Additional from the North.
A flag of truce boat arrived at City Point on Monday with 372 prisoners who were captured at Gettysburg. Many of them were of Pickett's division, and belonged to Norfolk. Col. Meredith, the new U. S. Commissioner of Exchange, was on the boat, and a conference was held between him and Hon. Robt. Ould relative to the cartel, the result of which has not yet transpired. By this boat we have full files of the New York papers of the 22d, and get the following news from them:The approach to Charleston — the battle of the engineers.
The Boston Journalthinks that the contest now going on at Charleston between two of the best, if not absolutely the two best, engineers, in their respective armies, is extremely interesting in every point of view, besides that which concerns itself with the national bearings of the result. It says: ‘ It is universally admitted that if Beauregard is good for anything in the way of generalship, it is as an engineer. And he probably is very accomplished and ingenious in that line of service. His actual exploits thus far are not proofs of great originality, as perhaps the occasions did not call for it, but they show no defects in his claim to be a first class engineer. But Gen. Gillmore, in his reduction of Fort Pulaski, demonstrated highly original and brilliant qualities. What he accomplished in that case is well known, but the following statement by the Philadelphia North American of the immense barriers of routine opinion which he had the boldness to attack and demolish at the same time, best shows what stuff the man is made of: It is stated that Gen. Wright, for three years chief of the engineer bureau at Washington, after a careful survey pronounced most positively against the practicability of an attack on Pulaski, stating that there is not old iron enough in America to take that fort. Gen. Totten, long the head of the entire engineer corps, is reported to have said, you might as well undertake to bombard the Rocky mountains from Tybee as Fort Pulaski. Gen. Robert E. Lee gave rebel testimony to the same point: "The enemy may fill your fort with shot and shell, but they can not breach its walls." But the incredulous Gillmore insisted on an opportunity to drag some cannon miles across floating marshes to a little firm land, on which he proposed to plant them for a breaching battery, and by some strange chance he was permitted to do so. The world knows the effect on Fort Pulaski, and are now informed that its consequence with the branch of the service to which he was attached was to make General Gillmore "the best hated officer in the engineer corps." In the present struggle Gillmore has displayed decided superiority over Beauregard in one respect — that is, in getting his foothold on Morris Island. If he had been kept out of that — and he might have been — he could have made no progress; but that having been secured and held, he has a fair field, and need ask no favors. At the very starting point, therefore, Gen. Gillmore evinced a generalship of a higher grade than belongs to the strict department of engineering. As for what is to come, the experience of Pulaski can only give us confidence, without determining specific results, the conditions of the problem being so different. Sumter is farther off from Gen. Gillmore's batteries than was Pulaski; it is of stone instead of brick, and is additionally protected by tiers of cotton bales. On the other hand, Gen. Gillmore has much heavier and better ordnance than he had at Pulaski, and more batteries, besides having the aid of the iron-clads. The balance of the conditions is believed to be not against the present undertaking, but experience alone can settle the question. But Gen. Gillmore and his gallant troops, as well as the whole loyal public, are sanguine in the conviction that his success is only a question of time. It is a military axiom that every fortified place can be taken, if only the proper means are expended. The Government means that there shall be no failure in the if in this case. Men, ordnance, and the requisite material of all kinds will be supplied in abundance. Let the people, therefore, be in no haste to see the cradle of rebellion brought low. The work must go on scientifically to be effectual, and should not be hurried. It was reported that the grand attack was to be opened last Thursday, but we are assured on good authority that Gen. Gillmore will not be ready to give the word for action before to-day or to-morrow. Perhaps, also, a day or two's additional delay may be necessary. But the third contest at Charleston, this time the battle of the engineers, will soon begin, and will, we are confident, march steadily on to the complete satisfaction of all loyal men and the confusion of traitors. ’The armies in Northern Virginia.
