The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-17
New York, Tuesday, February IL, 1909
THE SITUATION.

The official account Of the recent attack on our
fleet in Charleston harbor, from Admiral Dupont,
which we publish to-day, establishes the fact
pretty clearly that the blockade of that port was
never broken The statements Of the officers of
The bockading vessels, which Admiral Dupont
encloses, deny absolutely nearly all the facts pro.
fnulgated by General Beauregard and Commodore
1ngraham, and endorsed by the foreign consuls--
Fhe latter official, receiving severe rcbuke for
fher agency in the propagation of the original
report From the official despatch, ~ well a.
from our own correspondence we learn that not
half the feet slipped their cables during the
potion on the morning of the 3lst ult., nor moved
prom their anchorage during the day. Even the
6tono river, where the Isaac Smith was lost il
fgain reoccupied. and Union sailors and soldiers
pre- constantly on shore at James Island.
Some difficulty occurred at Port Royal as to the
right of command to the troops of General Eos.
fer's expedition to that place, the latter officer
Presuming that, although within the jurisdiction
bf General Hunters military department, the
Supreme command of his own men still rested in
himself as being portion of the Eighteenth Army
torps. But General Hunter has settled the ques-
tion by assuming command of General Fosters
troops, regarding them as reinforcements to the
Tenth Army corps, Of which he is chief, and re-
Auiring Generals Naglce and Ferry to report to
him
General Hooker, accompanied by Generals But
terfeld and Sckles, reviewed the corps of General
sigel yesterday, and expressed himself greatly
pleased with the appearance and discipline of tho
men. There is nothing of importance regarding
military movements reported from the Army of
the Potomac
The official account of the destruction of The
United States steamer Hattcras by the priva' ecr
Alabama was received at the Navy Department
yesterday from Lieutenant Commanding Blake and
Surgeon Matthews, dated from the United States
consulate at Kingston, Jamaica The loss suffered
by the crew of the Hatteras was two killed and
five wounded. The latter are being well cared for
in hospital at Kingston. We give in another
Voiunn the uetalleu story OF the conflict and the
names Of the killed and wounded.
! Among the interesting items of news from the
South which we publish to-day are the proceed.
ings of the rebel Congress with reference to the
navigation of the Mississippi river, which was de.
ciared free to all friendly States by the Conede.
rate provisional government in 1851 and relating
to the coniscaton of property belonging to alien
enemies (Unionists.) bill authorizing the i'm.
pressment Of slaves and property for the use Of
The rebel army was passed in the House oil Repre-.
sentatiyes. and resolution was adopted providing
for the sale Of oil negroes found in arms against
the rebel government, the proceeds TO be divided
among the captors. 4 vote Of thanks to the que
rlla chief Morgan for his services in the West
was also adopted.
The London Telegraph of the 3lst of January
says the Hon. Mr.. Mason, the Commissioner from
the Confederate States has been one of the dis
fingushed circle of visitors entertained by the
Marquis and Marchioness OF Bath at Longeat
during the past week.