The New York Herald Newspaper, May 23, 1864, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 10,111 nm RUE ARGUELLES CASE, / Important Diplomatic Correspondence Leading to the Arrest. See eae THE REASONS YOR THE ACT. glo-American Efforts to Suppress, the Slave Trade. AL repent crease of tha Trafic. e Indictment of Marshal Murray, key Bey ae. ‘ARY f MWAND TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY MALL. DsraRt gow op Srarm, Washineton, May 15, 1864. Oaxxy Hs uw, Psq., New York -— Fum—I Dav eaho honor to transmit to you the official pers in t me case of Don Jose Augustin Arguelles. By there pape’ y you will tearn that tho proceedings of the 1 of ;the Southern district of New York in that case jwere tak ea by-direution of tho President of tho United 1am,’ tr, your very obedient servant, WILLIAM HB. SEWARD. MR. HAVAGH TO MR. SEWARD. 10. 107. Cwrsp Braves ConsvLate, Havana , Nov. 20, 1863. ia Peasy ps H. Sewaup, Secretary of State, Wasb- 82 )—Over one thousand African negroes were brought $e U ins city afew days since. It is roported that they Wer 6 tance from a sieamship (whose bame and uation itt y are unknown), in the peighborbocd of Cardenas or Ba. Vory prominent and wellthy persons are said to implicated in this busine=s Jave the-houor to be, with great respect, your obe- t servant, THOMAS SAVAGE, V. C.G. 8. the ‘The steamer was uot captured; it is believed that mt to Nassau after landing the negroes. = T. 8. 3%. SEWARD TO LORD Lyons, Daragrunnt ov Stamm, ‘Wasninaron, Nov. 23, 1863. ‘Mx Lorv—It appears, from iaformation this day re- ved from the Cousul General of the United States at ‘ana, vhatover one thousaud African negroes w Feoeutly brought to that ety. It is reported that they ‘Wore landed from a steamship (whose name and nation- ety are nvkcown), in the ueighborbood of Cardenas or @agus, ond that very promivent and wealthy porsons are get 10 bo implicatod in the business, The stoamer was eaptured. It is believed thut she weut to Nassau af- landing the negroes, ‘This intelligence has been com- Mwnicated to the Navy Department. Ibavo the bonor to be, with high consideration, your ferdsbip's obedient ecrvant, WILLIAM B. SEWARD, LORD LYONS TO MR. SEWARD, WasiNGToN, Nov. 80,1863. fen—I havo this morning had the honor to recetve your Qe of tho day before yesterday, informing me that than one thousand ‘African negroes were taken to van reported they were landed from a as which afterwards went on to Nassau, will, without any logs of time, commanicate copies of — to her Majesty’s government, to the Governor of Babamaa telands aud to the Commonder-in-Chief of her Alri forces on the North American and West o * I bavo the honor to be, with the highest consideration, your mest obedient, humble servant, LYONS. Hon, Wu. H Szwarn, &e., &e., Kc. LOBD LYONS TO MR. S8WARD. ‘Wasiineron, Feb. 4, 1864. gm—I hastened to communicate to ber Majesty's gov- t the note dated the 28th of November last, in eb You did me the houor to inform me thas you had Jearned (rom the United States Cousul Gonoral at Havana more than one thousand recently imported African bad been brought to that city. jer Majesty’s government had already received intel- of @ Steam vessel having left tho Atrican coast 11 a cargo of upwards of one thousand one bundred @lavos on board, and also of these slaves having bewn ended in Cuba. They have since been informed by her er Consul General at Havana that eleven hivodred fivo of the newly imported slaves have been seized the General of Cuba. sjesty’s government are not at present Qequaicted with the particulars relative to the esse! from which tho sluves re lauded, but they will tao measures to discover, if possivio, the fame Of tbo vessel and the partios implicated ia her pro- ings, and they will be very much obliged if the gov- ent of the United States will communicate to them ipformation oa the subject which the United States rities may be able to furnish. I bave the honor te be, with the highest consideration, ei, your most obediont bumble servant, LYONS. the Hon. WiuaMd. Sewann, ke, he. ko, LOKD LYONS TO = SEWARD. moopy of the letter of the 28th November last, in which ah me the bonor to inform me that, if bis lordship preparo the draft of such a communication as ‘Might, in his opinion, properly bo addressed to the ish Cabinet, with @ viewsto procure an amendment the Jaws affecting the {troduction of slaves into Cuba, Yrosident of the United States would authorize you to yeep with the governmet of Spain in the same and spirit with thove adopted by ber Majesty's government. —s Russell bas desired me to thack you for taking President’s instructions on this matter at a time ‘when other pressing affairs must have occupied the acten- toe of tbe chief magistrate. He bas aiso authorized me rom ber Mijesty’s Minister at Madrid, avd of a note in Which, in execution of tustructions from Ler Majesty's ee that Minister bas pointed ont to the govern- u y, of of Spain (be measures which, in the opinion of her 8 nae riya are required for the suppression tradé. miler in by it Pepresentation addressed to the the United States Minister at Wewht with the Spanish ae with much satisfaction that } ive has been directed to make a communication to the ish Minster for Foreign Affairs in the same sense as made by ber Majesty's Minwter in the note of which ‘@eopy accompanies this letter. Beileve mo to be, my dear sir, your very faithful hum- Ble servant, LYUN®. ‘The Hon. Watuam H. Sewanrn, ko., &c, MEMORANDUM. ‘The present Captain General of Cuba has ected in good in carrying out the treaty objigations of Spain for guppression of the slave trade, and the Span Gunes ‘appears to have hitherto approved the pro- Hogs of thatoficer. Tho result has been that the Bamber of slaves tutroduced into Cuba within the twelve Bontbs coding the 80tb of last September is ostimated at ight thousand, as compared with eleven four, the puinber intro- months of the preced- Id be tory If it wore not that it is jnly owing to the @zertions Of one individual alone—General Dulce, the 4 Caplalo Genoral of Cuba—who, it must be borne mind, je liable to be removed at any moment, when, a ‘the trafic would again resume its ted vigor. General Dulce complains bitterly of the want of suM- @eut power coulerred upon him, and of the toadequacy @ the provisions of the Spanish penal code for suppress. fog tho Cuban siave trades; and if an officer so well