A Washington telegram, dated the 21st, has the following about the supposed movements of Gen. Lee: ‘ Information is current here that Lee's army has been moving off from our front upon the Virginia Central railroad to Richmond; but officers arriving here to-night, whose position in the army entitles them to know what is going on, assert that no such intelligence is in the possession of our commanding Generals. Lee is undoubtedly upon the Rapidan and Rappahannock. His pickets are extended from the Upper Rappahannock along that river to Fredericksburg, and the region about Potomac creek is infested with rebel cavalry. Everything indicates that the enemy intends to remain in his present locality, unless our own movements should necessitate a change of base; and it is not impossible that the next battle may be fought upon that river. Indeed, it is apprehended that Lee will assume the offensive rather than retreat, and many expect an attack from him at an early date. Preparations for such an emergency are now being made. Deserters who came across the Rappahannock say that the movement of troops towards Fredericksburg from Culpeper was only a ruse to cover Lee's real object — i. e., to enable him to move his troops southward by way of Gordonsville. Day before yesterday large bodies of rebel cavalry dashed down towards the Rappahannock at the separate fords, driving in our pickets. They came boldly out in sight of our lines and deployed in fine line of battle order. Immediately all the corps along the river were put under arms, in which position they remained until morning, when, behold the enemy had withdrawn! A cavalry reconnaissance was then made, which went as far as Culpeper, but found no enemy; but, on the contrary, obtained such information as leads to the belief that the whole rebel force has gone in the direction of Gordonsville. The reason for my belief I am not at liberty to give. ’Attempted escape of Lieut. Reed and his companions from Fort Warren.
Lieut. Reed, of the Tacony, who cut out the U. S. revenue cutter Cushing, nearly succeeded in escaping with his companions from Fort Warren on the 20th inst: A telegram says: ‘ The revenue cutter J. C. Dobbin arrived here at four o'clock this morning with the yacht and escaped prisoners from Fort Warren. There were but two of the rebels, and neither of them were of the Tacony's crew. Lieut. Alexander was commander of the ram Fingal. The prisoners state that only two escaped from the fort. The other prisoner proves to be James Thurston, second lieutenant in the rebel marine service, from the Atlanta, alias Fingal, captured at Savannah. The prisoners state that they escaped by crawling over the ramparts of Fort Warren while the sentries were on duty. They swam, with the assistance of a target, three quarters of a mile, to the opposite island, where they seized a little fishing yacht. Lieut. Reed attempted to escape with them, but was detected in his efforts to do so by the sentry stumbling upon him while he was crawling down after the alarm had been given. They landed only at Hampton beach, and were captured at 11 o'clock yesterday east ward of Boon Island. The prisoners made no resistance. They say they would have escaped by putting out to sea if they had been supplied with food or clothing. Captain Webster, of the cutter Dobbin, boarded every vessel he met until he captured the prisoners. They had some $200 or $300 rebel money, with some green backs. They are now secure in the jail here. Their boat was a miserable one, and totally unfit for their contemplated trip. ’The condition of Louisiana.
A letter to the New York Times, from New Orleans, says that Port Hudson is now occupied by negro troops. Speaking of the condition of things in Louisiana, the writer says: ‘ There is a vast difference in the character of the country lying above Baton Rouge and that below. Above they have been searching for their "rights" by erecting batteries and firing at steamers from every bend in the river. The result of their search is, that where once were towns and princely dwelling houses there is to-day nothing but gloomy chimneys and desolation; where once were prosperous communities and happy families, there are now only ruin, desertion and houseless vagabonds. Below Baton Rouge the chivalry have not been so vigorously in search of their "rights," and in consequence both banks of the river are continued successions of pictures of wealth, quiet, refinement, and happiness.