The Sun.
London, England, 1863-02-12 00:00:00

AMERICA.

LIVERPOOL, Wednesday.
The Canadian mail steamship Hibernian has
arrived, with advices from Portland to the 31st ult.
New York advices report that heavy snowstorms
had prevailed.
A steamer, supposed to be the Princess Royal,
had run the blockade of Charleston. Her cargo
included marine steam-engines.
In the Senate on the 27th—
The Bill indemnifying the President and other persons
for the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas
corpus and other acts done in pursuance thereof was taken
up.

Mr. Davis opposed it.
A long debate ensued on the Bill.
Mr. Saulsbury made a long speech, and was called to
order several times in the course thereof. Finally, when
censuring the course of the President of the United States,
calling him an imbecile and calling him by name, the Vice•
President called him to order, and requested him to take his
seat. Mr. Saulsbury continuing his remarks, the Vice-Pre-
sident said if the Senator did not take his seat he should
order the Sergeant, at -Arms to take him in charge.
Mr. Saulsbury—Then the voice of freedom is not allowed
in the American Senate ?
The Vice-President--The Sergeant-at-Arms will take
take the senator into custody.
Mr. Saulsbury was thereupon taken out of the Senate,
displaying a revolver which he took from his coat po,:ket.
After a short time Mr. Saulsbury came into the Senate
again and began to speak.
Mr. Doolittle called him to order, on the ground that he
had been called to order for contempt of the Senate, and
could not be allowed to go on without leave of the Senate.
Mr. Saulsbury—Does the Senator from Wisconsin say
that I am in contempt of any honourable man ?
The Chair (Mr. Clark)—The senator from Doleware will
take his seat, as he is out of order.
Mr. Saulsbury—Just as I please, or otherwise.
Cries of " Order."
The senator will take his seat, and the Sergeant•at-Arms
will take him in custody.
After further discussion Mr. Saulsbury attempted to speak.
Tho Chair—The senator will take his seat.
Mr. Saulsbury—No, sir.
Mr. Stzwnor roe° to the question of "Order," that the
senator from Delaware had been committed to the custody
of the Sergeant•at-Arms, and he saw him on the floor.
The Chair said the senator was in the custody of the
Sergeant-at-Arms, and if ho made further disturbance he
would be removed from the Senate.

N r. Saulsbury took his seat, shaking his fists and swear-
ing at the Sergeant-at-Arms and Mr. Sumner.
Mr. Sherman offered an amendment, that any person not
in the military or naval service of the United States, and
not subject to the articles of war, who shall be arrested in
any state or district, wherein the process of the courts is
not obstructed, during the rebellion for aiding the rebellion
or obstructing the execution of any law or military order,
shall be discharged, unless within ten days charges are filed
in the clerk's office of the district where he is arrested, and
it shall be the duty of the judge to discharge such person or
hold him to bail, as he may deem necessary for the safety
of the country.—Adopted.
The Bill then passed. Yeas, 33; nays, 7,
In the Senate on the 28th,—

Mr. Clark offered the following :---Whereas, Willard
Saulsbury, senator from Delaware, did on the 27th instant I
bring into the Senate a concealed weapon, and behaved in
a turbulent, disorderly manner, and, when called to order,
did refuse to observe order until ordered into the custody of
the Sergeant-at-Arms, and then threatened to use the said
weapon upon the Sergeant-at-Arms, and in the presence of
the Senate did draw said weapon and threaten to shoot said
Sergeant-at-Arms, and behaved in a manner disgraceful to
the Senate and destructive of all order and decorum ; there-
fore resolved that said Willard Saulsbury be and is hereby
expelled from the Senate of the United States.
Mr. Saulsbury said he had not a word to say on the merits
or demerits of the resolution, and neither avows nor dis-
avows what is charged. Let the Senate act according to
its judgment.
Laid over.
On the 29th,—

Mr. Saulsbury, of Delaware, expressed his sincere regret
at what occurred on Tuesday evening. He had no dispo-
sition and no desire to violate the rules of the Senate. He
was satisfied that he was wrong, and was willing to make
all reparation. If upon that occasion he used any discour-
teous language he expressed his regret for it.
Mr. Clark, after hearing the explanation, said he would
not call up the resolution to expel Mr. Saulsbury to-day.
On the 30th,—
The bill granting aid to Missouri for emancipation was
considered.

