The New York herald., 1862-03-04


New York, Tuesday, March 4, Is62.
THE SITUATION.
The rebel batteries on the Virginia side Of the
Lower Potomac make demonstration occasionally
On Saturday night, while Gen. Sickles was review
ing his brigade, on the Maryland side, shell ex-
ploded within few feet Of his position, and on
Monday night the Cockpit Point battery threw
several shot and shell, with what intention or with
what effect it was not known.
General Shields left Washington yesterday to
sake command Of the late General Lander's brigade
on the Upper Potomac. Nothing of Importance
has occurred in General Banks division. Nearly a
thousand barrels of -four, belonging to the rebels,
together with woollen factory, owned by man
OF the ominous name of Davis, well stocked with
cloths. Were seized at Charlestown, by General
Banks troops.
The official report of the occupation of Nash
vile was received at the Navy Department yester.
day from Commodore Foote, as reported to him
General Nelson there without opposition. The
captain of the steamer who brought the despatch
TO Commodore Foote says that six miles below
Nashville there was q battery on q high bluff,
which had mounted fifteen guns; but several
Of them were thrown into the river be.
fore the boat arrived. He also reports
that q strong Union feeling was manifested
In and near Nashville, and that Governor Harris,
after vainly attempting to rally the citizens and
Others, left on Sunday morning for Memphis The
gunboats are the terror of the people of Nash.
vile and at points on the Cumberland, and that,
supposing the gunboats would proceed immedia
~ to Nashville, they retreated, panic stricken.
E The burning of Columbus by the rebels is con-
frmed by news from Cairo, which represents the
appearance Of terrible conAagration there on
Saturday night. There seems to be little doubt
that the rebel forces have gone to Island No. 10,
below the town, and are there planting batteries
to command the river.
Dispatches from Louisville state that railroad
communication between that city and Nashville is
now perfect, except about ten miles over creek
north Of the latter city, damaged by o rise Of
water. which would be repaired to-day.
Our news from Fortress Monroe is inter esting
General Wool and General Cobb had ano ther in.
terview of Craney Island Saturday last relative
60 general exchange of prisoners. There ap-
pears to have been some unexplained delay in
sending down the expected released prisoners by
General Huger. The steamer Express went up the
James river on Friday to receive them, and again
on the next day, but they did not arrive at the ap
pointed rendezvous. The commanding officer of
the rebel steamer jamestown stated that he had
no knowledge of any prisoners being ex-
pected, although the Express was sent up
to take y on board on the strength of informa-
tion furnished by Gen. Huger. The time of their
arrival is, therefore. considered uncertain in con-
sequence of these two dsappointments. 1t is not
positively known whether Col. Corcoran will form
one of the number when they do come.
The rebel steamer Nashville, which has been
lying up long in English ports, and was SO keen.
ly watched by the United States steamer Tuscarora
has succeeded in getting safe across the Atlantic,
and, as we learn from Norfolk, arrived at VIII
mngton, N. c., on Saturday, having run the block
ade at that place.
Our news from the Southern papers, which we
publish to-day, is rather important. The Lynch
burg Virginidn says that the rebel forces at Cen.
treville had received orders on the 2eth ult to
send all their sick to the rear and prepare for
marching orders. The women and children are
said to have been sent away.
The Norfolk and Richmond papers announce
thc landing of large force Of our troops at New.
port News, and they predict an immediate attack
on Pig Point. JEFF. Davis has placed Norfolk
Portsmouth, and the vicinity within ten miles
around, under martial law, by special proclamation
The Savannah Republican not only admits that
the communication between Fort Pulaski and sa
vsnnah Is wholly cut of, but declares that the
Unonists have erected three batteries on the river
In the form Of triangle, which it is impossible for
any vessels in the rebel service to pass.
The Atlanta (Ga.) Commonwealth says that our
troops hold Nashville, and that General Johnston,
who fell back to Murfreesboro has only one hall
Of his original force there, and adds that
IL Is doubtful whether he will make stand
et that point or not, but comedies that