The Sun.
London, England, 1862-03-29 00:00:00

NEW WRIT.

On the motion of Colonel TAYLOR a writ was ordered
to issue for the election of a member for the borough of
Preston, in the room of Mr. Cross, who had accepted the
Chiltern Hundreds.
PROSECUTION EXPENSES.

Mr. HUNT gave notice that he would draw attention to
this subject, with a view to ascertain whether there could
not be an improvement made in the present law.

THE NEW FOREIGN-OFFICE.
Mr. COCHRANE asked the First Commissioner of
Works, what sum remained in hand, at the present date,
of the £60,000 already voted for the new Foreign-office;
and, whether the additional vote of £15,000 will be ex-
pended within the present year ?
Mr. COWPER said that 156,900 of the £60,000 had
been expended, and the additional sum mentioned would
be required for the completion of the new Foreign. office.
The State Paper-office would be pulled down as it had
been stated to the house last year.
REDRESS FROM THE PARAGUYAN
GOV ERNMENT.
Mr. LIDDELL asked the Under Secretary of State for
Foreign Affairs, whether any, and, if so, what steps had
been taken by her Majesty's Government to obtain redress
at the hands of the Government of Paraguay, for the owners
of the steamer Little Polly, which was run down on the 11th
July, 1858, is the River La Plata, by a Paraguayan war
steamer. And, whether her Majesty's Government are pre-
pared, by a show of force or otherwise, to obtain from the
Government of Paraguay redress and compensation for this
and other losses sustained by British subjects in that coun-
try ?

Mr. LAYARD said that owing to various circumstances
the relations between this country and the Government of
Paraguay had been suspended, and no negotiations relative
to the vessel in question had been carried on. However, it
appeared that the Paraguayan Government were ready to
consent to an amicable arrangement, and the Government
of this country were willing to submit the question to arbi-
tration. As this was a case of running down, much might
be said on both sides.
PORTSMOUTH HARBOUR.

On the motion for going into Committee of Supply,
Sir J. ELPHINSTONE asked the Secretary to the Ad-
miralty what were the returns at the Royal Dockyard,
Portsmouth, of the height of water on the bar of the harbour
channel each tide on the 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th of this
month March, 1862; also the draft of water of her Ma-
jesty's ship Warrior, and how many days in each month
she et-mid enter or leave that harbour ?
Lord C. PAGET said that the average depth of Ports-
mouth harbour was 28 to 29 feet. The Warrior drew 261
feet, and she was able to enter the harbour 16 days last
month and 15 days during the present month.

THE TREATY WITH BELGIUM.
Mr. W. FORSTER asked the First Lord of the Trea-
sury if he could inform the house why the negotiation of a
commercial treaty with Belgium, for the purpose of secur-
ing that Belgium should no longer impose differential duties
on British goods, had been suspended?
After same remarks from Mr. HEYGATE and Mr. S.
BEAUMONT,

Mr. LAYARD, in the absence of the noble Premier,
said that although the Belgian Government had not granted
the same privileges to this country which they had to France,
Russia, and other countries, he hoped that negotiations
would be renewed between Belgium and this country on
the subject.

The "louse then went into committee of supply.
THE REVISED CODE.

