The New York Herald Newspaper, February 8, 1865, Page 4

4 NEW YORK.HERALD. " ’ JAMES GORDON BENNETT, EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR. OFFICE N. W. CORNER OF FULTON AND NASSAU 878. Volume XXX... New York, Wednesday, February §, 1865. —— THE SITUATION. A movement of the Army of the Potomac was com- menood on last Sunday, Early on that morning the Fifth corps, preceded by Gregg’s cavalry, moved south- ward along the Halifax road, aud two divisions of the Beoond corps marched to the southwestward along the Vaughn road. After going six miles the Fifth corps came to Rowanty creek, where it was necessary to con- struct a temporary bridge. Across this a charge was made, and with little loss the rebels were driven from their rifle pits on the south side. A number of the enemy were killed, wounded and captured. Beyond this point we have no record of the operations of the Fifth orps.. The Second corps met with no opposition until ‘Hatcher's ran was rseched, on arrival at which-the First brigade of the Third division charged across, took the line of rife pits on the west side, drove'the rébel pickets Defgre them: for a mile, and then bastily throw /reastworks, to be prepared for an attack. The Second division of the corps moved towards the run in the direction of Armstrong's ford, on’ near- ing which the enemy’s pickets were driven in. Hero also temporary intrenchments were erected, on which, @t about two o’clock in the afternoon, the rebels opened with artillery. Subsequently a division of them made several flerce charges on the position, but were each time driven back with heavy loss, and at night the entire Second corps rested on the ground which it had gained. Tho losses of the Union troops at this point are said to have been considerable, but not nearly so great as those of the enemy. We publish this morning, as an accompaniment to our despatches descriptive of this affair, a map showing the scene of operations. Nothing of an official character has yet been made Public regarding the recent peaco conference in Hampton Roads. The rebel commissioners—Messrs, Stephens, Hunter and Campbell—passed through the Union lines, on their return to Richmond, on Saturday tast. We have despatches from Fort Fisher to Saturday last. Everything continued quicton Cape Fear river. The rebels were busily engaged in strengthening Fort Ander- gon; but, with all their extensions and improvements of it, Admiral Portor, it is supposed, will find but little -diMoulty in reducing it when be is ready to commence the operation. ‘There was another interesting and very excited debate in the rebel House of Representatives on Friday last on ‘the bill to arm the negroes, Strong opposition to it was ‘expressed by different members, it being urged that it ‘would demoralize the white troops and result in emanci- ‘pation, which they looked upon as the’ uprooting of ono -of the most important institutions of the South. Mr, Orr said that if the nogroes had their choice between the rebel and the national. army, nine‘hffilired an nincty- ‘nine out of every thousand would join the latter, During ‘the debate Joff. Davis received a large additional amount of abuse. An amendment to make the number of slaves to be conscripted into the army one hundred thousand, «and to present each white soldier with one slave as his ne was offered and referred to the Military mmmitios. ~ ++ ¥“ Oar correspondent in Rio Janeiro, writing on the 14th ef December last, informs us that there were then three rebel piratical vessels off the South American coast, prey- ing on United States merchant vessels. The names of these privateers are not given. There was at the same time in Rio Janciro a notorious rebel spy, lately second ‘Ueutonant on the pirate Tallahassee, who was engaged in chartering vessels to load with coffee for Bermuda on rebel government account, Ho had already secured two English vessels for this purpose, ‘The commissioners of the Canadian government have commenced at Montreal an investigation of the conduct of Justice Coursol in releasing the St. Albans raiders. It 4s conducted privately. At a mass meoting held in Toronto on Monday night, called by the Mayor for the purpose of condemning the proceedings of the govern- ment in regard to the rebel raiders, resolutions approving ite action were adopted by a large majority. The port of Fernandina, Fla, has been designated by Secretary Fessenden, with the concurrence of the Presi- dont, asa place for the purchase of products of the re- bellious States on government account, and a purchasing agent to be located there has been appointed. Eleven hundred Union soldiers, released from im- prisonment at Richmond, arrived at Annapolis, Md., yesterday. CONGRESS. In the Senate yesterday Mr. Sumner made an unsuc- cessful effort to have his resolution, calling on the Presi- dont for information regarding the peace mission, taken up. It-will, however, in all probability, be adopted to-day, a8 it is, understood that the President has already pre- pared his communication on the subject, and only waits ‘an invitation to send itto the Senate, The considera tion of the Enrolment bill was resumed, and after con- siderable discussion and the adoption of several amend- monts the bill was passed. In the House of Representatives the Select Committee appointed to inquire into the circumstances connected with the difficulty between Mr. Field, of Louisiana, and Mr. Kelley, of Pennsylvania, on the 20th ult, made a Peport, and recommended that Mr. Field be reprimanded ‘by the Speaker, and that the resolution granting him the privilege of the hall as a claimant of a seat be Fescinded. The documents were ordered to be printed. Pho dill making appropriations for fortifications was passed; iso the Army Appropriation bill, with an famendmont forbidding the payment of money for ser- ‘viee to such railroad