Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-01-12
LATE NORTHERN INTELLIGENCE.
From the n. Y. Herald, Jan. 81
THE SITUATION.

From the n. Y. Herald, Jan. 81
II SITUATION.
Our news from the upper Potomac shows that
considerable activity exists on both sides near
Harper's Ferry, Point of Rocks, Leesburg, and
Frederick, although no engagement has taken
place. Contrabands from Culpepper, Fairfax,
LOudoun, and Fauqui ercountie5 continue to flock
into Gen. Banks headquarters, and are sent on
to Gen. Mcclellan. The rebels are said to be
augmenting their forces at Leesburg, where
they are erecting strong works. They still make
demonstrations at dam No. 5, but without effect.
Our Parrot gun at that point is dOings som dam
age among them.
Our news from Port Royal, by the Ariel yes
terday, is interesting. The British steamer Fin
gal attempted to run the blockade at Savannah,
but was foiled. She got ready to make her way
through Warsaw sound, but information having
been received from a deserter, the gunbOat Otta-
way was dispatched to the sound, aud on her ar
rival the rebel mosquito fleet Of Tstnall came
down to attack her. After a brisk engagement
a shell was put through Com. Tatnalls vessel,
when he retired. The escape of the Eingal was
thus frustrated. A Spanish schooner without a
name, but laden with a valuable cargo of Havana
cigars, shoes, and other stores, was chased, run
aground, and burned, at Cumberland inlet, on
the 18th ult, by the beats Of the BienvIlle and
Alabama. Her cargo was taken off. The crew
had previously fled to the woods.
Three thousanl men for Gen. Buffers expedi-
ton were put on board the Constitution at Bos-
ton yesterday, and are expected to sail for the
South to-day.
The first hostile step of the allied expedition
against Mexico was taken on the I7thult., when
the Spanish troops from the fleet landed at Vera
Cruz, took unOppOsed possession of that city
and the fort of San Juan de Ulloa, and hoisted
their flag over the city and the fort. We have
received in detail the history Of the entire affair,
by the steamer Columbia, from Havana, which
arrived at this port yesterday, and we give it in
full in our columns to-day. The rpiOicings in
Havana on the receipt Of the news were most
enthusiastic.
The British bark Express, Of Hull, fer New
Orleans, loaded with $500 bags Of coffee, arrived
here yesterday as a prize, having been captured
by the United States SlOop-ofwar Vincennes.
She TOXIN her cargo at Rio JaneirO.
FORTIFyfNG Il CANADIAN SHORES.
In addition to the Notifications newly erected
on the Canadian shores, and which we have pre-
viOusly noticed, we find the following interest
ing paragraph from the Detroit Free Press,
January l:
HI COMPLICATIONS AT WINDSOR, c. W.
A few weeks ago a corps of engineers, under
command of Gen. Williams, arrived at Windsor,
and proceeded at once to lay out Notifications
commanding the city of Detroit. The plans
have been completed, aud the works commenced,
and, if continued, will be ready to mount guns
in a short time. The fort is situated on an emf
hence a little to the left of the main village, and
nearly in the rear of the town hall, and
completely commands the whole river front and
principal business parts of the city. The fortif-
cations consist of breastworks, embracing an
area Of about sixteen thousand square yards,
and surrounded by a ditch forty feet in width.
The same corps Of engineers are now at COlling-
wood, selecting a site for similar Notifications
there.
MASON n SLIDELL-THER DEPARTURE FROM
ORT ARR
Boston, January 2.-The British wars steamer
Rinaldo, seventeen guns, arrived at Province
town on the night of the 3lst ult. The COM
mander said he was ordered to lay there, began
unbending bis sails, and appeared perfectly at
home. The RinaldO is a steam slOop Of war,
200 horse power, mounts II guns, and manned
by 200 mea, including the officers. Her guns,
~32-pounders, all on the main deck. Two Of
those cannon are piVots, each weighing over
10000 pounds. The intermediate deck is used
for the accommodation of the officers, and com
fortably fitted up.
Commander Hewitt. While in this port, was
noted for his gentlemanly conduct and unas-
Stunning manner.
The steamer Starlight left Fort Warren at
eleven O'Clock yesterday morning. She had ON
board the following persons
James NJ. Mason, minister TO England.
John Slidell, minister 10 France.
George Eustis, secretary to J. Slidell.
James Il. Mcfarland, secretary TO j. NJ. Ma
son.
The above named were en- route for Province
town, where they, on their arrival, were to be
transferred tot be Rinaldo.
The Starlight arrived at PTovincetown at a
o'clock last evening, and the rebel emissaries
were transferred to the British sloOp of war then
lying in the harbor. The RinaldO sailed from
PrOvincetown at 6 o'clock last evening, en- route
for England. The rebel commissioners were on
board the vessel, and at the time she left the
harbOr the wind was blowing a perfect hqrri-
cane.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Gen McCl llsn's health is rapidly improving.
lie attends TO business in his room.
The workmen engaged in the Brooklyn navy
yard had a strike on Ihursday. last. They
wanted them to work from sunrise to sunset and
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