Mr. LOWE said—l have to ask for a moment or two the
indulgence of the house in order to make a short statement
on behalf of the Government. (Hear, hear.) The Govern-
ment have, since the house last met, taken into considera-
tion the debate with which this house has been occupied
during the earlier part of the week, and they have come to
the conclusion that it is their duty, as far as possible con-
sistently with their duty to the public, to meet the views QX-
pressed so generally by hon. gentlemen in the course of the
debate. (Hear, hear.) Sir, I will not trouble the house
with any lengthened preliminary remarks. I have only to
state that it is our wish to bring this controversy to a settle-
ment, not that should give any advocate of any particular
opinion a triumph over another—(cries of " Hear, hear")
but which should end in a manner satisfactory to the country
and conducive to the very great interests of education which
are involved. (Hear.) I have therefore, sir, to state to the
house that her Majesty's Government having taken into
consideration the opinions expressed by so many hon. gen-
tlemen, that it is desirable that some portion of the grant
should rest on a footing of greater certainty than they con-
sider would be afforded by the individual examination of the
children, are ready to consent to a relaxation of their pro-
position—(hear, hear)---and that they are ready to agree
that a substantial portion of the grant should be given on
the general report of the inspector. (Hear.) They are
for that purpose willing to assent. to the motion, notice of
which has Leon given by the noble lord the member for
Middlesex (Lord Enfield), with a elifA'at amendment with
respect to the nature of the grant--substituting that it shall
be given on the report of the inspector instead of on the
average attendance. In order to preclude the apprehension
-not, I think, well founded, but which seems to bo en-
tertained in some quarters—that it was intended to snake
the grant independent of the general report of the inspector,
I have also to state that the Government think right, in
deference to the opinions that have been expresbed, to
couple that concession With another, and I beg of the house
to consider the two together, and not to isolate the one
from the other, because the one has a great bearing uPort

the other. We have foind throughout the country during
the recess, and wo have heard during the debate, a great
number of opinions agaiist grouping by ago for the purpose
of examination. Witheat entering into the abstract merits
of that proposition, the government are quite ready to con-
cede that point also, and give up the principle of grouping
children by age. I trust the house will accept that conces-
sion also in the spirit in which it is made. (Hear, hear.)
I must state to those gentlemen who are inclined to think
that enough is not conceded, that the points given up in-
volve on the part of the public a very considerable pecu-
niary sacrifice, and it is a large concession to the principle
of certainty. I have also ,o state that there is a third con-
cession which the Government are willing to make, and it
is with regard to the Sth .esolu+ion proposed by the right
hon. gentleman (Mr. Wal)ole). That resolution refers to
the arrangements that halve been entered into with regard
to the transition state whil must occur between the abo-
lition of the present systen of annual grants and the full
establishment of the new principle of a capitation grant.
(Hear, hear.) The Government are willing to reconsider
the manner in which the pupil teachers who are now en-
gaged have been providedfor, and they are willing to pro-
pose, instead of the schene contained in that resolution, a
scheme which, while it shill provide for holding the exist-
ing pupil teachers harmless, shall at the same time leave to
the managers any surplus that may remain after payment
of those pupil teachers—tint is, if the grant falls short of
paying the pupil teachers ;he Government shall make good
the difference ; and if there be a surplus it is to be the pro-
property of the managers. I have also to state, as has al-
ready been intimated by ay right hon. friend (Sir G. Grey),
that the Government are willing to concede the 10th and
11th resolutions. I can only again express a hope that the
house will receive these concessions in the spirit in which
they arc made. (Hear, hear.) We have done all in our
power to meet the vices of hon. gentlemen honestly and
sincerely, at some sacnfice of individual conviction, and I
trust the house.will give us credit for a desire to bring the
discussion of this question to a speedy and satisfactory ter-

