The New York herald., 1862-03-28
THE SITUATION.

6s
THE SITUATION.
The divisions of Generals Franklin and King,
of the Potomac Army, were reviewed yesterday
by General McDowell; General Mcclellan, Lord
Lyons, the Prince de Joinvle and several British
officers Of high rank from Canada being present
on the ground. The latter expressed themselves
greatly surprised at the superior drill stature and
discipline Of the troops.
Information has reached Fortress Monroe by
fugitive negroes, and some deserters from the
rebel army, to the effect that the Merrimac has
been brought off the dry dock at Norfolk, her
crew put on board, and guns of heavier calibre
than she had before have been mounted on her. The
rebel steamers jamestown and Yorktown are also
said to be considerably increased in the strength
Of their armament, and are ready to accompany
IN event which. according to those statements,
may be hourly expected.
A reconnaissance was made yesterday from New
ports News a. far as Big Bethel, where the rebels
were discovered to be posted to the number of
/; 500. Upon the approach of our troops they va
Gated the place without showing fight, and Big
Bethel is now occupied by the Union soldiers.
Affairs at Island No. 10 progress slowly. Only
three shells were thrown by our mortar boats
yesterday, and the rebels made no response what
ever. 1t appears from information received from
aona aecoaa;on;sfs cen<rrad hv a .ooour.:..:.
party Of our troops the Missouri shore that two
thousand negroes are employed on the island and
at the batteries along the shore; that sixty-6ve
rebel troops, including two ieutenants, and forty
negroes have been killed by our shells; that the
upper shore battery is abandoned, but the others
are being strengthened; that the enemy is fifteen
thousand strong, and that their encampment has
been moved entirely out of the range of our guns.
They state that the rebels are confident of sue
cess, and say they have a road to Trenton and
other points, by which they can escape whenever
they choose, and also, that they have plenty of
provisions.
No new movements were reported yesterday
from Strasburg. The rebel General Jackson
with the remnant of his army, is supposed to be
near Woodstock. General Shields condition is
favorably reported upon. 1t is hoped that his
wound will 80 far improve as to enable him to be
in the field in week. General Mcclellan has
Handsomely acknowledged the services of Gene
raj Shields at the battle Of Winchester, and has
congratulated General Banks upon the victory OBJ
tanned in his department, and urges him to pur-
sue the enemy without delay.
Gen. Wright, commander of the department of
the Pacific has instituted martial law in San Fran
cisco, and has issued an order dated February 2,
by which Major Hiram Leonard of the United
States Army, is appointed Provost Marshal.
CONGRESS-.
In the Senate yesterday, several petitions in
favor Of the emancipation of slaves were present.
ed. resolution calling on the Secretary of the
Interior for the correspondence in relation to the
bark Augusta was adopted. The Naval Committee
were instructed to inquire whether there was any
laxty on the part of the officers Of the blockadng
squadron on the coast, especially at Charleston,
and whether there was any foundation in the state
ment Of the British Consul at that port that armed
troop ships of the Confederate States have been
allowed to go in and out Of the port of Charleston
and no attempts been made to stop them. The
Joint resolution in favor Of extendinding PC
cuniary aid to the States that may emancipate
their slaves was taken up, and Mr.. Henderson, of
Missouri, made speech in its favor The Finan-
cial Committee reported a bill to allow arms.
ordered by the States to aid in suppressng the
rebellion, to be imported free Of duty The Naval
Appropriation bin was then taken up Mr.. Hale.
from the Naval Committee, offered an amendment
appropriating s7s3 ,294 for the completion of the
Stevens floating battery. Debate ensued, but
without taking the question the Senate went into
executive session, and subsequently adjourned.
The House was occupied in discussing the tax
bill in Committee of the Whole. Among the
amendments adopted was taxing anthracite
coal fifteen cents per ton, and cotton cent per
pound after the first Of May next.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
In the Senate Of our State Legislature yesterday,
Che bills to regulate the use of public highways
and amending the Long Island Railroad charter
were passed, and also several others Of only local
interest. The bill to provide for paying the canal
enlargement expenses was ordered TO a third road
ing. Several others Of no general Importance re.
ceived like disposition. The Assembly amend
aents TO the Erie Railroad bill were concurred !.
snS The bill was Transmitted to the Goyerpor c,r
Lis Signature. The committee composea -, ,to
bee York delegation to whom had boon rcrcrrc,
~