companies as Imve received grants of land to build their roads, on condition that they would transport troops and property of the United States free of toll, This amendment is intended to apply parttca- larly to the Tilinots Central Railroad, which has received ‘a million of dollars from the government for transporta- tion. An evening seasion was held for goneral debate, Boven members were present. THE LEGISLATURE. In the State Senate yesterday a petition was presented for o tunnel railroad under Broadway, New York. Bills were noticed to regulate the sale of hay and straw in Now York and Brooklyn; for p railroad in 125th streot, and relative to the wffices of County Clerk and Register in this city. Bilis wore introduced to incorporate the New York Un. gerground Railroad; for the formation of » Pneumatic "Railroad Express Company in this city; to alter the map ‘of Brooklyn; to establish tho Cornell University, and do- nate to it the income from lands prosented to the State by Congress in 1962; for the improvement of that portion of ‘New York lying between 110th stroot and Harlem river; to ‘incorporate the Merchants’ Exchange and News Room, ‘and authorizing the Snporvisors of New York to raise money for certain county purposes. Bills were passed to gprevent encroachments upon the harbor of New York ‘and for the completion of the Battery oxtension; also A communication was geoetved from the Chief Engineer of the Croton Aqueduct Department relative to the condition of the sewers in A motion was thon nade that the national government be requested to make appropriation to eateblish a foundry and works for the jafacture of cannon, frearms and armor for war ‘Tolative to St. Ptophen's Colege. Dhow York, which was referred. ora, @ ome point upon the line of the Adirondack & In the Assembly the bill legalizing the ordinance of Supervisors of Now York, passed Juno, 1904, relative Jeetibiae Ie. ssid, Tia wane kowuKh of We rT eteiiediadl M - Possessing himself of a!l, the proofs of the most. gigantic after her passengers and freight had been transferred to another boat and sent on to Newport. received trifling damage, leged slander occupied the Supreme Court, circuit, before Judge Leonard, during all of yesterday's séssion. ‘This suit is brought against Mr. Twombly, Mr. Tibbets’ brother- in-law. There are fifty-nine of these eases altogether, in each of which, it is said,a million dollars damages is claimed. The testimony yesterday was of a most curious and interesting character, relating alternately to corn dealings, theology, law, spiritualism, matrimony and the philosophy of dreams. Mr. Tibbots, who is conducting his own case, had frequently to be corrected by the Court. Among other witnesses he placed his own coun- sel on the stand, and subjected him to arigid examina- tion. The suit, or suits, will be continued to-day. Johannes requested Recorder Hoffman to charge the Grand Jury upon the law of libel, which his Honor de- clined to do, District Attorney Hall. having objected to the Count interrupting the business of the court, he not being @ regular counsellor of it. Aa order fora panol of one thousand jurors, returnable noxt Monday, was granted. Thomas Johnson, a boy, was convicted of grand larceny for having stolen forty dollars worth of bonnets from a show case. George Young was tried and acquitted on a chargo of stoaling three hundred and ninety dollars from Mrs, Elle Williams, residing in Elm street. Henry Carter and Patrick McCarty were re- manded for sentence, the former having pleaded guilty of the second degreo of forgery and the latter of the third degree of burglary. A servant girl named Margaret ‘Atkins pleaded guilty to grand larceny, in having stolen different articles belonging to Mr. Samuel Thurston, in- cluding ring on the finger of his dead wife. She was sentenced to the State Prison for two years and six months. occupied the Surrogate’s Court during all the month of January, came to a termination yesterday, the matter being compromised, under advice of the Surrogate. The will is admitted to probate. The Christy will case will be resumed before ths Surrogate on Monday next. pearance, each having on his shoulder a well filled travel- the 27th of last October, stolen over six handred ‘dollars mitted forgeries on the Berlin and Hamburg Railway Company, was again before Commissioner White yester- day. Additional testimony was taken, and then the case ‘was further adjourned over to next Monday.. NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNSSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 1663! Im: ey it Of the Army. The news from the.ermies before Richmond indicates @ resumption of aotive hostilities. The Second and Fifth corps made » movement on Sunday last in the direction of the South side Railroad. The developments thus far do not clearly reveal the character of the move- ment. If may prove to be only a reconnois- sance, or it may lead to a general engagement. The news from that point will be looked for with interest, The movement began immedi- ately after the return of the rebel peace com- missioners to Richmond, and before they could have reported the result of their mission. The resumption of hostilities by General Grant first conveyed to the rebel soldiers the news of the failure of peace negotiations, and must have most unpleasantly aroused them from their dreams of peace, Tho Upshot of the Late Peace Conference— We Must Conquer a Peace. Abraham Lincoln is one of the shrewdest {diplomats of the day. This fact is abundantly ference, ‘When, at.a moment's warning, be burried down, as fast as steam could carry him, to meet the rebel peace in Hampton Roads, there wore some over nice in-, ‘dividuals who regarded this ‘as a very undigni- fied act of condescension ; there were some who were afraid that he had gone upon a fool’s er- rand ; and there were many