Mr. Henderson, of Mobile, moved to extend the final time
of emancipation to 1885 instead of 1876, as in the bill.
Rejected—Yeas, 15; nays, 23.
Mr. Henderson moveu w au,eua, au us w watt iun
amount given £14,000,000 if emancipation is completed in
1876, which after discussion was withdrawn.
Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, moved an amendment as
a substitute, providing for the payment of 20,000,000 if
emancipation is completed on the 4th of July, 1865, but no
money shall be paid for slaves hereafter imported, or to any
ono who in any way has aided the rebellion,
Mr. Kennedy, of Maryland, made a speech opposing the
Bill.

Mr. Harris, of New York, moved to recommit the Bill to
the Judiciary Committee. Agreed to.
In the House of Representatives on the 28th—
The Bill authorising the employment of negro soldiers
was taken up and debated.
Mr. Cox moved to table the Bill.—Lost.
A motion to refer the Bill to tho Military Committee was
lost-32 against 103.
Several dilatory motions were made.
At half-past six there were several vacant seats. A call

of the house was made, and excuses made for absentees.
The yeas and nays were repeatedly called on trivial ques-
tions, the object of the Opposition being to defeat a vote on
the Negro Soldier Bill, which the Republicans were de-
termined, if possible, to obtain to-night. It was now 8
o'clock.
Mr. Olin (it being nearly 9 o'clock) asked general con-
sent to make a suggestion to relieve the house from their
embarrassment.
Mr. Allen, of Illinois, on the Opposition, and Mr. Bing-
ham, on the Republican side, objected.
The calling of the yeas and nays was assumed on trivial
questions.
During the proceedings a few emphatic words were ex-
changed by Mr. Vallandigham and Mr. Colfax, the latter
temporarily occupying the Speaker's chair. Mr. Vallan-
digham insisted that ho had a right to appeal from his (Mr.
Colfax's) decision, and Mr. Colfax refused to entertain the
question, claiming that under such circumstances as were
now existing the rulings were uniform.
Mr. Vallandigham—The Speaker himself just now en-
tertained a similar appeal.
Mr. Colfax the Speaker refused to do so.
Mr. Vallandigham—l appeal to the record of the House.
The conversation though of short duration, was re-
markably earnest—to such an extent that members lounging
in the cloak-room and on the sofas hastily rushed to the
scene, thus increasing the confusion.
At 11 o'clock no quorum was present, and the spectatars
had nearly all left the galleries.
The Speaker stated that as there was no quorum no busi-
ness could be transacted.
House still in session (midnight) without action.
On the 29th,—
The Negro Soldier Bill was taken out.
Mr. Hickman modified his substitute, striking out the
distinction of white and coloured as to commissioned

officers.
Mr. Maynard moved to refer the subject to the Military
Committee.
A long debate ensued relative to the status of black
soldiers in the army provided this bill pass.
Mr. Wickliffe denounced the policy of employing negroes

as soldiers.
On the 30th,—
The Negro Soldier Bill was taken up.
In the course of the debate Mr. Wright, of Pennsylvania,
opposed the employment of negroes to help to.put down the
rebellicn. He believed that by a reconstruction of the
Catinet and the restoration of General M'Clellan to the
army the country could be saved. [Applause burst forth
in heavy volumes from the galleries, accompanied by the
stamping of feet and the clapping of hands. The Speaker
rebuked this,] Mr. Wright said General M'Clellan was
no favourite of his, lie had never advocated him here,
but believed that no other General in the army em-
bodies their feelings and sentiments. If you want to
carry victory on your arms, you must have a commander
in whom the army has confidence. General M‘Clel-
lan was the heart of the American army, and
should be placed in command. (The galleries again broke
out in applause.) Mr. Wright continued—Let the Presi-
dent make a new and mixed Cabinet, representing the two
great parties, restore Gen. M‘Clellan to the command of the
army, and call for 200,000 men, who would rally to his
standard in an instant.
Further debate followed. Without taking action the
House adjourned.
General Burnside had issued the following ad-

dress :
t; Head-quarters, Army of the Potomac, Camp near
Falmouth, Jan. 26.
" General Orders No. 9.
"By direction of the President of the UndedStataesndthoef
Commanding General this day transfers the command
this army to Major-General Joseph Hooker.
" The short time that he has directed your movements has
not been fruitful of victory, nor any considerable advance-
ment of our line; but it has again demonstrated an amount
of courage, patience, and endurance that under more favour-
able circumstances would have acccomphshed great results.
Continue to exercise these virtues. be true in your devotion
to your country and the Principles you have sworn to main-
t Lin, give to the brave and skilful General, who has long
been identified with your organisation end who is
now
to

command you, your full and cordial support and co-opera-
tion, and you will deserve success.

