The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-21 00:00:00

The Shocking Wife Murder in Durham.

The inquest on the body of Ellen Atkinson, who was
brutally murdered by her husband, Matthew Atkinson, a
pitman, at a late hour on Saturday night, was opened on
Monday. The jury sat at the village of Spen, near where
the crime was committed. Spen is a small colliery village,
situated upwards of two miles from Winlaton, which is
about two miles from Blaydon-on-Tyne, in the county of
Durham. Most of the inhabitants aro engaged at the Garse-
field Colliery, where the prisoner has been employed for
some years past. The prisoner and his wife did not live
very happily together, which was the result of both being
of dissipated habits. The fatal quarrel on Saturday night
occurred on the husband returning home from a shooting
match at the village of Hopson, about 11 o'clock at night.
He shortly afterwards commenced to beat his wife. with a
poker, continuing to do so for about an hour and a
_half.
The poker, tongs, coal rake, and fire shovel had, indeed, all
been used by the murderer to perpetrate the awful crime.
The neighbours, many of whom heard the cries of the poor
woman, and also the blows that her husband was inflicting,
did not go into the house and prevent Atkinson from per-
sisting with his brutality. Those who heard the fatal
blows say that after the infliction of each one of them the
deceased was heard to moan most piteously; and as each
blow was dealt it was accompanied either with an oath
or an expression of exertion or determination en
the part of the murderer, He also swore that he would
kill any one who came to the assistance of his wife, and
this seems to have frightened them from going to her
rescue. At one time he left his victim for a short period,
went out and talked to some of the neighbours, remained in
their company for a few minutes, swore that he would go
back and finish her, and he did so.

Stephen Purvis said—l am a pitman. I live four doors
from the home in which the deceaFed and her husband
lived. I went to bed when I got home on Saturday night,
The first I knew of it was the people calling on me to get
out of bed. I had heard no noisy to attract my attention
before I got to bed. They wanted sue to get out of bud to
keep Atkinson from thrashing his wife. I got up to go into
th,n house, but my mistress would not lot me go. She was
frightened. I did not go out of our house, but looked out
at the window. I live in an upper story. I heard the noise
of the blows in Atkinson's house. I could not see the blows
struck. The Atkinsons were inside their own house. I
heard heavy blows, and when the prisoner was inflicting
them he was swearing at the same time that he would
kill her. He said, " You --, I will kill you; I will, by
God." He still kept striking her. She was shouting at the
time. She was moaning fearfully. She shouted, " Oh,
dear 1" I also heard her shouting " Murder I"
The Deputy Coroner —Did you not go into the house
when you heard these shouts ? No ; I durst not go in. I
durst not leave our own house, for my mistress was fright-
ened.

The Deputy Coroner—Would no other person go is
either ? No ; no one went in then.
The Deputy-Coroner—Did you hoar Atkinson say any-
thing ?—Yee ; I heard him say, "If any man comp near
hand, I will kill him on the spot."

Examination continued—He is not a big, strong. man,

We had heard that he had sometimes thrashed his wife be-
fore. We had heard that ho was very savage when ho was
under the influence of drink. My wife was afraid ho would
kill me if I went out to his wife's assistance.
The Deputy Coroner—How long did this go on 7—About
an hour and a half. He gave over at ono time. I think
he continued from eleven o'clock until half-past twelve.
The Deputy Coroner—Where did he go when ho left his
own house? Witness—He went to Della Hall's. We then
thought he was done with thrashing his wife. We still
kept lookir g out at our window. My wife first looked out,
end then I did.

By a Juryman—There were seTeral people about the
door of Atkinson's house, but no ono went in. They were
both tipsy.

The Deputy Coroner—They sounded like heavy blows ?
—Yes. The prisoner gave a groan as he made each blow.
She also groaned after each blow. He seemed to be laying
on with all his might.

