AMERICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume I, Issue 90, 26 February 1864, Page 4

AMERICA.

Our advices from Now York come down to December I 12 - Both Houses of Cuiip'ess met on December 7. Mr. Emerson Kthelridge, tlio speaker of the last House of lieprcsentatives, refused to enrol the names ofa number of the new members because of the übscnce from their credentials of the specific statement that they were electcd in accordance with the laws of their States respectively, or the United Mutes, us is required by an act of Congress passed on the 3rd of March last. Tiiti objection was, however, overruled by a vote of the House, and all the members were admitted to their scats. The elociion of Speaker way then proceeded with, which resulted in favour of Mr. Colfax, of Indiana, Uepnblic.m, by a vote of 101 against 62 for Mr. Cox, of Ohio, Democrat. Mi\ .'Jdwiird Jlacjihsveon, of

Pennsylvania, Republican, was elected clerk by 101 votes against 09 cast for Mr. Emerson Ethelridge, Democrat.

Congress has unanimously passed a vote of thanks and voted a medal to General Grant.

President Lincoln is reported convalescent, but yet unable to leave his chamber. He lias issued a proclamation announcing the raising of the siege of Knoxville, aud, esteeming it to be of great national consequence, recommended all h Jul people on receipt of the information to assemble" at their places of worship and render homage to the Almighty for grejitadvancemeiit of the national cause.

On December 1), tho President forwarded to the Congress his Message, of which the following is a summary :—

It states that the I'ederal government is in peace and friendship with all foreign Powers; that the crisis which threatened to divide the friends of the Union is past; that thulvliellion is pressed within its narrowest limits, and declares the President's determination to adhere strictly tohiscmancipation policy so lons as he shall remain tho executive. The British Government, it savs, as further expected, has exercised its authority to prevent tho departure of new hostile expeditions from British ports. The Trench empsror, bv similar proceedings promptly vindicated the neutrality which ho proclaimed at the beginning of the contoft:—" lllocl::ide questions have boon discussed and accommodated in a spirit of frankness, justice, ami national goodwill. Our prize courts, by tho impartiality of their adjudication, have commanded the respect'and confidence ot' maritime Powers. An important question, involving the maritime jurisdiction of Spain in the waters surrounding Cuba, has been debated without reaching agreement, and it is proposed to refer the question _to the arbitration of a riendly Power. Tho rights ol aliens in America are partially defined by treaties with some jjjovermnents. In no instance, however, is it stipulated that in the event of civil war foreigners residing within the lines of the insurgents art; to be exempted from tin.- rule which classes them belligerents, in whose behalf theii government cannot expect any privileges or immunities distinct from that character. Such claims, however, have been put forward in behalf of foreigners residing here the greater part of their lives." The Message states that lhe receipts during the yearfrom all sources, including loans and the balance in the Treasury atthorommencemcnt of tlie year, were 000,000 dollars. - 'lhe disbursmcinents during the year were a!fo,000,000 i/ols. The leceipt from tho custom wore (ji),000,000 dols., and from the internal revenue ">7,000,000 dols. 'flu 1 amount received from loans was 77G,000,000 dols. The disbursements in tho War Department amounted to 01)0,000,001) dols., and for the Navy Department to 03,000.000 dols. Over 1000 vessels have been captured since the blockade was instituted. The navel tore.: consists of oSS vessels, 7o of which are ironclads. One hundred thousand freed slaves are in the Federal service, half of them bearing arms. The Messages further says:—" In the midst of other cares we must not lose sight of the fact that war power is our main reliance, and that to lhat power alone we can look for a time to give confidence to tin) people in contented regions that the insurgent power will not again overrun them. Until that confidence is re-established little can be done anvwhoro for what is called * reconstruction.' Hence our chief care must bo directed to the armv."

Accompanying the Message is a proclamation in which Mr. Lincoln proffers an amnesty to all the people of the Confederate States, excepting the heads of the government, the principal military and naval oiliccrs, and those who have been concerned in treating coloured persons captured in thu Federal army other than as prisoners of war, upon the condition that they will swear to support the Constitution and the Union, all tho Acts of Congress, and all proclamations of the President made during the war, nntil such Acts and proclamations may be declared void by the Supreme Court. He further proclaims (hat wherever the citizens of any of tin; seceded Stutes not in number than <»ne-tenth of the vob-s ca.st in such States in the "Presidential election of IblitJ shall re-establish a local government which >hall not contain their prescribed oaths, the State shall be admitted to the Union. The pioclamntion contains the following additional provisions for State governments formed in with the terms oi the proclamation

" fc?taU* may m;iko any provision in relation ti> neirroe? which shall recognise and declare their permanent fnedom, provide for tlnir education, ami which inavhe eoiij-istent a> u temporary nviit with their present condition a lahoriuus, laudle>s, houseless class. State £overnm-nts may retain the name of the Slate, ami the same 'aoundary, roiiMitniion, and general code of laws ;is existed before tin; rebellion, .>uhject to the modification made necessary hy the conditions of tin.* proclamation."

