SYDNEY.

New Zealander, Volume XIX, Issue 1918, 13 July 1863, Page 6

SYDNEY.

[From the " Herald," June 24.] Great indignation has been felt and expressed in Sydney on receipt of the news that Peruvian slavers have visited several of the South Sea Islands and taken off by force shiploads of natives to work on the mines of Peru. It is stated on reliable authority that twentyfive vessels are engaged in this trade, and that nearly two thousand of the islanders have been stolen, many of them being missionary converts. A large and influential public meeting has been held in Sydney, at which resolutions were passed sympathising with the sufferers, and adopting a petition to the Imperial Parliament, calling for the interposition of British Power to put a stop to the abominable trade. Captain Saunders, of the 12th Regiment, has been tried by Court Martial in Sydney on charges, preferred by Colonel Hamilton, relating chiefly to irregularities committed on the march from Lambing Flat, last year, The trial concluded on the 29th ultimo, having occupied forty days. The finding of the Court has not transpired. The Return Rifle Match between New South Wales and South Australia has been won by this colony by 49 points, the scores being :—New South Wales, 2036; South Australia, 1987. The ship Medway, which was a month since partly burned in the Sydney Harbour, has been thoroughly repaired, and 13 now loading for London. The A.S.N. Company's steamer Boomerang stranded near Rockhampton on the Cth instant, and was seriously damaged. She has since been floated off, and is being repaired. The following ships have arrived from England : Mohawk, Lord Macaulay, Mcrrie England, Bankside, James Paterson, Harvest Home, Princess of Wales, Empress Eugenie, Gala, City of Bristol, City of Madras, Transatlantic, William Cole, and Phoebe. The Orwell and the Rifleman have sailed for London. The Customs' Revcnne for May amounted to £98,537. The escort receipts during the same month amounted to 34,414 ounces. The banks are now drawing on London at one and-a-half per cent, premium, and buying at par, MELBOURNE. Friday, June 19,8 p.m. Members assembled to-day in both Houses of Parliament in great numbers. In the Lower House the benches were thronged. Mr. Duffy brought on the Land question at seven o'clock, and his speech is expected to take up two hours. The Government are likelv to gain a majority. Arrangements have been made by the Ministers that squatters accept .the assessment of 1801 as the basis of rental. The Banks have raised the rates of exchange half ppv cent. fhe racehorses Archer and Ada have arrived from Sydney in splendid condition. At a meeting of Lawrence's creditors it was agreed to wind up under assessment. Markets very quiet. Currants are brought up. Elour dull. Arrived.—City of Melbourne (s.), from Sydney ; Silistria, from Vancouver's Island, with 826,000 feet timber. 9-30 p.m. The galleries of the Assembly were crowded to excess, and there is great anxiety for admission. Crowds of people were outside the Parliament Houses. Mr. Duffy reviewed historically the whole circumstances out of which the Land Bill arose. He contended that the Act was based upon a contemplated increase of revenue, and would never have become law had it not provided for it. Arbitrators were instructed as the law directs, not to fix assessments lower than those of 1861. As to the charges, he was alleged to have launched against the arbitrators, let the facts speak for themselves. Mr. Duffy went through printed papers in detail, and showed instances in which the awards of arbitrators were ridiculously disproportionate to those voluntarily given by pastoral tenants in 1861. Could he accept them as fair, just, and equitable ? (" Hear, hear.") The loss of nearly £IO,OOO ! Hchcldinhis hand thirty-one applications to make reductions on excessive assessments on the basis of purchased land. He quoted many instances in which pastoral tenants, made much smaller demands than arbitrators allowed, although often the former paid more in subsequent years. He adduced instances of runs occupied by cattle, and assessed at reduced prices of cattle whilst they were occupied by sheep. No member on either side of the House similarly situated would, have acted otherwise than he did. If the house proceeded into committee, the Government proposed to, revive the system of assessment and license which formerly prevailed, and would endeavour to make it more equitable, especially with reference to purchased land. The awards were regarded as illegal, and were therefore resisted. (Cries of " divide.") The time had not come. To return to assessment, it would produce a net revenue of £246,000, with reductions for purchased land. He regretted that a temporary commission was not out, instead of leaving the administration of the Land Act in the hands of the permanent officers of the Government, but his colleagues thought differeutly. He referred to personal attacks upon himself in newspapers and other channels, and denied that ho had anything to do with the ill results which had accrued, (Oh, oh), and he challenged members to prove the reverse, (Oh, oh,) except as to the administration of the Act, for which be took the whole responsibility. He characterised the attacks in newspapers as arising fivm those who were interested in evading the Act, and as a cover for their own violations. He quoted instances. The Government had done their duty under circumstances as trying and painful as ever public men were placed in. Mr. Duffy spoke for nearly two hours, and was cbeered at the conclusion. His explanation was regarded as feeble, and the position of the Ministry uncertain. Mr. Snodgrass is now speaking, defending the arbitrators against the charges of Mr. Duffy. A division is expected bofore the House rises. 