The Express.
London, England, 1863-03-04 00:00:00

Pr EaroPO

NEW YORE, Fn. 17, Emma.
The Federal commanders of the vessels block-
ading Charleston have forwarded an official refu-
tation of General Beauregard's report that the
blockade was raised. They declare they never
quitted the blockading line usually occupied by
them, and that no vessel of any description crossed
the Dee after the Confederate rains returned to
Charleston.

The Federal garrison on Roanoke Island ma an-
tiating an attack from the Confedesatee, who
had conectal /00 small boats, and were concen-
trated on the mainland. The Federal commander
had telegraphed for reinforcements.
General Hunter has assumed the command et
tho %roes hitely arrived at Hilton Head from Beam
fort, and General Foster has retursed tce North
Carotin. -

The 9overaor d Virginia has addressed a letter
to President Lincoln, it forming him hi, void** =-
finch** retaliate for soy improper tatatmeer of
citizens sr soldiers of Virginia.
It has been metered that an seder has boon
issued psehibiting the titration of newspaper
among tht army of the Potter°, bat the rumour is
utterly without foundation.

Son;e doebta are entertained of the Viekabarg
Canal being made available.
The democratic numbers ei the next Cangrees
have been invited to meet in New York on tie Bth
of March.

The resolution, calling a convention at Louis-
ville,. has been defeated in the Senate of the
Illinois Legislature.
A resolution has bra introduced in the Cade-
derate Congress to maintain the right to free navi-
gation of the Mississippi for the citizens of the
States upon its borders or the borders of its tribu-
taries.

The New York World thinks Mr. Seward has
made a great mistake in repelling the friendly
suggestions of the Emperor Napoleon, and considers
that it is the duty of the North to prepare itself
for fresh complications, which the recognition of the
South must introduce into the struggle.
The Confederate steamer Oretois said to be block-
aded in Kingston by two Federal • noels.
The North American, Asia, and Bavaria have
arrived out.
NEW YORK, Iris. 17, Evenso.
Money easy. Gold, 581 per cent. prem. Ex-
change on London : bankers' bills, 175. Stocks
very firm. New York Centrals, 1181 ; Illinois,
921 ; Erie, 76i.

NEW YORK, Fie. 19, Ewers..
The Senate has passed a bill authorising the Pre-
sident in all domestic and foreign wan to imam
letters of marque. The authority conferred by the
act is limited to three years. A proposal to grant
this authority for the suppression of the rebellion
only was voted down during the discussion of the

Mr. M`Dougal, of California, expressed his
opinion that before the meeting of another Congress
the United States would be involved in a foreign
war, and he wished the country to be prepared.
The Senate has passed a Conscription Bill render-
ing all citizens and those who have declared their
intention to become citisene, between the ages of k 0
and 45 years, liable to perform military duty
when miletl, out by the President. The districts
are made to correspond with the congressional dis-
tricts, in each of which a Provost Marshal is ap-
pointed with assistance. He will perfect an en-
rolment once a year. Persona enrolled are subject
for two years to be called into service to serve for
three years, or during the war, on the same footing
with the present volunteers, advance pay and
bounty included.
The President can draft at any tins within ten
days' notice to drafted men. Substitutes ma be
furnished, or commutation made ; none ex • I
300 dote. Drafted persons refusing to report
be treated as deserters. It is supposed that both
the conscription and letters of marque bills will
pass the House of Representatives by a considera-
ble majority,
A rumour is current in Richmond of a pro-
gramme in the North West for forming a North
Western Confederacy.
The Federal turreted gunboat Indianola has ran
the Vicksburg blockade in safety.
Another Federal expedition has left New Orleans
for Bayou Teche.
Confederate General Hindman's army in Ten-
nessee is said to be demoralised. Three hundred of
his troops were frozen to death in marching from
Van Buren.
Two members from Louisiana have been admitted
to seats in the House of Representatives.
The Senate of the New York Legislature has re-
acted the complimentary resolutions to General

It is denied that the Harriet Lane has escaped
from Galveston.