The New York herald., 1863-03-30

THE SITUATION.
despatch from Fortress Monroe states that the
rebels, with force Of infantry and cavalry, yes.
terday morning attacked Williamsburg and were
repulsed by the Fifth Pennsylvania cavalry under
Colonel Lewis. The loss is not reported. 1t was
stated by an officer who came into Norfolk yester-
day from the rebel army that the troops are evacu-
ating Richmond as rapidly and as quietly rs they
can /; but not much credit is attached to the re.
port
The rebels made another attack few days ago
on Winfield, N. c., on the Chowan river. They
were met by small body of the North Carolina
Volunteers, under Lieutenant McClane, who de.
Tended themselves bravcly in blookhouse for an
hour and half, and drove the rebels on. General
Foster came up from Plymouth with three compa.
MES, and four companies Of the Eleventh Pennsyl-
vania cavalry were sent from Suffolk by General
Peck. Colonel Brown succeeded in crossing the
Chowan river with part of his force. The remand.
or were attacked near Edenton, and dispersed
after short resistance. Our troops are hunting
the enemy up in the swamps.
With regard to matters in the West, we learn
that two divisions Of rebel infantry crossed the
Cumberland on Friday, at stagg's ferry, near
Wailsburg, Pulaski county. Frankfort and Lex.
ington have been placed under martial law.
We are informed ON the authority of Parson
Brownlow, who has just arrived at Cincinnati
from Tennessee, that the rebels are concentrating
all their infantry, who were formerly in East
from Virginia are coming up, and that their caval-
~ are making diversion into the eastern part Of
Kentucky, with the intention Of drawing out the
forces Of General Rosecrans. General Gilmore
crossed the Kentucky river in force on Saturday,
captured Danville and Is driving the rebels in the
direction of Crab Orchard
despatch was received by Secretary Weles
yesterday from Admiral Farragut dated below
Warrcnton, Miss, March 10, in which he says that
about ten miles above Grand Gulf he saw the
wreck of the Indanola on the right bank Of the
river. She was partially submerged and her
upper works were very much shattered by the ex.
plosion.
The physical and moral condition of General
Rockers army is reported to be splendid, and the
spirits Of the officers considerably raised at the
nne state Of discipline which the army has re-
gently attained. II has been ascertained by the
reports Of deserters that the rebel army is suffer.
Ing terribly from want Of supplies. They are re-
dneed to daily ration Of half pound Of -four and
sSosrter Of pound of meat. Desertions from
the enemy are frequent. A strong cold wind is
blowing on the Rappahannock and the roads are
rapidly drying up.
Tho correspondence between the rebel agent
ia London, Mr.. Mason, and Earl Russell. which we
rsfsrsd TO 30 copiousy yesterday, 10 given In full
In our columns to-day, and ID worthy Of careful
perusal. II touches upon the two important ques-
aons Of the blockade and foreign Intervention, in
both Of which the representative Of the Southern
coafederacy appears to have been consider
ably snubbed BY the British Minister for Foreign
AfFAirs. In addition We give . very curious
letter from LORD Lyons, at Washington, to
Earl Russell, detailing his interview with the
leading members Of the New York "conser.
vativs" party. nom whom he says he
obtained much more information than from
any persons in Washington. He represents
the views OF these 'leaders" very fully, and
makes a full revelation Of their desires and ex.
pectations with regard TO the conduct Of the war,
prominent among which ho says he per-
seived "jesirs to put an end to the war,
,cvsn at the risk OF losing the Southern States
altogether; but II plain that II was not thought
D, udent 10 avow this desire. Indeed, some hints
ofiv dropped before the elections were 30 III re.
cciy, td that strong declaration in tho contrary
sense was deemed necessary for the democratic
lcaders," This document is not only curious but
= very nportant one in many respects, and we
would re Ter our readers to ii for some very inte
resting in Srmation upon the state Of affairs here
and The po scy OF Great Britain as suggested by
the represe u,ntivc Of the British government In
washiLs sorA