12 p.m. The Ministry are defeated by a majority of 16. The numbers stand thus, 26 to 42. Saturday, June 20, 7.30 p.m. Last night's division in the Assembly causes great excitement. A cabinet council is called for Sunday afternoon. The Ministers were quiet unprepared for the result of the division, the Attorney-General's analysis of the House giving a Government majority of one. A believe prevails that Mr. O'Shanassy will appeal to the country. The Opposition appear altogether without organisation. June 23. The Ministry tendered their resignation yesterday morning to His Excellency the Governor. The resignation was received, and therefore Mr. O'Shanassy and his colleagues hold office only until their successors are appointed. We understand that, owing to the fact that the Ministerial defeat was the result of a negative vote, and that the majority of forty-two were organized nnder no recognized leader, Mr. O'Shanassy did not tender any advice to His Excellency as to the legislator t o be consulted in the emergency. In the course of

the day, Sir Henry Barkly communicated with Mr. M'Culloch, the member for Mornington, and that gentleman waited upon His Excellency at the Governmentoffices, and consented to undertake the formation of an Administration. The Houses of Parliament will meet this afternoon, but, we presume only to adjourn for a few days, in order to allow Mr. McCulloch time to complete his arrangements. ADELAIDE. Friday, June 19, 7 p.m. A cargo of Mauritius sugar at auction to-day realised the following rates : —Finest brown counters, £22 12s. 6d. to £26 15s. ; brewing crystals, £24 18s. to £3l 10s.; finest light crystals, £32 17s. 6d., superior light counters, £35 15s. Another sale of finest white crystals fetched £37 10s. to £3B 15s. No transactions to report in the flour market. Prices nominal; from £l3 ss. to £l4. Wheat, ss. 2d. The weather promises well for the rifle match between the South Australians and New South Wales men, with small bore rifles. The South Australians are confident of success. It is anticipated that Government will take measures to place vessels in qunrantine, arriving from England, in consequence of small-pox. Arrived.—Countess of Fife, from London. Saturday, June 20, 7 p.m. The' match between twelve South Australian and twelve New South Wales' riflemen commenced here about eight o'clock. The weather in the morning was cold and gloomy, with a moderate breeze. The total scores at each range were, at 200 yards, 239; 300 yards, 176; 400 yards, 309; 500 yards, 287; GOO yards, 259; 700 yards, 257; 800 yards, 231; 900 yards, 229. Grand total, 1987. The individual scores were, Stark, 179; Hill 179; Ayers, 175; Addison, 173; M. Rankine, 169; Maef'arn, 163; Coleman, 162; Scout, s, 159; Bydill, 159; Hawkes, 158j;Paterson, 156; Captain Kankine, 155. In our telegram from Adelaide, it will be seen that the Adelaide party scored 1987, leaving the New South Welshman victors by forty-nine points. TASMANIA. June 16th. The Governor opened Parliament, and in his speech referred to the Conference proceedings. He recommended that ad valorem duties be abolished, in deference to the recommendation of the delegates. There were no allusions to other portions of the doings of the Conference. We, Sydtiey Herald, have news to the 15th instant from Hobart Town, and to the 16th from Launceston. The Mercury of the 15th soys :—We feel bound to caution purchasers of pressed hay against the deception which, we are sorry to say, is occasionally practised by some few of our farmers. On Saturday last an instance of this kind, was brought under our notice, in which the inside of a truss of hay was found to be made up of wet rubbish. The stench from this stuff was almost strong enough to poison man or horse. As these practices have already done Tasmania so much damage in the other colonies, it is high time they were exposed, and put a stop to. The hay in question bore he stamp of 11. H. On Saturday, Launceston was visited by one of the densest logs jhe oldest inhabitant can remember. At times during the day persons on one side of the road could distinguish the opposite side ;but as night drew on the fog became still thicker and thicker, and almost enveloped the town in complete darkness, for the usually brilliant gas lamps could only be discerned at the distance of a few yards. found it somewhat difficult to avoid coming into collision with each other, and there are many amusing stories of persons long resident in the town losing themselves in the streets. The higher parts of the town, such as Victoria-square (Windmill Iliil), Cox's Hill, and the Cataract Hill, were comparatively free from the fog. Towards midnight a fresh southerly breeze sprung up, and quickly drove away the mist, and in the morning the atmosphere was most beautifully clear. During the prevalence of the fog, a curious phenomenon was observed. The mounted patrol had just reached the junction of the High and Adelaide streets, when an appearance of an extensive conflagration caught their attention, and they galloped down the hill towards the supposed scene of burning. On reaching York-street they discovered that the cause of alarm was the fog surging up the lane between Tamar and High streets (where a gas lamp is placed), and resisted by a fence and bank at the cutting, a spiral illumination occasioned the phenomenon. The delusion was so perfect that persons ran towards the brow of the hill to ascertain the exact locality of the supposed fire. Examiner, June 16. WESTERN AUSTRALIA. We, Sydney Herald, have papers to the 22nd ultimo from Perth. The Gazellee says : —ln commercial matters, attention has been entirely directed towards the shipment of; sandalwood, of which product the Om«gh, sailed for Singapore, on the 9th instant, with 183£ tons, 12 horses, and 123 tons South Australian flour ; the S/rathmore, for Shanghai, took 411» tons ; and the Burlington leaves this day for Singapore, with 525 tons. The Palestine sailed for London on the 27th ultimo, with the passengers and cargo reported in our last summary. We have had no arrivals during the month. Prices of colonial produce or imported articles have not improved. Adelaide flour may be obtained somewhat under £l4 at the Hort, and Colonial is selling in Perth at 30s. for single bag, Beer, cither in glassor bulk, still remains very low, the best brands being worth only Bs. 6d. per dozen at Freemantlc. Stocks of hardwareaud soft goods are generally full, and as the dull season for trade has set in, no great reduction of them can be expected before the arrival of fresh supplies. Escaped Convicts. —Wo have lately had several convict attempts at escaping, but in all cases they have ended disastrously for the adventurers, who have been all recaptured, in one instance after having undergone great suffering and privations, and have been rewarded for their escapades by long sentences of work in irons.