The Sun.
London, England, 1861-12-17 00:00:00

rHE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY 'EVENING, DECEMBER, 17, :1861.

bounty upon enlisting, or an advance of 20 dols. of 1
the 100, which alaw of the last Session of Congress
grants to regulars and volunteers on the e \ piration
of their periods of service. This would doubtless
stimulate enlistments as it would enable t he seldier
to make some provision for those depen "ent on him
for support, until he receives his pay. Should the
navigation of the Potamac river be interrupted by
blockade or the severities of the winter, it would
become necessary for the proper supply of the
troops in the district of Columbia and vicinity, and
of the inhabitants of this city, to provide additional
railroad connexion between Washington and Balti-
more. I recommend that a railway be constructed
through this city, from the Navy yard, by the Capi-
tol, to Georgetown, forming connexions with the
existing railroad depots, and using the Aqueduct-
bridge for the purpose of crossing the river at
Georgetown. By a junction of this proposed rail-
way with the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, not
only would the communication with our troops in
Virginia be greatly improved, but an easy access be
obtained to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, near
Harper's Ferry, by means of the London and Hamp-
shire Railroad. The geographical position of the
metropolis of the nation, menaced by the rebels, and
required to be defended by thousands of our troops,
induces me to suggest for consideration the propristy
and:expediency of a reconstruction of the boundaries
of the States of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Wisdom and true statesmanship would dictate that
the seat of the National Government, for all time to
come, should be placed beyond reasonable danger
of seizure by enemies within, as well as from cap-
ture by foes from without. By agreement between
the States named, such as was effected, for similar
purposes, by Michigan and Ohio, and by Missouri
and lowa, their boundaries could be so changed as
to render the capital more remote than at present
from the influence of State Governments which have
arrayed themselves in rebellion against the Federal
authority. To this end, the limits of Virginia
might be so altered as to make her boundaries con-
sist of the Blue Ridge on the east and Pennsylvania
on the north, leaving those on the south and
west as at present. By this arrangement two
counties of Maryland (Allegheny and Washing-
ton) would be transferred to the jurisdiction of
Virginia. All that portion of Virginia which
lies between the Blue Ridge and Chesapeake Bay
could then be added to Maryland, while that
portion of the peninsula between the waters of the
Chesapeake and the Atlantic, now jointly held by
Maryland and Virginia, could be incorporated into
the State of Delaware. A reference to the map will
show that these are great natural boundaries, which,
for all time to come, would serve to mark the limits
of these States. To make the protection of the capital
complete, in consideration of the large accession of
territory which Maryland would receive under the
arrangement proposed, it would be necessary that
that State should consent so to modify her con-
stitution as to limit the basis of her representation
to her white population. In this connection it
would be the part of wisdom to reannex to the dis-
trict of Columbia that portion of its original limits
which, by act of Congress, was retroceded to the
State of Virginia. It is already a grave question
what shall be done with those slaves who are aban-
doned by their owners on the advance of our troops
into Southern territory, as at Beaufort district, in
South Carolina. The number left within our con-
trol at that point is very considerable, and similar
cases will probably occur. What shall be done with
them ? Can we afford to send them forward to their
masters, to be by them armed against us, or used
in producing supplies to maintain the rebellion ?
Their labour may be useful to us. Withheld from
the enemy, it lessens his military resources, and
withholding them has no tendency to induce the
horrors of insurrection even in the rebel communi-
ties. They constitute a military resource, and that,
being such, they should not be turned over to the
enemy, is too plain to discuss. Why deprive him
of supplies by a blockade, and voluntarily give him
men to produce supplies? The disposition to be
made of the slaves of rebels after the close of the
