The Lancaster Examiner from Lancaster, Pennsylvania • 2

mxmficv satiinet' IHESQOTHERti REBELLION xaminn otM. S1 LANCASTER, fi- WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 186-3. Summary of War News and Incidents. through the others and laid it seemingly during that night. All were ready to renew under the very walls of Sumter, and within a the battle, though each man felt that he was little more than five hundred yards from it going to an inevitable sacrifice.

I confess I Close behind him, within six hundred yards prayed that the fiery cup might pass from the fort, is the Katskill, commanded by them, and that no impetuosity might prompt Geo. Rodgers, a soul of courage compact our leader to throw the fleet again into that and to both cf them one could not help apply- powerful fire. ing the exclamation of Nelson at Trafalgar Admiral Dupont calls no councils of war, See how Collingwood, that noble fellow, but on his own motion decided that the con-carries his ship into the fight test must end here. This afternoon there Close by the Montauk, commanded by the was an informal gathering of the captains of horoio AVorden while not far removed are the iron-clads on board of the flagship, the Passaic, the Patapsco, the Nahant, the I Rarely was ever a fleet so commanded. These Nantucket, the AA'eehawken, and the Iron- men are the very flower of the navy.

The 8es- lips must refuse their office to one who would The whole fleot is devoting itself mainly to breathe a whisper of suspicion against their the face of Fort Sumter presented to it, with courage or their devotion. Now there was CHARLESTON. FROM VICKSBURG. Fortress Monroe, April 10 The Richmond Whig of the 9tli contains the following: Jackson, Miss, April 7. Farragut, with three vessels, is above Port Hudson.

He signalled the lower fleet, but none have gone down the river yet. A icksburg will be attacked this week. The Federals hare contracted their lines at Memphis. The Hartford landed at Bayou Sara this morning and destroyed the government stores there. The lower fleet have opened fire, lying without the reach of our batteries.

Admiral Farragut still holds the river between Aicksburg ard Port Hudson. Gen. Porter and Gen. Grant are reconnoitering up the Yazoo with considerable force. A reconnoissanee by a body of cavalry of Gen.

Stahls division of the Army of the Potomac lias resulted in the eaptureo seventy rebels and one hundred horses, some of the latter having been previously stolen in the raid when Gen. Stoughten was taken. To Subscriber-- Subscribers fending ns mono? ly mail subs.iiption will please notice the dates annexed to their address on each Taper. Tho dates a to changed upon the roceipt of money, there-bv constitutin' a receipt. 5 COUNTY COMMITTEE MEETING.

The members of the Union County Committee of Lancaster county, are requested to meet at Sprechers Hotel, in the City of Lancaster, on MONDAY, MAY 4th, 1S63, at 111 oclock A. M. S. SLOKOM, CiatVeioH. The Naval Bombardment of Fort Sumter.

FULL DETAILS Seven Monitors) the Ironsides and the Keokuk Engaged. Ye are authorized to announce Jacob Fret, of Manor iownship. as a candidate for Sheriff, subject to the decision of the Union Republican County Convention. -tVe are authorized to announce J. D.

AVil-sox. City, as a candidate for Sheriff, subject to the decision of the Union Republican County Convention. We are authorized to announce Samuel Hess, of Pequea township, as a candidate for County Treasurer, subject to the decision of the Union Republican County Convention. THE IRON-CLADS UNDER EIRE TWO HOURS. THE CONNECTICUT ELECTION.

The Connecticut election, which took place last week, resulted in the complete overthrow of the enemies of the Republic. The whole bottom of the Copperhead tub fell out, leaving Seymour and Buchanans ex-Secretary of the Navy, Toucey, to gather themselves up at their leisure. This result in Connecti cut is a greater victory, worth even more than the taking of Charleston, as it will teach the traitors South, that their allies in the North have but little power to further their cause by embarrassing the national Administration. The factious enemies of the Administration are greatly puzzled to account for their overwhelming defeat in Connecticut; and well they may be, for it was the result of honest convictions and pi-triotic impulses. It is the awakened protest of the people against the tide of treasonable opposition to the government which was threatening to paralize its efforts and to prostrate it before tho conspirators in arms.

