The New York Herald Newspaper, April 5, 1865, Page 5

TH CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE. . fall: back to Swift ercek before att-mpting to offer any further 1eslstauce to our advauce. REML GUNBMAL MILL KNLED. b General A, P, Hill was kilied yesterday by a rifle ball, wh le trying to ratly his mon, in frontof William Turn’ bull's house, on the Whitworth plantation. Coluuel Peyram, of the rebel artillery service, and a brother, I believ», 0. the rebel goueral of that name, was ‘also killed during th) engagement of yesterday, near tho saine place where Hill ell, 1B COMP. RTENESS OF OUR BUCTESS, The succeas of our movement “on the enemy’s works’? has been complete and brililant, Opinion was evenly divided at the outset as to whecher it Was the intention to demonstrate suthcicntly to prevent Lee's reinforcing Johnsion, to cover Sheridan's operations against the Souihsjde and Danville railroads, or to make a deter- Miaed etiort for the capture of the city and the destruc- tion or the rebul army. TIL MAGAIP.CENCE OF GRANT PLANR, All the combinations prove the latter to have been the primary object, was drawn away to the extreme west- ward dotences of the city by our demonstrations, and then induced to send three divisions out on the south- side road to confront Sheridan, who hovered on our flank to ‘co-oporate instcad of cutting loose on a@ raid for Burkesvilio and Lyuchburg, as was predicted. At this juncture the Sixth’ corps was ordered to carry the ene- My's main line of intrenchments on its front, thus cut- ting tho rebel army compietely into two paris, and foreing one to leave Petersburg hurriedly under cover of the night, asthe other probably has been compelled to loavo Sh:ridan’s front and escape across the Upper Appomattox on pontoons, to rejoin the main portion of the rebel army towards Richmoud. fens ‘1HS TROOTS ENTERING PETERSBURG. write our troops are pouring into the cit; Nini scream'ng and ballooing with del ght. They Ane es aud well behaved. No sufiicient stop will be made for them to become otherwise, A negro regiment passing seems 10 tuke especial prde and pleasure in maintaining the dignity becoming sold.ers, and are neither boisterous nor noisy. YRISONELS CAPTURED ON THE 2D INST. nme inane taken yesterday are computed at ten jonsand, NO RRLIABLS SSTIMATR OF OUR LOSES. No retiablo estimate of our loss can yet be made. THE SIXTH CORPS. 4 Mr, Charles H. Hannam’s Despatch. Hxsnguanter;, Sixt Any Corrs, Purekssura, April 2, 1865. } PRSUMINARY, Although severe fighting has taken place on the ex- troie teft of our line nearly the whole of the past week, this corps has not been iu action since Saturday last. This was on account of the work wh ch had been cut out for it by General Grant. It was reserved for this corps to divide the formidable rebel army which has now for £0 many months defied out power to oust it from the city of Petersburg, and when the hour arrived the word went forth for this corps to move, and nobly has it sus- tained ite reputation, and at the same time justified the contidence reposed in it by our General-in-Chief, THE REBEL. vosiTiON. Before giving a detailed account of the important operations of to-day, it will be necessary to explain the posidion held by the rebels b fore the attack. Our line of intronchments, forts and batteries runs from the Appomattox river in a circular form to within abot two miles of the Southside Railroad, on the south sido of Petersburg. The line is ther reversed, and runs back for @ considorable distance, forming what is known as our Tear line. At tho angle where the line is reversed we have a heavy fort, called Fort Welch. To tho right of this, about three hundred yards, is a still heavier work, known as Fort Fisher. The line at this point is almost a straight one for some distance. The main rebel line was about three-quarters of a mile off, and in front of it thoy had two intrenched picket linos, Ono of these we took from them last Saturday, and from what was learned ‘on that occasion General Wright felt convinced, that by massing a strong body of troops under the cover of night breach could be made and the Southside Railroad reached. This plan was laid before the commanding generals, who took the matter into consideration and had {t acted on at daybreak this morning. It was onc of those instinctive perceptions of military genius which make the true soldier; and the affair, when chronicled by some future Napier, will be viewed as one of the most brilliant operations of modern warfare. ‘THE onsect N Genorals Grant and Mcade had in view on giving their concurrence to the plan was twofold. The first ‘was tocreate a diversion in favor of Gencral Sheridan, and secondly to cut tho rebel army in two and destroy the far-fmed Southside Railroad. All these were, of course, but subordinate parts of the one grand plan to crush the rebellion, which has been ao long in maturing by Genoral Grant and 1s now being so brilliantly carried out by the veterans of the Army of the Potomac, ORDERS TO MASS FOR ASSAULT. Our first notice of the intended movement was received about nine o'clock last night, when adespatch came from General Meade telling of the success which had finally crowned the efforts of General Sheridan, and also of his heavy capture of prisoners. General Meade di- rected that, forthe purpose of further facilitating the ‘aperations of Generai Sheridan,the Sixth corps should be maasedat four o'clock this morning opposite the left angle of our works, and charge over the rebel line. The battorivs on our entire frout were ordered to open im- modiately on the rebels. This was carried out under the direction of Major Andrew Cowan, commanding the First New York independent battery, but now tompo- rarily commanding the artillery brigado of the corps. For several hours last night our guns wero pouring sol'd shot and shell into the rebel works, and they made but afeeble response to this unusual demonstration on our FERLING THR ENEMY. The picket lines in front of the diferent divisions were also ordered to advance aud feel tie enemy's strength; but it did not succeed in annoying them very much, an in some instances the rebele showed how far they wers from suspecting any very serious demoustration on our rt by calling out to kuow whether we were cele- Prating “All Fools day’’ in that uoiay manner. TUR TROOPA Mo 8.0, The order given for the assault to bo made at four o'clock was carried out very punctually. Many prepera- tions had, however, to be made iu the interval between ‘the receipt of the order and the time jnted for its execution. Major Cowan detailed battery of the First Rhodo Island artillery, to accompany the First division; Dattery B, Fifth United States, to go with the Third di- vision, ahd the Third New York Independent for the Second division. These wer> to accompany the columns and be used as circumstances should dictate. Other battorios wore massed in ihe rear of our main line, and when the attack succeeded they were ordered forward and participated in the subsequont ongagements, The troops were formed en echelon by divisions, the First being on the right, the Second in the centre and the Third on the left, Owing tothe fact that the greater the surpriso the greater would bo our chances of success, the troops to move ouside the works by about two o'clock. moon