The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-03-11

new YORK, "wednesday, March II, 1853.
THE SITUATION.
The President has issued an important procla-
nation to-day on the matter Of soldiers absent
from their regiments without leave. He gives
few days. grace to all such, up to the lst Of April
at which time all those who report themselves to
the nearest headquarters, as designated by pre-.
vious order of the Secretary Of War, win be re-
stored to their respective regiments without
punishment; but those who do not will be arrested
as deserters and dealt with rs the law directs He
warns evil disposed persons not 10 give aid to the
rebellion by encouraging desertion. thus weaken
ing the strength Of the armies and exposing those
troops in the field to additional danger. He calls
upon all good citizens to assist in preventing dis.
affected parties from urging the desertion of SOL
,ders and discouraging enlistments.
The recent reconnaissance Of Colonel Dodge
from Norfolk has proved an eminent success. He
marched one hundred and ten miles, visiting
Southneld, Chuckatuck and Blackwater bridge.
point, drove in their advance upon the main body,
then attacked them on the TANKS and forced them
to retire to the Blackwater. The fight lasted only
forty minutes.
The news from Tennessee is important. A
despatch from Nashville, dated Monday, says that
the robei Van Dorn's forces have retreated south
and are renorted m he acroaa DucL r;rar. tho<
there are no rebels between Franklin and Column
ba, and that all is quiet in Murfreesboro A heavy
rain had been falling oil day and part Of the pre-
vious night, causing rise in the river. On the
other hand despatch yesterday from Cincinnati
states that information has been specially re-
ceivcd from Franklin, Tenn, to the effect that
large force Of artillery, infantry and cavalry
moved against the enemy posted at Spring
Hill on Monday, and that il the rebels make q
stand there will be heavy engagement, as it is
the determination that Columns disaster at Thomp-
sons Station should be retrieved. Another tele-
gram from Murfreesboro says q report reached
there on Monday that Van Dorn's rebel forces had
been defeated. and the greater portion Of them
captured.
II is evident from all these reports that active
operations are in progress in the West General
Rosecrans has given notice to all those persons
whose natural supporters are in the rebel service,
and whose sympathies and connections are such
that they cannot give assurance of their loyalty
Int fhoyy hnld ham iN e.
go south of hi. lines within ten days.
The work on the canal at vicksburg goes on
well. The dredging machines are in full opera
ton, and the laborers are going along brskly,
Notwithstanding that the rebels continue TO throw
shells at them from the batteries at vicksburg.
By the arrival Of the United States steamship
Roanoke from Havana at this port yesterday, We
receive information which would lead to the sus-
picion that the prvateer Florida has been destroy
ed, and such the opinion prevailing At Havana.
The American schooner Ocean Herald, which ar.
rived at Havana on the Sd inst. from Portland,
reported having seen the wreck Of steamer,
painted black, on the Abaco, about twelve miles
from the lighthouse. Only her stern and
smoke stacks were discernible. On the same
day the captain picked up two water
casks, painted yellow, with black hoops.
Nothing had been heard of the Florida since the
soncma chased her, in q gale, one hundred and
thirty-ive miles from Abaco. Although the Florida
was Of white color originally it appears that
,wkn GNr -. - ~
black.
The United States steamer Vanderbilt sailed
from st. Thomas on the Esd ult. on q cruise. The
United States gunboat Alabama ran into Marti.
nique about the same time. There were no rebel
pirates at either Of those ports at that time.
We give some very interesting particulars today
Of the recent destruction, by the Florida, Of the
ship Jacob Bell from China to New York, with
valuable cargo.
Bermuda paper of the 25th nit. notices the
arrival at st. George of the neutral British steamer
Cornubis from Wilmington N. c., with cargo Of
sotton and tobacco. The Cornubia reports having
been hotly chased by four Of the Union blockadinS
feet, but escaped by superior heetness.
We have dates from New Orleans to the LIST Of
March aud from Havana TO the 9Th by the same
steamer. From the former place there is nothing
OF Importance. No Union or rebel movements
in the army or navy are reported. The news
from Havana is more interesting as our cores.
pondence contains several new facts concerning
tho progress OF French arms in Mexico and the
approaching denouenent Of the siege Of puebla
TloSs the New Orleans Era we take some par,icu.