The plotters thought they had secured the State. When the Rhode Island election was announced they said, Oh, there was no straight-out, organized opposition to Lin coins Administration there wait till you hear from Connecticut Only a few days before the election one of the leading Copperhead organs said: The reader may anticipate as certain a Democratic triumph in Connecticut a triumph the more to he appreciated as it will secure the election of one of the ablest and purest Democrats in the State to the executive chair, as well as the next House of ltcjresentives to the opposition party. It submitted a careful estimate of the vote by counties, predicting the semi-traitor Seymours election by 2,000 majority All right except by about 5,000 or votes. There is than one kind of monstrous fallacy, as the Copperheads have found out by this time. All hail Con necticut I They Endure a Concentric Fire from Five Different Points for Thirty Minutes.

the-exception of tho Ironsides, which, from its position, can do better work on Fort Moultrie and is pouring forth its terrific broadside from its seven 10-inch gun9 on that work. Could you look through the smoke, and through the flame-lit ports, into one of those revolving towers, a spectacle would meet your eye such as Vulcans stithy smith might present. Here are the two huge guns which form the armament of each Monitor the one eleven and the other fifteen inches in diameter of boro. Tho gunners, begrimmed with powder and stripped to the waist, are loading the gun. The charge of powder thirty-five pounds to each charge is passed up rapidly from below the shot, weighing 400 pounds, is hoisted up by mechanical appliances to the muzzle of the gun, and rammed home the gun is run out to the port and tightly compressed the port is open for an instant, the captait of the gun stands behind, lanyard in hand Ready, fire! and the enormous pro-jeotile rushes through its hugo parabola with the weight of ten thousand tons, home to ils mark.

maik is the face of Sumter, which already displays palpable proofs of the horrid Half a dozen ugly pock marks show conspicuous, and a huge crater was formed in the parapet near the eastern angle. AVe look with interest at these effects, and look forward but one opinion shared in common by all these men the fruitlessness of renewing the attack at present. Let us see on what con" sideration their opinion is founded. Viewed strategically. Charleston harbor forms a cut de sac, four miles in length from its entrance at Fort Sumter up to the city.

This blind passage varies in width from one to three miles, and is capable of bearing defensive works on each side and on shoal places iu mid-channel. On these natural advantages have been brought to bear the finest engineering skill in the Confederacy (and it was the flower of the genius of the country) during a period of two Jyears. Lee, Beauregard and Ripley in in succession have exhausted their professional efforts to make it impregnable. Everything that the most improved modern artillery and unlimited resources of labor can do has been done to make the passage of a fleet impossible. And it is impregnable.

Sebastopol was as nothing to it. A3 one of the leading actions of the great rebellion, the battle of Charleston harbor passes into history and takes its place there. As a contribution to the worlds experience in the art of iron-clad warfaro, it passes into science and opens an epoch there. So far as the publio are concerned, it might be well to postpone conclusions hut people THIRTY-FIVE HUNDRED SHOTS FIRED BY TIIE REBELS. Judge Shannon of Pittsburg will the Union League on Saturday next.

to Particulars of llic Damage the Iron-CIails. The Passage of Fort Sumter prevented by Obstructions. BREAD BIOTS. Bread riots, which the rebels were so fond of predicting in the early stages of tb national crisis, have indeed arrived but, unhappily for the prophets, they are at their doors and not at ours. In the very capital of the Confederacy, under the eye of Jeff.

Davis and his accomplices in mischief, three thousand starving women have raged along the streets, broken open and sacked stores, and supplied themselves with food and clothing wherever they could. A few weeks ago a similar disturbance was reported as taking place at Savannah and a short time before the women of Atlanta helped themselves in like manner, presenting pistols at the heads of shopkeepers. At Raleigh, N. a company of women went to a store and appropriated several barrels of molasses. At Salisbury, in the same State, on the ISth a mob of soldiers wives armed themselves with hatchets, and visited one store after another, demanding and obtaining flour and molasses.

Another riot has since occurred at Petersburg. We may well imagine that these six instances are only a part of the eases which have actually occurred thus far, and only the eginning of what is yet to come. The Raleigh Standard says Bread riots have commenced, and when they will end God only knows. The results of this state of things cannot but be of great importance. It will he near three month.) before new supplies of food can he raised.

Although the stock on hand may suffice, if evenly distributed, to carry the country through on short allowance, yet an even distribution cannot he allowed. The three or four hundred thousand rebel soldiers must be supplied at all events, and the government has the power to see it done. The slaves who are exempt from conscription will get their usual share, for most of them are under the charge of men who are wealthy enousrh to possess twenty, and who are also exempt, and will take care of themselves. The families of the poor soldiers, then, must suffer extensively. The gross inequalities of southern society will thus he brought out in the most irritating light, and disaffection, disorder, and weakness must ensue.

We may therefore have the confidence that, at the very moment when we get ready to strike the heaviest blows on the Souther Confederacy," they will find it undermined L0(1 TlZ'U fivr Copperhead Patriotism. When the troops of Gen. Burnside were passing through the streelsof Cincinnati, recently, they passed the hall where the Democratic Convention was in session. But not a shout, or the waving of a hat, or a handkerchief, or even a friendly smile greeted the brave fellows who were going under the stars and stripes to meet the rebels. All was silence and sullcn-ncss in the conservative convention.