The Deputy Coroner—Did you see Atkinson afterwards ?
—Yes, he came to my house about half-past 12 o'clock.
The Deputy Coroner—What did he do when he came .to
your house ?—He came to the door of my house and said,
Stephen and Hannah, get up; she's done ; I have
finished her this time." Both my wife and 1 got out of bed.
We put our clothes on and went to his house. I went to his
house immediately after he called upon us. He was bearing
her head up with his hands. There was a dish of water on
the floor. He seemed to have been washing her face. The
floor was covered with blood. He said, "I think she's done."
We put her into bed afterwards. He said something when
think,
nwke,nt
whenin, butwe I could
wentinnt
oo not
the
house,
hear him
"Ie ryth llMy wife and Joseph Anderson lifted her into bed. She was
very well.
she's done,"
isai
not quite dead then.
By a juryman—She opened her mouth once after she was
put into the bed, and she then died.
Examination continued—John Hymos and I took hold of
Atkinson, and we led him out of the room, for he seemed to
one side and up the other. Ho said, 0 I know what I have
be greatly excited. We led him up and down the road—down
lam quite willing to go to the gallows. I will not
flinchclone one peg." Ile also said, "It is a bad job ; but I
know what I have done."
Mr M. J. Callender, surgeon, described the iejuries. She
had a contusion upon both cheeks. The right eye was also
a little blackened ; the left more blackened and contused.
Above the left eye I observed a cut, a wound. It was a deep
wound, extending down to the bone. The bone was not in-
jured. Further back, near the ear, there was a small euperfi-
cial wound, about a quarter of an inch long. There was also
a small wound over the nose.
The lips were much swollen
and contused. 1 nt%.xt ex _twine I the arms to the elbow. The
right arm was contused from the hand to the elbow; the

left arm was very much contused from the hand to the
elbow. There was a small wound on the left arm, about
half an inch in length, near the elbow, There was another
wound about the same length near the wrist. Beneath this
shv7iecerimhe dtchwawianits;okh
hi ntbohel reoreoeldyc
vering from the effects of
last wound the bones are fractured. The right and lett legs
from the feet to the knees were also contused ; and on the
rightbn odßrys,olNwavbe
agejorsti,u.rannyodsmlt:acwoenor t distance from the
throughknee , there was
skin.a
ficialrh
prisoner The
was neither drunk
drink, and he seemed stupified. After the policeman cams
he said ho was sorry for what he had done, and in my pre-
sence said he had inflicted these wounds, and admitted his
fault.
1
The inquest was then adjourned.
The prisoner was brought before the magistrates at GAtts-
head yesterday, where similar evidence was given,

~~
4~;.-r.~:.~

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 21, 1864.

It is not, perhaps, surprising that the opening
paragraphs of the PRESIDENT'S Message should
refer to the relations of his Government with foreign
States. Notwithstanding the arrogance and reck-
lessness which too often have characterised the
proceedings of the Northern States, the estimate
which is formed of their conduct in other countries
is never a matter of indifference to them ; and at
the present juncture they have their hands quite
full enough. The allusion to the Canadian border
ie, however, very significant, and not altogether
satisfactory. LINCOLN is evidently looking at the
proposed new Confederation of the British States,
end wishes to put a check on them if he can. He
wants to have a cause all ready for interference, in
case he fails in his war with the South.
Ha foresees that he may be placed between two
fires. Mr LINCOLN has thought it prudent to dis-
claim any suspicion of unfriendly intentions on
the part of the Colonial Government, but we may
take his professions for what they are worth. His
remarks upon the advantages of emigration are
about equally sincere and disinterested. President
LINCOLN considers immigration " as one of the
principal replenishing streams which are appointed
by PROVIDENCE to repair the ravages of internal
war and its wastes of national strength and health,"
and professes great anxiety to secure intending
ena'grante from fraud, and to convince them that
the Government neither needs nor desires their
" involuntary servitude" in the ranks of its ever-
wasting army. The PRESIDENT'S kind offers read
something like the old invitation of "Dilly,
dilly, come and be killed," as many an unfortunate
Irishman can testify, but probably Mr LINCOLN
thinks it is only the fortune of war, and. other
persons must carry out his theories with their
lives. After discussing emigration he comes to
the consideration of the finances and the public
debt, which may be left to keep each other in
countenance, for both are beyond all hope. Then
he eaters upon a survey of the military and naval
departments. The navy, of which he seems to
boast, is more numerous than ever. One half ap-
pears to be helping the other half in doing, or
making much ado about nothing. There is one
department, however, in which his navy has
proved itself a little too active—and this, strange
to stay',is the very point which Mr LINCOLN passes
over in total silence. We hear nothing of the
exploit of the Wachusetts, nor of the sulden
and opportune demiso of the captured Florida,
yet Mr. LINCOLN ie generally ready enough
to trumpet the achievements of his followers. Per-
Per-
haps some of his friends will recall thisslight
omission to his notice, since else the vacuum might
give rise to invidious comments. Perhaps, how_
ever, the newly elected President thinks the matter
too insignificant to notice. Whether the result
were accident or design, at any rate, since the
Yankees, in opposition to the witty retort of the
French soldier, do not fight for honour, the heroic
capture has probably been the cause of much official
aejoicing. The "'cuteness" which does not always
show to good advantage in war, is better employed
in applying the practical inventions of the day to