— Perth Gazette, May 22nd. The Season.—The past month has proved to be one of the earliest and most favourable seasons for the farmer and stockowner ever known. A warm and abundant rain, but not too much of it, has caused an early growth of grass, which has carried gladness to the sheep-breeder, and a month of favourable weather has enabled the farmer to sow all his available land in the best possible manner, and given him great hopes of an abundant harvest at the end of the year, to assist in making up the leeway which unfortunately attended his exertions in the two past seasons.— lbid. Explop.ation.—The Perth Independent of 22nd May, says :—Two exploring parties have made a promising start —Mr. Lefroy's to the eastward of York, and Larnach's to the eastward of King George's Sound. An expedition by Messrs. Brown and others to occupy the country upon the Glenelg River, at the back of Camden Sound, was to sail from Champion Bay on the 17th. The Tcintsin, which sailed on the 24th ultimo, has not yet returned from conveying Mr. Mr. Padbury's first party to Nicol Bay. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. We Sydney Herald have received Honolulu papers to the 28th March inclusive. The collections for the Lancashire Relief Fund were proceeding briskly. They amounted soon after commencement to 3000 dollars. One person—an American planter in Kaui—gave 500 dollars. Sir John Bowring Hawaiian Minister Plenipotentiary at Brussels (formerly British Plenipotentiary in China) hud concluded a treaty of Commerce with the Belgian Government. Queen Emma had organised a Benevolent Institution somewhat resembling our society for home visiting and relief. The Polynesian speaking of it, says:—The Ladies Visiting Committee continue their works of charity and love. We wish the Legislature were in session, so as to shame them into activity and co-opera-tion. To see the Queen of the land slaving as a servant, ministering as an angel at the couch of the suffering pauper, is a sight to make the lowly and loving bow with reverence, to make the lofty and the do-nodiing take second thoughts to themselves and count it no disgrace to soothe the anguish and smooth the brow of those whose pained and toil worn limbs may soon be dust as well as their own pampered bodies, but whose names, though unknown here on earth, may yet shine in brightest letters on the page of heaven. An Archaaological Society has been formed at Honolulu. Hawaiian cotton has realised a dollar per lb. at New York. It had been decided to erect a lighthonse at the entrance of Honolulu harbour, as a memorial to the memory of Captain Cook, to be called " Cook's Lighthouse." An American vessel, called the Florence, lying at Honolulu, had been saved from burning by the exertions of the officers and seamen of the British war steamer —Hecate, who had been officially thanked by the Hawaiian Government for this sorvice. LATER FROM JAPAN. We Sydney Herald are under obligations to a friend for the following translation of a •« Proclamation of his Majesty the Tycoon of Japan," dated Kanawaga, 12th November, 1562: " Our country has entered into treaties with foreign nations, and I therefore recommend that all my subjects should combine to carry out measures for the good of the country. " At present it grieves me to see that there are in my dominions so many dissatisfied people, because I

have consented to the admission of foreigners, and I regret very much that so large a body of them should feel displeased at mv action. To all far-seeing men it is clear that the time has now come when we c<in no longer resist the influx of foreigners into the country, and therefore it is my wish that the Daimiojs should withdraw to their respective territories and strengthen themselves for the defence of the Empire. " Should there be within your provinces any men of inventive genius, whose discoveries in matters concerning either peace or war are ltkely to benefit the country, notify my Government thereof, and be assured they shall be suitably rewarded. " During your stay in the capital, you will consult about the plan to be adopted for the defence of the country on the seaboard, and you have full liberty to enter my castle when you desire to speak of anything which concerns the national good. " Hereafter there shall be no restrictions of my sub-jects-high and low—all are at liberty to freely express their opinions about the Government and the country, provided they do not tend to the subversion thereof." LATER FROM AMERICA. By the Shawmut, from California, we Sydney Heruld have San Franciso papers to the end of April. A special despatch to the New York Herald, dated 25th April, says the President intends to assign to active duty in the Federal army military officers of every grade who are fit for service. They are for the present to be placed to fill the positions of whose who have by wounds or sickness been rendered unable to perform active duty elsewhere, but are entirely competent for office work. Vicksburg advices, by way of Cairo, to the same date, state that the battery on the levee opposite the city is in full operation, and working splendidly. After several days the guns having been trained upon the depot and public buildings. Yesterday a huge shell entered the krge depot building and exploded, levelling a greater portion thereof to the ground. The enemy fired several shots in return, most of which struck the iron casemates, butglauced off without doing any injury. They evidently think our position impregnable, and for the last two days have maintained a becoming reticence. Guns arc now being placed to command the Court-house. There are rcpoits that a division has been sent to Jeff Davis's plantation, opposite New Carthage, to oppose the landing of our troops. A steamer goes into the canal at Duckport to-day, intending to reach New Carthage to-morrow. The canal is voted a success. Nothing has been heard from the fleet which ran the blockade a few days since. New York, April 25.