The hearts of its members were with the rebels. THE KEOKUK RIDDLED AND SUNK Tiie News From Charleston. We Lave only space to refer our readers to the full account we give elsewhere of the great naval engagement in Charleston harbor. It will he seen that, though the Keokuk proved vulnerable and sunk, the rest cf the irou-elad fleet stood the test unimpaired, and are ready to renew the conflict whenever it is desirable. The attack so far was little more than a It may be called a repulse, hut certainly not a disaster.

It lias further shown the rebel defenses to he formidable, hut it has not demonstrated that they cannot he subdued. Terrible Tragedy in Massachusetts. Shocking Revelations ol JDepravity A Son Poisons ail his Relatives. The Boston Journal of Thursday gives the particulars of a most shocking tragedy, perpetrated in the town of Beverly, in which a whole family were poisoned by one of ihe members. The following are the particulars of this shocking affair Simon Stackpole, father of the person now under arrest on the charge of the murder of his sister, and of the treble attempt to take the lives of his own father, mother, and also a second sister, removed from Boston to that part of Beverly known as Monserat, situated about three miles from the principal village of the place, in the year 1857.

He had previously been in the brokerage business, but the conduct of some members of his family becoming intolerably aud uncontrolably bad, the parents resolved that they Bliould no longer remain where influences of a depraving character might continue to operate upon them, and accordingly located iu the quiet and respectable town where the recent revolting chapter in the annals of orime has just been enacted by the second of Mr. Stackpoles two sons. At the time cf the removal alluded to, the senior Stackpole was estimated to have been worth $10,00:) or $12,000, though it has since then been reduc.d somewhat- by the misconduct of these same sons. The family consisted of the father and moiher (a couple about 50 years of age), a sou, Saml L. Stack-pole, 25 years of age, at present a soldier in the 8ih regiment a daughter, Mary, 16 an adopted daughter, Caroline, 3 years and tbo son, Charles L.

Stackpole, (the alleged poisoner) who is now 21 years of age. The first positive indication that attempts were being made to poison the Stackpole family i3 believed to have appeared on Friday, March 27, on which day the family had a with good hope to seeing a breach at length i will draw them, and perhaps hastily and un justly. It would be quite iu the natural order of those -violent oscillations to which public temper is subject, that the disposition to eee in iron-clads every imaginable virtue should give place to a disposition to see in tbem every imaginable vice. And yet both judgments would be equally unjust. Iu the meantime, it is a compensation to believe that the inventive heads that have already been engaged in the construction of iron-clads, may find, in the results gained by this experiment, material for more perfect realizations in the new naval architecture.

Department of North Carolina. Critical Position ol Gen. Foster He will have to feurrenrter Rebels in the Hear and Marching on Newbern Our Gunboats Useless Failure of Several Attempts to Reinforce Our Garrison at Washington, Ac. LOCAL LEGISLATION. Luring the past session of the Legislature the following hills relating to Lan caster county were passed.

A supplement to an act granting certain ferry privileges at Peach Bottom. An act to annex part of Ephrata twp in Lancaster county to Earl township for school purposes. A further supplement to the act incorporating the Manheim, Petersburg and Lancaster turnpike or plank road company. V. A un 1AC, to corporate the Lancaster, Lebanon and Pine Grove Railroad Company.

An act to lay out a State road in Berks and Lancaster county. An act relative to the Columbia school district ia Lancaster county. A further supplement to an act to incorporate the Marietta and Mount Joy turnpike road company. A further supplement to an act to incorporate the Washington and Maryland line railroad company. An act to incorporate the Linden Hall Seminary at Litiz, Lancaster county, Pa.

A Supplement to an act to incorporate the Conestoga and Big Spring Valley turnpike road company. An act to extend the charter cf the Lancaster County Bank. An aet extending the Auction laws of the City of Lancaster to the Borough cf Strashurg. A further supplement to the Charter of the Borough of Marietta. An aet extending to the City of Lancaster, an act authorizing the arrest of piofessional thieves and burglars in the City of Philadelphia.

An act to incorporate the Strashurg and Big Spring turnpike road Company. An act relative to the Millersville and Safe Harbor turnpike road comp anv. A further supplement to the Beading and Columbia railroad. The annual election in Eastern. Virginia will take place on the 28th of May, when a Governor is to be cho-en for a four years term.

In August lections will be held in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Caro-ina and Texas. No election will he held in any Northern State until September, when Vermont and Maine elect State ooDiyrs. GREAT BREAD RIOT IN RICHMOND. Distress and Destitution among the People. Colonel Steward, of the 2nd Indiana Cavalry, who was confined in Libby Prison, Richmond, for some time after his capture by the Rebels, arrived in Baltimore on Thursday, having been exchanged.