had gone down, and the night was an dutensely dark one. A thin chilly mist arose from the ground, which served still further to conceal our move- ment ‘rom the enemy. The result proved that the attack was a complete sur- prise to the rebols, and every officer {3 entitled to great credit for the and secresy with which their men were placed in position. On the extreme left of the line was the First brigade, Third division, Colonel Truex com- manding; thon the Second brigade of the came divisio Govoral J. Warren Keifer cominanding. The brigades of the Second division were arranged as follows :—' vor- mont brigade, General L. A. Grant, on the left; the First brigade, Colonel James M. Warner, in the centre; and the Third brignde, Colono! Thomas W. Hyde, on the right. ‘The First division, holding tho right of the colvmn, was formed with the Third brivade, Genvral 0. Edwards, on the left; the Second, General Joveph . Hamlin, m ihe centre, and the rieht of the division, and consequently of the column, was held by the First brigaie, General W. H. Penrose commanding. The Second division was glightly in advance of the other two, and the aitacking column Consequently bore a wedge-like shape; and this eintlarity was still further carried out by tho fact that the division holding the centre of the eolumn was to attack first, Tho troops were formed and in position by half. pest threo, and no disturbance had awakened the sus- picions of the rebels in our front, GENRRAL WhIeTTT’s PLAN, In making the above formation it was GeneraP Wright's idea to attack aneuch overwhelming force that failure would be impossible, Then, when the column had made od its entrance into the rebel works, he believed that fe divisions on the right and left might deploy in both these directions, and drive theyenemy irom thor works almost es effectually 8 if a fresh corps had attacked sim itancously. CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTS, To co-operate with this Attacking column, General Terke was also to attack the rebels on the right, and General Ord was to do the same on the left, while Sheri. dan, far away to the left, wae thundering on their left flank. ALL PRADY. Through the darkness and mista troop of nearly fifty horsemen was riding avout two o'clock this mornii At tho head of tho column were two men vastly different in physical a) pe: one tall and stout, of brosque manner; slighty built, with a dash of comical hauteur in his deportment. They wore Major General Weight ond Major Chorles FL Whittlosey, his assietant adjutant general. Those fol- lowing were different members of tho staff aud orderties, one oF whom carried the headquarters flag—a blue awal. jow-taii, with & white cross in the centre, on which was tnsoribed the figure six in red, thus giving the three na- tional colora--red, white and blue, From corps head- quarters to the place where the t1 were formed was istance of about two miles, On reaching the breast- orks General Wright rode out to the picket line, o match was struck and the time arcertained. It wanted fifeon minutes of four o'clock, and an artiller Afficer was sent back to Fort Fisher with orders to fire “nai gun oxactly at four o'clock. A few shots wero fired on the picket No obj ‘et was of ibe be seca. line, and then all was 2p etill. Visible at & distance of a ae ja, and of meu s0 peur at hand not THE SIONAL GUN, Suddenly a bright fiash leaped out into the darkness, and the loud report from a tweive-pounder rolled on the air, A minute elapsed and a similar sound came from the right, some six miles away, telling that the & gnal Was understood and tue Ninth corps ready. Agan a short space of time elapeed, and the sound of artillery iviag Was heard, But this time it came from scores of pieces, not {rom agngle guy. The shril seream and sharp report of shells alternated with the savage whir- Ting sound made by round suot from rifled pieces. The sounds crept gradually up from the right, and soon tho sharp crack of musketry told that Setie's: magnificent division had formd and “were pressing the rebels. Tho sounds increased in volume, and mingled with them Were heard the cheers of our men. General Frank Wheaton, the dashing soldier and courteous gentleman, - had already pushed his division forward, when, from the rebel line opposite to Fort Welch ilo’ batteries commenced hurling solid shot and shell at random in the darkness, or having only tho flashes of musketry to guide them. General Seymour, full of courage and chivalry, urced forward his veterans of the Third division Against these batt and then all was chaos—smoke and darkness, plerced by innumerable tongues of liquid fire, the thunder of artillery and the crack of musketry, mingling with which were the cheers of the combatants. Daylight dawned but slowly to the anxious 5) tors, whose hearts had, however, already boen relieved by noticing that one by one the rebel guns ceased firing and the musk re led, while the cheering, often swelling up into ono ng and loud triumphant shout, died away. General Wright's assertion, that he ‘would go through Sarikas nite,” was mopar aati ey Soe of works was out together wil undreds pris- oners, humerous pieces of artil , Many battle oe and other property. It was the most complete and triumphant achievement of the kind this war has essed, and the first reys of the morning sun fell on flags of the divisions as they waved om the ramparts of the captured forts. To retain what had pune it to gain retain wi we it was more. For this purpose the Third division was deployed to the left. From forts on other parts of their line the rebels were already firing into our men, and it was necos- sary to capture the forts ang silence the guns. The two brigades of General Keifer and Colonel Truex pushed gal- lantly forward, and General Wright, after assuring him- self of the safety of the other parts of his line, turned his attention to active operations going on towards the left, ACTS OF GALLANTRY, It was during this part of the day’s operations that many acts of daring gallantry were performed, one of the moet prominent of which was the capture of a rebel fort, thirty-seven gunners and three pieces of artillery, by Major Andrew J. Sinith and Lieutenant Lewis, of General Seymour's staff They compelled the rebel gun- ners to load the pieces and fire on their flying comrades, Frank est, a private in Company A, Fortioth XN Jers captured a battle dag belonving to the Ejvbtoenth North Carolina; Lieuteaant Cushman, Thirty- seventh Massachusetts, captured two guns; Corporal Welch, of Company 2, Thirty-seventh Massachusetts, brought in a ses of colors, Colors were also captured by Corporal Bleckensderfor, of Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio; private G, Slorf, of Company A, One Hundred aud Twenty-second Ohio; and Sergeant F, elt oi Company C, One Hundred and ‘enth io. THE SOUTHSIDE RAILROAD STRUCK. When Genera! Frank Wheaton’s division took posses- sioa of a portion of the’rebel lines, the Fourth regiment New Jersey Volunteers and the Sixty-fifth New York started forward, and soon struck the Southeide Raflroad, of which they at that time destroyed nearly two miles. Later in the day, when our men had completely cleaucd the rebels out of that part of the line, the work of de- stroying the road was resumed, PORIION OF A WAGON TRAIN CAPTURED. When