of the republican tadical war party who were apprehensive that the deep, designing and acute rebel lawyers with whom he had to deal would wind him around their fingers and extort from him some dishonorable and damaging concessions in be- half of peace. All these distrustful parties have good reasons now for the satisfaction which they express, that Old Abe cemes out of this contest with the diplomatic jugglers of rebel- dom the absolute master of the situation. The especial object of the rebel commission- ers, it appears, was a little armistice, of which they are just now very muchin need. If, with- out requiring from them @ recognition of the supreme authority of the Union, they could adroitly worm out of the Illinois railsplitter a little armistice, they might hold it up to Europe as involving a recognition of their equality as “belligerents” and the independence of their confederacy. They have been intriguing, man- cuvring and finessing, in every possible way, tor some convenient quibble of this sort from the beginning. But, “putting his foot down firmly” upon the simple ultimatum and condition precedent of the recognition of the sovereign authority of the United States, North and South, Old Abe, among the astonished rebel peace jugglers, was a giant among the pigmies. No doubt he enjoyed his conference with them as.a good joke, and ‘a good thing for the good cause. He knew his strength, he knew that his position ‘was impregnable, and he “jumped” at the opportunity to remove all doubts, to silence all fallacious peace clamors, and to present to the loyal States the single, substantial and paramount fact that we can have no peace with the so-called Confederate States short of the expulsion of Jeff. Davis from Richmond, and the defeat and dispersion of Lee’s army; and to the rebellious States the open door of the Union, with all its oonstitu- tional guarantees, as their only way of escape from their sufferings and disasters under this terrible war. The people of the loyal and the rebellious States will know now exactly where they stand. Before the mecting of these diplomats in Hamp- ton Roads Jeff. Davis, in an elaborate pub- lished letter, had laid bare the fallacy and the impossibility of a peace convention of all the States, knocking the underpinning completely away from the Chicago platform; and now that other peace fallacy of a half-way compromise is just as completely demolished. Not an inch of ground is left our Northern democratic peace agitators to stand upon. Several of the most prominent leaders of this faction in Congress, since the return of President Lincoln from his voyage of discovery, have admitted this fact, and frankly committed themselves to a vigorous prosecution of the war. As they have gone, 80 will the mass of their Northern followers go; and we have thus the prospect fairly before us of a more harmonious and effective union of all parties in the loyal States for vigorous war than at any time since their first grand, spontaneous uprising with the rebel bombard- ment of Fort Sumter. On the other hand, while the issue of this late peace conference is thus operating to unite the North, it will operate to widen the distractions, dissensions, demoralizations and confusion existing throughout the rebellious States. The peace factions of those States, it is true, have never yet ventured to discuss the propriety or possibility of their return to the “old Union ;” but they cannot now much longer avoid the real issue before them. They may be temporarily held under subjection by the clamors of the Southern war faction and the army in their hands; but another decisive military disaster will inevitably precipitate a Southern popular revolution in behalf of peace, on the inevitable basis of submission to the Union. To bring about this wholesome reaction our General-in-Chief, his subordinate generals and the armies under them, and our supporting blue jackets of the navy, are our only peace- makers. The defoat and dispersion of the army of General Lee will give us peace. This great achievement may soon be a matter of history, with'anything like activity and energy among the authorities and people of the loyal States in strengthening the armies of the Union. We cannot doubt the truth of General Sherman’s opinion, that if we act now as if preparing for another four years war, the war will be ended in four months; but if we depend solely upon our armies as they are, the struggles may yet ‘go on for four years. Let us strengthen our armies at once, and bring this staggering rebel- lion into the dust before it can right itself for farther resistance. Par or Oon Sorvrers.—There is nothing that will make a maa work co well, ora soldier to fight more determinedly, asa full purse and a full stomach. The idea of Napoleon, Wellington and Scott was the same in this respect. They always thought that their soldiers fought better on fall stomachs. Our troops, it is true, have plenty to eat, but the government is not prompt enough in paying them their greenbacks. These fhey want to send home t Cooper Union was then received. Bills*te ‘¢pabhe the tate banks to organise ee nationsl banks; for the im- provement snd government of Central Park, and t pro- vide means therefor; to provide # military parade ground in Hamilton square, New York; to close Observatory place, New York, and to amend the charter of the New York Guaranty and Indemnity Company, were ordered toa third reading, The State Bounty bill was recom- mitted to the Committees of the Whole, and made the special order for the evening session, when it was dis- cussed and ordered to # third reading. MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The Committee on Cities of our State Senate held a session last evening to hear the arguments of persons for and against the bill to create s paid fire department in this city. The