Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-12-31
From Fortress Monroe.

1 EOhAhEsa lAONhOEf OSSs 7S-7sAS s@A-
steamboat Express, which runs between
Old Pointia Newport News, was leaving
the latter place this morning, rebel tug
boat WIS seen off SewalEs Point. She
4 wore commodore's blue pennant, which
4 was mistaken Mt first for flag of truce,
| but on the Express arriving within range
she fired ashot across her bows, followed
by several shells. The greatest consteFna-
ton prevailed for a short time on board
the Express, which is uuarmed, and the
schooner Sherwood, which is employed to
bring water from Newport News, which was
at that time in tow, was cut adrift. The
Sherwood was Immediately deserted by her
crew, consisting of four men, who escaped
by small boats to Newport News, and the
schooner was taken possession. of by the
rebel tug boat and towed to Cranev Island.
Her captain stuck to her and was taken
prisoner. The tug subsequently made her
appearance the second time, but the Ex-
press had crowded all steam and reported
the circumstances to the flag ship. After
a long delay about half dozen gunboats
got started, and steaming towards the
scene threw n few shells into Sewall's Point
and Pig Point batteries without producing
any effect, as far as known. Had it mot
been for the inexcusable. delay in our gum
boats getting to the spot the rebel tug
might have been intercepted and the
schooner saved. The latter had been lined
with zinc, aed fitted out with a valuable
force pump, for a water boat The loss is
estimated at about $4,000. She belonged
| to Asst Quartermaster Noyes.
The brig Empire, which sailed yesterday
for Port Royal, to open trade with a cargo
| of fresh provisions, &c, took out n balloon
and chemicals and theapparatus for inAat-
! ing it, consigned to Gen. Sherman, under
direction of Prof Starkweather, of the
Aerouautic Department. Prof, Starkweath-
/ err will make ascensious in the vicinity of
| Beaufort.
| The steam frigate Brooklyn arrived from
Philadelphia Navy Yard this P. NJ.
A flag Of truce was sent down this P. NJ,
| but we hear no news.
A note from Gen. Hager to Gen. Wool,
announces that he is ready to send $40
4 prisoners of war down James River from
RiohmOnd, by Gag of truce, whenever they
will be received.
Gen. Wool will send flag of truce to
meet them on Thursday or Friday next.
No list of those to be released has yet
been received.
BosroS, Dec. 3o.-By instructions from
Lord Lyons, the steamer Niagara will sail
direct for Liverpool tomorrow, taking out
Messrs. Mason and Siidell.
The steamer Persia, now in the St..LaW-
renee, will come to Boston aud take the
place of the Niagara for her regular day of
sailing.
Our banks have suspended specie pay
ments.
LATEE,-It is by no means certain that
the steamer Niagara will leave tomorrow
with Mason and SIidell. The agents of the
Cunard Steamship Company deny having
any orders to that effect.
The Niagara coaled to-day to make room
at the dock for the steamer Persia, but it
is not certain that she will leave before
her regular sailing day.
Lou1sv1LLE, Dec. so.=The Journal has a
letter from Columbia giving an account of
a slight skirmish In AdAir county. The
rebel loss was Eve killed while the federals
lost none.
Humphrey Marshall heading 6, 500 troops
is fortifying Prestouburgr and is expected
soon to march towards Maysville.
Gen. Buell. ordered brigade under Col.
Grofield forward, and a battle is expected
very shortly. sa
Attachments were filed in the louisville
Chaneery Court, on Saturday the law
subjecting to such process the property of
rebels who remain in the Southern Confed-
'eracy, thirty days after the passage, against
Cen Buckner, Ex-Miuister Preston and
Edward Cratchfeid's property amounting
TO $4,000 each, and in smaller gums
against several others.
/