisers, and which, indeed, has been peremptorily denied to thei by general ordere. Besides, too, our own gunboats knew all the vousels on tho New Orleans line, aud if they did not our immense proportions vould not for a moment have invited the suspicion of our boing @ blockade ranner, If a foreign yesse!, hor strango conduct could be explained only on she supporition that she was in distress, whi she certainly was not to make from ten to twel an hour, It is only as an Anglo rebel eteany out io an Englieh port to prey apon the commerce of a friendly Power, that her conduct and character assumes baturalness and simplicity. T append & description of the above verse! fer the bene- Ht of captains — r ler, two masta, three yards forward, bull painted Diack, long bow, Koglieh, mente Wer aud onvenally high smoke stack. oo La Havsna, Jan, 1, 1866 consequentiy | ‘All the prisoners were exceedingly delighted at their | return, and were immediately made comfortable by the ; NEWS FROM MEXICO AND ST. DOMINGO. The City of Guanajuato in Pos- session of the Imperialists. Surrender of Aguascalientes to the French. The Imperial Cause Rapidly Gain- ‘ ing Ground. MIRAMON TO LBAD A DIVISION ON DURANGO. Tamaulipas te be Occupied by the French Forces. Juarez Reported About to Take Refange in Texas. MORE SPANISH VICTORIES IN ST. DOMINGO. AFFAIRS IN HAVANA, ae, ae, ae. ‘The arrival of the Columbia from New Orleans puts us im posession of news from Mexico to the 22d ult. Oar Havana Correspondence. Havana, Jan. 5, 1864, Ine French in Guancjuato—Adhesion to the Imperiat Scheme—Where is the Merican Army?—Spanish Victo- ries at'Puerto Plata, dc.—A New Theatre for Havana—~ Che Opera, dc. Many a wish for a happy new year bas been breathed, all une world over, since Inst Friday, and yet, for all I can gee, the year 1864, a8 yet silent and unfariiliar, like a ‘wondering babe, promises to be no better in temper and conduct than any of its predecessors. The incense from gilded censors which has rolled through many a cathedral dome, vibrating with anthems of praise and blessings, cannot sweeten the tainted air, smelling of the blood of last year’s holocausts. Et in terra pac hominibus. How vain the prayer. “here is no peace on earth for men. We drift along in the game current of events, following out their logical sequences and developing their appointed end, as if time took no heed of the new born epoch, usbered tm with e€0 much that is sublime and holy. What heed do men take of their own wishes, and what else are we but hypocrites, praying often times in our hearts that the petition offered by our lips may not be granted? Pez in tora’ We will not have it, though weask it. How strangely we consecrate these solemn periods of our life, as if they were unmeaning myths aud life iteelf had no reality for us. Would that it were so; that time would not age us, nor life ebb slowly as the days glide into nothingness. We could then afford to be selfish and faithless as we are, Perhaps my sermon }s long enough, though if there be “good in everything” ] ought to continue; and] might, if 1 bad mothing elee to do; but there are & few little ecraps to be raked together and sent you from the provinces over which Iruleas ebronicler—remuants of last year’s history, stitched together to complete my portion of that wonderful work. From the capital of Mexico we have five days later pews than you received by the las: steamer from Rava- na—that is to eay, to the 17th nit.—the gist of which is that the imperialists continued their triumpbal march from towm to town, meeting with no opposition any- where, ‘The important city of Guanajuato was entered on the 8th uit. b; Auperialist forces auder Mejia, followed) tthe oot any y the division of Gen, Douai. Dobiado, the Governor; bad left for Guadalajara, as is supposed; though, as that place is besieged by a force under ‘Tovar, and further threatened by the columns of Castagny and Berthier advancing straight upon it, it is more likely the flying Goveroor may have taken the road to Zacate- cvs. ‘The troops which be had collected together are gaid to be at a village callea Leon, some eighteen or twenty miles from Siiao, whither Gev. Dazaine was marching op