The Sun.
London, England, 1862-05-03 00:00:00

THE SUN LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 3, 1862.

THE CIVIL WAR IN AMERICA.

The select committee appointed by the Senate to
investigate the circumstances attending the surren-
der of Pensacola Navy-yard, the abandonment of
the Norfolk Navy-yard, and the Harper's Ferry
Armoury, had made their report. The following are
the conclusions of the committee :

" 1. The Administration of Buchanan was guilty
'of negligence, in not taking extraordinary care, and
employing every possible means to protect and de-
fend this yard, after indications of danger had ma-
nifested themselves.

" 2. The Administration of Mr. Lincoln cannot
be held blameless for suffering 37 days to elapse
after he came into power before making a move-
ment for the defence of the yard.
" 3. Capt. M'Couley was highly censurable for ne-
glecting to send the Merrimac from the yard, as he
was ordered, and also for scuttling the ships and
preparing to abandon the yard before any attack
was made or seriously threatened, when he should
have defended it and the property intrusted to him,
repelling force by force, as he was instructed to do,
if the occasion should present itself.
"4. Capt. Paulding was censurable for neglecting
•to consult with Capts. McCauley and Prendergast,
while he was at the yard on April 17th, in regard
to the course to be pursued in the event of an attack
upon the yard on the 20th, ordering the property to
be burnt and the yard abandoned before taking pro-
per means to satisfy himself that any necessity for
such measures existed.

" Capt. Prendergast, in command of the Cumber-
land, the flagship of the home squadron, made no
suggestions as to the measures proper to be adopted,
and seems to have taken no part in the transaction
except to move his ship as he was directed."
The progress of the siege of Yorktown is thus
officially reported :
" To THE HON. E. M. STANTON, SECRETARY OF
WAR.

" Near Yorktown, Thursday, April 11.

" During Tuesday and Wednesday the gunboats
amused themselves by shelling the woods below
Olocester. One of them approached within two
miles of Yorktown yesterday morning, when the
rebels opened from a new battery concealed in the
woods. The boat having obtained the position of
their guns returned to her position without receiv-
ing any damage.
" The firing to-day was renewed at long intervals.
" The rebels yesterday morning, with 1,000 men,
commenced to strengthen a battery located about
three miles to the left of Yorktown, when a battery
was brought to bear, causing them to beat a hasty
retreat. The rebels opened with their heavy guns,
when a second battery was brought forward. A
brisk fire was now kept np for about four hours,
during which three of the enemy's guns were dis-
mounted, when both parties ceased for a while, but
firing was resumed on our part late in the after-
noon and continued till daylight this morning,
effectually preventing the rebels from repairing the
damages they had sustained.
"The loss of the enemy must have been consider-
able, as the firing of our artillery was very accurate.
" Our loss was Sergeant Baker, 2d Michigan,
killed ; and F. Page, Company K, 3d Michigan
Regiment, both feet shot off ; also four horses,
which were killed.

" Yesterday Richard Painter, of Berdan's Sharp-
shooters, was probably fatally shot while on picket.
" Other engagements took place yesterday further
to the ;left, and near James River, in which our
troops showed very great gallantry. The results
have riot yet been fully ascertained.
" WASHINGTON, THURSDAY, APRIL 17.
" The following despatches were received to-day
at the War Department from General M.' Clellan :
" ' Head-quarters of the Army of the Potomac,
April 18.
" ' At about one half hour after midnight the
enemy attacked Smith's position and attempted to
carry his guns. Smith repulsed them handsomely
and took some prisoners. I have no details. Will
forward them as soon as my aide return. The
firing was very heavy, All is now quiet.
" A later Despatch.—My position, occupied yes-
terday
by Smith, was intrenched last night, so that
we have been able to prevent the enemy from work-
ing to-day, and kept his guns silent. Same result
at the batteries at Hyam's Mills.'
Friday, April 18.
" The following is issued by the War Department
to-day :
Yorktown was shelled by our gunboats and
some of our barges to-day without effect. There
has been a good deal of firing from the Yorktown
land batteries.'

" P.Y.