Goneral Wright reached the rebel fort, on the parapet of which General Wheaton was standing, an ofiicer, whose name I was unable to learn, reported that # rebel wagon train was passing along the Boydion plank road, and volunteered to go and destroy it. “His services wore accepted, and a short time afterwards I saw several fine mule teams broucht in, and heard that tho wagons had been fired. The telegraph wire was cut at the came time and by tho same etiicer. OUR SIGNAL CORPS, Lieutenant Thomas H. Fearey, of the United States Siznat corps, and attached to the staff of General Wright had the honor of establishing the first Union sicni station within tho captured rebel works. He render:d very eflicient service during the whole day, and wherever the fighting was hottest there his flags were slways waving. At thia time it may be as well to mention the namo of another offiecr who distinguished himself for gallantry in action, This was Major William Wood, of the Ninth regiment New York heavy artillery, who led acharge which reeulted in the capture of a rebel fort containing four guns. AGAIN TO THE LEPT, General Seymour continued pushing towards the rebel left with the Third division, and at one point hed as wevere a fight as any which ocetrred daring the day. The reb is bad a battery of six guns, two twenty- ounders and four light field pieces, which they served in magnificent siyle. Major Cowan, our chief of artii- lery, was on the ground, and brought a battery to bear on the rebel guns, when General Wricht and staff rode up, and, with Generals Seymour and Keiter, rode along the line encouraging the men, Our line was slowly advanced, and when General Keifr's brignde got into line a charge was ordered and six more guns added to the number we had already captured. Lieutenant Rebert Verplauck, nid-de-camp on General Seymour’s stad, had a horse shot under him during this engagement. ‘MORE PRISONERS AND GUNS TAKEN. From this point our ress towards the left was comperatively easy, aud Major Andrew J. Smith again distinguished himself by capturing a large number of hy rebels, Tho headquarters ‘lng of Genoral Heth’s di riston, together with a very large and handsome silk flag, owned by some organization calling itself the “Hur- ricane Rifles,” were captured on this part of the line. General Wri; ht kept moving his troops slong towards the left, looking ont anxiously for the co-operation of Gen. Ord’s men, S002 @ line of glittering bayonets was scen advancing towards us, and Major General Gibbon rode up and informed General Wright that.the advancing column delonged to the Twenty-fourth corps. We had by this time reached the vicinity Hatcher's run, and it was decided to right about face aud march for Petersburg by the Boydton plank road. AINIVAL OF LIBUTENANT GENERAL GRANT IN THR SIXTH CORPS. ‘The troops had but commenced marching towards Petoraburg when a hearty cheer was given by the rear regiments. The cause was soon ascertained to be tho ar- rival of Licutenant General Grant, accompanied by Gens. ‘Williams and Patrick and a large number of other officers. Asgsoon as the soldiers saw the Lieutenant General they shouted, “Boys! here’s General Grant! Three cheers for him!’ And all along the lines, as he rode along on his black horse ‘Jeff. Davis,” the men cheered him with the wildest enthusiasm. He rode with head uncovered, and bowed his thanks for the soldiers™ hearty greeting. His sirongiy marked and sun- browned face lighted up with stern pleasure as he rode along through the rebel works, On secing Generals Wright, Getty, Seymour, Wheaton, and other sixth corps officers, he shook hands with great heartiness. After spending a abort time in conversation, he proceeded on towards Petersburg, in which direction « portion of the ‘Twenty-fourth corps had already marched, THY AVTERNOON VIGHT, Preparations were at once commenced to attack the works immediately surrounding Petersburg. For this purpose General Seymour was sent forward to the right of the line, General veer | to the centre, and Gencral Wheaton to the left. Artillery was put in position, and noon the battle raged with even intensity than in the morning. The rebels seemed determined to defend their forts to the last; but nothing could withstand the tried valor of General Wright's troops. The long lines gradually were closed on the forts and the garr:sons com- pelied tosuccumb to inevitable circumstances and the hard Aghting of the Sixth corps. Until nearly nightfall the contest continued, and we added considerably to our captures of men and artillery. THR PATH OF PRTRRSBORG DECIDED. The fate of Petersburg may now be considered as decided, for there is Teason to suppose that before this despatch is laid fore your readers that we shall have jun of the cy, Our forces now rest their left close to the Appomattox, om the south sido of the elty. THE DAY'S WORK. The fighting to-day has been of the most brilliant and severe character. Tam aware that an account written immediately after a long day’s fight muat, to make use of an Irishism,, contain many an omismon; but corres. pondents cannot be ubiquitous, and no doubt often fail to mention many gallant deeds, simply for the reason that they did not sce or hear of them until long after. wards, ‘ OUR OArTURRS. ‘This evening matters are a little mixed in regard to the number of men and guna we have captured, for the reason that we took them in so rapidly that they were necessarily sont off to the rear immediately, It ix pro- babiy a ioose estimate when I state that thia corps alone has, sine four o'clock this morning, captured five thousaud prisoners, and between tweaty and thirty Dicces of ery. ‘Tine CASUALTIES. Brevet Major General Grant, commanding the Vermont brigade in Genoral Getty's division, was wounded on the road this morving. wound is a painful and severe one, but not dangerous, AN APFRCTING INCIDENT. Major Clifton K. Prentiss, conmanding the Sixth % land Volunteers, was one of the first oflicers to enter the rebel works, but was unfortunately shot through the chest, A short time afterwards we picked up a wounded rebel, who said he was Liestonant Prentias, of the Second Moryiand rebel regiment, Ho is a younger brother of thejdajor, whom he bad not seen stucu the re- bellion broke out. They are now lying im the same tent in the Fiftieth New York Engineers’ camp, and are, t am gind to say, likely to do well. Major Prentiss is one of the bravest officers inthe rerviee, and his wound at this time is vero to be regretted, Our losers, both in killed and wounded, will, consider. ing the severity and length of the fight, be very light. This isin agreat measure attributable to the fact that the rebels aimed much too high for their fire to be very destructive, THE CATTORED WORKS. The rebel works which were captured to-day are of great strength, and it is marvellous how our mom ruan- aged to effect aa entrance, In front of one of the forts entered by the First division there were five lines of abatis, besides a ditch twelve feet wide by six deep. THR WOUNDED BRING HURRIED TO THR HOSPITALS The wounded are now being vent down to City Point, after having had ev attention shown them by the medical geutiemen at the field hospitals. THE ARMY OF THE JAMES. ©. William M. Merriam’s Despateh Gevenat Warrent,’ RTRRB, In Peet oF MELO PEO } FXPLOSIONS ON THE UPPER