developing the resources of their country. The
Yankees deserve praise for their vigour in push.
ing railways and telegraphic communications.
A splendid enterprise of this kind has been com•
menced worthy in its magnitude and grandeur of
design of the natural wonders of the Western Con-
tinent. The idea of connecting the two great oceans
which lie on either side of North America by rail-
way lines and telegraph wires is a fine one, and the
practice has already begun in earnest. The addi-
tional expense and difficulty of the proceeding
owing to the war is to be regretted, but it is to be
hoped that, notwithstanding all obstacles, the
desig❑ may be fully carried out. As for the affairs
of the Indians and their territories, they are not
likely to be allowed to give too much trouble to
their stronger neighbours. Whether modern civili-
sation has penetrated far enough to acquaint the an-
c'ent tribes with the fable of the Wolf and the Lamb,
may be doubted, but they are likely to see apt illus.
trations of the story: Mr LINCOLN, however, can
be modest in his pretensions when occasion serves,
and it is impossible not to notice the subdued tone in
which he speaks of SHERMAN'S erratic proceedings.
The vague uncertainty of his language seems almost
as if it were intended to prepare the public for a
possible failure. "The result not being known,"
he says, "we will not indulge in conjecture," and
he seems to place most stress on the fact of GRANT'S
being strong enough to detach so large a body of
men, as though he were endeavouring to turn the
people's hopes and anticipations in that direction
away from the Georgian escapade. He styles
SHERMAN'S expedition, it is true, the most remark-
able feature in the military operations of
the year, and certainly " his attempted march of
300 miles across an insurgent region" is remarkable
enough—if he succeed in doing it. The question
just now is whether SHERMAN'S march be a march
or a retreat. Both he and THOMAS are probably
more anxious to save their own forces than to do
anything else just now. Mr LINCOLN affects great
regret that the war fills so many graves. He has
a very easy mode of curing his sorrow by ending
the war, but such every-day humanity is not in
his line. He prefers to boast that the extent of
the Federal means enables the General-in-Chief to
send SHERMAN on his raid of blood and devasta-
tion, carrying fire, sword, and famine across
the swamps of Georgia and among the
homesteads of Tennessee. To carry on the
war with vigour appears to be the summunt
bonum of President LINCOLN'S ambition, but he is
now endeavouring to take his stand as a philan-
thropist on behalf of the negro. He seems to have
forgotten that he once termed his famous Emanci-
pation proclamation "a military measure." It is
said that some people ought to have good memo-
ries, but the President is superior to all such vulgar
considerations. " Thousands must die that LIN-
COLN may kill more," and his professed humanity
finds no vent in any of the ordinary channels of
mercy for his kind. If President LINCOLN is not by
this time convinced of the hopelessness of the task
he has set his people, he is no very far-sighted or
competent statesman—if he does see that his case is
desperate, and yet persists in it for personal incli-
nation, he is an unscrupulous tyrant : in either
case no very desirable ruler for the tempest-tossed
States, in spite of his weighty "President's
Nlessage.''

