The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-09-05
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III e STU ATION.


THE SITUATION,
From st. Louis papers we give some details OF
another brilliant victory 70, QUE troops-this time
a land force. 1t will be seen that some four hun.
dred and thirty Union troops repused as many
thousands of Coafederates at Lexington, Missouri
leaving sixty dead on the spot, besides number
OF wounded OF late the news from the seat of
war has been rather encouraging to the govern.
ment and the country. First, there was the
important naval victory ut the entrance to the
Inlet of Hatteras. According to our Geographic
intelligence to-day it is likely enough there may
be soon another naval victory at the entrance to
Beaufort. But already there is land triumph in
Missouri rejecting almost equal credit upon the
federal arms as the victory ut Hatteras. There is
third victory over the enemy, but it was not &c.
complished by our troops. 1t was done by the
hand Of Providence. 1t is the wreck of the pri-
vateer Jen Davis at the mouth Of the harbor of ST.
Augustine, in Florida by which Q mischevous
piratical craft that prayed so ferociously on our
harbor is more eectualy closed than if three of our
shipsofwar were stationed at it, or if it had been
blocked up by old hulks filed with stones, as
has been done on the coast of North Carolina
The entrance to the harbor of st Angus
tine-one Of the most important ports in the
States narrow at the bar where the
JEFF. Davis was grounded, that when the sand &C.
cumulates over and around the wreck it will be
impossible for trading vessels to enter.
But not only have we had the news Of the wreck
OF the JEFF. Davis, but of the end Of him
after whom the pirate craft was called. Some
doubt has been thrown on the truth of
the intelligence which we published yesterday;
but there is confirmation of the report in our
Washington despatch Of this morning, and it is
added that his death took place, not on Saturday,
but on Monday morning, and that the elicers at
Manassas are wearing Grape on their arms. This
would also account for the rebel flag being at half
mast in the vicinity of Washington. 1t may be
said that if Jefferson Davis were dead there would
be more noise about it. There may be, however,
very good reason for concealing the death
"a long as possible at the present critical
position of Kentucky, when there is u deep design
to spirit that State out of the Union as Virginia
was spirited out; and news of the death Of Jeifer.
son Davis would sadly embarrass the plans of the
secessionists. From all appearances the news is
probable, and if it should be finally confirmed it
will be heavy blow 10 the Confederate cause.
We have the important intelligence that hos
tilties have actually begun in Kentucky, and
that shots have been exchanged between the
federal gunboats on the Mississippi and the rebel
gunboat Yankee, as we'll as with rebel batteries on
the Kentucky shore at Hickman, aud also with
mall arms at Columbus and Chalk Bluff. Fortu
nately none of the federal troops were injured.
1t is stated in our news from Missouri that Ben.
McCulloch's army is demoralized, and that he is
retreating with five thousand men to Arkansas,
while Hardee was moving in the same direction
with six thousand men, Yet we are told the
enemy are fortifying position at Sykestou, and
that General Price and other Confederate Generals
were marching with twelve thousand men towards
Jefferson City, and fifteen thousand rebels under
Pillow are reported at New Madrid Arrangements
had been made between General Pillow and Colo
mel Wallace for an exchange of prisoners.
The army Of General Prentss had reached
Jackson, some ten miles west of Cape Girardeau.
and he had met with no enemy. The report tina.
he took $50 prisoners is, therefore, untrue.
From Western Virginia intelligence has been
received from General Rosencrans that he Is safe
and in no danger of capture.
In the vicinity of Washington the rebels still
hold their positions but according to the accounts
We receive Of the condition Of their army-ffty
per cent being sickthey will be able TO effect but
Little either IN attack or defence,