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WHICH IS STRONGEST ?
Among some it was long a question of specu
lation, whether or not the old American Union
was stronger than the system of African slavery
that exists in the Confederate States. We never
had a doubt upon the matter, believing • that
slavery was in no danger, but that it was strooger
than any Government j not in conflict, but in
harmony wuh the laws of nature and of God,
and the wants of our present civilizition, and
must stand. A few there are, perhaps, in the
United States, who siili cling to the folly that
the Union may yet be restored, with slavery de
stroyed, thus proving the Union stronger than
slavery; while a much larger number entertain
the equally absurd idea that the Union and the
Constitution may exist again, with slavery more
securely recognized and guaranteed ; and a third
party, despairing of the Union, are devoting their
whole energies to the destruction of slavery, re*
gardles* of the consequences to the slave, to the
master, and to the whole white race, in the midst
of which slavery now securely exists. If, by
chance, or by any combination of power and cir*
cumstance it were possible lo destroy slavery,
and to bring these States in obedience to the
Union, it could not be the Union of yore; for
that is forever destroyed, and slavery outlives it.
Nor is it possible ever to restore the Uuion and
Constituting with slavery, for if we could so far
forget ourselves and our enemies, our sufferings
and their atrocities, could so far forget our mans
hood and our character, and the eternal discard
that must reiga in such Union, as to consent to
re-union, with a constitution and laws recognize
ing and sustaining the slaveholder’s righrft the
thing has been made an impossibility by the
irreversible action of the Uuited States Govern-*
ment, by the decree of Abraham Lincoln.
It becomes the North, then, thoughtfully to
const der what are they fighting for? It cannot
he to restore the Union and the Constitution and
the s iavetiolder’B rights as they were, tor that has
been rendered impossible by the act of their own
Government. The only purpose then of con
tinuing the war mug’, be to subjugate the South
and to destroy slavery. The possibility of ac.»
complishing anything beyond that, has been put
utterly out of their power by their own acis. The
history of the past two years should teach them
that they have not the physical power to subju**
gate us, and that slavery, while mankind exist
as at present, is founded on a rock, indestructible,
stronger than aught but Omnipotence, less en
during only than eternity. The real purpose of
those in the United States who brought on this
war was, and is, the destruction of African
slavery—that is manifest now as the noonday sun,
whatever obscurity may have been thrown around
it at the beginning. And in that fell, mad pur
pose of destruction, which would uproot society
at any cost of labor, which would unchain all the
wild passions of the uneducated human heart,
loose all the fiends of hell on nnoll'euding women
and children, depopulate and desolate whole
States, and leave the lund red with carnage, the
fanatic Puritans have not abattd one jot or tittle.
No, they have become bolder and more outspoken
since Lincoln’s proclamation* and Wendell Phil
lips, one of their anointed leaders, in a
late speech to applauding hearers, proclaim* the
I urnose, and proclaims it as an eternal one, that
they will subdue the South, as they claim a right
to do, that 4, lbe Yankee who comes from Crom
well’s bosom" never will make peace, that he
•• will light his Naseby every war before
he is overthrown,’' that it is i'cnii t*at of
two civilizations, and th it the Puritan descent
dants of the .Mayflower’s emigrants, with Ply«
in on th rock lor a fulcrum and the one idea of
universal freedom, neve** »vi)J oeawo war till slavery
is overthrown. Yes, that is the grand, eternal
purpose ot Puritan fanaticism, proclaimed from
the li use -tops by their chosen mmilh*piece.—
Thank God, the Confederates are prepared and
preparing for the worst they can do.
With such a proclaimed purpose, how can we
expect, or calculate on, peace? There can be no
peace for us, out the peace of the grave, unless
that purpose be broken, and the power of those
who entertain it destroyed. Hut does the same
Puritan spirit, which, with u proclamation of
freedom of thought and speech to all men, seek
yet to conform the actions of a different nation
ality to its ideas, by force of arms, pervude the
whole North, or even a majority of its people?
