The Sun.
London, England, 1862-06-10 00:00:00

AMERICA.

LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.
The Royal mail steamer Niagara, from Boston
on the 28th, and Halifax on the morning of the
ZOth ult., has arrived here. She was detained some
hours, both at Boston and Halifax, for Government
despatches.
The following steamers, bound west, had been in-
tercepted at Cape Race, by the news boat of the New
York Associated Press:—The Kangaroo on the 24th,
the Hibernian on the 25th, and the Europa on the
27th ult.
The Halifax Express of the 28th ult. contains
the following :
" It is currently reported in this city that his
Excellency Vice-Admiral Milne has received a tele-
graphic despatch from Lord Lyons, her Majesty's
Iklinister at Washington, requesting that none of
the ships of war under his command leave the sta-
tion until further orders. %Ve cannot, of course,
vouch for the authenticity of the foregoing, but it is
Est least very far from being improbable."
A panic for the safety of the national capital,
accompanied by scenes very similar to those which
took place in the month of April of last year, has
again occurred in New York and throughout the
Northern States.
The following are the dispatches which have
been received from General Banks's command, and
which have caused all the excitement :
" Strasburg, Va., May 24.
" Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War,—Col.
Henley's command of infantry and cavalry has been
driven from Front Royal with considerable loss in
killed and wounded and prisoners. The enemy's
force is estimated at from 5,000 to 6,000, and is re-
ported as falling back on Front Royal. He pro-
bably occupies the place this morning.
(Signed) "N. P. BANKS, Major-General."
" Washington, May 24.
" The enemy are in possession of Front Royal.
General Geary occupies a strong position on the
Manassas Railroad at White Plains. He has been
reinforced. General Banks has also been strongly
reinforced.
" Dispatches were received at the War Depart-
ment at ten o'clock to-night from General Banks
at Winchester. He had moved from Strasburg to
Winchester for the purpose of securing the stores
and trains from the enemy, and to prevent his com-
munications from being interrupted. His advanced
guard entered 'Winchester at five o'clock, with all
his trains and stores in safety.
A strong attack was made upon the trains at
Middletown by the rebel infantry, cavalry, and
artillery, but it wits repulsed, and a few waggons
abandoned by teamsters were secured.
"General Banks will return immediately to
Strasburg.
"A gentleman acquainted with the localities and
position of General Banks's army does not regard
the report of to-day as indicating any danger to the
main body of the troops of that command. Ken-
ley's Ist Maryland Regiment, with a squad of
cavalry and a portion of a battery, were stationed
at Front Royal, as an outpost to guard, a mile and
a half from the main stem of the Manassas Rail-
road, while other troops guarded the track.
" The bridge supposed to be endangered was
three miles from Front Royal Junction, and
strongly guarded. It is considered almost impos-
bible for the enemy to reach the bridge before rein-
forcements from Rectortown or Strasburg would
arrive there. At all events the attack could have
jeopardised General Banks's army."
" Washington, May 25.
" Despatches received by the War Department
state that General Banks was attacked this morn-
ing at Winchester and has fallen back towards
Martinsburg and Harper's Ferry. The enemy are
reported to be in large force, and many reports
state that the rebel force has left Richmond and
moved north to take the offensive."
GENERAL BANKS'S OFFICIAL REPORT.
"Head-quarters, Martinsburg, May 25, 2.40 p.m.
" The rebels attacked us this morning at day-
break in great force. Their force was estimated at
15,000, consisting of Ewell's and Jackson's divi-
sions. The fire of the pickets began with the light,
and was followed by the artillery until the lines
were fully under fire on both sides. The left wing
stood firmly, holding its ground well ; and the
right did the same for a time, when two regiments
broke lines under the fire of the enemy. The right
wing fell back, and we were ordered to withdraw ;
and the troops passed through the town in con-
siderable confusion. They were quickly reformed
on the other side, and continued their march
in good order to Martinsburg, where
they arrived at 2.4 p.m., a distance of 22 miles.
Our trains are in advance, and will cross the river
in safety. Our entire force engaged was less than
4,000, consisting of Gordon's and Donnelly's bri-
gades, with two regiments of cavalry under General
Hatch, and two batteries of artillery. Our loss was
considerable, as was that of the enemy, but cannot

now be stated. We were reinforced by the 15th
Maine, which did good service, and a regiment of

cavalry.
" N. P. BANKS, Major-General Commanding.
" Hon. E. M. Stanton."
" Head-quarters beyond Martinsburg,
May 25, 5.45 p.m.
"A prisoner captured this afternoon says the
rebel force in our rear is to be strengthened; that

their purpose is to enter Maryland at two points,
Harper's Ferry and Williamsport. He confirms all
we have heard with regard to the rebel force here.
"N. P, BANKS, Major-General Commanding."
" Washington, May 25.
" The enemy, under Generals Ewell and John-
son, with a superior force, gave battle to General
Banks this morning at daylight at Winchester.
General Banks fought them six hours, and then re-
tired in the direction of Martinsburg, with what
ion is unknown.

