The New York herald., 1862-03-06

news from Savannah. The citizens there are in such
state of terror at the approach of our troops
who were within seven miles of Savannah, that
they are sending their property and their slaves
into the interior. Hundreds of people have already
fled, and hundreds more are about to follow. 1t
was said that the rebels had concentrated a iorce
Of about sixty thousand men under Generals JACK
son, Walker and Lawton, between Savannah and
Skidaway, where they were hourly expecting to
be attacked Distractions had been placed in the
river opposite Fort Jackson, to intercept
our gunboats, while several heavy guns are
planted on both sides of the river. The
rebel navy at Savannah amounts to three
small gunboats, mounting two guns each.
Governor Brown has issued call for
$4,000 more troops, which, if not responded to, will
be followed by an order for drafting from the
population. These interesting facts we learn from
refugee from Savannah, passenger on board the
says that our gunboats have been very active for
the prevo1s forty-eight hours and adds that 'last
evening all had departed from the Carolina side
except three in Mud river, which have not changed
their positions for weeks past. Probably we shall
hear of the former in the course of day or two
In the meantime it would be well to keep sharp
lookout at all points on our coast"
Our special correspondence from Key West, of
the date Of February %, win be found to-day full
of interest detailing as it does, all the operations
on the Gulf coast for some time past. General
Brannan, Commander of the military district of
Florida, had arrived. Several rebel vessels, laden
with valuable cargoes Of cotton, had been captured
by our gunboats.
By the. Canada, at Halifax, we learn that The
O'Donoghue, NJ p, brought forward his motion
relative TO the violation Of the blockade and
the neutrality proclamation Of the Queen, by
British vessels running from the rebel ports to
Nassau, n. p, and other West Indian harbors, on
the 10th ultimo. He moved FOR return of the
names Of these vessels, their commanders and
owners. Mr.. I.ayard, for the government, said
he would not then discuss the blockade, as notice
had been given referring to solution" of it.
He declined to accede to the motion, and ref:sed
the information asked for for two reasons:-The
government had not obtained it, and it was not
the Office of Ministers to produce lists of vioators
of the law.
Sir Robert Peel, Chief Secretary of Ireland, took
occasion 70 illustrate the contented condition and
loyal feeling Of Ireland to the crown. by stating
that during the late agitation towards a
war with the United States Ireland was filled
with American emssaries trying to raise up
spirit Of disoyalty, and "minikin traitors" tried
to initiate the Cabbage Garden heroes Of '4s,n
but failed sgnally.
Mr.. Sdell has had interviews with almost all the
Cabinet Ministers of France; but has not been re-
ceved by the Emperor.
washington's Birthday was celebrated in London
in becoming manner. The Bishop of Ohio pre-.
sided. Mr.. Adams, United States Minister, made
speech, in which he said the United States are
'throwiug of the burden Of malgn power" and
would gather up. as of yorc, the moral fruits Of
self-devotion.''
Forty-fve Spanish war vessels are to sail for the
Pacific in April. They are to rendezvous first at
Montevideo and then start for other parts of the
American coast.
Onr latest intelligence Of the pirate Sumter is
from Gibraltar, February l3, where she was still
lying. Her captain had offered twelve dollars a
ton for coal, but although the regular price was
only eight dollars all parties refused TO sell to him.
coNGREss.
In the Senate yesterday petitions in favor Of a
general bankrupt law, and asking for the transmits
sented and referred. bill TO provide for carry
ing the mails to foreign ports was referred. The
Naval Committee reported a bill regulating the
pay of the Navy Department. A bill granting pay,
pensions and bounty to the Kentucky Home Guard
was introduced by Mr.. Davis The joint resolution
transferring the superintendent of the work on
Department, was taken up and discussed. Mr..
Morrill,, of Maine, then made a speech in favor Of
the Confscation bill, and the further considera.
tion Of the subject was postponed until
to-day. A joint resolution authorizing equitable
settlements with contractors who have failed to
construct machinery by the day stipulated in their
contracts, was referred to the Naval Committee
The bill fer the codifcation and revision Of the
laws of the District Of Columbia, was passed.
The bill defining the pay and emoluments Of Ger.
tain army officers, was taken up, and several IN.
important amendments adopted. The pay Of all
chaplains was fixed at ~ 200 per annum, and the
bill then laid aside until to-day. The report Of
the Conference Committee on the subject of the
payment of the war claims of the Department Of
the West was agreed TO. After an executive ses.
sion the Senate adjourned.