Colonel M.Mußpo has deserved well of his
countrymen for the zeal with which he has dis•
charged his duties in connection with the Volun-
teers. His efforts during that time will not soon
be forgotten, and the good effects of his services
will long remain to benefit the community and
redound to his own honour. List Saturday the
gallant colonel laid the foundation-s•oae of the
new headquarters for the Ist Surrey Rifles, Upon
this occasion he observed that, during the six
years he bad been connected with them, he had
nearly worked his heart out in the cause, but that
the movement originated with the Volunteers
themselves, who were entitled to all praise. He
also gave his hearers a capital definition of the
meaning of the term " head quarters," which to
the uninitiated must have been of great interest. He
said that they bore the same relation to an army
that a capital did to a country—they were the
centre of authority and command. They were also
the place where the archives were kept. Hence it
was of no small consequence that Volunteers should
possess headquarters. The place had beeen taken
for ninety-nine years, whichT
,RWIN appro-
priately said was a proof that their Institution was
sufficiently strong to allow of such a provision for
the future, and he occasioned amusement by ex•
pressing a hope that the lease might be renewed
by their children's children in the days to come.
Colonel M‘Mußpo agreed in the truth of this sen-
timent, and bore his testimony to the depth and
solidity of this national movement. Certainly he
has as good a right to judge as any one, for he has
been for a long period intimately associated with
its progress. He has known its struggles,
seen its difficulties, shared its toils, and
finally rejoiced in its success, as those only can who
have worked for themselves or an undertaking, and
put their shoulder to the wheel in earnest, and
with hearty good will and spirit. On Friday
also the gallant Colonel had an opportunity of ex-
pressing his opinions upon this subject, so dear to
tuffs feelings and so connected with his name. At
the annual dinner of the South Middlesex, at Wal-
hamsgreen, Lord RANELAGEI proposed his health,
and in responding he observed it was important to
realise the good feeling that existed between the
Volunteers and the other branches of the service,
and in pursuance of this idea he mentioned a feature
of great consequence in the Volunteer movement,
which was the effect of its bringing men of all
classes into closer friendly communication, and in.
deed uniting for a common cause those who might
otherwise never have spoken to each other. This
is, in truth, a real and substantial thing to have
achieved, and although secondary to the further-
ance of the great cause of national defence, it is a
step in the same direction, since we know that our
chief use of strength lies in internal harmony, and
that a nation at unity with itself is more ready for
defence and more likely to stand in the time of trial
and danger. It is satisfactory to find that Colonel
Nl'Muano entertains so high an opinion of the effi-
ciency of those over whom he has presided ; and he
must relinquish his position with a mitigated re.
gret when he reflects that his works will live after
him, since he only expresses the general belief when
he says that he believes the 170,000 volunteers of
England " will he prepared to perform most vale.
able and important services for their country."

Are we never to hear the last of the glorious
achievements of the Prussian army and the won-
drous valour of the troops of the invaders of Den-
mark's rights. It seems as if, like the vision of
MACBETH, their gorgeous panorama would last till
the crack of doom. Again and again the scene
turns before us, and all must be weary of listening
to the reiterated remarks and the protracted plans
dits, The chief absurdity of the affair consists in
the part that there really was no occasion for the
armies of either Austria or Prussia to exert them-
selves strenously, or to display any of those feats
of military prowess which emblszon the annals of
warfare, and light up the soldier's career rrith a
bright if 412 evanescent lustre, Tao, very fact of

