The New York herald., 1862-04-02

Captain Seaver, OF the Aeronautc Department, makes
balloon reconnaissance this afternoon-the first made
here since last summer.
A boat, containing five well known secessons:s,
captured on the James river, above Newport's News,
yesterday transporting produce and for the rebel
army.
Our Fortress Monroe Correspondence.
FORTRESS MONROE, March 81, 1862.
Arrival of Royal Party from Washington TO Loos after
the Escape of the Ndshriue-Strdnge Conduct Of the
British and French Napal Commanders, dc.
Yesterday Sunday afternoon the steamboat King
Philip arrived here from Washington, special trip,
having board Vice President Hamin, Senators Hale
and Anthony and others the Senate Naval Committee
accompanied by posse of friends, including
| about fifteen ladies. The weather arrival Of the
visitors extremely unproptous there being an east
early storm prevailing accompanied by wind and rain
The party landed the government wharf, andfrom
thence TO the fortress where they paid their
respects to the veteran General Wool. The visit was
wholly unexpected by the atter but the General who
always has the door atched outside, gave his guests
hearty welcome. As it known that the Vice
President had arrived salute Of fifteen guns fred
from the water battery Of the fortress Notwthstand
ing the inclemcncy the weather. the visitors. under
proper proceeded TO inspect the fortress The
soldiers quarters bakehouse and hospital were in turn
Inspected after which the party took promenade on the
parapet Of the work from which they obtained excel
lent view of Fort Wool Grip Raps) the rebel batteries at
Sewals Point Newport's News the immense naval and
transport fleets in the harbor the federal encapments
Hampton and the ruins and debris Of the late village
of that review Of the troops In garrison was
also witnessed. I.-. rF.
To-day the visitors proceeded per steamboat to New
ports News, accompanied by the band OF the Tcnth
New Yorkregment At that point they received by
Brigadier General Mansfield and his stan. salute
fired from the Coumbad battery in honor OF the ice
President The party visited the Generals
soldiers log huts. After remaining ono hour At this
place, the party re-embarked and returned Via this
excellent view or camp Hamilton. They subsequently
visited the marvellous battery Monitor and attery tho
flagship Minnesota At the latter vessel thoy
ceived by Flag Ofcer Goldsborough salute Of thirteen
guns was fired. The party returns to Washington this
evening 10 an inquiry ! made Of one OF this royal
received the reply that 't official visit OF the
Senate Naval Committee to make inquiries as to the es
first class pleasure trip tho expense Of Uncle sam.
The British war steamer Rinaldo, which for
our feet off the mouth Of the Chesapeake, got
up steam this morning, and proceeded TO new
anchorage ground, midway between the fortress and
Newports News. This strange prccccding-for strange
it is-deserves explanation. The point where this
steamer Is anchored is directly in the way Of
our feet in case the rebel steamer Merrmac essays
come from Norfolk. Again, the anchorage ground
marks the turn in the ship channel dverging to Newpors
News and to this poinan excellent guide for the Mcr
rimac in she makes u night attack. To inquiry
made OF Of the officers of the Rnaldo, after the
change of that vessels anchorage he replied that "t
done nave BOOu view VI next
between the Merrimac and the Monitor Who told him
that there to be another fight between these vessels.
Did the commander of the Rnado receive official inor
nation from the British Consul at Richmond?
The commander OF the French steamer Catnat which
arrived here last week is also guilty Of papablc breach
naval etiquette On his arrival he first anchored out
side Of fleet, and subsequently steamed TO point
about half mile south of the government wharf and
cast anchor so as to put his vessel distance from
and outside the Monitor, thus obscuring the view
from the latter = Elizabeth river, Scwall's Point and
other points necessary for the latter vessel to watch
0pp haco o1a end
since this occurred and the commander Of the French
has proper to his vessel out the
way Of the Monitor, that the latter have
obstructed view Of any movements OF the rebels.
Our Newport's News Correspondence.
FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST RvIaoN,1
DEPARTMENT VIRGINIA, :
VIEWPOINTS NEWS, Va, March 80 1862.
The Nerrimoc-Why Don't She Come'-Coaadnt I'.aur of
Runa,cdy SIdres-Ths Cruel Treatment 10 Wtich They
yutject-DeliqtfM Weathsr-Charmn Spring Scenery
Military Drom,uiic and Singing Clubs, Gc., dc.
The Merrnac still hesitatos TO make hor reappear.
ance From all learn by the evidence Of deserters
and fugitive slaves 1t TO be fact that she s ready
any moment 10 60 to work again. whehor the rebel
authorities have concluded to act for the present tho
defensive or whether the Merrimsc has not sufficient
confidence in her powers Of unable to
say. The latter opinion seems to be the general one
among military men here. The little rebel gunboat
Teazer still lies opposite to Days Point and will occa.
sionay venture down the river few miles, but
far enough TO come within range Of our guns.
Runaway slaves continue TO into camp almost
every day On Friday three boys belonging 10 Robert
Saunders. large farmer living the Yorktown and
Williamsburg road, made their escape from Mulberry
Island where they had seceted themselves
months. They state, their for running away
that Of their comrades who had been guilty of
the crime Of visiting his wife Sunday had shot
dead and that they themselves had each received
fifty ashes for breaking the laws The slaves
made 70 work the fortincations Sundays and week
days alike and when they unable to work my longer
they sent To Richmond and sold or 10 the cotton
States. smart little negro boy, fifteen years Of age,
who came in yesterday gave good deal Of valuable in
formation about the fortncatons a and around Williams
burg and Yorktown. He also related some laughable
anecdotes about General Magruder under whom he has
served waiter. The gallant General s still as liberal
in his personal allowance Of grog, and IL is
wonder that his men complain because they entirely
cut of from the use Of IL.
Spring has fairly set in In this region, and more
lovely scenery than which the eye all along
the James river cannot be imagined: the first maiden
begins peep forth from tho earth and the song
sters Of spring Oil the woods with their wonderfully
sweet harmones. Even the ruins Of the old Lees and
Jones mansions most Of them destroyed by generous
and chvaric' Southerners, form no uniting parts q
the landscape.
Company E. OF the First regiment New York Volunteers
have formed dramatic and singing club, which gives
performances about twice week As matter of course
the officers give every encouragement to such innocent
pleasures and the performances such 10 reflect
much credit upon those who undertake the task.
New York Charter Elections.