AMERICA. August 14.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1953, 20 October 1863, Page 5

AMERICA. August 14.

Affairs in America proceed very slowly ; both North and South are making gigantic efforts — the last to resume offensive operations, with the resolution of crushing the other. Both have evidently come to the end of their power of prolonging the fruitless struggle. Both presidents call upon the people to respond to their appeal for fighting men, and both are enforcing a draft, as the volunteer system is exhausted. The North has already expended ou the war a sum equal to the national debt of Great Britain, and a half a million of her citizens have been killed in the conflict. The relative positions of the hostile armies in Virginia have not undergone any material change. The intense heat precludes active operations. General Meade has thrice tendered his resignation. General Grant is expected to suceced him. General Lee, with 150,000 men and 300 pieces of artillery, is in position between the j&apidan and Rappanhanock, completely commanding the mountain passes. General Meade's forces are located along the north bank of the Rappahannock. It is thought General Lee intends making a diversion through one of the gaps towards Manassas, which will enable him to attack both the front and rear of General Meade's army. The situation on the Mississippi is still unchanged. The report of the defeat of General Banks is not confirmed. The Confederates are burning all their cotton. A rumour exists of a meditated alliance between Russia and the Northern States, in the event of a European war. The Federals demand that captured negroes shall be treated aa prisoners of war. Governor Seymour requested President Lincoln to postpone the draft at New York and save bloodshed, but Lincoln is determined to force it at all hazards. The Kentucky State elections were carried by pressure of the military authorities. The Confederates are organizing bands of youths for military service at Richmond, and are arming the whole able-bodied negro population. Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, Charleston, was furiously bombarded for eleven hours by Federal land batteries and iron-clads. Repeated and desperate assaults were then made. The Federals succeeded once in planting their flag upon the parapet of the fort, but were driven back with a loss of 2,000 men. Two regiments of negro troops were engaged in the attack, and fought with great bravery, but were almost decimated by the Southerners. The New York Press urges President Lincoln to enlist the sympathies of the North and South by declaring their intention of driving the English from Canada, and th.c French from Mexico, President Davis has proposed an offensive and defensive alliance to the French Emperor. A combined land and naval assault on Charleston was appointed for the 13th August. The Federals are sanguine of success. There is great excitement in California, owing to a contemplated rising of Secessionists, geveral affairs occurred with loss of life. Gold stands at 26£ premium in New York, and 110 premium in [Richmond. Rumours prevail of reverses to the Federal army at Charleston. It is stated the North will not listen to terms of settlement without intercourse with thp Cjon,? federate Government until after \\\q Presidential flleotipn ; at, \f the So.utV returned tothe before then, the fate of the Republican would be lealed.'