" Your General, in taking an affectionate leave of the
army, which he separates from with so much regret, may
be pardoned if he bids an especial farewell to his long and
tried associates of the 9th Corps. His prayers are that God
may be with you and grant continual succe,s until the re-
bellion is crushed.

"By command of Major-General Burnside,
"LEWIS RICUMOND, Acting Adjutant-General."
The following order had been issued from the
War Department :

" Washington City, Jan. 20;
" Ordered,—That Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts,
is authorised until further orders to raise such number of

volunteer companies of artillery for duty in the forts of
Massachusetts or elsewhere, and such corps of infantry for
the volunteer military service, as he may find convenient,
such 'volunteers to be enlisted for three years, unless sooner

discharged, and may include persons of African descent—
organised into separate corps. He will make the usual
needful requisitions on the appropriate staff, bureaux and
officers for the proper transportation, organisation, supplies,
subsistence, arms and equipments of such volunteers.

- -
" EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War."
A despatch from Washington says a list has been

prepared of more than 80 army officers, who are to
be summarily dismissed from the service for violat-

ng the army regulations by the use of improper
language ink reference to their superiors and the

commander-in-chief, in connection with the re-
moval of General M'Clellan and the court-martial

and the sentence of General Fitz John Porter.

Advices from the army of the Potomac report
heavy snow storms, and that the roads were nearly

impassable.
Vigorous measures are in progress to secure the
return and prompt punishment of deserters.
Respecting the sinking of the Federal gunboat
by a Confederate vessel, we have the following in-
telligence, via Key West, under date Jan. 20:—

"By the Northern Light we hear of the most audacious
act yet performed by the Alabama, in which a United States

steamer, the Hatteras, has been sunk by her heavy battery,
and within sight of our coast. The particulars,as near as I
can obtain them, appear to be as follows :—The squadron
ordprod to Galveston, after tho retaking of that city by the
rebels, consisted of the steam sloop of war Brooklyn and a
number of smaller vessels, among them the Hatteras. While
the squadron was lying off that port a steamer was reported
in sight in the offing, when signal a as made from the Brook-
lyn foe the Hatteras to get under way and see who the
stranger was. The Hatteras at once obeyed the signal and
stood to sea. It was not very long before heavy cannonading
was heard, when the Brooklyn immediately got under
way, and stood in the direction, and after proceeding for
some distance picked up a boat's crew from the Hatteras,
who reported that their steamer had been sunk by a broad-
side from the " 290" (Alabama), and that they alone were
left to tell the tale. They further reported that on coming
within hailing distance of the stranger, both crews being
at quarters, Capt. Blake hailed, and asked, " What ship is
that P" and the reply came back, " Her Majesty's steamer
Spitfire." Hearing this, Captain Blake gave the name and
character of his vessel, and said, " I'll send a boat on board
of you." While the boat was pulling from the Hatteras to
the stranger she fired a heavy broadside into the Hatteras,
which was at once replied to without apparent effect, for
her battery consisted of but three or four light guns. The
Hatteras sank in a few moments hom the effect of her an-
tagonist's broadside, and carried down with her all the
officers and crew except those who were in the boat. Such
is supposed to be their fate, for no traces were afterwards
discovered of them. The Brooklyn proceeded to the
locality of the disaster, but found that the Hatteras had
gone down in nine fathoms water, and that the stranger
had disappeared. Such is an outline of one of the most dar-
ing and at the same time one of the most cowardly actions
ever perpetrated on the high seas. The rescued seamen say
that it was the Alabama who did it, but their description of
her rig is that of the Oreto. The Alabama is barque-
rigged, but these men say that the vessel they encountered
was square-rigged forward only. This answers the de-
scription of the Oreto. Semmes may have sent down
his main, maintopsail, and topgallant yards to disguise his
vessel; but that is not probable, for he knows that with the
Alabama, in case of her being disabled in her machinery, his
only dependence for safety is her canvass. Consequently
he would not be likely to disable his vessel in the manner I
speak of. The mischief is done, however, no matter who
did it ; and it would not be surprising to hear that other ac-
tions of a similar nature by the same vessel have been per-
petrated in our immediate vicinity. I here assert that the
bloekade of the entire line of coast comprised within the
limits of the Eastern Gulf blockading squadron could be
raised and the blockading vessels destroyed by one vessel
similar to the one that destroyed the Hatteras. I have be-
fore stated the reasons why this could be done. Conse-
quently there is no use in repeating it ; but if any one, Go-
vernment official or otherwise, is desirous of knowing, it
will afford me retinal plan...are to give oaoe more the desired
information, and show to the country fully the material Of
which this squadron is composed."
The same correspondent adds some further parti-
culars of the event :
" Since writing the above I have conversed with Acting-