dis. ‘as is the present Captain Genoral of Cuba finds it bie to put a siop to the importation of slaves into may easily be inferred that a less hovorabie of ger would Gnd ample excuses for the non.performance of Aig duties in this respect. In order to put an end to in the Corresponding welt slave trade in Cuba it ts ‘ernment shonld take steps iting the introduction of Slaves ioto isting laws aro admitted Py the Spanish authorities to be insuiticient for the pur- 4 the sincerity and good faith ‘Span gozerniment will be liable to be called in cane xl The fourth and thirteenth articies of aby rorve a8 a protection t the elave The Permor of ther articles prohibits the seizure by the @aibortiics of any newly imported vee, matter, al punishment of slave dealers and’ their accom- 1 ovly be inflicted In virtue of agentence of the Garvee ‘up to the slave dea! Basse y teresting Statements ef the Dee | despatcn trom ter tm ectys Minister a te eominunicate to you the enclose copies of a despatch halen. island: Tre thirteenth article, on the other hand, provides that | on shore }, OF etal ‘sRovesuiMEN! Wrosig bua ie aay ‘violagions of will unite with her Majesty’s | formation roach me I will not fail to transmit it at the ‘ernment of the United States government in addressing @ serious on the Cae government, Ma. ¥. We ah oe) @avans. Faq., United States Vice Congui Genera), Havana:— Sin— Your despatches frem No, 116 to 118, both Inelu- tive, Bave been received. Referring to your despatch No, 110, relating to the of certain negroes from Africa, have now to transmit herewith a copy of a note from Lard Lyons, from which you will pereeive that the govorament of Great Critin desires further formation iv regard to the mame of the vosael and the parties imp!icé!od in her oecdings. You will have the goodnasa, (Leretore, @ea vor to obtain sack forther jof.rmation as you Cos, Cemmnicate it toxbis departinent. dau, vir, your vbedient servant, F. W. SEWARD, Assistant Secretary, MR. BEWARD TO LORD LYONS. Dara» cunxt ov State, Wasuixcros, Feb. 6, 1804. ons aud Dmar Loxp Lyoxs:— have the hanor to acknowledge the receipt of your the 4th instent, sormrannions ing Ae, copy of t Madrid, and of note framed under the instructions of her Majoaty’s gov- ‘ernment, pototing out to the government of Spain the measures which, iu the opinivn of her bg °s govern- ment, are required for tbe suppression of ban slave trade Jn reply 1 bave the bonor to acquaint you that, in con- formity with the suggestion contained 1a your note, the Dlinieter of the United States at Madrid bas been instract- ed to address to the Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs a representation in the same sense as that made by her Majesty’s Ministe: the note above referred to. Tam, my dear Lord Lyona, very truly yours, WILLIAM H. SEWARD, The Right Honorable Lord Lyons, &c., &c. P. 8.—I enelore a copy of my insiructioas ner. be. io Mr, Koere ‘MB. SEWARD TO MA. KOERNER. [No. oT.j Pxvarntwent or Stare, Wasuincton, 6, 1864. Gueravos Korayrr, Esq., Re., &c., Madrid:— Sin—By the ninth article of the treaty of Washington of the ¥ih of August, 1842, between the United States and Great Britaig, it is suipulated that the parties will unite in all becoming representations and remonstrances with any and all Powers within whose dominions such markets (for African negroes} are allowed to extst; and that they will urge upon ali such Powers the propriety = duty of closing such markets effectually at once aad forever. Spain is believed to be the only Christian State into whose dominions African negrves aro now introduced as slaves. Sbe has a treaty with Great Britain stipulating for tne auppression of that traffic. The instrument was voncinded at a time and under cirsumstances which, as it #eems to us, imposed a peculiar weight of moral obliga. tion oa Spain to seo that her stipulations were carried into (ull effect. It is understood, however, that the just expectations of the British government in that respect have been signally disappointed. This hae, no doubt, been mostiy owing to the fact that a great ‘part of the pablic revenue of Spain bas hitherto been dorived from Cuba, the prosperity of which iglaud bas, in some quar- ters, been erroneously supposed to depend upon a con- tinued sapply of imported slave labor. ‘This 18 believed to be the source of the disregard of Cuban slave dealers of the humane policy of the home government, and the alleged iueitigtency at times of the colonial authorities. We bave no treaty with Spaiv on the subject of the slave trade; Dut. ag the liws of the United States charac- terized it as piracy long before our treaty with Great Britain above referred to, we think ourselves entitled to consider that trade an offence against public law so far as to warrant our faithful compliance with the stipulation contained ia that treaty erewith { transuilt # copy of an informal note on this subject, of the 4th iustunt, addressed to me bv Lord Lyons, and of the papers to which it refers. From these it nppeara that, thongh the number of africans troduced btw Oube ts diminivdiog, yet that the municipal laws in forse there require amendment before a stoppage of the trailio can be expected. The peciliar relations of Great Britain to Spain, with reverence to this topic, may justify to the fuit oxtent the text of the note of Sir Jobn Crampton to the Marquis of Miraflores, ‘ue relations of the United States to Spain, however, are of = different character ; but the Presideut authorizes apd directs you to address a communication in general terms to the Spanish Minister for Foreign Aifuirs, setting forth tho treaty stipulations between the United Siates and Gr Britain on this subject, and stating that it would aiford the utmost satisfaction 'in this eountry if any obstacles existing ja Cuba to the complete suppression of the African sinve trade should be removed, am, &e., WILLIAM FH. SEWARD, MN. KORRNER, UNITED STATES MINISTER AT MADRID, TO THE SECRETARY CF STA’ Mavaw, 28, 1304. . + ’ fRatreok] + __Somne time previous 10 the recoipt of your last Sir John . . hi government had felt itself compelled to make to the Span- ish government respecting certain failures in the proper execution of treaty stipulations existing between Groat Hritain and Spain as to the supprevsion of the slave trade. ile also informed me of the President's promise to sup- port the British