urination. (Cheers."
Mr, WALPOLE—Sir, I rise to acknowledge the very
frank and generous manner in which the Government have
endeavoured to meet the objections which were raised to
their prefosition, andl should not discharge my duty, nor
consult my own feelings, if I did not to the utmost of my
power so far as I am concerned, meet those concessions in
the spirit in which they are made. (Hear.) The concessions
offend are in fact concessions on the point of principle, for
whr
contended. No doubt
m
expressed in the last sea•
andddstoutly
i s
Mace of his speech—has made those concessions with some
ri hgh I t
hon.have friend—asatiengly indeed
faCrifiCe of individual conviction, but I sincerely hope that
if they are carried into effect he will find that the main ob-
ject he has in view will be attained. I will make no remark
upon the particular concessions to which the right hon.
gentleman has adverted, except to say that with reference
to the first point—viz., the concession that a portion of the
grant is to be hereafterdePendent upon the general report of
the inspector, and not upon the average attendance, that is
a much better footing to put it on. With regard to the
second—viz., no longer retaining the proposition that exa-
mination is to be conducted according to age—l believe it
will be entirely for the benefit of the community. As to the
pupil teachers, I eertainly did feel strongly on that point,
and I am extremely glad the concession stated by the right
hon. gentleman has been made. (Hear.) The other two pro-
positions my right hon. friend the Secretary of State agreed
to assent to on the first discussion of
this subject, and 1 will
not further allude to them. The only other observation I
have to make is, that I hold it to be most important that on
a question of this kind there should be, as there has been,
no party triumph one way or the ether— (cheers)—but that
we should unite in doing our utmost for the public service
and the general good of the country. (Hear.) I hope the
Government will not think I make an unreasonable propo-
sition when I suggest that instead of going into committee
with these propositions to-night, the house and the country
should have some little time to consider these propositions
deliberately ; and I believe that the granting of an interval
for that purpose will conduce to the satisfactory settlement
of the question. (Cheers.)
Lord ENFIELD also expressed a hope that time would
he given for the full consideration of the important propo-
sitions made by her Majesty's Government. He was glad
to have been the humble instrument of bringing about a
settlement ,of one portion of the matter in controversy,
owing to the, resolution of which he had given notice. The
credit, however, was not duo to him, but to a suggestion
made in the speech of a right rev, prelate in another place.
He (Lord Enfield) cordially agreed in the alteration sug-
gested by the right hon. gentleman (Mr, Lowe).
Mr. DISRAELI—I apprehend that, after the statement
made by her Majesty's Government, it is not very.probable
the committee will be called on to pronounce any opinion
bn the proposition just laid Wore them. I think myself
that her Majesty's Government have acted with great -wis-
dom and propriety in deferring, as they have done, to the
unmistakeable opinions which have been expressed on
both sides of the house. It v unnecessary to assure the
Government that when an Administration dealing with a
question of such great nicety and such vast interest feel
it their duty to withdraw from any important portions of
the proposition, necessarily a very extensive and compli-
cated one, which they submitted to Parliament, there can
be no other feeling throughotv the house than a desire to
give the Government credit for being actuated by the most
honourable motives. (Hear, near.) Sir, I think the sug-
gestion of my right hon. fiend (Mr. Walpole) is one of
that well deserves the attention of the house. It is not one
of those questions with respec; to which a satisfactory solu-
tion can be obtained by considering merely the opinions and
feelings of members of the Eouse of Commons. Outside
the walls of this house, on whatever side arrayed, public
opinion is very much excited aad interested in the question,
and therefore no one can don't for a moment the propriety
—whatever may be the indivkual opinions of the house on
the entire subject—of acting vith due caution, and avoiding
any suspicion of coming to a precipitate conclusion. After
the speech of the right hon. gentleman this must be looked
upon as a new proposition, leading to consequences very
different to those which must lave resulted from the scheme
first before the house ; and it b impossible for even members
of this house to foresee at first sight all the results to which
it may probably lead. But, sr, those who are so deeply in-
terested in this question in every part of the kingdom have
a right, after the months tha; have passed in which their
attention has been necessarilyabsorbed in the consideration
of the formal proposition tha; was brought forward, to be
given an opportunity for a calm and full consideration of
what must really be looked upon as a now project. (Hear.)
And therefore I trust that the suggestion of my right hon.
friend will be acceded to by the Government and by the
house, and that sufficient time will be afforded both to the
house and to the country to consider the modified proposal
which the Government has introduced to our attention to.
night. I will take one point—not that I am anxious to enter
into any controversy of the question, but to show the com-
mittee the great importance of our not coming to a hasty
determination, which might cause great disappointment and
great disquiet in the country. Now, as to the first conces-
sion of the Government with regard to ensuring the prin-'
ciple of certainty in the grants—the satisfactory nature of
that proposition must depend upon the amount at which the
contribution is fixed, and the degree of certainty which may
arise. The Government has not made any formal proposi-
tion, and I do not wish to entrap them into any public de-
claration on the matter, but the committee must feel that
upon the character of that amount the satisfactory nature
of the fresh proposition must greatly depend. There arc
other topics which I will not touch upon now, The fourth
resolution of my right hon. friend involves very important
considerations; but I think after the discussion that has
taken place, and after this great, and I will say salutary,
concession—satisfactory to the house, and honourable, as I
am sure it is, to her Majesty's Government-4 think ample
time should be given for its consideration. There is no
haste, now that we have arrived at this general conclusion
—no pressing necessity for deciding upon what are points
of detail, though of immense importance. If, therefore, her
Majesty's Government do not object, I would think it bet-
ter not to come to a final conclusion; upon the terms on
which the system of popular education in this country must
permanently rest until after the Easter recess. (Hear.)
Sir G. GREY—The Government have no wish to press
the house to a hasty decision on this question. At the same
time it is very desirable it should not be kept in agitation
longer than is necessary. I would propose, therefore, if the
right hon. gentleman the member for the University of
Cambridge assents, that we should now report progress and
ask leave to sit again on next Monday week, subject to any
arrangement that may be made between the right hon. gen-
tleman and the Government in the meantime as to fixing
the day. (Hear, hear.)
After a few inaudible observations from Mr. PACKE,
Mr. HENLEY said that if the discussion came on on
Monday week that would not be a convenient day for many
members of the house. The subject to be considered was a
highly technical one, and it was now for the first time an-
nounced that there would be a change upon a change.
Very much depended on the way in which it was presented
to the house, and until they had the reprint of the measure
it was difficult to say what time should be given for the
consideration of it. He quite agreed with the right lion.
baronet that it was not desirable to keep the matter longer
under discussion than was absolutely necessary, but full
opportunity should be given to the classes most interested
in it to ascertain how they would be affected by the proposed
change, he alluded to the managers, masters, and pupil
teachers of schools. It would be impossible to define the
precise bearing of the pr,iposal now made until it was more
specifically before the house. (Hear, hear.) He could say
for himself that he had received various memorials from
religious bodies who laboured under the same impression
as himself. He gave the Government the greatest credit
for having made these concessions. At the same time he
believed that under existing circumstances the Government