" The following was received at 6 50 this evening :
" Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, April 18.
" ' An official report has been received at head-
quarters, giving a list of the killed and wounded in
the engagement between the 3d Vermont Regiment
and the enemy on Wednesday, mention of which
was made yesterday. The information, as far as
received, puts the killed at 32, and the wounded at
90 ; 10 of the latter will probably prove fatal. The
conduct of the Vermont troops on the occasion is
spoken of in the highest terms, earning for the
Green Mountain boys laurels only to be won by the
brave. They drove a superior number of the enemy
from their fortified position, but were forced to
relinquish it on the rebels being reinforced. The
loss of the enemy in this engagement must have
been heavy, as the well directed fire of our artillery
moved them down in numbers. Yesterday after-
noon, while Lieut. 0. B. Wagner, of the Topogra-
phical Engineers, in company with a squad of men,
was making a survey of the enemy's works, a shell
struck the table on which lay the papers, and in-
stantly exploding the left arm of the I:eu tenant was
shattered, and was afterwards amputated. He is
comfortable this morning, and no fears are enter-
tained as to his recovery. James Luther, jun., of
Bristol, belonging to the 2d Rhode Island Regi-
ment, was probably fatally injured. David Pain-
ter, of Berdan's Sharpshooters, mentioned yester-
day, is dead. About 1 o'clock this morning the
enemy, in force, attempted to cross the dam in
front of our lines, evidently with the view of
capturing a battery of our artillery which had
given them considerable trouble during the last few
days. On the rebels making their appearance
they were opened on by a well•directed fire from a
body of infantry acting as a reserve to the pickets,
forcing them to beat a retreat, leaving the dead
and wounded on the dam, which they succeeded in
in recovering before daylight. Both parties then
opened with artillery, which has continued at in-
tervals up to the present time. None of our men
were killed.'

A correspondent of the New Fork 7imes ob-
tained on the 12th a good observation of the Con-
federate position :

" They seem to be wonderfully strong. The walls
are high and thick, surrounded by a moat, and
having sally. ports and draws. It seemed impos-
sible that any army could carry the fortifications
by assault. They must be reduced by siege guns and
mortars—making them, by the flight of hot shot and
shells over the ramparts, too hot to ho:cl their defen-
ders. There are the usual defences of masked bat-
teries and rifle pits outside of the works. Heavy
18 or 24 pound columbiads, placed en barbette, com-
mand the river and shore approach, while a water
battery can rake the waters in any direction. York-
town stands on a bluff 30 or 40 feet high, appa-
rently. Glocester Point, opposite, is about on the
same level. It has lately been crowned with strong
earthworks, and has on the beach, immediately
opposite the Yorktown wharf, a beautifully con-
structed water battery, 'with seven embrasures.
The river just hero is only about three-quarters of
a mile wide. Glecester was the first place seized by
General Washington in his celebrated siege and
cipturo of the British army at Yorktown in the
Revolution. It was also a part of General Kele--
lan's plan to have seized it also; but the re-
markable change of the limits of his depart.
ment, and the diversion of the troops to another
field, after ho went forth to consummate his
campaign, is said here to have thwarted his
purpose. With our glasses from the Farmholt-
house we could easily trace the old earthworks
built by the British, now covered with the smooth,
green sod. We could see the soldiers and the con-
%band* lazily lounging on the sandbags of the

water battery, or loitering on the wharf, gazing
down the river at four of the gunboats, lying like
black watchdogs below. There were two schooners
at the wharf, that had apparently juts` been dis-
charged, whether of men or food we coald not tell.

There were in all 25 schooners and oth r water craft

in sight, the majority of which had no doubt been

used to bring reinforcements of rebels to Yorktown."
A letter dated Fortress Monroe, April 16, states
that the Confederates had been actively engaged
building large fortifications on the Glocester side of

York River, about two miles from Yorktown, and
within sight of the Federal gunboats, but at such a

distance that they could not be interrupted. Oa the
15th, however, a 100 pounder Parrott was brought to
bear upon the working parties with success. The
Confederate guns on the Yorktown side of the river
were fifty in number, bearing on the bar. Skir-
mishing was constantly going on in front of the

city, and the Federal riflemen were doing consider-

able execution. Sorties were frequent.
The following is Beauregard's request to bury
the dead to Gen. Grant:—

" Headquarters, Department of Missistippi,
Monterey, April 8, 1862.
" Sir,—At the close of the conflict yesterday, my
Forces being exhausted by the extraordinary length

of the time during which they were engaged with

yours on that and the preceding day, and it being
apparent that you had received, and were still re-
ceiving, reinforcements, I felt it my duty to withdraw

my troops from the immediate scene of the conflict.
Under these circumstances, in accordance with the

usages of war, I shall transmit this under a flag of
truce, to ask permission to send a mounted party to
the battle field of Shiloah, for the purpose of giving
decent interment to my dead. Certain gentlemen
wishing to avail themselves of this opportunity to

remove the remains of their sons and friends, I raus'

request for them the privilege of accompanying
the burial party ; and in this connection I deem it
proper to say I am asking what I have extended to
your own countrymen under similar circumstances.
"Respectfully, General, your obedient servant,
"P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, General Commanding,
GENERAL GRANT'S REPLY.
" Head Quarters, Army in Field,
Pittsburgh, April 9.
" Sir,—Your despatch of yesterday is just re-
ceived. Owing to the warmth of the weather, I

