The New York Herald Newspaper, March 21, 1865, Page 1

WHOLE NO. 10,431 SHERMAN. GOLDSBORO THREATENED. Generals Sherman and Schofield Marching on the City. Preparations of the Rebels to Evac- uate it, Though Still Held by - Them on the 17th Instant. Sherman to be Met and Fought South of Raieigh. Destruction of Public Pro- perty at Fayetteville. SEVERAL REBEL STEAMERS BURNED. The Harper’s Ferry Arsenal Machinery Recaptured and Destroyed, &e., &e. Mr. Thomas M. Cook’s Despatch. ‘Wnainorox, March 15, 1865. ‘Fwe steamboats arrived here to-day from Fayetteville, foaded with white refugees from Sherman’sarmy. The ‘weet ef the immense throng of white and black refugees, @enarters and prisoners are being marched to this place. ENERMAN MARCHING ON GOLDSBORO, Sherman Uft Fayetteville yesterday, marching toward @eldsoro. Before evacuating the town he made com- Plete work of the destruction of the extensive arsenal at that place. This arsenal contained all the valuable Material taken from the Harper's Ferry arsenal, and was fhe largest and most complete establishment of the kind fm the South. The buildings were torn down, the machin- @y destroyed, and all the tenement buildings burned. Im addition to this destruction, every cotton mill in Payetteville—four or five in number—and several on the Rockfish creek, were destroyed. These were all very large factories, turning out vast amounts of material for elothing the rebel army. The building occupied by the Bank of the Stato of Morth Carolina, the residence of Mra, M. Banks, a widow bey, and the eogant place of Mr. E. J. Hale, proprietor @f the Oteerver newspaper, together with the newspaper establishment itself, and severaf old warehouses were burned through the wantonness of the bangers on of the any. STEAMERS BURNED AT FAYETTEVILLE. Six small stern-wheel river steamers were burned at the wharf, but whether by our troops or rebel stragglers does not appear. They were the Dawson, Chatham, Kate, Caswell and Clarendon. The North Caro- and Hurt were saved, and have arrived here, loaded with refugees, ‘The negroes who have been following Sherman will be peat from here to South Carolina, consigned to the care of General Saxton. Tho whites who have friends will take care of themselves, ‘THE REBEL POSITION. ‘The ideas I gave you in my despatch of February 23, fa regard io military movements, will doubtless yet prove @errect. The rebels will make a stand, if at all, In the wicinity of Goldsboro, The direction ef their line is ppecessarily changed from that first designed, because of the movement from Newbern. Instead of holding the Mine of the Neuse river, they will be forced to establish Weir deft at or near Goldsboro, and run over tothe Taw fiver. ‘That they design disputing this region is evident from (We obstinacy with which they resisted Schofield’s ad- ‘vance to Kinston, and the desperate struggle rendered pecessary to get possession of that town. Johneton hav- fag moved his forces around from Charlotte to Goldsboro, ‘and uniting there with Bragg’s army, recently largely re- $aforced from Richmond, gives the rebels a combination with which they hope to defeat Sherman and Schofield @embined. If they can succeed in this they calculate on fetarning to Richmond with force sufficient to sally out eu Grant and use him up.. This isthe grand plan on ‘which they base all their hopes, and the frequent aseer- Mons that something terrible is in store for the national armies. ‘THE RELRASED UNION PRISONERS @elivered here have all been sent North, except abouts ‘thousand remaining in the hospitals. These are in a pitiable condition, and their restoration to health and strength is attended with great delicacy and much ehance. Last week the deaths among them numbered from thirty to forty daily. This ts a sad commentary on their condition when released from rebel durance. The mortality among them is now happily decreasing, and ‘with proper eare the majority of the survivors will re- @over. GENERAL TERRY TO TAKE THE FIELD. General Terry, with his command, excepting the troops garrisoning this city and the forte below, will take the fdeld again finmediately. The General’s health has been ‘very bad since the fall of Fort Fisher, still he declines applying for a leave of absence during the pendency of fective operations, He will be heard from in the coming ‘Great battle. The Press Despatches. Fortress Moxnor, March 18, 1505. ‘The steamer Nevada arrived here this afternoon, froin Morehead City, North Carolina, bringing still later ad ‘vieos from General Sherman's army, which is marching on Goldsboro, having crossed the Cape Fear river at Fayette- ‘ville. Communication between Genoral Schofield’s army ‘and that under General Sherman had been opencd, but Bo junction of the two forces had as yet taken place, each army for the present acting independently of each ether. ‘ Fonriuss Moxror, March 19, 1865. ‘Tho steamer James 8. Green arrived last evening from ‘Wilmington. She brought no later intelligence from General Sherman’s army, which, by the last ints, Te. @eived here yesterday, had crossed Cape Fear river and ‘was marching on Goldsboro, ‘Thirty more escaped Union officers came up from Wil- ‘Maington in this steamer. At the time the rebels were transferring our prisoners from Columbia, 8. C., to Char- Jette, N. C., in anticipation of the intention of General Bherman to release them, theeo officers hid themselves fm the ceiling of the hospital at Columbia, and, being un @bserved, made good their escape during a dark and Stormy night, and traversing various forests and thickets, travelting only in the night, and guided by Several faithful negroes, they crossed the line between Worth and South Carolina in safety, and succeeded in Feaching General Sherman’s forces aa they were moving on Fayetteville, and were some thirty miles distant from that town. Thence they went down the Cape Fear river to Wilmington, which they reached om the 16th inst, They belong moetly to Eastern regiments, and are ina very destitute condition, many of them having been Prisoners for the past year, and the little money they possessed when captured was either spent or taken by the revels. Newnery, N. C., March 16—10 A. M, Acolonel belonging to General Sherman's army has Just arrived here from