Senate chambers, in which the mooting took place, was crowded during the evening by persons interested in the matter. The greatest interest was manifested, and there was much excitement, President Platt, Chief Engineer Decker and other prominent firemen of this city and Brooklyn, appeared in opposition to tho bill Among those who appeared in ite‘favor were Police Commissioner Acton, Superin- tendent Kennedy and Inspector Carpenter. Mr. Acton charged that the riots of July, 1863, were instigated by runners of the Fire Department, and that the first build- ings were fired by thom. He said that the firemen now nearly all go armed, and shoot down policemen at their will, and gave notice, that if the bill for the paid de- partment is not pasred it will be necessary to increase the police force of the city by one thousand men. Su- perintendent Kennedy and Inspector Carpenter spoke in the same strain, and confirmed the statements of Mr. “has been in the city for three 'woeoks, eudeavoring to get ‘at the bottom of the enlistment’ frauds, has succeeded «a frauds and forgeries against the government by the substitute brokers and soldiers’ on Governor's Island. Twenty-seven of the principal parties have been arrest- ed, and others will be. The most astounding disclosures are made, showing an extent of crime little dreamed of. Colonel Baker is still continuing his labors, but has very nearly broken up tho frauds, and placed our city in & better position regarding our quota, Henry 8. Foote, the rebel fugitive Congressman, ar- rived in this city last night from Washington, in charge of Major Newball, of the United States Army. It is ro- ported that he is en route to Fort Lafayotte. The Legislature of Maine yesterday 1utifled the consti- tutional amendment abolishing slavery. Ten States have now acted affirmatively upon it, ‘A heavy snow storm prevailed in this city yesterday afternoon, commencing between one and two o’clock, and continuing till about eight in the evening. This of course Put at least a temporary stop to the skating, which in the forenoon was good. Soon after eight o’clock in the even- ing the snow was succeeded by rain, which continued to fall during the night, accompanied by a strong north- easterly wind. The Aldermanic Committee on Wharves, Piers and Slips met yesterday to hear the claims @P the oystermen to the exclusive use of the slip at the foot of Spring street for their trade. Several oystermen were present, and stated that all they want is an exclusive location in that neighborhood. They would be satisfied with the slip at the foot of Amos strect. The committee, after ascertaining the views of the oystermen, adjourned. The steamer Empire State, from this city for Newport, and the propeller Franconia, from Portland for this city, collided in Long Island Sound on last Monday night. No person was injured. The Empire State was considerably damaged, and was towed back to this city for repairs, The Franconia The second of the sults of Luther. ‘Tibbets for al- I the Court of Genoral Sessions yesterday, Count ‘The tedious trial of the will of James Thomas, which Early yesterday morning two men of suspicious ap- ling bag, were arrested by policeman in Broadway, near Amity street. While being conveyed to the station house the prisoners made a sudden stop, when each of thom instantly fired two shots at the oflicor from revolv- ers in their possession. They both then attempted to make their escape, in which one of*them succecded; but the other, who gave his name as Charles English, was pursued by the officer, who was not injured by their shooting, and recaptared, together with both the sus picious bags, which were found to contain five hundred dollars worth of boots, stolen from a Broadway store. English was locked up for trial. Emma Hubbard, twenty-three years of age, was yes- terday committed to the Tombs, in default of one thou- sand dollars bail, charged with having, on the night of in money and jewelry from William Moran, of Geneva, N. Y., while the two wore stopping together at a house in White street. ‘The case of Gustav Voightman, alleged to have com- ‘The Arago, one of the steamers forced aground at Brooks Point, in the Mississippi river, by the breaking up of the tee gorge on Saturday last, subsequently took fire and was burned to the water's edge. A portion of her cargo was saved. Included in that lost were fifty tons of government freight. ‘The stock market was higher yesterday. Government securities wore firm. Gold opened at 216 and closed at 213%. irs wen st sons change in the commercial status yesterday, though the upward tendency of gold during business hours had the effect of rendering the markets firm. Domestic goods, in partioular, were firm, and in some cases higher. Business, however, was moderate, and the aggregate sales were larger than on Monday. Cotton was firm. Petroleum was nominal. On ‘Change the flour market was more active, and prices advanced Be. 2.100. . Wheat was also 1c. a 2c, higher, with rather more doing. Corn was firm and more active; while cats ‘were lc. higher. The pork market opened firmer and more active, but closed dull and heavy. Beef was more active, but without decided change in value, The Jard market was also firmer, with an increased demand. ‘Whiskey was scarcely so firm, and less active. Preights wore quiet but firm. Ocn Naw Pmace Commissionens.—The Pre- sident’s call for three hundred thousand men is to go into effect without any more delay than may be necessary to afford proper appor- tunity for the correction of unavoidable mis- takes in the Provost Marshal General’s office. This work, however, must be now pretty well advanced, as for several weeks past great care has been given to the correction of the enrol- ment, These three hundred thousand men are our new commissioners to the | their families, so that, they being provided for, James river, under General Grant, their | the soldier will have mofe stomach to go into confarances Veith the rebels willhe varx effactins | she Aah with tha enamlea af the coupe { fh Opera med the Opers Couilac A Musoment for the “The rise ab@ Progreas‘of the Opera in this country will supp.'