The Portland daily press., 1862-08-04
LATEST BY EVENING PAPERS.

Ne,r Rebel Gunboats Me,ri,nuc and Youna
america at Turkey Bend - The Monitor.
Reconnoitering-Gunbo in Line Of Bat
tle-Ndral Battle probable-Skirmishin
at Neeebern IA Mass. Soldier shot, who
captures his Assditdnt - Return of Fur
louahed Officers and Soldiers-Rebel Ram
arkansas attacked-Daring Feat Of Col.
Eltet.
New YORK, August 2.
The Times correspondent with the army of
the Potomac, writing under date of July 81,
says two suspicious rebel crafts, probably the
Merrimac and Young America, cast anchor
yesterday noon off Turkey Bend
Several of our gunboats were Immediately
sent to that vicinity-the Monitor making a
reconnaissance: after which the gunboat fleet,
including the Galena, Monitor and others, an
chored in line Of battle off Light House Point.
A balloon reconnaissance above and near
Fort Powhattan. discovered no rebels or earth
works in that vicinity
A branch railroad has been discovered from
the banks of James river, opposite Berkleys
Landing to the Petersburg road.
The correspondent closes as follows:
Nine p. M.-The position of the fleet is I'M
changed. The rebel rams are still off Turkey
Bend. How near we are to a naval battle
every one can Judge for themselves. -o-
The Newborn correspondent Of the Herald
states that two expeditions were sent out.
The first to Trenton, under Col. Lee, compris-
ing the 9th and 18th Massachusetts, regiments,
Belger's Rhode Island battery and four COM
panies of the Sd New York cavalry. The
second to Polocksville, under Col Fellows,
comprising the 18th Massachusetts, and por-
ton of the Sd New York cavalry.
The few rebels at Trenton skedaddled, and
at Polloeksville there was a slight skirmish
with rebel cavalry which resulted i'm the kill
ing of two, wounding two and taking two
prisoners. The object of the reconnaissance
being ascertaned, the expedition returned.
Michael j. Calvin of the 23d Mass regiment
was shot at in the street at Newbern. After
being wounded, he shot and captured his as
sailant.
Col. Kurtz had the house i'm which the as
sailants were secreted, pulled down on Satur-
day. Several arrests were also made. The
assassin will be hung.
The Worlds Washington dispatch says there
is much excitement here in relation to military
movements.
Our armies are marching along in pursu-
ance of a fixed plan, and it is believed that
matters are so timed as to ensure safety at
once of Washington and McClellan's army
There is larger force operating against the
enemy in Virginia than people generally are
aware of. There is no doubt as to the result
of coming conflicts which cannot be long de-
layed.
The same dispatch says our government will
demonstrate against the French blockade of
Tampico and Alvarado.
Enough deserters and convalescent soldiers
were marched up the Avenue to-day to almost
form one regiment of infantry. The return of
furloughed officers and soldiers to their COM
mand is becoming quite large.
The correspondent of the Times at Culpep-
per, states that when Gen. Banks force moved
on to Little Washington, the guerias killed
and I.l .fx -
diers wished to execute the order of Gen. Pope
by retaliating on the village, but Gen. Banks
arrival prevented it.
Gen. Banks sent out a party who captured
nine prisoners, only two of whom were retain
ed, the others being discharged.
The Washington correspondent of the Her.
aid states that two residences of rebels are
strictly guarded by soldiers of Gen. Mellow
ellis army, contrary to the recent order of Gen.
Pope.
The Tribune's correspondent with the fleet
off Vicksburg gives an interesting account of
concerted plan to cut out and destroy the
rebel gunboat Arkansas, but through some
misunderstanding on the part of Farragut and
Davis, only part of the plan was carried out.
This was attacking the rebel gunboat by Col.
Ellet with his ram Queen of the West, which
was done in gallant style. The ram struck
the Arkansas just aft Of her side guns, but
having, by force of circumstances to stem the
current, the blow was not so effective as was
wished The supporting guns failed to draw
the fire of the batteries, which were all direct
ed against Col. Elet and his daring craft, but
he managed to escape without being sunk, al
though the Queen of the West was made a
complete wreck by rebel shell and shot. Not
one OF his crew were killed.
This is considered as one of the most daring
and gallant feats of the war. which if well sup
ported, would have resulted in the capture of
the rebel craft.
The same correspondent states that refugees
say the rebels have nearly completed two
more formidable gunboats in Yazoo river,
which will soon come down.
The correspondent states that Commodore
Daylss flotllla is in most awkard position
and might, without difficulty, be swept from
the river by such agencies as the enemy is
said to possess.
The Hilton Head correspondent of the Her.
aid, under date of July 20, says a refugee from
Charleston reports that Gus. Smith is in com
mand there.
The rebels have sent nine infantry and two
cavalry regiments thence to Richmond, and
otherwise depleted their force by placing
large squads on the Savannah railroad.
Every one capable of bearing arms is forced
to volunteer in the Southern army.
Two iron clad rams, similar to the Merri-
mac, are being constructed at Charleston to
destroy the blockading vessels.
The steamer Economist was expected and
has probably reached there, as a large side
wheel steamer ran in last Friday.
The fleet off Charleston has been augmented
and 1t is now thought impossible for vessels
there to get out without capture
The rebel steamer Nashville is covered un-
der an eight gun battery in Dough Bay Sound
with the gunboats Paul Jones and keystone
State watching her.
The rebels have appeared in pretty strong
force opposite Dawfuski and our troops have
left that Island.