The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-10

head of 900 men, on the Cumberland river n. the point
in Pulaski county crossed by the cad from Somerset to
Monticello This point is known Griders Ferry, and
rs the only point available for crossing within many miles
Four miles down the river Fishing cmptes the
Cumberland, and three miles above another joins
the river These streams, running south to the river,
and nearly parallel with each other renders necessary
that Zocofer should at point between the
streams consequently at Griders Ferry To defend this
crossing, Colonel Hoskins, who had encamped at
Somerset marched to the river and with two pieces Of
artillery attempted to defend the passage Of the river
On the LIST inst skrmsh rather artillery duel took
place between the advance Of Zocoer Colonel Hos
kins force of incomplete segimcnt few shells
thrown among the Sebes, but with what effect is not
known.
Immediately subsequent this renforcemeats which
Col Hoskns had asked for began arrive Gen. Schoep
with detachment Of cavalry and two pieces Of artillery
arrived the afternoon OF the 1st Of December time
to give the departing rebels last salute Four regiments
to have reached Grider's Ferry tho even
ing but have information to shat effect up to this
time. is known however, that the Seventeenth and
Eighteenth Ohio regiments with four pieces Of artillery
passed through Somerset.
On the Cd of December the rebels made their appear,
the south side OF the greater and
with several pieces Of artillery They opened brisk
cannonade throwing shells into Col Hoskins camp but
they compelled to retire when the rHed pieces
made to bear upon them. The officer in command
Of the guns known have been killed was seen
carried of the field.
Passengers by last nights train report heavy
aiding in the direction of Somerset the Sd of Decem
Der, continuing all day 1t is thought that battle has
been going on. We shall probably have definite
news tomorrow.
Considerable excitement exists here growing out Of the
distressing articles in the Journal and Democrat of this
morning the Presidential treatment Of the slavery
question The language Of the Message did any
undue excitement, but to-day the Journals crque upon
the clause relating slavery has started the
aud it is being generally discussed and condemned The
conscaton law referred TO by the President has been
of trouble in this State from the first and is likely
to do much harm dividing the people OF the State upon
the Union question The Journals article is very strong
and emphatic 1t looks upon the Objectionable clause of
the Message the "expresson OF indirect and unman
y concurrence" in the lately expressed sentiments OF
Cochrane and Cameron, that the passage Is virtually
hint to Congress to adopt extreme measures, &c" By
"extreme measures" tho Journal means "abolishing
slavery The Journal thinks the adoption Of such
would swallow up the nation that their adoption
only prevented in three ways:-Frst, by great
and immediate of arms rendering the aboli-
tion Of slavery unnecessary second, by strong
vative oppositon or third, by the resignation of the
heads OF the army departments 1t calls upon the Legsa
ture of Kentucky first, and the Legislatures Of the
Southern Union states, to take immediate steps to op
pose the apparently intended action of the administration
The Democrat in the suggestion to the States
conscate slave property and turn the slaves the
government only commercial way Of setting them free,
and objects to IT, arguing that the national government
has right to purchase slaves, and, instead Of being
remuneration, is tax upon the people of the State It
thinks the right OF Legislature is to conscae
the slaves Of rebels and sell them TO ndivduals-no
the government The question then comes up, is the
antslavery semabolition majority in Congress willing
to pay the expenses Of the war by what they consider
traIicking in blood?
The Legislature is doing little OF importance. bill
has been prepared but not presented providing for the
confscaton Of the slave property Of rebels and their dis
posa for account of the government What it will end in,
what distractions 1t will produce, cannot be fcretod.
The House stands about seventy -four to for the Unon
but think before the discussion OF the conhscation bill
ended the majority will be considerably reduced.