The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-02-01

THE SITUATION
The President has issued new call for draft
for Ave hundred thousand men, to be made on the
10th of March to for three years or tie war.
The States whose quotas have been filed on
the two previous calls will not be affected
but q consolidation of the two calls previously
Issued for three hundred thousand men, nearly
half of whom were obtained by volunteering and
re-enlistments, and which number, as well as
those enlisted up to the lst of March next, will be
credited. Therefore the call virtually demands
only two hundred thousand men, If the enlist
mcnt of soldiers is properly and vigorously ad
vunced there will be no need of any draft to fill
the quota demanded by Mr.. Lincoln.
The only news from the Army of the Potomac
relates to the operations of q few cavalry scouting
parties. which resulted in meeting no enemy, and
consequently accomplished nothing. The Irish
legion had Gag raising on Friday and listened to
some speeches. The non ommissioned officers Of
the Sixty ninth New FORK National Guard, of the
and Gid full justice no doubt, to the gcrp-
sichorean operations, which we're conducted
on the light fantastic toe, with the aid
OF twenty-five ladies and an excellent band. So
II would appear that the army Of the Potomac is
having very pleasant time In the temporary
absence Of wars alarms. The weather Is described
as he acifu but the deserters from the rebel lines
sse dropping in still, all Of them declaring that the
Confederate cause looks dismal.
The recent movements Of General Longstreets
army in front Of Knoxville, the main facts Of
which we have already given to our readers, are
described in detail by our correspondents to-day.
pretty serious fight occurred in General Kel
ley's department in West Virginia, On Saturday,
near williamsport, Hardy county, which lasted
for four hours, and resulted in the capture Of
Union army train Of eighty wagoss. The enemy,
who made sudden and unexpected dash on the
guard, numbered nearly two thousand men, and,
after a stout resistance overpowered them and
carried off the train with the exception of small
part OF 1t which was saved. The rebels now &C.
cupy Petersburg, from which Colonel Thoburn
retired, with all Lis guns, ammunition and stores.
General Early Il said to be In motion from
his quarters az Harrisburg, and Generals I'm
bodcl, Posser and Gilmore are also reported to
he moving. General Kelly viii therefore have
sonetLiag 70 90 to counteract the plans Of the
rebel chiefs We give map to-day Of the scene
OF the late conflict near williamsport and the
county and General Kelly's command.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
The United States steam transport Prone
theus, from Port Royal, arrived at this port yes.
terday. with dates 10 January ~. She brings no
news OF importgDce. We are In receipt Of ad.
vices, thr ough 81 Il sources, to the 2sth, which
merely state tict he firing upon Charleston still
continues. but at CRY long intervals.
Governor Andrew johnson, Of Tennessee, has,
by proclamation, ordered an election OF State Off.
GERS, to take place on the first Saturday (5th) Of
March He prescribe the manner Of holding the
election, gives the form Of oath 70 be taken, and
forbid5 enemies OF the United States voting or
holding office. This makes three States that were
under rebel rule in which Union elections are to
cake place-ia Louisiana on February 70, Tennes-
zee, March 8, and Arkansas, March l4-thus re-
ptoring three seced ed States to the Union.
The Kentucky Legislature adjourned on satur'
day, without choosing United States Senator, il
being ascertained that the choice Of Governor
Bramlette to that Office would nsoessitate new
gubernatorisl election.
-Four hundred rebel prisoners, who have taken
the oath Of allegiance, arrived III this city yeskr-
Eny afternoon. under the escort Of the EllswoN,
Eouaves. Of Chicago, and were taken to the Navy
Yard and placed on board the receiving shin
North Carolina. Tie zcuayes arc ouartored at
fhc corner Of Centre aud Grand streets. They in.
ksnd giving an exhibition Of their famous gym.
pastio drill at the Academy Of Music
John w. Andrews, who figured SO prominently
curing the draft riots in July last Ia TO be brought
10 the city to-day from Fort Lafayette for trial be-
Fore Commissioner Osborn, General Dix having
ordered his surrender TO the civil authorities for
That purpose.
. Marshal Murray continued 10 issue passes to yes.
Gels leaving port up 20 Saturday last; but as the
tunboats had been withdrawn from The Nasrows
ees 9AEagGi NsSk ssIsgA gSys ruEQ~s. IF