Wilmington. He states that Bhorman wi!l be in Goldsboro on the 20th inst, Parties from tho front state that guns were heard yes- berday in the direction of Goldsora, a distance of twenty two miles from Kinetou. Our forces now occupy Kineton, and are repairing the NEW YORK,. TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1865. railroad bridge across the Neuse river, which will be finished in a few days. The enemy were much demoralized on leaving Kinston for Goldsboro. Most of the North Carolina troops be- longing in the eastern part of the State took French leave of General Bragg and returned to their homes. ‘There has been no fighting stnce Friday last. The result of the battles in front af Kinston last week will not be far from two thousand killed, wounded aad prisoners on our side, and all of three thousand on the enemy's side, whose dead outnumber ours five to one, owing to their reckless assaults upon our works. Refugees report that General Robert E. Lee is in com- mand of the enemy’s forces in this State, whose head- quarters are at Raleigh. He has brought quite a strong force with him from Richmond. These refugees and de- serters state that Johnston and Beauregard are in com- mand at Richmond, and that the fortifications there are being manned by the new negro troops, who relieve the forge which accompanies General Lee to this State. The Goldsboro’ Journal of the 7th inst. states that a. council of war was held not more than three hundred miles from that city on the 4th inst, consisting of their Yeading generals, among whom was thelr great leader, General Lee, ‘The weather is very warm and showery. The mercury. stands at 75 degrees in the shade, | ‘The Treasury and military authoritics are in favor of having Newbern and. Morehead City declared ports of entry, which will save the people nearly two hundred per cent on their imports and exports, and relleve much distress now existing on account of this blockade, the wecessity of which bas long passed away. REBEL ACCOUNTS. Flight of a Factious Editor from Fay- etteville. {From the Fayetteville Telegraph, Mareh 10.) ‘We do not know but that we may be compelled to m1 pend publication of the Telegraph before next year. If all accounts of excited couriers be correct there must be five hundred thousand Yankees within two hundred yards of Fayetteville to-day. They have guas that can throw two ounce sholls over three hundred yards, a0 the city ia in easy range. As soon as four hundred thousand of these dear fellows enter the city from the south we Propose to retire by the road leading worth. Some of them don’t like us, and rather than have a difficulty we shall fall back. We beg that some of our friends will re- member us very kindly to Mr. Sherman, if be should come this way, and inform him that the specdiest way of end- ing this war is to hang the best men of his command and make his way back to his family. If he don’t like the Proposition he can trade his army off for a dog, and hang the dog. | WILMINGTON. North Carolina Returning to the Union. THE FIRST STEPS TAKEN Important Meeting of the Citi- zens of Wifmington. They Follow the Good Example Set Them by the People of Savannah, and Resolve Themselves Again Vader the Old Flag, Ree Ree ke. Mr, Thomas N. Cook’s Despatch. Wnamaton, March 15, 1866. The people of this town have spoken their viewson the ‘warquestion, The expression cannot be sald to havecome from a little knot of seventeen soreheads, as the revels delight to believe the Savannah expression did. It came from a gathering of over a thousand of the most promi- nent citizens, The Herald of the Union this morning prints a lengthy report of the meeting, giving with ita st of nearly a hundred names of prominent citizens who were present. There were over a thousand people pre- sent, The theatre, capable of seating from fifteen to eighteen hundred, was filled in the parquette and dross circle, and half full in the gallery. A provost guacd was stationed at the door, with strict orders to exclude all officers and soldiers, so that there should be no appearance of intimidation. There was no intimi- dation. The ple met of their own volition, by themselves, talked over the issues of the day, and expressed thelr views like men. They did not make a mawkish attempt to coavey the impression that they always had been Union men, though many of them have suffered sorely for thelr adherence to loyalty in the dark days of the years gone by. On the contrary they took the high, dignified ground that, whether voluntarily or otherwise, they had for three years past been in rebellion; had paid taxes to support the insurrection, and bad countenanced it by remaining here, Therefore they could claim nothing of right from the national government. On this ground they planted themselves on the resolutions which were adopted, and which are given in the detailed report. The resolutions, breathing as they do the purest and noblest spirit through- out, were adopted without a dissenting voice, and amid enthusiastic applause. One or two spooches ‘were made in support of the resolutions, which were recetved im the game spirit. ‘Altogether it was a goodly meeting. It was a moeting of the right stamp, and willbe of very great influence throughoet the State. The people of this State are earnestly anxious for its restoration to the Union. They Spee its secession, but were outwitted by the politi- fans, and now they want to right the wrong which has been done. I verily beteve were the State occupied and held by our forces, and it should be necessary to raise the men, twenty thousand white volunteers for the natioual! army could be mustered in North Carolina. Rebel Account of the Situation in North Carolina. [From the Richmond Whig, March 18.) Our Danville and North Carolina exchanges, received yesterday, th»ow some light upon the situation of affairs in North Carolina, We venture to copy some of their statements, to relieve the solicitude of our own deeply interested people, without, wo believe, convéying more information to the enemy than their most intelligent readers have already inferred from previous develop- ments, or may now be in possession of. Tho Danville Register of Tuesday says that our forces have probably withdrawn from Kinston, and may be pre- paring lo evacuate Goldsboro. (Goldsboro wag “all right” yesterday afternoon.