The Sun.
London, England, 1862-06-02 00:00:00

eight miles of Richmond. Among the obstructions
in the river are said to be the steamers Yorktown
and Jamestown. A Richmond paper reports a
panic in that city on the news of the approach of
our gunboats.

Intelligence from General M'Clellan states that
his army had reached Bottom's Bridge, 15 miles
from Richmond, driving the enemy across the
Chickahominy, the latter destroying the bridge as
usual. The obstructions now placed in his way, the
lack of further water communication for the sup-
plies of the army, and the swampy nature of the
country, it is thought will prevent other than a
slow and laborious process. A gunboat expedition
25 miles up the Pamunkey River resulted in the
destruction of two steamers and 20 schooners,
mostly laden with corn.

"From the Gulf fleets nothing further has trans-
pired. When last heard from, Commodore Porter
was off Fort Morgan, which commands the entrance
to Mobile, with several gunboats and mortar boats,
and operations for the reduction of that stronghold
were expected to be commenced forthwith.

" Rccent advices state that a portion of the fleet
lately at New Orleans has passed on up the Missis-
sippi River, and may be expected as far up as
Memphis before many days. The siege of Fort
Wright promises to be as protracted as that of
Island No. 10. It is stated that the Confederates
have added another powerful ram to their fleet, and
that they are confident of being able to annihilate
the Union fleet at the next onset. On the other
hand the Federals are confident of completing the
work of destruction to the fleet of the enemy which
they began when they were previously attacked.
The contest will,
in all probability, be severe, what-
ever way it may result."
The following official reports of the engagement
at Fort Darling have been received at the Navy
Department by Commodore Goldsborough
"REPORT Or COX. ItODGERS OF TUE GALENA.
" United States Steamer Galena, off City Point,

James River, May 16, 1862.
"Sir,---I have the honour to report that this ves-
sel, the Aroostook, the Monitor, and Port Royal,
with the Naugatuck, moved up the river, getting
aground several times, but meeting no artificial
impediments until we arrived at Ward's Bluff, about
eight miles from Richmond, where we encountered
a heavy battery, and two separate barriers formed
of spites, and steamboats, and sail vessels. The
pilots both say that they saw Yorktown and James-
town among the number.

" The banks of the river we found lined with rifle
pits, from which sharpshooters annoyed the men at
guns. These would hinder the removal of obstruc-
tions, unless driven away by a land force.
"The Galena ran within about GOO yards of the
battery, as near the spiles as it was deemed proper
to go, let go her anchor, and with a spring sprung
across the stream, not more than twice as wide as
the ship is long, and then at 45 minutes past seven
o'clock a.m. opened fire upon the battery. The
wooden vessels, as ,directed, anchored about 1,300
yards below. The Monitor anchored near, and at
nine o'clock she passed just above the Galena, but
found her guns could not be elevated enough to
reach the battery. She then dropped a little be-
low us, and made her shots effective.
" At five minutes after 11 o'clock, the Galena had
expended nearly all her ammunition, and I made
signal to discontinue the action, We' had but six
Parrott charges, and not a single filled 9-inch shell.
We had 13 killed, and 11 wounded.

"The rifled 100-pounder of the Nangatuck burst ;
half the part abaft the trunnions going overboard.
She is, therefore, disabled. Lieut. Newman, the
executive officer, was conspicuous for his gallant
and effective services. Mr. Washburne, acting
master, behaved admirably. These are selected
from among the number.

" The Aroostook, Naugatuck, and Port Royal
took the stations previously assigned them, and did
everything that was possible.
" The Monitor could not have done better.
" The barrier is such that the vessels of the
enemy even, if they have any, cannot possibly pass
out, and ours cannot pass in.
_ _

" I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
A
" JOHN RODGERS, Commander,
United States Navy."

REPORT OF LIEUT. JEFFERS, OF TIIR MONITOR.

