The Placer herald., 1864-03-05
EASTERN NEWS.

luz seasoh lor actiVe campaigning mas
about set in, and military movements, look.
ing to the Inauguration of the summer cam.
paign, are being made in different quarters,
principally by the Federal troops.
In Gen. Gilmore's department, an expedi-
ton was sent into Florida, under General
Seymour, some 10000 strong. This force
left Jacksonville, Florda,- to penetrate the
interior of the State, but when few miles
distant were attacked with great inpetuosity
by rebel army, under Gen. Finnegan, and
defeated with severe loss in men, and five
pieces of artillery. Gen. Seymo ur returned
to Jacksonville.
In the southwest formidable dem onstra
ton has been made against Mobile, by the
fleet under Admiral Farragnt, from New
Orleans, and a land force from Vicksburg
under General Sherman The latter moved
across the State of Mississippi with an army
estimated at 10000; and auxiliary cavalry
troops started at the same time from Mem
phis under Col. Smith. The accounts from
these land expeditions have been quite vague,
but the telegraph now reports that Smith
was driven back to Memphis, with the loss
of some artillery, and that Sherman has
been compelled to return toward his starting
point, on account of Smiths failure to rein
force him. In the meanwhile Admiral Far
ragut has commenced the bombarlment Of
the forts below Mobile.
Grants forces have made demonstrations
against the Confederate army, under Gen.
Joe Johnston, at Dalton, and pushed them
some distances; but the advance seems to have
been more for the purpose of reconnaissance
than to bring on general engagement
The opposing generals seem to be vancouver
ing for the advantage Of position, and it is
likely we may have stirring news from that
quarter before many days. The frequent
reports that the army of Johnston has been
seriously demoraized by desertions and
scarcity of supplies is not borne out by the
bold front be continues to show. On the
other hand it is now intimated that be has
been reinforced during the winter, and that
the summer campaign in northern Georgia
is to be no child's play.
The army of the Potomac is awaking
from its winter slumber and showing signs
of life. Gen. Fitzpatrick, an active Federal
Commander of Cavalry, has gone on grand
raid in the rear of Lees army-and some
think he will endeavor to dash into Rich
mond. The more plausible theory is that
he will endeavor to interrupt Lees commu
nication with Richmand by destroying the
railroads. One report says Fitzpatrick had
arrived at the White House on tue Pamunkv,
and had been joined by troops sent up the
peninsula between the York and James rivers
The telegraph makes no mention Of any
movement by Lee in view of those demon
strations on the Federal side.
Gen. Bragg is said to have been appointed
COMMANDMENT Chief over the rebel armies,
to hold about the same position that Gen.
Haleck does to the tederel armies. The
abilities of these two men seem to be dis
trusted for the positions, on their respective
sides.
Congress does not seem to be doing much.
disagreement upon the Conscription Act,
and the proposed additional tax upon whis-
key. Considerable time is devoted to speech
making for effect in the Presidential cam.
paign.
In Europe. Denmark and the German
Provinces have fairly come to blows, and
several battles have already occurred. Eng
land, France and Russia are endeavorlng to
effect cessation of hostiities.
In the English Parliament, Lord Derby
has declared against the policy of Lord
RUSSELL in American affairs, as weak and
timid.
The Confederate cruiser Florida, has left
Breste, in France, followed by the U. s
steamer Kearsage, and i. is not unlikely a
fight will soon be reported between the two
vessels.
The Archduke Maximillian will visit Paris
Brussels, and London, before setting out for
Mexico to be crowned.