reclamation, according to the Washington trenty, Subsequent to the receipt of your despatch upon that subject I bad another interview with in which he informed me of the conversation: id the ¢or- respondepce which be bad already bad with the Mintstor of State on L4 question, and of bis prospects of auccess. * * * ‘* . GUSTAVUS KOERNER. Leoation, rre., Mapai, Feb. 27, 1864. To hia Excellency Senor Don L. Arnazo.a, Mioister of State of ber Catholic Majesty — m—The subject of suppressing the inhuman African @ trade has been one of desp anxiety to the goveru t of the United States from the time of its foundation, have beon among tho first of nation: iv not the first, that have denounced ibis traffic in bum beings as “‘piraey,’” avd bave visited their own citizens iapheated in it with the severest penalties. At very heavy pecuniary sacrifices. and at the risk of the lives of their own naval oflicers and seamen, they have for more than twenty years supported a squadron on the westera coast of Africa, in a most destructive climate, iv order to prevent the successful carrying ou of this nefarious trade, They bave, with a like view, eutered into stipulations with the government of hor’ Britannic Majesty, in the year 1842, contained in what is called the Treaty of Wash ington, the ninth article of which is as follows —(Here follows the article ent ‘The attention of the Prenident of the United States has \jesty, and more especially in the Cuba, which diMculties do not arise from any Island of desire of the Spanish colonial autuorities to favor the sald It in well known that the etorts made by the Cap- tain Geueral of that island correspond entirely to the wise 1d humane policy which the bome govertiment of her Catholic Majesty has adopted in regard to the subject in question, aod which is thoroughly thea by the President and the people of the United Btates, The difficulties spoken of seem to be inberent in the jawe and regulations in existence, which are supposed to [pte room to juterpretations by which thelr force may ia view of the general policy of the United States, which looks upon the African slave trado as an offence against the public law of nations, and de it as piracy, in view also of the treaty stipulations existing between them and the government of her Britannic Ma- Jeaty, the President of the United States has inetruc ted me to regpectfully call the attention of her,Catholic Majesty's roment to this subject, and to suggest such @ revision of the existing laws aud regulations ¢on- jing the wolawfui introduction of slaves inte the island of Cuba as will Best accomplish the object which her Majesty's goverumeot had iu view when those laws and regulations were euscted. It ig bardly neccesary for the undersigned to assure your Excellency that these ies on arise from the Purest motives, and would pot been made unless the President bad considered the vory friendly and cor. dial relations existing between the United tee and Spain as justifying this applicatton, and had be not been ound to another friendly nation by engagements which it is his duty, as well aa bis ploasure, to carry out faith- tally. It is almost equally unnecessary for me to inform your Exeelleacy that it would afford the ood the ea ‘sion y the considerate action of the government of ber Catholic Majesty. ‘The undersigned takes great pleasure to assure, Xo. er PSUSTAVUS KOERNER. MR. BAVAGE TO MB. F. W. SEWARD, (No. 127.} ‘Unitep States ConsvLate Gevenat, Havana, March 5, 1864, Hoa. | . by WARD, Assistant Secretary of State, Wash- ington, D, C.e= ‘Sin—in reply to your despatch of the 6th ultimo, ac- com panying @ copy of a note from Lord Lyons of the lh af which they were passed, and until they are | previour date, I have to state shat, notwithstanding the ‘Most diligent inquiries among m} is, 1 have unable to ascertain (he name of the steamer that brought the penal code | the large lot of African negroes (upwards of a thousand) roe were le of this , and orotrred by the Spanish authorities, Those sadeu in the district of Colon, on the south ‘Tho steamer bad been originally Do at Eng’ Row notorious may have been the violation of the Span- f here feb laws in Jotroducing the pogroes, if once the slaves Spantah cetort ated out for iwe tinre trade, tad clenred have been conveyed toa property or plantation in the | ostensibly for ‘a lawful voyage to Fernando I lass hey heared ‘on the coast of Africa, The negroes were captured Vad Lieutenant Governor ihe district, and confidentially informed that the steamer pr Tom oes in to Africa’ for another load of the same kind, Royal Audionci® Pretorialy’ but tn consequence of ‘stores r been 1 aantly the whole of the population of Cuba, as ‘well as the board . i hately on “ee isch: of her ordinate authorities , being more or less mixed up and | eargo. It ie said that Don Julian Zulueta, Galvador ested In the slave trade, it is impossible AF Bama, Marquis of Mariano; the Brigadier Garcia Munoa Sharitle remains therctore enurely taoperaive.”’ “= | Oveoha hy Secuees,Dersoes amonge® mbom General article rems ve. Bleven pepe a well known to the | dition. - mi cps wiped ament in been recently oized Several slave itions have been landed GEe“Taprate General of Cubs atler they had’ been eee. | comme yorimn but two besides the above hfion qessfully landed and conveyed to & plantation in that of about six hundred negroes eS Py ta tg Pt ee Pesiiiation, s Dy the Captein General it if one of these vy, of lien NEW YORK, MONDAY, MAY 23, 1864. “fam, nt wh gee odedien am, siv, wi . your \t wer fon SAVAGE, vise Coton! Gone WA. SEWARD TO LORD LYONS. ‘Department ov Stare, Wasurvcron, March 12, 1864, Wy Lnnv—Reourring to your note of the 4th ultimo Fespecting the arrival in Havana of a thousand imported megroes, in which the desire of her Majcsty’s govera- ment for any information on the subject is signified, I have the honor to enclose acopy of adespatch of the 5th instant from the United States Consul General at that port, which relates to the matter. 