The following is the report of Lieut. William N.
Jeffers, commanding the Monitor in the late en-
gagement near Richmond. It is addressed to Com-
mander Rodgers :

" United States Iron-clad Steamer Monitor,
James River, Va., May 16, 1862,

_ .
"Sir,—l submit the following report of the
movements of this vessel during the action of yes-
terday :

" Shortly after weighing anchor from our posi-
tion near Bingsland Creek a sharp fire of musketry
was commenced from both banks on all the ships.
At half-past seven I discovered an extensive forti-
fication on an elevation of about 200 feet, with
several smaller batteries, all apparently mounting
guns of the heaviest calibre. At the foot of the
bluff, in the river, there is an obstruction
formed of sunken vemels and steamers secured
with chains, and tfllb shallow water piled
across the river. The Galena, having anchored
at about 1;000 yards distant from the fort,
and being warmly engaged, I endeavoured to
pass ahead of her and take off some of the fire; but
I found that my guns could not be elevated suffi-
ciently to point at the fort. I then took a position
on the line with the Galena, and maintained a
deliberate fire until the close of the action, when, in
company with the other vessels, I dropped down to
the anchorage.

" The fire of the enemy was remarkably well
directed, bat vainly, towards this vessel. She was
struck three times—one solid eight-inch shot square
on the turret, and two solid shot on the side armour
forward of the pilot-house. Neither caused any
damage beyond bending the plates. I am happy
to report no casualties.

I, In conclusion, permit me to say the action was
most gallantly fought against great odds, and with
the usual effect against earthworks. So long as
our vessels kept up a rapid fire they rarely returned
our fire, but the moment our fire slackened they re-
manned their guns. It was impossible to reduce
such works except with the aid of a land force."

The proclamation of the President relative to
the military order of General Hunter declaring the
slaves in Georgia, Soutb Carolina, and Florida free,
is positive in its abrogation of the order :
" By THE PRESIDENT.
A Proclamation.

" Whereas there appears in the public prints
what purports to be a proclamation of Major-
General Hunter.

"And whereas the same is producing some ex-
citement and misunderstanding.
"Therefore, I,
Government
• the United States,
Abraham Lincoln, President of
or belief of an •
of the United States had no knowledge
further
intention on the part of General
Hunter to issue
genuine,y e t any such. a proclamation, nor has it
allanthdentfuuteic es,
proclaim and declare that the
that the document is
comme
a,ntahat neither General Hunter,
nor any other
miner, or person, has been au-
thorised by the Gov
make proclamation declaring of the United States to
the slaves of any
or
rrofelamation now in
-whethiser
State free, and the supposer
question, whether genuine
it b e altogethercom-
void, so far as respects such a declaration.
choifefaof the army
I further make known, that
time,
ey
oSt.ate or
petent for me as commander in
and navy to declare the slaves
States, free, and whether at any
case, it shall have become a necessity indisrelonattabniye
to the maintenance of the Government to indispensable
such supposed power, are questions which, un. .1
e
my responsibility, I reserve to myself, and which I
cannot feel justified in leaving to the decision of
commanders in the field. These are totally diffe-
rent questions from those of police regulations in
armies and camps.
" On the 6th day of March last, by a special
message, I recommended to Congress the adoption
of a resolution to be substantially as follows :-
- "Resolved,—That the United States ought to co-
operate with any State which may adopt a gradual
abolishment of slavery, giving to such State in its
discretion to compensate for the inconveniences,
public and private, produced by such change of
system.

" The resolution in tho language above quoted,

tefinite,
was adopted by large majorities in both branches
of Congress, and now stands in aupiork
and solemn propesal of the nation to the fita s and
people most immediately interested in the subject
matter. To the people of these states I now ear-
nestly appeal. Ido not argue. I beseech you to
make the arguments for yourselves. You cannot,
if you would, be blind to the signs of the times. I
beg of you a calm and enlarged consideration of
them, ranging, if it may be, far above personal and
partisan politics. This proposal makes common
cause for a common object, casting no reproaches
upon any. It acts not the Pharisee. The change
it contemplates would come gently as the dews of
Heaven, not rending or wrecking anything. Will
you not embrace it ? So much good has not been
done by one effort in all past time, as in the Provi-
dence of God it is iaow your high privilege to do.
May the vast future not have to lament that you
have neglected it.

