The New York herald., 1862-04-13


town is still prevented from making any decisive
movements in consequence of the bad condition of
the roads, but at the same time the advance keeps
up continual harassing fire upon the rebel bate
ries, the Berdan sharpshooters doing such excel
lent service in this regard as to evoke q special
order OF thanks from General Mcclellan. 1t has
been ascertained that the rebels have received
large reinforcements during the past two days, and
that they are rapidly Strengthening their works.
From Information received by scouts, it appears
that the rebels are abandoning their position on
the banks Of the Rappahannock, and are falling
back on Gordonsville and Richmond.
The particulars which we give to-day OF the
movements of the Merrimsc on Friday are exceed
ingly interesting, showing the daring Of the rebel
fotiia ia tempting our vessels into a fight which,
for good reasons no doubt, was declined. The
rebel vessels succeeded in taking three small
craft--one loaded with hay, another with suffers
stores, and the other empty-without any opposi.
tion. After making show of their strength, and
vainly endeavoring 10 induce our naval force to
attack them, the rebel squadron retired, as we
have previously stated. Our iron-clad boats-the
Monitor, Naugatuck and Octorara-ired several
shots at the enemy, but did no damage, being out
of range. The Merrimac was still to be seen last
evening lying quietly OF sewals Point, under the
protection Of the rebel batteries.
Our troops have pushed as far south as Hunts.
vile, Alabama, under General Mitchell. They
took possession of that place without much resist
ance, and captured two hundred prisoners, fifteen
locomotives and large amount of rolling stock
Huntsville is IN important point, as our map and
description Of the place to-day will show, being
situated on the main trunk line of the Memphis
and Charleston Railroad, which connects Rich
mond with Memphis aud the other cities of the
Southwest. Our possession of Huntsville cuts
of all connection between the Southern Atlantic
States and the West.
On the other side our army has taken possession
of Pass Christian, in Mississippi, only ffty miles
from New Orleans and thirty miles from Ship
Island, from which latter point no doubt the ad.
South are being rapidly enclosed in the embraces
of the Northern anaconda.
The rebel accounts Of the late battle at Pitsburg
Landing. including the official of General Beaure.
gard, represent that affair a. q brilliant victory for
their side; but IL happens, unfortunately for the
truth of these statements, that all their reports
refer TO the fight OF Sunday, in which they un.
doubtedly had the advantage, being nearly two to
one against General Grants army on that day.
Not word, however, Is said in the rebel accounts
Of the Mondays battle, in which the tables were
turned, and our army, supported by its reinforce.
ments, drove the enemy from the field. Beaure.
gard's report announces the death Of General
Albert Sydney Johnston.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
In the Senate OF our State Legislature yester
day, several bills were passed. but none Of them
were Of any general importance. The Assemblv,s
amendments to the bill to suppress the concsr,
saloons wero concurred in. The bill for tbc s,.
roiment and reorganization Of the State !rl,,ia
was considered in Committee Of the Whole AND
ordered to third reading. An uniavorablc report
was made from the committee on the oill for IN.
cooperating the Firemen's Savings institution OF
this city. In the Assembly the Concert Saloons
bill was amended and passed; and, as the amend.
ments were immediately after concurrcd in By the
Senate. the bill now only needs the Executive sig-
asturc TO be a law. The Assembly also passed
the bills 10 amend the Excise law and to provide
Tor the payment OF expenses incurred by indivi.
duals IN organizing and equppng volunteers for
ihs war. The bill increasing the license fees OF
pesdcrs and hawkers was ordered TO a third read
inv. The Congressional Apportionmen, wv wss
salsen from the table and referred TO the commit.
4c. oy hc Whole. A motion 70 take up tio View
Y5tkaud Hrooklyn Passenger snd Baggage FIX.
press bill xnA lost
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