Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-01-24
LATE SOUTHERN NEWS.

ANTICIPATED Battle ON the r apPa a nuock-
Important from North Caroliua-AtAeL
on Fort Casweil-Four of our Guuhests
Reported to have Passed the Fort.
tFrom the Richmond Dispatch, Jan. rsl
FROM THK KRAPPAHAEsocE.
Yesterday was a day pregnant with rsport.
the most important OF which was one that n
battle on the Rappahannock, near Port Royal,
gave credit to tie report, and believed thst \
few hours only would be necessary to giye it
full confirmation. We are pleased 70 state, how
ever. mat there was no foundation for TIE state
ment, and that everything In quiet along the
lines. IL Is supposed that the report originated
in Circumstance which occurred in The ykcin-
ity OF Port Royal on Friday night the paracu-
lars OF which we have from n gentleman who
came down on the train last evening
The first Brigade OF Jackson's old division
Were on picket IN that locality, and during the
night II was discovered by some Of the sentinsls
that the enemy was attempting 70 cross, when
they opened fire. This Of course created come
commotioh, and the troops were put under
arms, but when daylight came IL was ascer-
tanned that no foundation ex listed for the ALARM
S.-Since the above was written, a dis
patch from Fredercksburg, published under
have made demonstrations indicating an early
attack.
THE ADVANCE KNOWN IN RICHMOND.
lfrom the Richmond Examiner, Jan. 90
FREDERICKsBURG, Jan. lS.-The demonstra-
tion OF tie enemy on their right and left wings,
as well as in their centre, indicate hat an early
attempt will be made 10 cross the river eimuf-
taneously above and below the town. An at
tas may be expected at any time.
Ii is reported tonight that the Yankees are
constructing wagon road through the farm OF
Mr. john Seldom, in Stafford, some eight miles
below on the river, with the view Of again
crossing. / also hear that Burnside has made
ga tour OF inspection up the Rappahannock
fro m Falmouth TO Ellis Ford, with The view Of
rankinp us.
ATTACK ON FORT CAswKLL, NC.
CHAEI EsToS, Jan. H.-An official dis patch
from Wilmington, n. G., states that FIVE gun
toats attacked Fort Caswell yesterday. at o
O'Clock A. NJ, and ceased firing At II. n. It
is beloved II was merely trying to get range Of
W as rumored that four Of the enemys vessels
had passed the fort.
Fort Caswell is one Of the defences Of the
American coast built by the United States TO
protect and guard the approaches to the city
of Wilmington, North Carolina, andits har Dor.
Ii is situated at the entrance Of Cape Tear
opposite TO Smith vile, Bruins wick county. It
completely commands that town and the
channel OF the river. N was one Of the works
seized at the commencement Of the rebellion
through the treachery Of its garrison, and at
that time mounted one tier Of smooth bore
seacoast guns. The work has been much
strengthened since il fell into the hands Of the
Rebels, and guns OF better class mounted
within il.
NO Union MOVEMENT YET MADE
From the Richmond Dispatch, Jan. 10
Although runner has been indus trious In rep.
resenting an advance Of the enemy from New
bern, there seems 20 be no reliable information
OF forward movement, and the common i'm
preston is that none has been made. IL n con
jectured that the storm along the coast has de.
ranged the plans Of the enemy, nit has not ma.
t~rially damaged his gunboats and transports.
THE WAR IN NoRTH HCARoLIEA-PREPARArIo
oN-GENERAL WHITING IN CON.
EAND.
From the Richmond Enquirer. Jan. 9olJ
The impression seen TO gain ground that the
enemy are about TO move in force from New.
bern and Beaufort
The Wilmington journal OF Jan. "a says they
have large armed transport neet At the Arsf-
named point, together with some two iron elads
General Whiting, anticipating an attack, has
issued an address TO the citizens, I'm which bo
says: ''lt is my duty 70 inform you Of my belief
that within a very few days, probably three,
the enemy Will appear in force 70 attack this
place by land and water" He urgently re-
guests that all women and children be moved
from the place.