The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-09-10
The Foreign News.

BY the clipper ship Malay, we received on
Wednesday one week later news than that given
in our last issue. Beyond a steady progress of
the Union cause in the American war, there is
nothing very important. At the three prin-
cipal centers Of the war in America, viz:-Rich-
mond, Atlanta and Mobile-not only has there
been no reverse, but 4 decided advance.
The movement alluded to in our last weeks
dispatches. of Grants shifting his army on to
transports, proved to be, as We surmised q fent.
One corps of his army was put on to transports.
sent down the James River, and under cover of
the night. returned and landed at Dutch Flat,
q few miles below Fort Darling. Under the
leadership of the young and gallant Huncock,
the troops advanced rapidly, and after consider
able fighting, took possession Of Chapin's Bluff,
opposite Fort Darling, nine miles from Rich
mond, and extended their front to Fair Oaks,
only six miles from Richmond. This was the
famous battle field with Mcclellan in June,
1862. Grants forces here must be quite
strong, to compel the enemy to retire before
them. His object is said to be. to operate
against Fort Darling, and destroy a pontOon
bridge just above it, which the rebels use for
crossing and recrossing the river, in transporting
their troops and materials of war.
While this important advance was made on the
north side of the James, a strong force, on the
18th of August, took possession of the Weldon
Railroad at Rains or Reims, about six miles
south of Petersburg. 1t was q dearlv-bought
victory, the rebels having captured 1900 prison.
ers, and the killed and wounded amounting to
as many more. But the object was gained, and
the position had been held for four days, and
so strongly entrenched that. it is said, it will
not be easy now to drive Grants troops from it.
The possession of this place, cuts off direct COM
munication by rail with North and South Caro-
lima, and opens the way for the Union forces to
advance on Petersburg by the southwest side.
From this it will be seen that Grant has had
important successes both at his extreme left and
right, compelling Lee TO keep strong forces at
three points, over p miles apart. He is gradu-
ally gaining ground on mis- adversary. and draw
ing Lee closer and closer into his grip. Unless
Grant can be driven from Chapin's Bluff, he
Will soon cross the James River in its vicinity,
which must bring on a general engagement on
the south side, ending, ii successful, in the eyac-
uation OF Petersburg, where, Notwithstanding
the reports before circulated by the rebels, Beau
regard was still in command up TO August %.
Never, since Grant arrived before Richmond has
his prospect looked more hopeful than at the
date of the latest advices. The only thing that
can check him or turn him back will be the
return of the rebel troops from the Shenandoah
Valley. TO fall suddenly on his forces north Of
the James. as Stonewall jackson did on M'Clel-
Ian. and defeated him in 1862. By some such
strategy, the rebels may drive him back. But
certain it is that the rebel troops III Petersburg,
Fort Darling and Richmond must be kept in
nearly the position they are, [less they obtain
endorsements.
The movements in the Shenandoah Valley ap-
pear &c be a see-Saw game, the combatants dodg-
ing around among the valleys and hills and
through the numerous gaps, like boys playing
tag. Occasionally, we hear OF a capture of 500
prisoners or a large train of supplies by one or
the other, but there has been no decisive battle.
Why has not Government fortified and guarded
the fords of the Potomac. of which there are only
four or FIVE? y park Of artillery and proper
Notifications on the north side, guarded By a
thousand troops at each ford. would prevent the
sudden passage and check an invasion till suf-
fcient forces are concentrated to meet the raiders.
Some such plan could be carried out, that would
efectually stop these incursions, aud shield the
Government from the disgrace which must attach
TO such as occurred in July last.
From Mobile, dates are 10 August u, up 70
which time, being one week after the Capture of
the forts, nothing important had occurred. Fort
Morgan had been invested by land and sea, and
its capitulation was only q question of time. 4
portion Of Farragut's feet had approached to
within q few miles of the city, and the Charleston
papers express the opinion that Mobile will De
taken if an attack is made on it. Admiral Far
ragut is certainly meriring the commentator be-
slowed on him by the Russian Admiral, al one Of
the b~anquets in New York a year ago, as the
greatest OF most successful naval officer living.
He is the Nelson of the present war. When be
is through with Mobile, there are still two rebel
ports left for him to operate on.
Sherman was still b~esieging Atlanta, and had
made slight advances. Vigorous efforts were beirg
made by the rebels 70 cut of his communications
with Chattanooga. which may prove successful.