deemed it advisable to have all the dead of both

parties buried immediately. Heavy details were
made for this purpose, and it is now accom-
plished. There cannot, therefore, be any necessity of
admitting within our lines the parties you desired
to send on the ground asked. I shall always be
glad to extend any courtesy consistent with duty,
and especially so when dictated by humanity.—l
am, General, respectfully, your obedient servant,
"To Major-General U. S. Grant, Commanding
United States Forces, Pittsburgh Landing."
" U. S. GRANT, Major-General Commanding.
" General P. G. T. Beauregard, Commanding
Confederate Army on Mississippi, Mon-
terey, Tenn."
REPORT OF GENERAL SHERMAN.
"Head-quarters Fifth Division, April 1.
" Sir,—With the cavalry placed at my command
the two brigades of my fatigued troops, I went this
morning out on the Corinth road. The abandoned
camps of the enemy lined the road with hospital
flags for their protection. At all of these we found
more or less wounded and dead. At the forks of
the road I found the head of General Wood's divi-
sion. At that point, I ordered cavalry to examine
both roads, and found the enemy's cavalry. Colonel
Dickey, of the Illinois cavalry, asked for reinforce-
ments. I ordered General Wood to advance the
head of his column cautiously on the left hand road
while I conducted the head of the third brigade of
the fifth division up the right hand road. About
half a mile from the forks was a clear field, through
which the road passed, and immediately beyond it
a space of 200 yards of fallen timber; and beyond
thct an extensive camp of the enemy's cavalry could
be seen. After a reconnoissance, I ordered that two
advance companies of the Ohio 77th, Colonel Ailde-
brand, to deploy as skirmishers, and the regiment
itself to move forward into line within intervals of
100 yards. In this order I advanced cautiously
until the skirmishers were engaged. Taking it for
granted that this disposition would clear the camp,
I held Colonel Dickey's 40th Illinois cavalry ready
to charge. The enemy's cavalry came down boldly
to:the charge, breaking through the line of skir-
mishers, when the regiment of infantry, without
cause, broke, threw away their gum, and fled. The
ground was admirably adapted to a defence of in-
fantry against cavalry, it being miry and covered
with fallen timber. As the regiment of infantry
broke, Col. Dickey's cavalry began to charge with
their carbines, and fell into disorder. I instantly
sent orders to the rear for the brigade to form in line
of battle, which was promptly executed. The troken
infantry and cavalry rallied on this line, and Ls the
enemy's cavalry came up to it, our cavalry in. turn
charged and drove them from the line. I then ad-
vanced the entire brigade upon the same ground,
and sent Co!. Dickey's cavalry a mile further on
the road. On examining the ground which bad beer.
occupied by the 77th Ohio, we found 15 dead and
25 wounded. I sent for waggons, and had all the
wounded carried back to the camp, and the dead
buried. I also ordered the whole camp to be de-
stroyed. Here we found much ammunition for field-
pieces, which was destroyed ; also two caissons, and
a general hospital, with about 230 Confederates
wounded, and about 50 of our own troop 3. Not
having the means of bringing them off, Col. Dickey,
by order, took a surrend( r, signed by the medical
director Lyle, and all the attending surgeons, and a
pledge to report themselves to you as prisoners of
war, and also anGther pledge that our wounded
would be carefully attended to, and surrendered to
us to -morrow, as soon as ambulances could go out.
I enclose the within document, and request you to
cause to be sent our waggons or ambulances fc-r the
wounded of ours to-morrow; also, that waggons
be sent out to bring in the many tents belonging to
us which are pitched all along the road for miles.
I did not destroy them, as 1 knew the enemy would
not move them. The roads are very bad, and are
strewn with abandoned waggons, ambulances, and
limber-boxes. The enemy has succeeded in carrying
off the guns, but has crippled his batteries by
abandoning the hind limber-boxes of at least 20
guns. lam satisfied that the enemy's infantry and
cavalry passed Lick-creek this morning, travelling
all night, and that he left behind all his cavalry,
which has protected his retreat. But the signs of
confusion and disorder mark the whole road. The
check sustained by us at the fallen timbers delayed
our advance, and night came upon us before the
wounded were provided for and the dead buried,
and our troops being fagged out by their three days
hard fighting, exposure, and privation, I ordered
them back to camp, where all now are.
" I have the honour to be your obedient servant,
" Brigadier-General W. T. SHERMAN,
Commanding Division.
"To Maj.-Gen. Grant, Commanding Army in Field."
" REPORT OF LIEUTENANT GwIN.