If not, now is the time to speak and act. The
war is n<rw purely an abolition war, and can be
nothing else* We have no fears that it can sues
ceed; we believe that a union of the whole
North upon the fanatic idea New Ragland
would dovelop such a power of resistance, such a
fierce valor, such a spirit neveK to yield but with
life among our whole people, us must prove vic
torious against all odds. Is the whole North ready
to yield to the dictation of New England round*
heads, to wage a ruthless war, a bloody crusade,
against a neighboring people, for the destruction
of an institution which is no concern of theirs,
for which they are not responsible, which
they kuow only by its effects, and which
effects ou themselves are salutary and beneficial
only? But leaving ua out of consideration er*
tirely, and our good-will and trade, which they
have no right to count on or expect, and con
sidering only themselves, are they pres
pared to strike hands with the descendants
of Cromwell’s followers over the grave of their
own Constitutional liberties? Are they ready to
submit to the rule of that intolersnt, mischievous,
persecuting spirit, which has ever distinguished
the Puritan in the old world and the new ? Will
they erect for their government that spirit of fa
naticism, which, vaunting freedom, demands the
surrender of all individual opinion to its behests,
which mocks permanent good government by op*,
posiug the unbridled license of niaj >rities against
written Constitutions and the most sacred guuraus
tieaand compacts, which dethrones nature and
revelation to set up the standard of its own inti.le*
imaginings?
L).»es it not become the Northern masses to
pause and reflect upon the downward track they
are following ? Is it not their interest to refuse
longer to be used by fauaticism against tiiese
States, for a purpose impracticable of attainment
in the attempt to attain which their own rights
and liberties are being destroyed, and which, if
attainable, would involve all interests on the
North American Continent in one common ruin ?
How are they to do it? Revolutionize. With*
draw your armies from this crusade; and with
draw \ out selves from New England, and the
tucursed spirit of intolerance and propagandism
\»-h eh actuate those people. Already revolution
r. indications are apparent at the North. J)e'
s , rie » p c rr.ing into our lines bv scores, ofliceis
usumnu and regiments throwing down their
a< ms, on account of the proclamation, and the
determination of fanatics to make the blacks
their equals, bold, defiant resolutions t r State
Legislatures, and speeches by popular leaders, all
go to indicate 'hat the fires of revolution are
burning beneath the surface—that th** revolt of
reason tga d*L madness is about to begin. Let
the work go on ; for while we do not doubt the
power of tbe Confederate Spates to save and
maintain themselves and their institutions, we
fear there can be to lasting peace and prosperity
on the Continent, till the fanaticism, ot the New
England Puritans, indestructible by any human
agency .save force, shall have been shorn of iis
strength and made powerless for evil.
CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH.
From the aspect of affairs on the seacoast, the
impression prevails among our people that the
enemy is about to make an attack upon either
Charleston ot Savtnnah. There is good ground
for this opinion. The arrival of 70 vessels at
Poit Royal, evidently indicates that the enemy
intends making a demonstration upon our coast,
and, according to accounts from the North, Saw
vannah will he first assailed by the enemy's iron
c.ads. Put the iron clads have lately lost their
prestige, and our brave boys look uoon them no
longer as invincible. There is not now any ter
ror attached* to Y'ankee gunboats. They have
been disabled by our land batteries, and boarded
and captured by our heroic landsmen.
Our people have no cause to dread the issue
whenever it does come, aud come it will. The
approaches to, Savannah have been rendered as
impregnable as untiring exertions and skillful
engineering could possibly m ike them. Neither
men nor means have been wantiug in the con%
sttuction of the necessary works to render Sa
vannah superior to any hostile movement either
by lund or Wuter. Ample time has been given
our sister city to prepare for the advance of the
*oe, and our military authorities have been inde
fatigable in their labors to make her seeing from
the iron grasp of our enemy. Savannah and
Charleston might have been taken one year ago,
but we have no idea that either of those places
can now be reduced.
Our preparations are ample, and the enemy
will learn to his cost, that the hero of Snmpter,
Manassas and Shilo directs our operations. There
is no alarm in Savannah—the people are calm and
collected, and await with patience the contem
plated attack, confident that when the ball corns
mences the enemy will meet with a reception
which will give Savannah a glorious and endur
ing fame.
Charleston is an object of venomous hatred to
the whole Yankee nation; but that proud city
deties their mighty hosts, and their iron*ciads,
and treats their malice wi ll scorn. She is con
scious of her strength and her greatness, and is
fully prepared to battle wiih tin great Y'ankee
arm tda. The euerny evidently distrusts his übili
ty lo cope successfully with Charleston and her
gunboats.
The largest arid most improved ordnance is
mounted in the various fortifications around the
harbor of Charleston, and such obstructions as
were deemed necessary have been sunk. Indeed,
it is the opinion of her people that she is perfect
ly sale, and we believe that they are sustained
in this view bjj the highest military authority.
There is no occasion for our people to be de
pressed with any iear us to the result of un attack
upon either of these cities, for our means of dew
fence are ot such a formidable character that we
wilt be able to cope successfully against the foe.
