Newspaper Page Text
Clljc Wcchln ConstitutionnlisL
BY JAMES GARDNER
LATE FROM THE WEST.
We are indebt to the Southern Express Com
pany for a copy of the Memphis (Tenn.) of
April 2nd. From it we gather the following para
graphs :
Island 10.—We are inclined to the belief that
the rumor of the Federal* passing our fortifications
at Island 10, is unfounded. We find much that is
crude and conflicting as to the condition of
the Island. If the enemy’s gunboats, we have
no doubt, that efforts are being made to pass
the Island bv a sluice on the Missouri side of
the river. We believe our works at tort Pil
low will effectually stop their gunboats and their
transports. We teel easy about the Mississippi
river. What effect will the taking of St. Louis
and Cape Girardeau have on the military aspect
of things?
(YrUM.—We have nothing of special inter
est from this localiity. A great battle is be
lieved imminent on the Tennessee. We have
no adv ces from Buell’s. movements for some
davs past near Columbia. We do not doubt soon,
tbe Memphis and Charleston Railroad, from De
catur to Stevenson, will be taken possession of
bv a portion of Buell’s command. It shou Id be
held as a personal affair, and each should so act!
The Federate are making a desperate effort to
reach Memphis , but the movements west of tbe
M’ssissippi river will soon give them something
to do to save themselves and their own cities.—
They will loose a large Western city before they
take Memphis. Mark our prediction 1
Later from the Rio Grande.—We have the
Brownsville Flag of the 13th, from which we take
tbe following Mexican news:
We are in possession of the Boletin Official ( f
Monterey of tbe Sd March, from which we learn
that an armistice has been concluded between the
Mexican Government and the Commissioners of
the Allied Fowe-s, and tbat negotiations for
peace have been commenced in the town of Ori
zaba.
The perliminary articles of the negotiations
stipulate that the allied forces shall hold the
towns of Orizaba, Cordova and Tehuacan, in order
to avoid the sickly climate of Vera Cruz. If the
negotiation concludes without effecting a peace,
it is guaranteed that the allies shall give np the
lines that they hold by the consent of tbe ar
mistice, and)f all back to their position. If the
negotiation is fruitless, the hospitals of the allies
in the places above-mentioned shall be maintain
ed and respected under the laws of nations. It is
also stipulated that the Mexican flag shall be
hoisted’over the city of Vera Cruz and the Castle
of Ban Juan de Ulloa.
We have no data to go upon as io the terms upon
wbich the negotiation is to be conducted, but the
Mexican Secretary of State says that the allies
guarantee the integrity and the independence of
Mexico, as the basis of their desires. The articles
of armistice are signed at La Soledad, on the
SCth of February, bv the Conde de Reus of
France, and Manuel Doblado of Mexico, as Coms
missioners, and by C. Lennox Wilke and Hugh
Dunlap, on the part of England, A. de Saligny
ana E. Juner, on the part of France.
In addition to the above. President Juarez
writes to Gov. Vidaurri, of Nuevo Leon, that
peace is almost certain.
In the meantime, we have 3 report from Mon
terey that the opponents of Vidaurri, in Nuevo
Leon. are-An'arms again, and that the commotion
is dangerous, as the partizance of Aramberri are
assisted by the State authorities of Tamaulipas.
From Tamaulipos we learn that the Rojois have
relinquished the intention of attacking Matamoras
for some time, as they have turned their attention
to the capture of Tampico.
Matamoras is quiet and business is growing up
to its former importance.
A Contrast.—The Norfolk correspondent of
the Columbus Times gives the following account
of the respective appearances of Generate Howell
Cobb and Wool, when they met in the Roads off
Norfolk, for an interview to arrange the exchange
of prisoners:
Nothing was more strikingly characteristic of
the two Governments than the dress of the re
spective Representatives. General Wool wore
the tinsel, the show, the insignia of royalty, a
large chapeau adorned with black feathers, set
neatly upon his bead, his epauletts bung like
drapery on his shoulders, a £ne yellow sash and
most splendid sword was worn by his side, and
to render the dress complete, the old General
actually had on a pair of straw colored kid gloves.
On the'other hand was General Etewell Cobb.