Not only is an amnesty granted, but a full pardon and restoration of tlie rights ot property, except slave property, to those taking the oaths described in the proclamation. The Confederate Congress assembled oil December

7. Mr. Jefferson Davis delivered bin Message on the same day, of which the following is a summary. He

"Whatever obstinacy may be displayed by the eueniv in his desperate sacrifice of life, money, and liberty in the hope of enslaving us, experience of mankind lias too conclusively shown the superior endurance of those iighing for home, liberty, anil independence to permit any doubt of the result." lie bitterly criticise.- I.arl Kiissell's poliey in regard to the blockade, and referring to' Karl Uussell's speech that Knghshinen would have been lor ever infamous if, for the sake of their interests, they had violated the law of nations and made war with the Mave holding States against the Fcdeml States, says Karl iittv>ell woiiid probably have om.'.tted this remark regarding the slave holding Stiles if he had remembered that those States were, when colonies, made slave holding by the direct exercise of Kugland's power, whoso interests in the slave trade wen; then supposed to require- that her colonics should be slave holding. President Davis says, " There are only two measures applicable to the present condition of our foreign relations, (hie is to imitate the wrong under which the Confederate States suffer—namely, to retaliate by declaring a paper blockade of the Federal coasts, and capture all neutral vessels trading to Northern ports. This course I do not recommend, although it. would only be following the precedents of France and Kngiaitd in the Berlin and .Milan decrees. The other measure is not so objectionable. The Tarts declaration provides that a neutral tin*; covers an enemy's goods, except contraband of war. The South acceded to this declaration by the treaty of August, 1801, but the consideration tendered lor that concession has been withheld, and she is, therefore, not bound by the compact. As, however, the South approves the principle of the l'aris declaration, she will uphold it, and hope for redress from the returning sense of justice of the great people, who will awake to the consciousness that the war in which the South is engaged ought, rather to be a reason for forbearance of an advantage than the occasion for unfriendly conduct." Mr. Davis recommends taxation. The currency must be promptly reduced to prevent the present inflated prices reaching more extravagant rates, fie also recommends the abolition of the substitute Hystem, and a modification of the exemption law, so that the army may be largely increased as rapidly as possible, lie regrets the suspension of the exchange of prisoners, and that communication with the transMississippi districts is so greatly obstructed. He says " The enemy refuse proposals for the only peace possible between us. The only hope for peace now is in the vigour of our resistance." He speaks despondingly of the loss of Yicksbnrg, Tort Hudson, and many other points.

The " New York Tribune " and " Times" applaud President Lincoln's Message. The " Now York "World " thinks the Message to be good us an electioneering document, hut considers his plan for a reconstruction to he absurd. The " New Y'ork Herald " believes the President's plan for a reconstruction will be a failure. The following' are tlu more important military items of the month :— Advices from Chattanooga to November 2Urd announce that (wo divisions, under Granger, had made a reconnaissance to ascertain the Confederate position and obtain possession of two elevations in front of the Federal left, half-way between the Federal lines and Missioniiry liidge. The Federal guns commanding the position, only one buttery was taken into action. Granger moved forward at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and eng; ged the Confederates, whilst the artillery in the l'V-doval fort opened upon the Confederate rifle pita ;nd camps behind the lino of fighting. The Con I ede rates did not reply, having 110 artillery at that part of their entrenchments. Granger then occupied the elevations upon which he directed his attack, citrricd the rifle pita in front, and moved through the forest before him, driving in the Confederate pickets. He halted his advance on reaching further rifle pits in his front, where the Confederates awaited an attack, which he did not make, his object being to obtain the heights on the Federal lott, which would Secure from' a Hunk attack uny euluiun moving to turn the Mi:>»itsaii>i>i Bidyo-,

On the niglit of the 24th Bragg evacunced Lookout Mountain, moving South. On the morning of tho 21th Hooker occupied the position. At the same time Sherman assaulted tin: north-east of Jlissioimry Ridge, and was repulsed with heavy loss. "Jiutbeing reinforced lie renewed tlio assault, and reached to within 20 yards of the summit, but was flunked and compelled to retire to his reserves. The Confederates then massed heavily on Sherman's right, but Grant started two columns, which broke the Confederate centre and gained possession of the ridge, the Confederate main force being driven northward towards Sherman, who opened tire upon them, driving them disordered down the western slope of Missionary Ridge, aud across the western ridge of the Chickamauga.

