The New York herald., 1863-12-25

THE SITUATION.
The calm and quiet so congenial to the present
solemn Christian festival of the season would seem
to have fallen upon armies and all the agencies
character are accustomed to reach US. The Army
of the Potomac makes no sign. From Charleston
we have nothing to report. The late grand
exploit Of General Averill in westep vir-
gnis i, still fresh in our memories but
no further demonstrations of hostile character
have been made in that quarter. The same may
Knoxville. General Grant is rosting upon the
ironors he has won, and General Burnside is enjoy
ing his Christmas festivities in his favorite home
Rhode Island. In the midst of war we may
chronicle on. this great festival which commem-
CRATES the advent of peace to all men at least
momentary pause in the strife which is con.
vulsing our country.
The funeral ceremonies Of General Corcoran
took place at Fairfax yesterday. The remains
are expected to arrive In this city to-day, under
charge OF committee of the Common Council.
The public obscquies will take place from the City
Hall on Sunday afternoon.
The New Orleans steamship Geo. Cromwell was
seized by Marshal Murray yesterday, and a large
quantity Of powder and percussion caps were found
on board. Several passengers, who presented o
suspicious appearance, were arrested. The ship
ment Of the materials Of .war-which were sup
POSED To be intended for the rebels-was traced
to certain prominent house in Cortandt street.
The main facts of the case have been concealed
II Is therefore enveloped in some mystery for the
preseat Such facts, however, as have come to
light will be found in our columns to-day.
We give to-day detailed account of the capture
Of the Chesapeake by the gunboat Ella and Annie.
When she came in sight Of the Chesapeake the
latter ran Up the American ensign, Union down.
They ran alongside her and found three men on
board. two of whom had been prisoners. One was
the 6rs, engineer, and the other fireman. The
chief engineer said that nc had received very harsh
treatment. He was not allowed to leave the engine
room. sHd q man stood beside him constantly with
revolver pointed at his head. II appears that
when the Ella and Annie first saw the Chesapeake
schooner was seen alongside supplying her with
coal. which hauled of as soon as she saw the
new conner. One of the crew was recognized as
we'll known New York thief, who has passed
several terms in Sing Sing.
II will be seen by the order of General Dix that
pursuau. to instructions from the War Department
no United States bounty, other than the one
1861. promulgated in General Order 40, Of that
year, will be paid to any soldier enlisting or re.
enlisting. veteran volunteer or otherwise, after
the 9Th OF January, 1884. This order, however.
does not affect the bounties paid by States, cities
or parties other than the United States.
MISCELLANEOUS NEws
The National Conservative Union Committee
the old Betl.Everctt faction-n session at Phla.
deiphia, yesterday nominated General Mcclellan
for President and Ex-Governor William d. Camp.
bell, OF Tennessee, for Vice President.
The Board OF Councilmcn organized at four
O'Clock yesterday, and without transacting any
business Immediately adjourned until Monday
next nj one O'Clock.
The will Of Caroline W. Crane has been admit
ted TO probate without contest. The testatri,
gave 81 900 to the American Tract Society an,
s6sle to the Bible Society, and the rest Of her es
tate to her relatives.
The near approach OF the holidays restricted moneta
~ operations yesterday Tho stock market was slightly
depressed the opening but partially recovered bcfor
lbs coss 10 gold therc was hardly sufficient doing
giye influence 10 quotations Government stocks part
cipaisd tho general duiness but nrm the nv'
tweuses At loi,s, and the and three eu,hs mote
ai leox.
10 the absence Of any marked change gold there
ous Iitle change In tho quotations OF merchandise
Thursday The business very light, being rcstrice
by tho nsarness Of tho holiday season, when business
ususlly worry light. Al the Produce Exchange busne
was moderate, S about Wednesdays prices for near
everything. Imported merchandise was quiet. Groc
rics wcre qulss. costcp N syie Horl active; b
quotations wore homnaiy shs sA63 Petroleum Va dr
and almost nominal At 32c. 32Kc for crude, and ~
for rsdssd. Frsissts were vsry quel, and rAses We
.ssa!asH snaeA'sk