New-York daily tribune., 1861-09-04

wAuwo7ay Tle,d,y. sept :. 1851
| HEAVY FIRING on TIE VIRGINIA SIDE or THE
POTOMAC.
Heavy fling is heard On the Virginia side hs nom.
ing but the reports are contradictory concerning II.
NUMBER OF REBELS IN VIRGINIA.
The most Trustworthy adyices received from yir.
ginia place the number Of the Rebel troops Of that
state now in the field a, IS, 900 men.
The enemy are concentrating large force south Of
Alexandra, and are aso erecting batteries near the
mouth Of 0ccoquan River.
THR CLOSING or REBEL PORTS.
The proclamation Of the President to cosc ihe Rebel
ports Will not be issued al present.
CORPORATION ATTORNEY.
The Mayor of Washington has appointed joseph n.
Bradley Corporation Attorney, in place Of James II.
Carlisle, resigned.
BRIGADmR GENERALS.
Col o. o. Howard of the Sd Maine Regiment and
Col. jameson Of the ID Maine Regiment, have been
appointed Brigadier-Generals.
TIE REPORTED DEATH or JEFT DAVIS.
There has been a report in circulation ia thir city
ths morning Of the death Of jeff Davis. Inquiries
have been msde by the reporter Of the Associated
Pgess here, but nothing leading to confirmation Of
such q rumor has been ELECTED. The statement may
have arisen from the fact that Rebel flag was seen
flying at hafmast over az encampment Of tho enemy.
THE HATTERAs APTAm-COSGRATULATIoNs or
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
The Secretary Of the Navy has addressed the follow
ing letter 70 Commodore S,rngham:
NAVY DgPARTMENT Sept. ., 1861.
Sir: Tire Department congraiulates you, and those
Of your command and also the officers and soldiers Of
the Amy who co0peratei with yOu, Oh the reduction
of Forts Haiters and Clark and The carture Of the
r 4. =. IL H.. at,f
sult thus lar of an expedition projected with great
care, and the occupation Of the positions commanding
the most important Inlei on the coGst Of North
Carolina will be attended with consequences tha, can
scarcely be over.estImated This brilliantaachieye
ment, accomplished without the loss OF n single man
on your part, injury TO any one IA the Federal ser
vice. as carried 10Y and gdnes to the bosom OF every
friend OF the Union.
Iii trust but the beginning Of results that will
soon eyentuae in suppr ssng the insurTection, and
confirming more strongly than the integrity Of
tho Union. Convey 10 the officers and men of the re-
spectye vessels under your command the thanks Of the
Departmen, for their gallant conduct and the assur-
snce that Is thus afforded that in the great emergency
that j. nOw upon the country may rely as OF old,
upon the vigo, aud the courage, and the enthusasm
Of its brave officers and sailors.
lam, respectfully, your obedient seryatit,
Pig osicer g. H. sTRISoHAN COuurnds Atlantic Block
TgE RETIRING BOARD
Tic Secretary Oh the Navy has, under the direction
and approval Of TIE President aud in pursuance Of the
act for retiring Of such officers as appear disabled to
perform duty appointed the following named officers
board to determine and report upon the facts inthe
cases which may be presentcd Commodore Hiram
psu!dng chairman Captain. CHARLES II. Bell and d.
G. Fanhgut, spl Surgeons l.. u. Hunter and n.
P1Ickley.
AFPDiST'IFSf % BRIGApIIRs.
The rI,siIslt Va, Bi.ie We iol91D'g aUohn ngs1SS