1 ro the honor to be, with high consideration, my our obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Right Honorable Lord Lyons, e., &e., &0. MA. ¥. W. SBWARD'TO MH. BAVAGRS [No. 72, } Devanrwest ov Stare, Wasuincron, March 11, 1864. ‘Tuomas Savsen, Haq., Vice Consal of the United -tates Havana — Sin—Your despatch No 127 has been recsived, anda copy cent to Lord Lyons, her Britaunic Majesty's Minister, for bis information, in regard to the |i og of Africans lord The in Cuba. 1am, éir, your obedient servant, F. W. SEWARD, Apsistant Secretary. MR. BAVAGE TO MN, SEWALD. {No, 196.) ConsuLaTs Generar ov THB United States OF AmnRica, Havana, March 27, 1864. Bon, Wirttax H. Sewanp, Secretary of State, Washing- ton Sir—I have just returned from an Interview had with she Captain General by his request, the object of which wan to ascertain if the United States authorities can re. turn to this island the person of an officer of the Spanish army named Don Jose Augustin Arguelles, who 16 bo- Heved to bo in*New York. This officer was, in November last, the Lieutenant Governor of the district of Colon, in this island, and effected the capture of tho large expedi- tion of Afrigan negroes, reported by me to tho depart. ment on the 20th of November last—despatch No. 107. ‘The government was highly pleased with lis 2eal, and paid him $16,000 for his share of the prize money usually allowed to esptors of such expoditions, The ofilcer aub- sequently obtained a leave of absence of twenty days, upon his representation that the object of bis journey to New York was to purchase the Spanish journal there pub- lished, called La Cro ‘He has not returned, and since bis departure it has beon discovered that hy ad other officers of the district of Colon retained sold into slavery one hundred and forty-one negrocs captured by them. Some of these negroes were sold at $700 and otb- ers at $750 each. ‘The Superior Court of the isiand, having exclusive juris- diction over such causes, has taken counizance of this case, and requires the presentation of Don Jose Augustin Arguetles before it to insure the prompt liberation of Ubese one hnndred and forty one victims. The Captain General gaye me to understand that, without Arguellea? presence, it would be very difficult, and at all events it would require a long time to attain that humane object. His Excelloncy pronounced Arguelies to be a scoundrel worse than thief or highwayman, inasmuch as be took advantage of nis position as tlie local authority to com- mit that outrage with little risk to himself. I told the Captain General that, in the absense of an ex- tradition treaty between the two zoyerpmenis, or of any law, pudlic or municipal, anthoriviag tbe renaition, our government could not grant the request, but promise: to Jay the matter, in this conddential way, before vou, which be desired me to do by the earliest opportunity. I beg of you to consider the subject, and to advise me at an early day of your views thereupon. 1 have the honor to be, with great respect, your obes dient servant, THOS. SAVAGE Vive Consul MR, TASBANA TO MR.“SEWAND. LAcActon p& Barana ex Wasntyetos, Wasiunaton, April 5, 1864. "| The undersigned, Fnvoy kixtraordivary and Mivister Plenipotentiary of her (atholic Majesty, has received in- formation of the arrival im this country of an oticer of the Spanish army, naiwed Jon Jose Augusta Arguciles, escaped from the island of Cuba, under the charge ot having #old negroes inte siavery. The circumstances of the case teem to be as follows:-- The above pamed offiver was, in November last, Liou tenant Governor of the District of Colon, and elfectod whnlst In thig capacity the seizure of a large expedition of African negroes. The government, pleased with bis real, paid him a large snin as his share of tho prize money usually allowed to the captors of such expeditions, The officer subsequently obtained a leave of abseace of twentr days to. proceed to New Yorks, upon ing that the object of bis journey was to purchase ‘val published in that city: but Finou his dopa en discovered that be and other offlcers of the District of Colon retained and gold into slavery one hundred aud forty-one of the negroes captured by them. The Superior tof thi having exclusive jurisdiction over such ev mee of Le case, and requires the prevel Arguettes before it to insure the prompt liberation of the one hundred and forty-one victims. Without such prosentation 18 would be vary didicull, and, at all eveats, it would requires long time to attain that humane object. The undersigued ig well aware that no extradition treaty exists between the United States aud Spain, in virtue of which the eur. render of Arguelles to tho authorities of Cubs might be obtained. Yet, considering the gross and scandalous one- rage which has been committed, as well ay tho interests of bumanity at stake in the prompt resolution of this inatter, ho has not besiiatod in submitting the case m thia confidential way to the consideration of the United States government, in order to ascertain whethor an ine eident so axceptionabdle could not be met with excep- tionable measures, The nndersigned has beea th more induced to take this step that? ho has good reason to be- imilar application to aave been made, also, in a tial form Uy the Captain General of Cuba, ‘The undersigned avails bimeelf of this occasion to renew to the Hon, Secretary of State the assurances of his bighest consideration. — GA LG. 1, Hou. W. H. Sewann. MR. P. W. SEWARD TO MR. SAVAGE. {No. 79.) DaranrMens or STaTR, Wastin ‘April 14, 1864. Vice Consul General of the United “General, ‘Tuomas Sav States, Ha’ Sir—Your despatch No. 136 has been received, in which you cal! attention to the cave of Don Jose Augnetin Arguellee, Iam instructed to tuform you tuat, if the Captain General will eend to New Yorg a suitable ofies steps will, if possible, De taken to piace in his charge the 24 above named judividual, for the purpose indicated in your despatch. ‘You will immediately communicate the purport of tbie fnstruction In confidence to the Captain General. Tam, sir, your obedient servant, F. W. SEWARD, Assistant Secretary. MR. @RWARD TO MR. TASSARA. DRrARIMKNT OF State, } Wasuinetos, April 16, =! To Senor Don Gawnimt Garcia y Tastana, ke,, ko, de , ‘Washington:— Sm—in acknowledging the receipt of yoor confidential communication of the Sth instant, I have the honor to inform you that the Cons! Geveral of tho United States at Havana bas been ins’: ucted to state to bis Excellency thefCaptain General oi (ba that, if suitable officer be sent to New York, such stops as may be proper will be taken to place fn his charge, for the purpoes indicated in your note, the Spavish Don Jose Agustin Arguclies. Be pleased to accept the renewed arsurance of my very igh con: tion WILLIAM