, 1862-05-31
LATEST FROM THE EAST!
The Slaves in Georgia, Florida and South Car
olina Proclaimed Free by Gen. Hunter!
STAMPEDE OF SLAVES FROM MARYLAND Il
Dates up to Friday, May 10th

Norfolk has issued proclamation. declaring that
private associations and domestic quiet would not
be disturbed but that violations of order and dis
respect to the Government would be followed by
the arrest of the offenders People are in a state
of great excitement, and a strong police force is
out tonight
The Navy Yard has been completely destroyed
together with a large number of steamboats, and
other vessels.
Numerous Union flags are flying at Portsmouth.
The place is now occupied by the 1Stn Massachu
setts Regiment Gen. Viele has established his
headquarters at the Custom House, formerly oc-
cupied by Gen. Huger. The national flag YVES
raised for the first time this morning
A special dispatch to tke New York papers says
that the loss Of the Norfolk Navy ard is much
regretted. The Yard will be Immediately rebuilt
by the Government.
The following from Fortress Monroe yesterday,
18th inst, gives the only account received of the
destruction of the .Nerrimac. 1t says At four
O'Clock yesterday morning a bright light was OBJ
served in the direction of Crarey Island, arG half
an hour aiterward an explosion took plaee which
made the earth and water trembe for miles
around. In the midst of bright flames which shot
up In the distance the timbers and iron of steam
er were seen flying. One of our tugs was sent to-
wards the island to reconnOiter and ascertain the
cause of the affair, and discovered that all the
earthworks had been abandoned and the .Merri-
mac blown up. The forts on the island, which
were constructed with the best of engineering skill
are left in excellent condition, as were also the
barracks which had accommodated, during the
winter, garrison of over 1000 men.
Forty heavy guns were mounted at different
parts Of the works. There were also six guns not
mounted, on the main post of the island. The
- IL
channel. -Four men were found on the island. 1t
was ascertained that The .NerrimGc run ashore
during the night by the officers The crew landed,
a slow match was applied to the magazines, and
she was torn to fragments by the time the crew
were out of danger.
The Memphis .4UaIdnche of May 9th, says
"The telegraphc news from Richmond is painful
ly significant that Mcclellan seems preparing the
same fate for Richmond, that Butler and Farra-
gut got up for New Orleans
OF affairs in New Orleans, the same paper SAYS
the Mayor and all the Aldermen have been ar
rested and sent 10 prison, on their refusal to take
the oath. Great distress prevails in the city, food
of all kinds heing extremely scarce
Gen. McClellan's lines now extend from White
House to New Kent, and thence to the Chicka-
hominy river A strong picket of the enemy made
its appearance two miles from White House, to-
day, but the gunboats which arrived at l o'clock
shelled them out.
The Atlanta Confederacy states that in its judg-
ment, Beauregard is well nigh fanked on both
SIDES He has a large army, but not so large as
the enemy. ut were idle it says, "to conceal
the fact that we have fears for the result"
Gen. Butler has issued proclamation, declar-
ing martial law in New Orleans, and suppressing
the collection of taxes, except such as were i'm
posed by the laws of the United States. The cir
culaiOn of Confederate bonds as evidences of debt
was strictly forbidden hut, in consequence of the
great distress which would ensue among the
poorer class if the circulation of Confederate hank
notes was suppressed, such circulation is permit
ted so long as any one may he inconsiderate
enough to receive them, until further orders.
CAIRO. May lathe steamer .Meteor has ar
rived from Pittsburg Landing, bringing news to
Sunday morning May lth 1t has been def
nilely ascertain d that Gen. Lowell, from New
Orleans, has arrived at Corinth with 10000 troops.
Instead of the rebels abandoning their entrench-
meuts iunumerable forces of negroes are at work
falling trees, forming abattis strengthening earth
works, &c. Every thing Indicates determination
on the part of the rebels to fight our side. Prep
arations on grand scale continue Roads are
being cut through the woods, and different divs-
ions of siege guns are being mounted in great
numbers.
The Paris correspondent of the London Herald
writes that a strong feeling is growing up thel in
favor of Intervention in America The impression
is so powerful to cause uneasiness among the
Northern party in Paris. 1t is believed serious
overtures have been made by the French Cabinet
TO Lord PalmerSton, with view to joint action
to put end to the war; which, according TO Off
ciai Information received, is now as far from ter
minatiDg 2s ever.
The London DAILY N'elos' correspondent gives
a similar rumor, derived from both French and
American sources, and says the two Governments
are giving serious consideration to the question OF
in Intervention in America.
The London Times claims that England has
observed the most selfdenying course. anu con-
cludes by asserting that the real question rests en-
tirely as to whether the heart of the South is set
on separation.
Paris papers of.he 17lh publish a dispatch from
Vera Cruz. dated April Sd, stating that France,
not opposing the Convention of Soedad, the
French troops had retired from Tehuacan to Vera
Cruz, and would start for the city of Mexico.
CAIRO, May 15.-Deserters who have arrived
at the fleet the Mississippi represent the rebels
bu~ily engaged in repairing the damages sustained
during the naval engagement of Saturday, 10th
inst The rebel ram is said not to have been sunk,
at first reported.
From Pittsburg Landing we have nothing of a
positive character. Our army is advanc ng slowly
and continuously, fOrtifying advances are made.
All of Gen. Halleck's movements are predicated
upon the suppoStion that the enemy are in large
force, and that they will make a stand at head
quarters. The number of the enemy is estimated
at 10000. Grand Junction is oeing fortified by
Beauregard, with the evident intention of falling
back there if beaten at Corinth.
A dispatch received here from Monterey, Tenn,
yesterday, states that accommodating party had
skirmish with the rebel pckets on the right
wing on the 18th, killing and wounding five and
capturing five. Our loss was two. The party
went within half mile of the rebel battery, just
outside of the rebel entertainments.
Gen. Halleck moves his camp four miles from
here to-day, to the front 1t is believed that an
engagement will come off next week.
The Memphis Appeal of the 11th says that a
dispatch from Natchez reports that the federal
fleet had returned down the river to New Orleans.
The appeal declares the only terms on which the
South accept peace is a recognition of its in
dependence, not only of all the cotton States, but
all the border States whose people desire alliance
with the Confederacy.
A dispatch from Little Rock saws that the fed
eral force under Gen. Curtis had commenced its
march upon the Capitol of Arkansas. General
Steele was marching on the same place from Po-
cahontas.