THE EXPLOITS OF THE FLORIDA.
f From account* published in the Yew V. rk pa
. pew, dated H *v»na, January 24, we take th.. fol
lowing;
Tli' Florida fell this port at daybreak on the
22d instant, and met the American bark La (h
--guetiu, Jo days Irom I'ortiund. The Florida had
the English llag hoisted on approaching the La
Ciginna, but subsequently hoisted the C' tifeders
ate 11 ag and lowered .i boat, Captqiu Addle, of
die L. C. t seeing this, made directly for the
Juwnco shore, from which he was only about two
milt s distant. As toe boat could not catch up
with the La Ciguenu, it was recalled, and the
Florida left lor Matunsu*.
The Confederates are in the highest glee, and
are having merry times. »\lr. Heim, the agent ot
the Confederate Government, holds receptions
every Friday evening. At the one held last night
Major Wood’s daughter was present.
The Confederate schooner Kay arrived here on
the 23d instant, after a seven days’ passage, from
Mobile. Sbe is loaded wuh cotton. Arrived
January 2d the Confederate tchooucr General
Worth, after a passage of (our days, Irom Florida
Sbe has cotton. The Confederate schooner Mary
C. Harris will sail from here for Mataimms toe
morrow* The following vessels have arrived
from the South : January lIJ,l I J, three days from St.
Mark’s, the rebel schooner Unward, with cotton :
20th, three days from Tampa, the rebel schodner
Luurat|Dudley, with cotton; three days from
Tampa, the rebel schooner I’nma Donna, with
cotton; the rebel sloop Ilorteoee, from Mobile,
with cotton.
Bennett’s Havana correspondent, under date of
Jan. 28d, sends the following :
The rebel man ot war, privateer or pirate Flow
ida, has safely arrived in this pun, although she
was chased up to the very walls of the Moro Cas
tle, by the Mobile blockading squadron, nine in
number. The chase was an exciting one, but un>
fortunately without the result so much to be de%
sired. It appears that the pirate Matlit came out
of Mobile with as much mipudeuce as he eutered
it. The steamer seems to have been well pun*
isbed with shot and shell from the Federal ships,
and it ts reported that she lost her First Lieuie
naut and sixteen men killed by one shell from one
of our men of war. Oue of her pursuers h-s: her
foremast by a shot Iroui the Florida, and conse
quently had to give up the chase. The Florida is
a tine propeller ot 1,100 tons burthen; is bark
rigged, baviug raking masts, a low, sharp hull,
and two smoke pipes issuing out of her deck.—
Her hull, tormerly black, has been painted whit .
She is armed wuh two sixiy four pounders, two
pivot guns, two eleven inch guns, and two thirty
two pounders rifled. It is also said that she has
a gun that can throw a fifteen inch shell. She is
very fast, and can easily m ike sixteen knots an
hour.
From reliable information, l *am enabled to
state, or rather, I am convinced, that this vessel
will sail lor the Fast Indies m a few days. Our
Government had belter look out for her advent
iu those waters. Captain Matlit is no ordinatv
character. He is vigorous, eoergetio, bold, qu ck
and dashing, and. the sooner he is caught and
hung the better will it be lor the interests of our
commercial community. 11a is decidedly popu
lar here,and you can scarcely imagine the anxiety
evince* 1 to get a glance at him. He was at tbe
Dominica ibis morning in citizen’s clothes, and
was the observed bp every oue. Nobody, unless
informed, would have mag tied tbe small, black*
eved, poetic looking gentleman, with his roman
tic appearance, to be a second Semnu-s. probably
in time to be a more'celebrated nud more dan
gerous pirate.
Ae was alone, taking a cup of coffee, seeming*
Iv tiuconscious of having any more serious oceus .
pation on hand. As soon as he perceived that
his presence attracted attention he blushed like
a girl, paid lus bill and decamped.
Dt-satisfied. —We learn from Xew Or’eans |
that when Lincoln’s proclamation was promul
gated in that city about one hundred and twenty
Federal officers pulled off their shoulder straps
and resigned, declaring that they were not going
to tight for the negro. 'lte same feeling per
vades the ranks.
THE LATE NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS.
OFFCIAL REP >RT3.
Below we annex the official reports of Commo
dore Ingraham and Commander Tucker :
Office Naval Station, )
Charleston, Feb. 2d, 1362. }
Sir;—l have fre honor to inform you that up
on ihe*nigbt of 'he 30. L ultimo, I le;t the wharf
at this place, in company with the steam ram
Chicora, Commander John It. Tucker, at a quar
ter past eleven o’clock, and steamed slowly down
to the bar, as, from our draft, we could not cross
until high water. At half past four we crossed
the bar, with about a foot and a half to spare, and
soon after made a steamer at an anchor—stood di
rectly for her, and directed Lieut. Commanding
Rut lege, to strike her with our prow. When quite
near we were bailed—“ What steamer Is that?