the 11th, 1 look through the news in vein for Urega’s where- abouts. ‘The inet we heard of him he was i the valley of Santiago, now in possession of the French, who, we are told, found abundance of provisions there. The Jidicador, of Orizabu, announces the complete ais. »pearance of the guerillas On the road between that city and Vera Cruz, avd adds that the expedition seut'to the Sierra Songolica was received with enthusiasm by the aboriginal natives. ‘The Sociedad, of the capital, ea) meeting of the Congress in San Juis since November at whicb there appeared oply fifty-eight members. ‘This number being lees than a quorum nothing could be done. All this, and more which | have not mentioned, shows plainly how the tide is flowing, notwithetanding the partisans of “enthusiasm” over yonder in Catifornia and elsewhere, still persist in their nonsense, aml send urd (olegrams to the New York papers. Towns are adding themeelves daily to the numbers that have already declared for the empire—not towns occupied by the Franco-Mexican forces, but places where they have pot yet reached. There is Do doubt avout it. The names of ibe persons signing the acts of adhesion are published, and no one attempts adenial, One of the latest is the town of Hujchapan, said to be a place of considerable im- portance, though I'am not sure that 1 know {ts preciee jocality. Ip the State of Jaliseo the imperialists claim to be making considerable pi ‘ees. When the capital, Guadalajara, falls the State will follow. From the tone of the Mexican papers—such at least ae 1 seo—there if a strong conviction in Mexico tbat Maximilian will andoubtedly accept the crown, and this conviction, spreading among the people, gives birth to a feeling of recurity—one of the spells by which the invader succeeds in establishing himself. He es the Mexican believe that he is sater under the iter of Freven artillery the natural protector; that not only bis life. but bis property andevery material and political ivterest he bas are gafer. The poor fellow believes what he js told, because be sees something hke a proof of it im the conduct of the French soldier, 80 dif- ferent from his own countrymen. And can we blame him? Whether we do so or not, it ie not by high sound- ing proclamations nor vapory appeals of any kind thas hecan be moved from the convictions that are daily strengthening in his untutored mind. He Fees the prac- tical workiog Of two schemes between which he bas to choose. robe him by exorbitant taxation, forced Joans, and brute force if necessary or convenient, while there has been no he enjoys no eecurity for his life. The other imposes DO taxes (as yet) nor nny forced Toans; * not pillage | and = burn down his house OF massacre his family, does not conscript him; Jo short, does not treat him worse than @ dumb ‘deast, a8 the other does; therefore his choice is sooo made. Heis quite right. He simply obeys a law of na- ture superior to and stronger than any political principio whatever; and this conduct and choice of his show where Jies the true rule whereby nations should be governed, though men in power often forget that solid) material interest is the treator and conservator ef national hap- piness. and liberty are hoth embr and where it is wanting there is neither one other. Men naturally seek it in their own countries, make war for nd even die for it; but, if they do not find it at home, they will sek it elsewhere or remain to eink into barbarism and siavery. The British steamer from Vera Croz will be here to- morrow or the day after, with ten days later news from the city of Mexico, : THR WAR IN &f. DOMINCO drags slowly along, but surely, to the jvevitable end. ‘The Spniards, under General de Rivera, gained another victory OM the 20th over the insurgents iD front of Puerto Plata, driving them, for the second time, from the in- trenchments they had constructed with considerable care and labor. The various positions occupied by them were taken successively at the point of tho bayonet, though, a8 usual, their joss was not very heavy. Fight- eon doad bodies were found ip the trenches, and a much larger number of wounded, besides prisoners, who were forwarded to the capital, where