¥ ® fine subject, some day or other, fora very adacirable book. Five or six years ago the Opera was by a0 means popular even in this metropolis, People had to be fairly coaxed or driven to the Academy. A beggarly array of empty boxes was the cus- tomary entry upon the impressario’s account book. Occasionally there would be a rush for seats and @ great crowd; but ordinarily the audiences were select and few. Now all this ischanged. Every performance at the Academy draws a good house. It seems imposaible to keep the people away. “The cannot drive the public off, even with a stick,” as a critic wittily observed when reviewing the demerits of one of the singers, The provinces, which take their tone from the metropolis, are becom- ing equally patrons of art, From Phila- pei very 5 nage Or its Opera House, and it is always well attended. Indeed, we know of few stronger evidences of the rapid advance which this country has made during the last ten years than the universal popularity, in spite of our civil war, of this a amuscmnents, most refined and most expensive of _. But now that New York has. gone so far and- the provincial cities are following so closely upon -her footsteps, it is quite 4 that we should go farther and fare ‘better. Paris is not only the ‘metropolis of France but of all! Eu- ‘rope, and in the same sense New York is the metropolis of this continent. One opera house should not suffice for us, since even Brooklyn can afford that, In point of fact, we have in this city sufficient material for at least two opera companies at present, and reinforcements are constantly arriving. Several impregsarii. too, are in the field; but they have no place in which to pitch their tents, and are compelled to go wandering around the country, camping here and there as chance or policy may dictate. The manager who seeures our Academy, no matter how unskilful he may be or how weak a company he may have, is practically master of the situation. He has, in effect, a monopoly of the metropolis, There are our theatres, to be sure; but few of them are to be obtained for operatic purposes at the proper sea- son of the year, and none of them have the indispensable acoustic requisites. Under these circumstances our opera goers have only the choice of the famous Hobson. It is the Academy or nothing. At this present writing there is a French opera company, of whose merits we know nothing, actually prowling about the city seeking some hall in which to sing. Foiled at every point, they have even en- tertained insane ideas of immigrating to Brook- lyn, Williamsburg, Hoboken, Jersey City or Staten Island, to find a room in which to warble. This state of affairs should not be sllowed to continue, and we are happy to repeat our an- nouncement that another opera house will soon be erected in this city. The sooner the ketter for art and for our public. -A tuitable plot of ground has already been seoured for the new Opera Comique. This site is in the upper part of the city, several blocks above Fourteenth street, and opposite one of our most remarkable public buildings. We leave to imagination the pleasing task of de- ciding upon the exact location, which we are not yet at liberty to announce, lest we should raise the price of building lots in that vicinity. The edifice will be much smaller than the Academy of Music, and will include a parterre, three tiers of comfortable private boxes and a splendidly arranged foyer for pro- menades and conversation between the acta. The parterre will be for gentlemen and the private boxes for parties, The per- formances will consist of comic operas, in French, and French vaudevilles, on alternate nights. If any impressario may chance to have an Italian opera company which he wishes to introduce to our public, in spite of the Academy monopoly, he can be accommodated at the Opera Comique. The interests of M. Juignet’s French comedy company will be by no means overlooked. We have no doubdt that, from the very firat night, the Opera Comique will be most fashionable and most successful. It will bear the same relation to the Academy as the Gymnase, at Paris, does to the Theatre Fran- gais, where only classical plays are produced. Such an establishment appears to us an abso- lute necessity in New York. There are a thousand considerations in its favor, and not one has yet been urged against it. It will give us a standard by which to judge not only our operatic, but our theatrical performances. It will immediately become a fashionable centre, a miniature Paris in America, We urge the gentlemen connected with this enterprise to push it forward vigorously, so that the Opera Comique may be inaugurated, with appropriate ceremonies, by this time next year. Colonel David Crockett’s motto was, “Be sure you're right, then go ahead.” About the entire suc- cess of the undertaking there can be no doubt, and there should be no delay in its vigorous prosecution. Tus Stare or tae Wortp.