H. SEWARD. MR. ae, MR, SEWARD. Consvnare Gawenat or tan Unirey Staree oF Awnnica, Havana, April 23, 1864, Hon. Ww. H. Sewann, Secretary of e. Sin—1 have the hionor to acknowlédee ‘rom clusive. J also received sul trial bere, in which cae fearn, be will certainiy be convicted and pneghom f which will be tho fate of the curate of id three or four others who wore accomplices, aiders id bot sey, anyitigg to us Exycloncy tothe contrary. any'tl to the con! feeling x: rizedt0 do 80, 4 of my now register of deaths, wherein Popular “one, ehioh the, Capea pain "General i vays il les took away, and now has in his sive jence of thi the honor to rene 1 obedient servant, i PRICE THREE CENTS. Angustin Argueties, and against tho 6 jn euch case made and provided, and Of the people of the State of Now York ; A. OAKEY HALL,” District Attorney, LEE’S FLOTILLA. toms om th Don Jone tb the peacs dignity, ADMIRAL Resweme of the Naval Oper James River. MR. B. 8. O8BON’S DESPATCH. Jauns Riven, Va., May 15, 1864. ‘The fleet which has boen clustered at Newport’s News for @ week or more, got in readiness on the Sd to move on its appointed mission, The day was spent in making preparation, and the number of vessels was Increased by the addition of some of the double-endors, Acting Rear Admira! Lae hoisted his flag on board the steamer Mal- yern, which has been put into complete order to be the now flagship in placo of tho Minnesota, which nas moved down into [ampton Roads, to be a sort of receiving ship for the transfer of men into the navy from the army. The fleet off Newport's News consisted of the iron clad Roanoke, the new Quintard bsttery, called tho *Ouon- daga,” and having two turrets, im exch of which is a fifteeninch gun and a two hundred-younder Parroit; the ‘Tecumseh, one turret; the Cannonicus, one turre Saugus, oue turret, and the Atlanta, The Mackinaw Eutaw and other double-enders; tho gunboats Osceola, Dawn, Commpdore Jones, Commodore Morris, Shawsveon aba anol of powerful armed tuge. ‘The order was given to get underway that evening and take respective places in line, for the morning’s movement, Large numbers of schooners arrived, and the army transports and steamboats also came ap in large numbers, most of them jilled with troops. The river off Newport’s News was filled with the fleet uow gathered thero, The army vessols, with their lights displayed, nade a most beautiful and ieteresting sight. The tugs steaming around with their life-like movements; the bustle about the landiog, the drum and fife sounding tattoo on the army s ers; the whole assembling of the accumulating steamers, formed a scene and afforded a pleasure which one do roquently see, 4 which once seen is novor eff m tho memor The Admiral at the head; tho officers in charye of the respective steamers: the zeal which inspires all band the proper emulation which is folt; the prize which it ia songht to gain, make this gathering one of intense s!g- nitieance, and we trust ail loyal people may have an opportunity to rejoice at the success which all ao earn estly hope may result from the einvicuey of this gathorod ‘The fleet, which on the evening of the 4th quictly lay off Nowport’s News, woe t auchor above City Poivt, the next evening. A. half-past two o'clock on the morning of the oth all hagds were called on board the — ves of the “ileet, and the or- order to get underway was obeyed. At a quarter to five A. M. the fieet was well undorway and ‘he morn. ing just well broke, and one of the most beautiful and quiet mornings | ‘ey The river was without a i ithe air mild yet Invigorating, and the morn- nd gracefully rising from over the laud. The tleot sailed in tho (oltowing order:—irst, the iron- d Tecumseh, then the Ci ron-clad: the Saugus, ivon-clad) und tho Ouonde, 1.aud all of the Monitor chiss. Pebiud come the Atlanta, formerly the rebel ram, and eaptured by Capt. Jobn Rodgers, of the Mouitor Weohawken, in Warsaw Souad,Ga, With these wore armed tug# aud double enders, and then came gun- boats, and beiiind @ line of tugs, steamboats slope, and al! surts and sizes, and cle long @ line that wo caunot see both en. Soon alter five o'clock we passed formerly owned by the rebel pirate John N. pleasant farm house, with adjoining oulvaildin vinvitle, the place Mailit, w. negro quarters, &c, The Adwiral then came along’ the line in his tlagsbip, tt vern, passed by and up the line out of sight. To nue who can now see the whole line, It forms an tn- tergsting and inposiog sight. The iron-clads in advance, in the distance seeming so amall as to ve scarcely per cetved more imposing avd graceful eumboas aud double enders: the barges and steamboats flied with iwa beuntiful sight. Many of the sieambouts and connected with the isovemor names which to a New Yorker e areas familiar as Louseheld words. The Metamora, the Syivan Shore wod Tg ace wong them. rk A. M. the fleet prssed Point of Shoals fat, wad at 8:15 it slowed down afew minuics at Deep er light, Wo com paseed Grove wharf where was encamped a wazon iraiy. At seventeen minutes past nine the line passed the lower polut of Jamestown Island, and on the lower point we saw a cluster of log barracks partially destroyed, aud along the bauks a ecries of extensive earthworks, of seiaagular form, with angles pointing to the river. They wer unoceupied, allgough & +urong [6 ould be able to do us mucb Baym tom thew, Now, however, with our forces im porsession of this section, tho batteries or earthworks Are useless. At ten o'clock we passed the old church on Jamestown Ieiand, end at the same time cho steamboat Greyhound, with Goveral Rntior aud sta‘ un board, paasod by and up. ‘The Genoral, with giaes in hand, stood near the pilot house and jcoked with much apparent interest upon the Jong line which no was 80 rapidly reviewing. There ja accompany ing the ficet a Litt!e steamboat catted the [inma, not larger than a good sized yawl, 80 small indeed i a ou the wheel Louse looks as though he would capaive it, She seams to beon “her own hook,’ ond reminds f the little bugs which move mirface of Ul ping behind one fleet ne five she is away off toward abominy , which we are passing. The river opens out into the Jance. its banks are fringed with soft, green follage, looking, as it would seem, too peaceful to ‘be the stream to which bistory will g! name which will recall the most lamentable of campaigns. We soon passed a deserted plantation, the