The New York herald., 1864-02-21

TF1E SITUATION.
There is no movement in the Army of the Poto.
mac to record to-day. Everything is apparently
quiet and monotonous.
We give in full to-day the rebel documents
which fell into the hands Of our officers during the
recent successful expedition into Florida and
which we referred to yesterday They will show the
desperate straits to which the South is reduced
for the want of the necessaries of life more forci
bly, perhaps than either the reports Of deserters
or the complaints of the Southern journals.
The steamship Arago, which arrived here yes
terday. with dates from Key West to the 18th,
brings intelligence Of the capture of three block.
ade runners Gall flying the British f1ag) by the
United States schooner Beauregard in one day.
They were all loaded with merchandise, cotton
and turpcntine for Nassau. Two Of them were
sloops, and one isreported to be craft Of smaller
dimensions. probably jolly boat. However,
they had on board in all thirty-thres bales Of
cotton and FIVE barrels of turpentne.
The latest news from the Southwest to-day is
interesting. Dispatches from Cairo yesterday
say that General Shermans forces are at Meridian.
When our army passed through Jackson the ene-
my retrcated across Pearl river SO precipitately
that his pontoons. two pieces Of artillery and a
number Of prisoners fell into our hands. Great
dissatisfaction is said to exist among the Tennes-
see. Kentucky and Mississippi regiments, and
large numbers of deserters are coming into our
iines General Thomas reached Meridian within
ten days after leaving vicksburg.
We learn from Southeast Tennessee that re-
fugees are leaving that State and Georgia by
thousands. Many of them are in a starving con-
rebel army continue to arrive at Chattanooga
daily.
The news from New Orleans and Texas, though
interesting, is not of great importance. Our cor.
respondent furnishes all the proceedings in Gene
raj Dana's military district which are worth
noting.
The steamship Africa, from Queenstown on the
TO Boston. Her news is three days later.
There was no positive intelligence as to the
progress Of the war in the Danish duchies; but i,
was supposed that severe fighting was going OF
up to the 9th inst. as quite number Of wounded
men were brought into Rendsburg. II was gener
ally believed that the Prussians wond prevent the
transmission Of the news. The Prussians twice
hut I'D
and, according to one account one Prussian regi
ment was almost entirely cut off. Austria, it was
said, had forwarded explanations to England rela
tive to the intentions Of the German Powers fol
the future rule of Schleswig and Holsten. Al
the great Powers will be informed of the cours,
Of Austria and Prussia. Engand's policy was re
gardcd as very underlined, although more conf
deat feeling prevailed in commercial circles ii
London. Earl Russell stated that Great Britain
hsd not given the slightest promise of assistance Il
Denmark. Lord Palmerston defended his foreign
policy from severe attack Of Mr.. Disraeli in tn,
House Of Commons. At a ball at the Tuilerie
Napoleon remarked TO group of French marshall
and generals, III appears they have begun to ex
change shots in the North" adding that the,
might 60 on. as the policy Of France was non
Intervention.
Earl DERBY, In the House oil LORDS, lnveghe
against such "monstrous demands as MI
Stewards If he asked indemnity for the ravages Q
the Alabama. Lord Palmerston said that il tn
Queens speech had contained any reference to tn
American war Il would only have repeated wha
was often said before.
The Liverpool cotton market was frmer on th
9Th inst Holders demanded an advance from
slight decline. Breadstufs were dull on the Ct
inst. Provisions were steady, with an advance i
some articles. Consols closed in London on th
9th inst. at eO1s a9l.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
We have full files Of he Nassau IN. P.) Qua,
dian 70 the 18th inst, bu do not find anything o
particular Importance in IN, papers. We perceiv
that the Rev DR.. Cummings, Of New York. il a
present in Nassau, where he vas announced I,
celebrate mass on the Sunday after bis arrivaI
The Guardian says, In reference to other .tr.r
gers Among the distinguished visitors NJ nr...r,
In our cityis General Preston, Confetsrats s,.,.
Army, who, we understand, is on his vav 10 io,,
General MAgrudsr. in Texas. General Preston ,
sccsupanied BY IN sid-de-camp."
Anethsr shecking wife murder was perpersss
s.Ns. 80 esvsash avenue on Friday night. II
ssoss, - revealed upon the Coronsr's investr,
t;ss, % - show thst .Hlwsrd Hunter, carma
ssd NJ wife nissbssh, have led gusrreIsome Ii
fer sess a.y pest, mutual isAl0usy bs5S u
49,