—Of the thousand millions of people who inhabit the globe, di- vided into more than a hundred different na- tionalities, it appears that only the United States, Mexivo, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and 8 few other insignificant States, are now at war. It seems to be an essential prineiple of human progress that some of the nations of the earth should be always cutting each others’ throats. Formerly the savages were ahead in this re- spect. Scarcely a woek passed over them with- out one tribe moeting another in hostile array, and cutting and slashing in the most approved style. Now this is all changed. The savages, all the world over, seem to be at peace, and the civilized nations are not. Those that are not ac- tually at war are preparing for it. But the great- est war of all that the world has seen is that which we are waging in this country. All others are diminished before it. But with our three hundred thousand new peace commis- sioners, and our armies already in tho field, we intend to wind it up very soon, and thus to give the other nations of the world a lesson how to ‘| put down rebellion and govern properly, as well as how to make war upona grand and successful scale. ° go _ + AWC PO Me Tae Wearawe ann tHe Poor—We always have snow storms in the month of February. Yesterday a pretty heavy one came on sud- donly, which soon covered our strocts with its feathery drapery, and last night we were visited by o northeasterly storm of rain and hail of unusual severity. The winter, on the whole, has been rather a severe one. Yet, strange to say, there has been less apparent “ there ie much , want and r midst, and whenever the wealthy and see 8 recurring snow storm it ig time for them to remember the poor. —_— Privateers on thd Brasilian Cosst. OUB RIO JANBIRO CORRSBPONDENCE. Hho, Dec, 14, 1864. As the mail is about to close.and I have a few items of ‘news, I forward them to you for publication. A notorious rebel spy, late second lieutenant of the Tallahassee, is now here trying to charter some vessels to load with Coffee for Bermuda for the rebel government. Ho has already succeeded English tailing. under Engle colors.” Ho mej ey og rig last week into the Ameri oe acre by one of aan oa ips here to look after their inte- ought to have rests. The Arion F: y Dress Ball. GRAND DISPLAY BXPEOCTED AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIO TO-MORROW NIGHT—-A CONFEDERATE BAL- LOON AND REBRL ‘‘BLUE BELLIBG”—THE GBREN- BAOK QUADRILLE, WICKED CLUB, BTC. ‘The annual fancy dress ball of the Arion Society is to take place at the Academy of Music to-morrow and if Dame Bumor.is not very much at fault, the ooca- of wit, humor, fan, extravagance and nonsense harmoni- ‘ously blended. The balls of this assosiation have attracted 20 much attention lately that. something more than the ‘customary brief notice of puch occurrences 4s called for.. In a few vo-ds, therefore, we will sum up the origha, | progress and present slats of the Arion. On’‘the 234 of January, 1854, thirteen genticmén, ' who had been members of “the German Liederkranz, as- sembied together and resolved to form themselves into a musical association. Their names are F. T. Adams, W. Curleys, H. Depken, Y. Ely, G. Friedeborn, F. Glenin, J. ©. Fiundt, Dr, F. Kuncher, 0. Melichar, T. Puck, C. ‘Triacca, C. Wober and F. Waibel. Tho object which they proposed to themselves was the cultivation of vocal music by studying and publicly performing select pieces of woll known ber age and thereby exercising a bene- ficial influence upon social life generally. Like the poot, they bolieved he who is incapable of enjoying mu- sical sensations “ia fit for treasons, stratagems and spolls’—a doctrine which seems to have been adopted to some extent by Burney, the ac- complished author of the history of music, who writes that “though there may be no particular connection botween correctness of ear and reotitude of mind, yet without the least hyperbole, it may be said that, exteris paribus, the man who is capable of being affocted by sweet sounds is a being more perfectly organ- ized than he who is Insensihle to or offended by them.’” ‘The society increased and multiplied in strength and numbers until at the present day it has swelled to tho handsome proportions of two hundred and seventy members, all men of ene and character in the oom- munity. In the ol they to thomselves at the start—to wit 0 cultivation of vocal musio—they have been rem y succcesful, and in the collateral design of mixing up a little nonsense with their study of the “art divine,’’ they, bare probably eclipsed every- thing of the kind that been attempted in this city. Their annual balls have been characterized by a wonderful display of comicality, fancy dress and artis- decorations. Every year the programme is ee pod Bu) : or soye of them, are who is Arion apd all about him;'and although we gave a short‘sketch of him lagt Upper Coe itapriab abi 51 pay connection with the present no to Lempriere’s ‘‘Biblictheca Olassica,’” son of on hisback to Lenarus, where he hastened to the court of Periander, who ordered all the sailors to be crucified at their return."’ It ia hardly fair, to destroy the of the ball to-morrow nig by the novelties and sur- prises in advance. But pet hav been given to tal to Sxpcus & few Os Shee, Te blame, if any, should be visited upon of of the society. The first and chief fed- mon ‘rious and their guests, and all who desire to invest in that expansive currency will be afforded a magnificent 9 ity. the Confederate balloon there will also be a greenback quadrille. Sixteen Arions, dressed in cos- tumes representing the verdant federal currency, will forward two, balance to their and go through all the figures of the quadrille, while they represent all the res from dollar one upwards. Mr. C. Triacca, President of the association, also -'n- forms us that the Schwefeb Bund, or Wicked Club, which made itself rather conspicuous at last year’s ball, will ome to-morrow night as a ant Bund, or Club of irtue, having been pessuaded to give up their evi! ways. 1t remains to be seen whether as men of godliness they will conduct themselves any better. Numerous other capital surprises will be presented, Lae h Pn ed we refrain from entering into further oul ‘The decorations will be under the direction of tho samo artist who had charge of the ornamentation for the Japanese, Russian and other celebrated balls. Fiags, hw comic statues and original devices will be ar- ranged matey ee of the building, and the cost of this item alone will, it is said, be enormous, The present officers of the Arion Society are:—C. Trisoca, President; F. Kaunn, Vice President; Messrs. Strathmann and Baeder, Secretaries. Trauan Orrna.