Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1861-05-25
War News.

For the past few days though there have
been aaoat hardly even rumors Of war. yet an
Oppressive anticipation of something important
about to happen, hush of expectation, and q
repressed excitement, have been observed and
felt by all. The latest southern papers show
that in the country of the rebels there is a SINH
lar looking aud waiting, except that with them,
10 spite of their Boosting, there seems to be
present forebodug Of coming overthrow.
II appears that the rebels have for some time
been occupied n putting offensive works at
Sewall's Point, opposite Fortress Monroe. Ac.
counts vary somewhat as to the manner and the
details OF the attack upon the works, but the
most trustworthy statement runs thus: On Sat
crdsy afternoon the steamer Star discovered 3
battery at Sewal's Point mounting two guns
The Star opened FIRE and soon sileDced one gun
Shortly after, the Tbomas Freeborn, Capt.
Cash, came ou the ground and being Of lighter
drsught. at once upset the remaining gun The
same vessel, seeing knot Of secessonists stand.
ing together near the dsmounted battery. threw
o shot into the group the members Of which
scattered speedily. The engagement occupied
three hours and more, at the end of which time
The offensive work was thoroughly demolished.
On Sunday night the Thomas Freeboru, cruis-
ing in the Potomac, captured two suspicious
schoouers, one Of which contained thirty reb-
els. The prizes and prisoners we're taken to
the Navy.Yard.
Important news comes from another point
On Sunday body of 1000 VirginianS and
South CarOliniaus from Harpers Ferry took a
position on the Virginia side, opposite Williams
port, a town about seven miles from Uagers-
town. Md. They there we're ia situation to
command the ferry at that spot, and were ex-
pecting on Monday to be Joined by another
body Of nine thousand men With cannon.
Gen Butler, it is understood, has orders to
proceed at once TO active movements forward
into Virginia, and will directly remove the OBJ.
structons in Norfolk Harbor.
Gov. Letcher has met with loss. He had
caused to be made for his particular study &C.
eurate military maps Of Virginia. These hav.
Ing been flushed at Washington. were on their
way to the Governor when they we're seized by
order of the War Department.
Months ago Gov. Leichsr caused surveys 10
be carefully made for a military map of the
state. The memoranda, &c. were sent to Ger.
msn connected with the coast survey Office, to
be engraved few copies were made, and
with the plate &c. started for Richmond They
are very accurate, and in the coming campaign
will be found very useful.
We have two reports OF Mississippi troops,
which may reFsr to Only one mosemeut 1t is
said that on Sunday LOO of them left Rich.
mOnd, under Capt Barksdale. for Hsrpers Fer.
y. Also. that 1000 Mississippians reached
HarPer's Ferry on Sunday.
From Texas we learn that fears are enter
tanned OF an attack upon the banks Of the R'
Grsnde by Cortiua Il is said hat be is NOV
Ing with a large force up the river, and that h'
receives large accessiona
There is a report of an attack by the seces
SiOnists OD q Government steamer at the mouth
OF The Potomac, aud that in The con1ict -four
United States troops we're killed. The report
iS denied, and it is not DOW known what foun-
dation there IS for il.
81. Louis has been surrounded by Gordon
Of military posts, for the purpose Of preventing
the entrance Of hostile troops or munitions Of
war, and 10 prsteet loyal citizens Of the city
aod state. Secession ia fast losing its distinct
I've features. and spirit Of accommodation to
surrounding circumstances Ia quite apparent
An arrangement has been entered into with
Sen Harney, representing the government
which II is believed will secure tranquility, and
prevent any further menace or sifusion Of blood
AAsIe have been "a deaths, so far, IS the result
ot 'he collisions with the troops
Then 7. Brooklyn, l4lh regiment has been
received in WeAhiog.on, With some sensation.
Many OF ths regiment we're members Of Mr..
Beechsrs church, aud the sturdy patriotism of
thai gentleman was very libarally manifested 10
tpsir oniat IL reported that they will be or.
desed 10 look after HarpsFs Ferry
senator Douglas, who has been seriously m, |