Drop your anchor or you will be into us.' He
wrs informed that it was the Confederale steame*
Palmetto State. At this moment struck h*r and
tired the seven»inch gun into her, as he gave an
order to fire. I then inquired if he suirendered,
and was answered in the affirmative. I then
directed him to send a boat on board, which was
done. Af*er some delay Lieutenant Commanding
Abbott, came on board and informed me that
he vessel was the United States steamer Merce
dita, Commander Stellwager, and that she was
in a sinking conoition, and had a crew of one
hundred and fiftyseignt, ail told, and wished to
be relieved; that all his boats were lowered
without the plu'S being in, and were full of wa
ter.
At this time the Chicora was engaged with the
enemy, and the alarm was given. I knew our
only opportunity Was to take the enemy uns
a wares, as the moment he was underway, from
his superior speed, we could not close with him.
I then directed Lieutenant-Commanding Rut*
ledge to .require from Lieutenant-Commanding
Abbott his word of honor for his commander, offi
cers and crew that they would not serve against
the Confederate States until regularlv exchanged,
when he was directed to return with his boat
to his vessel to render what assistance he
could. I then stood to the northward and east
ward, and soon after made auotber steamer get*
ting under way. We stood for her and bred
several shots at her; but as we had to fight the
vessel in a circle to bring the different guns to
bear, she was soon out of opr range. In this
way we engaged several vessels, they keeping
at long range tfnd steering to the Southward.
Just as the day broke we made v large steamer
(supposed to be the Powhatan) on the star
board bow, with another steamer in company,
which had just got under way. They stood
to the Southward under full steam, undopened
their batteries upon the Chicora. which was some
distance astern of us. I then turned aud stood
to the Southward to support the Chicora, if
uecesSary; but the enemy kept ou his course to
the Southward, i then made signal to Commaos
der Tucker to come to an anchor, and led the
way N the entrance of Bench Channel, wnere we
anchored at S 45 A. M., and had to remain seven
houis for the tide, us the vessels cannot cross
the bar excepting at high water. * *
The sea was perfectly smooth, as much so us
in the harbor; everything was most favorable
for us, and gave us no opportunity to test the sea
qualities of the boats. Toe engines worked well
and we obtained a greater speed than they had
ever before attained.
I cannot speak in two high terms of the con
duct of Com. Tucker and Lieut. Com. Rutieug-;
the former handled his vessel iti a beauutul man
ner, and did the enemy much damage. I refer
you to bis official report.
Lieut, Com. Rutledge also fought the Palmetto
State in a manner highly gratifying to me.
Every officer and man did his duty nobly and
deserve well of their country.
figWe had but little opportunity of trying our
vessels, as the enemy did not close, and not a
-ingle shot struck either vessel.
I lam highly indebted lo Com. Ilarstine, who
gallantly voiunieered to take charge ot three
steamers with fifty soldiers on board, who ac
companied us in case we should need their ser
vices; but they could not get over the bar, but
joined us at daylight at the North channel, and
render* dus their assistance in getting through
th* channel, which *s re v narrow.
Ot the conduct 0| Gladden, the pilot c»:
ibe Pilmeito Stale, 1 optinoi speak in toohigb
terms ; he was perfectly cool under the great re
sponsibility lie had in taking the vessel out nt
night with so great a draft, and during the ac
tion rendered me great assist nice in punting
out ibe vessels as we approached them in the un
certain light.
I send the reports of Commander Tucker and
Lieut. Com. Rutledge.