JAMR. Justa half an hour since a most terrific explosion, making by far @ more terrible noise than either the Petersburg ming or Dutch Gap canal, took plage in the NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1806. Upper James, followed by a second one Just at this mo- meat, that leaves no doubt in the military mind here thuf the rebel rams have been blown up, General Weitzel tolegraphing to Lieutenant General Grant this probable result of the explosions. It is now further belioved that Ricumond is being actually evacuated at the minute of this writing, such reports having been already brought in during the night by deserters from Weitaei’s front here and Major General Hartauff’s lines on the Bermuda Hun- dred front. The proximity of the moment at which my messenger must leave for City Point with this despatch prevents enlargement upon these statements. PREPARING 10 MOVE ON RICLMOND, I will add, however, that the present impression is that Weitzel’s column will at once move on the rebel capital, troops having been moving all night towards General Weitzel’s front, and before daylight this morn- ing I noticed an immense lighting up of the heavens in the direction of Richmond, which many beliove to be the conflagration of the town, There can be no doubt that the rebel troops on this front have withdrawn. » Iv Tum Font, April 3—6 A. M. WEITZEL OF¥ FOR RIOAMOND, The glorious Weitzel has moved out, and already has Possession of the entire line of the enemy on this front. It is confidently expected we shall occupy Richmond by to-night. ‘We have a splendid morning, precursor of a grand day: upon which te move. THE FLEET. Mr. Wm. H. Merriam’s Despateh. Sunpay Nia, April 2, 1865. ‘PAN FLERT ENGAGES THE RKREL BATIBRIES. ‘This morning the naval fleet on the James river, now ‘ander command of Captain J. H. Spotis, with the Paw- -tuxet for his flagship, opened a very heavy fire upon some of the rebel batteries on the James, including the Howlett House, Wood, Garland and other batteries. The object of the fire was to ascertain whether these works had been deserted. No response was clicited from the enemy, though the wooden veseels Pawtuxet, Unadilla, Kansas, Massasoit, Pontusuck, Utah and Chippewa, aided by the tron-clad Monitors Maliopnc, Sangamon, Monadnock, Lehigh, Onondaga and one or two others, participated in the attempt to draw the rebel fire. The firing was maintained for quite an hour; and it was at one time hoped that ihe rebel rams might be in- duced to descend the James and age our fleet. COMMANDER PARKER PYING COURT MARTALED. Commander Parker is being court martialed for bis al- loged lack of wisdom in the matter of pressing the rebel Tams some weeks since when thoy attempted their reid upon City Point. I loara that there is a strong probability of Parker's acquittal, ATTEMPTING TO DESTROY THE ENUMY'S ABATIS BY At’ TITER This forenoon two guns, from the artillery brigade of Generel Weitzel’s command, commanded by the able and dashing Captain Langdon, of battery M United Staios avtillery, proceeded to Ail near Aikens? Landing, breaking or destroying of means of an enfila experiments to-day—which were witnessed b Shepley, chief of staff to. Genera n Thomas, of the Twentv-titth corps; Major A. H. vens, of Weltzel’s staff, and, Lieutenant Struble. of Gi ral Shoploy’s staf—were not in tho main wholly sat factory, owing to the defective ob cr of the chain shot tised, about twenty-tve of were fired from i twelve-pounder three-ineh steel gun. In some respecte, however, the experiments were suecessft!, and the con” clusion ik that chain shot, from an eniliading fire, will tear up this sort of work and effectually destroy ti. Our Special Washington Despatch. Wasmyatoy, April 4, 1865 Brigadior Goneral Hoffman, Commissary General of Prisoners, has gone to City Point to make arrangements for the disposition of the great number of prisoners al- Teady received there and constantly coming in by thou- sands, So great is the number that the quevtion.as to what shall be dove with them causes considerable embar- rassment, Nearly five hundred revel deserters arrived from City orning aid took the oath of allegiance. They ished with transportation North. ‘ iT direct for Rich- rar, the propeller medical commencement of the Rebocea Barton, left hore to-day with a cargo and engineers’ stores. THE PRESS DESPATCH. Reported Avrivai of Mr. Lincoln in Richmond. Wasuinctox, April 4, 1805. Mra. Lincoln received a despatch from the President to-day, dated as follows:—‘‘¥rom Jetiersun Davis's late residence at Richmond.” Major Taggart, of the Bureau of Colored Troops, left to-day for Richmond to ostablish in that city a branch of his office, and facilitate the organization of companic: from among the colored recruits. Immediate mesures will be taken to re-establish the Post offices in Richmond and Petersburg. Several vessels have arrived hore to-day, bringine about one thousand of the wounded from the late battics, Others will arrive to-morrow. Death of Major General Russel. Piapeurnta, April 4, 1865. A spectal despatch to the Bulletin says that Major General Russel, of the Twenty-fifth corps, was killed in the late baitle. THE VICTORIES, Contin’ jon of the Excitement, in the City—Mecting at the Custom House—Ac- tion of the Comnion Council, d&e. Yesterday was another exciting day in this city, The peopie had not recovered from Monday's Jubilee, Their heads were still intoxicated with the spirit of victory, and they seemed determined to go om another grand spree of enthusiasm. Grant and Lee, Lincoln and Davis, Sterman and Johnston, Shoridan and victory absorbed the public mind. Very little of anything else leaked out in converration. The whole city was full of the subject, and scarcely any business was transacted as @ necessary consequence. ‘The display of flags was almost na gen- eral as on Monday, and the aspect of aflairs was almost as joyous and patriotic. CELEBRATION OF THE FALL OF RICHMOND—MEETING AT COLUECTOR DRATER’S OFFICE, The committee appointed by the Wall street mete on Monday, to take such steps as might be deemed ad. virable in view of the recent victories, met yosterday afternoon in Colloctor Draper's office. ‘The attendance was very large, Including Honorable Simeon Draper, Mores Taylor, Hamilton Fieh, Samuel Wetmore, Isaac Bell, 3. B. Chittenden, Hon. M. F. Odell, Jobn J, Phoips, Marshall 0. Roberts, Samuel Sloan, R, H. se: Curdy, William F. Dodge, George Ona ke, Jon €. Green, W. T. Blodgett, Wiliam *', Vermilye, Ed. Min- pard Knepp, Jonathan Sturges, Charles Gould, Charice P. Daly, Richard Schell, D. Dewer, Ezra Nye, John A. Stew Charles A. Heckechler, Benjamin aries H. Marshall, Henry K. Bogart, H. B. Schafiin, J. Delmere, Jon J. Astor, Jr, James Lowe, George W. Blunt, Paul Spofford, William M. Evarts, Prosper M. Wetmore, R. L.Stuart, A. Lowe, B. C. Morris, M. W. Cooper, Joha E. Williams, Henry M. Tabor, Henry G. Stebbine, J. B. Nicholson and Robert 5. lone. The subjoined letter was received from General Dix:— New April 4, 1868. Eva. — Ain not able to be present at your meeting, bat use tay batue In any Way you Chose in connection with’ the Mloriaua victory near Petersburg and the occupation of Rich- mond. Yours truly, JOUN A. DIX. Collector Draper called the meeting to order. Mr. St0an eald no ramme had heen determined upon, but he would tell