Latest from the North.
Fredericksburg, March 20.
--The New York Times, of the 17th and the Baltimore Clipper, of the 18th inst., are received.
Rumors are rife of an evacuation of Vicksburg, and it was supposed the greater part of the rebels would go to Chittenango to overwhelm Rosecrans.
A Chicago dispatch says the Yazoo Pass expedition is a complete success.
A fast schooner was boarded in San Francisco harbor Sunday by the U S. authorities, and detained as a privateer.
About 20 Secessionists were on board, with six brase Dahlgren guns with carriages suitable for use on this board.
Correspondence found will lead to other arrests.
A reconnaissance has been pushed by Gen. Milroy; from Winchester, as far as Strasburg, and no enemy was discovered or heard of in any force.--It is denied that rebels are in any force in Shenandoah Valley.
A few of Imboden's cavalry were found higher up the Valley, towards Staunton, but retired at the approach of the Federal.
Gen. Rosecrans dispatches Halleck that Colonel Minty drove the rebel cavalry wherever he found them, capturing one of their camps 17 wagons, 42 mules, and 114 prisoners--using the sabre where the carbine delayed.
The privateer Florida coaled at Barbadoes 24th ult, leaving on the 25th.
Wilkes knew of her whereabouts before leaving St. Thomas.
The Clipper-say: Antonia J. Ford was the principal spy and guide for Capt-Mosely in his recent raid on Fairfax C H, and sided in planning the arrest of Gen. Slaughter, Wyndham, and others, she was arrested and brought to the Old Capitol Prison on Sunday last, with $1,000 Confederate money on her person.
The following is a copy of her commission:
To all whom it may concern: Know ye that, reposing special confidence in the patriotism, fidelity, and ability of Antonta J. Ford, I, J. E B. Stuart, by virtue of power vested in mean Brig-General, Provisional Army. Confederate States, hereby appoint and commission her my Honorable Camp, to rank as such from this date.
She will be obeyed, respected and admired by all lovers of a noble nature.
Given under my hand and seal, Headquarters Cavalry Brigade, at Camp Severly, 7th October, 1861, and first year of our independence.
By the General: J. E. B. Stuart.
L. T. Bryan A. A. G.
The Washington Republican complains that Mrs. Faulkner, wife of the late Minister to France, (now in the rebel army) is daily receiving courtesies from Federal officers at Martinsburg, and often acts the part of medium to communicate with the rebel authorities.
Lincoln has indefinitely postponed the expedition to colonize free persons of color.
The Times says a combined attack on Vicksburg may be looked for daily; for it will be impossible for Grant to leave the men and vessels of the Yazoo expedition where they now are. It was probably intended that all the movements were to be simultaneous.
Siegel's difficulties have been adjusted, and he will probably withdraw his resignation and return to his command.
The price of gold fell off ¼ per cent, on the 16th Government current credits were firm.
M. Geillatdet writes from Paris, February 27th, to the Courier des Estats Unis, that an insurrection has broken out in Hungary corresponding with that in Poland.
He also mentions a rumor that Napoleon will recall the French army from Mexico, and treat with Juarez upon a report by Gen. Forey that the popularity of the Mexican President insures his re-election by universal suffrage.
It is added that the French Emperor wishes to avoid a conflict with the Northern States through the side they offer the Mexicans, the unpleasant relations between Seward and Mercier, and the refusal of the Washington Cabinet to accept the last proposition of France. 