The papers are still engaged in discussing the
merits of the late naval engagement, and the
evacuation of Manassas by the Confederates.
President Lincoln, as commander in chief, had
issued the three following important orders :

"No. 1.

" Washington, Jan. 27, 1862.

" Ordered, that the 22d day of February, 1862,
be the day for a general movement of the land and
naval forces of the United States against the in-
surgent forces. That especially the army at and
about Fortress Monroe, the army of the Potomac,
the army of Western Virginia, the army near
Munfordsville, Kentucky, the army and flo-
tilla at Cairo, and a naval force in the Gulf of
Mexico, be ready for a movement on that day.
That all the other forces, both land and naval, with
their respective commanders, obey existing orders
at the time, and be ready to obey additional orders
when duly given. That the heads of departments,
and especially the Secretaries of War and of the
Navy, with all the subordinates, and the General
in Chief, with all other commanders and subordi-
nates of the land and naval forces, will severally
be held to their strict and full responsibilities for
the prompt execution of this order.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
No. 2.

" Washington, March 8, 1862.

"Ordered,—First, That the major general com-
manding the army of the Potomac proceed forth-
with to organise that part of said army destined to
enter upon active operations, including the reserve,
but excluding the troops to be left in the fortifica-
tions about Washington, into four army corps, to
be commanded according to seniority of rank as
follows :—First corps to consist of four divisions,
and to be commanded by Major General I. M'Dowell.
Second corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier General E. V. Sumner.
Third corps to consist of three divisions, and to be
commanded by Brigadier General S. P. Heintzel-
man. Fourth corps to consist of three divisions,
and to be commanded by Brigadier General E. L.
Keyes.