"The enemy is, it is understood, advancing from
Winchester upon Harper's Ferry. Our troops there
are being rapidly reinforced. Rumour says tnat
General Jackson is advancing to the support of
Ewell and Johnson, and there are also statements
that there is still another force behind him.
ii prompt means have been taken to meet the
emergency, if truly reported."
THE FRONT ROYAL BATTLE. 1
. ltimor May 25. 1
(1 The city has been In a state of intense excite-
ment all day. News of the disaster to Col.Kenley's
Ist Maryland
Regiment at Front Royal occasioned
in tense feeling,
and when the Secessionists
cora-
menced to congregate at the corners this morning
gs,
and words of rejoicings, with radiant faces they
were attacked and beaten. During the day at
least 100 have been knocked down in the city,
though the police interfered and prevented any
fatal result.

In one or two cases ropes were brought out,
and preparations made to hang parties to lamp-

posts. Two men were stabbed, but not dangerously.
Among those attacked was Robert MlLane, late

minister to Mexico, who was saved by the police.
"Two members of Kenley's regiment have arrived
in this city. They report that they were attacked
by a large cavalry force under Ashby, and several
regiments of infantry, and twice repulsed them
with 'great loss. Kenley's force consisted of Ist
Maryland Regiment, one section of Knapp's Penn-
sylvania battery, and three companies of the 29th
Pennsylvania. Whilst the fight was progressing
,two companies of the New York Cavalry came to
their assistance. The fight commenced at twelve
o'clock and continued until night, when the infantry
force succeeded in surrounding them. The first
fight and repulse took place east of the Shanandoah,
and finding the force too great, he retreated to the
westoo side, destroying one of the bridges, but was
t
hotly
pressed to succeed in destroying the prin-
cipal bridge.
He made another stand on the west
side of tho river, and Knapp's battery mowed the
rebels down with' hell and grape. They fired, in
all, nearly 200 rounds
Kenley received a musket-
shot in the neck during the
. first attack, but con-
when ho was placed i:t1l the close of the day,
exhausted. This last fighant
tantulance perfectly
miles this side of Front Royal, place about four
his effort being to
fall back in order, expecting reinforcements mo-
mentarily from General Banks.
" A member of Knapp'o battery, who escaped,

says the Maryland Regiment fought with indomit-
able bravery, and that Col. Kenley led them on
frequently to bayonet charges. He also says that
on the third approach of Ashby the enemy displayed
a white flag until within pistol range, when Col.
Kenley ordered to cease firing. The white flag was
then thrown down, and the enemy rushed on our
troops, cutting and slashing, and refusing all guar.
ter. Lieut.-Col. Dushane and Major Miller are
both reported wounded and prisoners."
The following was received at the War Depart-
ment, Washington, May 26, at 11 p.m. :
u TO THE PRESIDENT.

