War Matters.
We copy the following summary from the Norfolk Day Book of yesterday:Lieutenant Worden.
This Federal officer in command of the Ericsson Battery, Monitor, during the late engagement in Hampton Roads, did not receive the injuries to his eyes from pieces of cement, as represented by the New York Herald in an item given by us yesterday; but, as we learn through a source which we are not at liberty to mention, received the same from fragments of shell from the Virginia, which passed through the openings in the turret of the Monitor. We are told that the injury he sustained is much greater than the Northern journals allow, and it is thought that it will result in a total loss of eight. He is compelled to wear bandages over both eyes, and is accompanied by a guide when he goes abroad.The battle in Arkansas.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, of the 11th inst., contains a dispatch with reference to the fight in Arkansas, in which it is stated that their loss is one thousand killed and that ours is about the same. It claims a victory for the Federal arms, and states that our forces were being pursued by their cavalry. The reader may believe as much of this statement as he chooses. We opine, however, that he will not believe much of it when we tell him that the same paper also claims the recent engagement in Hampton Roads as a victory for their side.Federal falsehood.
We have the authority, through the 1st Lieutenant of the French corvette, and also the French Consul of this city, on the part of the commander of that vessel, to state that the paragraph which appeared in this paper yesterday from the New York Herald, in relation to the said commander giving information, there stated, is a bass lie, and to state further that he has written to the French paper in New York to this effect.The Ericsson Battery.
We learn that the Monitor during the day takes a position in the neighborhood of Mill creek, and at night returns to Newport News. The report that other vessels have been sent to that point by the Federals is untrue.The War in the West.
The Memphis Avaianche, of the 8th, alluding to the situation of affairs at New Madrid, says: ‘ We have no reliable advices from this point of deep military interest. A great battle is now regarded as imminent at that place. It is understood the Federals are concentrating a large force for the attack, and the Confederates are rapidly preparing to repel it. Before many days we shall have a battle of a decisive character fought at New Madrid.--Our Generals should hasten their steps or they may be too late. It is believed now firmly, by the best informed, that the Federal gunboats cannot descend the river to Memphis. Our people are resolute and hopeful under this conviction. ’ Major-General Bragg has ordered martial law to be established at Memphis. The Memphis Appeal, of the 9th, publishes a letter from New Madrid, giving an account of several sharp skirmishes between pickets, in all of which the enemy had been worsted.--A force of the enemy had appeared at Point Pleasant, Mo., ten miles below New Madrid, with the view of cutting off communication with Memphis by river. Com. Hollins was about to proceed down with two gunboats, for the purpose of shelling out the nest. The following is General Beauregard's order assuming the command of the Army of the Mississippi: Headquarters Army of the Mississippi, Jacksoo, Tenn., March 5, 1862.
Soldiers:
I assume this day the command of the Army of the Mississippi, for the defence of our homes and liberties, and to resist the subjugation, spoliation and dishonor of our people.
Our mothers and wives, our sisters and children, expect us to do our duty, even to the sacrifice of our lives.
Our losses since the commencement of the war, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, are now about the same as those of the enemy.
He must be made to atone for these reverses we have lately experienced.
Those reverses, far from disheartening, must nerve us to new deeds of valor and patriotism, and should inspire us with an unconquerable determination to drive back our invaders.
Should any one in this army be unequal to the lask before us, let him transfer his arms and equipments at once to braver, firmer hands, and return to his home.
Our cause is as just and sacred as ever animated men to take up arms; and if we are true to it and to ourselves, with the continued protection of the Almighty, we must and shall triumph. Soldiers:
G. T. Beauregard,
General Commanding.
The Memphis papers inform us that Gens. Polk and Bragg will be connected with Beauregard in command.
General Commanding.
The Memphis papers inform us that Gens. Polk and Bragg will be connected with Beauregard in command.