—Ep. Wina.} Newspaper Aecounts. THE MEETING OF THE U! NISTS OF WILMINGTON. {From the Wilmington Herald of the Union, March 15. ‘The gathering of citizens a8 the Theatre last night, (n pursuance to the call of the Mayor, was very large, very enthusiastic and highly table. No larger or more The Raleigh Standard of the same date says that | Pespectable, or more enthusiastic meeting has aseembled Fayetteville was occupied several days since by the ene- | in this city in many years, A small detachment of Colo- my in force. Kinston ie now in possession of the enemy, and Goldsboro seriously threatened. Our troops have con- nel Randlett's provost guard was stationed at the door with strict orders to refuse admiesion to all officers an: privates either of the army or navy, None other than tested the ground with their usual courage and endurance | citizens of the town were admitted, except the corres- at various points, We believe the forces of the enemy | pondentsand reporters of the press of New York and other places, end jy a fow civilians following the Will be met ab some point south of Raleigh. te Riseat aba eomea tae nisabla. {i was purely a gathering of citizens, as free any foreign Sloment as it was possible for & public gathering to be. ‘WHO WAS PRE‘ENT. In the throng that filled the body and galleries of the large house, we noticed a majority of the present male In- habitants of the town. Among the number psesent were the following well-known citizens:— W. .R Utley, Geo, SHERIDAN. Arrival of the Raiders at the Pa- maunkey River. G. 0. Van Amring, J. B, Blossom, . Myers, Geo, Chadbourn, L. A. Hart, T. Ev Bailey, Dr. Carr, H. H. Munson, L. N. Barlo Linn, J. Lyon, & A. Keith, P. W. Fanning, J. N. Ned, David Aaron, y Webb, Jae. Gorman, J, Spelman, 8. W. Holden, W. H. Coleman, C. Hursell, ‘Dr. Schonwald, J. N. Strouse, E Kidder, John Bishop, P. Shemill, Ht Hartz, W. Sharpstein, A! D. Taylor, B.D. Morrell, 4. P. Repiton, B. J. White, J, Wilkinson, Mr. Batos, Jax Daw- son, 7. &. Peck, A. N. Nolf Captain J, E. Lawton, Richard Bradly, Jas. Shackleford, . J. Anderson, Dr. wes. Love, Dr. E. Wits, wo Deneal, ities Costin, Wm. Peden, C. C, Morse, Daniel Baker, M. Q’ Waddell, M.’ Harding, Jamess Gram, A. J: Howeil, A. J. Murry, Dr. W. J. Price, Col. Joba’ MaRae, ‘08: Clouds of Negroes Following in Their Train. The Troops Ready for Another Captain RJ. McCumber, Captain Vangrabn, D. P. Fi Sra inaeegee af ter J. A. King, J. « Hardmck, (2oha, Savage, W, HL &., Lewis, SM. West, C. J. Cone el Forgus, W. ! Willems, James C’ Hal, Wm, Davis, L. M ny, Dae Smith, Nathaniet Jacobi J. Van Sickle, J. ©. Wood, Dr Mr. 8S. Cadwaliader’s Despatch. Holden, J. G. Bauman, F. Augostini, M. Au; ini, M. Hinbing, James Miteheil, J. H. P 7, 0. Cerr Pourr, March 20, 1006. ker, T. ‘J iohnson, JP. ene: A. Martin, G. W. Lieutenant Colonel 0. E. Babcock, of General Grant's Williams, John Bremer, Wm. Pawen Dr. Anderson, R staff, has just returned frem White House, and seports ladison, J. D. Wal- J. Price, John Griffith, M. Carr, L. ‘ 3 lace, John Wright, J. W. Corbett, J. Putteway, Wm. Pet- that General Sheridan’s cavalry advance had arrived tomy, 0 Tinckea, C. Polrogt, "Wm. Porter, 'H. Girkin, there the night before last, and that the whole command | Owen Hanchey, H. Lonb, Janie Mili J ve W. Hew: lett, D. T. Anderson, John Davis, H. jenking, A. was in at noon yesterday. Sheridan lost about fifty men Min Dt Lee emis fa the dimen and two officers all told. His men are mounted, except ing about two hundred and fifty. They captured many horses and mules, and shot all the broken down ani- mals. Nearly two hundred negroes came in with him. Wo- men have travelled on foot, carrying chHdren two years old, and kept up with his cavalry, all the way from Co- lumbia. At Charlottesville he was obliged to station a rear guard to prevent the negroes following bim by hua- dreds, as he was at that time wholly unable to feed them or to afford the slightest protection. Latterly he has deen botter off The darkies made themeclves useful during the latter part of the raid, and procured their own subsistence on the march. He advanced to within fifteen miles of Lynchburg, and came within twelve of Richmond. Not a bridge is left on the James between the two cities; and not a rail- road bridge between Staunton and Charlottesville, His destruction of the canal is thorough. One viaduct could not be rebuilt in six months in time of peace. In one or two places the river was turned inte the canal and washed it out fifteen feet below the level for miles. He carricd consternation everywhere, and mystifed the rebels by the celerity of his movements. The roads were the worst ever traversed or concetved, and the mud tndescribably deep. The enemy thought it impossible for him to pass over some of them, und reckoned accord- ingly. His men will soon be ready for anything were seated @ large number of ladies, who seemed to be eagerly interested in the proceedings. FLAGS AND MUSIC. ‘The ae handsomely draped with American flags, placed there in anticipation of the meeting by some loyal citizens who apparently entertained no doubt of what the sentiment of themmeeting would be. The bands of the First aud Second brigades of Ames’ division, General Terry's corps, were in attendance throughout th evening. During the assembling of, the meeting Third Crigade band discoursed | 801 eloquent music outside, introducing their programme with We'll Rally Round the Fitg. At the appointed hour for the commencement of the meeting the band of the First brigade struck up the “Star Spangled Banner,” during the porformanee of which the curtain was run up, displaying the American colors in tho rear of the stage, which were greeted with tre- mendous applause. At’ the conclusion of the music Mayor John Dawson stepped upon the stage and called the meeting to order with the following brief remarks: THE MAYOR'S SPECI. Feitow Crrmexs—In conformity with the expressed wishes of many citize I have published the call fora town meeting which has appeared In the Herald of the Union. That meeting has now convened, and it has been suggested to me that it ts proper I should preside, having th onor of filling