The New York herald., 1863-12-31
THE SITUATION.

There is no news from the Army of the Potomac
or from our forces before Charleston.
The latest news from Western Virginia is dated
yesterday Genera! Kelley had received informa.
ton from General Sullivan that General Early,
with nine thousand rebels, is between New Market
and Mount Jackson. General Rosser also has seven
hundred rebel troops and General Imboden fifteen
hundred men. Great dissatisfaction is said to
exist among the rebels. Deserters declare that if
the Presidents proclamation could be distributed
freely among the rebel troops thousands would at
once enter our lines. They say the proclamation
ia kept from the men, although the officers have
received it.
General Sullivan's column has returned to Har-
per's Ferry. with one hundred prisoners and as
many horses. General Kelley states that he has
captured in all over four hundred prisoners and a
large amount Of property.
General Thomas dispatches from Chattanooga
on Wednesday that rebel force, under General
Wheeler, had captured one of our trains on the
26th (bound for Knoxville) at Charleston, on the
south bank of the Hiawasse; but Colonc! Long
pursued the enemy aud defeated him. capturing
one hundred aud twenty prisoners.
Our news from the Southern journals to-day is,
az usual very interesting. The Southern people
who own plate in gold silver are earnestly in.
vited to send il to the treasury; but some opinions
are expressed that they may be disposed to drive
700 hard bargain for the bulliopI which, j. isad-
mitted. their enthusiasm for rbe ca)e1two years
ago might have induced them to ding into the
treasury gratuitioos onerins to the cause of in.
dependence" The loss Of -four mills, machine
shops, coal, iron and copper mines in East Ten.
nessee. is represented by the Richmond papers as
more terrible than the loss of life, artillery or
munitions in the battle of Chattanooga.
xIsCELLANEous NEWS
The passport system is reported by Marshal
Murray to be working admirably. Everything Of
detailed character in connection with the
seizures Of vessels and the personal arrests made
is, however, kept profound mystery, which the
light OF few days, it is promised, will reveal
satisfactorily. A large number Of vessels cleared
yesterday; but nothing occurred worthy Of public
notice.
II will he seen by the correspondence between
0rson Blunt Chairman OF the Volunteer Com.
mittee Of the Supervisors. and Judge Dean, Of TIA,
Executive War Committee appointed at Cooper
institute, that the misunderstanding between the
Supervisors Committee and General Hays, a. tc
paying the $500 city bounty to persons now in tho
service who shall re-enst, has been satisfactorily
settled Judge Dean puts to the committee o
the Supervisors direct question in writing ant
thoy answer "a directly The bounty will be paiC
to all whose term Of service expires on or, before
Che &th Of July next. There is no red tape In thi
matter We call attention 10 the correspondence
1t IA believed that thus several thousand vetorai
volunteers will be obtained and credited 10 tn
quota OF this city
The new Italian iron.cad ship-of wa
Re d'Itas which went on shore near Lon
Branch. while on her trial trip, was hauled OF q
high water. about eleven O'Clock on Tuesda
night, and reached this city about two o'eoc
yesterday afternoon. II is not supposed tha
she has received any serious damage.
The Board Of Aldermen did not organize ye