1 uni, sir, very respectfully, your obedient ser
vant, l> N. Ingraham,
Flag Officer Commanding,
f i c»n. S. K. Mallory, Secret ary ot the Navy,
Richmond, Ya
0. S. Steamer Chicuka, Jan. 31, I>,3S.
Sir : Id obedience with your order, i under
way at 11:50, P. M , yesterday, und stood down
the harbor in to npauy with the C. S. steamer
Palmetto State bearing your We crossed
ihe bar at 4.40 A. M., and commenced the action
at 5:20 A. M , by tiring into u schooner-rigged
propeller, which we set on lire, and live every
reason ti» belitve sunk, as she was nowhere to be
seeu at daylight. We then engaged a large side
wheel steamer twice our length !'iom ns on the
port bow, tiring three shots into her with telling
effect, when she made a ran for it. This vessel
was supposed to be the Quaker City. We then
engaged a schooner-riggeu propeller and a large
side wheel steamer, partially crippling both, and
setuug ihe latter on tire, causing her to strike her
tlag; at this time the latter vessel, supposed to be
die Keystone State, was completely ai tny mercy,
1 having a raking position astern, distant some
iwo hundred yards. lat once gave the order to
cease tiring upon her, and directed Lieutenant
Liter, First Lieutenant of the Chicwra, to man a
boat and take charge of the prize, if possible to
save her ; if that was not possible, to rescue her
crew. W nile the boat was iu the act ol being
manned. I discovered that she was endeavoring
to make her escape, by working her starboard
wheel, the other being disabled, tier colors be*
ing down, 1 at once started in puisuit, aud re
newed the engagement. Owing to her superior
steaming qualities she soon widened the distance
to some two hundred yards. She then hoisted
her tUg aud commenced tiring her rifled gun,
her commander, by this faiialeas act, placing
himself beyond the p»i!e of civii aud honor
able warfare.
VVe nt-xt engaged two schooners, one brig, and
one barque rigged propeller, but not having the
requisite speed, was unable to bring them to
close quarters. We pursued them six or seven
miles seaward. During the latter part of ihe
couibut I was engaged at loug range with u large
barque rigged steam sloop of w ar; but m spite «*!
alt our effjiis, was unable to bring her to close
quarters, owing to her superior steaming quali
ties. At 73d A M., in obedience to your orders
we stood in shore, leaving the partially crippled
and fleeing enemy about “seven miles clear ot
the bar,” standing to the Southward aud East*
ward. At 3A. M , in obedience to signal, we
unchored in four fathom water off the beach chan
nel.
It gives tne pleasure to testify to the good con
duct and efficiency of the officers aud crew of the
Chicora. I am particularly indebted to the pilots,.
Messrs. Payne and Aldert, for the skillful pilot
age ot the vessel. It gives me pleasure to report
that I have no injuries or casualties.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) J. U Tucker, Com. C. S. N. !
Flag-Officer 1). Ingkaham, C. S. N., Com’dg •
Station, Charleston, S. C
Deserters from Hokkkr’s Army.—On Scnda\
lust u souad ot thirteen deserters Tom Hooker’s
orny reached Harrisouburg, Va., from near
Frederick'burg, und on Wednesday another
-quad of fliteeu arrived there They hared from
New Y• • ik, Pennsylvania and Wi.-consin regi
ments. r ihi > represent the « tiiceis iu t.mt arrm I
to be as much demotaiiz-d as ihe men, and
crowds o the latter are le.ving every day Many
are waning to get their pay and then desert.
Some said L nc In’s proclamation was »he cun.-t*
onheir quitting, but ttie majority fraDk v said
ihat ** wh pping the South was played >ur.” an.
they didu'i intend to “f e l ’round” it anv more.
Richmond Dispitch , Feb. 7.
GEN- T. R R. COBB ' *
it gives us a melancholy satisfaction to be en->
abied to lay before the* public a tribute from a
very high source, to the patriotic courage and
noble heroism of the lamented Thos. R. R. Cobb.
What General L“e says of his heroic behavior on
the last fatal held of his glory and of his bright
and pure qualities, are so full and so that
we feel the incompetency of woida to improve the
picture:
Madison, Feb. 7, 1563.
Mr. Editor: The enclosed copy of a letter, ad
dressed by Geo. Lee to Gen. Howell Cobb, upon
the occasion of the death of his distinguished
and lamented brother, was forwarded to me a few
days ago by an officer in the army at Fredericks*
burg, at the same time suggesting the propriety
of its publication. Believing that a document
which reflects so much honor upon its author and
upon the gallant dead should see the light, I
request you to insert t in your next issue.
Very truly,
Tho. J. Burnet.
[copy. J
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va., )
December 13tb, 1862 s
Gen. Howell Cobb;
General—i beg leave to express my deep syni"
pathy m your great sorrow. Your noble and
gallant brother hue met a sofdier’sdeath, and God
grant that this army and our country may never
be called upon again to mourn so great a sacri
fice.
Os his merits, hi» lofty intellect, his accom*
plishments, his professional fame, and above all,
bis true Christian character, I need not speak to
you, who knew him so intimately and well. But
as a patriot and soldier his death has left a deep
gap in the army, which his military aptitude and.
skill renders it hard to fill.