the office of Mayor. Accordingly ha®® called the meeting to order, If, however, another person should be preferred as chairman, I hope it will be announced, so that I may withdraw, as it is desirable perfect harmony should exist in’ this organization. (Cheers for the Mayor, and cries ‘Go on.) As there keomea to be no objection I will preside. (Cheers) The object of the meeting ts to counsel together as to the course to be pursued that will best subserve the interests of thie city and State, produce peace and promote the welfare of the national government, The arms of the United States have been victorions and now occupy this city—the national flag again waves over us and in triuprph—(cheers)—and we hope to enjuy the rights and rivileges of citizens, (Applauee.) In years one by all er this vast land, from ocean to ocean, and from the Frat Inkes to the gulf, every citizen felt’ proud to boast at be was an American, and wherever he looked upon that flag of his country he was ready to exelaam— Long may it wave O'er the land of the free and home of the brave. My friends, let us to-night forget and forgive all past political differences, and live for the future, resolving that ‘rom henceforth it shall be our aim and object to secure peace, promote prosperity and add to the glory and grandeur of our common country. (Prolonged applause.) After the performance of another piece of music, con sisting of a mediey of national airs, a person in the as- sembly moved that the Chair appoint two secretaries, which was carried. The Chair appointed for socretarion Mr. Thotnas Evans and Mr. William Larkin, who came for. ward and took seats on the stage, COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS, E. Edward Kirper moved that a committee of eight or jen, at the option of the Chairman, be appointed w draft resolutions, cere tae the Chairman appointed Daniel B. Baker, Arthur I. Hill, James Cassidey, Edward Kidder, William KR Utley, James Shackleford, Jacob Loeb, Asa A. Hartsfield, Parker Quince, M, Mefnnis, ‘The committer retired to deilberate, and during their absence the band furnished seme further mus: At the conclusion of the music an awkward pause en. sued, waiting for the return of the committee on resolu. tions, during which calls were made for various speakers, none of whom appeared. At last the committee appeared and handed in their report, which was road by the secre tary, as follows: reas, the city of Wilmington has aga been restored ‘authority of the United States, and the o) Alven the clurena, without regard to past party diiferenc ive public expression to thelr views and purposes; thereté Resolved, we will remain at our homes and chear! ui y submit to the authority of the national government, pledging The Press Despatch. ¢* fone, March 20, 1 A Fortress Monroe letter ob; 9} iecei White House at a late hour last evening,” arrival of Sheridan's cavalry force on the north the Pamunkey, a few miles from White House, at nogn on Saturday. ‘ The bridge across the river, which had been hbaany destroyed by the rebels, has been repaired by #pogtion of General Roberts’ command, which was seny to the White House some days since in anticipation of the ap- pearance of Sheridan at that point with his forces. They will have no difficulty in crossing the river, which, it was supposed, would be effected by twelve o'clock last night. Ovitaary. JON M'LENAN, THE ARTIST, Mr, MeLenan, the artist, departed this life, at bis house in Brooklyn, on Sunday morning last, from the effects of congestion of the brain. He had been a resident of New York singe 1854, when he came here and was engaged upon Joseph Scoville’s paper, the Pic. This: was his commencement of metropolitan life. He was at that time poorly patd, receiving at first but about two dotlare each for his sketches, But in time he became second only to Darley, and received five thousand dollars a year for hia designs from the Harpers alone, and had leisure to devote to other publishers and their works. Mr. MeLenan was a native of Cineinnatl. He had con- widerablo facility with the pencil, worked industriously and consistently, and possessed & peculiar style of his own, Ho was particularly at home in depicting street | | fetes nnd characters, using a pen and ink with which to Resolved, That wa believe whet bra revord his impressions. Passionately fond of natural i scenery, whenever he could do so ho was fond of wan | de way to the Catskill or White Monntains, on fish- | Ing and hunting exeursions, that he Upon something better than brick wa | He was but thirty nb | away. He loaves a wi i} and republioan freedom for the fu 8 | evolved, That, assuming in good faith the obligations of citizens of the United States, we do not place ourselves io the atutude of subjugated people, but claim the rigute ead nod dusty stres cars of age when be was taken and three children, Erm tt ened po io pat na by ts “hin Fereens to oar peculiar on ition by Carolina to hal we call upot our fellow cltiggns of North in ting against the madness of ie prosecution of this war for a cause which we believe to be bopel whose continuance will only render eur ruin more remediless leh is waged for the sake of a government ve justly lost all confidence. them to accept the condition in has placed them, and to submit that our noble Btate may be here the mass of the people in in view of the fact that ber of lew s Dum! eon ‘reduced to poverty by the war. danger of great for want in orig of ty besos depenit ups me uty af Curt e = (2, our community as apecily as ble such for commerce and industry as may be compatible with ary movements and the general Totereats ‘of the ‘That we take pleasure tm bearing testi to oe Sere ee cay itbortties in protecting the citizens, and a ty to the poor and sui in our ml of the United Staten, ihe Governor of orth Care: Boa, and the letdlag euespapsonst oes: Tne "a voice was too feeble to ail the ho it calls being made to him to read louder, and the. ™ to read the first three reso- Jutions, which were Dut without giving satisfac- téon, ro wag cated en Rev, Mr. on to read, which be did in a olear, strong volcé, audience See we ee on whi Fesaluticcs, : _ paenins — gon to be put on be etoptien of s wheo egested Sereectutions when w cltiven au jat they