The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-01-22
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
There is no news from the Army Of the Potomac
to-day.
The railroad communication southwark of Phi
adelphia was interrupted last night in conse.
luence of the storm.
The rebels were apparently busy on Sunday
ight throwing up intrenchments and mounting
cannon. For some days previous they made
chow of great activity in their works above Free
lericksburg.
We learn by dispatches from Louisville that at
he late battle near Murfreesboro our army lost
t,474 killed. 6,sls wounded and 1000 prisoners.
The rebel cavalry it is said have left Harpeth
Shoals for Franklin.
Rear Admiral Lee has forwarded to the Navy
Department report from Lieutenant W. B. Cush.
ng, dated Beaufort, N. c., January g. detailing
the particulars of q reconnaissance made by him
1ear Fort Caswell, on Little river, with only TWEEN
ty-ive men, in which, bya gallant bayonet charge,
they captured fort. which was found to be an
earthwork surrounded by ditch. with block
house inside pierced for musketry. No guns were
mounted. Lieutenant Cushing learned that the
fort had been held by company Of infantry. who
left in such haste that their stores, ammunition,
clothing and portion of their arms were cap
tured. He destroyed all the property he could
not bring away, and returned to Beaufort with the
loss Of only one man.
A report has reached Washington that General
Andersons corps, about twenty thousand strong,
has left Lees army at Fredericksburg, and has
gone to reinforce the rebels in North Carolina,
and to assist in resisting the movements Of Gen.
Foster.
The Western journals have lately been in ter.
rible state of ferment over the contradictory ru.
mors in relation to the movements Of the Army Of
the Potomac. One says that Gen. Burnside has
resigned his command; another, that his army II
third, that it has crossed the Rappahannock, and
is on the march towards Richmond; and fourth
under date Of the 18th, from Washington, that
battle was then progressing between Burnside
and Lees forces.
We give to-day number Of interesting extract
from the Southern journals, under date Of the 18th
18th and 18th, from Fredericksburg and Raleigh
NC.
DR.. Phillimore and Vernon darlington Esq.
Of the British Court Of Admiralty, have delivered
a lengthy and elaborate joint opinion In the cas-
of the British steamship Circassian, lately con
demned as United States prize in the Court o
the Southern district Of Florida, for attempting Il
run the blockade OF the port Of New Orleans. Tn
British jurists say that the blockade Of New Or
leans had de facto ceased to exist at the time o
The seizure Of the Circassian, and she could no
be held accountable for the intention TO COMM
an act which she really had no power to do. Tn,
judges advise Mr.. Pearson. the owner OF the en-
cassian, to appeal the case to the Supreme Cour
of the United States where, they have no doubt h,
will obtain full redress. They add that the British
COVE rmcnt cannot act in the matter "a a govern
ment case until the decision Of the Supreme Copr
u. been given.
coNaREss.
"a Senate yesterday the credentials Of Jane
w " III, elected from New Jersey to all the une /,
pi term Of the late John r. Thomson, were pre-
sca',i. and Mr.. Wall was qualified and took hi
r.a'. Dir. Walls term will expire on the 4th q
Mach next. The credentials Of Charles Sumpe,