war can be:safely left to the wisdom and patriotism
of Congress. The representatives of the people will
unquestionably secure to the loyal slaveholders
every right to which they are entitled under the
constitution of the country."
The following are extracts from the report of the
Secretary of the Navy :
" The limited number of ships and men at com-
mand when the proclamation announcing the
blockade of the ports of the insurgent States
was issued, and the inadequate means provided
by the last Congress for the emergency, de-
volved upon the Department the necessity for call-
ing into immediate service not only all the naval
forces but vessels from the commercial marine. Pur-
chases were accordingly made and charters hastily
executed for the exigency, and orders peremptorily
issued to forthwith equip and prepare for service the
public vessels that were dismantled and in ordinary
at the several yards. The force thus hastily gathered
was placed along our coast, and divided into two
squadrons, one of which, designated as the Atlantic
blockading squadron, had for its field of operation
the whole coast extending from the easternmost line
of Virginia to Cape Florida, and was under the com-
mand of Flag-officer Silas H. Stringham. The other,
or Gulf Squadron, operating from Cape Florida
westward. to Rio Grande, was commanded by Flag-
officer William Mervine. These officers repaired to
their stations, and were reinforced from time to time
by the arrival of such vessels as were despatched to
their commands, and under their supervision and
direction all the ports upon their stations were sub-
jected to a blockade as rigid and effective as the
peculiar nature of our maritime frontier—which
has, through a large portion of its entire extent, a
double coast, inner and outer—would admit. Our
principal naval vessels are not, from their great
1 draught of water, adapted to blockade service on our
i shallow coast, which has been guarded with extreme
1 difficulty. The ports of North Carolina especially,
I situated within the interior shallow waters of their
sounds and inlets, afforded peculiar facilities to a
class of small vessels, aided by fraudulent papers
and foreign flags, to elude the vigilance of the sen-
tinel ships whose special duty it was to interdict
commerce with the insurgents. The duty of guard-
ing the eoast, and enforcing the blockade, has been
one of great labour, as well as ceaseless vigilance
and responsibility. With the steadily increasing
force that added to the squadrons, the efforts of the
insurgents to elude our ships were also increased,
in order to supply the pressing necessities that
afflicted the whole of the Rebel States. The duties
imposed upon the flag officers became correspond-
ingly arduous, and eventually more extensive in
their operation and detail than could be well exe-
cuted by one commander. A vigilant watch has
been maintained at the passes of the Mississippi, by
which the commerce of Ncw Orleans has been suc-
cessfully interdicted. The task of blockading the
coast is unattractive and devoid of adventure. Those
who have engaged in this rebellion have neither
commerce nor a navy to reward or stimulate to ex-
, ertion. One method of blockading the ports of the
insurgent States and interdicting communication
as well as to prevent the egress of privateers, which
sought to depredate on our commerce, has been that
of sinking in the channels vessels laden with stone.
The first movement in this direction was on the
North Carolina coast, where there are numerous
iinalteetrsiatro
waters,
which
eiand Pamlico Sounds and other
the blockade, and aelsheatffootridieedpfraiveialtietieerss.forFeolur
thisding
purpose a class of small vessels were purchased in
Baltimore,
some of which have been placed in Ocra-
coked Inlet. Another anda
vessels were bought in the eastern market, description escron of
mostvi h ofl
them such as were formerly employed in th
e
fisheries. These were sent to obstruct the channelsa
of Charleston harbour and the Savannah river :
and this, if effectually done, will prove the most
economical and satisfactory method of interdict
ing commerce at those points. '_Since the insti- 1
t,u
1530vcssels have been cap-
tured t i o
sailing f the blockade
u n ~,
y,
i. ius flags, most of which
were attempting to
some delays, an exPe
d ivti
ioolna
to
Hthiettbelroacsklandleet.,
onAAfter
re
coast of North Carolitna,em wiyhearnenpuiriantgie,awl
adsepurnedclea;
tions had become ex
talien.
the
nFalvaagofficer
l forces Sot
nr i
ntghhisam mocccoasiomna,nadnedd per-
son3iniajor-
General Butler had command of the small military

