The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-09

b these fortified positions Il s expected
10 defeat Intentions IL such they be, 10 foot
bold the rorth side Of the Brazos-let time develop
with what success.
AS regards water communication with the mouth OF tho
river from the Gulf We find depth Of feet
upon the bar and Of fifteen feet within the mouth How
ever II viii hardly be necessary to call in the assistance
Of the navy Of attack and for the purposes Of
transports tie depth s sufficient 20 the require
mens Of all except three or four OF the steamers
running 10 the service.
Much talk s circulating hereabouts In regard 10 a
small gunbcat In possession Of tho enemy on Lavacca
bay. In all reconnoissances by water nothing has
been seen Of this naval force and II does exi
the head Of the establishment scrupulousy regardfu
Of it's safe keeping The knowledge. which is exceedingly
meagre thai have Of the boat through information
from deserters and refugees.
Several days snce--desplte severe wind blowing
upon the bay-a small boat containing major and
raj from the rebel army above, tossing
about upon the bosom OF the bay II closely watch
ed and after weatherng the storm as long as poss be
IL was thrown the beach Dear the headquarters OF
General Lawer. white flag was Tying from the boat,
and accordingly u was recognized os dag Of truce party
headquarters where they INTERCEPTED to their
business The major banded over letter from Magruder
wishing 70 know whether the reports be bad received Of
the hanging Of two Texans were correct Gen. LAWYER,
OWNING the real design OF the enenywhich was 10 find
out what we were dong-quietiy had The party blind
tanning full details OF Grants great victory East Ten
neesee, and walked them, under guard out Of our lines
Since then no more Texans have been reported hung 10
the rebel commander.
From uDquestionable sources we are advised
Of the great unpopuary Of Magruder The charges laid
against him acts OF tyranny and oppression and most
grose immoraltes. The character Of hs rule IS very
clearly sustained by the proclamations he has published
within the last month IN relation 10 line OF duty 10 be
carried DOT by the citizens Of Texas Indeed u s
question whether be s doug more for the cause OF the
rebellion or the Union The popular voice texas never
heartily sided with the insurrecton, and there .s
doubt whether their action 10 The future WI not tenu
one ~ The ac,s n Magruders severe rule order
20 the czens az Powder Horn, Ind anoa and Lsvacca TO
destroy their towns order TO prevent them from falling
into The hands OF our forces Ihe citizens however 90
moi feel eed 70 orey and sred themselves 10 resist
arv aaIsn,, - Ias~ III, order uto effect Three con
setutve nights and days |" we ,, ~ A. ms s
places patrol their streets For no enorl was
made 10 carry out Magruder's instrs ~,.on of he
there wonld have been immediate disrb. up !" wy
present apparently peaceable state Of AFFAIRS ~
Since the above order from Magruder the people ., e
above named towns have shown 40 extreme wlnknsss
10 troops possess them notwithstanding tne
and ravsning stories anos by the leaders Of the IN
surrectiop General warren's Sunday visit 10 lndanon
had very saluary effect IN asying oil fears or tn ne
ture The people amazingly surprised 10 witness
the discipline and orderly conduct Of our troops while 10
their midst.
From numerous sources We gather the highly import
ant fact thai the Ley 81 Texas Ia OF the conservd
tive order ms they call H. This conservatism manilests
itself by the refusal 81 It's members 10 enact law making
rebel money q legal tender; and the act nuifying
the recognition OF the conederacy would handsomely
consummate their conservative policy
In this vicinity everything Is quiet, aud will 10 All
probability remain so for come weeks. General Banks
win not strike until he In ready, aud when ready VIII
make short work with the rebel backbone 10 Texas.