The New York herald., 1862-12-31
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
Intelligence from Alexandria states that Stuart's
rebel cavalry force. with artillery, were encamped
twelve miles from that city, not far from Burke's
Station, on the line of the Orange and Alexandria
Railroad on Monday. No movements had taken
place in the army.
By the arrival of the Star Of the South from
Milton Head yesterday, we learn that another YES.
sci of General Banks expedition, the Merrimac,
with fifteen hundred men ON board, put into Port
Royal disabled on the 22d inst. After being re.
fitted she left in a few days for her destination.
General Curtis forwards an official despatch
from st. Louis ammo ancing the victory of our
troops, under Generals Heron and Blunt; at Van
Buren, Arkansas, the main facts OF which we
gave yesterday. Our correspondence from that
region to-day will be found full of interest.
The only news from Kentucky Ia that on the
morning of the 29th Colonel Harlan attacked the
rebel Morgan at Rolling Fork, and after fight of
an hour and half the rebels retreated with severe
loss.
Another fight was reported at New Haven yes
terday morning in which the rebels wereaalso re.
pulsed.
General Rosecans advanced towards Murfrees-
boro, day before yesterday, and captured some
cannon on his way. The indications yesterday
we're that an engagement was going on in that
vicinity.
No new enterprise is reported Of the rebel
pirate Alabama since her capture Of the steamship
Ariel, but she is evidently on the track Of the
California steamers, for she was seen on the 18th
instant, by the schooner julie on the regular
route Of these vessels. The Ocean Queen and
Champion on the 22d. The Alabama was no
doubt lying In wait for them, and may have cap
tured some OF them ere this, as their commanders
were ignorant of the fate which befel the Ariel,
and most probably proceeded unsuspectingy into
the tolls Of the pirate.
In another column we publish . collection Of
iate Southern news from the Richmond Dispatch
Of the 24th instant The leading article is face.
tous one on the recent Union reverse, in which
the skill Of General Lee Is extolled Another edi-
torial article In the same sheet is upon national
retribution. The writer, evidently foregoing oil
hope Of English intervention in the present war,
predicts that one day England will add another
need not expect the universal law Of retribution,
which has visited every nation that disregarded
the rights and destroyed the peace Of Others" to
except herself.
One hundred and eighty Union prisoners. cap
tured at Dumfrics, Virginia by the rebel troops
under General Wade Hampton, arrived at Rich
mond on the Esd instant They were incarcerated
IN the Libby prison.
A special despatch to the Chattanooga Rebel
dated Tuscumbis, December %, says i" tia. a.
che recent fight near Lexington Tennessee, the
rebels captured four hundred prisoners, four hun.
dred carbines, two hundred horses, several hun
slred saddles, and considerable amount Of com
missary stores"
In Richmond gold was selling at 81 90 to 81 Q,
premium; silver at 81 60 to 81.
MrsCELLANE0Us NEws.
A few days prior to the sailing Of the brig Tai
iulah from Rio de Jsueiro, the English and Ameri
can Ministers had private dispute at card par
". Il Ia said that some hard words passed be
tween them, and the English Minister hn.ed tina
hs would challenge his American associate. Th'
American Minister Immediately turned the table
By sending challenge himself. The Engshmar
ss soon as he received he challenge. won't Of
board cf the British sto,cshig =, pgos,ctirn, an,