continually parading the slight services which
were done in this manner, shows that the Prussian
authorities do not very clearly realise what
is a grand war, or an arduous campaign.
All experienced observers must laugh such preten-
tious conduct to scorn. The French,who have seen
their armies marching through Europe, nor resting
in their course until their eagles were placed on
the Kremlin of Moscow; the English,whose powers
of endurance have won the victory in many an
overmatched encounter, must be annoyed to find
the triumph of the powerful armies of two great
Powers over a small and weak kingdom thus lauded
and magnified. There is another feature in the
affair which is worse than the exhibition of paltry
pride and the utterances of senseless vanity. There
ought to be too much considezation manifested for
the it juries sustained by the gallant Danes to
allow of such const ant' exhibitions, now that peace
has been concluded. There should also be
too much respect for the voice of public
opinion ttat has always declared itself so
strongly against the attempt from the outset,
through the cruel war to the crushing peace. Re-
monstrances, expostulations, and advice are all alike
thrown away, however, upon the self-willed Mo-
narch and arrogant Minister who reigns supreme
and rule the councils of ill-fated Berlin. They act
their own destiny as they think fit, and deem cor
rect so to do. Nor can any credit be awarded to
the inhabitants of the city for the enthusiasm and
excitement in receiving the returning troops. Are
they too ignorant or too stupid not to see and know
what a price they have paid for all this boasting
and bluster. The victory over the Danes was not
the only gain that was won by a crafty Cabinet
and a tyrannical Court. The doom of Prussian
liberties was sealed, and no possible excuse can be
found for those who thus allowed their rights
to be trampled upon in order to gratify the selfish
love of acquisition and the unworthy efforts at
spoliation. The end is not always seen at once of
the doings of the tyrant and the oppressor, but
sometimes it is given speedily to mark the nothing..
ness and emptiness of all his devices and desires.
So it will i❑ all probability prove in the case of
King WILLIAM and his heaven-born administra-
tion. Mean while it is a melancholy spectacle to
witness a great people throwing away its chances,
neglecting its opportunities, and adorning the capi.
tal of their kingdom to welcome back those 'who
have carried out a great wrong, and called down
the scorn End reproech of all Europe on their hard
and harsh observances of the orders entrusted to
them. Not while such principles prevail, and such
practices are followed, can a nation expect to re-
ceive the respect of men, nor to deserve any of the
benefits and blessings which the favour of heaven
may bestow.

France and Santo Domingo,

MADRID, Dec. 16.

The Correspondencia de Espana of to day says:—
" Though it is with grief and deep indignation
we make the announcement, it appears certain, ac-
cording to letters received yesterday from Paris,
that the French Government, if it has not yet re%
cognised the Santo Domingo rebels as belligerents,
has counselled Spin not to persist in a struggle of
great sacrifices and useless results."

The Epoca, commenting upon the above para■
graph, sEss :

" France has ❑ever done, and never will do any•
thing against the legitimate rights of Spain in Santo
Domingo. The loyalty of her relations with us was
demonstrated at the time of the African war, and is
now being proved in the Peruvian question• It
the Imperial Cabinet entertains the idea that the
war in Santo Domingo is not favourable to Spanish
interests, this is an opinion shared by many parti-
sans i❑ our own country. But it could never have
been officially expressed to the Spanish Government
which, in questions affecting the national dignity,
neither asks nor admits counsel from any."
With reference to the statement that England
had recognised the Santo Domingo insurgents as
belligerents, the _Epoca says :
" We are informed that the English Minister in
Madrid has not yet received despatches confirming
the news that England had recognised the rebels
of Santo Domingo as belligerents."
It further observes upon this subject :
" According to tha most trustworthy information
from all quarters the attitude of England on the
Santo Domingo question has been much exagge-
rated. There is something in it which we cannot
approve, but we have strong reasons for affirming
that upto the last eight days the relations between
the Spanish and English Cabinets could not be
more cordial and friendly. A transition cannot
take place without cause or motive from such
a state of things to an attitude graver than that
adopted by England at the time of the events in
Africa, in which she was directly interested."

ROYAL GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.—We under-
stand that Mr German Reed, induced by the numerous
requests of influential patrons, bus set aside Tuesday and
Thursday mornings during the holidays, for the represen-
tation of his very agreeable Opera di Camera Entertainment,
which will consist of Mr Macfarren's " Soldier's Legacy,"
and Offenbach's "Too Many Cooks." Mr and Mrs Reed,
with Mr John Parry will, of course, appear as usual.
SIGNOR DONATO.—This celebrated artist, whose
extraordinary performances have created such a furore at
Vienna and Berlin, will make his first appearance at
Covent garden Theatre on Boxing-night, in the grand pan-
tomime " Cinderella."