—Faust was given at the Academy last evening with the same cast as last season, except the Mephistopheles, which was sung, for the first time hore, by Signor Bellini, and, we may add, was sung in @ very acceptable manner, allowing for all the difficulties which ‘8 baritone has to contend with in rendering a baaso part. If the malignant spirit of Mephistopheles himself had conspired with all other domoniac influences to invent a kind of weather most unpropitious fer opera, or any other amusement outside of one’s home, they could not have produced anything more horrible than the weather was last night, and yet the Academy was woll and fashionably filled. No one who looked at the brilliant pleture which the house pre- sented would imagine that the elements were warring without. The opera was received with great enthusiasm. ‘Miss Kollogg’s Marguerite is now so familiar, and yet so excellent, that it calls for no criticism. She was in good voice, and sang well. Lotti exhibited more vigor than heretofore in his rendition of Foust, and received con- siderable evidences of approbation. Norma will be given to-night, with Zuochi in her great réle of the Priestess, and Massimiliani as Polio, ‘Tou Maxsounrs.—Van Amburgh & Co. are continually adding to the attractions of their collection, and several changes have recently been made in the disposition of the animals that give interest to the exhibition. All the old lions have been removed from the performing dens, in which Professor Langworthy displays his powers of control over “the wild beasts of the forests,” and now his cages are entirely filled with young and vigorous specimens of the lion, tiger and leopard species. His Se oe in the season wore W greens excit- ing, but, with the addition of tho now and comparatively untamed beasts just introduced, they surpass in ‘“sensa- tional’’ interest anythi n in thjs city for years, A very rare creature—the Abyssinian , of Mount Sinai Jaal—has just been received. It'is found in Abyssin! Egypt. Its groat peculiarity is the enormous size of | horns. FS my ANd ah wo had been taken in cl ing the different and life, it does not i ‘that thi reot descendant of At any rate the idea is suggestive. ———$—$—$— Mr. J. N. Patemon’s Opsomnt.—The second soirée musicale of Mr. J. N. Pattison will take place at Stoin- ‘way's rooms, Fourteenth street, to-morrow evening. Tho great success which attended the first soirée of the series fea guarantee that the entertainment to-morrow even- ing will be aptradtive and enjoyable. Miss Laura Harris, soprano, and Mile. Ohmmilla Urso, the violinist, will assist, Mr. Pattison's decided talent as pianist is in iteolt suffetent attraction to draw a large audience. ‘Tur Irautan Baxsvotast Sociery’s Batt. —Tho annual ball of thoTtalian Benevolont Society will take place on Friday evening next; the procesds will be given for the benefit of the orphans of volunteors and the Italian eyon- ing school, lately opened under the auspices of the gutaide malting than might bare hen OS .poctes. Tbe bell will bee vere Ame afr, / Oe »@ Capt of the Tre Coptare Suertlin Harry Ga. “c MB. OHABLES BL F. BLL'S DESPATOH. a "Window, Fos is. In additiod: to the brief account torgraphed to the Henao yester, Selative to the capture of the Febel guerilla and Nghwayman, Major Henry@uilmor, I communicate the folloing:— ‘The capture was made Sy Major Young, of General Sheridan’s scouts, who was in commaod of twenty-five Picked men. Major Young had been out on ascout for three continuous days before the capture of Gilmer; tracking and capturing rebel soldiers and gverillas af different points, On Sunday morning Major Young Jearned that Harry Gilmer had been in the country, im the vicinity of Mooroflelds, having received authority from General Early to consolidate McNeil’s and Wood- Seana comin companies with his own battalion, ulterior desi; Baltimore ané solldation did not othe amore of ed of thet to Glimer, and at the time of pmyen A one visit to an influential person to got his assistance in the nol, Young tracked the wily guerila chiof to Fork river, thi So acourate was his ford Reta ede Hn pe Li tory — 4 oy a jouse, and 1 door landiady, to an interrogatory ‘as to who was in the house. She said no pores excep members of her own family. The answer was ui factory, and a search of the premises was commenced, when, reaching @ room on the séoond was gently 0} when Major Gilmer and his cousin, a rebel officer, were found lying in bed awake. Major Young in an instant was at tho bed side, seized Gilmer’s pistols, which were on a chair, and then asked Gilmer who he was. He replied, ‘‘Major Gilmer,” and then added to his confronter, ‘Who the devil are yout’? The major replied, “Major Young, of General Sheridan's ‘scout The prisoners were ordered to dress, and in a few minutes were attired in full suits of gray, They were then taken in auares by the guard outside and marched to Winchester, splendid black horse belong- ing to Gilmer, which he stolé on one of his raids into Pennsylvania, was also captured. Major Gilmer on his march to Winchester that he might have some sort of a show given him ina race for his life, as he was shamefully negiected by sleep- ing in a houge undressed. He said any officer that slept in a house ought to be captured and shot. . Gilmer always carried with him a thick English robe, made in bagay style, so that he could get inio it and thus lie down the wsods and sleep. He was always attended by a fa- vorite bloodhound, who gave timely notice of the ap- proach of strangers- On the trip, jor Young encountered the rebel Cap- tain Stumpp, of the Eighteenth Virginia