The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-03-06

Bow York, Friday, March 8, 1863.
THE SITUATION.
The news from Tennessee reports the progress
Of the Union arms. The force under the rebel &C.
neral Van Dorm advanced towards Franklin on the
Ath inst, where they were met by the Union troops
and driven back with a loss of thirteen killed. The
fight was resumed next day; but the particulars
have not yet reached US. A body Of rebels, num-
berng fifty cavalry, attempted to surround
picket party Of Union troops near Noansville, but
were themselves surrounded and captured Rein
foroements have been sent to Colonel Gilbert at
Franklin. which are thought to be large enough to
capture all Van Dorn's command.
There appears to be some mystery about the
capture of the gunboat Indianola, and some sus.
picion that her surrender to the rebels was un-
necessary.
The canal between the Mississippi river and
Lake Providence is completed but the water is
not yet let in.
We give to-day most interesting account from
our correspondent Of the daring attempt of the
gunboat Queen Of the West to run the blockade at
Fort Taylor, on the Red river, and her capture by
the rebels. map Of the locality accompanies
the description, showing the position of the fort
and the different points Of interest in the trip Of
the Queen Of the West.
The only news from the Army Of the Potomac
is the issue of an important order regulating the
granting Of furloughs, the admission Of citizens
within the army lines, and commanding that no
leave Of absence be granted to the officers and
mon Of certain regiments specified as being in.
complete in discipline and efficiency.
The story Of the total destruction of the rebel
steamer Nashville, in the Ogeechee river, near
Savannah, il confirmed by the Richmond papers,
which state that she grounded on the bar before
Fort McAllister on the 9th ult., and was disco.
vered by the Union feet one Of which opened Are
on her for two hours and half, and finally got
shell on board, which set her on fire and left her
complete wreck. During the attack the fort kept
mp Ore on the Union gunboat and hit her twice.
The gunboat returned the shots, but, as far as
known. did no damage to Fort Nc Allister.
report from Gen. Dodge, At the headquarters
Of the army in the district Of Cornth, Miss states
that the Confederate troops have been INJECTING
almost unhsard-of outrages upon the Union people
Of Alabama Houses have been burned down and
che occupants driven into the woods, where hun.
dreds Of them, including women and children, are
now seeking shelter. Several persons have been
cause. Gen. Dodge says that he Is now feeding
some hundred families, who have neither food nor
shelter.
The Alabama is reported to have been seen OF
Cape Isabella on the 10th inst, and of Port su
Plat. st. Domingo, the same evening. after
chasing Spanish steamer.
The brig Augusta, Captain strout from Neuvitss,
which arrived at this port last night. reports that
on The I'd inst, In latitude "a, longitude Is, she
ssw . large English steamer steering towards
Charleston. He supposed her to be . blockade
runner.
coNoREss.
The United States Senate sat again yesterday
IN extra session. Mr.. Thomas A. Hendricks, Of
Indiana, and Mr. William Sprsgue, Of Rhode Island,
were sworn In - Senators, and took their seats.
The President pro tenn, Mr.. Foot. was authorized
% appoint the standing committees. A resolution
vas adopted, returning to President Lincoln ell
she military nominations which expired with the
late senate. But little other business was iran
eActed.
TIE LEa1sLAruRI
In the State Senate yesterday the bills lsgslizng
The acts OF our Common Council to raise bountiss
for volunteers and funds for the relief Of their f.
milics were passed. Favorable reports were made
on the bills authorizing the Courts OF General Ses-
&ons and Oyer and Tcrminer 20 grant new trials I:
fer the making Of sidewalks and planting Of shade
tvss along the highways Of the State and 10 per.
lnit the running OF dummy engines on the BROOKLYN
Central Railroad. The bill requiring certificates
OF marriage to be recorded was reported upon I'D.
vesely and rejected. Notices were given Of bills
80 amend the divorce laws, TO extend the time for
the collection Of taxes till June l, 1863. and max.
ing appropriations for enlsrging the Chsmplau
Canal locks. The Senate Literature Committee
held meeting last evening to consider as to the
disposition to be made Of the lands donated to the
State y. Congress for purposes Of agricultural edu.
cation, but did not arrive at decision.
In Tia Assembly explanations were made by
some ofshe members Of the positions they occupy
in refersnce TO Speaker Calicot and the charges
made against him. The Annual Appropriation bin
was taken up. and the debate on il occupied the
larger potion OF thcsdsy's session. The appro
priason fdr the Pilot Commissioners was stricken
out. In Tie evening session the special order was
the resolutions on arbitrary arrests. which were
faksn w asd discussed