His whole appearance was that es a wagoner, •
wbo had driven a team through the rains of win
ter. and camped out tnanv cold nights.
His cadet gray coat was of a fox color, having
been dyed by the dews of the Feninsula. His
pants had seen service and showed marks of hard
wear. His beard was long, slightly gray. Tn
fact, he looked like a soldier, deadly in earnest
reselved upox the independence ot his country.
But with all this, he bore himself with the con
scious dignity of a man, who represented a great
people, and was head and shoulders above his
compeer in brains and sense. Never was there
such a contrast. Wool, stupid, Cull, a coxcemb ;
Cobb, plain, sensible, noble.
The steamboat Sabine, from a Texas pert to a
Louisiana port, engaged in the-coasting trade, en
countered a Federal blockading steameroff Calcas
ieu last’Thursday.and was run ashore and setfire to
by her owner and entirely consumed. She had a
•valuable cargo.
Gen. Surra's Card.—We would invite special
•attention to the card to the people of East Tennes
see, from Gen. E. Kirby Smith, the Major’General
•of this division of the army, published in another
column. We heartily approve of Gen. -Smith’s
efforts, so tar, to promote good order and quiet in
'East Tennessee, and especially to bring the troops
under his command into some-degree of discipline
and subordination. His predecessors here nave
all been wrecked in endeavoring to steer between
Ste lla and-Ctiarybdis—military duty on the one
band, and political finesse on iie other—but we
have assurance, both in his established reputa
tion as a soldier, and the firm vigilant and mod .
erate course he has pursued since being assigned
to Lis very responsible and perplexing command,
that he will be able to make tbe voyage success
fully ; and that ere long. ‘‘order will reign in
Warsaw.”— Keu/jttille (Tenn.) Register, March
We clip the following paragraphs from the
Memphis Appeal of April Ist.
Fsoir Above.—Ad arrival from tbe upper river,
late test evening, reported all quiet—the firing of
the enemy having entirely ceased. Our batteries
xre in condition to again resist an attack, and tbe
troops confident- No additional loss of life, or
disabled men, had been sustained, while the dam
age inflictediupon the attacking foroe was ucder*
atood to be considerable.
Fbom the Tennessee.—We learn tbat one of
the enemy’s gunbeats went up to Lastport on
Sunday and engaged our battery at that place
No damage was done the battery, and we have
not heard that any was sustained' bv tbe boat.
The object of tbe enemy probable, was recon- '
noiter our position, and to ascertain whether we i
had erected any other batteries, either at East
port, or below.
With this exception, affairs about Corinth re- I
mams as at previous accounts.
AFFAIRS ON THE POTOMAC-GEN. JOS. E
JOHNSTON.
We copy tbe following from the Richmond cor
respondence of the Charleston Gsurier, dated
29tu ult.:
Private parties who have arrived here to-day
from the North, represent the Lincoln Govern
ment, and the Lincoln Generate, have not only
been surprised, but greatly alarmed, by the re
cent masterlv movements of General Joseph E.
Johnston. Tbe New fork Herald < has maps
and essavs upon triple sheets, in illustration of
“the situation.” The Yankee Generate, fear
ing masked batteries, traps and another Bull
Run experience, have retired to their lines of
the Potomac; and they freely confess (bat by
Johnston’s policy their programme has been,
thwarted for at least ninety days. But they may
calculate, and the Ilwa'd may amuse itself
and its artists with speculations; for the
future “situation” of General Johnston is likely
to unpleasantly employ their skill. It is not im
probable that, if Bennett’s organ is to follow his
strategy, it will bear to facts the relation which
the dying Dolphin bears to color; and if our
newsmongers will only practice a little share of
tbe reticence of our favorite General, Yankeedom
will scon be taught a new lesson in the history of
invasions. At least, I ask the readers of tbe CW
rler to pnt firm and implicit faith in our Governs
ment, and to expect glorious deeds from the
genius of General Johnston. He is tbe favorite
of all thinking, intelligent and experienced men
in this region. His intellect and fine common
sense now begins to display themselves grandly.