should ‘The Cuatnman aaid:—Certainly; they are open to dis- os but I did not suppose there was any objection to mn. A Votor— Perhaps some one will mak h in ad- ‘vocacy of them. vi Gini The Cuaitmas—The meeting is open for anybod: — We will be giad to hear from anybody on either Calle were made for Rev Mr. Hepburn, who thereupon stepped forward and addressed the meeting in advocacy of the pesiohione fi 2 - F time and space forbid that we present a fall report of Mr Hepburn's able speech thie night; and, as we hope tolay it before our readers in full within a day or two, we shail not mar it by a broken sketch. His elo- ence and logic appealed to the hearts of the vast audi- ence, and drew forth uept and enthusiastic applause, At the conclusion of . Hepbu. n’s remarks calls were made for various persons, but, none appearing, The Cuainman suggested that if there was no further discussion, the question would be on the adoption of the resolutions, aod wished to know whether the meeting ‘Would take them Ling @ whole or separately. _ 4 Voica—As a whole, ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTIONS. ‘The Cuamman—If it be your mind that we adopt these Fesolutions as a whole ploase manifest it by saying aye. A unanimous and bearty response came from all parts of the house, followed by cheers and applause. ae contrary being put elicited no e adopt response. esos were thereupon declared unanimously COLONEL MRAR’S REMARKS, Colonel McRas then rose in the midst of the house, and made some remarks, referring to the fact that the last time he addressed a public meoting in this city was some years ago in opposition to secession. He had no unkind feeli toward those who advocated secession then. He belfeved they were actuated by good motives, and thought they were doing right. We cannot be indif- ferent, he said, to the fact that during the prolonged struggle whiob has followed seceasion some of our dear- est and best friends have fallen. Still he was infavor of the bry gare here to-night, aad any action that would tend to put @ stop to the war. The resolutions were mild and kind, and called no bad names. Ho favored them with all his heart, but would like to one amendment. In she fourth resolutioa, 1a ng of the continuance of the war by our State, he would in- wert the word ‘further,’ so as to read in opposition to the “further prosecution of the war.” ‘The motion was not secon and therefor. was not entertained. as - The meeting then adjourned. GRANT Reported Occupation of Surks- ville by Union Troops, &o., &o., &. Mr. S. Cadwaliader's Despatch. Crry Pom, Va, March 20, 1866, PRICE FOUR CENTS. THOMAS. The Navy Operating Up the Tennessee River—Destruction of Gene- ral Roddy's Camp, &e., &., Despateh from Lieutenant N, C. Forrest. Fisosmr Genknst Borvero Ove Barvasrort, Ala., March 4, 1865, Sin—t have the honor to inform you that I took ad- vantage of the late rise in the Tennessee river and crossed Elk river shoals with the fagsbip and the Gen. ‘Thomas, and went down to Muscle shoals, I came across Gen. Roddy’s camp and drove them off, capturing some of thetr horses, equipments and seven bales of cotton. I destroyed the rebel communication at Lamb's ferry. A large number of fats, pontoons, scows and canoes that I found there I also destroyed, I then penetrated Elk river and found a rich and pope- lous country. A great deai of loyal pentiment was dis played. Lem meeting with a great deal of success in endeavor- fg Wo encourage loyal feeling om the south side of the river, The citizens are constaotly coming tn and taking the oath. From interviews I have had with prominent men I think there is no doubt that Alabama will soon re- tarm to ber allegiance to the government. Mr, Clemens, I have understood, is endeavoring to become wilitary governor, and [ think will be very pepular with the loyal people of the State. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, be N. C. FORREST, Lieutenant Commanding enth division Mississippi squadron. To 8. P. Lex, Rear Admiral, Commanding Mississippi squadron, Mound City, Ala. REBEL PIRATES AT THE WEST INDIES. A Piratical Steamer off Nassau on the 14th Instant. Private intelligence received from Nassau, N. P., to the ‘14th instant, is to the effect that on that day a rebel Pirate lay off the harbor, having been refused admission by the authorities. Her name was understood to be the Confederate States, but nothing was publicly known con- cerning her Mentity. The description of the vessel is as followss—She i eight hundred tons burden, bark rigged, and is low and black. She has two funnels and two propellers. ” The Pirate Tallehassce. * Bosrox, March 20, 1865, Captain Peltigrove, of the British bark Sea Gem, at this port, states that the rebel pirate Tallabasse was at Ber- muda, March 11, ander another name. ILLUMINATION BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Celebration of its Sixty-soventh An: versary—Some Facts About its Early History. ‘The New York Fire Department celebrated their sixty- seventh anniversary last night by a grand illumination of all their engine, hose and truck houses, and made a very fine display. During the daytime the public buildings, as wellas the fre establishments, had their flags hoisted over them from sunrise to sunset, and at nine o'clock the illumination commenced. 1t was quite a general thing. Nearly all the houses of engine ana hose companies had their windows glittering with sperm candles, and pre- sented a very brilliant spectacle. As most of the build- ings were filuminated in precisely the same manner, it ts unnecessary to give a detalled description. ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT. In connection with the celebration tt will be interesting to the general public to learn some curious facts about the organization of the New York Fire Department In 1198, oF sixty-seven yeare ago, the department was &c. The fine weather otili continues, and all the reads are | estabiished on ite passomt basis, according to the reckon. Decoming excellent; bot the troops lie in the trenches es of yore, without any signs of soon doing otherwise. Privates J. J. McNeilly, alias James Johnson, and N. & Baker, alias James Weaver, of the First Maryland Volun- teers, were shot to death with musketry at twelve o'clock, pursuant to sentence of the court martial, for desertion. Their cases were peculiarly aggravated. They are Southern men by birth, served a year or two in the Forty-eighth North Carolina (rebel) regiment, deserted, and were sent North from this place by our miMtary authorities, enlisted and came back in the First Maryland Volunteers, bribed a nmn to procure them citizen's clothing here, and undertook to themselves North on the orginal 7m when ary. frst came over to us @ riers from the Forty-eight! North Carolina, The echeme was ingenious and came near succeeding. An accident betrayed them, and both are executed. They confessed their guilt a mom before execution, and appeared ay penitent. I have a0 Atepeaition ry pander to morbid curiosity in giving the details their execution, and purposely omis the solemn details, Mr. Chas. H. Ha: ms Despatch. ‘Hravguanrars, Sx7a ARMY Cdn: wean Parensnuna, March 18, 1808.” } VERY IMPORTANT Iy TRUE. Some deserters who came over this morning reported that a force of Union cavalry had occupied Burksvilie, small place where the Richmond and Daaville and Pe- tefaburg and Lynchburg Railroads intersect each other. If Unis ts true, the last rebel ines of railroad have been damaged, and ively times may soon be expected around here. “PICKET FamG along our Hines recommenced this evening, after having almost entirely ceased during the last ten days. Bome shelling took place about sundown on the front ef the Ninth corpe, but did not result in anything serious, PRRSONAL. Brigadier General Ronald 8. McKenzte, commanding the Second brigade of the First division of this corps, has been assigned to the command of the cavalry/on the north side of the James. General J. E. Hamblin will assume command of the Second brigade, and Colonel 0. Edwards, of the Thirty seventh regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, will take command of the Third brigade. The Pr D teh. Wasminoton, March 20, 1868, The One Hundred and Fourteenth and Bixty-eighth Pennsylvania, performing duty at the headquarters of the army for some time past, have been relieved and ordered to City Point. They, with the Thirtieth New York and Sixty-first Masyachusetts, are to form an indo- pendent brigade, under command of Brevet Brigadier General Collis, and will occupy the works at City Point, The Eleventh and Fourteenth regulars are ordered to the headquarters in place of the One Hundred and Four- teenth and Bix ighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Brevet Bi ior General Macy, of the Second St has been appointed vost Marshal of the Army of the Potomac, relieving Captain Schuyler, who has for some time past filled the position satisfactory. General Macy was fe ey wounded at Deep Bottom last summer, whore be gained much credit for the way in which be handled bis men on Usat occasion. Delovan Devoe, of the Righteenth New York, was to baye been abot on Saturtay, but his sentence was com- muted toimprisonment during the war, owing to miti- gating circumstances, Arrival of Sea Island Cotton. ‘The schooner Volant, from Long Isiand, Bahamas, ar- rived yesterday, bringing 20,000 pounds of sea teland cot- ton of an extra One quality, This is the frst return from the lands of the American and British West India Cotton Company, which went into operation some six mouths since. The lands are situated in latitude 23 10, and longi- tide 75 03, and the average temperature is eighty de- grees. Other lots of the staple are daily expected {We have received a sample of the cotton referred to. ‘The staple is of a very fair description, considering that it ip the growth of the Bahamas, but is greatly inferior to the produce of the American cotton fleids,—Ep, Henao.) Nravo’s Garoen,—Miss Lucille Western began a brief engagement last evenin; pearing as Lady Isabel and Madame Vine, in Mr. C. W. Tayleure’s dramatization of Mrs. Wood’s novel ‘East Lynne.” Mise Western Is no stranger in this city nor in this part. Her youth, her beau ty and her talent make hor a favorite wherever sho goes, She was welcomed last evening by avery fine house; and as the applause was constant and hearty, the audience was evidently very much pleased. The play is too familiar to require criticism. Next Monday Miss Weatern will appoar, for the flest time in this city, as ab, the Forsal in Mr. Daly's vervion Of Mosenthal's drana—the one played by Mivs Bateman. Mies Western's engagement closes the week after next, and then Mr Edwin Forrest takes the sao, Ing of the Chief Engineer and the Board of Foremen. But long anterior to that period, according to our own researches, there existed a fire department, which in its day was a very effective instrument in subduing the de- ig Gery element that occasionally the alarm of our primitive ancestors. THE APPOINTMENT OF FIRE WARDENS IN 1656. Let us cook back into the past alittle. As early as 1656 the good peoplo of Amsterdam took the subject of a fire department into the consideration of their Knicker- bocker noddies. In that memorable year the first geem sprung a and how hath & not grown since! The ordinance authorizing the embryo Fire Depart- ment was adopted by the Burgomasters of New Amster- dam in 1656, and appointed Hendrick Hendrickson Kip, Govert Loockerman and Christian Barents to the im- portant position of Fire Wardens, with the duty of visiting all the houses in the city, and of inepecting the chimaies thereof, together with all other duties of Fire Wardens, “according to the custom of our fatherland.”’ FIRE BUCKETS. Two ba afterwards another step in advance was made. ¢ immense idea ef fire buckets was con- ceived and carried out with due speed. The record of the affair is worthy of publication, and we are enabled to place it before our readers, through the courtesy of Mr. vid T. Valentine, Clerk’ of the Common Couneil, and Mr. Hitchman, the Cay Librasina. The ordinance ts as follows :-— Auguat 1, 1688. —Conraet Ten Eyck. Reinhout Retnhoutzen, Ariaeo Vau Laer, Pieter Van Haalen, shoemakers, being sent for, appear in the Court of Burgomasiors, and President stated to them that Kwan intended to & eatimate of the lowest price From thw ft appears that the burgomasters struek a bargata in the right Mabion’ in thos days Two of the shvemakers * could'ut seo" the bargainat all, and to be excused teetotaly. The other two were thereupon invested with the miguty task of manufacturing buckets for the great town of Ainsterdam. The foilowing isa copy of the agreoment duly signed, sealed a de. lvered Reinhoutzen undertakes to make the aforesaid backets and w do everything that aball te necessary to them, ex Cordage, for each of ‘which. backer he khall. receive tt fullders, mn etuyvers, half seawn all Deavers (Deuver skins, whict pa ysl! understood that the fourth par if bet 8 whole beavers; aud pom such wer c entered mto with him to make ove hundred buckets, Van Laer was authorized to make fifty on the same conditions, The buckets were of loatber, and whea com- pleted were hung up in certain public and private plac our ancestors out having yet arrived at that full ten of civilization necessary to embrace the grand idea of inde. pendent engine houses. Our readers will be able to see what kind of fire company houses flourished in those days by the following statement of the places where the leather buckets of Reinhoutzen were bung up, to wit Fifty im the City Hall; twoive in the tavern of Daniel Litechoe; twetve In Abram Verplanck's house ; twel Johannes Van Burgh’s house; twelve iu the house of Herr Nicasius D'Lilles, and twelve in the house of Herr Pieter Woiferson Van Conwenboven. The method of using this simple apparatus was, of course, a8 simple as our Dutch ancestors themselves, Whenever a fire occurred the whole town was in an up- roar. Men, women and children of every degree acted us firemen, for there was no organized Body except the wardens. Tubs, pails, blankets and other domestic articles were premed into the service, and the rest may be imagined, In thowe days We population was about two thousand. Old Mr. Valentine, the veteran municipal compiler, writes about the tme as follows, alluding to the eccur. rence of fires:— The kitchen poured out tts sooty domestics, and the partor (if there ‘were such things in those days) its worthy Bester and mistress of the bousebold, to join in the labor for the common weal. rf was his own insurer, and the citizen ovuld not then, as now, look on the confagra: tion of bis houses, baros and all bis worldly propert; the consoling conviction that somebody beside ulmseit was the loser. In 1687 every inhabitant of the city was compelled, as asafoguard, © keep ip bis house at least one of th buckets, while bakers wore required to keep each three and brewers sixty in thetr ectablishments, In 1181 two ire engines, of the Newshaw pattern, were brought to this city aud used In the extinguishment of contlagrations; and six years later the first batch of Gre mon—resembling in Rote degree our preseut forco—was appointed by authority of the Legislature, The nomber of these original fremen was twenty four, and in recom. pense for thelr services they were exempted from militi jury, constable and otber civil dutios, This is the « origin of the Fire Department, Since that time we all know how ft hag grown in pro- portion to the growth of the metropolis” We all know About the mort recent improvement in the shape of steam engines, and also the proposed chavges that are now pending before the Legislature, and wiich louk w the entire remodelling of the department, endar=Thie Day. ort, —Part 1, — 481, 921, 1469, 1491, 39, 1641, 1543, 194, 1651, 1663, 6 art 2 Court opens at ten o' Nos, 1020, 1082, 706, 1340, 1342, 1184, 1176, 12 1520, 1052, 609, 1960, 1466, 673, 704, 952, 1982, #42, 11 1 Court Scraeme Count— Penion Covne—Trat M81, 4851, 4843, 5776, 6 on: OL 2.—Non 4900, 5004, 616, 4626, iiss, 4875, 4 Count ov Common Pura. —Calendar gnchanged, THE SOUTH. LEE’S ARMY IN BAD SPIRITS. The Rebel Papers Imagine They Per- ceive a Change for the Better in the Spirits of the Soldiers. How Negroes are Recruited in Richmond. Robbing Gallows for Negro olunteers, r &e., ‘ &., &e. Jeff. Davis’ Message. COMMENTS OF THE RICHMOND PRESS ON THE BR- CRETS DIVULGED BY DAVIS. [From tye Petersburg Express, March 16.) Such of the Ktthmood press as comment upon the mes- sage of the P ull By of which we pub- lished yesterday, do so In approving terms. The Whig thinks t should not have been made public; Dut since it has been given to the world, urges upon Con- gress and the people to hvarken to its suggestions, The Sentinel thinks the expositions made by the mes- sage will powerfully adect both Congress and the country, The imminence of a great perii will arouse and command i ntion, while the assurance that itis in our it, and the indication of the means of doing 90 will animate to prompt, energetic and hopeful action. The Sentinel trusts that the recommendations of the message will be at once complied with, and in all their extent. The resonsibility is now with Congresa, The President bas done his duty im the matter. He has pointed out the leeshore, and summoned all the energies of the crew. It ts for Congress to say whether the mea- sures necessary to save the sbip shal) be adopted and suuctioned, or whether she shall be allowed to drive to ber fate. The Dispateh says whatever, Congress may intend to do in the premises, it trusts they will do atonce. This 45 mo time for deliberation, when the enemy are actually thunderiug at the gates of the capital, The moments lost tp speechmuaking may prove of the Jast tinportance for weal or wo t the vonfederacy. Prompt action 1s now what 18 required—prompt action and nothing more. Above all things, however, the Des. patch unites with the President tp bis appeal for unant- ‘mity. Let us got now, in the fourth year of this des- rate struggle, exhibit the spectacle of those European tates on the Continent, who, while everyth ng on earth they held dear was at stake, could not, in the very pre- sence of the enemy, restrain their senseless quarrels long enough to prevent him from taking advantage of them w their common destruction, {t requires all our united strength to ward'off the dan- fcr and if the least particle of all be wanting we aro ust. It would be to the country the most welcome of all wntelligence that harinony exisied between all parts of the government, e and Confederate, and that all were ‘uniting for the benedt of ail The Buquirer says the message is one of great earnest- ness, and that it