The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-08

tine matters were disposed Of, and the Board ad
j6urned to Tuesday next
meeting Of the New York Historical Society
was held last evening, when Professor W. Wright
Hawkes., OF Trinity College, Hartford, read
highly interesting memoir of Major General Alex
ander McDougalI, by George I'll. McWhorten
Esq, of Oswego. The thanks of the society
were rendered to several gentlemen who had made
contributions Of various historical souvenirs DR..
Gardner also read treatise on the American
flag, written by Schuyler Hamilton, Aid de Camp to
General Scott. II was then resolved that the
members of the New York Historical Society pre-
sent their respects to Lieutenant General Winfield
Scott, their fellow citizen and fellow member, the
successor of Washington in title and office, and
who now bears the flag Of our Union at the head
of the armies of our constitutional republic.
Major Robert Anderson was then proposed as
member of the society, and although at very
late hour Of the proceedings, was unanimously
elected.
The case ofAndrew J. Hackley, the street clean.
ing contractor, was up yesterday ia the Supreme
Court, on habeas corpus, when arguments in favor
of his release from confinement were made by his
counsel, and replied to by the Assistant District
Attorney.
Yesterday, being the anniversary Of our city Sab
bath schools, was celebrated by them in becom-
ing manner. The various schools met at their
several churches and marched in procession to
central and convenient localities, where interest
ing ceremonies, consisting of addresses music and
Rotations, were gone through with. Altogether
it was gala day for the children of the city. We
have not space this morning for our reports of the
ceremonies.
The Grand Jury OF the General Sessions for the
May term were sworn in yesterday before Judge
McCunn, who has just arrived from the seat of
war. The City Judge speaks in the highest terms
of the military skill and energy of General Butler.
His Honor intends to return to the camp at the
close of the present term, which will continue
about two weeks
The steamships Africa, Arago, Great Eastern
and Teutonia are now nearly due at this port, and
will all undoubtedly arrive during the present
week, the former with advces to the 18th ult, and
the two latter with dates to the LIST inst. BY
Of these we may expect to learn the effect in Eu-
rope of the news of the bombardment of Fort
Sumter.
Three steamers-the New York, Kangaroo and
John Bell-with the intelligence of the lombard
ment and evacuation of the fort, left this port for
the two former should reach port on the other side
at least by the 2Sth. Our present European ad-
vices are to the 26th ult., and we can hardly ex-
pect much by the Africa beyond, perhaps, the an
nouncement of the arrival Of the steamers convey
ing the news of the fall of Fort Sumter; but the
other arrivals will undoubtedly bring US important
intelligence concerning the excitement in Europe
consequent upon the news of the fall of Fort Sum-
ter.
The cotton market displayed rather enore activity yes
terday, while under the influence OF the depression the
rates Of sterling exchange prices barely sustained
The sales embraced about 500 bales closing on the
basis OF 13alc 13ysc Flour exhibited more drmness
and activity for shipping brands while good choice
extra brands scarce and firm. Wheat steady
and in good request in part for export choice lots OF
white were scarce and wanted for milling purposes.
Corn heavier and lower, while sales to fair
extent. Pork was without change of moment and the
demand moderate Sales OF mess made at
SIT 50 slS and prime al S13 25 Sugars steady,
sales OF about $50 hhds ard III boxes at prices
given another place Coffee quiet and sales light
Freights irmer with rather doing for English
ports.