The Colonel con firms in all the main points the previous accounts of the bread-riot and distress in the Rebel Capital. He was himself an eye-witness, and could not be mistaken. The chief insurrectionary movement, or demonstration, was made on Thursday a week. There were between five and six hundred women and ohildren engaged in it. They appeared upon the streets in a condition of terrible distress and destitution, demanding bread to prevent them from starvation, and in some instances forced their way into stores, taking what they could get.

At this juncture General Winder appeared before the distracted crowd and made an ad dress, appealing to them to desist and disperse but they peremptorily refused to do so, declaring they must have something to eat or perish from hunger. The general than sent for Jeff. Davis, who soon appeared in the presence of the mob and made a speech. He counselled forbearance upon the part of the populace, promising to render whatever was in iiis power to alleviate their suffering con dition. Upon this assurance beiDg given after some time the crowd ispersed, retiring to thair homes, but not until assured they would be supplied with daily rations by the Government authorities.

After President Davis had retired from the scene, a renegade Rebel General, formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, stepped forward and made a brief address. He confessed, speaking as he Baid from practical observation anil experience, that the people of the South could not possibly exist three months longer under existing circumstances, and unless more and better supplies of food and clothing were obtainable, the thing would be all up with them. This confession was openly made, it is believed, in the presence of Jeff. Davis. The scenes attending ihis demonstration arc described as terrible and distressing in the extreme.

Colonel Steward, from whom the above facts are gathered, is well known, and a highly respectable gentleman. timos is but eightoen feet. Now the New-Ironsides draws sixteen feet, and as during the Spring tides we get at least nineteen feet, the advantage of this season is manifest. On Monday morning Admiral Dupont transferred his pennant from the Jamee Adger, in which he had come up from Port Royal, to the Ironsides, which was to be the flagship during the engagement, and the iron fleet in battle order gets under way to cross the bar on tho flood tide. This delicate task was handsomely done, and by 9 oclock the nine iron-clads had all crossed' the bar, and had gained a position in the main ship channel, extending in file parallel with Morris Island and within a mile of the shore.

Tis the 8th of April by the chime. AVe are lying off Charleston harbor. Tho sea, smooth as a surface of burnished steel, is beneath and around us. Sumter looms up in plain sight, a sentinel in the middle of the entrance to the harbor, and the rising sun bathes its top in golden glory, hut unlike that Mennons statue, which gave forth music to the god of day, wakes from its frowning battlements only the hoarse clamor of the day-break gun. A gentle northwind has blown away the haze, and a diaphanous atmosphere invites to the work before us.

Tho plan of attack has been fully developed by Admiral Dupont, aud each captain of the main fleet is provided with a copy of the official order for his guidance. Nothing now is wanted to the immediate inauguration of the plan of operations thus drawn out, save that ebb tide shall come, as that condition of the water will afford the greatest facilities for steering. This will he at 11 oclock; but it lacks an hour of that so let us take in the elements of the panorama that stretches out before us. Tis a brilliant day with the sky and air of Juno; the yellow butterflies of Spring flit in bright flocks, and the white-bellied sea-gulls swoop through tho air, soon, alas, to be filled with other and more terrible winged things We have before us a mounted telescope of two hundred magnifying power, which consequently brings batteries, shore and ships, within a couple of hundred yards of us, though the whole scene is perfectly visible to the unas sisted eye. AVe are facing Fort Sumter and looking di restly up that harbor.

AVe leave accordingly, Sullivans Island on our right hand and Morris Island on our left. These two islands end eich in curved poiuts of land and at their nearest approach are separated by an interval of a mile, formed by the entrance to the harbor and just on the middle of this passage and right between the two points of land stands Fort Sumter, built on an artificial island made in mid-channel. Both Morris and Sullivan Island are removed above the level of the sea, which, indeed, would probably invade and cover them were it not that the margin of the islands on their sea frontage is marked by continuous narrow strip of low sand hills some five or six feet in height. Behind the second ridea of the ifd ar-ls are a-ltornal salt march sand and clumps of wood of live-oak, palmetto and tropical undergrowths. The whole coast of South Carolina and Georgia consists of a labyrinth of islands and islets of this char acter, round which reedy creeks and rivers wind.

