The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-23

AShi I1G-AlioN.
BY the rfrivai of the Arago aud the Elinburr of
Cape Race from Europe, we are in receipt of much
important news relative to the threatened oom,Ji.
cations with England on the Masca and slia.ll
affair. The excitement in England continues M.
'abated, as far as the expression of newspaper
pp'nion aud public speeches are concerned The
war preparations Of the British government show,
NO signs of dninuton. Transports were still
"1ng out, and troops were being ordered in IN
c, Sased numbers to Canada. The Black Prince
al u'Adnlcieer, the steamships Persia and Aus
ira asa. with II eco men, artillery and storns a.,
und ~ orders to sail ON the 18th inst. The ge,o
carry "s ~ guns. sailed on sac sth
inst ahe sui!ej, 81 guns, WIS orlersd "a
start e canada as soon possible Tie Fifth
Dragon kuards and the Grenadjer G.ard. h,r,,
received orders to proceed at once 10 Canada. I'll.
Admiral Agent, Captain Williams who was or
board The Trent when Mason and sl;den were TAX.
en- or rec, .ived letter from the British govern
mcat app, @iag of his conduct in protesting
against tho ctsntnre>of the rebel emssnrics. The
London Times fs&tesShat the adyices By the Nj
egars, which Jfieed out 90 the sta instant ems
couragcd the hope Of a disavowa! Of the act of
Captain Wilkes ijy tie NS,srrgton Cabinet and
the surrender of the Sos1he n Commissioners.
There had been an advance in United States
and Canadian securities in copsasue,c The Bri-
fish Minister at Paris is reported 10 have ted that
the action of the Captain Of the San Jacinto was
indefensible and that by regarttiu. the commits
eloners "a contraband the administration had con
tradictcl ITSELF The French press were nearly !,
unanimous in stating that in the cvent of war be- :
tween the United States and England France would
remain neutral.
l. The Edinburg brings ono day.s hter news than
The Arago-bringng intelligence up to the 18th.
Ten Scott, previous to embarking is.he Arago. had
an interview with Prince Napoleon at which is re
ported that the Prince stated that tle Emperor had
expressed desire to bring about pacific solution
Of the impending difficulty hetwesn England and
America.
It il probable that General ScSst will arrive il
washington on Wednesday, and wi NO doubt lay
before The Cabinet the proportions Of 'tie Freraf
Fmperor, Whether the government will consent
10 accept of the arbitration of aHg European 9aw
Or remains to be seen.
No new Developments in refessaae TO the aasol
and Sliden affair occurred IN Washington yes
kerday. The opinion was thgt TIE Cabinea.ill ad
mere TO their determination to hold mem, III
less peremptory demand involving an imu
niste war with England shall be na1e. S
Tar il does not appear that Sny dema,
,vbateyer has been made and the a .iar remains
nwas at the time of the arrival u, the Quee,
messenger 10 Lord Lyons. The hadministrati
reyards the settlement of our dog estic difieul
A of the first importance. TIE question wi
England follows.
< We give to-day still further particulars Of t
late fight Of General Ord's troops at Drainesvl
with list of the killed and wounded on our biz
II would appear that the rebels lad received t
Information from some treachexous source Of I
Intended advance Of a portion of Gen. Mecca
6ivsion on foragng expedition and were Il
prepared to meet them in ambush but, unfor
ostely for them, taey were overmatched, not
numbers, but by the pluck and daring Of the I'm
troops, and we're disgracefuly routed after
houple Of hours fighting.
The Cunard steamship America, which is due
Ibis port, and has not yet arrived from Halifax
Maid to have gone into the latter port to get a
ply of coal, but it is highly improbable that
called there for any such purpose. There is
doubt that she brought dispatches for the adm
81 the feet, and it may be expected that all o
British L all steamers will in future touch at
r. i0fa s'4-iiar purpose. Willie 1av psvavs,