The New York herald., 1861-12-31
TRIPLE SHEET.
THE SITUATION,

THE SITUATION. i.
The grand army of the Potomac remains in aatu
quo. The new military bridge at Georgetown is
completed. and will greatly facilitate the trans
portation of supplies to the army.
We publish to-day the highly interesting official
reports of Commander Drayton and Captain Davis:
the former describing the expedition from Port
Royal to North Edisco river, of the Vixen, Paw.
nee and Seneca and the latter giving an account
in detail of the sinking of the stone feet in Charles
ton harbor.
Rurnors reached here from Boston yesterday
that the Cunard steamer Niagara was to leave
that port for Liverpool at noon to-day by order Of
Lord Lyons, taking on board Messrs Mason and
Slidel but there is no foundation for the report
Mr. Cunard, of this city, agent for the line, sstes
that the Niagara will not leave Boston to-day, but
will sail on her regular day, tomorrow, according
TO the usual arrangements.
From Fortress Monroe we learn news of the at
tack by rebel tngboat, of Sewall's Point, on the
Union steamer Express, running from Newport
News to Old Point, on Saturday morning, having
in tow the schooner Sherwood carrying water to
the fort. The rebel vessel fired shot across the
bow Of the Express, and The Latter being unarmed
cut the schooner adrift and started for the flagship
to report the Circumstance. number Of gunboats
were after some delay despatched in search of the
rebel vessel, but it was too late as she succeeded
En-
Crancy Island.
From Kentucky we learn that Humphrey Mar
shall at the head of $500 rebels is fortifying Pres
tonburg, and is expected to make an attack on
Maysville. General Buell., however, has ordered
brigade, under Colonel Garfield, to meet him; and
q battle is likely soon to take place at that point
MIR. Marshall carries out his reputed designs.
In the HERALD of this morning is published
list Of the commanders of the Union army, with
Che stats attached to each general. The list will
be found interesting, especially as a rapid move.
ment is likely soon to be made by the whole army
We have refrained from publishing the exact Ioca.
tions of each individual commander, in Difference
The news from the South in today's HERALD,
collected from late Southern papers and other
sources. will be found interesting and important.
From the statement of two gentlemen who recent
ly arrived at Cairo from the extreme South, we
learn that the sugar and cotton planters have al
ready mortgaged their plantations, in order to
raise means of subsistence for their families and
slaves. Many OF the most intelligent and infuen
tal of the cotton and sugar growers frankly ac.
knowledge that their ruin is sealed unless the
federal blockade is raised. In the city of New
Onion men exists, who ripe for insurrccton
against rebel rule when they shall have been salts
Ted that the Union army is in condition to sus-
tain them. The late military review in New
Orleans, about which the rebel papers give such
glowing accounts, in reality had the appearance
Of very large mob. The men were totally with
0ithout arms.
CoNGREss.
Both houses of Congress we're in session yester-
DAY, but transacted little business of importance.
ln the Senate number Of petitions praying for
the emancipation Of the slaves under the war
power were presented. communication was
received from the Secretary Of War, stating that IL
Is incompatible with the public interest to furnish
khe correspondence which has passed between
General Scott and General Patterson, relative to
The conduct OF the wat. Mr.. Davis, of Kentucky.
introduced bill declaring certain persons enemies
and for sacrificing their properly for the benefit Of
loyal citizens.
In the House of Representative, Mr.. spauld;n,
Of the Committee on Ways and MeanA introduced -
bill authorizing the issue OF Treasury Notes nov.
hbe on demand. II was referred to the comr;,
tee on Ways and Means. A bill was INTRODUCED
repeating certain laws creating ports Of entry w
consideration was postponed till the second Mon
Jay in February. Mr.. Stevens, of Pennsylvania
N offering this bill, alluded TO the settlement of tn,
Trent affair, saying the conduct Of France in tn,
matter was impertnent, as she was not invited /,
Intervene in the dsicn.y. ~. Potter offered re
s0lztaua calling yha sssTStasg 9s ,~-~~~-~