New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-09
FROM FORTRESS ,IONRQE.


which, together with four others that have been
waiting transportation, should have reinforced Gen
Sherman two weeks ago; when the other regiments
will follow, it is difficult to conjecture. The Erlcs
son. which was ordered with the Illinois, and which
was said to have left New-York at the same time,
has not yet reported herself 1t will be months be-
fore Gen. Sherman receives the reenforcements which
he was to have received within as many weeks. II
appears that the transports are at Port Royal that
ought to be here, where the troops arei why they
are at that distant point is difficult to understand
1t is not improbable that Quartermaster Tallmadge
may assume the responsibility Of despatching the
Squadron with a regiment within the next day
or two.
Commodore GodsborOugh has returned from Wash
ington with his broad shoulders placed under the
Burnside expedition. do not know that new d.
rection has been given to this expedition, but accord
ing az its objects and destination have taken shape
an increased interest is given to it. Ii is evil
dent that it will not be- among the least important
movements of the war. The fleet, which will be I'M
der the direction of Commodore Goldsborougb, viii
play au important part, though not les important
service than that originally designed will be assigned
TO the forces under Gen. Burnside. The rebels are
evidently anxious concerning this expedition, and
have mixed it up with the so-caIed Butter expe'
diton; but as yet they have failed utterly to ascer
tain either its character the points at which the
blow will be aimed Their fsyorlc theory Is that a
demonstration will be made up York River with the
view of sweeping the rebels from the peninsula and
making an effective stroke at Richmond direct In
this theory it may turn out that they are more than
Lalfrght and yet utterly wrong. The expedition !
have no doubt, will have good many things on It's
hands.
The Spaulding arrived from Hateras this morning.
They have had another gale there the effects OF
which. though not as disastrous the gale Of three
weeks since were nevertheless severe, and added
new discomfors to that most uncomfortable OF all
places. While the Spaulding was there two rebeI
propelers, the Fanny and another of the same char
acter came 20 near the fort to throw shells within
300 wards OF the Spauldng and the Stars anC
Stripes the ag-ship OF the station. There were iou
Union eunboats there at the time that might have
oiyep the rebel steamers chase If they did not cap
tnre them. But Lieut.. Worden Of the Stars anC
stripes declined to allow boats to proceed.
Several men who went from Hateraa TO the mali
shore N September Last, and were taken prisoners
have made their escape from prison, and arriyeC
back T. Haiteras.
Gen. Williams is placing his men in as comfortable
Winter quarters as possible 1t Is not probable tina
any change 10 bis command will be made for tht
present.
Lieut.. Baylor Of the Ordnance Department here
ba. within the last few days been making som
b;oI- r,,ros,ipg and .atsfactory experiments witt
the old 32-pounder rled for the cCnical shot ans
sLell. The experiments show not only great &C
curacy. bat that the range that may be attained a
an extreme elevation il very greatat least four au'
a half miles. Lieut. b. has rifed several Of thes
guns. and ii Is doubtful whether anything better caI
be found in the service, the only point on which ;
question can be raised being that OF weight of metal
Lieut.. b. does not doubt the capacity Of the gun il
this respect Experiments at 600 yards with two anC
hall degrees elevation, and five and half pounds
powder, placed three successive shots in the targe
within the size Of a man.
| Maior-Gen Wool yesterday forwarded to prisoner
of war in the South, via Norfolk, about 700 letters
10 OF which contained money. BY the same flag o
truce he also dispatched large quantity of clothing
for distribution among the Union prisoners, fol
ows:
| For Massachusetts Troops-I9 boxes, containing
$50 blankets, $50 overcoats, 700 flannel shirts, 'O
pairs socks 700 pairs drawers $50 pairs trowsers
ESQ pairs shoes. 3Ol towels ard 40 handkercheis.
For members of the Goth Indiana Regiment
boxes containing % blouses, 50 caps SO blankets D
shirts. - pairs rowsers So pairs drawers, 50 pans
shoes, 50 pairs socks, and 81 greateoats.