"2. That the division now commanded by the
officers above assigned to the commands of corps
shall be embraced in and form part of their respec-
tive corps.

" 3. The forces left for the defence of Washing-
ton will be placed in command of Brigadier General
James S. Wadsworth, who shall also be military
governor of the district of Columbia.

"4. That this order be executed with such
promptness and dispatch as not to delay the com-
mencement of the operations already directed to be
undertaken by the army of the Potomac.
" sth. A fifth army corps, to be commanded by
Major General N. P. Banks, will be formed from
his own and General Shieles' (late General Lander's)
division.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
No. 3.

" Washington, March 11.

" Major General M'Clellan, having personally
taken the field at the head of the army of the Po-
tomac until otherwise ordered, is relieved from the
command of the other military departments, he re-
taining command of the department of the Potomac.
" Order, further, that the two departments now
under the respective commands of Generals Halleck
and Hunter, together with so much of that under
General Buell as lies west of a north and south line
indefinitely drawn through Knoxville, Tennessee,
be consolidated and designated the department of
the Mississippi ; and that until otherwise ordered
Major General Halleck have command of said de-
partment.
" Ordered, also, that the country west of the
department of the Potomac and east of the depart-
ment of the Mississippi be a military department,
to be called the Mountain Department, and that the
same be commanded by Major General Fremont.
" That all the commanders of departments, after
the receipt of this order by them respectively, re-
port severally and directly to the Secretary:of War,
and that prompt, full, and frequent reports will be
expected of all and each of them.

" ABRAHAM LINCOLN."
The New York herald of the 13th contains the
following :
" The occupation of the deserted rebel batteries
on the Lower Potomac was effected on Monday by
several detachments of General Hooker's division.
The fortifications at Shipping Point, Evansport,
Cockpit Point, and on the Quantico creek, to within
a mile of the town of Dumfries, wore taken posses-
sion of. It was evident that a large forco of the
enemy had occupied all these points. Several of
the guns left behind were found loaded to the
muzzle with shot and sand bags. Fires had been
built under them, which burned the carriages, the
intention being to heat the guns so that they would
burst, and thus be lost to our troops. Three rifled
guns and one 42 pounder shell gun were destroyed,
but the heavier guns, owing to the thickness of
the breech, escaped destruction and fell into our
hands. Information was received from stragglers
that the rebels had been hastening off to Fredericks-
burgh since Sunday as fast as the railroad cars
could transport them.

"The rebel accounts of the naval conflict an-
nounce the death of Capt. Buchanan, who com-
manded the Merrimac, together with 17 men, which
occurred from the bursting of a shell thrown by the
Cumberland on Saturday. After Buchanan fell
Catesby Ap R. Jones took command of the Merri-
mac, and conducted the fight with the Monitor.
" The important town of Winchester, Virginia, is
in our possession, being occupied by our troops at
daybreak yesterday. A portion of General Banks's
division, under General Gorman, occupied the town
of Berryville, Virginia, on Tuesday. There were
500 of the rebel cavalry in the place ; but upon the
3d New York cavalry, properly supported by artil-
lery and infantry, charging them, they fled in con-
fusion towards Winchester, During the night the
pickets of General Gorman came in contact with
portions of Colonel Ashby's rebel cavalry, and were
compelled to fall back ; but the general made a re-
connaissance in force to within two miles of Win-
chester, and charging upon the rebels dispersed
them, taking several prisoners, and killing or
wounding four of the rebels. This reconnaissance
scaled the fate of Winchester. The enemy were
blinded and mislead by the movement of our troops,
and they commenced the evacuation of the place
on Tuesday afternoon. General Hamilton advanced
from Bunker's-hill, the Michigan cavalry leading
the column. The rebel cavalry, 1,200 strong, and
supported by a section of artillery, gave battle at
five o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday. Our
cavalry were supported by the Ist Mary-
land Infantry -and a battery of artillery. The
fight was a short one. The rebels fled, leaving