the meeting what hod been rug gested. It had been suggosted that as a public ree rion bad recently taken piace, any farther demonstration of that kind had better be deferred until the conclusion f peace. It had been proposed that two addresses ould be prepared, on to the — Pestdent and one to the army—addresser of grat. tude and congratulation, and that these addresses should be hed and signed by the citizens of this city and forwarded, it had ferther b suggested that tlis was not dhly an occasion of gratitude to the army, but alzo to Alnighty God, for sending victory to crown our arma, and that the churches should be thrown open in order that appropriate services befitting the Occasion might be celebrated. Mr. Wa. E. Donan being called upon, said I was diff. 8. D: vem Wee ® cult to appreciate the ciroumgtances that sur. rounded thei The succéss which had pow crowned their arms had been, discounted for some Ume past, though probably the victories achieved wer more extensive than doen expected. jhought the suggestions advaneed by Mr. Sloan were good ones; bus that at the dome time they should bear in mind the suffering and wounded soldiers. While we were rejoicing over this glorious deliverance, we must reflect that it had been acvomplisued at a cot of life and limb and suffering almost unparalleled in the hi f the world. Such heroic bravery, such heroic au’ such regardlessuess of life, were never before know: ose ‘ing the fruits of this struggle withou, peppery bag the suffering ought to do their best to second the efforts of the gowernment, the Sanitary Commission and the Christian Commission to alleviate the sufferings of those who had brought about this great reult. (Cheers, Mr. & B. Carrravomn Le tae that a day of thanks- ny Sept oppoin Mr. Stoan, it was resolved that a ittee of fifteen should be ppointed to carry out probably be sent to the ‘ committee from @ com- pork we pak celebrate the af rem. Loy al the day of thanksgiving should be ou the Erarics the hen the eres maviaing of New York Mr. Scustt inted that ft would bo well to invite the President and his Cabinet to New York, togive them an appropriate reception. Ar. Fisu sugg sied that this would be better deferred ba the Re apps of peace, imately & committee was appointed for the objects above stated, and it was understuod that the iv. ing would most probably take place on the 20th of April. The committee was composed of the following gentle- men:— W. Dodge, chairman; ilton Fish, Moses Taylor, 8. B. Chittenden, A T. Stewart, Ed. Min- Py ge kg gme por . Stury . H. Grinnel Ba '. u &. W. Blunt and. Drupet . mnanih THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN. The Board of Aldermen hold an adjourned meeting at one o'clock yesterday afternoon, Alderman Jones pre- siding. The regular order of business was suspended, on mo- tion of Alderman Nortox, who offered am appropriate set of preambles and resolutions respecting the victories of Grant and his lieutenants, concluding with a pro vision for the appointment of a joint committee of both boards of the Common Council to make arrangements for = grand celebration of the triumph of the Union arms, and to confer with the Chamber of ( io cata cae Commerce and other pub- ‘The resolutions were unani- mously adopted, and the chair appointed on the com- mittee the following members;—Aldermen Norton, Ryers, Jeremiah, Van Voorh's and Farley. COMMUNICATION FROM THE MAYOR. The following communication’ from: Mayor Gunther was received :— Mayor's Ornioa, New Yous, April 4, 1865. To, rue Hononantxs rue Conway Counor:— bind SNTLEMKN—Your hon le body, common a large portion. of our follow citizens, destre to celebrate the successes recently obtained. by the federal arms, I have, ou 4 former occasion, expressed naysetf oppoxed on principle to this celebration of victories gained over our fellow citizens as caleulated to embitier und alienate those whose affection aud good will ti should be our object to gain. Can we not, however, join im general expression ule inion, freo from all displays of vain glory or exhibitions of welfiyh triumph, and such hs will tend to reconeile the people of the Southern States toa renewal of their formor political rela- tons with uader whick we and they were once so happy and prosperous is PP A manifestation on 01 part of a sincere desire to submit Vino embodied tn the eon: svks of personal treetom now ; to dienvow the eruel polley bush the integ- a which glone of Uberty, and uppropriate at the birth of Jefferson, ©: Indepenuenes, as stel au T tilak would de- Fe8 « Declaration eoiebrat ou Gj sibly based on the ear saceess of a poliicnt But the ‘ ebration, ine business THE CHLSBRATION OF THE FALL OF RICHMOND AT TA BROOKLYN NAVY YARD. In pursuance of a general order from Rear Admiral Iding, all the vessels in commission at the Brooklyn Navy Yard hoisted the national ensign at their mast heads yesterday, in honor of tho capture of Richmond neral Grant, A national salute was fired from the m the Cobh Dock a Every one was in the best of spirite, and eager for ore news of the same encouraging character as was presented In the morning payors. The sloop-of-war Monongancla und the gunboat Nyack have arrived at the yard. JURILNE AT RVERETY QUARK. Last. evening a hotel in Everett square, cornor of Thirty-foarth street aud Sixth avenue, was illuminated in honor of the recent viclories. A staad for speakers Was crected, cannon was fired, and an excellent band ot n. At eight o'clock, F wwlected lo prenide, said the eathering was ly itapromptu, no speakers having Leen invited to address the crowd. "The spenker proceeded to address the assemblage upon the great victories of the Union armics, He hoped that the leaders of the rebellion uid bo punished, and the Southern people, as a body, iv it Lave one common country. “was a kind of love feast, and he iv imen whose patriotism led him to give vapression to the joy in which they all participated, After music by the band, Mr Cyrus Griffin made an eloqaent speech, which was listefed to with attention and loudly applauded, Dr. Beach and other volunteers addressed the meet- ing, _arhtehy from the beginning to the close, was enthu- silastic. Rojoteings and Nluminations in Wash- ington, ‘Wasmseton, April 4, 1865. Aftor the excitement of yesterday, the city was very quict to-day, althoush the recent great victory, or rather of victories, engrossed public attention and con- versation almost exclusively, The only demonstration during the day was a parade of the Third and Fourth regiments, of General Hancock's new veteran corps. The regiments were commanded by Colonel W. B. Morgan and Lieutenant Colouel Cyrus J. Dobbs, and they ciicited the admiration and commendation of all who saw them for their soldiery appenrance and marching. This evening, without any preconcerted arrangement, there was a very general illumination by the citizens of their residences aud places of business, Orders were issued yesterday for an illumination of the public build- ings this evenin, the citizens generally concluded to add to the effect by a private illumination, A ineeting was alao called in front of the Patent office building for this evening, which was atteuded by a very large and enthusiastic crowd. ‘The avenues and streets were throngod.with peeple from dark toa late hour in the evening admiring the