, 1863-02-28


Government of the Southern States recog-
nizing African slavery as an institution or
dained by God, as beneficial to mankind
and as a necessity in our social and poiti-
cal relation as States, and in our inter
course with all nations or States. Hence
the admission of free States into our Union;
repugnant to us, will be but a
continuance of that evil which has brought
on the war, and which to get rid of we are
now fighting. If the Northwestern States
shall shake off the rest and set up new
Government for themselves, and desire to
be at peace with the South, no barrier will
be placed in their way by our Government
in peace as friends, in war as foes.
Washington, Jan. 3lst.-Among the ap-
in the Navy Appropriation
bill, is $l32,OOO for Mare Island Navy
Yard, California.
The Administration is engaged, through
eminent counsel, in preparations to bring
before the Supreme Court the question Of
the power of the President, in time of re-
bellion, to suspend the writ of habeaS COR
pus They are determined to settle the
question without delay.
The prospect is that the Senate, which
has recommended the Missouri Emancipa-
ton Bill, will grant $1O,OOO.OOO, the
amount fixed by the House, and will re-
quire the adjustment of slavery at once.
Baltimore Feb. Richmond dis
patches announce the capture Of British
steamer, Princess Royal, while attempting
to run the blockade off Charleston. The
vessel had a valuable cargo, including canon,
steam engines for gunboats, rife powder,
&c. A party of Englishinen skilled in the
manufacture of projectiles, were also cap
tured. The pilot and part'of the crew es-
capped.
Cairo, Feb Prom Vicksburg we learn
that water in the cutoff is from to 4 feet
deep. River men think it will be of no
practical value, but military engineers diff
fer and are going on with it. Ilrsl
A Richmond dispatch says 5000 Yam
KEGS are at work on the canal, intending TO-
float vessels through and land troops below
The Yankee force is about $4,000.
New York, Feb. 2-The destruction of
the pirate Florida was confirmed by the ar
rival of the Creole from New Orleans. 1t
was reported at Havana that heavy firing
had been heard off Matanzas and Carde-
mas, as if coming from vessels in serious
conflict at sea. 1t was stated that Florida
or some rebel vessel had been captured by
the Federal gunboats, but with what re
suit had not been known.
Horace Greeley denies that he has solic-
tied the Interference of France in our af-
fairs.
New York, Feb 1.-The Newark adj
yertiser learns from picate letter from al
gentleman on one Of the gunboats at Beau
fort, n c., that on the 26th ult. the whole
of our feet, with the exception of one gun I
boat, left there for Port Royal There
were collected at Beaufort 60 large steam
having on board about 10000
soldiers, and there were also in the halbor
$50 schooners, loaded with artillery, etc. !
which, together with the transports, would
leave for Port Royal to join the naval feet
as soon as they could get ready. They all
compose one Of the most powerful expedi-
lions Of the war.
Fortress Monroe, Feb. 1.-The Rich 1
mond Dispatch says; We learn from
Vicksburg that appearances indicate an ear
ly enewal of the fight there Five thou
sand Yankees are working on the canal Cpl
posite the city. They intend to float trans
ports through when the river rises. and land
their troops below The Yankee feet num-
Der l07 boats, including IA gunboats, and
there may be more arrivals of gunboats be-
fore the renewal of the fight. The Yankee
army probably numbers $4,000 men.
On the 9th of January, bombardment
took place of Fort McAllister at the
mouth of the Ogeechee. This river is six !
teen miles south of the Savannah river, in
Georgia. Only one Federal iron clad was
engaged She was forced to haul off, her
turret being injured by solid shot, which
broke in pieces as it struck her sides.
Richmond papers of Saturday contain the fol-
lowing: 1t is impossible that the Florida could
have been the vessel that sunk the gunbOat Hat
teras as she did not leave Mobile until the night
of the 18Th. and the HGtteras was sunk on the
18th. We have reliable information that the
vessel that did sink her was the British man of
war Spitfre, as the captain indicated in his reply
to the Yankee commander. 1t may be that Com
rance by his extraordinary blockade at Nassau
and other ports, and that orders have been issued
which resulted in this naval engagement.
Nashville, Feb. 1.-The Knoxville (Tenn.)
Register says that it has positive information that
Gen. Joe Johnston will in person command the
army in Middle Tennessee.
Col. Robert Johnston, (Federal) took posses
sion of Franklin, Tenn, last night, and Forrest
and staff narrowly escaped.
A Washington special dispatch to the N. Y.
Times says rumors are afoat to-day of an alarm
among the rebel leaders, and a rapidly growing
disposition to treat for peace. Whether or not
these reports have any foundation, they are gain
ing considerable currency among those who claim
to be posted.
The N. Y Heralds special dispatch says there
is good reason for stating that Genera! Butler
has not accepted, and probably will not accept,
the command of the Union forces in Louisiana
and Texas, rendered him by the President
Dates to February I'd.
Charleston, S. c., Eeb. 2d.-Scouts report that
Pinkney aud Balls Island have been evacuated by
the enemy.
Forty-seven sail of vessels are reported at Hill
ton Head
Heavy firing in the direction of Stono this
which lasted several hours. 1t was
thought that it proceeded from the enemy prac-
ticing target shooting at Calico Island.
Dates to Feb. Sd.
Washington, Feb. 9d.-The Navy Depart
ment has dispatches which say that the iron-clad
Montauk lay under the rebel fire at Fort McAlis-
ter for four hours to try the vessel The fire had
no more effect upon her than so many hail
stones.
The negro Soldier bill passed the House yes
;erday by a vote of S. to 55. A., the Republi-
cans voted for it except three. Its provisions are
Jas follows That the Preident be and is hereby
authorized to enroll, arm, equip, and receive into
the land or naval service of the United States
such number of volunteers of African descent
as he may deem equal to suppress the present re-
bellion. for such term Of service as be may pre-