AMERICA.

Evening Post, Issue 12, 21 February 1865, Page 3

AMERICA.

Mr. Lincoln's Presidential message is approved by both sides in Congress. He declares negotiations with the South as useless, the latter uot being satisfied with any termß but the severance of the Union, which the North will never grant ; but the Southerners can obtain peace at once by laying down their arms. He recommends Congress to pass a law abolishing slavery for _ ever throughout America. He dwells on the satisfactory relations of tho North with all foreign powers, but speaks disparagingly of Mexico. It is stated that the Federal debt amounted on the Ist July last to 1740 million dollars. - The allusion to Mexico in the message has given great umbrage to the French Government, and is expected to hasten the recognition of the South. j The interest of the American war news »elhtres in Sherman and his army. After f encountering many difficulties, he is reported to be rapidly approaching the sea coast to attack Savannah. In a cavalry engagement his troops were defeated. Prisoners report him to be short of provisions. The Confederates are massing forces to oppose his advance. The Savannah fortifications are in Splendid order. Beauregard commands. It In reported that Sherman's march on Savannah is only a feinf, his real object being to reach the sea wihout delay, to cross the river into J"outh Carolina, and forma junction with the force sent eastward from Port Royal to assist him. * The Southerners consider that the interior of Georgia has seen the last invasion, as by quitting Georgia, the Federals so weaken their grasp of East Tennessee that they will probably lose the whole state, thus throwing away the fruits ot the two years' campaign in the south-west. Hood has cut off all communication with Nashville by land and sea. The city is short of supplies. The Confederates have re-occupied At* lan fa. Grant had rereived reinforcements. He wns reconnoitering the Confederates under L:e. He is confident, and fully prepared. Much excitement prevails in the cities and towns on the northern frontier, owing to the Confederates in Canada avowing their intention to enter and set fire to them. An attempt to set fire to New York in nine places simultaneously— at Barnum's Museum and eignt of the principal hotels did not sue ceed. General Dix has issued an order for summarily hanging Southerners if detected. The Confederate Congress haa rejected the Washington proposition.-) for peace. Gold, 23 1.