" Everything continues quiet in the vicinity of
Manassas. A masked battery, mounting three guns
was discovered on Wednesday, on the Warrenton
turnpike, between Centreville and Bull Run. The
rebels, it appears, resorted to the Vandalism of poi-
soning the wells before their departure,. Two men
attached to a Wisconsin regiment of Gen. Smith's
division were poisoned yesterday by partaking of
the water. Orders have accordingly been issued
prohibiting soldiers from using the old wells in the
vicinity, and new ones are being dug.
The rebel
batteries on the Lower Potomac continue to be exa-
mined by our officers, and the guns not destroyed by
the enemy are being disabled as far as possible.
" By our intelligence from Winchester there is
little doubt that the rebelforces under Jackson have
retired to Strasburg, in which direction heavy fir-
ing was heard at noon yesterday, indicating that
the fugitives were blowing up the stone bridge over
the Cedar creek to prevent pursuit. It was reported
by some prisoners that the rebels intended to make
a stand at Strasburg, but it was stated by others that
Jackson will post off for Richmond when the news
of the evacuation of Manassas reaches him.

" Oar troops were received with the utmost en

thusiaarc. by the people of Wineheeter. The regi-
ments as they entered the town were loudly chee:Pd
from the houses, and they warmly replied to the
greeting.
" Our despatches from Fort Monroe yesterday
state that the Merrimac is afloat at Norfolk Navy
Yard, and a large force of workmen is employed in
repairing her. Serious damage was done to one of
her prongs, and the forward part of the vessel was
stove in.
" By a despatch from Cairo we learn that the pro-
tection of Memphis seems to engage the serious at-
tention of the rebels. General Bragg has arrived
there from Pensacola, with a force of 10,000 men,
and it was thought they were sent forward to rein-
force New Madrid and Island No. 10, at which
latter point all the rebel gunboats are concentrated
under the famous Captain Hollins. Generals
Bragg and Beauregard were said to be at Jack-
son, Tennessee, where they are erecting strong
fortifications. Memphis is reported in a state of
anarchy. The citizens are flying from there, and
cotton, molasses, sugar, and other merchandise were
being shipped south. Such was the insubordination
of the citizens that martial law was proclaimed in
Memphis on Monday last, in order to compel the
people to tarn oat and fight.
" In the late battle at Paris, Tennessee, our forces
defeated the rebels, 600 strong, and took possession
of the town on the morning of the 12th inst. Gen.
Halleck's official report of the battle puts down the
loss of the enemy at 100 killed, wounded and pri-
soners. Gen. Halleck also reports the defeat of one
of Price's guerilla parties near Lebanon, Mobile, in
which the rebel commander, Gen. Campbell, and 100
others were captured, 13 killed, and 5 wounded."
On the 15th the New York Herald says
" General M'Clellan reviewed a division of the
army in the vicinity of Manassas yesterday after-
noon ; and as he rode along the lines he was greeted
by the most vociferous cheers and wildest enthu-
siasm. The spirit of the army is represented as ex-
ceedingly fine. The men are full of anxiety to be
led into immediate action.