chief house of which stood upon the bank, though, witb windews and binds open, no one was visible. About noch we came im sight of General Butler's boat and @ oumber of other army steamers and transports which had gone op during the night and were vow along side of Wilson's wharf, the name of the locality. Tro or three canal bgats, a number of barces and steamers uploading soldi who were forming in line upon the baak. ‘two batteries of artillery nod disembarked and there were others afioat. Butler's boat pushed off and wne again moving up the stream, Tho iargo steamer Planter also came by, loaded with colored troops. Wilson's wharf wae soon left in the dist the flect continued its way up unmolested snd ‘The wegro troops whe landed at Wileon’s wha! already picketing the banks of the river above the in T's Dalt-past sweive o'clock Fort Powhatan came. into view. This (ort is situated om the southwest bank of the river, where it makes a bend to the northward, and on « biuM, from which the woods havo beon cleared.” It is an extensive work, and, witha sufficient force for its de- fence, tight make astabborn fight, Still onr gunbaats have once or twice driven ite garricon out of the fortiti- cations The face of the bluff forms asieop doclivity from the river to the top,, close to which is tho face of o fort. A narrow pathway only leads up from the the eteamers Planter and Greyhound a rom the in. jock we camo in algbt of the advance vessels ‘jodmill Point. We soon ‘bar, and the iron. clads also passed nF muller to ua fran At the wharf (Harrison's aving been the point of em- we few arovhd and under ye portico of @ fine mangion @ group of meu, who had apparentiy been Wasi fome one in @ houre on the oppoatie bank. For two bours we have seen much sig- ailing from the elevated points of land along tue river. Undoodtecly the information of eur atoeet je thus conveyed (rom point to point to the rebel Capital. AY three o'elock the vessels arrived off Jor and the boats are putting off from the different steamers to the Admiral’s sbip, and to baif an hour they return and the vessels again get under way, steaming up 1 Just ahead of us is City Point, the place of exchany for Union and rebel prisoners and the point to which tee ‘of truce boat New York makes hor wookly or tri- weekly trips from Fortress Monroe. The point makes quite well out nto the river and is at the junction of the Appomatiox James rivers, aud also the eastern terminus of the Petersburg and James River Railrond, ‘vhe land at the Point rises quite abruptly to an elevated yu, upom which ar umber of houres and a signal hat b, within the hour after we camo in sizht, was ocoupled by our #ignal officers, Troops are landing ‘and the shore is (Agee with them, army wagons, caissons, aod all the parapherniia of war. Boat alter Doat moves = to the landing, until they come far out into the river, and otber vessels, wih their ett) Cap to pass by the Appomattox and move to the bank of the James above, where they, too, are beginning to disem- bark their troops, ‘Tho Admiral, in the tron clad Tecumsed, continues on. the other iron-clads and naval veeesls following, and all come to anchor about two miles above City Point. ‘Steamboats from the Log aod rivers of New York, ccean steamers, propellers canal boats move up to the shore, with their living loads, and are quickly emp- them. Spaulding now mover up, crowded with soldiors. Night falle on the scene, and the quiet of eveuing thers around the region, At an early hour on the morning of the ¢in & of truce camo down the river in a steamer, ® boat with ao oOfflcer put off from her aide the Teoumseh with a message @ =Admiral,using that as a gubter- formation concerning the fleet, Soon under way, and by eight tho New Yor, fag ot trece boat, with th Ayihg, forward, and a fow other fabian bate Fe cane Seine starboard q wi a her saloon and bank. ‘About ten miles below Fort Darling « picket came from the bank to the wharf Feaniog out into the ‘and hailed the fleet, and eaid he ‘valuable information, who wished to the commanding Tho iron. nearest in shore, Rent Of a boat, on beard and ina few minutes sent to tho expiration of a tte while signal the flagsbip be Heetearue to a Temained afew minutes on the fligsnip and then wa pard to the shaweheen, a gunboat, which took bit up the wer, tho ft gabip. werg made or. ‘The bisek man afte GRANT! Jt appears ho was familiar with the location of the tor- | pedoes which had beeu pliced in the river by the he and wanted to give information which would prevent | any accident to the fleet. fle said about a mile above 4 torpedo, which was to be fired by & wire (row the | shore, apd he could find it. So he was send up in the { } | | Sbawetioen, avd the gunboats commenced draguing for The Commodore Jones, was abead aud yery near dl, Capt Shem, though finding nothing. the gupboai—ferry where the negro Beaumont boat style: 4 tho torpedo was pla ng the Mackinaw, bot to go in that vicinity, apd tho Massa Captain, if you go thers you get blowed up.” But Captain Wade was obliged to go in order to prevent bis veasel from gottiny anbora, and in half @ moment the torpedo oxy’ led, hitting thd Joues Out of tho water, breaking her iv the mule, bursting tho boilers and blowing the versel into ten’ thoyaand piecoa, Indeed, sho ia now, whet thers is Jolt of her, bottom up, while the vicinity is strewn with (r Acohumn of water, of pyrasoidai form, wa: tho nir fifty tosixty feot, and the vossel borne v ments, lifted Into th it, The Captain and’ Executive Ofticor were on deck, avd not matoriaily injured, Manp of tbe other Oficers were killed oF are mivsing. There were about ono. hundred and twealy soul on and out of them seventy-five or more aro ded or missing. ‘The los of lite fun About thirty-five to iifly were killed or led, aud none of the deal kaye been found. ‘they are either sunk or covered in the debriy and rain of the vessel Most of the wounds werd contisions aud severe bruises. ‘The wounded wero ly ali taken on board the Mackinaw and cared for. ‘Tho man who fired the torpedo immediately ran to mako his escape, and was shot by one of the mon on beard the gunboat Commodore Morris, An officer of the Mackinaw, with a number of mon, went immediately on shore and found the wires which communicated with another torpedo, by which the Coin: modore Jones had paesed when Ho traced the wire Irom the beuch to a b0x hike