The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-17

TE1E SITUATION.
The extraordinary proclamation of General Hun
ter, declaring all the slaves in Georgia, Florida and
South Carolina free, has made great sensation in
Washington, and is said to produce a probable
split In the Cabinet. President Lincoln has ex.
pressed the utmost dissatisfaction and indignation
at the course of General Hunter, while at least
four members of the Cabinet sustain that General.
The President, however, is reported to be deter
mined to meet the issue thus forced upon him in
the spirit which has governed him all through the
war; and. whether supported by his Cabinet or
not. will act consistently with his previously ex-
pressed opinions and intentions. 1t is confidently
stated that General Hunter will be recalled, and
bis proclamation will be ignored forthwith.
Ths President, in proclamation issued ysster.
day. returns special thanks to General Wool and
the forces under his command for the gallant
movements which resulted in the surrender Of
Norfolk, the evacuation of the rebel batteries at
Sewall's Point and Craney Island, and the de-
struction Of the formidable rebel gunboat Mer-
rimac. This honorable recognition of the mill
tary services of General Wool in causing
the destruction Of the most powerful naval
force Of the enemy, while there was naval officer
in command on the waters of Hampton Roads,
must be as gratifying to the veteran soldier it
Is unusual in the history of warfare. In addition
10 this acknowledgment by the President of Gen.
Wool's services, comes most opportunely, the
conservation by the Senate, at the same moment,
Of his nomination as Major General of the regular
army for his gallant conduct on this occasion.
The occupation Of Corinth by the rebels in large
force is still confirmed by the information received
from deserters to General Haleck's army. Seve-
raj skirmishes between the pickets of both armies
took place on Friday. 1t appears. from state.
ment made by Colonel Jacob Thompson, who is
now on the staff of General Beauregard, but was
formerly Secretary Of the Interior under Buchanan
that Pensacola has fallen into the hands Of the
Union army. This he admitted while in communi-
cation, under flag Of truce, with some officers Of
General Hslleck's command.
A despatch to the War Department from General
Mitchell, dated at his headquarters, Huntsville,
Ala. contains the encouraging intelligence that
portion of his force, under General Negley and
Colonel Little, had driven the rebels across the
Tennessee river, taken possession Of Rogersville,
captured portion Of the ferry boats, and having
proceeded to Shad creek, seized the bridge and
ferry below the mouth of that stream. General
Mitchell continues to say:-"No more troops will
enter from that region, and we have now upon
this side Of the river twelve or fifteen hundred
cavalry of the enemy, in bands of three or four
hundred whom we win endeavor to hunt down,
destroy or capture. The gunboat which | have
extemporized will be ready for service to-day,
and will soon be able to pay my respects to the
enemy on the eastern side of the region under my
command"
We give in full to-day the proceedings Of the
nessee in the Hall Of Representatives at Nash.
vile, on the 18th instant and succeeding days.
We have before published the substance of the
resolutions adopted on this important occasion,
but the PARTICULARS Iurnisncu Dy our special re.
porter In our columns to-day will give thorough
insight into the Union sentiments existing in the
State Of Tennessee.
CONGRESS-.
In the Senate yesterday, Mr.. Sherman, Of Ohio,
made personal explanation, to the effect that
neither the Kansas Investigating Committee nor
the Naval Investigating Committee, upon both Of
which he served, ever charged or received q cent
OF compensation or mileage for their labors. A
memorial from merchants and others Of New
York, urging the speedy passage Of the Pacific
Railroad bill, was presented and referred. The
resolution that the bills of both houses of Con.
gress be sngrossed on paper instead Of parchment
was then taken up, and Mr.. Sumner spoke in its
favor. The consideration Of the Indian Appro-
priation bill was resumed, and several unimportant
amendments were adopted. Mr.. Clark, Of New
Hampshire, moved to take up the bill reported by
che select committee providing for the confsca.
Zion Of the property Of rebels, which was agreed
20 by Q vote of twenty-thrce to nineteen. Mr..
Trumbull, Of Illinois, said the first section which
proydss for the forfeiture Of the property Of rebel