And now, before the horrible fascination of bittle shall whirl all thoughts and feelings into a tumultous chaos, it is impossible to realize for a moment the true nature of the situation before us AVith respect to tho obstacles we are to meet and the engines with which we are to meet them, everything is novel and unprecedented' Comparison is simply impossible, for where there are no points of resemblance comparison is out of the question. But can you imagine if one were permit ted to play with the elements of time and spice the shade of Nelson transferred from his gun-deck off Trafalgar, after but little over half a century, and placed on board one of those iron craft before us and can you imagine the sensations of that consummate master of all the elements of naval warfare os known in his day He must ho helpless as child, and bewildered as a man in a dream, From his splendid three-decker, the Victory, carrying its hundred guns, and towering ma jestically on the water, which it rides like a thing of life, he finds himself imprisoned in an iron casing, the whole hull and frame of which is submerged in the water, the waves washing clean over its deck, and depending far its defensive power on a couple of guns of calibre that would astonish him, placed in a circular tower, rising from the deck amidships. The turret is in thickness eleveu inches of wrought iron, revolves on an ajflsby the delicate appliance of steam engineering, and contains the entire armament and fighting crew of the ship. The fire, the animation, the life ofau old-time naval fight, when men give and took exposed to plain view when ships fought yard-arm to yard-arm, and human nature in its intensest exaltation appeared here wholly out of the question, with the combatants shut up in impenetrable iron, and delivering their fire by a refined process of mathematical appliance. Nor are the outward shape of these craft lass divergent from all that the world has hitherto seen of naval models than are their internal economy and fighting arrangements removed from all previous modes.

The maj-esyof a first-class of man-of-war, with its lines of beauty aud strength, on which aesthetic instincts of aces have been expended, is here replaced by purely geometrical combinations of iron in which the oue pai uuuiudi -a oll-controliing consideration is the resisting power ot lirkoii, hxiB1ph and surfaces. As they stretch in horrid file before ns, along the shores of Morris Island, awaiting the signal from the flag-ship to move, those nine ships, comprising the three different models represented by the Ironsides, the Monitor, and the Keokuk, one might almost fancy that some of the packyJcmoua monsters which pale oDtology brings to view from the dark backward and abysm of time, had returned in an iron resurrection and the spectacle they presented to the rebels from their posts of outlook, must have been one of portontous grandeur. Precisely at half-past twelve oclock the fleet begins to move on to the attack. The line of battle is formed in the order assigned to each ship in the Admirals programme, and the position as marked on the diagram the Keokuk, which brings up the rear of the line, lying down nearly opposite Light House Inlet, anil tho others extending on at intervals of a cables length thcAYeehawkcn lead ing the van. The head of the line is some four miles from the position the fleet is to make before opening fire, and all the batteries on Morris Island they must pass within easy rango of each have to be run.

The fleet is hardly in motion, however, when the leading vessel, the Weehaicken, stops, and and all the others have to stop, also. The cause of this delay, as we afterwards learned, was the derangement of a raft which had been attached to the hVechawken for tho purpose of exploding torpedoes ami clearing away obstructions. This instrument is one of the inventions of Mr. Ericssons fertile genius, and consists of ajraft about twelve feot square, composed of transverse timbers, eighteen inches in thickness, fitting on to tho prow of the vessel. From the forward part of this raft, suspended from a cable six feet in tho water was to ho a large projectile, containing several thousand pounds of powder so constructed the line of fraction would be forward and latter-ally, and capable of being exploded from the turret by means of a lanyard.

One of the two of these rafts which had been brought down was attached to the AYcehawken, which for this reason was assigned the leading position in the line. Owing to the purely experimental character of the device however, it was not attached to the raft, hut in its place a number of grappling-irons had been attached, which it was hoped would be found of service in exploding and tearing out torpedoes. In the course of getting under way these graplings the ship had become fouled in the anchor cable, and this was the cause cf the delay of the AYeehawken and of the whole fleet. It takes an hour to set this matter to rights, to it Depend upon it, there were two parties that watched the progress of tho iron fleet with an intensity of interest that words are too feeble express we, spectators, from our vessels, and the still more interested spectators in the forts, who kept up a perpetual signalizing of its approach from point to point. Slowly the leading vessel, followed by the other eight iron-clads, moves up the Main Ship Channel the shore of Morris Island, against which from point of view they eeem to rest, forming a fixed point, by which we measure tho progress of the fleet.

The first battery to whose fire it will be exposed is Fort AVagncr, and one fixes his eye on it and on the AAce" hawken, approaching nearer and nearer, for the fleet will there undergo its first fiery baptism. She, with tremulous anxiety, comes within range of tho foi no fire. She passes across still no fire The second ship comes up, and meets the same silent reception and so on, one by one, till, with the Keokuk, the whole nine file by without a single shot from this seemingly formidable work. Meantime, while the fleet is passing AVag-ner unmolested, the leading vessel has come up with the next rebel work Battery Bee. The same silent reception for her the same silent reception for the whole fleet AVhat is the meaning of this The enemy is obviously holding back his fire until he oan deliver it with the greatest possible effect.