" Williamsport, May 26, 4 p.m.
" I have the honour to report the safe arrival of
my command at this place last evening, at ten
o'clock, and the passage of the sth corps across the
river to-day, with comparatively but little loss.
"The loss of men in killed, wounded, and missing
in the different combats in which my command has
participated since the march from Strasburg, on the
morning of the 24th inst., I am unable now to re-
port ; but I have great satisfaction in being able to
represent that, although serious, it is much less than
might have been anticipated, considering the very
great disparity of forces engaged, and the long-
matured plans of the enemy which aimed at nothing
less than the entire capture of our force. A detailed
statement will be for warded as soon as possible.
" My command encountered the enemy in a con-
stant succession of attacks, and in well-contested
engagements at Strasburg, Middletown, Newton, at
a point also between those places, and at Winches-
ter. The force of the enemy was estimated at from
15,000 to 20,000 men, with very strong artillery
and cavalry supports. My own force consisted
of two brigades, less than 4,000 strong all told,
1,500 cavalry, ten Parrot guns, and six
smooth bores. The substantial preservation of the
entire supply is a source of gratification. It num-
bered about 500 waggons on a forced march of 53
miles, 35 of which were performed in one day, sub-
ject to constant attack in front, rear, and flank, ac-
cording to its position, by the enemy in full force.
In panics of teamsters and the mischances of river
passage, I lost not more than 50 waggons. A full
statement of this loss will be forwarded forthwith.
" Very great commendation is due to Captain S.
B. Hoilabird, quartermaster, and Capt. E. G. Breck-
with, for the safety of the train.
" Our troops are in good spirits, and occupy both
sides of the river.
" N. P. BANKS, Maj. Gen. Commanding."
At New York the retreat of Banks caused a great
sensation. Rumours were circulated that the whole
State Militia were ordered for immediate service at
Washington, and dispatches from Albany state that
Governor Morgan had ordered the sth Artillery
and the 7th Regiment to proceed at once to Wash-
ington. The Bth, 11th, 37th, and 71st of New York
city, and the 25th Regiment of Albany, together
with several other regiments, were to follow without
delay.
At Boston and other large cities steps were im-
mediately taken to forward troops to Washington,
and the greatest alacrity was shown among the
volunteers.
After two days of excitement a calmer feeling
prevailed, and a New York telegram of the 28th
says it was understood that no more militia were to
be sent off.
A portion of Gen. M'Clellan's forces had crossed
the Chickahominy river, at the three bridges de-
signated as Bottoms, the Railroad, and the New
Bridge. Other bridges were in course of construc-
tion for the purpose of furnishing additional means
of crossing for the troops and the immense artillery
and provision train.
A late telegram states that M'Clellan's advance
guard had captured Hanover Court-House. The
Federal loss is reported to be small, that of the
Confederates is considerable.
A sharp skirmish had taken place at Ellison's
Mills, and the result was to place Mechanicsville—
a point only five miles from Richmond—in posses
sion of the Federals. General M'Clellan was al
Mechanicsville on the 24th.

Generals 31‘Dowell and Ord were in Washington
on the 27th, and returned to Fredericksburg, after
an interview with the President and Secretary
Stanton.

The sick and wounded men who escaped from
Strasburg say the rebels deliberately attacked our
sick train, firing into the ambulances, upon faint-
ing men by the wayside, killing in cold blood men
incapable of making a resistance.
The It orfolk Day-book had been suppressed, at
the request of a meeting of citizens, for publishing
a communication assailing severely those Union
citizens who had taken the oath of allegiance.
Prior to its suppression the Day-book published a
statement that ex-President Buchanan had given
it as his opinion that the rebellion cannot be put
down, and that the slaveholders of the South will
never yield.

If A Norfolk despatch of the 24th says :

" This being Queen Victoria's birthday, the Bri-
tish steamer Rinaldo, in this harbour, displayed her
flags, and at noon fired a salute. The American war
vessels in port also displayed the British ensign at
the fore, and the American flag at all other points,
in honour of the occasion."

Affairs at Corinth were in statu quo. The fol-
lowing is the latest telegram from that locality :
" Before Corinth, 27th.
" General Halleck has issued orders prohibiting
skirmishing. The pickets on each side are now
friendly, and within conversation distance, which
they improve. Last night five rebels, including
ono sergeant, visited our forces along our line. Our
forces are within two miles of the rebel works. In
some places our guns are within battering distance,
but the dense woodlands intervening, prevent
either party opening fire. Camp rumours say
Vicksburg has surrendered and that our fleet is en
route for Memphis.

" The reporter of the Associated Press at General
Halleek's head-quarters says all the news from
Cornish telegraphed from Chicago, derived via
Gairo, for some time past, is entirely unfounded.
No engagement of the least consequence has
occurred in Corinth or vicinity up to 11.30 last
evening.

".General Curtis, with the army of the South-
West, had joined General Halleck before Corinth.
Other Federal generals with their divisions, were
also en route for the vicinity of Corinth.

"We have intelligence from Vicksburg, Missis-
sippi, that the fleet of Commander Farragut had

arrived in front of that city and demanded the sur.

render of the place to his authority. His demand
_ _ .

was refused."

The Vicksburg Citizen says that the following
general order, No. 28, has been issued by General
Butler, and will be read for the information of the

Confederate army at dress parade ;
" Head-quarters, Department of the Gulf,
"As the officers and soldiersayls, 1862.
M of the United States
h
aye been 13.
su ject to repeated insults from the
womenin rettirenalfloi:gti:,hemselves ' Ladies of New Orleans,'
tuoitebde
most scrupulous non-interference
and courtesy on our
after, when any O.ur part, it is ordered that here-
insuitlemo ale shall, by word, gesture, or
movement,
r show contempt to any officer
or soldier of the IT
States,t she shall be regarded
and held liable
town plying her avneatiorheated as a woman of the
" By command of Ma-
Jot-General Butler, GEo. e B,r
" Men of the South ! shall ouritoliG, A.D.C. .C."
daughters, and sisters, be thus zthers, wives,
ruffianly soldiers of the North, to vhard by the
In given
is
the right to treat at their pleasure the ladies o the
South as common harlots ?