detachment of about 800 men which co-operated
with the navy. The expedition was eminently
successful. It was intended that the success at
Hatteras should have been followed in September
by a more formidable expedition, and the seizure of
a more important position further South. Owing
to various causes, independent of the Navy Depart-
ment or the condition of the navy, this movement
was unavoidably postponed until the 29th of Octo-
ber, when a fleet of 48 sail, including transports, a
larger squadron than ever before assembled under
our flag, left Hampton Roads. Consummate naval
strategic skill and the most admirable gunnery
were exhibited in the attack, which was of such
tremendous effect that General Drayton and the
rebel army surrendered their stronghold, fled the
coast with precipitation, leaving their property,
armament, and papers, while our naval forces took
and still hold quiet possession of one of the finest
harbours on the Atlantic seaboard. A demonstra-
tion was ordered by Flag-officer Dupont on Tybee
Island, at the mouth of the Savannah River, which
resulted in the capture of that island and the strong
martello tower and battery that virtually commands
Fort Pulaski. Our naval forces have possession of
that island, a part of the South Atlantic squadron
is at anchor in the harbour, and the flag
of the Union is again unfurled in Georgia. A
naval force, auxiliary to and connected with the
army movements on the Mississippi and its tribu-
taries, has been organised, and is under the com-
mand of Flag-officer Andrew 11. Foote, who is ren-
dering efficient service in that quarter. It was
natural that apprehensions should prevail in regard
to armed cruisers, commissioned expressly by the
rebel leaders to depredate upon our commerce.
This robbery of merchants and others engaged in
peaceful and lawful pursuits by piratical cruisers is
not inconsistent with the general conduct of those
who have violated law and moral obligations to
gratify inordinate ambition. Our extended com-
merce presented inducements for piratical warfare,
yet but few of our misguided countrymen have pro-
stituted themselves to the purposes of plunder,
though thereto invited, and these few have been in
constant flight to escape the avenging power of our
vigilant naval forces. Such of these cruisers as
eluded the blockade and capture were soon wrecked,
beached, or sunk, with the exception of one, the
steamer Sumter, which, by some fatality, was per-
mitted to pass the Brooklyn, then blockading one
of the passes of the Mississippi, and, after a brief
and feeble chase by the latter, was allowed to pro.
ceed on her piratical voyage. An investigation of
this whole occurrence was ordered by the Depart-
ment. Soon the Niagara and the Powhattan from
the Gulf squadron, followed in vigorous pursuit—
the latter, though long in commission, and with
defective boilers and machinery, under her ener-
getic commander, tracking the piratical craft as far
as Maranham. The Keystone State, Richmond,
Iroquois, and San Jacinto were also in search of her
at different points and periods. Although a pira-
tical rover, without licence from any recognised or
acknowledged Government, and avowedly engaged
in the robbery and plunder of our citizens, I regret
to say this vessel has been received, and her wants
supplied, against the remonstrance of our Consuls,
by public authorities, in many foreign ports, where
her character was well known. Capt. Wilkes, in
command of the San Jacinto, while searching in the
West Indies for the Sumter, received information
that James M. Mason, and John Slidell, disloyal
citizens and leading conspirators, were, with their
suite, to embark from Havanna, in the English
steamer Trent, on their way to Europe to promote
the cause of the insurgents. Cruising in the Bahama
Channel, he intercepted the Trent on the Bth of
November, and took from her these dangerous men,
whom he brought to the United States. His vessel
having been ordered to refit for service at Charles-
ton, the prisoners were retained on board and con-
veyed to Fort Warren, where they were committed
to the custody of Col. Dimmick, in command of that
fortress. The prompt and decisive action of Captain
Wilkes on this occasion merited and received the
emphatic approval of the Department, and if a too
generous forbearance was exhibited by him in not
capturing the vessel which had these two rebel
enemies on board, it may, in view of the special cir-
cumstances and of its patriotic motives, be excused ;
but it must by no means be permitted to constitute
a precedent hereafter for the treatment of any case
of similar infraction of neutral obligations by any
foreign vessels engaged in commerce or the carrying
trade. The total naval force is 261 vessels, 2,557
guns, and 218,016 tons. The aggregate number of
seamen in the service on March 4 last was 7,600. The
number is now not less than 22,000. Most of the pub-
lic armed vessels being of such size and draught of
water that they could render only imperfect block-
ading service, immediate measures were taken by the
department to carry into effect the policy of the Go-
vernment, in advance of the special Session of Con-
gress, by contracting for the construction of 23
steamers, which should be of light draught, but
heavy armament. Many of those first ordered are
already in commission, and the others are in rapid
progress towards completion. If, with those above
enumerated, we include three iron-clad or armour
steamers which are being built from the money ap-
propriated for that purpose at the special session,
there will be under these several arrangements an
addition, when they are completed, of 52 new
steamers peculiarly adapted to the required block-
ade or coastguard duty, added to the navy. No
sailing vessels have been ordered to be built, for
steam, as well as heavy ordnance, has become an
indispensable element of the most efficient naval
power. The public vessels and the public yards, in
their capacity of construction and repair, were,
however, totally inadequate to the demands that
are now pressing on this brinch of the Government,
and the department was compelled to resort to the
commercial marine to make good the deficiency.
Vessels of every class and de:,eription were promrtly
tendered by sellers and their agents, who in many
instances became dissatisfied when their offers were
not accepted. The expenditure in fitting for sea
service the vessels at the different navy yards, and
repairing and equipping those returning from our
foreign squadrons has been largo. Eleven thousand
mechanics and labourers have been in the daily em-
ploy of the Government at the different navy yards
in building and preparing vessels, and equipping
and arming them for service ; but this large force
has been unable to despatch the work with the
rapidity demanded, and the department has been
compelled in consequence to resort to private ship-
yards and outside labour. The subject of iron
armature for ships is one of great general interest,
not only to the navy and country, but is engaging
the attention of the maritime Powers of the world.
Under the appropriation made by Congress the
Department, on the favourable report of the Board,
has contracted for the construction of three iron-
ciad ships of different models, the aggregate cost
of which will be within the limits of the appropri-
ation. The difficulty of combining the two qualities
of light draught and iron armour, both of which
are wanted for service on our coast, could not be
entirely overcome; but the Board, in this new
branch of naval architecture, has, I think, displayed
great practical wisdom, and I refer to their very
full and able report, which is appended, for a more
explicit and detailed exhibit of their inquiries and
conclusions. The efficiency of the navy may un-
questionably be largely increased by creating more
grades, and I would recommend that the permanent
organisation of the line officers be as follows :
Flag officers—to command squadrons; commodore,
captain, commander, lieutenant-commander—to
command single ships; lieutenant, master, passed
midshipman, midshipman, cadet. The lieutenant-
commanders, a grade used during the Revolution,
may be employed as first lieutenants, and in the
command of the smaller class of vessels. The pre-
sent rate of pay may be so apportioned among the
different grades that in the lnne•e• cr reate there shall
(
be no increase. Let no officer be advanced to
tionopyt gurpaodne above that of
nt
of pthasesed Presidentmidipmshana x
dn
con-
firmation firmation by the Senate, after a Board of officers
shall have pronounced him morally, physically,
and professionally competent to perform all his
duties, both ashore and pleat. The public service
would also be promoted were some limit of age fixed
by law for active service. I would therefore respect-
fully suggest that Line officers be retired after
having been 45 years in the navy, excepting when

