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


An alarm of an approach of the enemy on the
lines Of our army on the Virginia shore on Tuesday
evening brought out large force OF troops from
the divisions OF Generals Smith, Porter, Mccall,
Blenker, Mcdowell, Franklin, Sumner and Heint
zelman They advanced with the most perfect
discipline and alacrity towards Fairfax Conrt
House, embracin. the whole country in front of
our Lines from right to left. They returned yester
day reporting that no enemy was TO be found
The manner in which the movement was conducted
has established the utmost confidence in the eff.
cheney Of the troops in any emergency.
By the arrival of the mail steamer Columbia
from Havana, which arrived here yesterday, we
have the first account from our side of the late fight
at Fort Pickens. 1t will be found, as we expected,
considerably at variance with the rebel stories Of
the affair which have hitherto reached us. Fort
Pickens he's not been injured to any extent while
Fort McRac suffered considerably from the fire Of
General Brown. The destruction Of the town of
Warrington and good portion Of the Pensacola
Navy Yard by our guns is confirmed. Our history
of this conflict, which we give to-day will be found
highly Interesting.
In our correspondence from Port Royal under
date of the 9th inst, we have information of an
important reconnaissance made by the guuboat
Ottawa, toward Fort Pulaski and through Tybee
Island The Ottawa proceeded to within eight
miles of the city of Savannah. Several Of our
vessels were in the harbor, including the Savan-
nah, poc4hontas, Seneca ard Flag The mort of
Savannah is thus efiectually bockaded. The
description Of Tybee Island and the reconnaissance
at Warren Sound, which give to-day, will be
found very interesting.
The brigade Of General Stevens had taken
possession Of Beaufort ON the 9th inst, with
force of thousand men, as We learn BY the
arrival of the City of New York at this port yes.
terday. The expedition under General vieIe was
in active preparation to sail, and would be read,
on the l2th inst. Orders had been issued by
General Sherman to Colonies Noble and suylam
to superintcnd the picking of cotton at Hilton
Head and the neighborng islands.
Public attention is now fixed upon the great
water expeditions in progress against the rebels
namely, those Of Generals Butler, Burnside, Potter
and ilalleek--sHne the seaboard and some on
the Mississippi river. Important results may be
expected from each before long, probably more
important than any which our land forces may
effect.
We have intelligence from Havana, which, il true
wonld be very important, to the effect that two
more Commissioners from the roDcl government ID
TIE persons Of Mcssrs. Hunter of Virginia, ana
Pierre Soulc, of Louisiana, had arrived there, and
were TO start for Europe on board the British mail
steamer Clyde, the 18th instant, to Gil the places
OF Mason and Slide.
The privatcer Sumter is said to have escaped
from the gunboat Iroquois, who was watching her
for nine days at Port Royal, Martinique. The pri-
vateer it appears, stole Off on the night Of the 23d
ultimo.
Rumors OF fight between body of rebels IN
der Joe Shelby and detachment of Union cavalry.
near Waverley, Lafayette county, No., On the 10th
inst, which was renewed next morning, have been
received at Sidaia, but no particulars were given
GONGRE
In the Senate yesterday, after the presentation
of q petition for the emancipation Of slaves, Mr..
Wilson offered resolution Of inquiry rs to what
reduction could he made in the expenses Of the
army. What additional facities could be given 70
soldiers to send money to their homes was the
subject Of resolution offered by Mr. King Beso-
iutions from the Legislature Of Kentucky, asking