The New York Herald Newspaper, September 21, 1866, Page 4

“THE PARACUAYAN WAR. FIGHTING FROM JULY 16 TO 18. BATTLE OF CAPON PIRIS. Alternating Successes and Very Heavy Losses on Both Sides. OFFICIAL ALLIED ACCOUNT. Trouble Between the Allies and an American Minister, Brazil .o be Connected with the United States by Telegraph. &. os Tho steamship North America, Captain Timmerman, arrived at this port yesterday, bringing news from Rio Janoiro up to August 25. The Pursor will accept our thanks for the prompt delivery of our filos and eapaichos. THE WAR IN PARAGUAY. &. &. QUA RID JANEIRO CORRESPONDENCE. . Rio Janureo, August 25, 1860, THR RELIABLE GENTLEMAN IN SOUTH AMERICA, Shortly after the departure of the English steamer with my last letter all sorts of ramors of battles fought in Paraguay, resulting in successes to the arms of the allies, began to prevail hero, These rumors have sinco then boen filtered through several arrivals from the River Plate, aud although the so-called authentic reports aro vory conflicting, and even contradictory, it is undoubted that there has been much severe fighting, with consider- able loss of life, resulting in somo small advantages on tho side of the allies, The readers of the Heratp will per- aps not be surprised to learn that that ubiquitous and im- portant personage, the “reliable gontioman,’’ who did such good service during the ‘‘telegraphobio’’ period of the recent struggle in the United States, 1s now perform. jngsimilar service in this part of South America. His headquarters seem to be alternately fixed at Buenos Ayres and Montevideo, and sometimes he pays a flying visit to this city. At other times he is hoard of at Corri- entes, and even at the allied camp across the Parana, Through this gentleman, and from other sources equally “reliable,” Lam able to compile the following summary of intelligence from the front since my last advices: — A STUBHORN rrGHT. Iwill be remembered that, in my letter of the 8th Anstaut, I spoke of the passage of General the Baron Porto Allegre down the Parana to join the main army under General Mitre, That junction having been com- Ploted, a plan of attack on the Paraguayans, formed by the new Genoral Polydoro, was dotermined on, with the view of dislodging them from a position on a hillon which they were hard at work fortitying themselves, ‘nd from which they would have boen enabled to endan. ger the left and rear of tho allios. The hillin question was situated on the flank occupied by the Brazilians, a brigade of whom, by order of General Polydoro, con- coaled themsclves after nightfall in the woods at the foot of the hill, At daybreak of the 16th of July the fight commenced on the part of the concealed Brazilians, by whom the Paragueyans were surprised while at work in thelr intrenchments, from which they wero driven after ashort but sharp fight, The Brazilians, having acoom- plished this feat, advancod along the height to assault the Paraguayan works in the rear, but they were re- Osived with such a fire from the woods that they were forced to abandon tho attempt and confine themselves to the defonce of the work which they had taken, This ‘was successfully done, notwithstanding two flerce attacks by tho Paraguayans and the storm of missiles that burst around them. The victors, however, suffered considerable loss, and the troops under fire wore relieved Govora! times during tho day. VARYING SUCCESSEA, ‘The fight was renewed on the 17th and continued with Groat obstinacy during the 18th, the object of tho allies Deing to carry the next line of the Paraguayan fortifica- tions, in which they wore successful for a time; but the Paraguayans subsequently recovered the defences, and again lost them. The battle now bocame general, almost the entire force on both sides being engaged. Finally ho allied troops were recalled, as it was deemed that seuecess in that direction would be too dearly bought, and tho allied troops retired in good order without being pur- @ued, save a dash by the Paraguayan cavalry on the Fight fank of the Argentines, in which they wero re- pulsed. c allies rewained in posession of the works they bad Captured on the 16th, which thoy at once @rougthened and armed with heavy cannon and mortars. The position gained is deemed likely to be of groat sor- ‘vice to the allies, On the whole four different engage- monts took place, amounting to very little, except the great slaughter, on either side, The number placed hore de combat on the side of tho allies is estimated at 4,200. Of course the loss of the Paraguayaus is said to be mach larger. In fact these people seem to bo pos- f- naehd the vital tenacity of the Albans, Latins and Ines of old, whose armics, amounting to many ids, wore always being cut in pisoos by tho Romans, contrived to show an equal number of mon, to be made mince meat of in like mannor, whea- ever the Romans chose to attack thoin again. WHAT TOR FLPRT DID. When the attack was mado by the land forces on the 26th the fleet weighed auchor in tho moruing and pro- jod up the river, going round the bend just below Soonny. At four P. M. of the samo day turned to fits formor anchorage, without having fred a shot at the epemy's fort, Tho following is an account given as the cause of this silent mancuvre:— 4 stnall gunboat camo up to the fleet Isat night, the 16th of July, with despatches to the Admiral, lnforming him that next day the positions occupied by the Para- guayans were going to be taken, and that It bad become eceasary that the enemy's attention should be diveried om the ty.o most important points defended by Lopez, and right op the way of the allies.’’ The movement was ado, but was only partially succesful, because Lopes tached only a few thousand cavalry towards the riv and dofended bis lines with great tenacity, losing, as alieady moutioned, only the most advanced one, but no artiliery. ‘ GENRRAL POLYDORO BLAMED, Genoral Polydoro was unfortunate in bis first plan, and any persons blame him for baying sacrificed so many ives to no advantage, Among the slain on tho part of the allies are Genorals Fausto, Aquiar and Leon de Faliejo, Orienwala, Their bodies were sent to Montevideo. Tho Paragnayangare said to have lost General Barrios, @ Drothor-in-iaw o wi ENPRAL XUTRE PAYR, General Mitre, in one of his despatches, says: —" After the yiortous and sangainary battles of the last three Gayn wo are now quiet, and the enemy more circum. scribed in his position He has roceiyed # severe fowen, though at the cost of considerable loss to our. wolves, We have fortified our lines and ted our flank, The onemy seems to have been terrified since our attacks. Such is the affirmation of deserters who bave gum ovor since.” Under the hending “Stop Preea’’ she Nucion Argentina (Montevideo), July 26, contradicts the impression of a signal victory in these enterday hole of Buonos Ayres was unluckily de petved by tho lottors from the army, so as to believe in @ site triumph over the enomy by the allied arma lator accounts we learn that the 7riduna is the author the #0 called victory. ARRIVAL OF NORARA FOR THR ALLIES. Noarly five thousand horses, according to last adv! had — y BR da Patria, but it is to be fe that, unless ir ment is changod, they will be of Httle use, The first batch that errived ai Corientes were already in £ miserable ~ mewn from want of good fodder. Although hundreds upon hundreds of bales of geod hay have boon sont up the river, | appears that @ partios in charge have rendered the fodder unfit for the poor brates. The hay has been landed in all sorte of jor, And left on the of the river, exposed to heavy showers of rain, Pp correspondent, writing ‘areng to the Puenos Ayros slander says that on the 224 ult. Lopes font a m to the allied camp, inviting General Mitro to 0 of & churrasco ry ho next ( —that being some anniversnr; Ke'Fens ed oaks ie oeake omer atten’ two ciet i Ts No fresh move setts cars wrore anata hs tre tut with Hite oF no i orb from the front that Of thelr Sa officers ls do, ngs explode. of + guay the Brazilians ye inteitene es over them up. Up wothe night of the 13th ultimo: tbeon pretty sucosestal ie enon “ue night e tenant and & boat's crow, bolongiug tO the Brazilian ex Of a torpedo, It seems that the boat contain. ing the fabant ‘and his men was considerably ahead et eens vousel of ee sassdecn, aie . ject drifting down the river, they pi ‘when it was discovered to be atorpedo. In the endea- vors of the lieutenant to give the dangerous engine a direction towards the shore it exploded, killing eight men out of fourteen, The other six had an almost ml- racirlous escape, A SPECK OF TROUBLE BETWEEN THE AMBRICAN MINISTER AND THR ALUES, A rumor was afloat in Buenos Ayres of a serious dis- agreement between Mr, Wash! the United States Minister to Paraguay, and the Allies. It appears that Mr, Washburn wished to ascend the Paraguay river on board the double ender Shamokin, Captain Crosby, but was prevented doing so by the Allied Commander. It is further stated that tho Minister has instructions from the government of the United States to force his passage up the river if necessary. It was expected, however, that General Mitré and Mr. Washburn would come to an amicable understanding on the sub; For my part, I believe this rumor, if not totally bas been at least greatly exaggerated, ISCEL LANBOUS INTELLIGENCE, General Polydoro had loft the camp to hold a con- ference with the Baron Porto Alegre, at which the Bra- zilian Minister and the Admiral were to bo present. Buenos Ayres papers have been speculating on tho future destination of the nd corps. Some say they will join the main army; others that they will be taken on board the fleet for a landing at Cumpaitz, The samo papers have also published a letter stating that the Para- guayans would attack the allies on the 27th ult, This is ‘& mere conjecture. From Corrientes forty-six pieces of rifled artillery had bean, seit into Paraguay from the Brasilian arsenals in that city. According to the statement of a desorter Lopez’s army is Ne reduced to twelve or thirteen thousand men, and Humaita is defended by only one battalion. Credat Judaus non ¢, The Brazilian transport steamer Oyapock was lost in the river Plate, All the perso board were saved, as well as 150,000 sovercigns; and it was hoped to get out the heavy caunon and munitions. The Oyapock was conveying a number of doctors and medical students to the Brazilian hospitals at Corrientes, ‘The Baron de Porto-Alegre's whole army, numbering nine thousand, had been incorporated with the Brazilian army at Paso de Ja Patria. Two thousand to three thou- sand convalescon's bad also joined, A large nuinber of horses bad been recotved, and great efforts were making to put the cavalry and drtillery in promer. condition. General Mitro had demanded three thousand men to reinforce his Argontine army, and General Flores had called for two.hundred of the National Guard of Monte- video. The Brazilians were also expecting considerable reinforcements from the recruiting going on in the Bra- zilian provinces, Battle of, Capon Pirls—Allied Oficial Ac- counts. MITRE TO THE VIOR PREMDENT OF THB ARGENTINE CONFEDERATION, Hravgvarrers, July 26, 1866. Estreurp Frrevp—To this moment, eight A. M., I have been expecting the steamer's news, which should have come from Corrientos‘on the 24th. As nothing ap poars, and the steamer goos to-day, I commenco writing to give you the news of those days, not having done it previously for want of time. On the 14th the enemy's forces appeared on our teft funk, Sotrewing. Pe thick wood whieh surrounds us there, through which fiéy have prolor hg fortifica- tions of their right, and bripging @OWMG catnon. Tmmd- diately I put mysolf in accord with Marshal Osorio to dislodge the enemy from that position, because that flan| was covered by the Brazilian army. The sickness of General Osorio and other circumstances retarded this ration intl the 16:h, On the 16th the Fourth division, commanded by Gen. oral Guilherme, attacked the first gap in the wood where the enemy had fortified himself, taking the trench with the bayonet and puraving the enemy to his second fortified line on that side, he leaving the fleld covered with corpees. The fie bina ‘was not taken that day because a part of the cXnbination failed; we limited ourselves then to maintain atall hazards the position conquered, which the enemy, aware of its importance, attempted all the time to dispute. Having established ourtelves in the works of tho hill taken from the enemy, he commenceda vigorous fire upon it, which lasted during fifteen hours, for, favored by the roughnoes of the ground, be could covera great part of his forces, but aa we vigorously beat them back in two atincksto retake the postion and succeeded in firing his parquo, we remained definitely masters, The Fourth division, commanded by General Guil- horme, was relieved in the defence of the trenches by General Argotlo and his division, aided by the Buenos Ayres Second division, under Colonel Conesn, and later by the Victorino division, which remained there until the 18th, when the combat was begun anew by us to oc- cupy the other position ati!! a pine of the cnomy, that day (18th) the second line of works was taken from the enemy, the Third Argentina division, under command of Colonel Dominguez, which had relieved the Second division, entering decidedly into the ire. General Victorino, with tho Brazilian troops he com- manded, as alto Genoral Flores, with his Orientals and