" A fugitive from Rappahannock, probably the
village on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 37
miles from Gordonsville, came into th camp of the
Ira Harris cavalry yesterday. Ho states that there
were 40,000 rebel troops in town when he left, and
that they continued to pour in wildly and hurriedly,
under the impression that the Union army was in
pursuit of them. General Johnston and other rebel
officers were dining at the tavern when he left. He
states that the road from Rappahannock to Ma.
nassas is strewed with muskets, knapsacks, havre-
sacks, blankets, and provisions, flung away in the
retreat, and that numbers of soldiers lay fainting
and exhausted by the roadside,
"Affairs in the west go on bravely. The President
received a brief but significant despatch last night
from Brigadier-General Strong, that ' New Madrid
is ours.' Hence the advance of General Bragg,
with his command of 10,000 rebels from Pensacola,
which was supposed to be intended to reinforce New
Madrid, comes too late.
" Dispatches from Cairo last night state that the
rebels abandoned Now Madrid on Thursday even-
ing, leaving a quantity of guns and stores behind
them. Some fighting took place between the rebel
gunboats, under Capt. Hollins, and our siege bat-
teries, in which we lost 20 killed and wounded.
The loss of the enemy is not known, as they car-
ried
reportedo ff all
h
their
tdead
Island a andal
affNaa woundedaoyesterday,
eh at
dsteamerse
rwithad sayot been
phreofmov
r.i
eva-
cuated
ti
providing
the
was•
irs,
ge
sitthey
of
committee
vithed rnoegnb e
navalil
rs 0. n
" The Senate appears to be awake to the neces-
navy. A bill was introduced by Senator Hale, from
for the construction, under the direction of the Sec-
retary of the Navy, of an iron-clad steam vessel of
not less than 5,000 or 6,000 tons burden, and of
great speed and strength, to be used only as a ram,
for which purpose 1,000,000 dols. are to be appro-
priated ; also 13,000,000 dols. for the construction
of iron-clad gunboats, 783,000 dole. for the comple-
tion of Stevens' battery, and 500,000 dols. for ex-
tending the facilities of the Washington navy yard,
so as to roll and forge plates for the armour ships.
"The rebel batteries at Aquia Creek are not yet
silenced. As the steamer Achilles, from New York,
was on her way up the river yesterday six shots
were fired at her from the batteries on the creek,
but they did her no damage."

There has been some severe fighting in New
Mexico, in which the Fedorals appear to have been
defeated. The following account is dated St. Louis,
March 12 :

" The St. Louis _Republican has advices from
Albuquerque, New Mexico, of Feb. 23, which state
that the Texans have made various significant
movements in the vicinity of Fort Craig: On the
18th they advanced a column of infantry, 1,000
strong, in line of battle, in front of the forts, and
also moved a column of 800 cavalry to the west
of our defences. They advanced to within a mile
and a hal of the works, with the rebel flag
floating in the breeze. They remained in this po-
sition some time, and then commenced a retrograde
movement. During the time of their advance Col-
Canby prudently concealed the greater part of his
forces in the rear of the fort. When the enemy
commenced retreating, and the infantry was sePa"
rated from the cavalry, Colonel Canby ordered
Major Duncan to charge the cavalry of the enemy
retreatingt
wsquadronas
be
donefobefore
ot fhi
nedragoons
ggallant
l until
tni
tl
standhtyelye mounted
arrivede
in the meantime
deep ravine. The Texan infantry
wwhichith adenmae.mteny:
advanced to the relief of the
skir-
mish took place at the ravine.
in the evening was recalled. The Texans continued
to fall back.
that the Texans had eight
cavalry,iaiorD auundca ant e"
It was reported
pieces of attillery placed in a battery, masked
a short distance from where the
skirmish took place. On the 19Ih and 20th the
Rio Texans crossed to the east bank of the Grande,
in order, it is supposed, to
take possession of the
in
osite Fort Craig,
the ravine, but
heights °PP
it THE LATEST.

A military express hus
just arrived from Fort
Craig with the news of serious conflicts between our
forces and the Texans,
which lasted from nine
o'clock in the morning of the 21st until sundown
of the same clay. The fight commenced in the
morning betweun a portion of our troops, under