"United States' gunboat Tyler, Pittsburgh,
Tennessee, April 8.
" Sir,—l have the honour to inform you that the
enemy attacked oar lines on our left, the morning
of the 6th, at half-past 6 o'clock, and by his' over-
whelming numbers forced our men to fall back in
some confusion. At 9 25, finding that the rebels
were still driving our left wing back, I steamed up
to a point one mile above Pittsburgh, taking a good
position to support our troops. At quarter past 10
the Lexington, Lieutenant-Commanding Shirk,
joined me, having c.ane up from Crump's Landing.
After a short time she returned for the purpose of
supporting the command of Gen. Wallace, which
occupied that point. Not having received any in-
structions from the Commanding General in regard
to the service to be rer.dered by the gunboats, I
awaited them patiently, although for an hour or
more shot and shell were falling all around us.
Feeling that, could some system of communication
be established, the Tyler would be of great advan-
tage to our left wing, at 1 25 p.m. I sent an officer
requesting that I might be allowed to open on the
woods in the direction of the batteries and advanc-
ing forces of the rebels. General Iluelbut, who
ommanded our left, sent me word to do so, giving
me directions how to fire, that I might do it with
no damage to our troops, expressing himself grate-

ful for this offer of support, and saying that with-
out reinforcements he would not be able to main-

tam the position he then occupied for on hour.
Therefore, at 2 50, I opened fire in the line
directed with good effect, silencing their bat-
teries on our left. At 350 I ceased firing, and

dropping down opposite the landing at Pittsburgh,
sent Mr. Peters, gunner, on shore to communicate
with General Grant for further instructions. His
response was to use my own judgment in the mat-
ter. At 4 p.m) the Lexington, Lieutenant .Com-
manding Shirk,having arrived from Crump's Land-
ing, the Tyler, in company with the Lexington,
took position three-quarters of a mile above Pitts-
burgh, end opened a heavy fire in the direction of
the rebel batteries on their right, the missiles of

which were falling all around us. We silenced

,hem in 35 minutes. At 5.35, the rebels having

bucceeded in gaining a position on the left of our
line, an eighth of a mile above the landing at Pitts-
burgh, and half a mile from the river, both vessels
opened a heavy and well-directed fire on them, and
in a short time, in conjunction with our artillery on
shore, succeeded in silencing their artillery,
driving them back in confusion. At six
p.m. the Tyler opened deliberate fire in

he direction of the rebels' right wing, throw-

ing five and ten second shells, and at 6 25
ceased firing. At 9 p.m. the Tyler again opened
fire by direction of General Nelson, who greatly
distinguished himself in yesterday's engagement,
throwing five, ten, and fifteen second shells, and an

occasional sharpnel shell from the howitzer, at in-
tervals of ten minutes, in the direction of the rebel

right wing until 1 a.m. At this juncture the
Lexingen relieved us, and continued the fire at in-

ervals of fifteen minutes until 5 a.m., when, our

land forces having attacked the enemy, forcing
them gradually back, it made it dangerous for the
gunboats to fire. At 7 I received a communication
from General Grant which prevented the gun-

boats from taking an active part during the rest
of the day. Lieutenant-Commanding Shirk de-
serves the greatest praise for the efficient man-
ner in which the battery of the Lexington was
served. At 5.35 p.m. the enemy were forced
to retreat in haste, having contested every inch

of ground with great stubbornness throughout
the entire day. The officers and men of this
vessel displayed their, usual gallantry and en-
thusiasm during the entire day and night. Your
old wooden boats,' I feel confident, rendered invalu-
able service on the 6th inst. to the land forces.
Gunner Herman Peters deserves great credit for the

prompt and courageous manner in which he tra-
versed our lines, conveying communications from
this vessel to the commanding Generals. The re-
bels had a force of 100,000 men ; A. S. Johnston
killed—body found on the field; Beauregard,
Hardee, Bragg, and Polk being their command-