During the night of tie- 25th General Lragg retired from the position lie had taken up, south of Missionary Ridge, towards Dalton, in Georgia, destroying the bridges spanning the watwourses behind him, and also the stores and material which embarrassed his movements. General Sherman advanced in pursuit at 4 o'clock on the morning id' the 2'itfi, and crossed the Chiekamauga River daring the forenoon. General Hooker wasat Ringgold, Geurgia, in the afternoon.

The Federals evacuated Kinggold on November 30, having first burnt all the public, buildings, mills, depots, and bridges, and returned to Chattanooga. The railway from Ringgold to Chiekamauga was also dest roved.

Despatches from Chattanooga of Dec. 7 announce that General lfardee is falling back from Dalton, but do not stat i in what direction ; and Southern despatches from Dalton to the Bth state that the Federal cavalry had bren driven a mile beyond Ringgold. Some despatches assert that tho Federals have been nmted at Sollersville, Kent.icky, with a loss of numerous prisoners, and that the Confederates have made a raid on the Memphis and Charleston Raill'oail, near Pocahontas, capturing -100 and killing 300 Federals. The Confederates are said to lw ve captured to waggons of a Federal forage train near Harrison, in Tennessee, on the !th.

General Longstreet's army crossed the Tc nnessee River on the l tth of November. General Ibirnside fell hack before him, his rear guard skirmisl.ing. Upon tho Kith Geneial liurnsiiie formed a line of battle at Campbell's station. Here a tight ensued lasting from noon till dark, when I'urnside cheeked the Confederate advance, and fell back during the night, reaching Knuxville on the moi-tv.ng of tile 17th. Upon the l'Jtli General Longstreet, opened fire on a furtilicatiou in front of the city. The Federals abandoned this position, falling back to stronger defences. General Longstreet had completely invested the city. Burnsido's loss is estimated

at -150; that ot' the. Confederates is much larger. Private despatches from General Burnside at ICtio.vville to November 10 represent his position as secure, but state that, the communication with Cumberland Gap is uninterrupted.

General Foi>ter, under date of Tazewell, Tennessee, December 7, oiJieially informs General Halleek of thu raising of the .siege of Knoxville by General Longstreet. General Sherman's advanced guard of cavalry reached Knoxville on tho ord, and 011 the night of tho -Ith General Lomrstreut withdrew his forces towards lSristol, on the line of the .East Tcnnwhco Railway, following the course of the Ilolston liver. On the <>th Genera! Sherman's main body arrived at Knoxville, when his cavalry, as well

as that of General Forster, were sent in pursuit of the Confederates. Skirmishing with General Longstreet's rear guard has commenced among the Clinch Mountains. It is believed that General Longstreet will rejoin General Lee in Virginia.

The failure of the Confederate attack upon Knoxville on the 29th Xov. is attributed to tho falling' hack of a portion of the assaulting columns under

Anderson, who received orders to do so, which proved to have been forged.

Tiie "Tribune's*' "Washington correspondent, under date of the oth of December, asserts that in recent actions south of Chattanooga the three corps of Gener.il Hooker, »Shernian, and Palmer were thrice repulsed at Kingg'Old by General J/ardco's single corps, which w,is covering the retreat *»f the main body of General Bragg's army. This corroborates the Confederate accounts. General Grant was pursued and compelled to abandon the pursuit of General Ihagg south of h'inggold.

It is staled lhat Gener.il Grant has captured since his campaign in the West commenced no le-is than 17:2 cannon and 9l),OOU prisoners from the Confederal e>.

The of Georgia has ordered the enrolment of nil eiti/.en> over l.> voiin tor the defence of tin? State.

The troop?* of the army of the Potomac are engaged in perfecting their winter quarters.

General lav's troop* have reestablished their signal still ions upon three eminenco overlooking the country occupied by General Meade. General French i> reported to have been relieved of his late command of the army of the Potomac, and ordered under arrest for aliened misconduct in the recent Federal movement across tho Kapidau. BrigadierGeneral Lockwood has succeeded General Shetiek in the command at Baltimore.

Tlie iinvdents of (In: siege of Charleston are few but some of lhcm may be instructive. The bombardment of Fort Sumter lias been a long conllict between new rilled gun* and works constructed to resist much less formidable arjiilery. 1t might naturally have been supposed that-the old walls could not long resist a heavy lire continued day and night for many weeks. Nor have they resisted.