Brazilians, whom I advanced by the contre and nght of tine to the attack, took the aforesald line of redoubts & right of the enemy, which they reached by nar- Tow deflies, and which forms what I call the third Ine of the enemy at that [ani In this third iine a battery of seven twelve pounders was takon with the bayonet by the Argentine battalions, aided by the Oriental battalion Fio1 commandod by Colonel Pallejas, Having pushed his attack too much, and the enomy having collected all his reserves upon his right flank, the conquered position became diffeult to maintain, especially as the enomy annoyed our forces with firing, covered by the surrounding ‘woods, hiding his defences on the right. The death of Colonel Pallejas, which took place within the battery, owing to this firo, and the consequent retire- ment of the Florida batallion, determined that of the other troops after leaving the cannon useless. In this ition two Brazilian batallions lent effective aseietanco y charging gallantly to keep back the enemy. Following this [sont General Emilio Mitre with the Fourth division of the Second corps to reinforce the at- tack, the Second battalion of the Line, and the 3d of the Buenos Ayres National Guards, comm: by Mateo Martine, entering immediately into action. Both battations, as well as those of the Third division, Dore the Argentine flags to the enemy’s works, where both color-men fell wounded. Afterwards, as wo had obtained the principal end, and xt was not (bie for the time to obtain more profit from more advanced position, both corps commenced their retreat, bringing their wounded, and without being annoyed by the enemy. In Tits attack Colone! Agnuero was killed near the enemy's works, and ‘ommandant Mateo Martinez had his horse kiiled by grape at the cannon's mouth, he boing the on'y chtef of the corps engaged who had not deen wounded in the attacks on this side, At this moment I percetved firing to onr right, and I directed my attention towards a column of cavalry of about 1,890 mon, which, with infantry mounted bebind them, sud covered by the palm grove, attacked our ad- vanced posta, Commendoent Ayola reerived them at the lagoon with Infantry squares, beating back an enemy's battalion whieh aitempted to force the ford in front of the cavairy which protected them. Burying himself then in the Im grove, the enomy fell apou the San Nicolas bat- Eohion whieh, formed in square, covered its rotreat, The enemy charged them twice, but was victoriously repelled by both battalions, without need of the aid of the other battalions which I moved to their support. He left on the field, in this attack, eee tho number found up to to-day, among them the chief of the columa and various officers. Thave not time to give you more details, The loss of the onemy is considerable, and, althongh it is not pos- sible at this moment to aacert it exactly, the Coseriers and prisoners coniirm this. TF, come At nig , gives the news of the death nthe attak of the 18th, as well as that of other field officers, among them Colonel Marco. On our edo i compute the losses of the armies in the various combats at fifteen hundred men, botwoon kiiled aod wounded, five handred of which, abouta fourth killed, belouced to the Argentine army. As e have almost all the chiefs of the corps engaged. Wounded—01 Borges, Ivanosky Guilfra, Cabot, tom, Ido not remember the others. Commandant + , who entered the first line with the Entro-iian battalion, wes not wound The consequence of all is we have advanced and im- proved our position on the loft, uncovering a great part of the hidden defences of the enomy’s right, after dis- Jodging bim from the works with which he intended to cover and crush gur left flank, General Palidoro received the command of the Bra- zilian army, and he directed the movements of the imperial forces in te prominont part which fell to them. have not time ood more, ooo av farewell, calling self ag ever your affectiouate frien ii BARTOLOMEO MITRE. GENERAL POLIDORO'S REPORT OF THE RATTIB OF Tie 16cH, Hanger ar Terery, July 20, 1806, ‘With the intent to advance his works on the right flank, the enemy undertook to occupy a hill in the wood almost at our extrome loft, where he began to make a h as an advanced with the double end of on- lading our loft flank and ikewise battering our rear, To this advantage of the enomy’s was united the ge of attacking us violent poseossing himself of piace calied ‘“Potroro with which he could easily communicate by aven and paths which he doubtiqns would open. Flores, and the Baron de Herval, the Leena A of dislodging the enemy fo attack I Apeies ; hese On the 15th, when T assumed the command of the Risaltack world be made and the postion wen wow Me At night of the ith T ordered Br Gailhorme Xavier de Soura to take the Fourth and four on, besides a force of th combat while our artillery could not _ work, through ness of the ean orang pn as it was by infantry, Our attacking column then undertook their rotroat in order, back to the conquered work, from which it main- tained its fire, rend formation in tho best posstble red bs adofle in which a battalion could not woli form 8 fron Atter the combat commenced I had ordered the First division of infantry, under Brigadier Alexandre Gomes de Areotlo Ferrao, to advance, and half-past pine o'clock it was in action relieving the Fourth which had not only suffered severe loss but was worn out, notwith- standing tho vigor and courage with which they still fought, ‘The Firat division continued the hope sa in the same way as the other, and was reinforced the Sixteenth and Forty-sixth volunteers of the Fourth division, and afterwards at tive P. M. by an Argentine brigade under Colonesa, which likewise fought with gs try and courage relieving all these corps 4 Only after nine P, M. did the fire of the enemy begin to lessen, there continuing, however, simultancously from time to time fusiliade and discharges of grape and rockets from the 18 occu! by the enemy. - The extreme left battery of our vanguard, under Gene- ral Flores, secondod the attack by sweeping with grape the mount on which the enemy fought, and the road over which he received reinforcements. By order of the same general the field pieces at bis command and those with Brigadier Guilherme converged to operate through an entrance on the point of the hill, close to the entrenchment attacked, and all the movoment on this part was directed by that general. The brigade which, under Brigadier José Luiz Menna Barreto, occupied Piris, did its best to enter into the Aight, but could pot get though tho woods, At ten P. M. all the forces ongaged were relieved by the Sixth division, under Brigadier Victorino José Car- ein Monteiro, which had to maintain the conquered ion, Pere