The New York herald., 1862-02-19

THE SITUATION.
We give to-day further interesting particulars of
the fight at Fort Donelson. 1t appears that the
General Johnston captured was not, as was sup
posed, A. S. Johnston, but General Bushrod John
son. of Tennessee. Dispatches received in Cairo
on Monday state that strong light was observed
at or near Carksville and the suppositon was that
the rebels were either burning the town or were
destroying their steamboats,, to prevent their falling
into the hands of our troops.
Reioiciags over the news of the fall of Fort
OonesOn continue to be manifested at all points
throughout the North and West.
Ramors Of the capture of Savannah still come
from several sources but no official intelligence of
the fact has been received at Washington The
Savannah Republican of the 1lth instant says that
our vessels were actively engaged in Wallis Cut
and at Warsaw, evidently making towards the
city of Savannah. A letter received in Washing
ton yesterday from Commodore Dupont says that
in few days from the date of his writing most
brilliant victory by his expedition may be ex.
pecsed. All this we opine, points to the capture
Of Savannah, official intelligence of which we may
receive at any moment.
Every item Of intelligence which we receive from
the South contributes fresh evidence Of the hope
lessness of the rebel cause. At Q supper given by
the citizens of MartiRsburgh. Va. to Mr.. Faulkner
late United States Minister to France, but now
prominent rebel, that gentleman stated that he
considered it WAS useless for the South to contend
any longer; that the Southern confederacy could
not stand and that the sooner the war was ended
the better it would be for the people of the South.
This declaration, is said to have created great ex
citement. as well it might, coming from person
OF Mr.. Faulkner's influence; and General Banks has
intimated his belief that Mr. Faulkner used these
expressions.
Rumors were in circulation yesterday that Alex
ander Fl. Stephens, the Vice President of the rebel
government. had resigned his position and declared
himself in favor of the reconstruction of the Union
This rumor is still vague, of course but it is well
known that Mr.. Stephens was about the last of the
Southern politicians to consent to the secession
movement. n
From late Southern newspapers just received.
also, we observe that the rebels are beginning to
feel the critical position into which daily events
are leading them. The New Orleans Crescent of
January 81 gives what il calls plain statement
OF facts. to superinduce the rebel mind to full
realization of the dangers now impending. II
ys:-"Fortunstely for US the weather has so far
rendered operations with large bodies of men i'm
practicable. But whenever this difficulty is re-
moved we may look with confidence for the i'm
mense hordes to be precipitated upon u.s." Again.
"lf they break through our lines, or turn our
strong positions then must face all the horrors
of INVASION" The writer continues, 1--WE need
more men. more fighting men. We have use for
thousands and tens of thousands more than we
have"
The Memphis appeal Of the 4th instant, says
From all the information we can gather, we are
fully convinced that the long looked for contest at
Columbus. which will decide for veal or woe the
destinies Of the Mississippi valley, is soon to take
place."
The rebel Major General Earl Van Dorm has
turned up in Arkansas from whence he publishes
an order announcing himself-by appointment Of
JEFF. Davis--the Commander Of he "Trans. .Mssis
sippi District Department" He orders all the
commanders Of troops within his district to report
the strength and conditions Of their commands to
him. and commands all officers and soldiers TO re.
turn Immediately TO their regiments, as "there is
necessity for the immediate services Of every SOL
der in the district"
In every quarter of rebeldom the desperation Of
it's condition thus appears to be acknowledged.
The Ednburg. at this port, brings advices from
Europe to the 5th inst.-three days later.
The people Of England we're more and more de.
cided and unanimous in the expression Of their
opinion against any Intervention or interference on
th' part Of their government in the affairs of the
VI ed States, so far "a they are affected BIZ the
stence Of the rebellion 10 the South. On this
Sab ect the London Economist organ OF Mr..
Wilson, Secretary Of the Board u Trade-deeIare.
N u matters not what subjects are treated Of in
or shst are omitted from the ousens speech n,