The New York herald., 1863-02-18

THE SITUATION.
Our news from the Army of the Potomac, though
not very important proves that active operations
are going on. An expedition started for Belle
Plaio on Thursday last, to break up smuggling on
the peninsula between the Rappahannock and Po-
tsmac rivers, and to prevent the enforcement Of
the rebel conscript law. 1t returned yesterday,
having accomplished its aims. The expedition
consisted of two squadrons of the Eighth New York
cavalry, commanded by Captain Moore; the Second
Wisconsin infantry, Colonel Fairchild, supporting.
portion Of the expedition proceeded as far as
Westmoreand Court House, Warsaw, Union, the
Hague and Heathsville. and marched about one
hundred and fifty miles in five days, bringing back
to camp twelve prisoners and quantity Of contra
band goods smuggled across the Potomac also
four rebel mails and large quantity of bacon
large quantity Of whiskey intended for rebel
consumption was destroyed by our troops. A
heavy snow storm was prevailing yesterday.
Our news from the Southwest is interesting BY
sdespatch from Cairo, dated Wednesday last, we
the enemy Eve miles back of Lake Providence,
when warm engagement ensued. Our troops
lost few men. Many rebels were killed, and
thirty-two taken prisoners. Ninety horses we're
captured.
1t is stated in q despatch from Memphis that the
rcbels at Port Hudson are communicating with tho
Gulf By way Of the Atchalafaya river. The same
despatch says that "a million" bales Of cotton are
below Helena, Arkansas, waiting the permission
Of General Grant for shipment; but this is mani.
festly an error Of thc telegraph
General Hindman's rebel army Is reported as
thoroughly dcmoralized. Three hundred OF his
troops were frozen to death during their rctrea.
from Van Buren,. Hindman was once ordered to
Vicksbure. but his men refused to 60. Upwards
OF two hundred dcscrtcrs were concealed in the
brush twenty miles from Batesvillc, which town.
with large majority Of the people, is in favor of
permanent occupation of the country by the
Union army
sirnsh took place on the 18th instant, near
Bolivar, TcHr., between detachment of the First
cavalry and body Of rebels, the result of which
was four dead rebels, number wounded, five
prisoners and number of horses captured. None
or our men were killed.
The Cumberland river is twenty feet deep on
the Shoals and is still rising. 1t rained all night
on Tuesday and all day yesterday. so that the
river is likely to reach high level.
The steamer Creole. Couch, master, from New
Orleans on the 9Th instant arrived at this port
yesterday forenoon. Ter news, though not i'm.
portant, is of considerable interest. The planters
OF Louisiana greatly exercised concerning the
continual escapes Of their slaves, and have held
an important meeting at New Orleans in reference
TO the labor question: the details Of which will be
found in our correspondence. Tie reports con.
corning the escape Of the Harriet Lare are de.
nicd by an officer who saw her. and who says she
Was SO much injured ~ to be unfit for service.
The British berken,ino Rosalind, Of Liverpool,
Gardiner, master, arrived at 81. Thomas on the
9th uitno. from Wilmington. North Carolina,
with the following cargo:.-2i bhls rosin. 9eS bbs.
spirits Of nrpen,re, la bales cotton and 25 boxes
tobacco. The gosalind cleared on The 10th and ran
the blockade oa tie 18th ult.
CONGRESS.
10 The Senate yes,eraay.a Joint resolution was
introduced authorizing the collection of foreign
postage IN coin. The bill reorganizihg the Epgi.
necr Corps vas reported back hy the Military
Committee. Tic bill 10 prevent mcnbcrs of Con.
grsss and agents aud officers of he government.
from taking any consideration for procuring place
Office or contracts WIS passed. The Finance
Committee reported back the Fortecstion Appro.
psiation bill wi:hcat amendment. kesoln.iors
recently adopted al pabiic meeting at ,Ao Cocrer
institute IL New York city, relative 20 tho colori.
ga;icn o. flotia presented. Tie bill author.
i2;ag lc.:,rs Of marqac and roprisa was ,akcn
w. Ard a:es some debate Substitute was offered
by Mr. jriAcs ana adopted. authorizing G,ltcs
dent. ~ ali domestic sud iCrcSa wars tn Issue
letters o: marcus aud make all aecdirl reyu
lations rclgtag thereto. An amealmeu, wa,
adopted lGaibng the authority conferred by IA,
ACT TO tire" years. The hill was then passed By /,
vote OF tNeniy-eTca against riue. A resolution
was adopted requesting Tho Secretary OF Tho Trea
Rury ~ in'ogm The Senate whai steps have been
taken by him 10 Investigate ,hs alleged .rau1aen,
srnrsaot'ors In ;he New yorN Custom, Uouaa Tbo
kaynl Appropriation bill was reported bacl, by
the Finance Committee. bill 10 facilitate ,ror,
FOR allowance OF pensions was passed. A ~,
70 guarantee 10 certain States republican for,,
of government was iniroGu5cd. bill 10 ..,v,
g-fatcs emSispey 20 the judiciary system wa,