--Not a single feature of destruction mars the view, save at Donaldsonville; here a few gentlemen took their rifles and endeavored to find their "rights" by sending a few vollies into some passing vessels. They got their "rights" in the shape of a few negro regiments now encamped there, and they will for a long time be enabled to remember the results of their adventure by the scorched chimneys which mark where once stood their beautiful town. One would scarcely think as he passes down from Baton Rouge that a bloody war is convulsing the country. Steam issues from the mills, smoke from the chimneys of the planters' houses and the negro quarters, green oceans of sugar-cane are rippled by the cool breezes of the Gulf, the song of the negro is borne through the stillness of the night — everywhere, in short, are evidences of prosperity and quiet. There is but one feature that shows differently from that of old. There is evidently a sullen constraint among the residents; they do not sit on plazzas and watch the passage of river life, but conceal themselves, and, with closed doors and windows, resolutely ignore our existence. This, however, we can submit to, without being either seriously injured or mortified. With us is the consideration that we have made all these people happy, kept them wealthy, and preserved for them their homes and property in spite of themselves. If they choose to haunt their back kitchens in preference to the front parlors, or to sit in darkened rooms instead of admitting the beautiful, healthful sunlight, we can cheerfully, without compromising the dignity of the Government, afford to forgive them such petty slights. There are any quantity of miserable devils who are now encased in ragged gray, who are starving, fighting, and dying all over the South, who would most gladly exchange positions with them. Their lot is not the hardest known in the history of this present war. The first thing that strikes one as he passes along the levee of New Orleans is the Sabbath like stillness that seems to reign over the city. The levee, as far as the eye can reach, is bare of everything save a rich crop of grass, which, although a fine thing in an artistically point of view, is not calculated to convey a great idea of commercial activity and prosperity. A few Gulf steamers and merchantmen and a half-dozen river boats are tied up to the landing--one or two have up steam and seem to have been somewhere, or to be about to start for some other point, but the majority look as if anything to do is a thing of the past, or of a very indefinite period in the future. ’A Speech from Henry Winter Davis on the enlistment of negroes.
There was a mass meeting of the Union men of Portland on Saturday last. Vice-President Hamlin presided over the meeting. The first speaker was H. Winter Davis, of Baltimore, who made the following remarks about the employment of negro soldiers: The President had an undoubted right, under the act of Congress, to employ as many negroes as can be obtained in putting down the rebellion. He would like to see the question of slavery mooted. That act of Congress has placed in the hands of the President the instrument that shall free the negro, who, bearing the same Stars and Stripes, will defend the Constitution as it is, if not seek to secure the Union as it was. He said if the people of Maine were not sufficiently warmed up, let them take the roassing they in Maryland have taken, and they would get warmed up. They don't stop to ask a man who is willing to fight for the Union, whether he is black or white, bond or free. We will fight side by side with anybody who will aid us in putting down this rebellion, and those who were not willing to do it had better stay at home. Gen. Jackson addressed the colored soldiers as fellow-citizens, and urged them to fight for their country. The question of equality need not now be settled. If they are our equals we can't help it, and if they are not we should regret it, as it is not their fault, and they are entitled to our sympathy. The Constitution of the United States knows no difference, except in a provision made for Indians. Colored men in Maine, New Hampshire, and in many other States have all the rights and privileges of a white man. They voted in Maryland and North Carolina at one time. John Bell said he was twice elected to Congress by negro votes.--It is entirely a new idea that they are not citizens, originating with Judge Taney in his decision in the Dred Scott case. They are a great instrument of power, having mental and physical ability combined with a strong motive to fight for the Union as it ought to be. It is no time to quibble about these matters of etiquette, while the life-blood of our nation is being sought. The rebels having abdicated their country without a just cause, they must abide the consequences.West Virginia.
A Washington dispatch, dated the 21st inst., has the following about "West Virginia:" Lt. Gov. Boreman, of West Virginia, attended by Col. Crothers, of his staff, is here to urge upon the Government the adoption of measures to enable the loyal citizens of the new State to protect themselves against marauders. His requests have been acceded to, and all the arms required have been given to him. Gov. Pierpont is here making arrangements for putting the Government of the State of Virginia into operation, the seat to be at Alexandria. With this view the first Legislature will be convened in extra session, probably in September, when they will elect a Treasurer and Auditor, for without them no salaries can be paid, nor the taxes collected in the several counties deposited. By the creation of the State of West Virginia the sum of $100,000 was left to the credit of the remaining portions of the Old Dominion. The new term of Gov. Pierpont will commence in January next, the election having taken place on the 28th of last May in those parts of Eastern Virginia free from rebel control.Rich Rumors from Fortress Monroe.