regiment, of Imboden’s command. He made a desperate resistance to his capture, and was only induced to surrender whem rforated with bullets fronr the pistols of our m the Crag Ea he Coe person of tbis in waist wea threo revolving p! ‘Of very novel and peculiae lish manufacture. y have twelve Sree tak one barre! for ordi firing, and an additional for throwing slugs. © hammer is #0 arranged as to discharge one barrel at a time, or one chamber and slugs barrel at the same time. These peal are especially for guerilla warfare, and are first by our troops. The New Nilitary Departments. Sr. Loum, Feb. 6, 1860, Major General John Pope has arrived in this city te take command of the new military division to which he has been recently appointed by the War Department. General Pope's division includes the departments of Missouri and Kansas and the Northwest Department. ‘The Missouri and Kansas departments are to be com- solidated and called the Department of the Missouri, an- der Maj. Gen. Dodge, with headquarters at Leavenworth City. The Department of the Northwest is assigned to Gea. Curtis, with hoadquarters at Milwaukee. Gen. Pope's headquarters will be in St. Louis. ‘The great Mississippi valley is now divided and com- manded as follows :— Division of the Mississippi, commanded ty Maj. Gen. Sherman, divided as follows:—Departments of the Ohio and Cumberland, consolidated, under Gen. Thomas, and Department of the Tennessee, under Gen. Howard. The division of the West Misslasippi, commanded Major Genoral Canby, is divided as follows:. of the Gulf, under General Hurlbut; Department of the Mississippi, under General Dans, and Department of Arkansas, under General J. J. Reynolds. Division of the Missouri, commanded by Major General Pope, and divided as above. News from Fortress Momroe. Forranss Monnos, Fob. 6, 1866, The following coal schooners arrived here to-day :— ‘The Sarah J. Bright, O, E. Elmer, Maggie Van Dusen and Sophia Ann, all of Philadelphia. For some time past coal has been a very scarce article here; but as navigation ts now open the supply will be equal to the demand here. The steamers New Jersey and North Point arrived here at nine A. M. from Fort Fisher. They ht no news. ‘The steamer Rebecca Barton, from N. C., ar- rived at nine A. M., with mails and Our forces are building ® railroad from Newbern to nteen miles, under the superintendence of ine. ‘The expectation is that the exchange of prisoners will now go on regularly. Generals Curtis and Penn: er, both of whom were wounded at the capture of Fort er, are still hore, at the Chesapeake Hospital, and at last accounts slowly re- covering. General Pennypacker’s wound was a very severe one, and it will be some time before he can recover, but is doing well under the circumstances, City Intel! Tas Dearn or Mr. Brarcu—Susricion RecaRpg Tam Matrer.—An announcement appeared in the Haraup nearly three weeks since of the death of Mr. William Branch, s broker, who, it was alleged, was killed by being struck on the head by a brick which fell from a scaffold erected against a new buildi - Broad street, ining the “open board” of bro! where Mr, Branch was 0: at the time in Com | stocks. It was su that an inquest over remains Mr. Branch, but such appears net to have been the Ye joon a gentleman fmony elited, bat was poltaly" informed by Mr. George jony el was politely 3 Mac! ine ther, that! no isition had been held om the body of the deceased . ‘The City Inspector's office was next visited, when te memorandum was found on the books of that department :— Jam. 24, 1868. William Branch, thirty-eight 125 West Fhineooh United Jot the brain, Undenaker: Green 2S MOTE, Phydclan.” Lee pope Boned of Mr. Branch’s bore enemies sufficiently mali it to take his they fear that the brick whic! tentionally thrown athim. It is be further investigated by the A Case or Sorrentna.—John Probert, a seaman om board of the recetving ship North Carolina, not long sines fell from aloft, striking the deck on his face. Hels in consequence paralyzed and almost idiotic. He was a very active seaman, faithful to his duty, and bore an hom- orable character. His count jo (Welshmen) are ondea\ Sevan 0 late sesolg ee, bet : his friends in Wales. This case is any contributions which the kind thie office for the purpose shall countrymen are trying to collect panto voune eee, isa Susannah Evans, the lecturer, from Wales, has headed the subscription with twonty dollar, ‘Twa Soup Bors now at the New York Soldicrs’ Depot, 60 Howard street, have been invited, through the kind liberality of Mr. Heriry Wood, to visit his theatre this evening. They rg woah pe hme through with some of their evolutions’ for the oe feation of the audience, and as some slight returm politeness extended them. And on Thu: even- ing will exhibit, free of charge, and drill with guns a the Soldiers’ Depot. Grawp Fam at 97, Termu’s Croncn.—A grand fale will be opened to-day at St. Toresa’s church, to raise funds to pay off the debt yet unliquidated. In addition to the numerous novelties that will be offered there will be a tract of land, com) rising one hundred acres of vala- able soil, Q ch ‘so that the lucky winner frill ha wo. ed to ‘hia di of aharity. A valuable oil painting of the late Arch! be among the articles exposed for chance. ee Pe Intelligence. Major General A. EB Yates fates rag General J, J. Bartlett, Uni Army j Cok 8. Halsted, Jr., Newark, M. J. ta . Fank, ‘Washington, are at the Finn oa ae Biase: Cabin Major right, Army A Condry, Siieea M4 ‘avy, tod ‘Hon W. H. Pomeroy, Poughkeepsie, ‘at the Irving House. Goneral Meequera, 6x-Presidant of the United States of Colombia, logelner ‘with his suite, isat the Clarendon ba? atten, United States Army; Walter Har- per, St Lomi rat tae; Bi, Hs and wife, Carey Pee anod, rie B. Biake, Wisoonain; R, Market, Hertford. axe at Metconalitan Hotel. jo Colonel T. J.