The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1863-03-05
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
THURSDAY Y. MARCH 5.
The Foreign News.

The Foreign News.
The ship Archer, on Friday last, brought us
news from the seat of war to the 18th Of Febru-
AIRY. Nothing had transpired during the interim
since our last previous dates having much bear
ing on the question of the settlement of the
war. The naval engagement off Charleston is
perhaps the most interesting item. 1t appears
that two small iron-clad vessels, which the
Charlestonians had for 4 year or more been con-
structing, made an attack, Jan. 81, on some Of
the blOckading squadron lying within the bar.
The immediate cause of the attack was the cap
ture Of one Of the British blockade-runners,
called the Princess Royal, Il fine steamer loaded
with all the materials for a complete iron-clad
vessel, including her engines, armament, &c,
together with other cargo. In the capturing
Of her, she grounded, and TO endeavor 10 save
her. the iron-clads put to sea and made an effort
10 disable the feet. The result Of the contest
was that two of the squadron were somewhat
disabled, but not SO az to prevent their being
taken to Hilton Head and repaired. The reports
first circulated regarding the fight, and the com
plete driving of Of the blockading squadron,
received from rebel sources, turn out to be
purely braggadocio, as the outer fleet was in no
wise molested, and the engagement took place
inside the bar, with i few of the smaller vessels.
Still this engagement is Il fair challenge to
the Navy to come on and attack Charleston, and
we mistake very much the tenor of the advices,
if the place is not attacked before the close of
March. Five iron-clads, including the large
vessel called the IrOnSides, were already there
or near by, and five more were expected 10 be
there by Feb. ia fleet capable at least Of
making an effort to regain possession of the
National forts and property at that port. \
large fleet under Gen. Foster, who has been
lately in North Carolina, had arrived near
Charleston, and everything looked like a speedy
assault on the place. The southern journals dis
tinctly state that they expect to see the place
destroyed, and certainly every American will
rejoice at the capture Of this hot-bed of treason,
especially as it is and has been the principal
port Of entry for foreign supplies. One of the
Richmond papers of Feb. 6, has advices from
Charleston, = To the effect that Il most formid-
able naval and land expedition was about to
attack Charleston, the preparations being nearly
completed. The Yankee naval and land forces
were gathering at Port Royal. 1t is supposed
that the troops are drawn mostly from the North
Carolina coast"
There has been no very important fighting at
the West. The rebels attacked Fort Donelson,
and were defeated with heavy losses Around
immense hosts were concentrating,
both Of government and rebel troops, and there
is every indication of n desperate struggle for
that post, which Is now considered by both par
ties rs the key of the Mississippi River. Its
loss will divide the rebellion and weaken 1t very
while Its possession will as greatly
g.-,rr-I.r tho National c,rsa From This mar
ter, a. well as from Charleston, the public will
await the next news with much impatience.
The most encouraging feature of the late news
is the announcement Of the probable recall Of
Gen. Mcclellan. The following is the telegram
referred TO:
FzBzrARY s-Durinr the present week the presiien; has de-
army again. Upon thu announcement being made at a Cabinet
meeting. there vas much feeling Secretary Chase threatened
and other reasons. The PresilrHt deferred makInga change
n r-r--nt- Within two weeks. however. there j. scarcely a
I, - ,t., Er command ~ ;he army viii be terir-.f 10
zen. Mcclellan, the appointment Of Gen. Hooker being but
and even OF the Secretary OF War. HI, sOdIerly qualities
re n; doubted, bat his ability TO handle such an immense body
Z men vas seriously questioned by his iTi-nds-
What particular position he may occupy is of
course uncertain, and comparatively unimport-
mt. The fact that the general who has proved
himself 10 be the most qualified for the position
# CoInmandcr-in-Chi the only one who posses
es the full confidence Of the army and the
is to be placed in a position where the
lation in this life struggle can receive the benefit
f his experience, knowledge and ability, is
nough to raise the dropping hopes of the peo-
lie. The very announcement of this appears 10
had an electric effect on that sensitive baro-
1eter Of public sentimrnt-gold which during