" Arouse, friends, and drive back from our Boil
these invaders of our homes and disturbers 0- r
Our
'amines.

(Signed)

"G. T. BEAUREGARD,
"General Commanding."

The New York limes thinks that if it be true
that General Butler has issued the above procla-
mation he should be dismissed from the United
States service. But the New York Times doubts
very much the truth of the statement that such an
order has been issued.

The Baltimore American thus describes the be-
ginning of the troubles in that city on the 24th :
" At night a Secession butcher, in the western
section of the city, approached a Union man, who

was not acquainted with him, and accosted him
thus : ' Well, your great cock has fallen in the first
pit.' The Union man, after stating that he did not
know or desire to know him, inquired who he
alluded to. The reply was ' John R. Kenly.' As
soon as he had spoken the words he was knocked
down on the side walk. This was soon made known
Ito the Union men in the vicinity, and they declared
their determination to whip every Secessionist
they could find who uttered a word of rejoicing ;
and their determination was effectually executed
yesterday."
This was followed by a series of disgraceful and
dangerous mobs and riots on Sunday.
The same was the case at Hagerstown.
The following is a summary of the proceedings
in Congress :
" In the United States Senate on the 24th, a bill
was introduced to legalise and confirm the act of the
President, accepting volunteers under the act of
July 22, 1861, and to authorise the acceptance of
200,000 additional to those under that act. The bill
was referred to the military committee. Mr. Wil-
son then introduced a bill to amend the Fugitive
Slave Act. On the 26th the bill legalising the ac-
ceptance by the President of all troops thus far mus-
tered into service was reported back from the mili-
tary committee. Mr. Sumner offered two resolutions

in relation to slaves—one calling on the Secretary
of War for information as to the execution, by the
generals, of the act of Aug., 1861, freeing the slaves
employed in any manner by the rebels to assist the
rebellion ; the other extending a general invitation
to all persons, without distinction as to colour, to
come forward and aid the Government in putting
down the rebellion. Mr. Sumner also offered a bill
to repeal the Fugitive Slave Law, and to prohibit
slavery in the territories, forts, arsenals, dockyards,
and all other places under the special jurisdiction of
the national Government. Mr. Howe introduced a
bill, which was referred, providing for a more effec-
tive mode of procedure with obstinate rebels in
places taken possession of by the Union armies.
In the house the Confiscation Bill was taken up
and somewhat amended, and passed by 82 yeas to
62 nays. The bill to give freedom to slaves employed
in the rebel service was next considered, and, after
some debate, was defeated by 78 nays to 74 yeas.
On the 27th the Tax Bill was considered and
amended by striking out the tax on cotton and modi-
fying the tax on auction sales to 1 per cent, on mer-
chandise, and a tenth of 1 per cent. on bonds, stocks,
&c.

" In the house the Speaker laid before the house a
message from the President, referring briefly to the
history of the commencement of hostilities, and his
exercise of the broad powers of the constitution to
preserve the capital of the country during the ab-
sence of Congress. Incidentally with this he refers
to the arrangements with Governor Morgan, Alex.
Cummings, and others, with a view to speedy and
efficient protective measures. By this means he
believes the Government was prevented from an
overthrow. He has no knowledge that even a dol-
lar was lost or wasted. The President quoted the
house resolution censuring Mr. Cameron, and says
that not only himself but all the heads of depart-
ments are responsible with Mr. Cameron for what-
ever error, wrong, or fault has been committed.
The message was referred to the committee of the
whole on the state of the Union. The house ad-
journed.

" In the Senate on the 28th the Vice-President
presented a message from the President, that it was
incompatible with the public interest to furnish in-
formation concerning arrests in Kentucky at pre-
sent."

President Lincoln had declined, as inexpedient
for the interests of the public service, furnishing
Congress with any correspondence on Mexican
affairs that has taken place since his last message.
Advices from the city of Mexico state that the
British Minister had concluded a treaty with Do-
blado, during the latter part of April. amicably
settling all difficulties with the British Government.
The sudden action of the French prevented the con-
clusion of a treaty with the Spanish commandant.
A Mexican Minister would be sent to Madrid for
the purpose of arranging matters with the Spanish
Government. Gen. Prim left Mexico on good terms
with the Juarez Government.

The New York Herald of the 27th says :
" There is nothing new as to the Indiana Bond
affair. Public opinion in the street seems to be
settling down to the conviction that the public will
not suffer in consequence of the irregular issue.
Colonel Hudson, the Indiana State agent, reports
that he is fast getting the track of the irregular
bonds still outstanding, and hopes by the end of
the week they will all be retired. He received last