In the battle of Fredericksburg he won an im*
mortal name for himself and his brigade. Hour
after hour he held his position in front of our
batteries, while division after division was hurled
against him. He announced the determination of
himself and his men never to leave their post
until the enemy wa9 beaten, and with unshaken
courage and fortitude he kept his promise. May
God give consolation to his afflicted family, and
may the name and fame of the Christian states
man and soldier be cherished as a bright example
and a holy remembrance.
With great esteem, your ob’t serv't,
R. L. Lbk. General.
FROM MEMPHIS.
The Memphis Bulletin, of the 25th aud 26th
uit-, contains the following;
federal reports from the south.
• We have information from the South to the
> 21* tn. It was understood that tbe command of
f the whole Western department has been gi^n
• to Gen. Joe He is massiug an im
-1 mense force at and near Vicksburg. It isesti
-1 mated that he can, on an emergency, brmg fully
one hundred and fifty thousand men to its de«
> tense. They are saM to be determined to stake
• everything on their ability to hold Vicksburg,
1 aud to preae ye their communication with the
1 States of Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas.
I It was reported that the rebels had a very large
force at Port Hudson, and now that their tortifi
-1 cations have been completed, they have no idea
that Gen. Bunks will be able to take it. Os hold**
mg these places on the river, they seem to be
perfectly satisfied.
It was reported and generally believed that the
1 rebel army »n Tennessee hud been largely retn
■ forced, and no doubt was entertained that tn tbe
mxt engagement they would obtain a decided
advantage over that gallant officer, Gen. Rose
cranz. They expected io drive him back to
Nashville, ana then to whip him, not in u geu*
era I tight, but bv cutting his communications.
This, it will be recollected, they have already
attempted, by captuiing and burning .several
steamers on the Cumberland. This is now tbe
rebel plan of success. They wiilnot, if they [can
cun avoid it, have many general engagements id
the West, but they will endeavor to keep our
Generals busy by culling their communications,
and thus preventing th-or advance.
. flit* foregoing i» derived from well informed
»rvirctfe, and we belle vH can be entirely relied
We have advices from Hotly Springs to Sunday
afternoon. At that time the advance ol the rebe >,
consistiug ot t w brigades ol infantry, in com -
mand of General* Whitfield and Tilghman, we •
busily engage 1 repairing the railroad from Llotlv
Springs to Tallahatchie. 1 lie rebels bad no force
stationed at Holly Springs, but run in and out at
pleasure.
A band, km»w:i as “Colonel Street’s guerillas/’
are operating and depredating between Holly
Springs uuu Early Grove. List WedDt&day they
hung three negroes in the public square at Holly
Springs. They ab.o captured Simon 11.mck, late
iu the Q larterniaßter’s Dej artment, aud attempted
to hang him. They stretched him up, but he
was cut down and seut out ot the lines.
Last So unify, a party of four Fedaruls discov
ered, a short ilis'auce from LaGrange, a gueriila.
They put out after him, and followed him till he
led them tuto a band ot one hundred rebels, who
killed three and captured the fourth.
It was reported at LaGrange, yesterday, that
the rebel force ol iilteeu thousand had been seen
lifieeu mites south of the Charleston railroad, and
marching la a northern direction. The report is
regarded doubtful, as from the heavy rains and
the state of the Country, it is almost impossible
that any body o! troops could move.
Ueu. Grant has returned, having been to Napo«
Icon, it is supposed, to consult with Generals
Sherman aud McCiernand.
It is slated that General Grant sent an order
to General McClernand to leave Arkansas, as
that is another department. It is thought Gen.
Grant will command tbe next expedition iu per.
son, if an attack on Vicksburg is renewed.
All trade with the rebels has been or will be
cut off, on the river and interior, uutil the rebel
stronghold falls.
General Grant has telegraphed Gov. Johnson
to postpone the election for Congressmen in
Tennessee.
Major General McPherson and stuff have ar*
rived
An order has been issued requiring cotton
speculators to pay #IOO for permission to trade—
the money to be used lor secret service aud bos
pital purposes.
Os the cmon trade on the 26th the Bulletin
savs: “Cotton fs going up almostout of sight—
seven»y*bve cents was the asking price jesters
day. We heard ot a large lot that was held at
ninety cents. It is expected that the selling
price will soon be one dollar a pound, or on the
average of five hundred dollars a bale. When
the Glendale went wut on Friday last she took
eleven huuured bales of cotton at at a charge ot
eight do lars a bale for freight. The Imperial
had a shingle out yesterday, inscribed; “Fifty
bales cotton wanted 'or Cincinnati, at four doi*
iars a bale.” The St. Louis Packet Cornpan y
continue to carry at their old prices—two dollars
to Cairo, and thrre to St. Louis.”