enemy, though dislodged from the work, fired occasionally untila little after midnight. This exposition shows that the fight of tho 16th may be commemorated as a brilliant feat of arms of this campaign, preventing the enemy establishing himself in advantacous position, which would havo fator turned ae eile more bloody and our present situation very dificult, All the forces engaged did their duty, and havo a right the which more than once have fallen to the Brazilian soldier for bis gallantry and valor in the fight. Our losses were about a thousand killed and wounded. Near the place of combat more than nine hundred and fifty gunennd ex hundred bayonois belonging to the enemy were picked up. COMBAT OF THE 18rH. After conquering the enemy's entrenchments in con- sequence of the fight of the 16th, it continuod in our occupation on the 17th. Tn the night of the 17th Briga- dier Victorino percetved that the enemy was cutting paths throagh tho interior of the mount, concealing thi labor by discharges of muskotry. At daybreak ou the 18th, a reconnolssance being made to carry on thd attack, firing commenced, and al! the Brazilian and Argentine occupying foree was encaved. According to & commynieation from Brigadior Vie- torino, he, while advancing Along {he lilt, roceived orders from General Flores to prosecnte the ajlack to the enemy's ontronchmonts. The fight then becamc obstinate at that point, and was directed in conformity with tbat Goneral’s orders, as the position was near the lott flank of put vanguard, of which he is chief. |, /GOMEAL Potydoro supported the advance of Genoral Flores with the Fourth division, which aided the Ninth fayd covered the entronchimont taken on the 10th. Brig- adier Monga Barroto was stationed towards Potroro Piris with the Eighth and Sixteenth battalions of the line, the Tenth of volunteers, tho Second and Third light cavalry, and the provisional corps of cavalry of the national guard, to distract the enotY aad & engage the batteries which dominated tho avenues of the MUniain and the neighborhood of Lake Piris, beyond tho dofiles. ‘To this body the First and Second corps of cavalry cha sours of the Baron de Porto Alegre’s army were addod,and later in tho day the other corps of chasseurswere brought into action. The attack on this side lasted an hourand a balf, and the force advanced to near the encmy’s parapet, not- withstanding a stybborn resistance; buat on tho ces- a of General 6a’ attack these troops were re- called. ‘The loses of all the Brazilian troops evgaze’ on the 18th, amounted to fifteen hundred killed aid wounded, inel:iding in the latter Brigadier Victorino, wounded ge: vorely in his loft hand. EXTRACT PROM GENERAL FLOREA’ REPORT OF THE FIGKT ON ‘Tix 183i. Scsing that the Brazilians and Argontines under Gen- eral Victorino were moving in the direction of the mount beyond the works taken on the 16th, and that Colonel Domingues, with two Argentine battalions, advanced towards this side to take the second fortified grove, T ordered Commandant Elias to attack with the Independ- ent Oriental battalion and the Sixteenth Brazilian vol- uuteers, the enemy's right and front, to aid the Argen- tine movement, I then ordered Colon! Pallojas to march with the Floride battalion, and take command of all the forces, ordering bim also to aitack in the front the positions of the enemy, whose first line had been taken by Colonel Domingues and Commandant Fitas, who had then joinod the division of General Victorino, which having marched through the interior of the mount, was at that moment entering the ow vr The enemy towards the mount and the wood, where his artillery was placed, pursued by our soldiers, and @ warm fro of musketry and ilory was ox- changed, we eve with two pieces and afterwards ‘With six proces pl in our advanced line, Seeing that the fire angmented I ordered Commandant Flores to put himself at the head of the Brazilian batta- lions of tho Ninth division in reserve, and to march for ward, which he did, gotting close to the enemy's ba: ore at the momeut they were assaulted by our so!- ers. An instant after, the artillery fire ceased and Colonel Tallejca sont me word that the battery had been taken by the Argentines under Domingues, wherefore, having ouly the Florida battalion to protect the assault he needed two more battalions. T thorefore sent on the Fifteenth Brazilian volunteers and Soveuth line, but before they arrived the epemy had been reinforced, and Colonel Pailojas being killed, our battalions had to rotire, the enemy recorering his ground and cannon. However, the Fificonth and Seventh Bra- ziliaus advanced and drove the enemy back as far as the ground permitted, Captain Fontoura being killed while cutting @ ditch of the enemy at the head of a company of sappors, Tt was then that, oa our soldiers had fought with- out rest for four hours, I requested relief from the re- servo, and Genoral Mitre sent Gonoral Emilio Mitre with tho Fourth Argentine division by the right, and General Guilberme’s Brazilian division by the jeft, the latter su- perseding General Victorino, who was wounded, and aiding General Monna Barreto, who wes fighting at the Potrero. General Guilherme, under whose orders I placed Com- mandant Flores, advanced the second of the line, and the Third National Guards, of the Fourth Argentine division, which drove the enemy before them, and d fings on the Paracuavan batteries; but I be- the Paraguayans had got retaforeemente, and considering that our olject—which was to dislodge thom from the side of the mount—was attained, and it not seeming to me to be proper to give battle tm that position, L ordered our troops to retire and ocenpy the entrenchments conquered, which wos done in tue best order ond with all eorenity, ‘The losses of the enemy are great, he having arrived at the need of reinforcing his line with dismounted cavalry, armed with sabres. The losses in the ghting on the 16th to 18th is offi cially atatod at— 60 officers killed and 192 wounded; rank and flo, 419 killed and 2,224 wounded, Totat, 3,883 Braziliang. The Argentines lost 1,006; the Oriental coutingent, 200 men killed and wounded. The position takea on the 16th was immodiately strengthened and mounted with heavy cannon and mor- tara, with which it was expected to seriously dam Paregaayan om the fleot, | Thi feint of a tious and effecting somo usefal soundiage, the vessels returned to their previous anchorage The Paraguaya rontinued sending down tor; nightly, and although, besides Laving boate out, the vanced vessels tied with a floating guard to stop the torpedoes and explods them by dropping a heavy spar on them, the leading vessel, the Mearim, was soverely on the ith and Uth’ of July, vy th josions of two of there contrivances, the