Between him and the President there is a perfect
and harmonious understanding, the cne faithfully
relying upon the other. Johnston is perfectly
reticent, and the anecdotes told of him by bis
familiar observers are always instructive and
sometimes humorous. He never relies upon
Aid, Commissary or Inspector General for the
discharge even of the most trivial of important
duties. He labors without cessation, until he
has seen that all has gone right. To every
paper of note issued by his authority, his own
signature is affixed; down to tbe furlough of tbe
humblest private. That popular and accomplish
ed officer who is his aid—and of whom I heard
the President speak yesterday in terms .of high
commendation —Maj. Thomas G. Rhett, Maj R. G.
Cole, who is his commissary, and Maj. Lay, his
Inspector Genera), never know to-day what are
to be tbe marching orders of General Johnston
to-morrow! But his great labors sometimes reti«
der him oblivious of those who surround him.
A story is told of him in this respect too good to
be lost —one of his favorite officers, indeed a mes
mate, accosted him pleasantly a few mornings
since. But the General scowled, muttered to
himself and never recognized the compliment,
The untVrfdilate frten felt not alone sligotcd but
humiliated. He went to Maj. Rhett) belated what
had passed, and greviously protested that he
knew not how he couldjhave offended his superior
officer. Dinner hour having come, our pining
friend was not at the mess.
“Where is —?” inquired General Johns
ston. “He is mortified and afflicted by the slight
which you put uptfn him this morning.” “Me
slight him!” exclaimed the General. “I have
not seen him to-day.” An explanation ensued;
the officer was sent for, Johnston apologized, and
peace was restored to the bosom of 3 loyal and
sensitive soldier. Soon after, however, while
pacing in one of these moods by the door of his
residence, an officer, with a 'saddle on his back,
inquired of one, his superior in rank, if he knew
where to direct him to a shoemaker. “There is
one,” was the waggish answer, pointing at the
same time to Johnston, who was in citizen’s
clothes. Onward strode the interrogator until
he reached the latter. He then, threw down the
saddle, and looking sternly at the General, with
his hands in his pockets, gave the word of com
mand, “That saddle must be ready in one hour,
sir.” He then, turned- to depart. “Hold!”
said Johnston “What did you observe?” “I
said have that saddle ready in one hour,” respon
ded Captain. Obstreperous. “Do you know who
I am !” “ Yes, you are a shoemaker, and I want
you to hurry up, too ?” “ I am Gen. Johnston,
sir,” shouted the commander. In another mo
ment, the saddle was picked up and the Captain
in retreat. “ Halt!” shouted the Genoral, “ who
told you I was a shoemaker ?” “An officer, sir—
I doE’'t know his name.” “ Then leave the saddle
and return in a hour precisely.” He beard and
obeyed. In one hour the saddle was mended and
in his possession. “Now. Captain,” said the Gener
al, “endeavor to serve your country as I have ens
•deavored to oblige you, and depart.” Such a;
man makes heroes and patriots out of soldiers.
•But he is also a rigid, severe and jealous discip
linarian. And for traitors, or persons suspected of
treachery, he has no charity, lenity, or commis
seration. No person, civil or military, is permit
ted to cross or recross has lines, unless possessed
of its own special permit. Whoever is found with
out this authority, inside of the prescribed and
forbidden limit, is immediately arrested and
brought before him. Under such circumstances,
prevarication or suspicion is fatal; and the
General’s orders are simply—“ Send him to the
rear!”
NEWS FROM THE NORTH.
The Chicago Times of Tuesday, the 25th of
March, has been received by the” editors of the
Memphis (Tenn.) Mm/ancftf, and the following
particulars are gleaned from it ;
WENDELL PHILLIPS AT CINCINNATI.
Cincinnati. March 24. Wendell Phillips at
tempted to lecture at the Opera House to-night;
he commenced by avowing himself an abolition
ist and disunionist. Persons then hissed and
threw eggs and stones, some of them hitting him.
The hissing was kept up for sometime, when Mr.
Phillips finally made himself heard, atd proceed
ed until something again objectionable was said,
and again eggs were thrown, hitting him. Mr.
