The Sun.
London, England, 1862-03-04 00:00:00

" THE CAPTURE OF ELIZABETH CITY.

"FLAG OFFICER GOLDSBOROUGH TO SECRETARY WELLES.
"United States Steamer Philadelphia, Off
Roanoke, Feb. 10, 1862.

" Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy :

" Sir,—Just as I closed my despatch to you of yesterday
I received reliable information that the rebel steamers
which escaped from here had gone to Elizabeth City, and
thereupon I immediately ordered Commander Rowan to
take 13 of our steamers under his command and go in pur-
suit of them, and also, if practicable, to execute another
service, viz., the destruction up the north river of a link of
the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. He dashed off with
a whole heart at his work, and the way he has already ac-
complished the first part of it his own preliminary report (a
copy of which I have herewith to enclose) will inform you.
"I have decided to send the Stars and Stripes off to
Hampton Roads to-morrow, to bring me ammunition from
there without delay.

" Mr. Van Brunt, my Secretary, will go in her and pro-
ceed to Washington to deliver to you my despatches and
two of the rebel flags we have taken.
" I am respectfully, your obedient servant,
" L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag Officer, &c."
'' COMMANDER ROWAN TO FLAG OFFICEB GOLDS-

BORO7IGII.

" United States steamer Delaware, off Elizabeth City,
Feb, 10, 1862.

" Sir,—l have the happiness to report that I met the
enemy off this place this morning, at nine o'clock, and
after a very sharp engagement succeeded in destroying or
capturing his entire naval force, and silencing and de-
stroying his battery on Cobb's Point.
" The only vessel saved from destruction is the Ellis,
Captain J. M. Cook, who is wounded and a prisoner c,n
board this ship. I have other prisoners.
" I am happy to say that our casualties are few, consi-
dering the warmth of the enemy's fire—say, two or three
killed, and some wounded.

"I send the Ellis to you, under command of Acting-
Master Chase, of this ship, who I hope you will confirm
in the command.

" The conduct of the gallant men I have the honour to
command is worthy of all praise.

" A detailed account will be furnished when I have time.
" I am happy to say that none of our vessels are severely
injured.

" 1 shall leave here a small force, and visit the canals and
take a look into the other places before I return.—l have
the honour to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
" J. C. ROWAN, Commander United States Navy."

" ORDER OF THE DAY.

" THANKS OF SECRETARY WELLS TO FLAG. OFFICER

GOLDSBOROUGH, OFFICERS, AND CREWS.
"Navy Department, Feb. 14, 1862.
" Sir,— Your despatches of the 9th and 10th instant by
the hands of your private secretary, communicating the
great success that has thus far attended the expedition into
the waters of North Carolina, were received this morning,
and I hasten, in the name of the President, to thank you
for the service you and the brave men connected with you
have rendered the country.

" These successful achievements of our navy and army
in North Carolina come to swell the current of cheering

tidings that reach us from the West, where the gallant
Foote, with his flotilla, has co-operated with the army in a
successful demonstration against the rebel forces in Ten-
nessee. Our brave and patriotic men on the coast and in
the interior are earning a debt of lasting gratitude from
their country. The hearts and best wishes of the nation
have been with you through the long trials you have endured
—and most sincerely do we rejoice with you on the success
which you have obtained.
" In congratulating you and the officers and men of your
command, the department would also extend congratula-
tions to General Burnside and the army.
" I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
" GinEox WELLES.
" To Flag Officer L. M. Goldsborough, commanding North

Atlantic Blockading Squadron."
From Missouri we have intelligence of another
success for the Federal cause. The details had not
been received, but the result of it rendered Missouri
almost clear of the armed hosts of the Confede-
rates. General Halleck's official announcement by
telegraph says :

"ST. Louis, Feb. 14.
" The following despatch was forwarded from head-
quarters this morning to General M'Clellan, at Washing-
ton.—

" The flag of the Union floats over the Court-house in
Springfield. The enemy retreated after a short engage-
ment, leaving a large amount of stores and equipage, which
was captured by General Curtis. Our cavalry are in close
pursuit. "H. W. HA ELEcx."
" Springfield, Mo., Feb. 13, via Bear Creek, Feb. 14.
" Our troops are at Springfield.
" The enemy retreated last night with great haste to•
wards Ozark and Wilson's Creek without accepting battle."
" \ST. LOUIS, FEB. 14.
" A special despatch to the St. Louis Democrat, detect
Springfield. Mo., 13th, via Bear Creek, to-day, says :
" Our troops took possession of Springfield to-day with-
out firing a gun.

" General Price evacuated the place yesterday afternoon)
marching out on the Fayetteville-road."