shoe! fleas and extin- doing sufficient to smash all the guish the ighte. No injary, however, rosulted to the ‘Voasel or crow on either occasion. However, a boat which approached foo recklessly to one floating down wes biown up, and an officer, Lieutenant Antonio Couto, and seven ton lost their lives. I Baron de Porto Alogre’s army, had joined the other forces at Paso de in Corrientes hospitals bad gone the horses brought by the Baron do logre two thousand had come up from Entre Rios and the River Plate. BMitre, it Is said, demands tinmedi- ate reinforcements of 3,000 men, and General Floree has called for two hundred of the natiocal guard to be sent to him from Montevideo, aonane of importance ocenred after the 18th, but the mak'ng at last dates it was looked pods | 6th of August would be the epoch of a general AN ARGENTINE A0COUY?. The Inst battle has been a terrible affair; it began before sunrise on the 16th and concluded at haif- popes on the of the 14th, with very little result except awfal bloodshed, for it is calculated the losses on each Parsguayan, lines are something wonderful, ¢x- in tinuods redoubts, } tod baturiag for ovr four mien with fons from the Mares among Some have at rived, but in @ short time they will be good for unless Wo move on, AFFAIRS IN BRAZIL. OUR Rid JANEIRO CORRESPONDENCE. Rio Jano, August 25, 1866, DEARTH OF DOMESTIO NEWB IN RIO. Just now it is a matter of some difficulty to find ma- terial for a newspaper letter from this place. In moribund state of the present Parliament politics are a stand still, and the new Ministry, against whom suc! an onslaught was made ere thoy had an opportunity to oven initiate any unpopular measures, seem to be lot “severely” alone, The Senate has taken wpa bill to reform the Bank of Brazil, and itis believed that sald bill, whatever its provisions may be, founded as it is on the report of the Committeo of Finance, will become a Jaw, upon which the bank will lose ita faculty of iss The Bank of Brazil has long been in a tottering state, and it lato be hoped that the National Legislature, in reforming, will “reform tt altogether.” As I saidin my last letter, the present Parliament will oxpire on the 3d of September, shortly after which I hope to be ablo to present to the readers of the Heratp a pen and ink aketoh of a genoral election in Rio, ‘TWO SHOCKING CATASTROPHES, ‘The first of these occurred on the morning of tho 17th Instant, when the upper part of the house No, 33 Rua do Theatro fell upon shops Nos, 31 and 31 A, burying their inmates in the ruins, So sudden was the disaster that the inmates of one of the buildings (a small cigar storey, who were at breakfast in an inner room, had no time to escape, The police were quickly on the spot, and, with the aid of other persons who voluntoered their services, a French woman, “Madame Ponssonicre, who kept a millinery establishment in 31 was dug out from the debris, She was living when found, but both her logs were broken, bosides which injury she was ee- verely contused on different parts of her body. By this time a party of convicts arrived at tho spot, and wore set to work in romoving the superincumbent mass, when they succeeded in rescuing alive a@ little girl, between three and four years old, the daughter of a slave belong- ing to Madame Ponssoniere, Three other persons were taken out who wero all dead, two of them boing shock- ingly muttlated, Strange to eay, a negro baby, about nine months old, and mall dog, were found safe un- der . tablo which had three legs broken by the fall of the housa. ‘Tho second catastrophe was an explosion of gunpow- der, under the following circumatances:—A few days ago some gunpowder contained in zine cases was landed from a veasol in the harbor, ina wetand damaged state. The cases wore taken to the store of Viorria de Castro & Co., No, 153 Rua Quitanda, One of the open to dry, and remained a0 on thg dud re | is supposed that & spark {OMT cigar smoked by somo oan less sioFk reacbP4 the powder, when the whole ex- pivaed with a terrific report, the’ flames shooting up- | Wards through ie roof and the fatermediate floors in a migute. Tho cily engines were had in requisition, and similar was noply afiggded by the commanders of the French, Italian até Spanish yessels of war in port. There were no American or English cruisers in at the time to render their meed of assistance. Tho Inhabitants (particularly the young morchants and clerks) worked like horses in their endeavors to get the flames under; but In this they were impeded by the scanty supply of water, which, though sufficient for domostic purposes, 18 altogether inadequate to moet the sudden demands of a fire, Another impediment was the absurd, narrow streets, ‘Ihe bnilding where tho oxplosion took placo ag ‘gtally doatroyed. ‘Two bousea on the opposite side ere badly scorched, and tio nore on ench side of the burnt building were badly damaged, more by water than by fire, Two members of the De Cestro firm are go badly barned that they are expected to die, as also a boy be- longing to a store on the opposite side. Three persons were killed outright, and several othera wi severely wounded, A sad commentary this on ragislegs handling of gunpowder and the carelessness of smokén WRECK OF A TRANSVONT, On the 12th ins: ihe Brazilian transport Jose San eye with 200 invalids from the river Plate to Santa tharina, struck on tho bar of Lagina, whero sho ia coms a total wreck. The passengors were all but a boat going to their ald from a jooner near by capelzed, and two of her men were rowned, THE WEATHER. ” The jem minter hasbeen delichtfally cool and plea- sant. During the last few daya, however, there have boon symptoms of a return to summer heats, To day is cool again, cloudy, with indications of a coming storm. As I closo—balf-past three P. M.