The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-02-09
THE SITUATION.

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Further details of theJate reconnaissance from
the Army Of the Potomac to Morton's Ford would
show that our loss was considerable, that we lost
some pontoons on the Rapidan, and that portion
OF our force was compelled to cut Its way through
the enemy's lines above the ford where the ca
valry had intercepted them but no confirmation
OF these stories had reached the War Department
yesterday. II is said that when our troops pushed
across at Germapna Ford they found the rebel rifle
pits in that vicinity occupied by but twenty
i've pickets, who threw down their arms and
rebel .(ayce within ten miles of their position.
ymmedIsfeiy after our forces pushed ahead in the
direction Of Orange Court House, but had har dly
progressed two miles before they were opened
upon. but the rebels were driven from their posi-
tion with SONG loss. The mass q our infantry
then recrossed the RapidaH, leaving force to
hold the rife pits. Heavy firing is said to have
been heard on Monday. and it was believed about
Culpepper that our cavalry was then engaged with
the enemy.
Reports were prevalent at Chattanooga the day
before. yesterday that wide spread mutiny ex-
listed in the rebel army; but the particulars of
such an emute, if it exists, are not furnished. De-
serters, however continue to come in as usual
The news from the Southwest is important. Re.
fugees from Texas report fearful state of affairs
existing there. and the whole country beyond the
rebel army is perfect battle field, where engage
quent, in which the former are generally successful.
The steamer William Wallace, with the Twenty
FIRST Missouri regiment on board, while passing
Island No. II on the 2sth ultimo, was fred upon
by gucrillas from the Mississippi shore. Nearly
one hundred shots were fired during ten minutes.
Three Of our men were killed and four wounded.
Our news from the South to-day, as contained
in the rebel papers, is somewhat interesting.
Dispatches from Mobile on the 9th inst. to the
Richmond Examiner state that the Union forces,
consisting of six regiments of infantry, two of
cavalry and two batteries, had crossed the Big
Black the day previous. The people of Mobile
were considerably excited on the occasion. The
rumors circulated in this city yesterday of the
capture Of Mobile by our troops was not only a
fslschood. but fraud, the nature Of which is
explained in another column.
II is also stated in Richmond that three brigades
Of infantry, four regiments of cavalry and twelve
pieces Of artillery belonging to Gen. Buffers COM
mand had advanced on Saturday to within twelve
miles Of Richmond, crossing York River Railroad
at Despatch Station. and driving in the rebel
pickets at Botom's Bridge.
The rebel news from Charleston is to the 7th
The firing on the oity had ceased but on the two
previous days over one hundred and sixty shots
were thrown from the Union batteries. A large
fire. supposed to- be the hospitals of the Union
troops, was observed at Folly Island on the 9th
inst.
CONGRESS-
Among the subjects brought before the Senate
yesterday was q bill introduced by Senator Sum-
ner 81 the repeal Of all laws for the rendition Of
fugitive slaves; also q bill establishing perfect
equality for colored persons in the United States
courts. Mr.. Sumner likewise introduced a &C.
ries Of resolutions defining the powers Of the
government, and declaring that it is necessary
TO amend the constitution 30 as to secure the
complete extirpation Of slavery from the land.
in this connection Mr.. Anthony offered joint
resolution repeating joint resolution to amend
the constitution. adopted March Q, 1862,
which was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
The bin to encourage the enlistment of colored
troops was discussed by Mr.. Garlic, Of Virginia.
and after an executive session the Senate ad ;
journed.
In the House Of Representatives, in Committee
OF the Whole. the consideration OF the Enrolment
bill was resumed. An amendment providing for
the transfer Of seamen in the military service to
the navy was agreed to. 1t was also agreed that
any drafted man who shall furnish an acceptable
substitute not liable to draft shall be exempt for
draft during the period Of said substitutes term Of
service.
To the Senate yesterday the Metropolitan Police
bill-the one naming as Commissioners Messrs.
Acton, Bergen, Purdy and Jones-was reported
favorably. The bill authorizing the Delaware and
Lsckawanna Railroad Company to hold land in
this State was passed. A bill amendatory Of the
Brooklyn city charter was introduced. Bills were
noticed for the incorporation Of the Mcclellan
Social Union Of New York and the Manhattan
and Long Island Land Improvement Company,
aud for other purposes. The greater portion Of
the 6enates session was occupied, in Committee
Of the Whole. in the consideration Of bills affect.
ing only the interests Of special localities in the
rural districts
In the Assembly resolution was introduced in
favor OF an appropriation Of twenty thousand dol.
lars to erect monument in the Gettysburg Ma.
sionsl Cemetery to commemorate the New York
soldiers buried there. The bill incorporating the
New York National Club, for the promotion OF
literature and the arts, was ordered to third
reading. The Neptune Steamship Navigation
Company bill received q favorable report. Bills
were given notice Of to incorporate the North
River warehousing Company and for an increase