The Local news. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1861-1862, 1861-11-09
GENERAL NEWS.

The New Yqrt Times reports that the
Confederates were in a critical position at
Port Royal. and about to surrender when
last heard from. The Tribune has des-
patch that Commodore Tattnall had small
vessel u..dar his command, and was attempt.
ing the capture of the Federal gunboat
which was ashore.
Occasional" (Mr. John w. Forney,) in
! letter to the Philadelphia Press, expresses
the opinion that forward movement of the
National forces at Washington may be an
ticipated about the 10th of November.
| 1t is the impression among the troops in
the different camps in the left wing on the
Potomac that the army will go into winter
quarters. E
Matthew j. Maury, of New Orleans was
arrested at Cleveland, on the 9th, by the
United States Marshal. His trunk contains
q large number of letters to parties in the
Confederate States.
Gen. Scott received deputation Of the
New York Chamber Of Commerce yester-
day, and spoke hopefully Of the war and in
terms Of commentator Of Generals McClel-
Ian and Halleck.
The Louisville Journal reports that in the
counties south of Green River. Buckner's
men, within the last four Or FIVE days, have
seized from six to eight hundred wagons.
President Lincoln has invested $500 Of
his unsupported salary in Treasury 7.3O
notes.
A large and influential meeting was held
in New York, on Thursday night, at the
Cooper Institute, ITO take into consideration
and afford relief to the loyal citizens Of
North Carolina" Several prominent men
addressed the audience.
John G. Tucker, who has been chosen
member Of the Massachusetts Senate, In the
city Of Boston, is the first Irishman ever
elected to that body.
Gen. Kelly's forces at Romney have been
increased 50 that they now number nearly
1900.
Capt. lay, of the Arctic, from Nassau, N
S., arrived at Boston, reports that the Prince
Albert, which arrived at Nassau from New
York, stated that when IF Charleston, she
was chased and brought to by the privateer
Sallie, Of and from Charleston, who abused
the crew of the schooner, and took from her
coil Of rope and tow-line. They also stab
bed one Of the cattle on board. The follow
ing day the British schr. Arctic, from New
York, reported that the Saliie had captured
the brig Laura, OF Philadelphia, from Cuba.
Thurlow Weed states that be goes to Eu-
rope on private business solely, and not as
an agent of the Government.
1t is said that the estate of the late Colo
mel John A. Washington has been placed in
charge Of Commander Lee, u. S. N, and w.
A. Taylor, esq, of Alexandria.
The New York Tribune, speaking of the
Confederate batteries on the Potomac says:
"Some surprise has been manifested at the
acquiescence of the government 10 the block
ade of the Potomac, audit is very frequently
asked why the batteries are not taken. The
reason is because the shore could not be
held, as it is commanded by hills in the
rear. The batteries could be taken, but to
be compelled to retreat afterwards would not
look we'll. Until one wing Of the Federal
army crosses the Occoquan, there will be no
attempt to take the Confederate batteries"
There are said to be batteries on five is-
lands commanding the entrance to Beaufort,
which will have to be reduced before the fleet
can operate against the more formidable de-
fences which defend the town, which is l6
miles further up Broad river from Port
Royal.
1t is reported that the Confederate steamer
Page towed their prize schooner Fairfax out
of Quantico Greek on Thursday evening
The Savannah and Charleston Railroad
passes within eleven miles of the head of Port
Royal Sound, and thus troops may he easily
thrown from Georgia and the Carolnas upon
hat point.