—a large and enthusi- astic meoting is being held at the Kxchango, ia further- ance of the PROSKCTRD LINK OF THIRGRAPT FROM THE RIVER PLATE TO CAYENEP, to join with that of Coliing to the United States. Sev- eral oxcellont speeches have been delivered on the sub- ject by men of mark, and there is evory probability of ‘an address to the government praying for the necessary concession being agroed to, and of the prayer being granted, the government of Brastt having rosolved to aecept the proposals of Mr. Cayman, agent of Mr. Perry McD. Colliay. The meeting is attended by most of the infuentic! werchanis of the city, ex-ministers aud deputies, 1: was anapimously reaolved that the Imper- fai government be urged to close the contract immedi. ately with Mr. Collins’ agent on the conditions proposed by the ex-Minister of Coimmorce, Sr. Paulo Souza, As I ‘waa leaving the chamber to see the North America off, Sr. Paulo Souza said to me, “Send word to them in the United States that we are resolved to shake hands with them fraternaliy in lees than two years.’” ‘The stenmer Montauk, from New York for California, arrived at Rio Janeizo on the 2ist of Angast. Four charters for freight to New York were made at 35a, 87s. Gd. and 408, ‘Two Turkish war steamers had left Rio Janeiro for the Gulf of Arabia. SOUTHERN TRADE. vert Influx of Seuthern Merchants-—-leavy Business Trausactions—Influence of the Forthcoming Cotton Crop—Anxiety of New York Merchants—Porsible Curtailment of Credits—Picuters in Town Soliciting Capi- tal, &e. New York is now in the height of the fail business with the Southern States. Several thousand merchants from the larger cities and the “cross road’’ towns of the South are here, and our hotels are crowded to overflow. ing with them. They may be found hard at work all dey selecting their stocks in the. large wholceale eztab- lishments, and inthe evening Alling the various placer of ainusement. There sre at least twice as many mer- chants from the South hero now es there were last sea- son at this time, The sight of so many homespun suits and slouch hats on Broadway reminds the practived New York eye of the prosperous an‘e bellum era, THR LINES OF STRAMENS and sailing packets running South are crowded with goods. The Savannah steamers are especially well patronized. They are generally filed up with freight within twenty-four hours efter they commence loading, and the agents are continually putting on extra bo rush, The Charleston, Mobile, Wilmington, New Orleans and Galveston lines also find themselves run down with business. Since the resumption of peaceful intercourse with the h merchants from that section have found little ulty In procuring time on their peymente. Indi- vidunle coming here lest year, exbibiting a fair record for integrity aud business capteity, and offering to pay na far {in the mos and were giv This fall, however, and within the past ton days, circumstances have arisen which havo occasioned e nxiety to out large merchantr, andywhich may have tho effect of seriously curtailing credits. The ability Of the Southern merchant to meet his notes four Montag hence depends greatly upon the condition of ‘TRR INCOMING COTTON CHOP. If the crop is bet, or fails entirely, he will fail to Lis goods or make bia collections ip time to mect his New York liabilttics, Unfortunately the crop is not very promising. Three months ago the general cs:imate was three millions of bates; since the planting, however, a variety of ui circ coe bave ocourred to retard of injure the crop. First, there were hea rains, and then followed @ most unprecedent dronght. Finally, in eome sections the army worm . most = sangul caleulators in every part of the South do not now estimate acrop over 1,500,000 qe while the a is considerably lower. The latoat unfavorable from all except pion reports eon nue to be festorn Texas. Our merobents aro iy anxious aboot this condition of things, and some are hesitating about extending their credits. If an carly frost should fall upon the cotton , all credits would ond immediately for thie year. the moment the great Its influence fs felt Th has ite ramifica- ee ea rete 33 ! f at Ht G sown with the maglo soed,'the ‘prosperity of that air sown wi 1o ros] y of land will poring, Browns back ani boundless wealth into the lap of the North, and cementing anew the bonds of our glorious Union, A NEW IMMIGRATION. Southerners Settling in New York—What They Are Doing—Luawyers, Physicians, Clergym and Authors—Sketches of the Prominent Accessions to this Community. The close of the war left many Southern merchants and professional men bankrupt in fortune and dispirited about the future of their section, To begin life anew in their old haunts was distasteful to them, and, perhaps, impelled by that feverish desire, common to all Ameri- cans, to try their luck in fresh places, they turned their faces from their homes. me removed to Europe, a _ few tried Mexico and Br but tho majority of these expatriated confederates emigrated to the Northern States. New York, on account of its cosmopolitan society, its liberal toleration of opinion and its business advantages, has attracted the bulk of theso wanderers. It is estimated that nearly twenty thousand Southern born whites, of both sexes, have settled permanently in New York sinco the return of peace. Merchants have re-established themselves in business; the young men have procured situations as clerks, and lawyers, physi- clans and clergymen havo found opportunity to exercise their callings, Some of the unlucky ex-confederates have even taken situations as street car conductors. In tho large wholesale houses ‘'drummers’’ of Southern extraction, who can influence Southern trade, are in con- stant demand. Upon the whole, this Southern colony is a valuable addition to our society, for its members aro generally educated and intelligent persons, and, having been well trounced in the late war, exhibit a most com- mendable desire to live hereafter peaceable citizens. Among so many settlers from a section of the country always fruitful in great minds, it is not strange that there should be some men of intellect and power. Indeod, New York has been fortunate in abeorbing into its bosom several of the most brilliant and solid men of the South, They certainly contribute to the swelling grandeur - eT Breatness of ony Imperial city, We epee” sketches of casgg yas left | sevdtal of these late sottiors In Now York. PROFESSOR ALEXANDER DhuTRY, This venorac'@ gontloman, ono of the most Learned and distinguished of Southert Scholars and publicists, is ® native of New Orleans. He was educated at the Unt- versity of Georgetown, D. C. Returning to Louisiana after his graduation, he founded the New Orleans Bee, being the first Louisianian that evor edited a newspaper in the English language. In 1839 Mr, Dimitry wag ap- pointed by Prosident Van Buren, under the treaty with Mexico, Secretary of the Mixed Board gf Commissioners to adjust claims of citizens of the United States against Mexico, But ho bad been engaged in this service only ashort time when he was appointed by the Louisiana Legislature Prosident of Franklin College, one of the three institutions endowed by the State. In 1843 the Stato ob Losers. Fork aa cece io gi it compu Qp the nM vide for the support of pabhe “hoop y eins ate ‘ation. Professor Dimi wrote 6 Feport. of Joint commit- toe of thirtesn appoiuted by the nexi Legislature fo organize the new system; which was adgopied and Bate elected by that oer Superintondeiit. of Public Education »gainst Judge Bullard, then late Chie! Justice. During the occupancy of this position Professor Dimitry was twice nominated for Congross by the