THE BUST OP THE LATE DUKE OF RICHMOND.—..
The marble bust of the late Duke of Richmond was
placed in its position in the Assembly Rooms at the County
Hall, Lewes, on Wednesday last, under the personal weer-
intendence of the sculptor. Mr F. M'Dawell. On the trout
of the pedestal is the following inscription :—Charles, fifth
Duke of Richmond, &c., K.G. ; born, A.D. 1791 died, A.D
1860. In early life he served with distinction in the Penin-
sula and at Waterloo, and retained to the last his love for
the army, As a peer of Parliament, as a Minister of the
Crown. as a lord lieutenant of his native county, as a warm
friend to agriculture, he performed honestly and ably the
duties entrusted to him and the work which he undertook.
[n every relation of life his good sense and energy, the frank
courtesy of his manners, and the kindness of his heart won
for him the respect and affection of all who knew him. This
memorial has been placed here by his Sussex friends in
grateful recollection of his virtues and hie setvicee.-
4Yusesz Advertiser.

GROTESQUE PAINTERS OF ANTIQUITY.—The
excavations conducted at Gragnano, near Hercule•
neum, have brought to light a painting which derives its
interest chiefly from the grotesque figures it represents.
M. Barre, who has described it, is of opinion that the artist
meant to represent certain well-known persons of his period
under the shape of monkeys. Several ancient writers have
mentioned carioatures. Cicero, for instance, in his treatise
"De Oratore," Book 11., speaks of figures i❑ which
certain deformities of the bodies are exaggerated, so as
to excite laughter; and Pliny mentions a painter of
the name of Antiphilus, who had acqaired a re-
putation by creating a style called gryllur, in
which the subjects represented were fantastic or cemi.
cal. Calades and Ludius are also spoken of ; the former
used to paint representations on canvas of some favourite
scene of a comedy to be performed, much in the same way
as those we see exhibited at fairs for the edification of the
public in front of the booths where conjurors and other
artists ply their various arts, This custom is still general
throughout Italy for theatres of the higher order. As for
Ludius, who r swished under Augustus, he was the first to
introduce paintings over doors ; and the subjects of these
were generally grotesque. Aristotle is the first to men-
tion a painter of this kind among the Greeks. In his
" Politics" he divides the imaginative arts into
three categories—namely, exaggeration of beauty, faith-
fulness. and exaggeration of ugliness ; and quotes
instances of each : " Polygnottus," he says, " represents
men more perfect than nature makes them ; Pozen makes
them more imperfect, and Dionyeius represents them as
they are." It seems that Pozon was a caricaturist whose
productions were far from being so strictly moral as might
have been desirable, for Aristotle positively says that
Pozon's pictures ought not to be shown to young people.
Aristophanes, Plutarch, and Lucian also mention Pozon as
a great master. Pliny does not speak of him, but on the
other hand mentions Pereicus with great admiration. This
artist only painted small pictures, which generally repre-
sented the interior of a barber's or a cobbler's shop, scenes
of domestic life, ke., subjects which in our days we would
call of the Dgtch School.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

AMERICA.
ARRIVAL OF THE MORAVIAN.
(Via Greencastle.)

The Montreal Ocean Company's steamship
Moravian, from Portland on the 10th inst., arrived
at Greencastle at 5.45 a.m. to-day.

NEW YORK, DEC, 10 (Morning).

The Richmond papers report that Sherman's
principal force remained several days near :11illen,
gathering supplies. Sherman resumed bis march
on the 2d from the north of Millen, and on the
3,1 was some distance south of that place.
Richmond papers of the 7th state that Sherman
is at last approaching the coast, and that there
are troops in his front who will resolutely dispute
his advance towards Savannah or Darien after he
passes a certain point.

Sherman's advance is rumoured to be skirmish
lag with the outposts round Savannah.
The Southern papers claim another victory by
Wheeler over Kilpatrick, between Milledgville and
Millen. Kilpatrick is reported wounded.
Federal accounts represent Foster to have en-
cnuntered considerable resistance in his advance
from Hilton Head.