—Passengers by the steamer Dudley, from Newborn, states that General Foster, with 5000 men, left Newborn on the 16th, and when last heard from, on Friday, was at Deep Gulf, but had met only a few straggling sentries. Late on Friday afternoon, however, a brisk cannonoding was heard for an hour and a half, and it was rumoured that General Hill, with a rebel force, was in the direction from whence it was heard, and the engagement is thought to have occurcd. News from Richmond the 21st says, on the authority of the Jackson (Miss.) Dispatch, it is reported that the rebel General Chalmers's command repulsed 4000 of our cavalry, artillery, and infantry on the Coldwater. and that the Union troops have retreated in great confusion, with Chalmers pursuing energetically. St Louis, April 25—Farmers has been evacuated by the Federal troops, who are falling back to Springfield. A dispatch from Murfrecsboro die 2-lth says : A patrol of twelve men from the first Ohio was attacked yesterday at John's Ford, on Stone river, by thirty rebel cavalry, and after a brisk fight the later fled, leaving several wounded ; the loss on our side being nothing. Wheeler's rebel division is reported at Bard's Hills, twenty-five miles from Lavergnc, moving towards Lebanon, and an attack on the latter place is expected. The indications are that General Reynolds' expedition will thoroughly purge the country of rebel scouts. The report is that that the whole country is full of refugees and deserters, who will fall into the hands of Reynolds' force. Chicago, April 25.—A late Atalanta Intelligencer believes Rosccrans to be reinforced, and that the great battle of the war will soon come off between Nashville and Chattanooga. The Jackson Appeal says Grant's army is evidently being removed, and most probably its destination is Cumberland and Tennessee. Enough, it says, will be left behind to oppose ourfoices at Vicksburg, while the main body moves rapidly to the assistance of Rosecrans. The Daily Missinsippian, in a leader on the same subject, says : —" From a careful survey of the situation which the movements of the Federal present, the conviction has been gradually forced upon our minds that the enemy is preparing to mass a tremendous force, perhaps not less than 300,000 men in Middle Tennessee, to hurl upon General Johnson, with the hope of annihilating his army, opening the Mississippi Valley and the heart of the Confederacy." The Tullahoma correspondent of the Chattanooga Rebel says : —From present indications I may hazard the predication that the campaign in Middle Tennessee will soon open in earnest. In pursuance of recent orders Bragg, all tents and extra baggage are being sent to the rear, reserving only three files to every 100 men. Advices from the Newborn to the 22nd say the rebel force, which for nearly three weeks invested Washington, suddenly disappeared on the night of the 15th. General Foster was preparing an expedition across the country, to relie £ the beleaguered, when the news of the departure of the rebel General Hill with his entire command reached here. Preparations were immediately made to follow up the rebel force. The march from Newben to Washington, N.C., revealed the fact, however, that a small force rebel cavalry only remained within reach, 200 rebel cavalry were charged upon by seventy men of the Third New York cavalry, a few miles distant from Washington, on Saturday morning. The Rebels fled en masse, and the rebel Captain James Richardson was captured, with several of his men. Their battle flag was captured, and is now in the possession of the Third New York regiment. The Massachusetts troops at Washington occupied the rebel works at Hill's Point, on the morning after their evacuation, and made a number of prisoners who had remained. The rear of the rebel force is believed to have gone in the direction of Richmond. Chicago, April 24.—A Vicksburg letter of the 17th, on the subject of the running of the batteries by eight gunboats, says :—As each rounded the point in easy range of the rebel batteries, they opened fire with bow and port quarter guns, throwing percussion shell. Coming into close quarters, they fired broadsides of shrapnel and gri-pe, and after turning the point the Admiral's fleet cl.wed up his line of battle, being one and a half mile in length, describing the inside of a semi-circle. The rebel guns fired a mile in length, and every battery was fully manned and rapidly served. The cannonade was grand and terrible. The heavy roar of Dahlgren's Keen's, Roger's, and Parrott's explosive shells, intermingled with each other, made the earth and water tremble. The whole was sublime Coupled with musketry fire, there were over 200 guns, of the heaviest calibre, worked to their utmost capacity for two hours. Huge bonfires were built by the rebels to light up the river, which was aided by the burning buildings fired by our shots. The conflagration of the Henry Clay lit up the scene, over which hung a broad conopy of heavy dark smoke, such as only gigantic war can produce. General Grant was on the Von Phul, near the point; above was General Sherman in a yawl. Below and opposite the mouth of the canal was an anxious crowd of officers and soldiers who witnessed the battle. All the gunboats passed the Vicksburg bittcrics unharmed.