In announcing tne extraordinary rise ot
gold in the North, the Chicago Times says :
This is owing only in part' to the coming far
ther debasement of the currency by auother issue
ot Government paper. It is owing largely to the
tailing public contidence iu the stability ol the
Govei nmeut. It is owing to the apprehensiou
that the country cannot survive two years more
of Abraham Lincoln and his political' party. It !
is owing to the public belief that Abraham * Lin
coln and the leaders of his political party are
intent upon revolution and the erection of another .
Government. It is ow ug to the public apprecia
i »n ot the universal cTeiH'»raliziuoD ana aisinte
gianon wb'ch 11 >w naturally ami inevitably from '
the P“«e r o‘ Abolitionism in the Government.
It is "wing to the now fully awakened public
c eviction that Abolitionism is fatal to everything
it touches.
The law against negroes coming into In* 1
diaua State is being rigidly enforced in some
P r;tons of the State. An Abolitionist named
Osgood, at Plymouth, Mai shall county, was
lined #4O for employing a contraband. He hud
turned ofl a white man to make rrooi for the *
negro. j
rrom. the Mobile A iter titer and Ke S i,ter.
LETTER FROM VICKSBURG.
Vick buiig. Feb 2.— The announcement hereto
tore made, that Geq. Grant would be at the h« d
of the next expedition against Vicksburg,
to be confirmed—or at least the report, from “»
North are to that effect. He has been down the
river and again returned to Memphis, where it
is believed by those if: tbe secrets of the armv
movements that he will supercede McClernand
In command of the army of the Mississippi f rom
all that can be learned, Gen. .Sherman has be-ome
very obnoxious, and all conHdenoe has been lost
in him. To such an extent has this ieeltng been
manifestea. tbat it is considered unsafe to trust
the command of tbe army to bis charge m anothe
attack.
Gen. McClerrand, who supersedes Sherman is
notr.garded in tbe North as competent to lead
the expedition, being a man of no mililary ac.
quirements, nor experience, Laving, throughout
the whole war, managed to keep out of alt the
battles, and possessing no skill or genius, makes
the Yankees very dubious about venturing upon
an important mission, fraught wiib such great
consequences as the taking of Vicksburg, under
ibe leadership of McClernand. Gen. Grant, who
has smelt powder and doDea heap of blowing for
himself, will no doubt be trusted with the great
work of opening the Mis issippi,
A forward movement is again announced of the
transport fleet, as well as the gunboat and mortar
titet under Commodore Porter. The latter will
no dodbt be employed to act as convoys to the
former on the voyage down, and us but a few of
the gunboats have appeared in sight of late it is
1 prosumed that they have been engaged in tbe
aforementioned bnsiness since the withdrawal of
the main body of the transports. When they all
arrive this time it is expected that the ball'wil!
be opened wiihout delay, as the water in the river
- is now rapidly creeping over the the banks, and
will soon wash out the Yankee camp in the Louis
iana swamps.
In the vicinity of the camp below the city, where
a battery had been placed to lire on our boats, the
river is now spreading itself rapidly over 'be
and a waiery habitation is in store lor Mr.
McClernand’s boys if they do not pull up their
stakes and take reluge upon the transports in a
very few days. The approach to the city byway
of the Yazoo river is now entirely impracticable
from the rise, and no more efforts can be made
from that direction until terra flrma again becomes
visible. lam tuld that the ground upon which
tbe battle of Chickasaw Bayou was fought is now
uudar water to a sufficient depth to swim a horse
uud of course oo further operations can be made
in that quarter.
The weather being very unfavorable fur the pur
pose of making the observations yestetdur morn
ing, not much could be learned ot what was
going ou. A heavy log entirely obscured from
sight everything across Ihe river, and of course
no Yankees could be seen. Towards the middle
of the day, as the skies became clear, nothing
new could be seen, and though a close watch was
kept to get a sight of the marauders on Ihe ops
posite bank of tbe river, there were none to be
seen. This quietude among them seems unusual,
and can be accounted for in no other way than
that tbe rain in the morning kept them all in
their tents. A gunboat was visible lying off a
little distance front the transports, but no new
arrivals could be noticed.
In the middle ot the dsv some heavy bring was
heard below, in ihe direction of Warrentun, tbe
cause of which has not yet transpired. Some
suppose it to have been an artillery duel between
the enemy and some ot our batteries, and others
report that it emanated from our guns tiring on
the captured ferryboat, which is in that vicinity.