Captain General Vargas generously Hverated forty-five of them. .The Spanish n the action is not given, but iv said to have been quite invonsiderable, Ihey say the insurgente fought welt, but that is said to give greater ¢ victory is reported to have ‘0 the eastern part of the isiand Yet it can scarcely be called a victory, since tho insurgent party did not wait to be attacked, but fled and dispersed OD seeing the Seyhinos approach the town of Hato Mayor, which they had oocupied. General La Gandara bad not advanced beyond , where he was probably awaiting roinforcrcemwents making & move further westward. Troops were oc stantly arriving ab the capital, act i is eappowed the: are now more tham enough to pus a y.cedy end to ibe in surrection APwAIRG IN aro about ae uenal. ‘The Italia Overs troupe bas been here during the holidays, portorming quite often, for it appears that Matanzas is quite muabie to support opera daring & whele feason. Signora Lorin) avd Signore Amodio and Mocaferri arrived by the lust steamer from New York, adding congiderabiy to the streneth of the PRICE THREE CENTS. company. There is again on foot a plan to build a large theatre, and it the shares are being taken up. This thing that I shail not believe it till tbe building has been com- Toonced. It is proposed to construct the house of iron , at @ cost of one hundred thousand dollars, if ever built it will be tho first iron structure ever put up in Havana, and will add much to the a) ince of the city. One R004 result promised us is, that it will cheapen theatrical exhibitions, the price of issiog to which is now ab- surdly bigh. Cbiarini’s circus i algo in full blast, and coining jaoney. We have a very due troop there, includ- ing Zoyara, young Nicolo, who astonishes all with bis splendid performances on tho flying trapeze, and a host of others, all good in their way. With guch attractions wo aro not very badly off for a piace wherein to pase an occasional evening. ides which, you must remember that the cirous itself has not tts equal for comfort aud beaters anywhere in the United States. To.day certain reforms in the aiminietration of the Custom House go into operation, planned, ! believe, by Captain General Dulce, who does ali in bis power to tamede olcisl abuse In ‘the island. 1 wish be would take the stree:s in hand and give us good sewers and pavement, which we would have had long since, but for Official abuses in that department not yet interfered with, “he weather is very fine and the health of tho city good, which is more than cap be said of business. is said |, Aproposof. business, the friends and correspondents of Messrs, Morison Brothers, of Hayana, will be interested in knowing that # change bas occurred in the partnership of that wellknown house, Mr. Robert Morison retjres, and the present partners are Messrs. A. J, andl’. J. Morison and Mr. Josepb Barfoot. MEXICAN NEWS VIA NEW ORLEANS. Mr. Charles H. Farreli’s Despatch. New On.eays, Jan, 3, 1864, French Progress in Various Mexican States. Aguascatientes—. Raising Fores for an Attack on Durango—The Ex- pected French Occupation of San Luis—Antictpated Flight of Juarez to Pexas—The State of Taman ipas to be Completely Occupied by the Invaders, dtc. News from Mexico via Tampico, 22d ult., has just been received in this city. It is as follows:—The Archbishop of Mexico, Senor Labastida, has resigned his place in the regency. General Comonfort had been killed by assassins and not by soldiers of the imperial government, which had offered a reward for their apprehension. ‘The news from San Luis Potost is up to the 10m of December, The principal capitals of the several Mexican States bad been occupied by the French. Guanajuato by three thousand French troops, and Queretaro, Morelia, and Guadalajara by the rest of the combined forces of French and Mexicans, Aguas- calientes had surrendered to Colonel Chavez, after a siege. General Marquez was in Morelia. Genera) Miramon, ac- ‘companied by his two brothers and two bundred otber chieftains and officers, had left the city of Mexico to raise @ division, with which be was to march on Durango. San Luis was expected to be in the occupation of the French about Christmas, and