—The Benton received the heaviest fire. A shell exploded, which killed an officer and wounded three men. The letter adds : The loss is now improper to state. We have a large land force below Vicksburg, on the Louisiana shore ; and the new canal is a success. Washington, April 23. —General Gordon has reached here. He states that the Government engineer who is charged with the duty of inspecting ironclads reported that the day after the battle in Charleston harbour they were fit for immediate use. The personal stuff of General M'Clellan has been disposed of. The volunteer officers arc to be immediarely mustered out of service. The officers of tiie regular army have been assigned to duty in their regiments. Washington, April 23.—Despatches from rebel sources say that the batteries opposite Vicksburg opened on the 17th and 18th—with what result is not stated. Cincinnati, April 23.—Intelligence has been received af the capture and destruction of the steamer Alohambra, by guerillas, on the Cumberland river. It appears that she grounded at Devil's Elbow on the 13th, and before she could be get off guerillas appeared, when the crew made their escape. The steamer Hope also grounded near Island No. 18, and guerillas were in sight of her when the crew left. New York, April 23. —The British steamer Gertruda arrived last night. She was captured on the 16th, off Harbour Island, by the U. S. gunboat Vanderr bilt, after a chase of several hours. She was bound to Charleston, but arriving there, found the port too closely blockaded, and was returning to Nassau when she was captured. Her cargo consists of gunpowder and military stores. The cavalry under General Stahl, in large and small bodies, have scouted the whole country between the Potomac and the Rappahannock, as far west as the

Blue Ridge. They report no rebels there, save a few straggling guerillas. Nearly 800 sick soldiers from the lower Potomac arrived to-day The Government has determined not to grant letters of marque, uuless a foreign war should arise. The rebels have been reinforced within the last week. A new rebel encampment is visible this morning opposite Falmouth. On Tuesday, a skirmish took place with the rebels above Kelly Ford. We captured one lieutenant-colonel and several captains, and about twenty-one privates. St. Louis, April 23.—A special despatch from Cario , savs that our gunboats have destroyed a rebel battery at* Warrenton, below Vicksburg. The fleet was at anchor at Carthage on the 17th. General Grant was to go down the same dav. Washington, April 23.—L. D. Stickney, U. S. Tax Collector for Florida and South Carolina, has reported to the Government the absolute success of the experiment of arming and organising the slaves. He says that the late expedition which took and held Jacksonville, Fla , was composed entirely of black troops. They held the post two weeks, and were engaged almost every day with superior number of rebels in every instance to receive them, Afterwards these black troops were reinforced by white regiments. The 6th Connecticut, by no means favourable to negro soldiery, had an engagement with ths rebel cavalry mid artillery, when the former was supported by the Ist and 2nd South Carolina (blacks). After a severe engagement, in which the blacks were victorious, this white regiment dec'aretl that they had no further prejudices to negroes who showed such pluck. The former expedition up the St. Mary's River by five companies of the Ist. Regiment South Carolina Volunteers, furnished an equally conclusive evidence of the bravery of the negro troops. Marching at night through a thick wood, they were attacked by the rebel cavalry. At the first discharge one man was killed and four wounded, but instead of a panic the blacks promptly returned the fire, emptying twelve rebel saddles at the first discharge. The uniform testimony of all the officers is, that the coloured troops when brought under fire need a check more than a spur. Chicago, April 23. —Despatches from Memphis Tenn., have reports that more guuboats and transports ran the blockade at Vicksburg on Monday night and are now below Warrenton. The casualties arc not known, It is also reported that five boats passed the batteries on the Yazoo, and are now above Haine's Bluff. General Grant's head quarters are at New Carthage. New York, April 23.—James L. Addison, clerk in the Adjutant-General's office at Washington, and Anthony Addison, chief clerk of the Pension Bureau, have been caught in the act carrying rebel mails. The former has been in the War Department for thirty years, and had acscss to all the important orders and movements. Both own farms in Maryland, and keep up daily communication by means of carriages. The Rev. John Martin and his family, who live near them, have been the media of communication. They have also been arrested, and will be sent beyond the lines. Cairio, April 23.—The rebels still occupy the south side of the Coldwater ; the Federals the north side. A report reached here to-night of fighting in the vicinity of Corinth, but there is nothing definite. Washington, April 23.-Despatches from Admiral Wilkes state that he was at Elouthera, one of the Bahamas, on the 16th, instead of having left Havana on the 11th. He makes no mention of having been paroled The report that effect is doubtless false. New York, April 23.—Sterling firmer, 163 to 163J; gold firm, 1501 to 150,} ;U. S. 6's of'Bl, 105J to 105J Treasury notes, 105J to 107 ; Pacific Mail, 1861 ; California 7,5. 