excavation a iy aprang and ity that the ofllcer ia charge pre wuibilation of these ebivairie sons of ve in the bank was councotod with the torpeda by a wire nicely tosnlated a per ding, and running from an old style “Grove” battery, which was in the cave with the men, and they connected the current see the acids immediately as the yessela passed over hem. the men who were caught were a young man, who seid his name was Smith, aud that ho was in the rebel navy. The other was a middle aged man, who was much less frightened, and who immeriately claimed to be a prisoner of war, ‘They were seut on tu the fleg- ship and put in irons. The men from the Mackinaw then crossed the river to cub the telegraphic wire, with which the rebels couima- nieated with Richmond, and, going up to tho elevated bank, fonnd and cut the wire in two places. They also saw a company of mounted gueritias, who had evideutiy been watching the performunce, aad, though they were running away, tho seamen fred and abot ono of them, and secured the body. Although the loss of life is to be much tamented end soraly regretted, yet if it bad beon oue of tho iron-clads, and bad boon destroyed, thonh it ts a question whether a torpedo would destroy one of tho heavy iron-clads, the chanel might have been blocked and tbe det w pass np. At dark some of the i miles down the river toa place called Curl’ Tunderstand it is only for the purpose of coaltng. some of the flest which came down the river last even- ing aro above bere a short distance coslivg. n the 7th the river is filled with the floating remains of the ill-fated Commodore Jones, Seareely a pivco which has come down 18 Jarger than a man’s leg, but most of it is in small bits and fragments. For an hour this morning wo board hoary and rapid firlog over the eastern hank of the river, and apparently from the direction of West Point, though sometimes it was near, aod «gain distant, like the evolutions of a light battery. Wo have not learned the case, but premise it may be occasioned by the forces advarsing from the direction of West Point. The day ie clear and bright, the ronda aro fine, and everything ia in good shape (or # forward move- ment. The news of the destruction of the Shay and tho army guntpat Lrowster wilt have reached you through your other correspondents, so { will not burden your © jumns with the details as learn them. Matters of Im- portance are to transpire shortly, but to the public they must remain a gocret for a few days, Kverything is working weli—in fact splendidly. WEWS FROM WASHINGTON, ‘Wasursatox, May 22, 1864. DESTRUCTION OF AALT WORKS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, The Navy Department has received s communication from the United States bark Ethan Allen, blockading olf Murrell’s Inlet, 8. C., reporting tho destrnction of valu- able salt works, 1oformation being given them by con- trabands of the location of works, which were at a place called Cane Pitch, twelve miles from the iulet. Upon reaching tho works an armed crew wag sent ashore, who succeeded in destroying them and burning the buildings, Extensive arrangements had been made for extending the works to donble their eize, ‘The pans were of cast fron and easily broken, There were four works, each contaming twelve large pans, the water being raised from the beach by horse power, leading into a cistern large enough to contain 100,000 gallons of water. The salt wag mixed with sand. When returning to the station » man was taken off the coast who made signals to the Ethan allen, Hegavo bis name as Allen Jones, He said be was of North Carolina, and was 4 commicary sergeant in the rebel ariny. TUB EXPEDITION UP THE ST. JOMNS RIVER, FLA. A communication has been received by the Navy De- partment from the Pawnoo, which says that an expedi- tion was seut up the St, Johns river, Florida, under Gen. Birney, aud has been very successful. They did not, however, meet the enemy, who were supposed to have crossedat Fort Yates to the east sido of the 3t. Johns. One thousand hend of cattle, some horses, and other valuablo property were captured. The expedition bad not re- turned to Jacksonville at Inst advices, but was expected soon to do so by wey of St. Augustin THE TKN-FORTY LOAX. ‘Tho subscriptions reported to the Treasury Department to the ten-forty Joan for the last week amounted to $5,600,000. The total subscriptions so date are $54,000,000, The subscriptions on Seturday were $736,000. THE REGISTRR TONNAGE OF A YRSSEL. A law of Congress just passed provides that the register tonnage of a vessel shall be ber internal cubical capacity in tons, of one busdred cubic feet ench, and specifically Pointe out the mode of accertainment, PAYMENT OF DUTIRS AT BELIZR, HONDUR, Information bas been received a! ‘he State Nepartment from the Consul of tho United Sta:ce et Belize that the colonial authoritics Dave determined to allow invoices of goods shipped from tho United States to that colony to be made out in sterling money, or its eyulvalent ia ihe gold currency of the United States, and the duties will be col- lected upon such a basiz, CONGRRT AT THE RESIDENCE OF SRCRETAKY CRASE. A grand concert was giveu on Friday uight, at the resi. dence of Secretary Chase, by tho child artist, Tercsa Carreno, on the invitation of Mrs. Senator Sprague. A Jarge number of foreign ministers and mombora of Con. grees were presont, Circrrmati, May 22, 1804. General Hilpatrick ieaven bere w-night, via tue New York Contral Railrond, for the Kast, Ho is doing well, and hopes to be In the eaddie again to six weeks, The Quakers ta Toy PUBLIO WORSMIP—BXHONTATIONS, FTC According to ® long established ovstom, tho merobers Of that iuteresting sect known ag the “Sciety of Friends” ascemb!ed from various porte uf the country fw the city yesterday, and at balf-past tea ta the morning & meeting for public worship was peld in tho Quaker church in Fifteenth strect, near Second avenue. Tho church wae crowded with the brothren and sisters, who seemed to bo more than usually zealous in their exborta- tions, which were very impressive and {ntoresting. ‘Tho sisters occupied the pews on one aide, the othor side Delog set apart for the brea, and about twonty Drothren and sistors took on Wha raised platform, Waich serves the purpove of # desk, and from which the ugrogition was addessed. the exhortations were short but pithy fened to with marked attontion. The