But until I hear further, it would not be safe to
adopt either of these surmises. The Yankee de
serters who have come into our lints are treated
with great leniency by our officers, and are al
lowed to go about with perfect freedom, aDd to
follow their occupation at pleasure.
As ihe work cn tbe canal progresses, and indi
cations are beginning to point decidedly to a la-
Torub.e result, so lar as the passage ot the trans
ports is cfincerned, some discussion is cremed
here as to the probability ol the fleet giving
I Vicksburg the go by, in order to concentrate heir
! forces above Fort Hudson, for the purpose of
j operating against that piace from above, in cons
i junction with Gen Hunks’ forces and Commodore
| r.irSWgut'a Heat iron. below. 1 have not ,ret seen
J sumc'eut to convince me of such a movement, or
even the pi amicability of it. The dignity and
! p over ot the North wou.d certainly not allow it-
I self to prepuie tbi« monster fleet and to organize
an armv of one hundred thousand troops to take
| Vicksburg, and then dig ns way past tbe place
without alight.
Yesterday evening two Yankees appeared on
the opposite side ol the river and called lor a boat
to crossover, when a was despatched on that
duty, which soon laoded the repentant Yankees
safely in Dixie. They were escorted to General
Pemberton's headqumtors, where I lost track of
them, having not yet learned woat kind ol a re«
port they brought.
About d o’clock Ibis morning one of the efles
my’s iron-c uds was seen coming down with the
intention of running by our butteries. Our guus
immediately opened oo her, but she kepi close m
the shore and succeeded in pasSiDg. Sbe was
well protected by a wail of cotton bales all around
her sides In passing tbe steamer Vicksburg she
attempied to sink her by a collision, but tailed
and passed on down. She now lies at tbe foot ol
the canal as a protection to Ibe transports
may attempt a passage through that channel. ®
* OIISHUV A NDA.
Tub Famous Canal.— According to the Federal
reports, the famous ditch opposite Vicksburg is
likely to prove a failure, the impressions of our
triends to the contrary notwithstanding. The
Memphis Bulletin, of the 31st, gives information
that had just been received from below. It ears:
“A stream is morirg thrtugh the canal dug
last fall opposite Vicksburg. It is from two to
four feet deep. beiDg deepest at the lower ex
tremity. The current is about two miles an hour.
The csual being dug through a stiff, blue clay,
with slanting sides, narrow at the bottom and
wide at the lop, there are uo signs of its w,den
ing. The river men are a’most universally of the
opinion that it cannot be made of any practical
value a# it stands. If the excavation had been
extended to the sand below the loam, and if the
banks had beeu upright, so as to admit of caviDg,
there might have been some results. The mili
tary engineers do not coincide in these views,
and ars resuming operations on the canal ; the
result remains to be seen, but will probably be
very trivial."
Mound City Destroyed.— A late dispatch from
Memphis to the North states that Mound City,
five miles above the former city, was destroyed
by tire on the night of the 16th ult., in punish**
ment, it is said, “for the burning of two steams
boats there recently by guerillas." The buildings
consisted of & tine hotel with its appurtenacea, two
storehouses, and several dwellings. The loss
will be a heavy one to Mr. Cheek, the proprietor,
who made his hotel attractive, and it had been
for some time the favorite . resort of Memphians
who wished to indulge in & short pleasure trip.
Thk Reported Destruction or the Florida.—
The Northern papers of the 2d contain the rumors
which were in circulation at Havana on the 25th
ult.. of the loss of the Confederate steamer Flori
da, Ovitto.) The following is a summary of
the rumors t
Ou Tuesday, January 27, it was reported in Ha
vana, that heavy firing had been heard at .Matan*
zas and Cardenas, as it coming from vessels of
war engaged in a serious contest at sea. I? was
a : so stated that the F'orida or some other rebel
vessel bad been chased by several In o i gun*
boats ; but witn what result had not been d.
It was then believed at Matanz is tb :t the firing
•nd chasing wis connected with the s i-re. ve-sel.
The ruHM- was strengthened by tl. • n »*.' o| the
Creole, from New York, on t.'M» i g day*
which reported that the had he.- j.-.'keo ov t':e
Unien gunboat Cayuga, whu j t^.orted
that she had observed a steam- r= ; c .<4p:■ * l
to be the Florida, and that t - car vessels
were firing into her with g'-eat •' . The lin
eality of this engagement was uot definitely
stated; but that it was in the vicinity of the Cayes.
ofi’Cardeuas and Matanzis.