The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-12
New York. Thursday, February lie. 1883.
THE SITUATION.

wow hork, thursday, FEBRUARY IL, 1868.
THE SITUATION.
accommodating party from Stafford Court
House, under Col. Percy Wyndham, which started
on the 9th instant and proceeded to warrenton
Junction cut the telegraph wires at that point
leading to the Rappahannock. At Elk Run they
fell in with the enemy's pickets, and captured two
Of them The result of the reconnaissance is that
no rebel forces are on this side of the Rappahan-
mock, and that all the streams are flooded and the
roads in such condition that the enemy cannot
move more than ourselves.
The absurd story concerning the destruction of
the United States sloop-of-war Brooklyn by the
rebel vessels Alabama, Florida and Harriet Lane,
which was in circulation yesterday, has no founda-
tion in fact. 1t is manifestly untrue, the Ala
bama could not have been in the locality laid
down as the scene Of the alleged disaster.
The bark Springbok, which sailed from London
for Nassau with general cargo, part of which
proved to be Of suspicious character, was
brought into this port yesterday having been cap
tured by the Unitcd States steame, Sonona, OF the
Bahamas, on the Sd inst She was put in charge
Of Acting Master Willis and a prize crew, who
brought her safely to NewYork. The cargo was
composed of leather, salt and boots and shoes.
The Souoma came across the rebel vessel Florida,
when Off the Bahamas, on the LIST instant; but the
latter avoided her, and cleared OF, though the
Sonoma chased her for thirty-six hours
The intelligence which we give to-day relative
TO the splendid run of the Union ram Queen Of the
West down the Mississippi will be read with great
interest. The bold dash which this vessel made
past the batteries of the enemy shows what valor
and pluck can accomplish, rs manifested hy Colo
mol Elicit She destroyed three steamers loaded
with provisions for the rebels at Vickshurg. and
took CITY, six prisoners. She ran under the bat
ferries at Port Hudson, and drew their fire without
being damaged. She attacked the rebel gunboat
City Of vicksburg with splendid daring, and was
only compelled to withdraw when she was dis
covered to be on fire from turpcntine balls thrown
by the enemy. The official report OF Colonel Ell,t
tculars of this truly gallant enterprise. Out of
hundred and twenty shots the Queen was only
struck twelve times and was not seriously injured
Aftsr all.
The French Yellow Book, in later extracts from
lts contents, shows that during the period OF Gene
raj Buffers rule in New Orleans the relations Of
Che United States with the Cove, nmcnts OF France
and other countries were at times in danger Of a
Yellow Book which refers to American affairs
dates first from the time when General Butler
assumed the command in that city The
French Minister in Washington, We are told
s'protested against his conduct and "lenounc
I'D to Mr.. Seward the acts Of General Butler
b calculated to compromise In the gravest man
her international relations, and perhaps to pro-
yoke serious conflicts" After the issue of tie
Generals proclamation of the Gath of September
Admiral Reynaud, Of the Imperial Navy, was or
rered from the North to New Orleans 70 act with
}hs authority Of his rank and the rmnes. and tact
tabtua to him."
The Madrid Epoca, and other Spanish newspa.
bsrs approve Of the purport and spirit of Napo.
Icons letter to General Forey respecting his plans
for Mexico. The Epocd says it confirms all its
pditor has said touching tie proprety of COM
mon action" between Spain and France in the re.
public.
In the Senate yesterday resolution to compcn.
bate the sailors Of the gunboat Cairo for loss of
clothing was adopted. Reports adversely to the
construction Of submarine telegraph along the
Bouthern coast to the construction Of a military
knd post road from Washington TO New York. and
10 the amendment Of the Fugitive Slave act, wcrc
presented. Bills 10 allow the United States "a
prosecute appeals and writs of error without Civ
Ing security, and for the removal Of the winnebagc
Indians from Minnesota, were passed. The bill t.
Increase the number OF major and brigader gene
rails was briefly discussed. The debate on til,
Currency bill was then resumed aud continued til
bhe adjournment.
In the House Of Representatives notice was
given Of a bill repeating the law, levvino au,i..
bn railroad iron and coal A Joint resolution A.
propratng SIS 900 TO facilitate a nroner renr.
bontaton Of our industrial interests nj tho rr,or
pational Agricultural Exhibition NJ Uambrro 4,
puly next, was referred to the Committee ~ a.,
Whole The Committee on Foreign AYairs ms =,
treport relative TO our relations with Now o.
hada. II was stated that our government Ia ,.l,n,
the necessary steps TO recognize the gorernmcn,
bf Mosquera, the President de focto OF tina, 70
public. Bills authorizing the preliminary steps /
The admission Of the Territories OF Nevada an