Daily national Republican., 1863-03-20
Gen. Hooker TO Receive a Crushing Blow
GOLD ExrREMELY DEAR IN RICHMOND

HEADo'Rs ARMY OF THE PoToMAc, March
l9.-The Richmond Examiner of tho 18th inst.
contains the following;
"PoRT HUDsoN, March 15.-A bombardment
commenced here at 2 p. m. yesterday, and con-
tnued up TO 8 p. m. The enemy fired slowly,
but our batteries did not reply. At IL o. clock
last night a desperate engagement took place.
"The enemy endeavored to pass our batteries
under cover OF darkness. The firing was most
terrific, and lasted fully two hours. One gun
boat succeeded In passing in a damaged cond-
ton. The United States frigate Mississippi
was set on fire, and burned to the waters edge,
in front Of our batteries. One large vessel was
completely riddled; third badly crippled, and
the rest driven back. Attwo O'Clock the enemy
withdrew.
"Our victory is complete and glorious. So
far as known there arc no casualties on our
part. The boat that passed our batteries is
doubtless so disabled as 70 render her achieve
ment frultless. Thirty-six men and one mid
shiPman Of the Mississippi were brought In by
our cavalry this morning. Several Of the pris-
oners are severely wounded.
"March 10. (No place given. 1.-The British
steamer Gertrude, from Greenwich, Scotland,
via Nassau, freighted with valuable mGrchan-
die, arrived at a Confederate port this a. IN.
This Is her first trip to the Confederate coast.
"The British steamer Britannia, forty days
from Glasgow, and Ave from Nassau, also ar
rived at Confederate port yesterday with
valuable cargo.
"Among the bills pending in the rebel
Senate is one for the confscation sf the lease
of interest and stock owned by the American
Telegraph Company and other alien enemies in
the lines Of telegraph in the Confederate
States"
The leader of the Examiner says: "In num-
bers and supplies we have not the least preten-
sion TO the North. This is not a cause of re-
gret. The Southern army consists Of disclp-
lined and veteran troops.
"The real numbers Of the Confederate force
is unknown; but 100000 Of such soldiers as
those now near fredericksburg are abundantly
sufficient to defend any country against the
armies Of the world. The destiny of the Con-
fcderacy is completely staked on the struggle
Of the next three months. To attain a COM
plete success 1t is only necessary to get to-
gether and keep together the officers and men
who have been trained and Injured 10 sevice,"
The Enquirer strongly opposes the proposed
State monopoly In salt.
Tho telegram from Port Hudson was read in
the rebel Senate, and caused lively sensation.
The Wing Of the 18th mourns over the re-
verses in the Southwest, but suggests that a
day may come when Gen. Hooker will receive
a crushing blow, and every Union soldier will
be needed TO defend Washington.
RICHMOND, March 17.-Gold, 81 % S425;
silver, a a $4.l0; Southern State bank notes,
90 per cent premium.
Fifteen hundred dollars Is offered for a two.
years. substitute in the cavalry.
Our late raid near CulpepPer was construed
In Richmond into an advance movement upon
Gordonsvile. 1t was admitted there that Stu,
art was compelled to fall back.
A dispatch from Charleston, dated tho 10th
says "all Is quiet tonight"
The rebels freely admit severe loss in the
cavalry Gght Of the 18th. Many valuable oil
GERS were killed, among them Major Pelham
chief Of Stuart's staff. The prisoners say they
did not know our cavalry would fight so des
perately, and are very frank in admitting tn,
gallantry and splendid charges made by ou
} men. Tho rebel loss was about one hundred
killed