The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-27
THE SITUATION.

The Cabinet at Washington had long consuta-
ton yesterday the affair of the arrest of Mason
and Slidell. 1t was weighed seriously and grave
~, and although the proceedings are necessarily
withheld from the public, we have good reason to
believe that the conviction has been come to that
'ne peiigerent attitude assumed by the English 60
vernment on this question arose from the fact that
The dispatches conveyed by the Trent under the
charge Of Mason and Sldell, rendered to Great
Britain protectorate over the Southern rebel
states, and, if necessary to make them British
colonial possession. 1t is stated on high authority
that the whole matter, so far as it has been de-
Veioped. viii be laid before the public in few
days, without reservation, although the final deci-
sion Of the government will be reserved until the
arrival of General Scott at Washing ton, which he
will probably reach tonight
+ Some excitement was created in Washington
about noon yesterday by some heavy firing being
heard across the Potomac, but it proved to be
only an artillery practice of General Porter's
division.
A scouting party of cavalry from General
McCall's division yesterday morning towards
Drancsville, discovered party of about IS 900
rebels in that vicinity. The pickcts of McCall's
force were consequently driven in The rebels
appear to be continually shifting their positions.
probably with view to find out the disposition of
the Union army towards engaging in general
action.
An absurd rumor was abroad yesterday that the
steamship Europa called at Fort Warren on
wednesday, on her way to Europe and that Mason
and Slidell had been put on board but it turns out
that the Europa merely put in there to land her
pilot. 1t IS unnecessary, perhaps to add that the
steamer took her departure for Liverpool at noon,
and that Messrs. Mason and Slidell still remain in
safe keeping at Fort Warren, and are not enjoying
the privilege of journey to Europe.
Dispatches were received in Washington ycster.
day from Commander Rdgely, of the steamer San.
tiago dc Cuba, now cruising off the coast of Texas
to the effect that early this month he
Captured the English schooner Victoria of
seventy-two tons, from Point Isabel, with
clearance from the rebel authorities, having
run the blockade. The vessel was sent to Kew
West Seven of those on board took the oath nc
allegiance, and six were detained as enemies of
The United States. Tie schooner Eugena Smith on
The 9th, was also overhauled but was permitted to
depart, no contraband articles being found on
board The persons Of two rebel agents, however,
were secured-namely, Thomas s. Rodgers. Of
Texas, and j. w. Zachare, of New Orleans. The
papers found clearly mplicatc them as rebel
agents, seeking to make their way to Mexico thence
to other ports. These gentlemen were brought to
this city yesterday by the steamer Baltic. en- route
for Fort Lafayette, having been put on board at
Fort Taylor, Key West.
From Missouri we have news that the rebel
General Price had retreated southwards after the
army of General Pope had driven the rebel Rains
across the river. At the latest accounts Rains had
one division at Neosho, and the main portion of the
army under Price was moving from Hanmondsvile
Io warsaw. The last programme arranged for
"eherM Price was that he was to proceed from
osceo'a 70 sedalia, Mo-. which he would DESTROY.
ana tear up the railroad track then he wac 70
cross the river and render useless the uorn;,,.,
and 81. Joseph Railroad track after that work i
accomplished he designed to 90 to Leavenworth
burn the city and PROSTATE the fort: then Ka.sos
City was to be sacked and laid in asho.. c.-
which he would take turn through Kansas o,a
lay waste the whole eastern section of the STATE
new Provost Marshal General has been a.,
pointed at the headquarters of the Department,