ing Generals. Governor Johnson, Provisional
Governor of Kentucky, is a prisoner in our hands
mortally wounded. Loss severe on both sides
—ours probably 10,000. The rebels suffered a
much greater one: I think this has been a crushing
blow to the rebellion. I am happy to state no
casualties occurred on either of the gunboats. The
Tyler expended 188 shells, four solid shots, two
stand of grape, and six shrapnel. Enclosed 1 send
you the report of Lieutenant-Commanding•Shirk.
" Your obedient servant,
el WILLIAM GWIN, Lieutenant-Commanding Divi-
sion of Gunboats on the Tennessee River.
"To Flag-officer A. H. Foote, commanding
Naval Forces on Western Waters."
LIEUTENANT SHIRK'S REPORT.
" United States gunboat Lexington, Pitts-
burgh, Tennessee, April 8.
" Sir,—On the morning of the 6th inst., while
lying at Crump's Landing,' 1 heard severe can-
nonading in the direction of Pittsburgh. I got under
way, and stood up the river to communicate with
Lieutenant-Commanding Gwin, of the Tyler. Upon
my reaching this place I found that an attack had
been made upon our army by the rebels in force.
I returned to Crump's Landing, to support the
division -under the command of General L. Wallace,
when I found that his division had proceeded to
join the main force, back to Pittsburgh Landing. I
then steamed back to this place, and no instructions
reaching the gunboats from the commanding-gene-
ral on shore, we were forced to remain inactive
hearers of the desperate fight until, the left wing
of our forces having been forced back and com-
pletely turned, and the rebels getting so near the
river that the missiles from their batteries fell thick
and fast round us, we were enabled to use our great
guns with such effect that the fire of the enemy was
silenced in 30 minutes. This was between 4 10
and 440 p.m. Again, at 535 the enemy having
gained a position on the left of our: lines, within
an eighth of a mile of the landing and of the
transports, we again with the Tyler opened fire
upon them, silencing the enemy, and, as I hearfrom
many officers on the field, totally demoralising his
forces, and driving them from their position in a
perfect rout in the space of ten minutes. The firing
on the part of the land forces then ceased.
At eight o'clock I went down to Crump's Landing,
and finding that everything was quiet there, re-
turned to this place. At 1 o'clock a.m. on the 7th,
I relieved the Tyler, Lieutenant Commanding Gwin
in a position immediately above the landing, and
and, until daylight, a shell every 15 minutes into
tie enemy's camp. Yesterday at daylight the fight
commenced between the two parties on shore, and
continued until 5 o'clock p.m., when the enemy left
in a hurried retreat. The gunboats occupying a
position on the left of our lines, and not being al-
lowed to fire, he spent the morning and a part of
the afternoon in the acts of mercy, picking up the
wounded who had found their way to the river,
and conveying them to the hospital boats. I must
say that the gallantry and good conduct of the offi-
cers and men whom I had the honour to command,
as displayed upon this occasion, and often before,
are beyond all praise.—l have the honour to be,
Sir, your most obedient servant,
"JAMES W. SHIRK, Lieutenant Commanding.
" To Flag-officer A. H. Foote, United States
Navy, commanding United States naval forces on
Western Waters, Cairo, Illinois."
From Port Royal we have advises to the 14th
ult., which contain the following particulars of the
fall of Port Pulaski :
" On the morning of the 10th the preparations
far the bombardment of the fort, under Brigadier-
General Gilmore, were completed, and a communi-
cation, under a flag of truce, was forwarded to Col.
Olmstead, the commander of Pulaski, demanding
the unconditional surrender of the fort. To this
Col. Olmstead replied in a very gentlemanly and
witty note, stating that he was placed there to
defend, not to surrender, the fort.' Upon receipt of
this, at 52 minutes past 7 a.m. of the 10th, the
batteries on Tybee opened fire. After firing a few
rounds from the several batteries a chance shot
carried away the halliards on Pulaski, and
the Confederate flag kissed mother earth.'
At this point cur fire slackened, our people
not knowing but that the occupants of
the fort were tiring of their spor, and had con-
cluded to succumb. Presently, instead of the white
flag, the stars and bars were once more seen waving
from a temporary flagstaff on the parapet. The
batteries on Tybee recommenced with redoubled
vigour, and the firing continued without cessation
during the remainder of the day. Towards night,
General Gilmore, being satisfied (from the effects of
the Parrott guns and James projectiles during the
day) of the practicability of breaching the walls,
again slackened the firing, •in order to make ar-
rangements for the planting of more guns at the
Goat Point batteries, that point being nearest to
Pulaski-1,685 yards. From sunset till 12 mid-
night there was no firing heard. From then until
daylight an occasional shot was fired, and on the
morning of the 11th two small breaches were visible
to us at the distance of two miles, on the south-
east face of the fort. By 12 noon those, under the
heavy and well-directed firing from the Goat Point
Lotteries had assumed most wonderful proportions,
and at 18 minutes past 2 p.m. the rebel flag was
hauled down, and a white flag displayed. A boat
was then sent to Pulaski, and a surrender of the
fort was made. Colonel Olmstead stated that it
was impossible to hold out any longer, as the rifle
shots were fast working their way into the maga-
zines, and a goodly number of his guns were dis-
abled, and ho was therefore compelled to comply

with General Hunter's demand. Accordingly, the
same night, the 7th Connecticut, Colonel Terry, was
thrown into the fort, and the munitions of war,
provisions, &c., were turned over to the credit of
the Union. Union loss—one killed, one wounded
slightly. Rebel loss—three wounded (amputation
necessary and performed in each case) ; prisoners,
385, including officers."
From Fort Pillow the following official advices
had been received :

" Cairo, Illinois, April 16.
" The mortars opened on Fort Pillow on the 14th
inst. and soon cleared the river of all vessels. Our
shells fell in the rebel camp. The rebel works are
strong and extensive. Two deserters came on
board the gunboats, and say that ex-Lieutenant
Thomas Huger, late of the United States navy, is in
command at Fort Pillow and that Gen. Pillow and
Commodore Hollins had gone below." _ _ _