,Ca
Colonel Roberts, and the enemy
Grande, with varied success, until abo-tie.4li'g4
o'clock of that day (the 21st). Colonel C lthgT s
crcssed the river in &Ica,- with a batti try cf k
is
-pieces under Captain M'Crea, of the cav, airy, but
detailed to the command of .the battery. (_'olonel,
Canby also took with him a small battery of two
howitzers. The enemy was supposed to have . had..
eight field pieces.. The battle was commenced by
our artillery and skirmishers, and socn it -1-17,1/219 -
general. 'Towards evening.the guns of the enemy
were silenced. They, however, mtAle a (lE:spar'
charge on our howitzer battery, but were repro..
with great loss. Capt.M'Crea's battery was d(4,.,71
by Capt.Plimpton's company United States in ib:try,
and a portion of Colonel l'eno's regiment of .`'env
Mexican Volunteers. The Texan's now elw.iged
desperately and furiously, with picked men, about
600 strong, on M'Crea's battery. They were armed
with carbines, revolvers: Aild long seven-pound..
bowie knives. After discharging their carbines at;
close quarters they drew their revolvers and re-et:Q(l
the battery amid a storm of gi-aye end
The New Mexicans of Colonel Pend.: ,regiment bo-
came panic stricken and ingloriously fled.. Coi.)triin.
Plimpton, with the United States InfanixY, E't"d
his ground and fought nobly until more than one-
half were numbered with the dead. With his
artillerymen. cut down and with his support re-
ported killed, wounded, or flying from the fiald,
Captain M'Crea sat down calmly and quietly on one
of his guns, and, with revolver in hand, refusing to
fly or desert his post, he fought to the last and.
gloriously died like a hero, the last man at his
guns. The Texans Buffered terribly- in this despe-
rate charge.
"We have to lament the loss of Lieutenants
Miehler and Stone, who, l;ke Captain M'Crea, nobly
and bravely maintained the honour of our flag to
the last, and died as patriots. Many other of our
officers are wounded.
" Our loss is about 200 killed and wounded. l'he
loss of the enemy is believed to be much gree.l-er.
The greatest confidence is reposed in Colonel Canby.,
and if the volunteers will do their duty the Texans'
will be ignozniniously drivon from -the country."

We find the following in the Southern papers:—

"In the House of Representatives, on Monday,
a resolution was passed advising the planters to
withdraw from the cultivation of cotton and tobacco,
and devote their energies to raising provisions and
cattle, hogs and sheep. On Tuesday a vote of
thanks was passed to Captain Buchanan, his officers
and crew, for their gallantry in the late action in
Hampton Roads. The Senate has passed a bill to
organise a Supreme Court.
" The President sent a Message to Coy gress yest er-
day stating that he had suspended Generals Floyd
and Pillow from their commands until they could
give more satisfactory accounts of the action at Fort
Donnelson. The President is dissatisfied with their
reports. The Message states that neither of them
say that reinforcements were asked for, nor do they
show that their position could not have been evacu-
ated and a whole army saved as well as a part of it.
It is also not shown by what authority two senior
generals abandoned their responsibility by trans-
ferring the command to a junior officer.
"Petersburg and the surrounding ten miles have
been placed under martial law as well as Richmond
and Norfolk.
" It is reported that the nomination of General
Lee, as the commanding general of the army, was
sent to the Senate on Monday."

GREAT INUNDATIONS.

NOTTINGHAM, FRIDAY, 4 30 P.M.

In consequence of the almost continued rains dur-
ing the week the river Trent and its tributary
streams have overflowed their banks, and thousands
of acres of land adjoining the Trent are now under
water, presenting the appearance of a vast lake.
Where the spring'crops are sown there will be great
damage; indeed, all descriptions of grain in these
parts will have to be resown. The flood is still
rising rapidly, endangering the lives of cattle,
sheep, Sze., as also the destruction of property.
Many of the houses in th© low parts of the town
have been flooded, and the Eastcroft and the mea-
dows (adjoining the town) are under water. A great
number of houses have been built within tho past
few years in the meadows, and the lower storeys
of these are full of water. The rains have not been
known so heavy in Leicestershire for many years
past, and from Loughborough to Nottingham the
meadows near the line of railway are eompletely
inundated. The rains have been less heavy in
Derbyshire, but sufficient to cause fl gods. In the
neighbourhood of Newark a vast body of water is out,
and considerable damage is anticipated at this place
as well as in the district of Grantham. The flood at
the present time (4.30 p.m.) is hardly so high as
that of 1857, and more than a foot lower than the
great flood of 1852, when so great an amount of
damage was done to live and dead stock. Last night
the rain was continued, and there is no doubt that
the flood will rise considerably higher.