The Charleston Mercury states: that, after the
engagement at Grahamsville, Foster retired three
miles towards the cover of his gunboats and was
fortifying his position. Ha left 1,300 killed and
wounded on the field.
Hood continues to besiege Nashville. He has
established a battery on a bluff 14 miles down the
river. Seven gunboats failed to dislodge him, and
one of them has returned to Nashville damaged.

One brigade of Hood's army has moved in the
direction of Murfreesboro. It is rumoured that
Forrest has crossed the Cumberland River, and is
moving towards Kentucky.
Grant is reported to have been reinforced by two
corps of Sheridan's army, Two corps of Grant's
army were massed near the Jerusalem Plank-road
on Tuesday, and marched on Wednesday towards
Stoney Creek-station,
A whole negro corps crossed the James River,
and occupied a line extending from Fort Harrison
to the river. The Richmond papers anticipate a
renewal of the attack by Grant.
Mr Lincoln has made a speech at Washington,
in which he said—" All knew where Sherman
went in at, but he could not tell where he would
come out at."

Mr Seward, in a letter to Mr Adams, indignantly
refused the request of Lord Wharncliffe to distri-
bute aid to the confederate prisoners i❑ the
Northern States.

The Provost Marshal has urged upon all officers
to exercise extraordinary vigilance against the an-
ticipated invasion by the Confederates from Canada)

A bill has been introduced into the Confederate
Congress sequestrating the property of persons
liable to military service who depart from the
Confederacy without permission.
The blockade runners Vixen, Mail, and General
Armstrong have been captcared.

The Hansa has arrived out.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Money easy. Gold 139 per cent. premium. Es•
change on London, 260; on Paris, 2-81,- 2-13;
stocks bteady. New York Centrals, 121 a ; Illinois,
1301; Erie, 941 ; 5.20 Bonds, 1081. Cotton in
good inquiry. Middling Upland, 13c. Flour and
wheat slightly firmer. Corn quiet. Provisions
dull. Ccffee, good inquiry. Sugar advancing.
Molasses slightly firmer. Petroleum, crude, 51c. ;
refined, 72c.

NEW YORK, DEC, 10 (Afternoon).

Money easy. Gold 1381 per cent. premium,
Stocks dull; New York Centrals, 121; Illinois,
129; ; Erie, 94 ; Fiva-tweaties United States
Bonds, 1081.

The Edinburgh, Virginian, and Bremen take out
60,000 dole.

(TELEGRAPHIC NEWS ASSOCIATION).
NEW YORK, DEC, 10, EVENING.
A battle took place on the 4th between the Federal an N
Confederate cavalry in Georgia—the former were defeated,
and Kilpatrick wounded. Sherman, at last advices, wa a
south heading for the coast. The re-
ported west
- crossingof of the
ho
Savannah
was unfounded. The
prisoners report Sherman almost destitute of provisions.
The Federal loss at the battle of Grahamsville was 500—
anotherwere left on the field.
Forster h accountati
5,000 n
guns. The Confederates
had 1,400 Georgia State troops and 7 guns, The battle ha
i 6 ay
infantry a n try nearly
a a d I'3
16 0°
their'
gunboats te.
Pederale retired to thei
ng
oo to sinceboats bteoe n
awaitre n

Hood is flanking Nashville, cuuizg off communication
by land and water.

Seven gunboats
butwatetraeerkeepdualsCed7 lfecierate battery on Cum-
berland
had crossed Camberland is not Credited,

The Confederates have broken the ]ine connecting Nash-
villeis reported short of supplies.
Sheridan troo-
tit. Grant is massing
o nh etrhiwde
ai
rtnihghh theat,s sentnane north. haG.
battle The
4,0
is eoi ty i
oiztainent.

Red River expedition is undergoing an investigation at
Washington.

12,000 dollars from the cruiser Florida has been sent to
the Navy Department•

Captain 'Winslow has been made a commander, and Lieu-
tenant Cuehing a lieutenant-commander.
The Federal,House adopted j§int resolutions denationaliz-
ing all persons who left the country to avoid the draft.
General orders were issued from
Washington in reference
to Confederate raids from Canada. Seward has refused
Wharncliffe'd request to distribute bazar funds. He says
e's letter is sharp and
the prisoners need no assistance, and the offer of Britith
gold is a grave insult. Seward 's
emphatical.