"In witness whereof I have hereuntu set my
hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be
affixed,

"Done at the City of Washington this 19th day
of May, 1862.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
" WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State."
The following is a summary of the proceedings of
Congress :--
"In the United States Senate on the 19th, Mr.
Wilson, of Massachusetts, offered a resolution asking
the Secretary of the Interior for informationrelative
to New York vessels engaged in the slave trade. A
bill was introduced for the relief of Robert Small
others (coloured men) who recently delivered the
Confederate vessel Planter to Commodore Dupont's
squadron. The bill provides that the steam-ship
Planter, with all the cargo and appurtenances,
shall be appraised by a competent board of officers,
and that one-half the value thereof shall go to
Robert Small and his associates, who ran the Plan-
ter out of Charleston harbour, with the provision
that the Secretary of the Navy may invest the same
in the United States stocks, the interest to be paid
to Small and his associates or heirs, The bill was
passed. A resolution providing for the presenta-
tion of medals of honour to soldiers who distinguish
themselves in battle was adopted.

" The debate on the Confiscation Bill was then
resumed. Mr. Sumner made a speech in support of
it. Mr. Powell, of Kentucky, moved to strike out
the 11th section of the bill, which authorises the
President to arm negroes if necessary to suppress
the rebellion. This was rejected by 11 yeas to 29
nays. Mr. Saulsbury, of Deleware, moved to strike
out the 9th section, which authorises the President
when he deems it necessary, to issue a proclama-
tion freeing the slaves of all rebels. Mr. Wilson,
of Massachusetts, moved to make it imperative on
the President to issue a proclamation to that effect.
The debate continued to the adjournment without
putting the question to the vote.
"In the House of Representatives on the 19th,
Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, reported from the special
committee the articles of impeachment against W.
H. Humphreys, judge of the District Court of the
United States for the second district of Tennessee.
A resolution was adopted providing for the appoint-
ment of five managers to conduct the impeachment,
and that the Senate be acquainted with the action
of the house. Mr. Richardson, of Illinois, then
made a speech in deprecation of the continued agi-
tation of the negro question. The naval appropria-
tion was considered and finally passed. It embraces
appropriations for the naval service to the amount
of 3,000,000 dole.

" On the 20th both houses of Congress were chiefly
engaged on the Confiscation Bill."
The steamer Planter, the capture of which has
been already reported, alluded to in the Congres-
sional proceedings, was armed with seven heavy
cannon, one an 8-inch rifle gun, all of which were
intended for Fort Ripley, a new fortification which
the Confederates are erecting on the middle ground
in Charleston harbour.

COMMERCIAL.
NEW YORK, MAY 20, 6

Money remains very abuudant indeed. To the esta-
blished houses in the street more is offered at 3 per cont.
than they can use, and no one expects to get more than 4.
We hear of paper selling at 4 to 5, and of some exceptional
cases at 3 to 31. Money continues to pour into the city
from all parts of the country.
Foreign exchange is very dull indeed. Bankers ask 1131
to 114 for sterling, and 5 97A to 595 for francs. At these
rates the demand is light.
Stocks continue firm ; the feature of the market is still
the active inquiry for bonds. Every kind of reliable bond
which pays 6 or 7 per cent interest is being bought up. The
fourth Eries sold this morning at 90k, the second Michigan
Southern at 83, the second Terre Haute and Alton at 85,
the first Milwaukee and Prairie du Chien at 96,theChicago
and North-Western assented at 49. Many of these bonds
have risen 100 per cent, within a comparatively short space
of time. At the morning board the Western shares were
generally better. Guaranteed advanced to 58f, Michigan
Central to 62, Pittsburg to 23f. The most active buying
for cash was in Toledo, Galena and Rock Island, which
were f to a higher. In Erie and Central there was no change.
Hudson River advanced f, without much activity.
The cotton market exhibited increased firmness yester-
day, with more doing. The sales embraced about 1,000
bales, closing stiff on the basis of 271 c to 280 for middling
uplands.