A correspondent describes the effect of the rifled
shot on the walls of the fort :
" What is that ! a cloud of white smoke wreaths
up over Battery Halleck ; presently a sullen boom
comes struggling to our ears against the wind. It
is the first gun. We watch eagerly for the explo-
sion ; the shell bursts high in the air, and evidently
innocent of mischief. In a few seconds, we hear
the sound of the explosion, This is at 20 minutes

before 8 o'clock, and the shot is followed by others

n rapid succession. Five minutes later, a sharp
jet of smoke shoots out from the side of Fort Pul-

aski, near the ground ; it is an answer to our fire
from one of her casemate guns. She follows it pre-

sently by a shot from a barbette gun, and the fight
is fairly in progress. At first the firing upon nei-
ther side is rapid nor true. Gradually the dis-
charges grow more frequent, particularly from the

National batteries, and the aim is getting some

what less wild. A sharp, whistling sound, sue-
ceeding a shot from the fort, indicates the discharge
of a rifled gun. This is speedily answered from our
own guns in kind. Presently a cloud of yellow
dust, rising from the side of the fort, shows that one
of our shots has taken effect, on her brickwork.

Our glasses are instantly turned to the point, and
reveal a jagged dent, where the shot from one of
our rifled guns had struck. At half-past 9 o'clock
we• are able to count ten of these fractures, mostly

near the south east corner of the fort, and know that
numerous others must be hidden from our sight by

the angle. At 10 o'clock we learn from Major
Hough, who has come on board from the island,
that our men or works have as yet sustained no

damage, except that one of our mortars has been
dismounted by its own recoil. . So the firing goes
on. Our mortars seem now to be doing better; the
shells often burst over the fort, and sometimes fairly
inside. As for the rifled guns, aimed at the walls
with a view of making a broach, their service is
admirable. Scarce a moment elapses but a
cloud of brickdust tells of a shot planted near the
fractures made by its predecessors. At one time we
think one of the enemy's barbette guns is dis-
mounted, but a more careful scrutiny convinces us
that this is not the fact. . . . He led the way into
the fortress. The entrance was through an arched
gateway; and stumbling over a mass of rubbish,
composed of fragments of timber and brick from the
works, we presently stood inside the walls of the
fort. The scene was one that beggars description.
The light was ample to show the outlines of the
structure, with the guns and transverses on the
walls, the bomb proofs (which were timbers stand-
ing on end all around, nearly vertical in position,
the tops leaning against the walls, forming a wooden
defence inside the brick one), and the ditches cut
in the area, the dirt from which had been thrown
up against the timbers. On every side the walls
were scarred by bomb shells and rifled shot, and the
ground torn up in all directions. Masses of fallen
masonry and splintered timbers lay thickly strewn
around."
In a subsequent letter the correspondent says :
" Our shells, it seemed, had done absolutely no
effective damage ; even the round shot from the
columbiads had not effected perceptible injury.
Still more strangely, the Parrott guns had been
comparatively harmless, the work being done almost
entirely by the James projectiles, which came
whizzing through the air, making a noise like the
whir of a circular saw at high speed, and which,
from its peculiar shape and openings, the men had
learned to denominate the wheel-lub.' This testi-
mony is to us of the greatest value, and is unani-
mous on the part of the officers and men. It proves
that the only really effective artillery we had
against the fort were our five James's guns—one 24-
pounder, two 32-pounders, and two 42-pounders."
The following despatches had been received from
General Banks :
" Mount Jackson, Thursday, April 17, a.m.
" Our troops occupied Mount Jackson at seven
o'clock this morning, and are now in front of Rude's
Hill, where the enemy appears to be in force.
The people report that they
intend giving battle
there. They resisted our advance in order to gain
time for the burning of the bridges and railway
h&cc,;owadhi;chbuthadaccumulated at the
our biovement was so
tcearrms,iennugsionfest,
sudden, and the retreat of the rebels so precipitate,
that we were enabled to save the bridges, two loco-
motives, and some cars. All these had bccn pre-
pared with combustible material for instant con-
flagration. Many prisoners have been taken, and
several horses captured from the enemy. The troops
have acted admicably. They were in motion at one
o'clock in the morning. Colonel CarroTs brigade
of General Shields' division led the advance on the
back road to the rear of Mount Jackson, and Gem
M'Call on the turnpike. General Williams, with
his main division, brought up the reserved. column.
" We shall occupy Newmarket to-night.
General Shields has so far recovered at to com-
mand his division in person.
" HEAD-QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE SHENAN-