demo- cracy, but declined, believing that he could better serve tho State as a director of her schools. In 1854 he was invited by tho late William L. Marcy, Secretary of State, to take o of the foreign correspondence and translation in the State Department, He accepted and remained there to the incalenlable value of the country until 1858, when he was appointed Minister Plenipoten- tiary of the United States to Central America to settle tha transit question with Nicaragua and to procure from Costa Rica a mixed convention to settle the claims of Aierican citizens against said State, both of which ques- tions he satisfs adjusted. He returned to the South after the war had commenced, and during its con tinuance be was Chief of tho Finance Bureau of the Con- federate Post OMice Department. Professor Dimitry is learned in every branch of science and ethics. He is un- doubtedly the best linguist in the country and is pong conversant with ancient Greek, Latin, San- scrit, Gwlic, Anglo-Saxon and German; less intimately 80 with the Hebrew and Persic languages. He speaks with fiuency English, Fronch, Spanish, Portaguese, Itallap and modern Greek. He \n deoply read in the politica, bistory and laws of the Kuropean States and is an cle- gant Classical scholar, His memory is extraord short, be is a complete Seating mecrclapedie.” remarkabie man was created LL. D. by his Alma Mater, which title was also conferred by Jackson College, Louisiana, A. J, REQUISR, OF ALABAMA, Our community is fortunate in the accession of this gifted son of the South. Distinguished as a jurist, ao and an orator, he is known throughout the country. fo is a native of Charleston, 3, C., where he studied law and made bis first in public life, At the age of fifteen he wrote an iblished a biank verse play, en- titled “The Spanish Exile,” and shortly after a drama “Marco Bozarris,”” which was piayed To many of the leading theatres of the United States, and a local novel called The Old Sanctuary. His subsequent literary efforts have been numerous, Many of his exquisite poems have appeared from time to time in the newe- een st have not, we believe, been collected in book Ode to Shakepere was reproduced and warmly commended in Engiand, and great interest was excited yy bis Crystalline, an epic argument, maintaining the vine lity, on purely rat grounds, against the Pantheistic 5 re ier moved to Movie in theory. Sir. 1850, and was shortly afierw: appointed District At- which function he exercised torney of the United up to the breaking out of the war, having in the mean- while become prominent by his oficial action and argu- ments 19 suppression of the Cuban and Nicaraguan ex- peditions projected from the Gulf. He continued in the position during the Confederate régime, bat was pardon- ed by the President at ia close. On the oceasion of his removal North, the Mobile Tribune described him edi- torlally in glowing terme. RRY. J. R. RENDRICE, D. 0, This cloquent divine, the pastor of the Tabernacle Baptiat church, on Second avenue, is a mative of Ver- mont, but has resided in the Sonth since his youth, where also he married a lady of Georgia. For many years be was pastor of the Firat Baptist church and snb- sequently of the Citadel Square Baptist church of Charleston, 8. C. Under his ministrations the Taberua- clo church on Second avenue has largely inoreased—a« ‘Atting iribate to his great eloquence and usefulness, GENERAL JOUN B. WARD, OF GUORGIA. General Ward has figured very extensively in public life and is known throughout the South asa duent speaker. For many yours previous to the war he followed the logal protession in Savannah. He was a member of both branchos of the Logislature and at one time Presi- dent of the Senate, He first became inentiy known to the country at largo as President ‘of tt ational Dem- oeratic Convention which nominated James Buchanan to the chief magistracy, When Mr. Buchanan was in- augurated he appointed Goueral Ward Minister to China, & position he hotd during the whole of that administra. tion. He did not return (o the South during the war but remained abroad. DR, ROBERT R. GinRES, ‘This gentlomen bas lately settied in New Yorke. Ho is @ graduate of the Obarieston College, io bis native state, and of the “Mower of American medical sehoole,” in the University of Peneevivania. During the war his anrgical 6ktil wae in constant practice, fe har extended his exporience, aro, in the great howpitais of the Old World. Though comparatively young, Dr. Gibbes brings to the aid of szience a mind Woh end original, seeking into the depths for the causes of ali thing?, and devoted with @ rare carbesiness to the cause of medical progress. CEVERAL KOCKR A. PRYOR. The career of tis redonbieble Confederate brigadier is pretty well known to the country in the several role of lawyer, editor, politician aud duelist, He bes beon edt- tor of the Washington Unicn, @ member of Congress from Virginia for two terma, and special commiasioner of the United States to Greece. Jed Davie made him rel os ann ‘oni f, Pr relling wi imperious ebie! tod re-entered the army asa private. While pewspapers cket aud was was sont North and resided for awhile ip Fort Lafayette. President Lincoln reiensed him before the close of the war, but be no figure a BE-COVFRYOR LOWE, OF MARYLAND. E. Louis Lowe, at the early oe of twenty-five years, was Governor of the State Maryland. Previous to thie he had boon a member of the Legislature, He is a lawyer of eminence and a democrat ip politica Te je not to give sketches of the numerous Southerners, Dr. ‘Thomas, the eminont surgeen; Mark Smith, the actor; Hurlburt, the editor; Irving, the artist; Rov. Dr. Hawke, &c., who citizens previous Soon here thelr hive pend ites. Tho now _ always the mninent” persue 6 Sontbees, Ge by mentioned ‘William who is superin. E ee COURT OF SPECIAL SESSIONS. Bofore Justices Kelly and Dowling, A Conductor Gets Hold of the Wrong bree J Ralway, mer—Rebuke to Arrogant Street M The persistency with which street railway managers” continue to exact an illegal amount of fare from gors, in spite of the whole support of the law public sentiment against such a course, is traly dng in these times of quick and clear comprehension, Every week the court is called upon to decide on some case of ejectment or assault arising ris Be ge of a@ passenger to be swindled of money, A case of unusual interest was on tapia yesterday, Matthew H. Chase, a butel doing business at Washington Market, accompanied by @ friend, took an Eighth avenue car to go up town. Chase tendered tho conductor, James McKenna, eleven cents tm payment for two fares, which he refused unless Chase would add another penny. This Chase would not da ‘The conductor then sald he would go through the cag and