All the exposed faces of the fort have been beaten almost into powder, lint it N a singular fact that the completeness of tlie ruin has proved a protection to the garrison. The walls have crumbled down under tlie iron shower, hut tlie works are still tenable, and arc in such a Male that they counot sustain any furl her damage. The crushed brickwork and inaj-oury received the heavy shot like a sand-bank, and are as good a defence to the troops within as they were when perfect. The attack commenced on tlie 17ill ot August, and has continued without intermission for twelve weeks. Tlie fire kept up has been heavy and rapid. Through the night of the 1-th November the balls ami shells thrown into or at the works averaged two every minute. Vet in three mouths of the siege only 27 men were killed and til) wounded in the tort,—scarcely more than a single casualty in every 21 hours. Six or sexeii hundred comton shots must frequnily have been fired without touching a man. Tne works, as defences seem to bj as complete in the condition of a rubbish heap as when they Mood erect : or, if there beany difference, they appear to he rather improved as a cover for tlie garrason.. Federal lire," it. is stated, "ha* ceased to do any injury."

Richmond journals contain despatches fromC liarleston to tlie 'Sth of December. Brisk firing was maintained between Fort Moultrie and Battery but the shelling of Fort Sunter had again ceased. The other Confederate and Federal batteries exchanged occasional shots. One of the Monitors hud timberwork placed around her to protect her from torpedoes. The Federals had unmasked a new b)il(cry,and mounted more guns upon Fort Wagner. Southern papers assert that Gilmore s Creek tire is easily extinguished. General Beauregard visited Fort Sumter upon the 2nd of .December. The Monitor Weehawken, lying at the entrance of Charleston harbour, sank .suddenly at her anchorage during a gale. Four engineers and 20 of her crew were drownded. She is lying in five fathom water, and will be raised, when the cause of her sinking will be ascertained.

The Federal government adheres to its determination to refuse exchange of prisoners until the Confederates agree to exchange coloured troop?. The Confederated decline to comply with this demand. It is estimated that the expenditure of the Federal government fur the support of tlie War, Navv and other .Departments, together with the interests upon the public debt, during the ensuing year will amount to 800,OttO,(IU0 dollars.

The Russian flag-ship and three gunboats left New York on the 27th Nov. for Fortress Monroe, where they intend staying during the winter. The Wench frigate Oinerrier sailed from New York on the 2Gth. President Lincoln and his cabinet were, by order of the Czar, to be invited to a grand entertainment on board the Russian Hag-ship. The merchant steamer Chesapeake was seized on December 6, whiie on the. voyage from New York to Portland, by 16 Confederates, who were passengers on board ; one of the engineers was killed, and another and the chief mate wounded. After overpowering the captain and crew the Confederates steered to St.. John's, New Brunswick, and all but the chief engineer and the captain were landed. The steamer then sailed in an easterly direction. Several Federal steamers have been sent, in pursuit. The plot to seize the Chesapeake was matured at St. John's, New Brunswick. lier cargo consisted of fat, for a Southern port, it being intended to run her into Wilmington.

The following account of the escape of General Morgan, the Confederate guerilla chief, from the custody ol the Federals is given in the New Y*M'k iiepeit '---

"On the night of November 28; the Confederate | Major-General John 11. Jlorgun, and six of bin officers, escaped from the Ohio Penitentiary at Oolumbus. Thev had, by patient labour for two weeks, dug through the floor of their cell, having for tools onlytwo small pocket-knives. About two weeks previously one of the prisoners asked for boards to cover their cell floor, stating that the damp stone was injuring tlieir health. The unsuspicious guard granted the request, and these boards were used to cover their work. After penetrating the cell lloor, which was one foot thick of stone and brick, they reached a 1-fcet sewer, but, being stopped by a heavy grating at its mouth, thev (lug through the soft earili under lhe outer wait, and thus reached the open country, lhe night being dark and stormy, favoured their operations, and there seems to be no doubt that tliov received assistance from sympathisers outside._ lhe governor telegraphed to all the military committees ot the State, and the provost-marshals had instructions to scour the whole country for the fugitive's. l'he thousand dollars reward has been offered tor General Morgan, dead or alive, and every exertion was made for his rapture : but not the slightest-clue could be discovered as to the route they had taken, lhe lolloping note, addressed to the wi.rdcn, was left- in the vacate. 1 cell" Commencement Nov. 5, conclusion Nov. 20. Number of hours'labour per day, three; tooh, two small knives. Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. P.y order of my six honourable eonfederates. —T. Hrsnv H.yises, Captain, C.B.A.