The line has now passed across Morris Island and rounds to make the entrance of the harbor, coming within the circle of the fire of Fort Sumter and the batteries on Sullivans Island. The suspense becomes painful. There was silence deep as doath. And the boldest hold their breath For a while. In an instant a hollow square of smoke rises from the lop of Sumter a hollow square of flame shoots up a crash counterfeiting Joves dread clamors hursts ou Abe ear, and a whole broadside streams down from the barbette guns It is precisely four minutes past three in the afternoon.

AVhile the AVcehawken is receiving this fire, the others are gradually coming up to the same position but the leading vessel, instead of passing on above Sumter, so as to place herself iu the prescribed station opposite the northwest face, sheers off to the right, and lays estopped between Sumter and Moultrie Heavens what can bathe matter? From our point of view no oause for this unlooked for development can he perceived, but to those on the AVecliawken it is only loo apparent. Stretching from a point close io the northeastern angle of Fort Sumter, completely across the channel to Fort Moultrie, is a stout liauser, floating on lager-beer casks, on which are hung nets, seines, and cables, strung with torpedoes. The vossel comes afoul of this, whisks up the nasty entanglements with its propeller, is thus deprived all motive power, and is at the mercy of the current, to be drifted ashore into tho hands of tho rebels. If this fatality was not actually realized by the iron-clads it was owing to the admirable skill of the captains of the foremost ships, who, when their vessels were just on the point of fouling, sheered off, and saved themselves and tho fleet. The right hand channel being thus obstructed, it remains to see what can be done with the left, between Sumter andG'ummings Point.

But this, too, is still more effectually blockaded by a row of piles, rising ten feet above the water, and extending across the whole width of the passago. Looking up the harbor, an other row of piles discloses itself, ptretching across from Fort Ripley on the middle ground to Fort Johnson. It does not stretch entirely across, however, for midway is an opening, inviting the passage of the fleet. Submerged in the water, underneath that opening, is a torpedo filled with inorediblo though the statement may seem, it is an actual fact five thousand pounds of powder! Furthermoie, above the first line of piles is a second, and above the second a third while above all and just, behind the upper line of obstructions aie the three rebel iron-clads drawn up ia battle array, vomiting hugh clouds of smoke. A'ou can readily conceive that this unlooked-for estoppel utterly deranged the original intentions.

Tho rebels were quite as will aware as we that the northwest face of Sumter is its weakest, point that it was, in fact never finished, and, therefore, that it would he first attacked and they used means, which admirable engineering skill would suggest, to prevent our reaching it. Thus brought to a pause, it only remained for the irou-clad9 to take up such positions as they could. Ami the complication-was further increased by the ill behavior of tho flagship, the Ironsides. AVhile steaming aloDg np through the passage in front of Sumter, is caught by the tideway, and veered from her course, and her huge iron frame refusing to obey her rudder, she becomes iu great part unmanagable. This embarrassed not bor only, but all that portion of tire fleet following her.

The two Monitors immediately behind (the ICatskill and the Nantucket) fell foul of her, the one on one side, and the other cb the other, and it was full fifteen minutes before they could be got clear, and pass on. In this plight it only remained for Admiral Dupont to signal to tho fleet to disregard the movements of the flag ship. This he did, and the shipsjthen assumed such positions ns were available, and they coni.) u.i-'.io number being at tho mouth of the harbor, between Camming' a Point and Sullivans Island, aud opposite the northeast and eastern face of Fort surater, at distances of from six huudred to a thousand yards. AVhile the manouvers rapidly indicated in these paragraphs are going on, you must not suppose the enemy is inactive. The powerful work on Cummings Point, named Battery Bee, opens, the long range rifle ordnance of Fort Beauregard join In Moultrie hurls its heavy metal, the fifty guns that line the Redan swell the fire, aud the tremendous armament of Sumter vomits forth its fiery hail.

There now ensues a period of not more than thirty minutes, which forms the climax and white heat of the fight for though from the time when fire was opened on the head of the approaching line to the time whoa the retiring fleet passed out of the enemys range, covering an interval of two hours aud a half, (from half-past two till five,) yet the essence of the fight was shut up in those thirty tremendous minutes. The best resources of the descriptive art, I care not in whose hand, are feeble to paint so terrifid and awful a reality. Such a fire, or anything approaching it, was simply never seen before. The mailed ships are in the focus of a concentric fire of the five powerful works already indicated, from which they me removed only from four to eight huudred yards, aud which in all could not eave mounted less than three bundled guns. And, understand, these not the lighter ordnance, such as 32 or 42-pounders, which form the ordinary armament of forts, but of the very heaviers calibre thefiinest and largest guns from the spoils of the Norfolk Navy-yard, the splendid and heavy 10 and 11-inch guns oast at the Tredgar works and the most approved English rifled guns, (AVhitworth and others,) of the largest calibre made.