Phillips persevered, and a third time was heard,
and athird time stones and eggs were thrown ;
and the crowd moved down stairs, crying “put
him oat,” “tar and feather him,” giving groans
for the “nigger.” The crowd was met by some
of Wendell Phillips’ friends. Here a fight en
sued, amidst the greatest confusion, ladies scream
ing, crying, jumping over chairs, and bawiing in
all di.-ections. During tbe fight Phillips was
taken from the stage by his friends, and the au
dience moved out. Now, at ten o’clock, tbe
streets in the vicinity of the Opera House are
crowded with excited people, unable to find
Phillips. No one seriously hurt, as far as we can
learn.
A correspondent of.tbe Times, writing from the
flag ship Benton, three miles above Island No.
10, on March.22d, says: I know the country gen
erally is expecting every day to bear of cur sue
cess'at this point, and is chafing with impatience
jat trie delay. Ged have mercy on the poor coun
• try, and give it a large stock of fortitude, for it is
: feared that not only Island No. 10, but many other
points on the Mississippi, will be defended ' and
fortified in such away that our hearts will grow
sick from hope deferred, before we have safe and
open navigation to the Gulf. Each day makes a
revelation of added strength to the enemy's works
hore, and the industry shown by them in continu
ally strengthening their old batteries, and ,adding
new ones, evinces their conception of the ?mpor«
tance of this point,and the determination to make
a long and desperate fight, indeed that theguu
boats above, without the co operation of the land
forces, will not be able to drive them from bere,
is to say the least, doubtful.
So far we have obtained no decided sueoese,
though shelling them continually for over a week,
and in fact we have not succeeded in drawing tbe j
fire from a portion of their batteries, though our •
gunboats, and a portion of Col. Buford’s com- I
AUGUSTA, GA., WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 9, 1862.
mand have been temptingly exposed. They are
vety cautidus in showing us the exact lacation of
their cannon bv firing" them and thus giving us
the range. But’Com. Foote thinks too much of
his gunboats, and appreciates too well the enor
mous consequences that would attend their loss,
to venture with them upon foolhardy experiments.
His flotilla is now not only the guard of the river
prope, but of Missouri, Kentucky and Cairo ; for
we have above Island 10, no army now (bat
could withstand a well disciplined and effective
force of 25,(100 men, and it is precisely at this
juncture in the Southern armies tbat we should
look for bold and desperate measures ; they are
necessary to retrieve a failing cause and cheer
disheartened troops.
THE VICTORY NEAR WINCHESTER.
Winchester, March 24.—1 n consequence of for
ward movements Os our army, we couldn’t get a
correct list of killed aud wounded. Our loss is
from 80 to 100 killed. Among them is one Col.
14 Captains and Lieutenants ; 220 men wouuded,
among them 10 officers. The enemy bad nearly
500 killed and wounded, and 300 prisoners.
St. Louis, March 24.—Many of the Southwest
refugees, who went to Illinois last winter, are re
turning. and proceeding to their bld battteg; i
About 60 prisoners of war, who missed the-Al
ton packet yesterday,"were sent upto*day 360 Pea
Ridge prisoners arrived from Rolla yesterday,
under guard of Lieut. Buck and forty men of the
35th Illinois regiment, and were at McDowell’s
college. They are from Arkansas Louisiana and
Texas, and over forty are commissioned officers,
among whom is Col. Mitchell, formerly a memo
ber of Congress from Arkansas. Four Indians
are included among the number. In Calloway,
Montgomery and Andrian counties, small bands
of rebels are going about warning Union
farmers not to put m crops, as they will not be
permitted to reap them.
300 Federate were at Wellsvile on Friday. The
following is a copy of a dispatch to the Secretary
of War:
A detachment of Ist lowa cavalry, sen t out
from Jefferson City, by General Totten, again st a
guerrilla band, had a skirmish with the enemy,
wounding one and taking 75 prisoners. Over 20
horses, 48 kegs of powder, and a quality of arms
were captured. Our loss was four wounded.
Washington, March 24—The Secretary of War
is about to assemble in this city a special court
martial for the trial of several newspaper publish
ers, who, it is alleged, have given aid and comfort
to the enemy by publishing information as to the
strength, position and movements of the Federal
troops. Geo. Lunt <t Co., of the Boston Cowrier;
Prune. S one, Hall & Hallack,’of the New York
Jbwrnui of Commerce ; ana Samuel Bowies <fc Co.,
of the Springfield (Mass.) Re.puli.icar.., are among
the ’publishers who have been reported to the War
Department. A violation of the articles of war
with which they are charged is punishable with
death.