128 ; Quicksilver Company, 47J-. Louisville, April 22. —The Mumfordsville Expedition to Celina, Tenn., bus returned to glasgow, having destroyed the town of Celina, 100,000 pounds bacon, 20,000 bushels of corn and wheat, a considerable quantity of groceries and the ferry-boats used by the rebels in transporting supplies. The rebels admit a loss of nine killed. Colonel Graham in command of the expedition, thinks that the loss is greater. The Federal loss is one killed and one missing. St. Louis, April 22. —Intelligence has been received that General Marmadukc, with a force of from 1500 to 2000 rebels and six pices of artillery, was advancing on Patterson, south of Pilot Knob. Colonel Smart, in command at the latter post, thus Telegraphs :—A scout on the Black river discovered them on Saturday morniny, but they were repulsed before communication could be had with me. The attack began about twelve o'clock, between the enemy's advance and our scouts, on the Reeve's Station road, I sent Major Wood with a battalion in that direction, and he held them in check and skirmished into town ; this gave the time to load trains and have them ready to move if he had to retreat. Before I left the town was totally destroyed, and some stores which I could not bring away. Nothing fell into the hands of the enemy. The fight continued to Big Creek, eight miles this side of Patterson. The engagement was severe. After fighting hand to hand at Big Creek, they got in front and attempted to cut off my retreat, but I forced my way to a ford on this side of the creek. My loss in kiled, wounded, and missing is about fifty. I had scouts on Bear River, Greenwood Valley, and Bush Creek roads; also Reeve's Station road, which I have not heard from. The regiment fell back in good order and is now together, except the scouts above mentioucd. I had about 400 men in the engagement. New York, April 22. —The Herald has a letter from New Orleans of the 14th, which says : —The news of to-day from Urashear City is of the utmost importance. The enemy evacuated the works at Centreville last nigt but they probably will be captured - The entire force is enclosed between Grover's forces on the one side, and those of Emery and Wcitzel on the other. The enemy are leaving their guns and ammunition bee high them. The ram Queen of the West was captu.tdfrom the enemy in Grand Lake at ten o'clock this morning. Captain Fuller, the commander, and all the officers and crew, numbering ninety, are now prisoners at Berwick Bay. The capture of the Queen of the West is most important. I consider the whole affair a victory, and of immense advantage to the Union cause. Memphis , April 21. —On Saturday evening, three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry left Memphis on a reconnoitering expedition. When near Neoncona the cavalry came up with detachments of rebel cavalry, commanded by Blythe, After a short engagement the rebels fled towani3 Coldwater. Early on Sunday morning Major Hayes, with two companies of cavalry, again attacked the rebels, killing twenty, wounding forty, and capturing eighty. The rebels fled in great confusion across the Coldwater. After crossing they received reinforcements, and Major Heyes fell back eight miles to Hernando. The rebels, having been so roughly handlcn, did not follow. At Hernando, our cavalry was reinforced bS infantry and artillery, and the united force moved to Coldwater and attacked the rebels on the opposite side of the stream. The fight, which lasted until sundown, was confined mostly to the infantry, as the artillery could not be used so success fully as desired. Our los 3 was five killed and fifteen wounded. Farragut's secretary has arrived at New Orleans with despatches. Farragut was blockading the mouth of Red River. On the trip from Vicksburg his fleet had an engagement at Grand Gulf. The Hartford and Switzerland were hit. One man on the Hartford was fatally wounded. New York, April 21.—1t was stated by paroled seamen from the frigate Mississippi, who had reached New Orleans, that the rebel gunboat Webb had been destroyed in Port Hudson in a fight, and that our fleet did great damage to the batteries. In one battery alone twenty-five rebels were killed. The enemy several times were driven from their guns, and one of their batteries spiked. Washington April 21. —The Peterhoff case is up today at a Cabinet meeting, which was full, with the exception of Secretary Chase. All the official documents were laid on the table. The impression derived from indications after the breaking up of the meeting was that a majority of the constitutional advisers of the President favour the holding of the vessel ; for opening her mail there arc precedents within limits. This war would athorise the latter act. Official despatches confirm the report that a portion of Porter's fleets, laden with a large number of soldiers from Grant's army, has succeeded in running the batteries at Vicksburg, and are now in a condition either to help Banks, attack Port Hudson, or make an assult upon Vicksbury from the South. New York, April 21.—A Yorktown letter of th 16th says : —Our loss on the 11th, at Wlliatnsburg, was one wounded and five prisoners. General Wise, with 3000 men, occupies Williamsburg. Yesterday General Keyes sent a flag of truce, with orders to the citizens to leave, as he was about to shell the city. Fort Magruder has been rcinfoieec with heavy guns. One gunboat is up the York River, and another is up on the James River, on each side of the town. The steamer George Washington, from New Orleans the 13th, has arrived. Important movements are in progress against the rebels on Bayou Teche. General Banks was in the field at the head of Grover's and Webster's corps. General Wcitzel's force has crossed Berwick Bay and advanced to Pattersonville, five miles up the Teche. The enemy retreated, and our forces were steadily advancing. General Weitzel was reinforced on Sunday by EmericVdivision. Grover's forces embarked at BVashear City and proceeded into Grand Lake to Indian Bend, above Franklin. The movement, if successful, will bring the enemy between two fires. The rebels numbers 8000. It was reported, at New Orleans on the 13th, that General Weitzel was within six miles of Franklin ; and also it was rumoured that General Grant had appeared with a strong force up the Red River, -