Farragut is coming home, probably not to return.
The Armstrong was captured off Wilmington, and the
Mail off Campeachy. Most of the Armstrong's cotton was
thrown overboard.

A resolution was introduced in South Carolina House of
Representatives opposing conscription of State agents and
the arming of slaves by Congress,and declaring the inter-
nal measure of States not amenable to the general Govern-
ment. A bill passed conscripting all males between 16
and 60.

Maximilian declares the war ended and empire esta-
blished.

LATEST NEWS.

Sherman was reported on the 3d to be some distance
south of Millen, and on the 6th his advance was reported
skirmishing with Confederate outposts defending Savannah
Foster is fortifying on Broad River.
Grant massed the 2d and sth Army Corps near Jeru
salem Plank road on Tuesday, and next day marched to-
wards Stoney Creek, on Weldon-road.
Butler has sent three coloured regiments to oppose the
Confederates who interfere with the completion of his
canal.

The Confederate Senate rejected the resolution conscript-
ing the officers exempted by State laws,
A large unknown blockade runner, with two smoke
stacks, was destroyed in Cape Fear River on the 3d.
General Dana has destroyed 30 miles of the Mississippi
Central Road and 2,500 bales Confederate cotton.
The Times says that in Seward's letter British impertin-
ence is fitly rebuked.

The Tribune says the letter puts the possibility of a re-
joinder beyond even British impudence.

The .21re ws denounces the letter 88 inhuman.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Cotton firm, 1.33 ; breadsttrs, stiffer ; Coffee advareed 2
cents ; iron unchanged ; lead improving; petroleum,
crude, 51k ; saltpetre, 22; tobacco firm; stocks lower;
Sixes, 81 to 1151 ; Seven-Thirties, 119; Five-Twenties.
108 ; Reading, 351; Erie, 91 Illinois, 130; gold, 239.
Exchange dull.

NEW YORK, DEC. 10.
The Times says that Lincoln's message is cope hnsive

explicit, and satisfactory. The .2Vews declares it vague and
superficial, evincing no statesmanlike analysis of the politi-
cal situation, and shedding no ray of hope upon the future.
The Herald says it is an encouraging report on the state of
the nation, but in matters of great moment it falls short of
the mark. The Journal says it indicates an unchanged
purpose. The World says a more commonplace
State paper never proceeded from Washington. The
Express says it will fire the Southern heart
and extinguish the last remaining sparks of Unionism there,
The Tribune says that Lincoln's Message is as thoroughly
Radical as his warmest admirer would have it. The Com-
mercial denies that our material resources have increased,
and says that Lincoln appears to accept the wearing-out
policy in the hope that the rebellion will collapse.
Heavy purchases of Five-twenty bonds are making at a
large advance, under the belief that more gold-bonds will
be issued. On the entire question of finance, Fessenden's
report is held to be evasive and unsatisfactory. Commercial
circles construe the Message and Treasury report unfavour.
ably, and everything has advanced in consequence. The
House has virtually killed Stevens's Gold Bill, by 73 to 52.
General Stoneman has assumed command of the Federal
forces in East Tennessee. The James River has been re-
crossed by the 18th Corps.
Governor Brown of Georgia protests against President
Davis's repeal of all exemptions from military service. The
Confederate Senate had an important debate on the exemp-
tion question. Alexander Stephens is in Richmond.

It is rumoured that Sherman has crossed the Savannah
River to the South Carolina side, and is marching for
Beaufort.

MAILS FOR INDIA AND CHINA,

MARSEILLES, DEC. 19.

The Messageries Imperiales mail steamer Mceris
left this day with 66 passengers, 641 packages, and
£207 640 in specie for India and China ; 86 pas-
sengers and £454,374 in specie for Alexandria.
THE PRINCIPALITIES.

BUCHAREST, DEC. 18,

Prince Couza has opened the Senate and the
Chamber of Deputies in person, in presence of the
Diplomatic Corps and the great bodies of the State.
The message delivered by the Prince was greatly
applauded.