December 4.
A sharp fight occurred between six United States gunboats lying off Port Royal, on the Rappahannock River, Va., and the rebel batteries behind the town. The firing was very rapid, and lasted about two hours, completely riddling some of the houses, when the rebels ceased firing, and the gunboats dropped down the river one and a half miles. Some of the rebel shot struck very near the boats, but no damage was done them.
The North-Carolina House of Commons unanimously passed a series of resolutions, expressive of their confidence in the patriotism and uprightness of Jefferson Davis, and his ability to sustain the government of the rebels; also heartily approving the policy for the conduct of the war set forth by Governor Vance, and finally declaring that the “separation was final, and that North-Carolina would never consent to reunion at any time or upon any terms.” --A skirmish took place near Tuscumbia, Ala., in which the rebels were compelled to abandon their camps, after losing a large number of horses, and seventy taken prisoners.-Winchester, Va., surrendered to a reconnoitring force of Union troops under the command of General Geary.--(Doc. 59.)
A sharp fight took place at Watervalley, Miss., between two brigades of Union troops, commanded by Colonels Hatch and Lee, and a large body of rebels. After a charge from the Union troops, the rebels were routed, leaving three hundred of their number, and fifty horses in the hands of the Unionists.
The rebel General Hindman, before making his attack on the National forces in Arkansas, issued an address to his soldiers, in which he told them what to do, and what not to do in battle.--(Doc. 60).)
