The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-16
New York, Friday, May I6, 1861.
THE SITUATION.

New York, Friday, May I6, 1854.
THE SITUATION.
The War Department received dispatches yester-
day from the armies Of Gen. Mcclellan and Gen.
Halleck to the effect that preparations were being
made in both directions for some highly important
movements. Gen. Mcclellan has established his
headquarters at Cumberland, q pleasant town on
the banks of the Pamunkey river. The advance
guard, under command of Gen. Stoneman, is within
sight Of the enemy's position at White House.
General Hunter has issued proclamation de-
claring all the slaves in Florida. Georgia and South
Carolina free. 1t appears from recent news that
the attempt to enlist negroes as, volunteers has
proved complete failure. The emancipation of
the slaves in the above States is based by General
Hunter on the idea that martial law and slavery in
free country are incompatible.
despatch received in Chicago yesterday from
Pittsburg Landing, states that the dsafection
among the rebel army is demonstrating itself in
very forcible manner. On Monday last two regi-
ments from Tennessee and Kentucky made an at
tempt to come over to the Union army, and posi-
tive mutiny in General Beauregard's army was the
result. The advance from our lines went over in
force to aid the disaifected rebel soldiers
and succeeded in bringing of some sixty of them.
We publish an article to-day from the Charles.
ton Courier of an extraordinary and most signif-
cant character, admitting the hopelessness Of the
rebel cause, and acknowledging that the misfor-
tunes which have befallen the rebelious States
are not more than their iniquities deserve.
C0NGREss.
In the Senate yesterday, the Territorial Commit.
tee reported back the House bill to provide
temporary government for Arizona. The same
committee also reported back the bill amend
ing the act for the government of Colorado by
making the Governors veto qualified instead Of
absolute, and the bill passed. The House bill pro.
hibiting slavery in the Territories was also re-
ported back, with an amendment which changes
the language of the bill to that of the ordinance Of
1857. The report OF the Committee of Conference
on the bill authorizing railroad from Washington
to Georgetown was agreed to. communica-
ton was received from the President, recon-
mendng . vote Of thanks to Flag Officer
Farragut and the officers and men OF the
feet under his command, for gallantry in the bat.
tie with the forts and gunboats on the Mississippi
and in the capture Of New Orleans. A resolution
was offered, which hes over, inquring OF the Sec
Rotary Of the Navy as to the number OF iron.clad
vessels under contract the character of their ar.
mament, and when they will be ready for service
A resolution was also offered inquiring as to the
rights and obligations of the United States and
Great Britain to keep ornaments on the Northern
lakes. The Indian Appropriation bill was dis
cussed, but no action taken on il. The death of
Mr.. Goldsmith F. Bailey, member Of the House
of Representatives from Massachusetts,, was an
nounced, the customary resolutions Of respect and
coincidence adopted, and the Senate adjourned.
In the House of Representatives the bill for the
adjudication of claims of loyal citizens for loss Of
property and damages done thereto by the troops
of the United States during the rebellion was taken
up discussed, aud the subject postponed till Mon
day week. bill establishing a coinage depart.
ment in the New York Assay Office was ordered to
be printed and recommitted to the Committee on
Commerce. The Senate bill authorizing the APP
pontment Of medical storckeepers and hospital
chaplains was passed. The report Of the Confer.
ence Committee on the Homestead bill waa nc.
cepted. The Senate bill setting apart ten pcr
cent Of the taxes paid by colored persons in the
District of Columbia for the education OF colored
children was passed. Also the Senate bill requir.
ing voters in the District whose loyalty h aues.
toned to take the oath Of allegiance. The death
of Mr.. Goldsmith +. Bailey, of Massachusetts,, was
announced. Eulogics we're delivered by Messrs
Thomas, Train, Eliot and Ashley. The customary
resolutions were adopted, and the House adjourned.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The steamship Great Eastern, which was to
have left Milford Haven, England, on the 9Th inst,
il now due 1t this port. Her news will be two
days later than the adviccs of the Niagara.
To-day the third humiliation, prayer and fast
day will be observed by those who acknowledge
themselves the subjects and servants ofJef. Davis.
The sick aud wounded soldiers in the West are
Sast recovering, and already they begin TO return
70 their regiments at Pittsburg Landing. The
Evansville Undana) Journal says crowds Of them
are daily passing through that city for the battle
Geld.
The railroad bridge over the Cumberland river,
81 Nashville, which the rebels nearly DESTROYED
when they evacuated that city, is berq repaired.
u was ono Of Tho finest bridges in the country.
The Richmond Wing says" We have fought
che enemy on bis own ground-lct him now meet
- IN ours" Sotcne drop Of blood has yet been