Juarez, it is said, intended to take refuge in Texas with his family, friends and re- tainers, * Letters from the interior of Mexico say that no resist- ance will be opposed to the occupation of San Lu's, the Juarez government being a mere effigy, nobody obeying its orders. Before Jeaving San Luis the liberals had im- posed a forced loan of four hundred thousand dollars on the city, whilst Gonzaiez Ortega imposed a similar one of five hundred thousand on Zacat General Uraga, who had gathered some ten thousand men for the purpose of fighting the French aod Mexican army in thelr advance from Queretaro towards Sau Luis, bas retired, avoiding nn encounter. Gen. Mejia commands the vanguard of the French and Mexican army, and will Hkely be the first to enter San Luis. To him pas deen entrusted the care of ecouring the roads and securing @ safe communication between the last named city and Tampico; so it can be exnected that the State of Tamautipas will be entirely occupied by the Frenct-Mexican army during this mouth. On one side the civil State war for Governor, dividing the oppo- sition, will materially help Gen. Mejia in his operations; on the other side, it is likely that some of the diseentieots wi!) abandon Juarez? banner and join Mejia, INTERESTING FROM ARKANSAS, Arrival in the Union Camp of » Deserting Rebel Officer with a Squad of F Men— ‘The Nambers and Condition of the Rebel Forces in Arkansas—Their Successive Commandera=Price’s Old Missouri Ar- my Nearly Annthilated—Effects Amo Tnem of the Union Successes in Texa: and the President's Am ity Proclama: tion—Captnre of a Rebel Mall, &e., &. Fort Sui, Ark., Jan. 10, 1864. Lieutenant W. A. Brittain, of the Third Arkansas regi- ment, of Fagin's rebel brigade, came into our lines to- day with a squad of his command. He left Price's head quarters, at Longwood, twenty miles west of Calden, on Christmas. General Holmes is in command of the Trane-Mississippi Department, and Geveral Price commands the army in the field, claimed to be seventeen thousand strong; but Brittain says it does not exceed thirteen thousand, Of Price's Miseourians only three or four thousand remained, and but few of these were part of the army which he took out of Misrouri, The veteraus of Lexing- ton and Pea Ridge are nearly allin their graves. The Misgouri troops consist of Sbelby’s cavalry and Parson's infantry brigade. Maxey’s new recruits, conscripts and bushwhackers recently joined Genorai Steele, who had been enperreded in command of the robel Department of Indian Territory by Brigadier General Maxey. General Gano is another new Texan general, who bas had command. The reve! troops have issues of only tresh boef and corn meal, with one ration of flour per week. They are badly clothed, have no tente, and suffer greatly. The reports of Union successes ia Texas, and General Banks’ possession of the Rio Grande, created great gloom among the rebel Rumorsef the issue of President Lincoln’s amnesty proclamation were also having effect throughout their ranks, and desertions were frequent, Their officers were promising a speedy advance to keep them quiet. Officers well informed were of the opinion that Price would move upon Ltttle Rock, and Maxey with another columo on Fort Smith. The weather here is the coldest ever known. The thermometer has stood from ten to fifteen degrees below zoro for several days, and the snow is six inches deep. Onur cavalry crossed the river on the ice, and intercepted a rebel maj}, the letters in which speak of an tmmediate advance of the rebel forces as far northward as possible. Caio, Il., Jan. 10, 1864. The Lityle Rock Democrat of the 27th ult. eays:—"' Sena. tor Mitchell has recently returned from Richmond with orders {rom Jeff. Davis which created considerable stirr in the rebel camps. Lieutenant Green, with a detachment of the Third Union Arkaneas cavalry, on route for Fort Smith, was at tacked a few days since by the rebels Celone! Hall. The enemy were whipped and the colonel and nive men wore capturtd, . Captain Napier the same night had a fight with a rebel force recently from Yellow county, and captured Lieuten- ant Barnett and fifteen men. News from Fortress Monroe. Fortress