called into active service by special appointment
from the President. A generous pecuniary provi-
sion should be made for those who are retired after
long and faithful service. To satisfy the immediate
demands of the public service I recommend that a
grade to be designated flag officer be established,
and that the President, by selection from the pre-
sent list of captains and commanders, appoint a
number not exceeding seven, who shall each have
command irrespective of seniority or rank, of the
squadron to which he may be assigned, and the
appointment shall cease when the officer hauls down
his flag, unless for distinguished and meritorious
conduct iu battle as flag officer, he receives, upon
recommendation of the President, the thanks of
Congress. In the coastwise and blockading duties
of the navy it has not been unfrequent that fugi-
tives from insurrectionary places have sought our
ships for refuge and protection, and our naval com-
manders have applied to me for instruction as to
the proper disposition which should be made to
such refugees. My answer has been that, if insur-
gents, they should be handed over to the custody of
the Government ; but if, on the contrary, they were

ee from any voluntary participation in the rebel.

lion, and sought the shelter and protection of our
flag, then they should be cared fur and employed in
some useful manner, and might be enlisted to serve on
our public vessels or in our navy yards, receiving
wages for their labour. If such employment could not
be furnished to all by the navy, they might be referred
to the army, and if no employment could be found
for them in the public service, theyshould be allowed
to proceed freely and peaceably, without restraint,
to seek a livelihood in any loyal portion of the coun-

try. This I have considered to be the whole required
duty, in the premises,of our naval officers. I have
been desired to invite attention to the fact that

there is no naval depot on the lakes, notwithstand-
ing the vast amount of tonnage on that frontier, and
to state that if there were one, and the ability to arm
the merchant marine, our rights on the lakes would
be made secure. The amount appropriated at the

last regular session of Congress for the naval ser-
vice for the current year was 13,168,675 dols 86c.
To this was added at the special session in July last
30,446,875 dole 91e, making for the fiscal year end-
ing June 30, 1862, an aggregate of 43,615,551 dols
77c. This sum will not be sufficient, however, for
the purpose, and therefore additional appropriations
will be necessary. There will be required to pay for
vessels purchased, and for necessary alterations in-
curred in fitting them for naval purposes, the sum
of 2,530,000 dols ; for the purchase of additional
vessels, 2,000,000 dols; and for the construction and
completion of 20 iron-clad vessels, 12,000,000 dols ;
making a total of 16,530,000 dole. This sum is in-
dependent of the estimates submitted for the next
fiscal year, and being required for current expenses
as well as objects of immediate importance, it is de-
sirable should receive early attention from Congress.
The estimates submitted by this department for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1863, amount to
44,625,655 dols 2c—viz., for the navy proper,
41,096,530 dole 25c; for the marine corps, 1,105,655
dols 77c; for navy yards, hospitals, magazines, and
miscellaneous objects, 2,423,478 dole."
Mr. George Opdyke had been elected Mayor of
New York.
Captain Gordon, of the slaver Erie, had been con-
demned to be hung on the 7th February next.
Recruits for the Federal army and navy were
very scarce. Many of the Texan soldiers on Go-
vernor's Island, Bedloe's Island, and at the West
Point, had deserted.
A large Federal force was being concentrated at
Louisville.
The accounts from Fort Pickens give us n 1 definite
accounts of the engagement there.
A skirmish occurred on the 30th, near Rolla,
Missouri, in which the Confederates are reported
to have been worsted.
A vessel (name unreported) had run into a
Southern port with a cargo of salt. A Canadian
steamer, laden with arms, is said to have been cap-
tured off Maine by a Federal revenue cruiser.

COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL.

A special sitting of the City Parliament was
holden yeEterday in the Council Chamber of the
Guildhall, for the purpose of considering a report
of the Markets Improvement Committee, presented
by Mr. IL L. Taylor, the chairman of that commit-
tee, relative to the proposed new dead meat market
in Smithfield, and the other matters connected with

:hat subject.
The right hon. the LORD MAYOR presided.

RESOLUTION OF CONDOLENCE.
The LORD MAYOR rose, and with a deep feeling
of emotion, and in profound silence, referred to the
death of the Prince Consort. lie then said—l think
from what I know of the feelings entertained by
the court, that the course they will be inclined to
adopt will be to agree at once to a resolution of
condolence to her Majesty upon this melancholy
event ; and then, to show the deep grief felt by all
in consequence of it, that they will adjourn the con-
sideration of the business for which we have been
specially called together. (llcar, hear.)
Deputy HAWTREY, Chairman of the City Lands
Committee, said he was sure he was speaking the
feelings of every member of the court when he
asked them to agree to a resolution of condolence
to her Majesty up,,n the great calamity that had
fallen upon her and the nation at large by the death
of his Royal Highness the Prince Consort. his
feelings would not permit him to say more at that
moment, and he should therefore propose that the
court should agree to a resolution expressive of its
condolence upon the death of his Royal Highness,
and on :the great calamity that had befallen her
most gracious Majesty and the nation at large.
Dr. ADRAHAM, in seconding the motion, said he
felt quite certain that there was only one feeling
pervading in that court, as well as throughout the
whole country, upon the melancholy event that had
just taken 'place, which was one of the most deep
and intense regret—(hear, hear)—and that they
and the country would concur in an expression of
the deepest sympathy for her Majesty and her family
at having sustained so melancholy a bereavement.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. Sheriff COCKERELL (the senior sheriff) said
he understood that it was not usual upon occasions
like the present for any one but the mover and
seconder to address the court, but in the position he
occupied he could not refrain from expressing the
deep sympathy he felt at the loss that had been sus-
tained by our most gracious Sovereign by the death
of her revered husband. The virtues of his late
Royal Highness would never be forgotten—it was
almost impossible to do justice to them at the pre-
sent time, but another duty remained—a duty to

the living, and it was becoming in all to express the
deep sympathy that was felt for the great loss she
had sustained.

Mr. H. L. TAYLOR said he was surd there could
be but one feeling with regard to the melancholy
event that had taken place, which was to express
the earnest sympathy that was felt by every mem-
ber of the court, in the best mode, and at the ear-
liest possible moment.
The Town Clerk, accompanied by the Chamber-

lain and the mover and seconder, then left the
court for the purpose of agreeing upon the terms
in which the resolution should be worded. Upon
their return the resolution was read to the court. It
was in the following terms :
" Resolved—That this court has received with
feelings of profound sorrow the melancholy intelli-
gence of the decease of his Royal Highness Prince
Albert, the consort of her Most Gracious Majesty
the Queen. That this court most sincerely offers
to her Most Gracious Majesty, and every member
of the Royal family, its deep sympathy and condo-
lence upon the irreparable loss her Majesty, her
illustrious family, and the nation at large, have
sustained. That this court, in recording its high
admiration of the distinguished virtues of the late
Prince Consort, of his constant solicitude for the
protection of British interests, and his encoufte-
ment of education, art, and science, desires at the
same time to express the deepest feeling of loyalty
and affection for the person of her Majesty, with
an earnest prayer that, under divine Providence,
her Majesty's life may long be spared, and be blest
with tranquillity and resignation under her Majes-
ty's most afflicting bereavement."
The resolution was put to the court and agreed
to unanimously, and it was then proposed and car-
lied that the resolution should be signed by Mr.
Woodthorpe, the Town Clerk, on behalf of the
court, and transmitted to Sir G. Grey to be laid
before her Majesty, as was also a motion that it
should be 'advertised in the usual newspapers.
Mr. 11. L. TAYLOR then rose and said that al-
though the motion for which the court had been
specially summoned was one of considerable im-
portance, he quite concurred in the feeling that was
entertained, that it might appear to show a want
of respect to his late lamented royal highness if it
were to be brought on on that day, and he would
therefore move that the consideration of the subject
be postponed.
This was agreed to, and the court then adjourned.