There was something almost pathetic in the spectacle of those little floating circular towers, exposed to the crashing weight of those tons of metal, hurled against them with the terrific force of modern projectiles, and with such charges of powder as were never before dreamed of in artillery firing. During the climax of the fire a hundred and sixty shots were counted in a single minute Some of the commanders of the iron-clads afterwards told me that the shot struck their vessels as last as the ticking of a watch, and not less than thirty-five hundred rounds could have been fired by the rebels during the brief en-gagemeut 1 It was less of the character of an ordinary artillery duel, and more of the proportions of a war of the Titons in the elder mythologies, or like to the Hurricane eclipse of the sun 1 While the fleet is receiving the fire from the forts, what, in the meantime, are the ironclads doing in return On the wder being given to disregard the movements of the flagship, the brilliantly au-daoious Rhind ran his vessel, 'the Keokuk, up of Special Correspondence of the N. Y. Times. Off Charleston Harbor, ox Board Flag-Ship New-Ikonsi Wednesday, April 8th The sun has just gone down on Charleston harbor on what it is surely no straining of terms to call the most extraordinary contest in the the annals of warfare.

Distressing though it be to write tidings which will carry pain and humiliation to ILe heart of the nation to read, it only remains to tell you that this fleet of iron-clads has measured its strength against Fort Sumter and the works that flank the entrance to Charleston harbor, and that it has withdrawn from the contest discomfitted. Estimated in terms of time, the trial wbb brief: but it was decisive. An ordeal of two hours served to prove that the defensive powers of the iron fleet were sufficient to withstand the terrible force of the offensive enginery of the works it had to assail, while the limitations in the offensive powers of the iron- -laSo InnV all Ik- l-ge wkiok Hi igkl have been derived from their superior powers of resistance over the forts. The enemy, by his obstructive appliances, was able to detain the fleet whose total armament is thirty-iwo guns in the focus of fire of a circle of works mounting, at least, three hundred guns in half an hour, five out the nine ships, were wholly or partially disabled Such i3 the ghastly fact in its naked proportions. The following narrative will, it is hoped, afford material for a just appreciation of the events that transpired in Charleston harbor today, during those two brief but pregnant hours.

It is necessary to premise, however, that iiv this contest everything is so novel and unprecedented that we-must he cautious in applying the old standards of judgment to anew order of events. Terific though the action of to-day was, it can hardly be called a battle, for the fleet, only felt the outpost of the enemy, and, owing to the obstructions, it was never even able to place itself where it was designed to begin operations namely, on the northwest face of Fort Sumter. It was in fact, though not in name yet in reality, a reconnoissanee in force. Every thing was untried. Both the work to be done, and the tools with which it was to be done, were comparatively untested.

We knew but imperfectly the engines we were to use against the enemy, and we knew still more imperfectly the engines the enemy were to use against us. It is unfortunate, no doubt, that the revolution in the means and methods of offensive and defensive warfare now dawning on the world, and the urgency of the struggle in which the nation is engaged, should have necessitated the hazarding of a great battle, on elements which are all but unknown. The trial, however, had to be made. It has been made, and though we are not gainers in what is alway the aim of battle direct material success we have at least enriched our experience wiih that which, if rightly profited by, will yet briDg success. The result of the engagement, as already indicated, was to put out of the fight five of the nine iron-clads.

One of these the Keokuk, or "Whitney Battery was so horribly riddled that, though she was brought out to her old anchorage, she has sunk. The other four, though, now that they come to be examined by the engineers, fortunately prove to be not so injured but that they can be soon repaired, were yet so damaged ns to be put for the time being hors du combat. Remember, now, that this tremendous effect the disabling of ono-hulf tho entire fleet was accou.ri!i,ol1 jeg3 an hour-Remembcr, again, that this took oirn at the entrance of the Inferno of fire through which the fleet must have had to pass to reach Charleston, and that there is before it a double line of batteries stretching up for four miles before the city is gained, at each point of which the ships must have been exposed to a fire equal in intensity to that it felt under the walls of Sumter. But, finally, remember that rebel artillery was not the most formidable foe our Bhips had to withstand that, commencing at the point our fleet reached, directly across from Sumter, and extending all the distance up the city, are successive lines of piles, effectually barring the progress of the vessels, and detaining them at known range within the focus of fire that there are other lines of nets and ropes, fur the purpose of fouling the propellers, and that the whole channel is studded with submarine batteries of proportions never before dreamed of in naval warfare. That the entire fleet was not destroyed and left in the hands of the enemy is due to the skill of the gallant sailor commanding the expedition, and the tact and pluck of the captains of the respective ships.