Mownor, Jan, 8, 1864. A snow storm commenced here last night and still con tiriues (ten A. M.) Two deserters from tho Fifty-ninth Georgia and ove from a Virginia regiment came into our lines via Suf- folk yesterday. Sergeant Myers, of tho Hloventh Penneylvania cavairy has been sentenced by court martial to be shot to death at Such time and place as General Getty may decide. The schoover Lola Montez, from Cape Cod, was dragged into one of the Russian frigates this morning and lort her mainmost by coming in contact with the boweprit of the frigate. The stoamer Sophia, from New York, bound to New Orleans, came wto Hampton Roads this morning for re pairs, The schooner R. W. Froth sprung alenk at een and had to throw the largest part of ber sargo (salt) overboard. The Cotton Trade of the M Camo, J The steamer Forsyth, from Memphis 7th | arrived, with 241 bales of cotton for St. Louis. The steamer Continental, from New Orleans Lat inet, tas arrived, with 40 bales of cotton, 1,606 Ibe, sugar and 49 dble, molampes. Sho wet ico elaty-seven miles below Fieleva, comething mort unheard of. in New Orleans cotton was « dling, 72c. # 73e. ; strict micd! dling fase, Tée. a 77e. ; fair, 196. 48 The eteamor Fanoy, from Memphis oa Monday evening, bas arrived with coe hundred and eighty seven bales of cotton for St. Louis, She experienced great difficulty from jee Over fifty steamers are lying bere, The weathor i# moderate. has been £0 often spoken of fhe Siege of Surrender @ the French—Miramon GEN. KELLEY'S DEPARTHERY, Attack of Mosby on the Union Cavalry. Severe Fighting and Defeat of the Rebel Chief. His Flight and the Pursuit by Our Forces, ate Reo Ben Mr. Theodore C. Wilson’s Despatch. Heanguarrens, Dapartueyt or Wear Vincita, } Jno. 10, 1864. Major Cole, in command of a Ddattalion of Maryland cavalry, eocamped in Loudon county, w. Hacked at four A. M. to-day by the guerilla Mosby, the latter's force being nearly four hundred strong. Aftor severe fighting for an hour Mouby was repulsed leaving his killed and wounded on the flotd. Among the robel dead were found four commissioned officers. Our logs is reported as two killed nnd sieven wounded, Among the latter are Captain Vernon, severely, wad Lieutenant Rivers, slightly. Goneral Sullivan has a force of cavalry now in pursuit of the enewy. Mosby attempted to surround and surprise the camp, but found Major Colo-on the alert avd ready for bim The fight was 2 gallant one on Cole's part. Our Special Washington Deapntch. Wasnineroy, ton, 10, 1864, It is believed that the rebels will not be abie 10 accom. plish anything at present in the Sbenandenh valiey, owing to the inclement weather and condition ef the streams. The Shenandoah river is impassable from floating ice, and the movements of our forces have been such as to preclude the possibility of bridge building by the enemy. It is not expected that arly will remaio jn tbat section after the present month. dhe Press Despatch. Wasuincron, Jan, 10, 1964, A private telegram received to-pight from mber- land, says all is quiet, and the railroad is perfectly cafe there. THE ARMY OF THE POTOWAC. Mr. William Young's Despaten. Avaty or the Potomac, Jun. 10, 1804. THR SABBATH QUIET WITKIN THR ARMY 1107. The faithful chaplains in the army have held reigions services to-day; but otberwise the routive \« the came ag other days, thongli it is marked by an unnsual degree of quiet along the lines, Ihere is not even aeeneation rumor to religve the monotony, THR ARMY HORSES, A Jarge number of excellent borses have been bronght up within a few days, and vondemped worses have been sent down—four hundred of them to-day. Were it vob for the high prices of forage and |nbor wore of the eon- demned horses could be profitably recruited by ‘he government than now are; for it is certain that there ac climated horees are better than these frethiv imported from the North, if they are temporarily withdrawb from the service and put in enndition, Mule trains, &c., are ruuning irreguiarty. THE RAILWAY TRALNS RUNNING RHGELAILY, ‘The traine on the Military Railroad here are promptly 0 time, though the track is io rough couditien, and as a coneequence the heavy business done compels frequent repairs