The New York herald., 1862-12-12

snce Of an immense force in front. under Generals
Bragg. Ghestham, Forrest and Morgan-Johnson
commanding the whole. General Mitchell 10 In
command at Nashville, and il is being rapidly re-
inforced by order of General Rosecrans.
General Hovey came into collision with the
enemy at three different points during the progress
of his expedition and in each instance drove them
back. He has destroyed portion OF the hissis-
sippi Central Railroad, and burned several Of the
bridges.
Another chapter in the history Of the rebel
pirate ship Alabama has to be recorded to-day.
According to the news brought by the schooner
Alice, which arrived at this port yesterday from
Point Petre, Gaudaloupe, the Alabama ran into port
at Martinique after robbing and destroying by fire
the ships Levi Starbuck of New Bedford. and the
T. B. Wales, of Boston. The United States steamer
San Jacinto, Commander Ronckendorff, being off
the port went in pursuit, but, as far as known,
without coming up to her. The statements which
We publish to-day from the parties concerned will
be read with great interest, as they furnish all
the details of this last bold exploit of the pirate
semmes.
The elections for members Of Congress for the
First and Second districts in Louisiana held the
Sd inst. have resulted in the choice Of two uncOn
dtional Union men, Messrs. B. f. Flanders and
Michael Hahn. Mr.. Jacob Barker whom the New
Orleans Delto calls ''the negro worshipping and
rebel candidate was defeated, at which the Delta
rejoices.
CONGRESS-.
In the Senate yesterday resolution was adopted
nstructing the Committee on Finance to inquire
into the expedency of allowing surat cotton to be
imported into the United States upon the payment
of the same duties as for cotton imported from
beyond the Cape Of Good Hope. Notice was
given Of bill to facilitate the medical examina-
ton of invalid soldiers. The bill relating to the
confirmation by the Senate of volunteer appoint
ments in the navy was indefinitely postponed.
The President sent in Message recommending
vote of thanks to Lieutenant George W. Morris
and Lieutenant John l.. Worden, the commanders
iron battery Monitor, for gallant conduct in the
action with the rebel steamer Merrimac. The
subject was referred to the Naval Committee. A
communication was also received from the Pres
dent in answer to the resolution of the Senate
calling for information and evidence relative to
the Indian barbarities in the State of Minnesota.
Ordered TO be printed. The resolution relative to
tie arbitrary arrests of certain citizens Of Della
ware was then taken up, and discussed till the
adjournment.
In the House of Representatives, blu to adjust
the appropriations for the civil service of the Navy
Department was passed. The bill makes no new
appropriations. A resolution providing armed
vessels to convoy ships laden with provisions for
the starving of England was introduced, but OBJ
lection was made to its consideration The bill
appropriating $1,000 indemnity for damages re-
ceyed by the French ship Jules ct Marie by col
lison with the United States steamer San Jacinto
was passed. A message from the President, re-
commenting that John l.. Worden receive the
thanks of Congress by resolution for his gallant
conduct on the Monitor in combat with the Merri-
mac, such thanks being necessary under the law
to advance him grade in the navallist Of officers
Of the navy. was referred to the Naval Committee.
Mr.. Roscoe Conkling asked leave to report
bill TO establish uniform system of bankruptcy
with an amendment, in the nature of substitute
and desired that day should be assigned for its
consideration. The Speaker said that the select
committee on that subject had expired witt the
former session of Congress. and would have to be
revived. resolution calling for a statement of
the number Of men in the army, both regulars and
volunteers, what regiments have received pay
since the lst inst, what regiments remain unpaid
whether the money appropriated for the pay,
clothing and subsistence of the troops has been
spent for any other purpose, was adopted. Reso
lutions were offered declaring the Presidents
emancipation not warranted by the constitution
that tie policy of emancipation, as prcdicated in
restoration of peace, is not well chosen a
war measure. and is an assumption of power
dangerous to the rights OF citizens and the per-
petuity OF a free government. Gu motion OF Mr.
Lovcioy the resolutions were laid on the table by
a vote Of nnetyfour against forty-fve. The
discussed the Presidents plan Of negro emancipa-
ion.
Both houses adjourned till Monday.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.
The mails OF the Arabia reached this city from
Boston yesterday evening. Oar European files
are dated in London and Paris TO the 29th Of No
veinbcr. The full telegraphic despatch from Hall
fax, published in the HERALD last Wednesday
ynornir has anticina the news in all its mi in