display. The public boildings were brilliantly Hlominated, and made a gplen- did appearance, The Capitol was the centro of attrac. ud from basement to dome wns a bluze of light, eo mainentrance, fronting on Pennsylvania ave- nue, was 4 large transparoney, on which was jascribed, “Voix iv the Lord's dom, and it tx marvellous in our eyes.” ibe yg, ee the display at the Ame- neon Geer office was porticularly brillant. The front of the office war dra with Americua flage, and coniles were displayed not only in the win dows but also around the counters and desks, making & The rticulariy nitkemt appearance. store of Tuilp & Solomon was leo very brilliantly itlomi- nated. The Post Office and Interior departments were magoificent. Over the man eutraace to the latent Orlice bailldiog Was an immense yaa jet displaying the word “Union.” Over the lower entrance: of tho Treasury building, on Vifteenth street, was a huge transparency representing # ten dollur Treasury pote, over which was the motto, “U. & greenbacks and U. §. Graat—Grant ives the grecnbacks a metallic ring.” In front of the banking house of Jay Cooke & Co. was & huge trans- parency, on one end of which, ig nanuneth figures, was inscribed, “Five-Twenty,”’ and on the other, ‘‘Seven- ‘Thirty. Between there. was the following motto:--The bravery of our army, the valor of our navy, sustained by our Treasury upon the faith and sub- stance of & patriot people.’? The Bank of the Metropo- lia, the First National Bank of the Metropolis, and the ban ig house of Riggs & Co. were aixo brilliantly Mami . Over the front entrance of the S De- partment was displayed the motto, “At ho jon is order and order is enter ne union is strength and strength ts 0.” @r the Fifteenth strcet en- trance was the following motto, “Peace and will to all natfons, but Ro entangling alliances and no foreign intervention." ‘The White House was thoroughly tluminated throngh- oat, but owing to the absence of the President there was no special demonstration at this potnt. The most bril- ant jHermination of all was that of the War Department aa it was most a] . ‘Two canilies to each pane giase in the building gave a moat dazzling appearance to the usually dingy building, and, together with the per- formance of am excetient band of musie, attr: a large crowd of le 6to that vicinity for hours, Over (he mata entrance to the Department was the motto, “The Uniow must and shall be preeorved,’? and underneath an eagie the word “Richmond.” The minated, and every build. ing, publy Private, in that vicinity, wos most bril- hantly livhted, giving the locality for the time a fairy- like appoaranee, The public buildings wero all profusely decorated and festooned with Union flags, ‘whlch added much to the brilliancy of their appearnnee. yer'al Hancock's headquarters on F street wore also nei dly festooned with flags and brilliautiy illasl- nated, in addition to the lighte in all the windows one of ths striking features of the illumination at this place cons'sted in colored lamps in red, white and blue, across the whole front of the building, forming a spectacle both epyropriate @ud beautiful. A band was in attend. ance bere, which contributed much to the gratification aad entertainment of the spectators, Tho New Yore Herano office, on Fourteenth street, also exhibited its participation tn the general rejoicing, by a brilliant iMumination and display of Chinese Man- torns and American flags, relieving the darkness and gloom of the street, there being only one feeble attempt at iumination On the street besides that at the HxnaLo rooms. The display attracted much attention and approbation from all who witnessed it. It was a noticeable fact, that no attempt was made by the hotels, except the Kbbitt House and European Hotel, to join in the mani(ertation of rejoicing over the achievementa of our gallant army. They were almost without exception dark and cheerleas, affording & striking contrast to the displays of th ore patriotic and onthustastic ne Everything passed off q much credit to the sense eens of the cavited with bors. ly and orderly, and ‘and patrtoam of the giu- DISASTROUS FIRE IN BROOKLYS. Five Firemen, Buried Beneath a Falling Build- ing, Meet a Horrible Death, FOUR MEN DANGEROUSLY HURT. TWO MORE SUPPOSED 10 BE LOST. Noble Conduct of Firemen and Citizens, &e., Sree &o. A most disastrous fire broke out in Brooklyn at a little past one o'clock yesterday morning, in the buildings Nos, 93 and 95 Furman street, owned by Mr. John J. Morritt, dry goods merchant, of this city, but occupied, one by Mr. Thomas J. Chubb, as a black lead manufacto- ry, and the other, No. 93, by Mr. ©. N. Flanders, as a parafine lubricating oil manufactory. The flames had undoubtedly made considerable progress when they were discovered and the alarm given. They commenced in ‘No. 93, and fromthe highly inflammable nature of the material with which the structure was filled the heat produced was of the mort intense character. Fyvery- thing within the building irresistibly gave way before it. ‘The roof also gave way eventually, carrying with it the lives of five, and perbaps nine, of the brave Brooklyn firemen. ‘The flames soon spread to No. 95, also filled with the most inflammable of material, and it in turn became ono seothing mass of fire. The tongues of flame darted from the windows, accompanied by suffocating gases and blinding smoke, illuminating the scene with a ghastly light, and mingling with the pure atmosphere a most sickening smell. THE FIREMEN. Chief Engineer Cunningham, with the firemen, was duly and early upon the spot, and every effort was made to sub due the conflagration, or at last to keep ft within limits, But plenty of water and the most persistent labors of the artnet could at first make make no headway against cha fearful element in such a forward state of pro- All that could be dono was done; but the entire nts of the two buildings were consumed in @ very short space of time, ividently with the desire te do something further ard conquering the devouring clement, Chief Eugineor Canpingham ordered a de‘achinent of men with hose to the top of the row of buildings. Thoy obeyed the order, and several of the men lost their lives by their obedicuce, or by misunderstanding the order of the Chief Engineer. Our reporterconversed with Mr. Cunningham, and he states (hat he ordered tho firemen to stand upon the build- ings adjoining the ones on fire, not upon the structures whieh were burning a gave the hore into their hands Minvelf, Others say that the flremen were differently ross, ordered. THE CO; RUCTION OF THE BUILDUINGS. To render U atter which follows pe those not well a ry to descr! ‘Now. 93 and 95 Furman street, wi hat side of tho thoroughtare for some cavating the depth of the structure then erecting heavy stone ‘i rehed outward in order to give them greater strength to resist a press.re. The four walig are carried up tothe height of thi ries, and then covered over with 8 of brickwork, the arches being in tura supported by iron girders and beams, and covered upon their upper surface with soil some four feet in thickness, end cultivated. In fact, the owners of the premises grow flowers and vegetables upon the v roots of the storehouses berieath them. Extending bac! and towering entirely above the roofs of the Furman Kirest build ngs their basements