Several editors will probably be bung here
within the next two weeks.
NORTHERN NEWS.
We find the following paragraphs of Northern
news in the Memphis (Tenn.) JppeaZ, of April Ist:
[Diepatch’ to the St. Louis Democrat.] *
FROM N’ttW MEXICO —A CONFEDERATE VICTORY AD
MITTED.
Kansas City, March 18.—Geo. L. Beale, bearer
of dispatches to Washington, brings advices from
Santa Fe to the 3d inst. "He confirms the previous
accounts of the battle near Fort Craig qu tbe
21st ult. The Federal loss was 62 killed and 42
wounded. ,
The Texans captured 6of our ftesd pieces. Col.
Steele commanded the Texans. The Texans were
at Soere, 38 miles north of Fort Craig. Colonel
Canby’s command was concentrated at Fort Craig.
Nothing had been heard from them since the
25tb, all communication being cut off.
A large amount of government stores was de
stroyed at Albuquerque to prevent their falling
into’the hands of the enemy. 459 Texans entered
Albuquerque on the 2d. Major Donclson, com
manding the district of Santa Fe, was preparing
to abandon that place and fall back to Fort
Union,
On the 2d, Mr. Beale met three companies of
Colorado volunteers, under Lieut. Col. Tappan,
at Hole in the Rock, fifty miles south of Bent’s
Fort, en route for Fort Union. More companies
had crossed the river above, and they would meet
at Purgatory, forty miles south of Bent’s Fort.
Mr. Beale left this morning fer Washington.
ISLAND NO. 10 A TOWS CUSTOMER.
Washington, March 20.—An official dispatch
from Commodore Foote, received at Cairo, at 12
o’clock last night, and telegraphed hither, says:
“Island No. 10 is harder to conquer than Co
lumbus, as the Island shores are lined with forts,
each fort commanding the one above it.
“I am gradually approaching the Island, but
still do not hope for much until the occurrence of
certain -events which promise success.”
Commodore Foote adds:
“We are firing night and day on the enemy’s
works, and we gain on them. We are havin-g
some es the most beautiful rifle practice ever wit
nessed. The mortar-shells have done fine execu
tion. One shell was landed on their floating bat
tery/aud cleared the concern in short meter.”
Correspondence of the Cincinnati Ccmmercial.
REPORTED FIGHT AT CUMEET.LAND GAP.
Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Hatch 19.—A 'boat
has just arrived from Piketown, bringing the
particulars, of Gen. Garfield's expedition to
Pounding Gap, forty miles beyond Piketon.—
There were 500 rebels entrenched on the summit
of Cumberland Gap mountain.
At Pounding Gap the General ascended the
mountain with bis infantry by an unfrequented
path, three miles below trie. Gap, and while bis
cavalry advancing along the main road, and mak
ing a vigorous atuck in front, drew the rebels a
short distance down from the summit. The in
fantry advancingaZong theridge,completely routed
them, after a fight of less than t wenty minutes.
They abanaoned everything. After chasing
the flying fugitives six milee into Virginia and
quartering his men over night in their camp, tbe
General burned their barracks, consisting of
sisrty log huts, together with a large quantity of
stores. The rebels lost seven killed and wounded.
No one buri on our side.
Running the. Blockade.—We are happy in be
i®g able to state that Mr. T. Hernandez, pilot,
w&o was captured seme time since in attempting
to run tbe blockade, has finally succeeded in
bringing safely int* a Confederate port, on Sun
da>y last, a brw ladened witk a valuable assorted
cargo.—Satfe. Hewe, April'Zd.
From Mobile.—A rentleman of this city, who
has just returned frem Mobile, confirms tbe glori
ous intelligence of ithe sinking of tbe Federal
steamer New Lon dan. He informs us tbat her
position is such tbat our friends indulge strong
hopes of being able'.to raise ber, to accomplish
which efforts are now being made. Should they
succeed, she will of eejurse be added to the Con*
federate navy. .
The Mobilians, he says, are confident Os being
able to hereafter keep open water communication
with New Orleans, and are preparing to establish
a regular line of boata.
He also represents Mississippi as.thorsughly
aroused,.Mia all that portion ot the State through
which he passed as being one vast camp. The
State will do her whole duty.
