The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-18

titled to credit tha. Messrs sideI and Mason the rebel
Ministers to xsancs and England not only authorized to
negotiate treaties Of extraordinary commercial advantage
with those Powers but 70 place tho Southern conedsrscy
for limited period under their protection.
FIRING From THE REBEL BArTERIEs ON THE POTOMAC.
The Robert Leslie and the J. L. Pusey, the two tugs
that towed the Pawnee down tho river yesterday morn
ing, arrived ct the Navy Yard late last night accompa
MED By the Mount Vernon have been enabled to OBJ
tain the following information respecting the cannonad
ing OF the Pawnee by the batteries at Shipping point
Tho Mount Vernon passed hour before the Pawnee,
and was unmoested by the batteries. Tho Pawnes
csivsd seven shots. One Of the thirtytwo FOUNDER,
struck amidshps about eighteen inches above tho water
line. second took effect the starboard quarter,
passng through tho dngy and made ts appearance in
the ward room, but prevented from entering by
striking on the plank shear. third struck tho blu Of
the sarboard bow while fourth struck the vessel In
ths waist passing from side through 70 the other,
cutting hammock In two In its The spners hcw
around in al directions, but she not seriously dam
aged, and nobody was hit. The greatest number
Of the shot and shell passed clear over from the guns be-
ing too much elevated Had the Pawnse been two hun
dred yards 70 the Maryland shore nearly every
shot would have taken effect. Three Of the shots hit tho
rigging, but did no material injury.
Having run tho gauntlet the vessels went down TO-
wards Aquia Creek of which they anchored, when tho
three hundred and ATTY marines board the Mount Yer
transferred 70 the Pawnee which then weighed
anchor and proceeded to her destination The rest Of tho
vessels remained at anchor TIL O'Clock in the
ing, not to repass the batteries during daylight.
On passing Shipping Point the Pusey, which was about
half milo in ADVANCE was allowed 70 pass unmolested,
the Leslie The batteries opened 1rs ON the Mount
Vernon however, but did not succeed In hitting her,
The rebels building another battery, very large
one hill behind the which fred the Pawnes.
The ground appears TO be about ten In extent
u stated that about forty vessels, including trans
ports loaded with army stores oyster boats and coal
boats, are lying to at Smiths Point, on the Potomac,
under the protection Of heta unable TO pass the
rebel batteries in the vicinity of Shipping Point For the
present. therefore, the navigation Of the Potomac scc
tually closed.
Near Shipping Point there are three batteries, mount
ing thirteen or more guns.
battery has just been opened at QuAntco Hill on the
right bank Quantco creek short distance above Ship
ping Point The other three betwesa Shipping Point
and Evansport.
There said to be also battery at Timber creek, and
one gun on the hill above Transport.
The Aqua creek battery Is silent.
Inc Anger - NJ tne navy Iatu taxing IN btoroS.
SECRETARY sEwARD's CIRCULAR RESPECTING rH1
E1ACOAsT AND LAKE DEFENCES.
The letter Of Secretary Seward to Governor Morgan
published in todays HERALD, points, with great sig
niAcance, to contemplated with England, II It was
not for tho fact that It has been sent to the Co.
all other States having seaboards TO protect
Our defcnces the lakes only against England There
be harm in stating what the fact that the letter
is called forth by the late menacng position Of England
France and 6pan towards this country In its present
trying hour, when the government is struggling with
foes within. instead Of receiving tho sympathy not
tho active support Of the great Powers Of Europe put
down rebellion against legitimate government In this
country, we have witnessed nothing but what seems
to be Q desire TO take advantage Of calamity,
sympathize with rebels, and indirectly 70 give aid and
comfort to traitors who are in arms against
law and good order Our government Is not blind 10
these facts and is boldly preparing to meet the ISSUE
THE REVELATIONS RESPECTING THE GREAT NAVAL
EXPEDITION.
The publication in Of the New York small dacs Of
the existence Of military expedition about to sail for the
South does not disturb any here much less General
Mcclellan, whom the author undoubtedly intended to
irrate General Mcclellan regrets the sending Of the ex
pedltion a fearing 1t may frghten the enemy away
from before Washington, when in his opinion he ought
be whpt in full strength, in order successfully and
speedily to break the back Of the rebellion.
INSPECTION OF THE UNION LINES IN VIRGINIA.
General Mcclellan accompanied by Inspector General
Marcy and nearly all the others Of his sta went to vr
gnia this morning inspect the troops test the range
new guns and examine the positions and condition Of the
outposts beginning at General Smiths division on the
right
ARRIVAL OF GENERAL BANKS.
General Banks arrived here this morning, and had long
~fuol
over to Virginia this forenoon and another this evening
upon Gen. McClellan's return. Gen. Banks s in Ane
health and spirits, and is sangune Of nal and speedy
success in routing tho rebels the banks Of the Upper
Potomac
DECENTRALIZATION OF THE REBEL FORCES.
Deserters from Lsesburg state that the rebel force
there is totally demorazed and cannot hold together
long The defeat Of tho rebels at Bolivar Heights will
have still more demoralizing effect towards weakening
them oil along the Potomac.
sKIRMIsH WITH THE REBEL CAVALRY.
company Of rebel cavalry made their appearance
to-day short distance beyond Munson's Hi and fred
into the First regiment OF the New Jersey Brigade The
Colonel returned the fre and two Of the rebels
seen 10 fall from their horses Four companies pursued
them some distance. They made their escape however
taking their wounded with them, The rebels were an
doubtedly reconnoitering, with the intention Of ascer
tanning the position Of our forces in that vicinity.
THE ARMY.
Major w. T. n. Brooks, United Slater Army has been
commissioned Brigadier General OF volunteers.
Brigadier General Isaac Stevens has been detached
from his brigade upon important special SERVICE leaving
the senior Colonel Of the brigade Colonel Taylor Of She
New York Thirty third regiment, in command.
SECRETARY cAMERoN's MOVEMENTS.
Secretary Cameron having extended his of obsor
walton to Kentucky 10 not now expected in Washington
until Monday.
RELEASE OF REBEL PRISONERS OF WAR.
The prescribed OATH not to take up against the
United States oday administered to the thirty
seven prisoners Of who be released and sent
10 Norfolk under flag Of truce in accordance with the
recent order Of the War Department.
ARREST OF COLONEL YOUNG.
Colonel Young, lately commanding the regiment Of cav
airy then known as Young's Kentucky Cavalry
arrested night upon charge Of attempting to ncte
q rnutiny in the regiment.
PUNISHMENT FOR REFRACTORY SOLDIERS.
new nunishra eut has been devised for subordinate