The New York herald., 1863-11-16

TEIE sITUATIO

IL 81 l. - ~ a aNFLV.
BY the arrival of the steamers Cromwell, Colum
bia and Continental from New Orleans Yesterday
we have highly interesting news Of the expedition
of General Banks. II has landed safely on the
Texas shore Of the Rio Grande. after experiencing
some severe weather at sea, and much difficulty in
putting the men ashore through the surf. The gov
ernment works at Fort Brownwere destroyed by
the rebels upon seeing our troops landing, and the
town Of Brownsville was set on fire by the ene-
my's cavalry. TIE Union men in the town re-
sisted them, and bloody street fight ensued be-
tween the two factions, while the houses were
burning around them. The Fifteenth Maine regi-
ment was ordered up to Brownsville 70 support
the Unionists. Our speoia. correspondent on the
flagship Mcclellan furnishes highly interesting
account in minute detail of the progress of the ex
pcdition, which will be found in another column
Everything is quiet on the Rappahannock and
Rapidan. General Meade will return to his com
mand to-day. Heavy cannonading was heard
yesterday morning in the vicinity of Stevensburg,
commencing at eight O'Clock, and continuing
about an hour. 1t was renewed between eleven
and twelve o'clock, and was heard at Bealton,
twenty miles distant. as the train passed that
point. II was supposed that Fitzpatrick, who has
his camp at Steversburg, had engaged recon
notering force of the enemy.
1t is definitely ascertanod that General Lee
has not left for Chattanooga as was recently re.
ported. though it is believed that portion of his
troops have been sent off, leaving portions of two
corps on the Rapidan. From rebc. sources it is
learned that the enemy has little apprehension of
our assaulting his position ut present Nuts are
being erected and indications are that Lee pro.
poses to winter behind his ntrenchments on the
Rapidan.
A body Of rebel guerilias attacked and captured
a train of twenty-one wagons within ten miles of
Cumberland Gap, On the 18th instant; but willie
they were going of with their prey, Colonel lie.
mort, with few of the Fourth Ohio cavalry,
dashed upon them, and after n sabre fight OF few
minutes, completely dispersed the guerlas, after
killing two, wouading four and capturing eleven
of them. The train was of courss recovered.
The United States steam trsnspor. Arago, from
Charleston, brings news to the 18th inst. Nothing
of an important character has occurred there for
some days past. The bombardment Of Fort Sum
ter still continues. although With less vgor than
week ago. The shells from our mcrtars gradually
decrease the garrison from day TO day by some five
or six of the defenders being killed or wounded.
The rebel batteries at secessioryil!e have been
firing on our light draaght steamers, and the com.
plimcnt was returned by Captain Bacon with
few shells from the Commodore McDonough, which
iucontnently dispersed very pleasant party of
ladies and gentlemen who were enjoying them.
selves at q musical tea party.
The United States transport Dudley Buck, from
Newbern via Fortress Monroe arrived here YES.
tcrday afternoon. She brought from the latter
place Brisadicr General Ftzhugh Lee, of the
rebel service, as prisoner, in charge Of Captain
Watson, OF the Third Pennsylvania artillery.
The correspondence of the rebel agents in
Europe, picked up during the capture of the block.
ade runners Of Wilmington, N. C.-the tenor Of
which we have before referred to--will be found
in our columns to-day. II comprises very
curious and interesting budget Of news accident.
ally u rown into our hands.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Our Havana correspondent furnishes us some
Interesting news from Mexico and additional De.
tails of affairs in St. Domingo. General Bazane.
the commander of the French army n Mexico.
had taken the field at the head of his forces, and
some encounters with the troops of the republic
had taken place. General Comoniort had assumed
the position Of Commander.in-Chicio Of the latter
forces.
The screw steamship Edinburg, belonging "a
the New York, Philadelphia and Liverpool Steam
ship Company's line, went ashore on the Wesi
Bank in the Lower Bay, yesicrdey, having s'rvci
during The dense fog. She subsequently cam,
of. ana anchored yosterday evening 10 Qdaran
tine.
The European mails brought By the Bohemian
TO Quebec reached this city yesterday evening
bringing our Glcs, dated to the 10Th of October
The news has been anticipated by the telcgraphic
report Of the Asia, from Halifax.
Rev. Mr. Junkn yesterday morning delivered a
discourse at the Canal street Presbyterian church
before a congregation Of about forty persons. on
the subject of National Levi,y in time Of Ma
tionai Affection incompatible with Good Moral,
and Good Taste" The discourse was short. and
principally aimed at the late Russian ball. Th,
reverend gentleman stigmatizcd that even. as al
exllb.loa 0f the sIsstsst folly, bad taste and ex