The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-26
THE SITTJATION

THE STU
The rebel cavalry made raid across the Rapi-
dan at Raccoon Ford few days ago, and drove in
our pickets; but as they only numbered sixty, they
were easily compelled to retire Gin confusion .
About the time that this formidable number Of sixty
made their attack, o considerable force Of the
enemy-beth cavalry and infantry-were seen on
the other side Of the Rapidan, but they did
not attempt to cross; so that our troops had
no opportunity Of displaying their valor, exec pit
In the discontinue Of the unfortunate and rash
sixty who ventured across the river.
Deserters who have come into our lines state
chat no portion of Gen. Lees army has been sent
out Of Virginia to reinforce Lopgsreet, or for any
other purpose; but dessrters Are not supposed to
know everything TRANSPORTING ih the rebel army
They confirm. however, the repsrts Of the fearful
scarcity Of forage. which has reduced the enemy's
cavalry and artillery almost to condition of
comparative worthlessness whep pitted against
our cavalry under fitzpatrick andsMerritt.-
Rumors were rife that on Saturday the rebels in
front Of Kilpatrick's cavalry division had fight
among themselves as heavy artillery and infantry
firing was heard there. The artillery firing was
% heavy that despatch was sent from the head
quarters Of the army to Kilpatrick's division to
know where it was and what was it's cause. There
seemed to be very little doubt that it was caused
by some trouble in the enemy's lines, as none of
Che Union troops were in that direction.
General Longstreet has demonstrated with Gen.
amnesty proclamation among the rebel soldiers,
which, he says. can only ave the effect Of pro-
ducing few assertions, which will be of no bene-
6t to the Union cause, or damage to the rebels.
He suggests that the proclamation should have
circulated through himself or not at all. General
Foster replied by sending General Longstrect
twenty copies Of the proclamation for circulation,
agreeing with him at the same time that the pro-
elamation meant the return of the disafected to
their allegiance and the restoration of peace.
The delegation from Arkansas have been quite
successful in arranging for the restoration of civil
government in the State preliminary to its full
restoration 10 communion with the federal Union.
order election for State officers and members Of
the State Legislature, the people to have an OPP
portunity TO pronounce in favor of or against the
amendment Of the State constitution making Ar
kansas q free State.
A very curious correspondence has been
brought to light by the arrest Of Mr.. Stuart
Gwynne, Of the Treasury Department, in whose
possession it was found. 1t shows livery compli-
Gated but well planned arrangement between
Messrs. Gwynne, J. H. Grffths, Gen. Haunt, and
Others, with reference to the construction Of gun
boats, and 90 forth, for the Navy Department.
EUROPEAN NEws.
The steamship Canada, from Queenstown on the
10th inst arrived at Halifax yesterday evening on
her voyage to Boston. Her news is three days
aater than the report Of the Etna.
|, The Princess of Wales had been delivered Of q
SON. The Schleswig- Holstein question had very
threatening aspect. The federal German troops
On the borders Of Hostein were estimated al
bixty thousand men, and it was thought they
would soon muster one hundred thousand. A
committee of the German federal Diet had re
ported decidedly adverse to the London protocol
Or 1867. England, it was said, would make q
naval demonstration in German waters. Foul
italian conspirators had been arrested 10 Paris
THE new ship George H. Warren, Of Boston, hal
been Lost on the coast OF Ireland. She was on hel
first voyage TO Liverpool. Garibaldi's resignation
Of his seat in the Italian Parliament had been &C
pepted Other members Of the cleft" had also
resigned. Affairs in Poland remained unchanged
Qhe British journals say that the recent outbreak
% INDIA was mere iusurrectonary movement
confined TO the frontier Of the Punjaub. The Eng.
tish Parliament IL TO assemble on the lth of Feb.
rusry.
Consols closed in London on the 9th inst. At 9o,I
. 81 for money. The Liverpool cotton market was
hrmer on the 9th inst, and all qualities advanced
slightly. Bresdstuffs and provisions were firm.
C0NGREss.
In the Innate yesterday Mr.. Hsle's resolution
asking or an investigation Of the affairs OF III,
Navy Department was referred to o select com
tnittec consisting Of Messrs. Hale, Grimes an
Buckslew. A resolution was offered directin
uste Committee on the Conduct Of the War to II