Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-03-17
From the TNitxd Stntta.

We are indebted to O friend for copies of the Bai.
more Gazette of the I'd and Sd inst.
Under the head of" General News tie Gazette Of
the I'd has the following summary:
The Steamship Bremen reached New York yesterday
with advices from Europe to the 18th ult The Dan
sh still engrossed public attention, but further
battles had been fought The Danes still occupied Dup
peln and the Island of Asen but preparations were
making to disodee them from the former position, and
there also indications that the German troops
would advance ACROSS the northern boundary of Schles-
wig into Jutland, which is part of Denmark proper
It is believed, however that the will soon close,
and that the existing difference will be adjusted
1t has been announced in various journals for the past
two days, that the Army of the Potomac large
portion ofithad resumed the offensive; and in apparent
confirmation OF this report the Washington Star of last
evening states the authority OF parties from Cupep-
er that heavy firing, both of musketry aud artillery,
was heard Monday last in the direction OF the Rapi
dan but other Information in regard to the move
ment the extent Ct the conflict had reached Wash
ington up to noon yesterday.
The Federal troops in East Tennessee said to have
followed Longstreet in pursuit far Morrlstown-
The latter is represented to be marching east in double
quick time on each side of the Hoston River.
The Alabama was at Singapore on the Sd OF Janua-
ry last and it was supposed that she would make her
next appearance in the China Sea seaming from thence
| across the Pacific to California, if rot captured
President Lincoln has approved the bill reVving the
grade OF Lieutenant General and has sent to the Sen
ate the nomination of Gen Grant for that position.
The Gazette OF the Sd has the following summary
The rumcred movement of the Army of the Potomac
turns out to be in the shape OF cavalry raid on a
grand scale The infantry advance was simply design
ed to divert the attention of General Lee, whilst Kill
patrick and Custar operated his H4nks. The prln.
cipa cavalry expedition uIdcr Fitzpatrick, is said to
have crossed the Rapdan west OF the position occupied
by the Confederate army with the Intention OF moving
in the direction of GOrdon6vilie. But this statement
s wholly inconsistent with the camp Iumor that places
Fitzpatrick at SpotsyVaua O. H., alter having defeat
ed Hampton's legion and captured several hundred
prisoners, including Gen. Hampton himself This re-
1puted success receives, however, no conhrma-
tion from official sOHrces, and ls therefore, open
to question. We incline to the belief, however,
that Fitzpatrick has really advanced through Spottsyl-
vana county southwest fredericksburg, of and that his
purpose s if uuopposed to nave in the direction OF
Richmond, destroying the railroad and bridges as he
passes along. The defeat and capture of Hampton is
another matter concerning which, as yet we know
nothing beyond the mere rumcr!or 1t is given as sucn
that was circulating Tuesday among the soldiers
of Meade's army General Custar does not appear TO
have proceeded farther westward than StanuardsV!le
The Washington Star of last evening reports that ne
has already returned to this side of the Rapidan alter
having destroyed Confederate camp and captured o
number of horses and prisoners without losing man.
Kpatrics s therefore, the only expedition that Is o.
any importance but from the nature Of the roads and
the recent rise in the rivers that Cross bis rou on the
way to Rlchmond or to the east OF Rlchmond' II MS
purpose is to move dOTn the peninsula to Fortfess
Monroe, the obstacles he will have to surmount, apart
from any enemy be may chance to encounter may be
regarded as such will his resolution to the Ut
most.
Il later dispatch from the headquarters of the Army
OF the Potomac announces the return of General Gus
tar. The latter instead of only reaching STANDARDS
vile proceeded to within four miles OF CharottesVe
where he encountered body of Confederate cavalry
under General Stuart supported by infantry and also
by several batteries. Finding himstf thus confronted
by superior numbers, General Cusar concluded to re
turn by the way he came. Crossing the RVanDt
river he burned lhe bridge behind him. destroyed three
-four mills filled with grain and fell back towards th
Rapdan where he halted for the night, TO recruit tn
failing strength Of his horses.
The next morning be skirmshed with body O
Confederate cavalry on the road to Dartons Ford bu
fading that additional forces were concentrating agains
him be suddenly wheeled aud crossed at Banks Ford
The enemy followed 10 pursuit for some distance bu
failed to inict any damage General Oastar brough