DOAH,

April 17, 0 p.m.
" Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
" Our troops will occupy Newmarket tonight.
There has been some artillery skirmishing, but no
loss on our side. We have many prisoners.
" N. P. BANKS, Major-General Commanding.%
A party of Ashby's Confederate cavalry were
captured on the 15th, while at breakfast in a
church at Woodstock, Virginia. On the previous
day the Confederates skirmished with the Federals
at Edenburg, firing shells from a Blakely gun.
On the 14th a portion of the Potomac flotilla
passed up the Rappahannock as far as Tappahan-
neck, 50 miles below Fredericksburg. At Urbaha
the Federals on-attempting to land were fired upon.
Two miles from Tappahannock the expedition was
fired upon from a battery, from which after a sharp
encounter the Confederates had to retire, It was
reported that the Confederates had obstructed the
channel a few miles from Fredericksburg by sink-
ing veesels. The Federal fleet returned doNN n the
river on the 15. h,
The Merrimac had not again appeared before
Fortress Monroe. On the 18th the weather was fine
there. The Richmond Dispatch of the 15th states
that the Merrimac spent two days in Hampton
Road " bantering the Monitor and the Yankee
fleet to come up from the shelter of the batteries.
Considering it not worth while to waste any more
coal to entice the Monitor into a conflict the Merri-
mac has returned to her anchorage.
en the 16th 40 or 50 men and several officers of
the 76th Pensylvanit Regimenn were drowned at
Castlemans Ferry, Shenandoah River, by the cap-
sizing of a boat.
From New Mexico the following official intelli-
gence had been received at Washington :
" Kansas City, Monday, April 14.
"The Fort Union mail brings a confirmation of
the battle of Apache Pass. Our loss is 150 killed
wounded, and missing. The enemy acknowledge
their loss to be from 30 to 400 killed and wounded;
93 rebels were taken prisoners, 13 of whom are offi-
cers, Our forces captured and burnt 64 waggons,
laden with provisions and ammunition, and killed
200 mules. The Texans attacked our battery four
times, the last time coming within 40ft. of our guns,
but were repulsed with heavy loss. Col. Slough is
encaml:cd at Bernal's Springs, 40 miles from Fort
Union. The Texans fell back to Santa Fe. Col.
Canby, with 1,000 regulars and Kit Carson's regi-
ment, is reported to be within three days' march of
Col. Slough, and Col. Slate is on the Journida, with
reinforcements for the enemy. The report, copied

from Southern papers, that Col. Canby had surren-
dered Fort Craig and his entire force is untrue.
Later advices from that vicinity have been re
ceived at the War Department, and are to the

effect that Colonel Canby had obtained a success

over the enemy, and is now in pursuit."
In the Confederate Congress, on the Bth, Mr.
Haynes, of Tennessee, moved that the resolutions
touching the victory near Corinth, and lamenting
the death of Albert Sydney Johnston, be taken up,
so that he could offer resolutions in lieu. Resolu-
tions were then presented by the Senator expressive
of the joy of Congress on hearing of the great vic-
tory of their army in Tennessee, paying a glowing
tribute of respect to the memory of the Commander-
in-Chief, and conveying the thanks of Congress to
Gen. Beauregard and the officers under his com-
mand for their services in that memorable battle.
Mr. Haynes stated that he was ono of the Tennes-
see delegation who requested the President to trans-
fer Gen. Johnston's command to some other officer
after the retreat from Nashville. Subsequently
information had caused him to alter his opinion,
and he therefore felt it his duty to offer the resolu-
tions named.

Mr. Yancey, of Alabama, moved that the resolu-
tions be so amended as to designate the place of the
battle as indicated by Gen. Beauregard—Viz., the
battle-field of Shiloh. He moved, also, that the
resolutions be so amended as to tender the thanks
of Congress to Gen. Beauregard and the surviving
officers and soldiers for their gallantry.and skill on
that memorable field.