of the locomotives. THe WEATHER. ‘The weather is milder to-day: but it was cxcecangiy cold Ingt night, There are indications cf a thaw end thea mua. Despatch, Heapquarrers, Anuy or 1am Potomac, Jon 10, 1864, DISMISSALS FROM THR SERVICE. In puranance of sentence by genre! courts martiol, Lieutenants Isaac N. Whitemeyer, Nineteenth teadjaw: ‘Thos. A. Dorwart, One Hundred ond Sixteenth Ponneyiva- nia; Fdward ¥. Conway, Seventy-first New York ihn B. Hare, Seventy-second New York; Thoms MoNamee, Fourth New York, and Albert Reinart, fifty revoad New York, bave been dismissed from the service. MORE DESH KTERS 10 BE EXHCL TED. ‘The eentences of death for desertion in the c ses of privates Jobn Wileon, Seventy-firet le nia, James Lave, Seventy first New York, Jomee W. Cletten, Sixth New Jersey; Ira Smith, Fleventh New Jersey, and Allen G. Maxson, First Michigan, have been approves, ond the executions are fixed for the 29th instant. MEDICAT. DIRECTOR LEETREAAN Surgeon Jonathan Letterman, United States Acmy, for the inst eighteen months Medical Director of this army, has been rélieved at bis own request sud ordered to Vbiladelphia. Everything is quiet. night. Ice forms nigutiy over an inc! NEWS FROM THE BAHAMAS. The Foreign Trade with Yoxssau geil Brisk—Clearances for Wi A Namber of Cargoes fram New Poctical Apostrophes and Wainteg to Blockade Runuing ond Blockade Breakers, &. By the arrival of the eteomship Governor Payley at at this port yesterday we received files of papers from the Babamas dated at Nassau, N. P., on the 2d of Janus ary. The foreign trade to the port of Nacean was very brisk, and the returns show thut New York is bundsomely re preeented in the list of arrivals, seven “assorted carg:es”—d use—into port within ex day The Governor Bayley ws overbauled by a Unter cruiser on her outward passage. The Nassau Gvardian etates that Wolfe's property, The weather ts in thick. newly cod at seized on tho Corsica, bus been given upon the demand of Lord Lyone, and Wolfe has commenced an action for dam- ages against the United States, ‘The rebel steamer Pet sailed from Nasean on the 26th ult, for Wilmington, The steamers fen, Lucy, Rothesay Castle and Beodigo all sailed on the 29th ult. ior the same port. The United States steamer Sopoma was at Little Stirrup Key on the afternoon of the 20th alt., and observing & atoamer fifteen miles to the eastward, went in pursuit, The steamers Y. Dayrell and Alliance sailed for Wil- mington on the 2d inst. The rebet steamer Lucy, with cotton, arrived at Nassaa on the 21st ult. from Wilmington The bark J. J. Phiibri froin Philadelphia, boned to Key West, with coal, was tota!ly lost on tbe 14th alt., om Grand Bahama. Her captain and crew bod arrived ag Nassau. ‘The inhabitants of N javsau were in high glee in conse quence of the J prosperity and unexpected flow of cash, whic been induced among them by the foreign trade with the American rebels. Theie feel. ings are very emphatically expressed io the New Year's Address presented by the carriers of the Nassau @uar- dian to their patrons, The Nassau carriers—whose poetry, like that of their brethren in every other portion of the hews-reading world, \# of a practical turn and tones enumerating the existing 8 for reyowing—say — Hiorran for the steam tug Quick | For she brings the big #hips im, And op to their mooring, while sea \8 roaring— nly prodyve the tin. Flurrah for new warehouses—wharvee: Likewise of the cotton from Dixie But, ye havardous Seots, ye must go Hiteen knots, ur Unele Sam surely will fix ye. 564. sailed 2 Portt.anv, Yhe ateamahip North American, at nine o'clock last evening. The British bark Norton Hall arrived oo Saturday from Cardiff in cighty-six dave, vis Queeostowa, where she pat in to repate hor steering apparatue, She bas deen since the Ist inst, west of Cape Sable, Personal Inielligence. The rumors cireniated abroad to the offec: that Major General Buroside was about to resign or be reveved of bis command are, we aro credibly informed, withoat the slightest foundation in fact. ‘The General arrived from Washington at the Fifth Aveone tlotel oo Saturday “2 ing, whore he joined his lady, His headquarters [ot present will De at that hotel,