The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-05-24

troops were to cross into Pennsylvania, and
make a rapid march for Philadelphia. When
this body moves, an equal number, under Da-
Wis himself, is to threaten Washington. 30 that
no relief can be spared for Philadelphia.
A list ofthe vessels destined to compose the
blockade feet, and which are already on active
duty or nearly ready for their crews, shows an
array Of about forty vessels, manned by 5000
sailors and marines The magnitude Of this
armament may be inferred from the fact that
hitherto the entire number Of vessels in COM
mission In our navy never exceeded forty in
number, and the manual material 1000.
The blockade Of Southern ports by the Unit
cd States squadron appears to be carried out
with yigor and promptitude. AT Charleston
the entrance Of three British vessels have been
prevented by the frigate Niagara; and another
after being boarded was allowed to pass up.
One ship, however, carrying the British Nag,
succeeded in running the blockade, although
she was pursued. She eventually got into
shoal water and was towed up to the city. An
| important seizure OF an outward hound Ameri-
can chip was madeI by the gun-boat Quaker
| City ut the mouth of the Chesapeake, on Tues
day, with n cargo Of tobacco for Europe. She
was laden q; Richmond, and isyaluel at $50.
900. The vessel proved TO be the Argo, belong
ing to Bath, Maine, and though lcarrying the
United States flag she was seized no doubt on
the double charge Of running the blockade
and of treason, in assisting the rebel States,
she being a Northern ship.
Thisjis the first prize Of the U. B. BLOCKADE
Squadron. - ,,oo
| A letter 10 the American from Williamsport
saws n thousand Virginia and South Carolina
troops, from IIarper's Ferry, took position on
on Sunday on the Virginia side Of the Potomac,
opp osite that town, commanding the Ferry, anu
expected to be Joined by another thousand to-
day with field pieces. Willamsport Is seven
New YORK, May 20.
i A special dispatch to the Times from Fred
rick, says 1000 Missssippians arrived at Har-
pers Ferry ON Sunday; also. two regiments
from Alabama. The small pox has broken
out among the troops there.
/ A dispatches to the New York Herald, from
Washington, says II is understood that ueneral
| Mansfield will command the corps d'armee 10
be advanced into Virginia from here. II Will
consist of o5 90 volunteers and 5000 regulars.
Three thousand Of the latter are already
here. $50,
IL is settled that no more troops will be ac-
cepted by the government under the last re-
ouisition. Already 220 600 men have been
enlisted, and considerable time will be required
A dispatch TO the World says that Arlington
Heights will be occupied, by Wednesday. by
New YORK. May 90.
The Posts Washington dispatch says the
Government has received adyices from London
which afford perfectly satisfactory indications
of the line of policy which will be pursued by
the British Government toward the seeded
i States. The Administration entcrtains irm
conviction that its course IN crushing out the
rebellion will be fully sustained in England.
The First Sea Fight Qfhe Campaiga.-A
4 GOreTnmeht Coast Guard Sfedmer ashore.
NEW York, May 20.
Special dispatches TO the Post and CONNER.
cial report one Of the Government Coast Guard
Steamers got ashore last night, at the mouth
of the Potomac, and was attacked by an armed
propeller from Richmond. manned with u large
force of rebels.
After brisk contest the rebels were repulsed
their loss is unknown. -Four government
soldiers were killed and five wounded the latter
were landed at Fort Washington to-day. An
other steamer, fifty soldiers aboard. has gone
in search Of the pirates. an.
i A private letter dated frgate Minnesota,
Friday, SAYS, "we arrived from Boston ON the
18th, and haze seized aboat $500 900 worth OF
ships and tobacco. We are anticipated in an
attempt to fortify Sewall's Point. which we
shall attack"
/ INV 1OHh, NuN
A special dispatch to the Herald from liagers-
town states il is reported that there is great
dissatisfaction among the troops at Harper's
| Ferry, in consequence Of the existence OF
several parties, some of whom favor the annexa-
| ton of Virginia to the Confederate States, and
others her separate independence, and still
Others who are unconditional Unionists. Both
of the last two classes refuse to take the oath
Of allegiance to the Confederate States;
| PHILADELPHIA, May q.
The ship Gen. Parkhill, of Liverpool, for
Charleston, arrived to-day in charge Of a prize
crew from the Niagara. She WAS spoken of
Cape Roman on the 18th, and ordered of, but
was next day captured while attempting TO
run the blockade. She was towed up to the
Navy Yard.
The following are the particulars given Of
the fight ut Sewall's Point
Steamer Freeborn reports that while In
| Hampton Roads, on Sunday, she heard heavy
cannouadng which proved to be between the
l steamer Monticello and battery of the rebels
ON Sewall's Point, at the mouth of the Elizabeth
River. As the Monticello seemed likely to get
the worst of It, the Freedom was sent to her
assistance, and drawing five feet less water, she
got within 300 yards ofthe battery, and opened
FIRE from howitz,r throwing shell, and from a
O.pounder The effect was terrific; two coll
umbiads on the battery were speedily disabled,
while the men, some fifty in number, scattered
in every direction. Ina moment ,hey iaii,eu
them; Il struck the ground some twenty feet in
front, ricocheted and passed through the crowd,
and they all took to their heels. A few more
shots smashed the battery, which the officers
considered O good one, into atoms They think
none were killed at the battery. When the
steamers left, no one could be seen.
A dispatch to the Tribune says that General
/ A. Ia. hxs. ,t,r
forward movements, and will directly remove
the distractions in Norfolk IIarbor.
The Government has seized some accurate
military maps of Virginia, made for and en-
route to Governor Letcher.
WASHINGTON, May q.
The time for the reception Of sealed propo-
sails for the nine millions loan United States
Stock Is extended to Saturday. The offers
already made are regarded as very advantageous
TO the United States and will be accepted.
Ex Governor Floyd has been commissioned
rs General in the Confederate service. lie
has commenced raising brigade IN Virginia.
NEw York, May 81.
The Tribune says the government yesterday
seized the accumulated manuscript dispatches
of twelve months, in every considerable tele-
graph office of the free States. The govern
ment can now trace the secret operations OF
the rebels anu their abettors.
Judge Felson writes from Tennessee that the
Union men Of the Eastern section Of the State
will give 20 900 against secession.
ST. LOUIS, May 81.
Major General Price, commanding the Mis-
souri, militia, had an interview with Gen. Har-
ney this morning, the result Of which is that
they mutually declare their common object to
restore peace and good order to the State, SUBJ
ordination TO the laws of the General and State
Governments. and they will unite in recon.
mending all persons to respect each Others
rights, and TO make no attempt to exercise
unauthorized powers, rs II is the determine
ton of the proper authorities to suppress all
unlawful proceedings, which can only disturb
the public peace.
General Price pledges the whole power of
the state to maintain order Gen. Harvey de-
clared that this object being assured, he can
have no occasion to make military movements,
which might otherwise create excitement