, 1861-10-21
f0urtesies to Foreign Ministers.
THEY TAKE A SURVEY OF THE FIELD.
REC0NN0lSSANcES IN VIRG lNIA.
Latest News from lronton.
The RECENT sKIRMlsH NEAR THERE
Prisoners Arrested at st. Louis.


Especial Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune1
WASHINGTON, October 10, 1861.
LaMountaln made splendid balloon ascen.
sion yesterday, from Clouds Mills, rising two
thousand feet, landing at Blenker's headquar-
tere. His reconnaissance TOOK in the whole
area Of the rebel lines, with the aid OF strong
g]ase.
The President and Mr. Seward, with the
English, French and Spanish Ministers, went
over the river yesterday, visiting the fortihca-
items. To-day, Captain DahIgreen, with the
steamer Mt. Vernon, took Lincoln and Sew
ard to Fort Washington, twenty miles down
the river.
There WIS very heavy firing down the river
early in the afternoon, causing great excite
ment in the city. Last night two Of the TO
ti]la went down to tow up vessels which we're
fred at in passing, the rebels keeping up ter.
rife storm Of shot aud shell. Capt. Foster, of
the tug Leslie, says the batteries must have
thrown one hundred and sixty shot, falling all
around them Six struck in the water at one
time. The schooner Fairfax, loaded with for
age, vas riddled, and her cargo Of hay set On
fire. She was sunk and her mizzen.mast cut
away. The Leslie brought up two
vessels, passing another two by the way, all
bearing marks Of shot and shell, though not
seriously injured. The rebels wasted their
ammunition again today. Certain officers Ct
the hotilla say that the rebels were determined
to eink the fleet, but with only mile and 3
quarter range they could not do it.
With glass their guns in position were
counted to day. They have nearly continuous
line along the river Of about five miles, the
npper battery being at Cockpit Point This
has two heavy guns manned by the
South Carolina regiment, who have
the Palmetto flag flying. The battery
below has five guns; the next, eight, four Q
these being large riled guns taken at Bull
Run. Still further below, long entrench-
! ment is being thrown up, SID guns are being
put in place. Tie vesstla Of the fotflla are
instructed to bring up al vessels, both Gov
eminent and traders. Twenty-5ix vessels are
below, waiting to come.
Information received at the Navy Depart
ment shows that all the inhabitants Of Chlnco
teague Island, which is part Of the county CT
Accomac, Va, numbering nearly 1000, are
| true and loyal. The national ensign is at
all times displayed On high pole. A
committee of citizens WIS appointed to
I confer with the commander Of the Federal
steamer Louisiana, which visited them, on
| the 18th, and Lieut.. Murray administered the
oath Of allegiance at their own request
Ageneral order, Issued to day, declares that
day and night, and countersign signals, by
which friendly regiments may be distinguish.
ed, will be adopted in the army OF the Poto-
| mac. Maj. Albert ]. Meyer is the signal off.
Ger, to carry cut this order upon his OWE
plan. Adjutants and Colon Sergeaats Of Regi.
| ments, or others detailed for that purpose,
are to be guided by instructions from the
signal officer.
"Heavy firing - Was heard this afternoon,
several times It Was for practice, SO far a.
known at hea6quart ters.