The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-01-12
Now York. Tuesday. January IL, 1864.
THE sITUATION.

THE STU ALTON.
The steamship Fulton, from Hilton Head brings
us news from Charleston to the 9TH instant. Gen.
Gilmore has been amusing" the enemy by throw
ing shells filled with Greek fire into the city. On
Sunday week twenty shells thus loaded were
pitched into the city, and every one exploded.
The result that fire kindled in the south
ern part of the city, which burned with considera-
BILE fury during the balance of the day. Heretofore
1t appears that Gen. Gilmore has not been able to
throw shells containing Greek fire into the city,
as they generally exploded in a second or two
after leaving the gun; but by a recent continuance
the shells have been made to land their fearful
and destructive contents just where they are
wanted by our artillersts, but where they are
most unwelcome to the Charestonians. The city
Is thus regarded to be at our mercy. The feet is
perfectly quiescent.
We have some interesting news from Fortress
Monroe. General Butler had arrived there. The
engineer and fremen captured from the steamer
Star of the West had also arrived via Yorktown,
having made their escape from prison at Rich.
mond.
The latest news from the blockadng squadron
Of Wilmington is to the 9th inst. 1t states that
Admiral Lee, of the United States gunboat Fab
Kee, entered Lockwood's Folly Inlet, about ten
miles to the south Of Wilmington. and while
examining the blockade runner Bendigo. q
vessel run ashore by her captain about
. week before to prevent her being cap
shooters appeared and opened fire upon the boats
crews, which was returned BY the Fah-Kees
guns. when a rebel battery opened fire and our
boats returned to the ship. The Fah-Kee con-
tinued her fire until the Bendigo was we'll rddled.
Night coming on, the Admiral returned to his
feet and the following morning despatched three
vessels to the inlet and made the work of dsstruc.
ton complete.
General Kelley highly commends the late action
OF Major Cole and his command in repulsing the
attack Of Mosbys cavalry near Harper's Ferry,
the particulars Of which we published yesterday,
and the official account Of which appears in our
columns to-day. 1t is ascertained that in one Of
Captain Blackford, somewhat notorious rebel
guerilla, was killed.
The rebel guerilla McCown, together with
three OF his men were, captured near Sperryvile
on the sth inst, by regiment OF New York caval.
ny, which is recommending in that direction.
The question of the Lieutenant Generalship in
cited much interest. II was rumored in Washing.
ton yesterday that the Committee on Military AZ
fairs in the House would refuse to commend tina,
the title should be conferred upon him.
CONGRESS-.
In the Senate yesterday petitions were present
oil for the exemption Of members Of the Society
or Friends .from the draft, for the abolition Of
slavery in the Territories. and for The abolition Of
slavery throughout the Uaited States. A bill tc
set apart portion Of Texas for the colonization
of freed negroes introduced aud referred. Mr.
Sumner introduced bill in reference to forfeit.
ures Of estate for treason, defining the intent OF
the constitutional provision in that respect, and
modifying the joint iesouton of Congress, ap
proved July IL, 1862, providing for the disposition
OF the property of rebels. 1t was referred to the
Judiciary Committee. Mr.. Henderson, of Missouri
proposed joint resolution for the amendment of the
constitution OF the United States, so as to prohb
slavery in any portion Of the republic. join
resolution Ia relation to the occupation OF Mexc,
by the French was introduced and referred 70 tn,
Foreign Relations Committee. Mr.. Wilkinson
offered q resolution In reference to the imprison
ment Of certain Minnesota volunteers within th,
Department Of Missouri. which caused debate o
some length in reference 10 affairs in that depart
ment and the administrations Of General Soho
field and Governor Gamble, but was finally adopt
cd. The House Consular and Diplomatic Appro
priation bill was referred to the Finance Commit
tee. Mr.. Wilson's resolution for the expulsion o.
Senator Garrett Davis. of Kentucky, was ther
taken Up aud the subject was discussed by
Messrs- Lane OF Kansas: Davis, johnson and
roster; aiteJ which its further consideration was
postponed I'll Tomorrow (wednesday) The
death OF Senator Bowden, Of Virginia was an.
nounccd by MIR. Garlic, and, after oulouies nv
sMessrs. WILEY and' Wilson the Senate opt =,
respect TO the memory OF the deceased. aa.
Sourned.
10 the House Of Representatives, among nun
Eber Of bills presented were the foowing:-Fo,
hhe construction OF a military and postal ralroa,
prom New York 10 Washington, for a ship canal :,
unite the Mississippi and the great lakes, to REIN
burse loyal citizens for damages sustained by th,
nebellion, TO compensate citizens OF Kansas fol