The New Fork Times, of the 16th, has the fol-
lowing :

" Bowling-green, the rebel stronghold of the west, has
been :evacuated, and the place is now occupied by the
national forces. This gratifying news was telegraphed to
General M'Clellan by General Buell. General Mitchell's
division, by a forced march, reached the Big Barren River,
at Bowling-green, yesterday morning, but could nct cross
immediately, as the rebels, at 1 o'clock in the morning, had
burled the railroad bridge, and our troops were forced to
build a bridge for their passage. The rebels were evacuat-
ing the place when General Mitchell arrived.
"No report of the second day's fighting at Fort Donelsou
had reached us at half-past 1 o'clock this morning. There
is no doubt whatever about the final reduction of the place,
as it is surrounded, according to a dtspatch from General
Halleck received at the War P,epartment, with 50,000
troops, besides the gunboats Under the command of Flag-
offieer Foote. It was reported at Norfolk on Friday that
it had already been taken.
_ _

" No doubt is entertained in Washington, according to
the despatch of our special correspondent, that the fate of
the rebellion is sealed. Manassas it is believed by militarY
men will soon be evacuated, as Bowling Green has been•
The late flag of truce from the rebels it is intimated covered
a proposition to refer all questions in dispute to the arbitra-
tion of foreign Powers, the object being to get the proposi-
tion abroad through northern newspapers and steamers•
Government made no reply to the message, however, but if;
arbitrating the questions to suit itself."
A joint order was issued from Washington oA
the 15th, from Secretaries Stanton. and Weller,
thanking in the name of the President the whole
of the officers and forces under their command, of
both the naval and military services, for their gal'
lant achievements in the capture of Fort HenrY
and atßoanoke Island.

The Southern papers are beginning to assume 0
desponding tone as to the position of the Confede'
rate cause.

The .Norfolk Day Book publishes the following
despatches :

" MEMPHIS, FEB. 12, 18621-
" The latest advices from Tennesse River report that
General Pillow has the Union force hemmed in near Fort
Donelson.

" The river is still rising.
"Fort Henry is submerged, and has been abandoned bi
the Unionists.

" One Union gunboat returned up the Tennessee river to
the bridge yesterday.
"The bridge is guarded by 500 Unionists. There is 0
large Confederate cavalry force between them and Paris.
"The Union men were cheering for Lincoln.
"The people of Paris were preparing to leave.
" The latest advices from Paducah say that boats are
constantly arriving with forces from Tennessee river•
Fourteen have already gone towards Fort Donnelson with
troops.

"Heavy firing was heard in that direction on TaesdaP,
" The Confederate loss at Fort Henry was five killed alls
10 wounded. General Tilghman was talen prisoner.
" The Federal lees was 100.

" CHATTANOGA, Feb. 12, 1862.
it several Federal gunboats have again come down. the
Tennessee River.

"RICHMOND, Feb, 12.
" Congress has passed, and the President approved, all
act authorising the construction of the railway between
Danville, Va., and Greensboro, N.C., on Hip ground a it°
being a military necessity.

" SAVANNAH, Feb. 12.
" There is considerable activity among the Federal VOO-
- below the city.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
The New York money-market on the 15th was easy, gold
active at 1048 to I per cant., finally closing easier at 1042
to a. Exchange on London for the Hansa rose to 1151 °
per cent. Large transactions took place at 116, and there
were sales at 1151.

The effect produced on the Stock Exchange by the cote"
bination of good news for the Union cause, received on the
14th was not such as was expected. At the opening of
business operators had the fact of the passage of the Tres"
sury Note Bill, with the legal tender clause, at mid-day;
the official intelligence of the brilliant success of the Burn"
side expedition was received, and, later in the afternoon
news was received of the capture of Springfield, and of de"
velopments of loyal feeling in Tennessee Yet the closing
prices of the day, when compared with those of the 13th►
only showing an, average advance of 1 to Z per cent.

MR. WINDHAM'S LAST.—In the market-place
at Norwich, a few days ago, Mr. Windham showed that WO
association with his father's men of the stable had not bee°
altogether in vain. A carriage horse commenced kicking,
plunging, and attempting to run away, to the peril of the'
lady and gentleman behind, and of persons around. Other°
fled in all directions—but Mr. Windham, who was near;
sprung on the animal, seized his ears, and twisted thera till
he cowed the horse. The animal, when liberated, renew
its kicking. He again seized it, and held, it, quite sub-
dued, till the lady and gentleman got out.
THE OUTWARD WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MA1145,
—SOUTHAMPTON, MARCH 3.—The Royal Mail CompanY -
steamship Atrato, Captain Woolley, sailed hence this after'
noon with the mails for the British and foreign Nest
Indies, Mexico, the Pacific, California, and Central Aro-
rice, together with 153 passengers. The Atrato took 0°
freight English coin, £5,540; jewellery, £1,000; Frenell
coin, £9,310; jewellery, £2,000; and a full cargo of Eng-
lish and French merchandise.

