True Democrat., 1863-03-25
Tha Situation.


 wehave northern papers of late dates, but 'here ;s no,b;no of much importance in them. me Memnhs Bulletin of the 18th has extrac's rom the London papers, which assert 'ha' N"po'eoh considers the blockade of Chariestoh as haNing bcen raised and will demand access to that port. Tho oections in Rhode Island and perhaps, in Con- pecticut. have gone against the democrats. The peace movement appears to have been checked and the abolitionists are promising great victories in short time Gen. Hunter has issued all address to his troops, telling them that, at last, the hour for acton has arrived The long deferred battle at Charleston has taken, or will soon take place. Affairs in Virginia remain unchanged, except some skirnshing and successful, attacks and captures by the Confederates. We have had a report of | bat tie at Port Hudson in which two gunboatS ot the enemy were sunk, and that the. Essex passed our batteries. We also had report that the Essex had been captured. There is nothing in the Mem phis papers to corroborate this except the ruinor of battle At Vicksburg, the Yankees claim to have their canal ready for the passage Of boats. The levees had been cut above then and they had to move their camps up to Millikeu's Bend. The cutoff at Lake Providence has been abandoned, CT work suspended on it for time, the reason that the Confederates had cut the leveer and drowned them out. The truth as regarl5 the lndianoia seems to be that sho sunk in seven feet water and was partially raised, her guns mounted ana two other guns put her, with the intent to make battery of bcr. Workmen were sent to see II she could not be repaired. While this was being done the Yankees sent down a coalbeat- with an lnlita- t;o ,chi takn f. he Monitor. This was seen and the Queen of the West return cd, with speed, to the lndianola. Some officer or officers, then set about de=troying her, succeeded in bursting one of the large guns and damaging the vessel before the real chararter of the descend ing boat was ascertained. By some, it is asserted that the damage done to the lndianola IS irreparu file, by others, that she yet be raised.
 h our State, the situation is very encouraging. Our army is in good trim and increasing Gen. F. Kirby Smith arrived here last week, and it was reported is to take command of this department with Gen Holmes second in command. Gen. Price was at Camden on Sunday, on his way to this city The many Missourians in this State will now have an opportunity of nshting under the chief ot their choice and it is supposed they will al flock to his standard Gen. Smith has splendid reputation and his abilities are conceded. We are satisfied that our cause is in good hands, and will be sup ported and advanced in this department in every possible way. A great deal of anxiety ia expressed to see Gen. Price, and upon his arrival here to-day e. tomorrow, he will meet with warm reception.
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 FAsr D.Y.-Friday, Gay after tomorrow, being the day set apart by proclamation oi President Davis for fasting and prayer, there will be divine services in all the churches at the usual hour. A special invitation is extended to the soldiers.