Memphis (lenn.) Appeal, April Is-f,
Ex-Gov. Morehead, of Kentucky, bas been re
leased, by order of the Secretary of War, upon
the condition of the parole which he was requested
to take at the time of his discharge from .Fori
Warren.
Whiskey as is Whiskey. —A Richmond corres
pondent of the Charleston Coaner gives the fol
lowing lively description of a light and whole
some spirit now manufactured to an immense
amount in Virginia.
It cauterizes the mucous membrane of tbe
windpipe, sets the brain on tire, and sends a cold
tremor through the system. The soldier who in
dulges in a half a dozen nips is likely to stay
drunk a week, aud the second or third applica
tion drives tbe breath out tbe body.”
Chainslightning and camphenessmashes! there’s
a tipple to brew a “tod” from! We wonder
whether it does all the things enumerated when
it is diluted with water. If so, we suppose that a
“ tip” of it swallowed in a raw state would con
glomerate the vesicles of the phologistify the
phylacter maximus, hemstitch up the hepstic ducts,
insulate the asperifolious land, deflagrate the de
donian wilt the buttons off the waist
coat, besides doing a good many things} which
might be too tedious to specify.— N. Y. Vanity
Fair.
From the Petersburg ( Ya.) Daily Rvpress. /
LATEST NORTHERN NEWS
Norfolk, April 2.—Northern papers ol the 31st
have been received here.
There is nothing new from McClellan’s depart
ment.
Fort Macon is still held by the rebal garrison
500 strong.
Gen. Buell has command of his army in person,
and is fifteen miles from Corinth. Miss., where
the rebels are concentrating large forces. It is
stated that Beauregard expects a fight every hour.
Fighting on Island No. 10 was continued on Fri
day and returned with great spirit by the rebels,
wbo are making great preparation for a protracted
and determined defence. They are mounting a
large number of heavy guns. Our iron clad
steamers were advancing down the river.
Cotton and tobacco has arrived in New York
in considerable quantities from the prises of the
steamer Magnolia and schooner Sea Valley.
Active and extensive preparations are going on
at New Orleans for the defence of the city. Gen.
Lovell has proclaimed martial law there.
Government securities has declined in New
Y orK.
Exchanges in London 112.
The stock market was generally dull and prices
declining.
Cotton steady. Sales on Saturday 700 bales at
The Herald savs that the conspirators m the
Federal Congress are becoming every day more
desperate and violent.
A terrible disaster has occured at a pyrotechnic
factory in Philadelphia. Sixty persons were kil
led and wounded.
The owners of slaves in the District of Colum
bia are rapidly removing them.
Tbe Chattanoga railroad has been repaired, and
communication between Nashville and Louisviile
restored.
Gen. Shields is improving slowly.
The specie average in the New Y ork Banks is
132,750,000.
The Herald of the 31st has a long money ar.
ticle. Chase will soon want more Treasury notes
and the cry will soon be raised at the North for
more currency.
A neat compliment was paid the other day to a
lady. She had just swallowed apitftte glass of
wine, as a gentleman in company asked for a
laßte - .... ,
It’s all gone,” said she laughingly, lunlessyou
will take same from my lips.”
I should be most happy,” he replied, “but I
never take sugar in mine. ”
A Skirmish near Jacksonville, —We learn from
the Monticello Family Friend, that on Monday a
small detachment of Colonel Dilworth’s regiment
attacked the picket guard of the Yankees, near
Jacksonville, killing four and capturing three.
Lieutenant Strange, of Lake City, an officer in
one of the companies from that place, was se
verely wounded, and has since died. A day or
two previous to this skirmish, our men brought
in two prisoners. All five are now at Tallahas
see.
Colonel Dilworth has taken temporary com
mand of the military department of Florida,
General Trapier having received orders to repair
elsewhere.
It having been ascertained that a small picket
guard of tne enemy was located at a certain
church in the suburbs of Jacksonville, Col.
D. detailed Lieut. Strange, with thirty men, to
attack them. Two sentinels were first shot down,
when the remainder of the pickets (five in num®
ber) sought shelter in the church. The building
was immediately attacked, the door burst open
and tbe men rushed in; after killing two, the res
maining three surrendered. A negro, the proper
ty of a lady in the neighborhood, was also cap
i tiired with the party, and has been placed in
jail.
