New-York daily tribune., 1864-04-15

struction Of the Rebel steamer Clifton the night of
Monday March q. While attempting 10 run out from
Sabine Pass. with over 7Co bales Of cotton, she got
aground on tho bar The Rebels made every possible
exertion TO get her oil, throwing overheard large
quantity of cotton tighten her but all in vain; she
remained immovable and they were obliged TO destroy
her. her fall into the hands OF the hated Yankees
The vessel was therefore set fire, and with all her
remaining cargo, was consumed
The cotton bales thrown overheard were seen toat-
ing around by several Of the blockadng feet who were
prevented by the roughness Of the from securing
them.
The Clifton was formerly the United States gunboat
of that namo and together with the Sacnen, was cap
tuIed by the Rebels at Sabine Pass in September last
Ii has been frequently reported by desercrs Gnd reu
gees (Who came off TO the feet IN cohsderdole mum
bers) that the Rebels were fitting her up as cotton
clad" q I'd were coming out to attack the Doekadlng
feet. Her heavy armament and great steam-p0wer
you'd have made her very formidable antagonist ana
her destruction is truly matter OF relocing
The wreck now lies on the bar in full view OF the
feet and has already been visited by some OF our
ad, enturous officers and sailors.
large cotton laden schooner was also driven ashore
some days since near Noasco by blOckader. and was
abandoned and fired ly the Rebels, after they bad
thrown portion OF her cargo IN Their ue enofis
TO get her of The Arkansas fell in with and secured
Ii bales Of her cotton. weighing about 100 pounds
worth about $4,000, which is quite windfall for her
officers aud crew, among whom the proceeds WIZ be
divided Thus 1t appears that some of the p'oekade
runners ere coming TO grief
But pcr contraSit Is also reported that some weeks
since a large side-wheel steamer, with large and
valuable cargo (among other items 1000 stand OF arms
for the Confederate Government attempted 10 ran into
Galveston, but being driven off by the fleet maze
another essay 10 into VelaSco, anc, favored by
dense fog succeeded.
She however got aground on the bar, where, when
the fog lifted, she was discovered by the gunboat
stationed there which Immediately got under way and
cndeayored to capture or destroy her.
Several shots were fred at her. but the Rebel bat
tories shore opened the gunboat and having guns
of longer range we're enabled 10 throw their shot and
shell all around and over her Ghough fortunael none
struck her) while her missiles did not reach the shore
She therefore compelled to withdraw and when the
tide the blockade runner got of and proceeded into
port.
Deserters report that she Is now loaded with over
100 bales Of cotton and is waiting favorable oppOf
unity 70 run ont She down TO the bar day or
two since bnt for some reason went back again Oar
veiant blOckadeTs the lookout for her ana are
sangune in their expectations OF capturing her when
she comes out We sincerely hope they may capture
her. as She with her cargo which belongs TO the Rebel
Government is worth nearly s., ,0O0, 600
number of other vessels (alnOng them the Harriet
Lane also known TO be preparing TO run ont and
we hope ere long to see them sent in as prizes TO some
Of our cruisers
The Arkansas brings number OF refugees and de-
seI:ers from the Rebel army who report much and In
oTeasiug pTiyation and dissatisfaction existing IN the
Rebel ranks. Among other circumstances they state
that during the cold spell" in January. over ninety
soldiers frozen TO death in Magruders army, and
the others endured almost inconceiyable suiierngs
Let hope that their hitter experience will soon ef
fectuay scken them Of rebellion, and induce them 10
return to then allegiance