Colonel Daniels, with 180 coloured troops, wen to Pasea"-oula, Miss., and captured the place. He was subsequently attacked by 300 cavalary and a company of infantry. Twenty rebels were killed and a large number wounded. The rebels retreated, leaving their calours behind. The enemy brought down large reinforcements, and Daniels returned to Ship Island. The schooner Antelope, from Port Royal, has arrived. When seventy miles out she saw a large Anglo-rebel paddle-wheel steamer steering south. She was painted lead-colour, with while smoke-stacks and no masts. Ten miles further north she saw another Anglo-rebel steamer steering towards Charleston. By the arrival of the transport Ellen S. Terry we have advices from Newborn, N.C., to the lGth. General Foster ran the rebel batteries in broad daylight. His pilot was killed ac the wheel. Over 200 hundred shot and shell were fired at the vessel besides volleys of musketry and small arms. Sixteen cannon shots took effect on the steamer. Louisville, April2l.—On Saturday, Colonel Graham attacked the rebels near Selma, Tenn., killing seven, and destroying their camp. Next day he crossed the Cumberland and attacked another rebel encampment, killing thirty and routed the remainder, and he is now in hot pursuit. The Federal loss was one killed. Colonel Riley attacked the rebels on Sunday at Custroboro on the Cumberland, killing and capturing sixteen. At last accounts ne was chasing the'remainder. No Federal casualties. Chicago, April 21.—1n the rebel attack on Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday, they took about forty prisoners during a daring charge of the Ist Arkansas Royal Cavalry, but finally retreated, leaving their own dead on the field. The rebel force was chiefly cavalry. Washington, April 21.—Official despatches received from General Peck, dated Saturday evening, eight o'clock, say than General Getty, in conjunction with the heavy battcrv at West Branch, captured six guns and 700 men"of the 44th Alabama regiment. The 39th New York and the Bth Connecticut were the storming parly, Chicago, April 21.-Cairo despatches received at three o'clock this morning, say that the steamer Silver Moon, from Vicksburg oa Friday has arrived. She intelligence that on Thursday night six gunboats and three transports left Young's Point and ran past the Vicksburg batteries. All got through safely but one tranfport, the Henry Clay, which caught fire opposite the, city, and was burned. The gunboat Bento:i was the only one struck, and had one man killed and two wounded. The daumhead of the transport Forest Queen was injured by coming in contract with one of the gunboats. The damage, however, was slight and easily repaired. From the time of starting until the first shot was fired by the rebel batteries was an hour and a quarter, by which nearly all had got safely past. A brilliant light was then seen on the shore which ill iuminated the river for a couple of miles, but soon died out. 500 hundred shots were fired on both sides; with what result to the rebels is not known. Each gunboat and transport had a coal barge in tow. Murfreesbnro, Tenn., April 20.—A leader in the Atalanta (Ga) Intelligencer of the 17th says that Roscrans is being reinforced by Grant, and that a great battle in Tennessee will come off within sixty days. A rebel telegram from Jackson, Miss, of the Bth, says that a considerable Federal forces is at Greenville, Miss. New York, April 20.—The Philadelphia Enquirer publishes an account of the late expedition from the army of General Hooker, in a letter from Freeman's Ford, which says:—On Monday morning an expedition under Major-General Stoncman, consisting of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, left the encamdment. A portion of the cavalry proceeded to Bristol, and there encamped. Another portion of the cavalry, bivouacked, and a portion of the cavalry, with the battary, encamped at Morrisville. The forth section, accompanied by a brigade of infantry and two batteries of artillery, remained for the night at Grove Church. Before daylight that portion encamped at Bristol- sent two squadrons of the 7th, Bth and 9th Illinois, with instructions to proceed to VVarrenton, and thence to the Sulphur Springs, to await orders. The remainder of this force was ordered to proceed to Liberty, and a squardron was sent towards Wnmnton, which came upon several detached bodies of partisan cavalry, each of which they gave chase to and captured, and some were wounded. Upon reaching the Springs they forded the river, and continued on down and opposite bank |as far as Freeman's Landing. The roads becoming inpassabel, they were obliged to return to the point at wiich they crossed. The division which remained at Elk River left before day-light the same morning, and proceeded to Bealton on the railroad leading up to Gordonville. The division is now lying in the woods near the point. The remaining force near Morrisville moved rapidly to Kelly's Ford, and there discovered the first organised body of the enemy. Preparations were made to dislodge them, and after throwing a shell or two the rebels retired, leaving the ford in our possession. A portion of the Ftrst Division was sent up the river to the Rappahonnock bridge, to hold and prevent its spoliation, and the remaining divisions proceeded to Liberty, where they met with trifling opposition, and sent on ten or twelve prisoners. The rebels appeared in considerable force, but their ability to retard us is doubted, should our leaders determine to cross the river. A Port Royal letter says our Monitors, making eight in all, bave arrived. The propeller Haze is just in front, freighted with iron— the plating for the Monitor's decks. By this arrival, in the way of additional covering, a few days—perhaps next week—will find them stronger than before the late attack on Charleston. Fortress Munroe, April 20. —Heavy firing has been going on for the last twenty-four hours on the Nansemond river, foccasioned by our gunboats shelling out the rebels, who attempted to plant batteries in different points on the river. Last night our gunboats, with the 89th New York, and the Bth Connecticut Regiments, captured a rebel battery of six pieces of artillery, and 200 prisoners. St. Louis, April 2P. —A telegram has been received at head quarters that Fayetteville, Ark, was attacked on Saturday morning by 3000 rebels with four pieces of artillery. Our force was less than 2000, and repulsed the rebels* with considerable loss. Our loss was five killed/and seventeen wounded. Washington, April 20.