Mi. SEWARD AND THE LIVERPOOL CHAMFER'
OF COMMERCE.—In presenting (through the United States
Consul at Liverpool) several volumes on commercial sub-
jects to the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, including re'
ports of the Secretary of State on foreign commerce, eu
commerce and navigation, and President Lincoln's Message
with the accompanying documents, Mr. Seward declares
that the people as well as the Government of the United
States take a lively interest in everything which tends to
put commerce (the cementer of national friendships) upeti
a sound basis.

To RUN THE BLOCKADE.-012 Saturday last the
smart screw steamer Bermuda left the Mersey for Bermuda/
and thence, if possible, to some of the Southern ports,
where the blockade is not very strict. The Bermuda hae
a valuable and well assorted cargo of "hardware" and other
useful articles on board, and as she is commanded 11
daring and skilful captain (Westerdorf), who has ahead/
run the Charleston blockade with the barque Helen, the
chances are that he will a second time elude the Nigilloce
of the Federal cruisers. The Bermuda, too, has been be-
fore in the same service, having run the blockade some
months since with 1,700 bales of cotton for Havre. There
are at present several steamers en route from Liverpool t°
the Southern coast, with the intention of running through
the Federal blockade, if possible.
AGRICULTURE IN NORFOLK;--Hitherto /eri
favourable reports have been made as to the appearance Uf
the young wheats, but in some localities they have lost
plant in consequence of the ravages of wire worms, the
keen frosts which struck them before they were firmly este-
Wished, and the ground being ploughed in dry weather, be-
fore the flag was sufficiently consolidated. A large breadth
of barley has been sown, and the weather having en the._
whole been favourable for the prosecution f fieldwork, Wcie
process has been effected in excellent order ; beans, peas, en
oats have also been planted in a good seed bed. Altogether
farm work is in a satisfactory and forward state, and much
more advanced than it was at the corresponding period 01
last year.

The slave question, in the Dutch West Inds!
colonies, has been settled. All slaves in those colonies will
be set free on the Ist July, 1863, under the following con-
ditions :--1. Compensation of 300 guilders for each slaver
man, woman, or child, to be paid to the owner. 2. SlBleB
to remain under apprenticeship on the estates for a term of
three years, during which time they are to be paid wage°
for their work, half of such wages to accrue to government'
The Dutch government will grant three mi'dions of guilders
per annum for immigration,—,guyinqm pieehbiand.

Lie gallant
army in a

s in Ten -
ast and in
tude from
the nation
ye endured
he success

ten of your
ongratala-

VELLES.
ling North

r another
s had not

Missouri
Confede-
ement by

Feb. 14.

•om head-
Washing-

t-house in
rt engage-
cage, which
we in close

LLECK."

, Feb. 14.

Lt haste to•
ng battle."
FEB. 14.

vrat, dated
lays :-
-day with-

afternoon,

s the fol-

B west, has
>ied by the
graphed to
Mitchell's
rren River,
td nct cross
erning, had
•0 forced to
re evacuat-

rt Donegal
ng. There
)f the place,
ma General
vith 50,000
id of Flag-
Friday that

ccordirg to
the fate of
by militarY
n has been•
Lted covered
the arbitra'
the proposi-
d steamers.
vever, but its

ington on
id Welles,
the whole
nmand, of
their gel-
,rt Henry

I assume a
a Confede'

) following

. 12, 1862•
• report that
in near Fort

landoned bl

lesee river to

There is 0
tad Paris•

at b,eats are
essee river.
'nelson vlO

D. Tuesday
ire killed Old
ironer.

12, 1862.
ne down the

', Feb. 12.
Lpproved, all
vay between
round of WI

, Feb. 12.
'ederal yes'

E.
as easy, gold
sier at 10111
se to 1151 to
16, and there

by the caw
eived on the
opening of
)f the Tres-
at mid-day;
A the Burn-
be afternoon
I, and of de'
t the closing
of the 13th►
cent.

trket-place
,wed that ill 9
lad not heel
ced kicking,
peril of the
und. Othero
o was near'
ted them tlll
ted, renewed
quite sub-

[FIC MAIO
I CompanYll
Lee this after-
geign Wept
'entral M'
•ato took 011
)00 ; French'
Lrgo of Eng-

CH4OIEOO
united States

nercial sub-
ncluding
)mmerce, on
n's Message
and declares
f the United
ich tends to
ships) upon

ly last the
Dr Bermuda/
therm ports,
ermuda hes
a', and other
Landed bY e'
has ahead/.
Helen, the
bLe igilance
is been be-
3kade some
Therevre.
Averpool to
ng through

?rto yell;
pearance o•
y have lost
worms, tile)

firmly esta-
mather, be"
rge breadth
ing on the
d work, the
peas, and
Altogether
and much
g period of

'est India
)lonies will
owing Cow
each slaver
2. Slaves,
r a terUl of
aid wages
)verninerit'
of guilders
id.