The following message was received from Presi•

dent Davis:—
" To the Senate and House of Representatives o
the Confederate States of America :
" The great importance of the news just received
from Tennessee induces me to depart from the esta-
blished usages, and to make to you this communi-
cation in advance of official reports. From official
telegraphic despatches, taken from official sources,
I am able to announce to you, with entire confi-
dence, that it has pleased Almighty God to crown
the Confederate arms with a glorious and decisive
victory over our invaders.
"On the morning of the 6th the converging co-
lumns of our army were combined by its Comman-
der-in-Chief, Gen. A. Sydney Johnston, in an assault
on the Federal army then encamped near Pittsburgh,
on the Tennessee river.
" After a hard-fought battle of 10 hours the
enemy was driven in disorder from his position, and
pursued to the Tennessee river, where, under the
cover of the gunboats, he was at the last accounts
endeavouring to effect his retreat by aid of his
transports. The details of this great battle are yet
too few and incomplete to enable me to distinguish
with merited praise all of those who may have con-
spicuously earned the right to such distinction, and
I prefer to delay our own gratification in recom-
mending them to your especial notice, rather than
incur the risk of wounding the feelings of any by
failing to include them in the list. When such a
victory has been won over troops as numerous, well-
disciplined, armed, and appointed as those which
have just been so signally routed, we may well con-
clude that one common spirit of unflinching bravery
and devotion to our country's cause must have
animated every breast, from that of the Command-
ing General to that of the humblest patriot who
served in the ranks. There is enough in the con-
tinued presence of invaders on our soil to chasten
our exultation over this brilliant success, and to
remind us of the grave duty of continued exertion
until we shall extort from a proud and vainglorious
enemy the reluctant acknowledgment of our right
to self-government.
" But an all-wise Creator has been pleased, while
vouchsafing to us His countenance in battle, to
afflict with a severe dispensation, to which we must
bow in humble submission. The last long, lingering
hope, has disappeared, and it is but too true that
General Albert Sydney Johnston is no more. The
tale of his death is simply narrated in a despatch
from Colonel W. Preston in the following words :
" General Johnston fell yesterday at half-past
two o'clock while leadiag a successful charge,
turning the enemy's right and gaining a brilliant
victory. A Minie ball cut the artery of his leg,
but he rode on until from loss of blood he fell ex-
hausted, and died without pain in a few moments.
His body has been intrusted to me by General
Beauregard, to be taken to New Orleans, and remain
until directions are received from his family.'
" My long and close friendship with this de-
parted chieftain and patriot forbid me to trust my-
self in giving vent to the feelings which this
intelligence has evoked. Without doing injustice
to the living, it may safely be said that our loss is
irreparable. Among the shining hosts of the great
and good who now cluster around the banner of our
country there exists no purer spirit, no more heroic
soul, than that of the illustrious man whose death
I join you in lamenting.
" In his death he has illustrated the character for
which through life he was conspicuous—that of
singleness of purpose and devotion to duty with
his whole energies. Bent on obtaining the victory,
which he deemed so essential to his country's cause,
he rode on to the accomplishment of his object, for.
getful of self, while his very life-blood was fast
ebbing away. His last breath cheered his comrades
on to victory. The last sound he heard was their
shout of victory. His last thought was his coun-
try, and long and deeply will his country mourn
his loss.

" JEFFERSON DAVIS?'

M. Mercier, the French Ambassador, arrived at
Norfolk on the 15th. According to the orfolk,
Daybook, he brought despatches for the French
Consul at Richmond.

From Bogota we have advices to the 16th of
February, and Carthagena to the 2d ult. Senor
Ignacio Gutierrez, as the oldest member of the
Cabinet of Ospina, and his successor, Calvo, had
asserted his claims as Executive chief of the nation,
and by the aid of the Conservative leaders through-
out the States, with that of the forces of General
Canal in Santander, of General Enao in Antioquia,
and Colonel Arboleda in Cauca, he cherished strong
hopes of success. General Canal had rallied his
forces, and, by gaining some advantages over the
forces of Mosquera in the northern part of Boyaca,
had succeeded in reaching the vicinity of Bogota
with 2,500 men, including 1,500 guerilleros. The
Government forces in the city, 1,500 strong, immedi-
ately occupied the convent of San Augustin, where
they defended themselves with the greatest bravery
for nearly two days, until Canal, learning of the ap-
proach of Mosquera,with a large force, hastily with-
drew. He succeeded in crossing the Magdalena,
with the larger part of his force, but during the re-
treat lost many men, and nearly all the spoils he
had taken. The forces of Sanchez were badly cut up
in attempting to cross the river to his assistance. In
the State of Cacua the Government forces under
Payen had routed the revolutionists under Enao,
taking that general prisoner, and killing some of
his principal officers. Mosquera had issued ade
tree dismissing General Herran from his post at
Washington, depriving him of his rank as Com-
mander-in -Chief of the Forces of the Republic, and
denouncing hitn as a traitor. Senor Manuel
Murillo, the present Minister to France, had been
accredited in his place. The Guardia-Murillo
Convention, made in Aspinwall last September, had
been disapproved by Mosquera.
Havannah letters of the 12th report that the
Nashville, arrived at Nassau on the 30th of March
in ballast, was rechristened the Thomas W. Wragg,
and hoisted the British flag. When the last ad-
vices left she was alongside the Southwick steamer,
which had arrived from London with an assorted
cargo. Confedprate schooners were frequently ar-
riving. Her Majesty's steamer Bulldog had left
Nassau on a cruise. Her Majesty's ship Liffey
was at Nassau.
The British steamers Elizabeth and Fox had ar-
rived at Havannah from New Orleans with cotton.
The Economist steamer had arrived from Charles-
ton with 1,100 bales of cotton.
Advices from Nassau to the 11th ult. report that
the Nashville left that port on the 6th with a cargo
of arms which she had obtained from the British
steamer Southwick. She cleared for St. John's,
N.B.
The Washington correspondent of the New York
Tribune gives currency to a rumour that Secretary
Stanton had resigned in consequence of differences