The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-02-13

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The State documents which we publish to-day
relative to the question Of French mediation are
about the most important features in the war
news. The correspondence between Mr.. Seward
and Mr.. Dayton upon this question is worthy of
the most careful study Of our readers. Mr.. Seward
firmly and emphatically disposes Of the views en-.
pressed BY NJ. Drouyn de Lhuys with regard to the
position Of the two sections of the country, the
Intentions of the government of the United States,
and the prospects of the insurgcnt leaders.
The movement to settle the present difficulties
States is progressing in the West. The Illinois
Legislature has appointed committee to confer
with those of Indiana, Kentucky and other
States, at louisville, in the month Of March,
the foremost man in that committee be-
ing strong adhcrent Of Mr.. Lincoln, and
heretofore staunch republican. Mr.. Logan,
the gentleman in question, il appears, took
prominent part in the November election,
by urging all his friends to vote the democratic
ticket, in order TO savc the country. Many other
eminent politicians of republican proclivites have
been appointed ON the same committee. The
measure was opposed, but in vain, by the aboli-
tonists In the Legislature. II Is expected that
the States Of Ohio. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and
New York will combine in this movement.
We publish to-day the official account to the
rebel government OF Commodore .Ingraham de.
scribng the late attempt to open the blockade at
Charleston.
Reports as to the whereabouts Of the Alabama
continue 10 arrive. Captain Martin Of the Ham.
burg bark Maria Sophia, which came into this
port yesterday, reports having been boarded on
February q in latitude 2e 30. longitude 81 4s, by
screw steamer, rugged bark, painted black, bot
tom red. On approaching she hoisted flag,
which he could not make out; but afterwards
changed it, displaying the American flag. The
steamer had all her canvass set, including stud
dingsals, aud was also under steam. She had
one smoke stack, which was quite low. The above
steamer was without doubt the Confederate
steamer Alabama. as the description answers her
appearance in every particular. Upon learning
the nationality Of the Hamburg bark, the Alabama
hastened Oh.
Tho steamship Arago, from Port Royal, 8. c.,
February 0, arrived Ut thia port yesterday morn
ing. The news BY this arrival IL interesting. The
Monitor battery wsshawken, Captain Rosers
from Fortress Monroe, arrived u Port Royal har
Dor on the 9Th inst. in tow Of the United States
gunbost Ladona. The passage was made under
great difficulties, the weather being quite tempcs
tuous. full account Of the voyage win be found
w our Port Royal correspondence. Major General
Hunter has Issued an order ordering the conscrip-
tion Of all ablebodied negroes within the lines OF
bis department.
The remains OF the late Captain A. J. Clifton. Of
the United States gunboat John Adams, arrived IN
the Arago. His boat carried portion OF tho
troops belonging to Colonel Higginsons late OK.
petition to Florida. While ascending the 81.
Mary's river Captain Clifton, standing at lie pos,
near the pilot house, was killed instantly by 4
Mimic ball fred by q rshs bushwhacku from The
tioIida sacss.