The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-02


THE SITUATION.
The Navy Department received . despatch last
night announcing that the Union gunboat Isaac 2.
went ashore in Stone river on Saturday, and was
captured by the enemy She was commanded by
Lieutenant Connover. The Richmond Examiner
of that date gives different version of the dis
aster. 1t represents that the gunboat, with a crew
Of two hundred and thirty men, surrendered uncon.
ditionally after sharp engagement, and with
heavy loss on our side. This story comes to Rich
mond from Charleston. II is said that another
Union gunboat was engaged, and Escaped in
crippled condition" The Navy Department had
no details of the affair up to this morning, except
those contained in the brief despatch referred to.
We give to-day map of the locality where the
disaster occurred.
An important rumor was prevalent in Havana
when the Columbia left there on the 2sth that the
rebel steamer Florida had been destroyed. The
facts Of tho case appear to be thus:-On Tuesday,
January q, it was reported in Havana that heavy
firing had been heard at Matanzas and Cardenas,
az if coming from vessels of war engaged
in q serious contest at sea. 1t was also
stated that the Florida or some other re-
bel vessel had been chased by several Union
gunboats; but with what result had not been
learned. It was then believed at Matanzas that
the firing and chasing were connected with the
same vessel. This rumor was strengthened by the
arrival of the Creole, from Newly ork, on the fol-
lowing day, which reported that she had been
spoken by the Union gunboat Cayuga, which YES
sci reported that she had observed q steamer on
fire. supposed to be the Florida and that three
other vessels were firing into her with great ra-
pidi,y. The locality OF this engagement
was not definitely stated; but that it was in the
vicinity OF the Cages, off Cardenas and Matanzas,
The excitement in Havana was very great on
the receipt of this news. Our correspondent there
gives us some interesting news from that city. and
details the particulars of the firing of spanish
war steamer into federal vessel.
Latest news from Fortress Monroe brings no
further reports of the late action between Generals
Corooran and Pryor on the Blackwater. The
fighting was not continued.
reconnaissance of the First Mounted New
York Rifles went to Zuni, in the direction of the
Isle OF Wight yesterday, to within half mile OF
the Blackwater bridge, but could not find the
enemy anywhere in that neighborhcod.
The news from the Army of the Potomac is
without interest. General Hooker had returned 10
his command. There were indications yesterday
of another storm which might delay further mill
tary movements.
Another attempt to get possession Of Vicksburg
may be heard of at any moment. General Grant
will take command in person. with the great bulk
OF his fine army OF West Tennessee. The squadron
Of Commodore Porter will also be strengthened by
the addition Of new iron.clad gunboats, some ci
which are already completed.
Our news from Tennessee is important. The
rebel General Forrest with thousand cavalry
was watching the Union fleet on the Cumberland
river. which left Franklin for Nashville Frida,
night He was determined to spare no efforts Il
capture the boats If possible.
Dispatches from Murireesboro recite the story
OF a brilliant little action near Woodbury.. by Gen
Pslmcr's division, on Sunday last, in which he cap
turcd one hundred rebels and killed their com
mauder and thirty.four others. The rebels ar,
sgain intrenching themselves at Grenada. aud r,
pairing the railroad Between Holly Springs and
'csllahatciie.
A successful raid was made by our troops il
Missouri. under Lieutenant Colonel Stewart. i,
which they took the rebel steamer Julia Roam
with two hundred OF the enemy or board, nea
vau Buren,.
The intelligence which We publish to.ds
from New Orleans and Baton Rouge will be rea
with very great interest The letters OF our CORES
ponlepts are ably written, and give the most i'm
portant Information concerning affairs OF Por
Hudson nsa the movements Of The Union and re
b. forces. The condition II the rebels in Tevs,
aud iAci- vast trade with Nc Siro will omen N,
eyes Of the government and the public
EUROPEAN NEWS
THE Australasian, at this port brings news ron
Europe to the 18th Of January three days later
The most important feature OF the intelligence