There are fifteen hundred Y’ankee infantry in
Jacksonville, and it is supposed about one thou
sand men atoard the gunboats. Instead of rush
ing to' the aid of their picket guard, when at
tacked by our men, the all sought safety aboara
their gunboats.
Assistant Secretary of War.—We understand
that the Hon. A. T. Bledsoe was yesterday ap<
pointed Assistant Secretary of War, in place of
Mr. Ould, resigned. It affords us pleasure to
chronicle the appointment of such intellect and
men of such merits to important positions in the
Confederate Government. In such selections
consists the strength and success of a Govern
ment. It is to be hoped that the War Depart
ment, under its new administration, will be pos
sessed ©f that vigorous energy necessary in the
present emergencies of the country.
Richmond April Zd.
EROM FORTRESS MONROE.
(YANKEE ACCOUNT.)
Fortress Monroe, March 29.—General Burn
side has ta<en possesion of Beaufort N. C., with
out any resistance. No property was burned.
The big Lincoln gun has been mounted here 1
She carries balls weighing 437 pounds. They
are culled Lincoln pills, to be taken ->y the Merri
mac.
The American troubles excite great interest in
India. _
Late From Europe.—The City of New Y’ork
has arrived from Southampton, which dates to
the 19th. being three days later.
There had been a discussion in Parliament re-,
lative to tbe arrest of the Lieutenant of the privateer
Sumter. It was stated tbat he had not been re
leased but was on his way to America as a politi
cal prisoner.
The London Times anticipated an almost end
less w.ar and thinks that the’rebellion will end in
a Military Dictatorship.
The Paris correspondent of the Times says that
the recent successes of the Union troops have
created the belief among French merchants tbat
the war would soon be at an end and commercial
relations be resumed.
Londo.s March 17—The funds are tending
steadily upwards. Consols 73%.
Liverpool, March 19. — Cotton.— Sales for the
two days 12,000 bales including 3,500 to specu
lators and exporters.
FROM NASH ACCOUNTS.)
Nashville, March 21.—Hon. Edward H. East
has been appointed Secretary of State under the /
new Tennessee Government.
“The Republican State Convention of Rhode Is
land recently decided that it was inexpedient to
make any nomination for Governor or other State
officers.
VOL. 41,—N0. 15.
THE GREAT BATTLE IN NEW MEXICO-
The New Orleans papers of April Ist contain
advices received through an extra from the
Anzonia Times office, giving full particulars of
the late great batte near Fort Craig on the 21st of
February, New Mexico, in which the Confederates
obtained a complete victory over the Federate.
The battle commenced at 9 o'clock in the morning
and lasted until sunset. The action waa com
menced by a portion of Col. Baylor’s Regiment,
200 strong, under command of Major Pyron, who
was ordered to flank the enemy. Upon reaching
the river vale, they discovered the enemy on tbe
left. Major Pyron's command changed to a good
position, where they were covered by timber and
a wide slough. They held this position for nearly
an hour, under a heavy fire of small arms, shell,
grape and round shot, before they were rein
forced.
The whole Confederate command now arrived
in position, when a general engagement took place
all along the line. At first the enemy attempted
to turn our left flank, when Major Lockridge came
to their assistance, and nobly aid he do it. Then
they made another attempt all along our lines,
but without effect. Then again they made a cons
centrated attack upon our left, with such vigor
as to compel our forces to fall back from their
first position to another.
While in this position, and late in the evening,
the enemy crossed the river with their battery,
which proved fatal to them. The Confederate re
serve, (Col. Steele’s command) some 450 men,,
now joined in the action. A charge was made at
the battery of the enemy, and along their whole
line, and the battery was taken at the point of re
volver and shot-gun, after a desperate struggle,
when the enemy fled with great slaughter. The
enemy suffered the most while retreating across
the river, where the slaughter was truly terri
ble.
The Confederate loss was 36 killed and 106
wounded. The number of the enemy killed was
supposed to be over 500.