Master De Hurst, United States Navy, who was attached to
the United States steamer Brooklyn during the recent affair
between the Alabama and the United States steamer Hat-
teras. Ho confirms my account, and states that the mast-
heads of the Hatteras were discovered above water; that
they removed the pennant, which was still flying from her
main truck, and they discovered two boats lashed together,
apparently belonging to the Hatteras, besides the one that
contained the men. From this they are of opinion that
these boats were used to transport the crew of the Hatteras
to the Alabama after she was captured, and that in all pro-
bability the majority are prisoners on board the pirate.
I have also seen a copy of the report made to
Admiral Farragut by Acting-Master L. H. Part-
ridge, United States Navy, the officer of the
Hatteras who was in charge of the boat that Capt. Blake
sent to board the stranger. He says that in chasing the
stranger they came up with her rapidly, and when close up
with her she stopped. As the Hatteras ranged alongside
within pistol shot Capt. Blake hailed, as I have before
stated, and her reply was, " Her Britannic Majesty's ship
Spitfire." Mr. Partridge was then ordered to board, and
he says that he had not shoved off a ship's length befere the
Alabama poured in her first broadside, which was immedi-
ately replied to by the Hatteras. This occurred just at dark.
As the first broadside was exchanged both vessels steamed
ahead, side by side, exchanging broadsides as fast as the
guns could be loaded and fired, and within a very short dis-
tance of each other. Mr. Partridge was pulling ahead all
the time to endeavour to reach his vessel, but did not suc-
ceed. He says the cannonade lasted about 20 minutes,when
he heard the sound of musketry. By dint of hard pulling
he came again in sight of the vessels, and found them
stopped, with the Alabama alongside and the Hatteras blow-
ing off steam, and heard cheering from the Alabama, prov-
iing that the Hatteras had been captured by boarding.
Deeming it best not to be taken prisoner, he pulled back in

,he direction of our squadron, and was picked up, as before

stated. This is the only information we have of the affair,
and it is in all respects reliable. The Hatteras was a small
iron steamer, slightly built, with engines and boilers ex-
posed to shot and shell. She mounted probably six guns of
small calibre, and possibly less. She has been doing block-
ade duty in the Gulf for a year past, and was the vessel that
took possession of Cedar Keyes. She is nothing in com-
parison with the Alabama, either in size, speed, or in the
number and calibre of her battery. She was enticed into
the jaws of the lion and crushed, without the slightest pos-
sibility of her being able to injure her antagonist in the
smallest degree. She has been captured, after a most gal-
lant fight, by overwhelming power and numbers, and by
English sailors, and under the plea that it was one of the
English navy. A long time may elapse before the fate of
her gallant officers and crew is determined."
A Key West letter of the 22d ult. says the Oreto,
after burning the brig Estella, of Boston, proceeded
to Havannah, where she was coaling at 11 o'clock
on the morning of the 21st. The United States'
steamers San Jacinto and Oneida were about to leave
New York in search of the Oreto. There was not
ono United States' ship of war between the Florida
reefs and the coast of Cuba.
A New York letter of the 29th says:—
" The captain of the steamer Eagle, from Havannah, re-
ports that on the 27th, at noon, ho saw smoke to the east-
ward, probably some vessel burning. He also states that'
the American Consul, Mr. Shufeldt, at Havannah, pro-
tested to the Spanish authorities against allowing the pirate
to leave until 11 o'clock in the morning of the 23d ; but the
cruisersH e was
suld allowedcap-
go
tteh the
oads Federale
pa a ssosoe nde rthe.
guard-ship, at
tpt
oui pirate
.he icmaSl Oitofaninnoa tfs after eothe dhp
ati
rot a
night, the Wachusset arrived at the same spot, when the
Spanish authorities kept the Wachusett there until morn-
ing, before allowing her to enter port. The captain of the
brig Estella was offered a free passage home in the Eagle,
but he preferred coming in a British steamer."
The following official report had been made to
the Navy Department in reference to the loss of the
Hatteras ;
"Rear-Admiral Farragut has forwarded to the Navy
Department the report of Commodore Bell, of the steamer
Brooklyn, at Galveston, giving an account of the sinking of
the Hatteras, 11th inat. Commodore Bell states that he has
heard
of six persons who escaped, viz.,—Acting Master
Partridge, of Maine ; James Bailey, ordinary seaman, of
New Jersey; George A. Falkenburg, of Philadelphia ; Jas.
Wright, of 'Croy, New York ; Wm. H. Jenkins of New
Jersey; Wm. Brown, coxswain,
of Boston. Commodore
Bell reports that at 3 o'clock on
the afternoon of the 11th,
the Hatteras was sent in chase of a strange sail, which was
reported from the masthead, and was seen after sunset
about 12 miles distant bearing south. At 7 15 the Brooklyn
was under way steering south quarter east, and at the same
time the Cayuga steered south by west. The Brooklyn
cruised in several courses as far as 63 miles south of Gal-
veston in search of the combatants, supposing the enemy to
be the 290, and returning reached Galyeetort on the after-