We copy the following dispatch from Fortress Monroe, which is dated the 20th inst.: ‘ The flag-of-truce steamer New York, Capt. Chisholm, left last evening for City Point with three hundred rebel prisoners from Chester, Pa., in charge of Major Mulford. Acting Brigadier-General B. F. Onderdonk, with the 1st New York Mounted Rifles and two companies of the 11th Pennsylvania cavalry, has just returned to Portsmouth, Va., from a long raid into North Carolina. They passed through Edenton and opened communication with Capt. Roberts, in command of South Mills. Thence they proceeded to Pass quotank and Hertford. While about half way between the two places they were attacked by guerrillas, and in the skirmish lost two men. They killed thirty guerillas, drove several into the Dismal Swamp, who were drowned, captured ninety horses, some cattle, &c. The raid was very successful. Two refugees arrived in Norfolk to-day from Richmond, who were born in Canada. They report that the rebel Government is terribly frightened about Charleston, and say if it is taken all is lost. A guard is kept about the residence of Jeff. Davis night and day to prevent him from running away from Richmond. There were very few troops in or about Richmond, and only one brigade between there and Petersburg. Two gentlemen (brothers) have just arrived here from Richmond, residents of Beaufort, North Carolina, and left North Carolina, on the last day of last May. They were arrested for being Unionists and taken to Richmond and incarcerated in Castle Thunder, where they remained till 25th July,when they were conscripted by order of Confederate States Attorney Aylett, (after having been released from their imprisonment from Castle Thunder.) When conscripted, they were taken to Camp Lee, where they remained nine days, when they succeeded in making their escape and came down the Peninsula, via Pamunkey river, to Yorktown. They proclaimed themselves sworn enemies to the rebel cause from beginning to end. They report that most of the fortifications about Richmond have no guns mounted, and they saw none to mount, and the rebel forces are very limited in or about Richmond. Jenkins's brigade, only mustering 3,500 men, are sometimes in Richmond and sometimes in North Carolina. Gen. Wise is near Richmond. ’Miscellaneous.
The New York Herald has the following note relative to the death of Lieut. Gen. Holmes, of the Confederate service: The death of Gen. Holmes, of Arkansas, as reported in the Herald, by drinking intoxicating liquors, is false. I was present at his death. It was caused by pneumonia.Fifty copies of the New York Daily News were seized on Saturday morning by a Government detective on board the boat for David's Island, with the following on the inside of the wrapper: "To the soldiers of the C. S. A., with compliments of Ben. Wood. " George W. Linn, Prentiss C. Baird, and Wm. Brown, all residents of Lee, Mass, are being examined on the charge of giving aid and comfort to the rebels by manufacturing bank note paper, having the water mark "C. S. A." in the centre of the bills. A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of Baird, that he might appear as a witness. Linn was held in $3,000 bail to appear at the September term of the District Court, and Brown, who worked for Linn, but against whom no testimony beyond that fact was introduced, was held in $1,000. Col. B. L. Bell, the oldest cavalry Colonel in the U. S. regular service, died in Baltimore on Saturday night. He served through the Florida and Mexican wars, and built all the forts from the western borders of Texas to the Pacific. Col. J. P. Creager, who is recruiting for Col. Birney's colored regiment in Maryland, has been apprehended and committed to jail in default of $1,000 bail to answer a charge of having enticed slaves to desert their masters. Major Gen. Beast Butler and family, with friends, started in a private carriage from Lowell, on Monday, for the White Mountains, with the intention of being absent about ten days. Fred. Douglas has suspended the monthly paper which he has been publishing in Rochester, in order to go South and assist Adjutant Gen. Thomas in the organization of colored troops. James E. Murdoch, the tragedian, is in Philadelphia at present, but will soon leave for Ohio, and engage in the canvass of that State against Vallandigham. Brig.-Gen. Duffie and Staff have left Washington for Western Virginia, where, it is said, Gen. Duffie will have an important cavalry command. Hon. John A. Gurley, Governor of Arizona, is dead. Gold was quoted in New York on the 22d at 125⅝.