peoullar religions Views of these good people were very forcibly presented Dy several of tho epenkers, who held that roiigion oon- fisted in the revelations of Christ, communteated directly to the heart and not through the teachings of man, whose carnal nature precluded the Kea of bis ability to reveal the word of God,or to be the medium through which Divine revelation could be conveyed to the human nana which, according t0 tho Quaker theory, ts the seat igion, we ioe {ing for worship was also held at four o’clook in ‘afternoon, and was largely attended. a ecnsiderable the congregation being mombers of other re figious denominations, who went through curiosity. "At ton o'clock thia morning & meeting will be held for tho transaction of business comnecto’ with the charch, ‘This mecting will not be rn and will be attended oniy by members of tho society, Wednes “ay will be devoted ‘he closing coremonies. Public worship will be held ‘at which time the interesting ceremony cf the gad giatara axahanaing somilinoate wil) take piace, nt were ler An Important Strategie Vie- tory Gained. Successful Progress of the Flank Movement of Friday Last. Longstreet’s and Ewell’s Corps Moving Southward, The Latlre Rebel Army Believed to Dave Fallen Back. No Severe Engagement Since Thursday Last. Additional Points of Importance Occu- pied by the Union Forces, ae, ae ate Secretory Stanton to General Dix. War DEraRtaenr, ‘Wasmyoroy, May 22—10 P, M. To Major Genoral Dix: On Friday evening General Grant commenced a move- ment for the purpose of compelling Lee to abandon bis position at Spottaylvenia (the details of which, for obvitus reazona, should not be made public). It bas thus far progressed succtasfully. Longetreet’s corps startod South at one o’clock Friday night, an bour and « half after Hancock moved, Ewell’# corps followed Longatreet last night. The indications are that the rebel army bas fatien back beyond the North Anna, Hoko's brigrade has joined Lee. The movement of General Grant has thus far eeu accomplished without any severe engagement or serious interruption. ° We now occupy Guiness Station, Milford Station, and south of the Mattapony on that line, No despatches have beon recelved to-day from General Batter. Despatches from Kingston, Ga., state that Genera) Sherman's forces are reating and replenishing their sup plies, EDWIN M. BTANTON, Secretary of War. Our Special Washington Despatch. Wasnivotos, May 22, 1864. ‘The First Maseachusetts regiment, Colonel McLaughlin, arrived hero this moraing from Spottsy!vania, en route for home, its time of service baying expired. This regl- mont entered the service one thousand strong, and baa since reeruited an equal uumber, It hag participatod 1p all the battles of the Army of the Potomao down to Safe urday, when it received orders to report at Warhington, to be mustered out. Of the two thousand :10a who have belonged to the organization but throe hundred return. General Augur returned {rom the army of the Potomac last night. The Press Despatehe: Wasninaton, May 22, 1864. Sixty Bostages who wore arrested In Fredericksburg arrived in this city this morning, and were committed to the Old Capitol prison. Eight bundred more wounded errived here (his morte The Battie of Laure! Hill OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE. ARuY oF THE PoTomao, May 17, 186§. We aro now quietly lying infront of the village of Spottsylyania Court House, which is still Im the possos- sion of the eneiny, with their camps fa full view. We have been thue idle for three days, bat expect soon ta again move forward. A great number of the men have been sent to the rear with sore fect; but reinforcements aro continually arriving. The three days’ Aghting whict ended on the night of tie 10th of May ts called the bat- tle of Laurel Hill. Arrival of Wounded Oficers at Wash= ington, Wasarmotos, May 22, 1864. The follow\ug wounded oilicors arrived here to-dsy—— Col. Babbitt, th Now Rampshiro, Major Chandler, 9th New Hampshire, Capt. Grandson, 140th New York. Capt. Presvoa, Ist Massachusetts artillery. Capt. Mercor, let Marylaéd, Lien, Quipley, 271% Mich san, Lieut. Murphy, 9¢h Maesachnsetts, Lieut Rice, 9th New Mampshire. REBEL ACCOUNTS. The Battle with Sigel—Rebel Losses the Battles with the Armyof the Pos tomac, &c. Wasmratom, May 22, 1864, ‘The Richmond papers of the 19th instant claim a greng victory over Sigel at Now Market, and say they would have captured bis army had it not beon {for our oavalry, According to their accounts, Sigel ran twenty miles withe out stopping, abandoning his hospitals, bufning trains, ko. These papers state their losses at twenty thousand tm! the battles with the Army of the Potomac, but claim a victory every time, They acknowledge losing twenty guns, but are silent as to the number of prisoners, ‘Trame wore running to Cutness Station during leat woek, The Gold Operators in Wall Street. 70 THE EDITUL OF TUR HERALD, New Yore, May 31, 1864, T notice emong your editorials of this merning s para- graph referring to “rebel Moauclers in Wall street,’* which coptaing sore good advice. While the eyes of ei) Joyal men are strained towards the rebel forces ip Vite ginis, and tho whole energies of the government being wivided to repet the designs and assaulte of Lee's army, our cause is being aseailed io tho North in me most formidable m As you propose, let Mr. Chase go or send some one to the gold room in William street, and ho will there see men who are dealing more deadly blows aod are doimg greater damage to the Northera many @robol goveral in the field. Let Dim eauso ask ives of this room to = out meo ch every one can do) wi are at work, {com “oarly morn to dewy eve al the tricks of the trade and all the woll koown (0 the Old stagers of the street vanco the price of gold, and thereby embarrass resources and the aiforis of the goveroment. These tien are well koown to every frequonter of this room , an havo many @ timo caused the blooa of every loyal man boil with indignation while watching their ~» Douvres. ; If, aftor ho has learned the truth of this can find 0 means to stop these assaults, at cause to be posted the nimor of all auct thin! Secorsioniats, that the} eer dl veers with thoy deserve, and that th Claw Ay et (bem wherever they go. Arrival of Rebel Prisoners. Iypramaronia, May 22, 1864 Six hundred rebel prisoners, captured by General Sherman, arrived hero Wir mncuin, a .