plainly and emphatically explains to the Cougrese and the country the extreme pertis which beset our cause. While there is truth and candor ip the state- ment of our dangers, there Is no evidence of want of faith in our ultimate success,” Without asain recurring to the past history of the present Congress or Sudulging in crimmination, it is to be hoped that a new era of fe mony aud concert of action will now begin, and that all the energy of the Congress will be earnestly devoted to the strengthening of our means of defence. The Rebel Army in Bad Spiri [From the Petersburg Express, March 16.) We are glad to learn that a much healthier sprit per. vades our army than was noticealle a few wreks since, and a determination is universal and fixed among our gallant soldiers to fight the fight out, ‘The desertions from ow ranks are now exceedingly few, Nortuern stdtements t ‘the contrary. The Rebels Denounct Their Fricnd Over tie Water. g The © Richmond Dispatch, March 18.) papers, when they speak of each other's respective countries, m2, 4 tone of both the English and Yankee news is the most remarkable incident connected with journalisn; in these latter days. had revealed the strength of the United while they were still entire, the language held London Times with regard to them was always stight, often sneer- iy this war ing, and, on some occasions, absolut: insulting. On one occasion it spoke of the ease with 1 Britain bad throttled “the Northern giant,” Russi 1d intimated that {t could, at the same Ume, all the ease imagina- ble, admiuisier castigation to Jonathan, Even after the war bad actually need on this side of the Atlantic, while the parties were marshaling their forces aud pre- paring for the mighty conflict that was so shortly to ensue the Pimes indulged in ite satirical vein, witho stint at the expense of the combatants, After the battle of Manassas it told the Yankees that they had mistaken their oulling; that they never could be a great military nation, how great soever might be their aspirations after military fame; that war was not tn their iipe of busi- noss,"’ and that toexcel they must tuke to something else.” When Messrs, Mason and Flidell were p ratically seized pn a British vessel upon the high seas, by a ship belonging to the United = tates, the tone of the Times was yond measure bold, insolent and defiant, At the same time the Yankee press wae as obsequious and cringing as the British press was arrogant aud domi- neering. Both are wonderfully altered wince that time, The Yankee is now as loud and insultiog ashe was for- merly meek and submissive. The change has not taken by surprise any person who has beev accustomed to study the policy of the British. That government bas always been famous for dealing out what is called exemp! Justice upon culprits whom It b lieves unable to help themselver, Let not euch hope to escape the lash of British vengeance. Greece, or Brazil, or any of the little States on the covtinent, such ar Deniwark, for instance, cannot hope to escape upon any conceivable precept whenever It may be so unfortumate as to incur the wrath ‘of the British lion, It ix only strength that secures impunity from that magnanitnous animal, Even now the New York Hinatp ix calling upon the Britich Queen to revoke ber procinmation of peutrality—that is, we suppose, to take part\with the Yankee in their war upon this country. We danot eee why this ehould pot be dove, It would be perfectly consistent with the whole conduct of Great Britain throughout the war, We sovictines feet d epored Lo be a littie astonished at the facility with whieh ping second fiddle in this coucert of th bo that lived a century would have believed it possible that such a thing could have happened? But we suppose it is with governments as with individuals—the greatest bullies are always the first to succumb when real duoger presents itself. century ago How the Rebels are Recruiting Negroes, [From the Rebmond Dispatch, March 18, The two negroes Oliver and George, convirted recently of burglary by the Hustings Court, and seutenced to be hung on the 17th of March (yesterdsy) have been par- doned by the Governor upon condition of their volun- teeriug in the military eervice of the Confederate States. AS soon a8 released from prison they repaired to the co. Jored camp for instruction, and were regularly mustereé in for duty, Rebel Deserters. The following order, adopted by the rebel Congress, t intended to counteract the order issued by Liew General U. §. Grant, offering to purchase the arms ane accoutrements of such rebel soldiers as might desert and come within our lines, We find it inthe Savannah He- ullican of the 13th inet. It does not th, saactly with he bombastic reports we have read in the *ce jcurnals of late, whe he & great deal of fuel with W..el to “fire the Southern heart,” by claiming that deservers were repeating aud y returning to the rebel ranks, in order to be ready to “dio in the inst ditch,” when it is discovered, If there is such @ vast atnount of universal patriotism in “Secessia,”’ why is it necessary to issue an r threatening those who are aiding their friends te in such an unholy eause?— ‘The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, That every person not subject to the rules and tee of war, who stall procure, or entice a soldier, or per: % polled for service iu the Confederate States to ‘aid or amsint any deserter from the army, rolled for service, to evade their prop Prevent their errest to be returned to U wade or any person commanders, oF tous or elothi rate States, or nfe before the Distriet Court of mn of the offence, be Approved January crncutan wo. 11. is, Augusta, Ga., March 3, 1865, ined officer, soldier or eltizem Yrovoxt Mars seized, and , the turned over to st Ordnance OGiee, Pomt Commissary fad Post Quart Tew directs, vit ba low we the gore tt mo eetimand of itrigadier General B.D. FRY. FA. Timpentacn, Acting Am Adjutant General. Coroner's Inquest. Drep Seooesty ty Crvnem.—A gentleman, nx Van Strydonek, while attending church in Ts enty venth avennes, on Sunda) , and falling to the re. The temaigs were taken to but sub-queutly rémeved to the oaed, + Carroll place, The Wo hold ah inquest, stroot, between Sixth and en lave Coroner «a8 noted