The Federate at one time supposed they were
victorious, and ceased firing. Os the seven
pieces of artillery taken, there are three 6-pounds
ers, two 12-tponnders, one 24-pounder, and a
howitzar—all unspiked and in good order.
In the commencement of the action, a shell
was thrown into Kit Carson’s regiment of volun
teers, killing and wounding some twenty; they
became panic stricken and fled to the mountains.
The Federal force engaged was 5,000 men, 1,000
of whom were regulars, 100 Pike’s Peak volun
teers, and the remainder New Mexican volunteers
and militia, under command of Brigadier General
Canby. A reserve was left in Fort Craig of some
1,200 to 1,500 men, under command of Brigadier
General Hovey. The Confederate force engaged,
including reserves and details, was not quite 2,»
200 men.
Major Lockridge was killed in the charge when
the battery was taken, Jailing at the hjad of his
column, and at the foot of a gun, but lived long
enough to see victory crown our arms. In ekill
and bravery he was surpassed by none. In his
death the Confederacy has sustained a heavy losa;.
and his name will fills bright page in our coun
try’s history.
The Federate did not retreat in good order, but
exhibited a perfect Manassas rout. Two hundred
and fifty stand ot small arms were taken. Num*
bers of the New Mexican volunteers were coming
into camp arms. Courtesies
were exchanged between the lines under the flags
of truce.
It is supposed that propositions of surrender
have been made, the Federate proposing to stir®
render the fort, the officers to be paroled for the
war, to retain their private property, andjto be fur
nished with sufficient transportation to carry
them to the States. This was refused, and it is
thought the Federate will come to our terms—an
unconditional surrender.
Private letters have been received here from
officers of the army, confirming the statement in
substance. , . t ..
This glorious news creates a glow of joy in this
valley. We are happy to send so pleasing a
record to Texas, of the achievements of her btive,
sons. The armies of the South will ever ffgfiv
bravely, but they will never achieve more bril
liant a victory than this.
A thousand leagues from the centre «f oiviza*
tion, amid a sea of difficulties, to conquer two to
one, rout an army well disciplined, well officered,
and well furnished with all the modern improve*
ments inarms, is more than a consumation of our
fondest hopes.
PLANTERS’ MEETING IN RUSSELY COUNTY,
ALABAMA.
The Columbus (Ga.) papers contain the pro
ceedings of a recent meeting of the planters of
Russell County, Alabama, at which resolutions
were adopted recommending the planting of no
cotton for market, and a determination to con
tinue this policy until our country is relieved
from her present embarrassments at home and
abroad ; regarding no man as a friend who will’
violate the letter or spirit of these resolutions ;
expressing the opinion that no cotton should
be planted, but that all available land should
be sown in grain, &c.; and tbat the chair ap
point a committee to notify all planters in the
county of these resolutions.
A motion was then made that each planter
present state the number of acres he planted
in cotton last year, and the number he intends
to plant this year. Sixty-one gentlemen re
sponded, showing an aggregate of 11,390 acres
planted in cotton last year, and an aggregate
of 267 acres to be planted in cotton this year.
This is the right spirit. Let the example of
Russell County, Ala., be imitated all through
the cotton States, and there need be no feara
for the result of our struggle.
OFThe Columbus (Ga.) Sun says that tha
Columbus Iren Works are prepared at present,
to cast six and finish four cannons per week.
A Formidable FL B ET.-The St. Louis Demomtt
states that the Federal army was transported up
the Tennessee by a fleet of steamboats one hunt
died and sixty-two in number. A list of one
hundred .and twenty-three of the boats is given
in which we recognize the names of many former
trequenters of our landing. J
A letter from Fort Pickens received in New.
York states that a Major Newby attempted'to as
sassinate Billy Wilson, on Santa Rofia Island, biu
was unsuccessful. ’
——
Forrign Arrivals.— We are creditably in>
formed that a steamer from a foreign port am
rived at a Confederate port on Tuesday. She
was fired at several times, but succeeded’in run
ning the blockade uninjured.
h’?ni e^ knoW r lha A B Baihng veßsel also ran the
blockade a few days since, and her captain has
arrived in this city. H
Savannah Morning News Ateril i:.
The Misses Noble, of Rome, have subscribed
splendid Rifle Cannon, for the ladies Gunboat of
'““ str " c,i ” g -7