The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-04
New York, Wednesday. February 4, 1863
THE SITUATION.

THE SITUATION.
Our news to-day is of more than usual import
ance, kilograms from Charleston to the Rich
mond papers give accounts of disaster to the
blockading gunboats in Charleston harbor on
Saturday which is said to hare resulted in the
loss Of two vessels sunk and four set on fire. The
Mercedlta was sunk in five fathoms of water. The
rebel authorities, General Beauregard and Captain
lngrahnm the latter being in command of the
enemy's squadron, have declared the blockade of
Charleston raised in proclamation stating that
they ''do hereby formally declare the blockade by
ahe United States of the said city of Charleston,
s. G., to be raised by superior force OF the Con.
federate States from aud after this 3lst day Of
january, A. D., 1862
The loss to our is clsmed to be heavy,
while the enemy boast that they did not lose
man. The foreign Consuls gave it az their opinion
that the blockade fairly raised by the disper-
sion Of our feet We give map Of the locality
to-day.
Charleston dispatches also repeat the report Of
the capture of the ]. p. Smith h stono river
The Richmond Dispatch says that another attack
was made on Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee, on
Monday, aud that our boats were again driven
away.
There is little Of importance from the Army OF
the Potomac. The roads are improving under
the change Of weather. General Hooker has de-
cidcd to give limited number OF fnrIoughs 10
the men, to enable them 10 visit their homes.
Colonel Percy Wyndham has just returned from
M expedition to Wsrrenton. He surprised the
town on Monday night, and while there sent
strong patrols to the Rappahannock, at Sulphur
either place. lie captured in Wsrrenton eighty
stand OF arms, which he was obliged to destroy,
hsving no facilities for bringing them away.
We learn from Tennessee that General Wheeler =
cavalry attacked feet Of twenty-five federal
transports on the Cumberland river, and destroyed
five on last Friday. The fleet was accompanied
by two gunboats. On coming down from Nash
vile on Saturday General wheeer's cavalry de-
stfoyed locomotive and hive ears al LaNefgne,
and captured the guard OF ffty-two men.
The report from Paducah, KY. s that Fort DO.
nelson was attacked early yesterday morning. and
that Lc fight was still going ON At four O'Clock T.
N. Reinlorccments were arriving. The gunboa'
New Era was attacked on sunday night neal
Island No. 10 by 5000 rebel gueras from .
81 Grin al
daylight. when the rebels retired.
The opening Of the canal near vicksburg il pro
grcs-inv; but the enemy have planted o battery
opposite its lower end, which commands it.
General Grant has arrived there. The rebel Long
street is said TO have gone 10 Tennessee with
thirteen brigsdcs.
CoFGREss.
la the Senate yesterday communication wa.
received from the Secretary OF the Navy Stains
that appointments Of mdshipmen were made j,
accordance with the Attorney Generals construc
ton OF the act OF Congress in regard :, the sub
jcc,. The credentials of Hon. Reverdy johnson
Senator elect from Maryland. were presented. Mr.
Harris presented memorial from the inspectors
in the Custom House Of New York relative q
compensation; also mcmop~l from the import
ers Of satpetre and sulphur aud the pianusc turer
Of gunpowder, asking for modification ot VI,
tsrn ON these articles; also the petition Of sDou
one thousand discharged volunteers, asking III
the one hundred dollars bounty promised them
A bill tn carry into effect the treaty will
Great Britain OF August 2. 1915. wa reported
The Post Office Appropriation bill was passed. Tl
hill To- establish D national currency secured "
United states stocks postponed for one wcch
bin providing for an Assistant Register ~ ~
Treasury and Solicitor 81 tho War Dcpsrtmer
was passed. bill stopping the pay OF nuon
poyed army officers was introduced and reierrc
60 the Military COMMITTEE. W.. McDouut move
To- take up his resolutions relative 10 the Prone
invasion " Mexico. Mr. summer chairman 81 IA
Committee on Foreign Afars opposed the Pr,
position; but the motion vas agreed ~ hy VOt
o. iwenly.uine against sixteen. Mr. McDouga
thea addressed ihe senate " considerable leugt
on the subject. Mr. Sumner also spoke. and cor
cludcd lis remarks by moving H. ls, thc " 81,
lions On the table. without COMING t. ,at, n
senate went into executive session, aid ,shs,
aucutly adjourned.
IN the House of 'Hcprcsentative-. "a. Vowmitie
on Elections reported favorably N the rredeulis
os Messrs Flanders and Helm, members IRON u