, 1865-03-10

=
Ferral, having met with considerable damage in
the bay of Biscay. At the time of her leaving
the French coast she was considered a failure.
The U. s. steamer Fiagara, and a French YES
sci had gone to intercept her.
The new rebel pirate Ajax, sailed from Eng
land some weeks ago. Thee others were to
shortly sail, one of which was named Hercules.
She was in the Clyde and was about ready.
News of February 2Sth.
New York, Feb. 25--As the rebel papers had
received notification to suppress military news,
we are without any later intelligence regarding
Sherman's progress in South Carolina. The
rebel papers cannot conceal their modification
over the capture of Charleston. They are ac-
knoWedged to have been very unexpected
events. At Richmond serious apprehensons
are expressed in reference to the ability Of Beau
regard to make any effectual opposition to the
advance of the national forces.
The Herald s James river correspondence states
that Gen. Lee has gone Southwark to conduct
operations for opposing Sherman, leaving Gen.
Joe Johnston in command of Richmond and Pc
tersburg.
A steady stream of rebel deserters is pouring
into the Union lines, averaging one hundred
daily. A large portion bring with them both
arms and equipments, and cavalry bring in their
horses. Since the fall of Charleston, the South
Carolina troops in large numbers have joined the
desertng throng
New York, Feb 27-The Memphis, which
left Charleston bar Feb. 2lst reports that the
national flag floats over the city and all the forts
in the harbor. Gen Gilmores headquarters
were established in the city. The forts which
remain in condition are of the most formidable
character. Two hundred pieces of artillery,
spiked, but otherwise uninjured, fell into our
hands. About six thousand bales of cotton
were burned by the rebels before they left, but
it is believed large quantities of it, and also to-
bacco, were concealed in the houses Just be-
fore the national troops entered the city the reb-
ell rear guard were busy in plundering and firing
the houses Few but poor nhabtan remained
in the city after its abandonment, the wealthy
leaving it or with the rebel army. The new
blockade running steamer Deer with cargo
of liquors, was captured in the harbor on the
night of the 18th while running up toward the
city, her officers being entirely ignorant of the
change of affairs there. 1t is said the garrisons
from the forts and the crews in the rebel gun
boats were sent to Wilmington, N. c. The Rich
mond papers are barren of news concerning
Sherman's movements or whereabouts. They
are boastful in tone, andappear confdentin their
prOphehesis Of his overwhelming defeat. They
say his doom may be looked upon as sealed.
The Richmond Enquirer of the 23d has an ar
ticle about the arming of negroes. 1t declares
that the war was commenced by the Gulf States
in opposition to the wishes of the border States;
ried Virginia and other border States to bear
the weight of war they never desired. After
mentioning the ruin and devastation of the bor-
der States it says the ride is now rolling to-
ward those States, who made the fghtand who
demanded success or universal destruction
They by whom the first blow was striken are the
first to desert those whose breasts have thus far
received the fury of the storm raised by others.
On Monday, the compact of mutual support was
broken. The bill to appropriate slaves so as to
secure honorable existence was also defeated in
the Senate chiefly by the vote of the Gulf States
The Raleigh Confederate says: The people of
Wilmington had 10, 600 bales of cotton hidden
away, awaiting the arrival of the Federal forces
Cairo Feb. 27.-The New Orleans Times says:
A sensation rumor from Matamoras via Brazos
states that the Imperial Governor Mejia had for
hidden clearances for American ports, and our
Consul has been sent out of Matamoras
Advices from New Orleans state that Kirby
Smith S army still refuses to cross to the east
side of the Mississippi. Two attempts to move
the men were made, and it is thought third at
tempt would result in open mutiny. All the
Union prisoners. at Camp Ford, Texas, had been
exchanged.
Cairo, Feb 26.-Much excitement exists at
New Orleans in consequence of the publicity
given to and the exposure made of a secret soci-
ETY. having permanent organization and regu-
lar meetings. Recent developments prove that
it is ruled by Confederate sympathzers whose
object is to get political power and through
that to protect secessionists in that city from
their just deserts
MOBILE NOT EVACUATED.
Cairo Feb 26.-Deserters from Taylor S army
declare that there is no intention, on the part of
the rebel authorities, to abandon Mobile. That
city has always been depot for military mate
rial of all kinds 1t is said the cannon and sup
plies recently taken to Selma formed no part of
the armament and stores intended for the use of
Mobile The rebels believe Selma is to be as
sailed soon, and are trying to put it in good de-
fensiye condition without weakening Mobile.
The same correspondent says the reports that
Forrest has 900 men under him is untrue He
has not over $500 Dick Taylor and Forrest to-
gether cannot muster 5000. Three ironclads
have been stationed at the mouth of Red river
to Illustrate any raid from that stream into the
Mississippi that the rebels may design makng
and also to prevent any rebel troops crossing.
STATE OF THINGS IN LEE S ARMY BEFORE RICHMOND.
New York, Feb 27.-The Herald's James riy-
er correspondent says: A large part of the rebel
army around Richmond had on Saturday last
(25th) been under marching orders for several
days, and considerable number of rebel troops
are believed to have been dispatched to act
against Sherman. Reports of Lees designs to
shortly abandon Petersburg and Richmond are
repeated. Deserters now add that notice has
been given by him to the people of the former
place to have their tobacco and stores removed
within four days. They say nearly all the artil-
lery has been taken from the Petersburg bate
ries only sufficient being left to keep up appear
ances.
The Richmond Sentinel reports that General
Grant again massing on the Vaughn road.
Gen. Singleton and Judge Hughes, route
from Washington to Richmond, arrived at City
Point on Saturday last, 52th.
WASHINGTON ITEMS
Washington, Feb. 28.-The President signed
and approved an act to prevent officers of the
army and navy, and other persons engaged in
the military and naval service of the United
States from interfering in elections in the States.
No troops or armed men are to be brought to the
polls unless necessary to repel enemies to keep
the peace; nor shall it be lawful for any officer
to prescribe and fix by proclamation, order or
otherwise, the qualifications ofvoters, or in any
manner intefere with the free right of suffrage.
Officers so offending are liable to indictment for
misdemeanor, and on conviction thereof shall
be fined not exceeding $l,5OO-suffer imprison-
ment in the Penitentiary for not less than three
months Dor more than five years. Persons so
convicted may be disqualified from holding any
Office of honor profit or trust under the Govern
ment of the United States
Novr WorI~ Fab Tho Tipnnc WoCbinCtOu