The market for breadstuffs was again heavy and lower.
The large receipts and enhanced freights sent down prices,
which led to increased activity. Flour fell off from sc. to
10c. per brl., and wheat from 3c. to 6c, per bushel, with
large transactions, Corn was heavy, with sales of sound
western mixed at 48c. to 50e., in store and delivered. Pork
was heavy and lower, with sales of mess at 12 dols. 311 c. to
12 dols. 50c., and of prime at 9 dols. 75c. to 9 dols. 9 871 c.
Sugars were steady, but less active. The sales embraced
500 hhds. and 50 boxes at full prices. Coffee was steady,
while sales were moderate. The stock of Rio embraced
114,331 bags, and the total of mats and bags, of all kinds,
reached 162,373. Freights were firm and active, including
heavy shipments of wheat to Liverpool, in part by the
Great Eastern.

THE WEST INDIA, MEXICAN, AND

PACIFIC MAILS.

SOUTHAMPTON, JUNE 1.

The Royal Mail Company's steamship La Plata,
Capt. Weller, with the above mails, arrived this
afternoon at 4 o'clock. She brings in all 367 pas-
sengers ; specie, 4,091,930 dollars, of which 509,602
dols. is in gold, 3,558,128 dols. in silver; 6,000 dole.
pearls, 5,000 dole. emeralds, and 12,000 dols, in
paintings.

The La Plata brings dates from Vera Cruz, May
2; Tampico, April 28; Havannah 7; Carthagena,
May 3 ; Colon, 8 ; Jamaica, 10 ; Porto Rico, 13 ;
Demerara 8; Trinidad, 9; St. Vincent, 10; St.
Lucia, 11 ; Antigua, 12 ; Tortola, 13 ; and St.
Thomas, 14.

The Combined Court of Policy at Demerara was
to meet on the 9th May. The weather, hitherto dry,
had broken up, beneficial rains for the planters
had set in, and the canes had considerably improved.
The market for American provisions was quiet,
imports in cxcess of demand. Pork in full stock;
likewise rice. Tonnage in fair supply. The exports
of produce had fallen st ort of last year.
The Barbadoes Legislature met on the 29th April.
The business transacted is unimportant. Business
of all kinds was very dull. The bank had been very
stringent in its dealings, and discounts were with
difficulty effected. The weather continued fine for
the planters. The reaping of the old cane crop was
well advanced. Several estates had finished, and the
rest pushing forward at utmost speed as the canes
were rapidly deteriorating.
The operations of the Jamaica Cotton Company in
the east of the island were progressing satisfactorily.
The agent of the company has forwarded by this
mail 12 bales of ginned cotton of excellent quality,
averaging 1301bs. per bale. Picking was going
forward briskly, and another shipment will follow
shortly. No general improvement had occurred in
the weather, and great mortality had been occa-
sioned among estates' working stock, owing to the
drought. In Westmoreland and other parishes
hundreds of cattle had died. Business was dull,
and the low prices of produce in the home markets
were said to be disheartening the sugar planters.
The next coffee crop
was expected to be a large one.
The Provisional President, Gen. Mosquera, had
issued a decree convoking
meet on the 6th of the National Assembly to
August next, at Carthagena, that
being considered onsidered a more convenient point than
lie declares that if at that time the State
of Anticquia is not incorporated in the Columbian
Union, it will be brought in by force, as the Go-