being above them—are the p: reaidenves of Columbia street, in one of which resides the Rev, Henry Ward Beecher, and in another Mr. John J, Merritt, the owner of the burned structures, Tn plocing the firemen upon the roofs of the houses which were ou fire, we fend locate them in the back gurdens of the dwellings on the Heights. It is possible that the oven surface of the cultivated earth deceived the men, and that they did not know they were over the ter- rible crater which ere long was to yawn and receive their bodies. But Mr. Corningham, the Chief Engineor, was spoken to by Mr. Merritt, and at least one other treman, and warned that the root was dangerons and might give ‘way and bury the firemen beneath it. @ gave vo beed to the warning, but returned a hurried and rather dis- | courteous answer, to the effect that he ‘“supporod he know his business as well as they could inform him of i” the'r inner ends be’ A HORRIBLE CATASTROPHE. It was about one hour after the discovery of the fire that a portion of the members of Engine Company No. 7, Hose No. 8, Hose No, 5, and Hose No, 2 were sent to the He.ghta, or upon the roofs of the buildings. They gallantly obeyed, Peeulees of danger, reckless of life and limb. wey soon had wat rpon the fire from above, or at leant tia their best to put water upon it, which was a work of some dificulty from the nature their _posi- tion relatively with the locality of the flames, For a moment it appeared that the flames were giving out, having spent ther Ha consumed their material. Then came a sudden crash that jarred the solid earth for some rods around, The roof of one of the burning buildings had fallen in, and carried down nobody at the time could tell how many of the brave firemen working upon it. There wasa silence of perhaps a minute, and a second craw told that the other roof bad fallen. The flames were momentarily smothered. Then were beard the screams of women and the agonized cries of men, imingied with the groans of those only partially buried beneath the fallew bric', andcarth and ilre. Of course there was coufusion worse confounded for @ space of time. TO THE REACUR. But in a short time the people apprectated the extent of the dire calamity. Regardless of danger, of tottcring walls, of falling stones, and the not less deadly steam emitted from ihe then smouldering rume, the members of the department, followed by eltizens, and even women, rushed in and commenced the work of extricating the vofortunate men from their perilous position. y for the greater number would never reach the free air alive. M wounded by the failing wails or scorched by Oun were buried far down beneath the heated debris, who could not possibly be reached in time to eave their liver. Every effort was made to rescue, Water was thrown upon the embers, Shovels were pro- enred, and systematic labor soon organized, One by one the poor sufferers and the dead were brought into the street. From the time of the failing in of the roof the fire gradunily coaged ite florceness, and was finally extin- guished. THE DRAD FIREMEN. Up toalate hour yesterday afternoon the following persons had been recovered from the ruing dead :— 1. Casper Canmeyer, aged twenty-eight years, mem- ber of flose Company No. 2. body was sent to the residence of bis father, Mr. John £. Canuneyer, one of the Superintendents of the Poor, No. 66 Stanton street. 2. Lewis Gardiner, of Hose Corspany No. 6, a brother of Hon. Thomas A. Gardiner, County Treasure 3 Alex. 8. Benson, residing at No. 231 Jay street. Mr. Benson was employed in the office of the . He formerly belonged to Company No. 31, recently disbanded, but since the change had run with Engine Company No. 17, of which he proposed to become a member. His remains were at first reported as those of Wm. Williams, because a handkerchief with that name upon it was found in his pocket. He was subsequently recognized by his brother, Hia body is now at the Forty- second precinct station house, 4. Joxoph H. Brown, of Engine Company No. 17, clerk in the Brooklyn Bank, 6. Eugene Baker, of Pres ymins gr Bal 8. The bodies of the first named three, being near the surface, were extumed in a few hours; but the two last, being buried bencath at lenst alx feet of rubbish, were not reached antil nearly seven o'clock last evening. ker was fovcd lying with his lege across Brown's bead, and a h beain and some iron machinery over them both The frewen having become exhausted, Chief Engineer 1am employed & number of laborers, who worked night before they succeeded. The y crusbed and mutilated, as hard from noon ul Dodies were found eorph ere thoze aleo which were taken out in the morning. 6 W. Williams, of Engine Company No, 17, was re- moved to the hospital, but died soon thereafter. THR WOUNDED. The firemen injured as faras at present asvertained of Hoae Company No. 5, ken to the City Hospital. Engine Company No, 17, are:— 1. Michael Mcoibney, wounded in the arm. 2. James H. Ruggle: taken to his home in Cumberiaud avenue, near DeKalb. Ablo to walk, but believed to be badly injured internally. 3. Edward Bassett, Hove Company No 8, 4 William A. Lee, of Engine Company No. 17, badly 5. Jaines MoGiboey, Hose Company No, 2, at the City Horpitai, in a dying condition. At loast ono person lx known to be etill buried in the He will probably be found to-day. THY ORIGIN OF THE FInR. Tt bas not been satisfactorily decided as to what inet dent the origin of the fire was due, but, for ouce in the history of a mishap of the kind, there aro no suspicions entertained of incendiarism. ft involves a heavy loew on the part of the occupants and Mr, Merritt, the owner of the premises. Tho latter extinates his lows at about $12,000, He, aswell as the occupants, were uninsured, But theee are pot thought of in the great loas of human life that followed the fire. INCIDENTS, ETC. Among thoee standing upon the roof at the time it gave way was Mr. Thomas Gibson. He went down with the rest, vain bia Segoe Jaa hy Kt oe some pri objeot, and inst falling directly beneatl the brisk ‘and mortar, wae throwa violeatly into the street, Although failing & distance of some thirty foot, he was not seriously hurt, but at ones joined the party engaged in searching for Uhose who bud beon more unfortunate. Af usual in such events, there were not wanting many ladies and gentiemen to come forward and cheer the |n- dort and ald and w Hoary Ward Boocher, Mrs Moves & Beach, rn, Joba d, ruins, present and gave their serva'¢s. hile the fire was raging a lady living near the plece called out to those upon the roof, and warned thex? thas it would go down, and prayed them, “fur God's sake, te Joave it,” but all to no purpose. Mr. E. J. Trautman, of Engiue No. 27, fell with the roof, but as he wes sianding near its edge about ome haif of Lis body was thrown forward t solid carth, aud he was caught by the limbs and saved. ROOF FALLING. Merritt, ywher of the butidings de- stroyed, gives it a# his opinion that the falling of the roof was occasioned by the sudden giving away of some of the iron supports, his theory being that the intense heat evolved by the combustion of the contents of the building had heated the fron beams and posts, and if i& bad not melted, had rendered them #oit and pliable, and thus incapable of supporting the incumbent weight of the four or tive feet of earth