collect the fares, and if by that time Chase was not ready to bring “out the other penny he must leave the car, Tho otber penny was not forthcoming, conse quently the spirited scene which ensued, Both of ee are gael eines to (af means, and rte wey might speedily ond a row by sending an antagons® heels over head. In this instance the publi¢ will rejoice that’ the passenger came out best, According to. bis own statement when the attempt was to thrust him m the cas he graspod the conductor by the shirt collar and tore uite a length, He was only sorry that he did not give the conductor a severer punishment. He had no spite or malice against the man, and in instituting proceedy ings had nothing in view but tho protection of hig own and other passengers’ ad In passing sentence on the caso it was remarked by The Court—I know the Eighth Avenue Company, te carry out their own plans, take just what property hey please, lay track where they please, and impose upom the public in numerous ways. Coe for Lorre’ are i note beertred conductor was obliged, by the ru e company, insist on receiving twelve cents, or else be iacheeet from his position. ‘The Court--The company may make rules by whioh thelr employés are to be governed; but they have no right to go boyond that and make rules which covfitot with the State laws, The public must be protected against the encroachments and abuse of railroad menop+ olies, A piece of track on Broadway has been 4 nuisance to the public for along time, The conductor acied Wo hastily in grappling with his passenger, ‘The prisouer was fined $10. niuity im drawing +3 the complaint, APPRCTIONATE. Bergman with stealing her busbnnd’s coat; but ehe could not say wito Committed the theft, She could tes- tify tint the coat was gone, and that was ail. usiico Dowling—Uan you say that the prigoner stole the coat? Deponont—No, my dear; I could not, Justice Dowiing—Tbon turn to that man (poiniiog the counsel) and dear bim for a little while, or ‘The caso was dismissed, The Cincinnati City Railronds—A Judgment Kendered Against Them--Tickets Must be Sold on the Cars, (From the Cincinnati Gazette, Soptember 10. Judge Taft yesterday delivered the decision in this case, It will be observed that every point is decided im favor of the city. First, it is held that the contract be- tween tho companies and tho city is binding; sevond, that the companies are bound to sell twenty-five tickets for $1 03, and third, that tickets must bo kept for sale onthe cars. As soon therefore as the city files a bond, which we presume will be done to-day, tickets will be sol in accordance with this decision. Tf the managers of tho railroad companics had takes our advice, for which no charce was mado, they would have saved themselves agreat deal of trouble. chozs, however, to pay roundly for very bad I vice, went into court tobe beaten and got in oiition the ill will of the public, The decision of the court is not only justice but come mon senae, and it Js to be hoped that tie gentlemen whe manage tho railroads will use to advantage the lesson they bave learned in the course of this controversy, one of which lessons is to keep out of the courts and take good common sense advice, which is always to be o® tained without a foe. COMMISSIONERS OF CHARITIES AND CORRECTION. Requisition Made the Comptroller fee $167,599—Elopements from the Institue th ‘Surgical and Medical Relief for the Outdoor Poor. ‘Tho Commissionors of Charities and Correction held their regular meeting yesterday, President Bowen in the chair, It was directed, in order to give medical students and others wishing to attend the clinica! lectures at the hospitals of the inatitutions facilities for so doing, that the steamboat for tho future make a trip at one and a quarter P. M., on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week. A resolution was adopted directing the Prosident and Seeretary of the Board to draw a requisition on the Comptrolier of the city of New York for $167,899, to be charged to the appropriation for the Department Public Charities and Correction for the year 1308. “ During the past two weeks thirty-six 3 made thetr escape from the institutions on the island, seven- teon of whom were from the charity hospital. In connection with this matter it my not be out of place to state, that there are a number of parties in ii city who make it # practice of facilitating the escape prisoners from the inatitutiona In nine cases out ten thege atte: nl are succossful; but the following i one of the few iu which the perpetrators came to grief. On Saturd: @ prironer named Multen, whose bad expt from Blackwell's Island, On the Warden, Mr. Keene, di keepers to keep a watch on him. Keeper Blair accfrdti Jy kept a sharp surveillance on him, and secreted hi at Beventy-Ninth street for the purpose af so doing. At thy same time he (toe wp big assistants 6 eee to secure the escape himself and Colina ling anceeeded on board the boat when sro wes sien the proceeding, sioerged custody. But probably owing to the short distance bee tween the scene of capture and the island whore teim forcements were in waiting if required, they made no attempt to interfere and ultimately moved of. Multe, will be pnt on trial for aiding tho escape of a prisoner from the His previous character |s alleged to be a bad one. In reference to surgital and medica! relief for the outdoor poor, the following communication was received: aud placed on sic: — coo Bi pel New Yona, Sept. 18, Mr, Jans Bowen, Pri 1 of Board of Ohne fities, Sra—I am directed by the Conaniting Board of the Bu of Relief for the outdoor poor to forward ss ‘i @urgoons, in come rules an} net J. Bayi ut. Ludlow. 5, Pi the pod ay gentiomen, who hare been the duties of ai lianco with section jong, At ry De. George W, Dr, Walter Gillette, aton, Dr. ©, O L an chapter Ii, of lotans:——| ise, Dr, Henry ', Boutbw: oy Bin Leroy he Wale, he Board the tat of October, be sont to me as soon as tl respectfully, jions for ine week soa tutions for the o 1 Hospital, 77) Lunatic Asylutn, 180 hoate, Ti¥0" Penitentiary to, 536 rea in opera: fhe he hoyor to rejnest that appointments be made. ALEX. B. MOTT, dali's Island Hospital, 1, Hospital, 835; T OBITUARY. A Veteran Irish Revolutionary Printer. From the Pall Mail Gezette, London, Sept. 4. A Bnd, rinter named Thomas O’Fisnagan so in Dublin at the age of ninety, whose career was inti ing, He was actively employed as a compositor up iiterally- within a few hours of his death, on the Nattom “hore Trieh ‘*patriotic”” ions he afi Thomas Bell, ths sggte ab Policy, shop % homas Bell, th. egper of & policy shop a Rlownth ol tert, Ming trind, but dischareari on the aka Mary Boyle, a good natured oid lady, charged Louis’ j i 4 | | | | j ' } ‘ ' ‘ ; 4 rf ‘