—A special despatch to the Times from ex-Governor Hicks of Maryland, says that a secret organisation has been unearthed in various comities of that State, sworn to join the Coufederatcs at a favourable opportunity. New York, April 20.—The Herald's despatch of the 18th, from the nnny of the Potomac, saysthat theforccs of the enemy have been collected in the vicinity of the fords of the Rappahannock, although no attempt has been made tocross. Washington, April 20.—The Richmond Dispatch of the 18th has the following.— The enemy's troops at Lake Providence are going down to "Vicksburg. Nov/ York, April 20.—Letters from Suffolk, Va., report that ourforceshold the Nansemond River for sixteen miles, and have defeated every attempt of the rebels to get in our rear. The rebels expect to bring against us, including reinforcements from General Hill, 60,000 men. The delay of the enemy in making an attack is as good as the reinforcements. They have expressed an opinion that Suffolk is too well fortified for them, with their present force, to risk a direct assault. A Norfolk letter expresses the opinion that there will be no great battle at Suffolk. We outnumber the enemy there, and have the advantage of strong entrenchments, unless General Peck takes the initiative and advances on the enemy. Fortress Munroe, April 19.—T0 General Halleck.— I deem it due to the forces at Suffolk to notice briefly their gallant conduct for the last six days. On Tuesday the enemy's advance was gallantly met by Foster's light troops, the former being driven back to their line of pickets by Anderson's division ; at the same time, on the water front, with our gunboats and batteries, and they suffered materially. On Wednesday, a rebel battery 20-pound rifled guns was silenced effectually, and an attack on Smith Briggs' (Qur .-ter-master) boat was repulsed. Repeated attempts were made upon our lines, but all failed. The storming of the enemy's battery near West Branch, on the Nansemond, by General Getty, and a gunboat under Lieut, Lawson, of the navy, and the capture of six guns and 200 prisoners, closed the operations of six days against the enemy's large force in a very satisfactory manner.—J. A. Dix, General Commanding. New York, April 18. —Rehcl despatches report that large Federal reinforcements had reached Granada, Miss., and that the new plan is to send a large force to each of the three railroads lvnning south. Gen. Grant is to join Rosecrans by water. Kirby Smith assumes command of the rebel forces in West Mississippi. Rebel accounts say they destroyed nearly 500,000 dollars worth of stores at Williamsburg. Washington, April 18.—Gen. Abercrombie is to assume command of the concentrated forces for the defence of Washington and the South Potomac. Gen. Casey retains his position as a commander and organiser of provisional brigades, with head quarters at Washington, both under Gen. Heintzelman. The Herald's despatch says a report is prevalent to-day, that the rebel cavalry which had been hovering around the Bull Run Mountains and Culpepper, had been surrounded by an expedition sent out by General Stahl, and that their capture is almost certain. This report is generally credited. Richmond papers report the arrest and return of nearly 400 rebel officers. The Examiner of the loth says the 59th Virginia destroyed a Federal camp near Williamsburg ; five Federals were killed and several wounded. Fort Magruder has been immensely strengthened by new redoubts and rifle pits. Some Confederate forces arc on the ridges commanding the city.

St. Louis, April 18.—A. telegram from Park B£J,aa the Cherokee Nation, says he has swept the norifc aSas of tlie Arkansas River "clear of rebels. A partcT&st command holds Fort Gibson. He lias had ovsranHE from Colonel Drew Vnughan and the Creek IrfiaaE, The rebels arc gathering on the south side «t &« Arkansas, and hold all of the fords, which are vtm ' Another letter to the same paper says that ffregjgbmats have received unofficial intimation that Pre&ls« Lincoln intends to. have Charleston reoecupied hri&ss United States' authorities. There is much cok.h«eJS in Washington on Gen. Hunter remaining-idkArigs; the fight. ~.,-,- -* Washington, April 17. Near-Admiral Lee &S»craphs Secretary of War, from off Kfewprj& News at G a.m. of the 16th, that reports from Lksh&v Cushing and Sampson, just received, state <BmK enemy had not crossed the river, and there is ewsrsr indication that they arc retreating, though tfeygnaa still some artillery and sliarpshooieers on the Ivaase" mond Our boats shot down a number of their -Tana to-day with canister. We have three wounded, rsdajg in all five killed and eighteen wounded in our £«T&e. to which, from what we learn, the fight has boeagneSr much confined. Washington. April 17.—During the test-two m»«b 15,000 soldiers have been sent to the array** Mm Potomac from convalescent camps. New York, April 17.-The Virginia Legislated parsed a tax bill, taking everybody, and crojaaqp more than double the rates of the United btatcexadethe Internal Revenue law. __ The rebel Congress has passed a law awofitegE flogging in the rebel army, and substituting the <SsbSe penalty, imprisonment, and the Penitentiary.