and the superadded wees of the men crowded upon it. Tue roof, cs was well arched with stone and mer- tar, resting upon substantial walls, and com sidered stronger than these of the edjoining houses, Some seven years since a building of the same ki belougiug to Dr. Beecher, two doors soath of Mr. Mer- Tilt's, had its roof suddenly caved in caring the preva- lence of intensely cold wather. Tho same build! subsequently took fire, and its covering fell in the manner as did those burning yesterday, This induced Mr. Merritt he in extra iron supports; and it was the recollection the manner in which Mz, Beecher™® building had fallen in at its top which induced him te eudeavor to keep the firemen from standing on tho reef of his. But, from some reason or other, the Chief Engi- neer did not order the men off, and they fell victime either vo their own recklessness or the criminal neglees and waut of caution of the offiecr having them: in com THE CORONER'S PROCEEDINOS. Coroner Lynch yesterday viewed three of the bodies and empannelied ajury, with the view of holding an im- quest on Thursday. ‘To-day he will view the two bodies exhumed last evening. He intends to make @ examination {nto all the circumstances. SHERMAN. HIS RETURN TO NEWBERN. His Opinion of the Peace Propositions. The War to bo Fought Out to: the Bitter End. He Expects to Muster His Army Out of Service in Four Months. ANEW REBEL RAM IN THE ROANOKE RIVER Wade Hampton's Cavalry Threatening a Baid « ‘in Sherman’s Rear &e., &., Our Newbern Correspondence. wher, N.C., March 31—A. M. GFNERAL SHERMAN’'S RETURN TO NEWRERM, The sensation which we experienced here last Satae. day, in the arrival and departure of General Sherman, who was then on his way to Fortress Monroe and Cty Point, was renewed yesterday in the return of the General to this point, and his departure for the front, at Golds- boro, last evening. He accepted the hospitalities of Quartermaster Kimball’s roof the most of the day, but im the afternoon took tea at the house of General Palmer. He was accompanied by his brother, Senator Shermaa, and also by Major General Leggett, a son of Secrotary Stanton, and Gencral McCallum, the goneral military railroad manager. The most of them accompanied him to the frovt last might. The General arrived here under peculiar circumstances. He came around from Fortress Monroe on the steamer Bat, an old biockade runner, which he was informed at Hatteras Inlet ought not to go any further, for tre reason that she would be sure to breakt down. He ordered her to go ahead, however, until she did break down. Sure enough, about six or seven miles below here she did ‘collapse,’ and nearly all on board were anxious to wait till help came along. But not so with the General; he took a yawi boat and was rowed ap to the city, arriving here by that method of conveyanse early yesterday morning. The walk in front of Captatm Kimball's residepce and office was crowded more or lee through the day while he was there with an anxiove party, who seemed determined to catch a glimpse at the great hero of the day. He kept quite close, however, except to such wo he wanted to see. beige Emin he Mle Mer in the course of the day, and came near being disabled a manner that would not have been quite as glorious aa upon the battle field. The team ran away, the horses ruoning the carriage up against something, and jumping out of the harness ata break neck speed. No one wap injured, and all was soon righted again. ORNERAL *8BAMAN ON PEACE AND TUB END OF THR WAR. I understand that the General remarked to a persom who oalled = him while here that peace with the robels was all ‘played out’ now, and that hereaftor was to be foucht out to the end. He also feit encou: ‘Ubat the end is not far distant. In fact, while upom this subject, I would also say that in addressing @ portion of his troops at Goldsboro, when revier is thom, just after their arrival there, he remarked them “that they were to keep marching on fer the present, but that before the expiration of four months he Ce genre to be ready to muster out one of the bravest and best armies that ever trod the earth.’? I understand that he seys bis army is large enough, and that be will not accept of any new troop, He says that he is not going to take new men now, and let them share the glory which his old troops have been so long im earning and have had to work so bard for. JOHNSTON’? ARMY AND PORITION. &o, Nothing bas been undertaken by Johaston sinew the battle of Bentonsville. Ht troope are partially in the vicinity of Smithfield, on the railroad Se | Goldsboro to h, and partielly in the vicinity Raleigh. Both igh and Weldn are being frrtified. ‘The rebels hardly know which to expeet, Sherman will next move on Raleigh or If he should see fit to go to Weldon he will um doubtedly meet with some ition there; for it ie boing additionally fortified, and it is well Protected by nature, The bridge that cronses the river there is vety long and very high and the rebels will Cope te | destroy it, alter other resources have failed, Sherman see fit to move in that direction. Depend it that It will not take many weexs for Sherman's army then there will bea mand has been re- incorporated in the armny, and it ocoupy the centse of the Army of Invasion. General Howard has been im command of the army in General Sherman's absence. The rebels are building a formidable ram at — on the Roanoke river, a few milex south of Weldon, they count upon great assistance from it im case we should strike in that direction. The Press Despatches. Newnes, N. C., March 20, 1866. Captain Newton,{from Plymouth, states that the new rebel ram ot Halifax, on the Roanoke river, which mounts six two bundred pounders, and is plated with seven inch wrought iron on two feet of solid oak, is ex- pected to be ready to movo down the river on Plymeuth and into.the Sound on the 16th of April. Also that nearly all the rebel navy officers in the confederacy, numbering over two hundred, were at Halifax, whic their ren- dezvour for this State. Wade Hampton's cavalry are threatening a raid om our supplies between Kinston and Golds! which protruses to be formidable affair, The necemary been made for their reception, 0. neral ‘whether Weldow. which will result in Wade's defeat, if not anniht Quartermasior General M. OC. Meigs Gy Easton, Chief Quartermaster of General Sherman's leCa here this morning for the front. : army, Govoenono, N.C, April 1, 1845. A detachment from General Reilly's command wae sent out on @ reconnoissance yerterday, beyond Little river. They found the enemy's cavalry in considerable fore, but drove them back some three miles, returni without any loss, The rebel forces are north of river, Fortra Mosnor, Va, April 2, 1866, ‘The steamers Decatur, Delaware and Jersey Blae arrived hore this morning, from Newbern, N. ©, with an aggregate of eight hundred rebel prisoners and about two hundred refugees, The condition of these refugees in of the most distresing nature, many of them beii encumbered with numerous children, barefooted, and baif «tarved. They were taken im charge by the Provost Marshal, aod will be sent North few days. Wasmnaros, April 4, 1865, An order, of which this ia @ copy, has been approved by Major General Sherman :— Newsnns, N. 0,, March 80, 1868. Ail mails for officers and soldiers in the toby he with,