noon of the 12th. About 11 o'clock next day discovered
two masts of a sunken vessel standing out of the water.
The tops and rigging were awash, and the United States'
naval pennant was flying gaily from the main truck. No
ensign was found, and the hurricane deck was adrift. Sh
was recognised to be the Hatteras by certain marks made
on her hurricane deck by the Brooklyn some time ago."
From Havannah we have further intelligence re-
specting the Florida, alias the Oreto :
"The pirate Florida arrived here on the 21st inst. from
Mobile. She coaled during the night and sailed on the
22d on a piratical cruise. The pirate first met the bark La
Ciguena from Portland, but the bark kept well in shore
and the pirate's boat was recalled, the La Ciguena escap-
ing. On the afternoon of the 22d, four miles from the
coast, fell in with the brig Windward, Captain Roberts,
from Matanzas, with molasses, for Portland. The
Windward was robbed and burnt, the crew being sent
ashore in their own boat. The cargo belonged to a Spanish
merchant. On the morning of the 94th, off Cardenas, the
pirate captured and burnt the brig Corris Ana, of Machias,
Maiae, Capt. Small, from Philadelphia, laden with shooks.
She was only one mile from land. The captain and crew
were sant into Cardenas in their own boat. Soon after the
pirate captured two mere brigs, just out from Cardenas.
She burnt one and sunk the other. A schooner arrived at
Havannah on the morning of the 24th, which states that
the pirate was last seen with the British flag flying, steer-
ing for the Bahamas. The United States steamer Reaney
left Havannah on the 23d, but returned the same afternoon,
having been fired into by the Spanish man-of-war P rin-
cessa d'Asturia. The American Consul ordered the Reaney
to proceed on her voyage, and the gunboat Oneida, which
had just arrived, was sent out as convoy. The Reaney had
the American flag flying when fired into. She had the
American mails and Government despatches on board.
The gunboat Wachusett arrived at Havannah on the even-
ing of the 22d, twelve hours after the departure of the pi-
rate. She coaled and sailed on the morning of the 24th.
The rebels in Havannah are in high glee. Mr. Helm,
their agent, holds receptions every Friday evening, and
ex-Mayor Wood's daughter was present at the last one.
The rebel schooners Ray and General Worth, from Mobile,
arrived at Havannah on the 23d• The rebel schooner Mary
Harris was to sail on the 25th for Matamoras. The French
Cousul-General at Havannah had lately drawn 1,000,000
dols. on the French Treasury, which draught was
honoured by the Spanish bank."
_

A despatch from New Orleans received at New
York on the 30th ult. says :
" The Harriet Lane is blockaded in Galveston Bay. The
rebels are fortifying the island and fitting out the Harriet
Lane, and large numbers of rebel troops are concentrating
on the island to resist our attack. Our fleet is large and
amply sufficient to retake Galveston, but it is hcped that it
will be able to recapture the Harriet Lane without destroy-
ing the city."