That skill, tact and pluck rendered what, in the hands of any men less able, must have been a most crushing and terrible disaster, simple repulse very distressing and mortifying, tis true, but one which leaves no blot on the fame of those engaged, and one which, rightly viewed, need abate not a jot of the heart of hope with which tho nation holds to the awfully sacred work which God has given it to do. II Certainly never did a fleet, bent on so great a mission, set oat with so little of pomp and circumstance ns marked tho departure of tho expedition, so long preparing, against Charleston. The fleet, which for a week or ten- days had been dropping away from Port Royal, had been during the same time meeting ia rendezvous in North Edisto River, which empties into the sea somewhat over half way between Port Royal and Charleston Harbor, and form a safe and convenient entrepot for tho expedition. Arriving at Edisto on Friday afternoon (April 3) we found the whole fleot assembled in the embouchere of the river. Tides and winds were now the only conditions that remained to control the movement of the expedition.

The iron-clads required all the water over the Charleston bar that the favorable circumstances provide, and it had been made a point that we should be in full fighting trim, and as near as possible to the scene of operations by the full of the moon, (April 3,) when for three days before and after that period the Spring tides prevail, and the moist star upon whose influence Neptunes empire effected, if only the iron-clads can remain long enough under fire to batter away If only they could have remained! But wliat craft, pray, could remain under such a hurricane of fire? And what is this coming down out of the fight It is the Keokuk we know her by her double turret. She has defied Sumter under its very walls, and now come3 out to report to the flag-ship that she ba3 received her death-blow, and is in a sinking condition The flag-ship herself has had one of herport shutters shot away, thus exposing her gun-deck, and red-hot shot has penetrated her wooden bows. In addition, three others showed signs of disablement, and (hero was little more than sufficient daylight left for tiie fleet to gain its old anchorage. So the Admirfil at five o'clock made signal to retire. Beyond the fact that half the fleet were disabled, neither those who were engaged, nor we who were spectators, had any mean3 of ascertaining the nature of the damage our jron-clads had sustained until the fleet had re tired and resumed its old anchorage off Morris Island.

The Nahant received in all thirty wounds, several of them bad fractures of the deck and sides, below and above the tbo water line. The most fatal blow, however, was given by a heavy rifled shot, which struck the pilot-hous9 and dislodged several of the boiis, one of which, driven violently inwards, wounded all of the inmates of the pilot-house the Captain, (Capt. Downs, Massachusetts,) the pilot, (Isaac Schofield, New Jersey,) and the Quartermaster, (Edward Cobb, Massachusetts.) The Quartermaster had been struck by the bolt on the back of the skull which received a compound fracture. AY lien I saw the poor fellow, he was in a state of coma, his life ebbirg away. He died this morning.

The pilots wound was a severe contusion of the neck and shoulder, and he is doing well. The Capta'n received merely a slight contusion of the foot. Other bolts were driven in in the turret also and the following were wounded John McAllister, seamen (Canada), concussion of brain John Jackson (Massachusetts); Roland Martin, seaman. Tho Passaic also received twenty-five or thirty rounds. The most extraordinary shot was from a large 10-inch rifle projectile, which struck the top cf tho turret, scoop'mg out a huge portion of the iron, breaking all of the eleven plates of an inch thickness each, and spending its force on the pilot house (which is placed on top of the turret), in which it made a crater three inches deep, and producing such a shock on the pilot house as to start its top and raise it three inches Had not the force pf the impact been broken on the turret, there can be little doubt that this shot would have gone clear through the pilot house.

Another shot hit tho turret, forcing the place struck inwards, and producing a big swell on the interior. The same shock disabled the carriage of the 11 -inch gua, while portions of the inferior iron casing fell down, and lodging ia the groove of the turret, stopped its revolution. The Nantucket, besides receiving a nurabpr of wounds, had her turret so jarred that the cover of the port could not be opened, and consequently the 15-inch gun could not he used. These three are all of the Monitor type. on i I ora onjiti receiv ed shots more or less, though not disabling them.

Thus'the Katskill was hit twenty times. Tho worst wound was from a rifled shot, which broke the deck-plaiiiig forward, going through it, breaking a beam beneath, and spending'its force on an iron stanching, which it settled half an inch. The Ironsides was frequently struck. One of the shots broke off and carried away one of her port shutters, aud her woodeu bows were penetrated by shells, though they were prevented from doing the damage they otherwise must have done, by Commodore Turners precaution of protecting the exposed part of the vessel with sandbags. Bat the poor Keokuk she, of all others wa3 the most fearfully maltreated.

The vessel was struck ninety times, she had nineteen hole3 above aud below the water-line, some of a size through which a boy might crawl. Iler turret (five and three quarters inches of iron ia thickness was fairly riddled, and came out of ihe cou'sst a mere sieve. During the action twelve of her men were wounded, among whom was her commander, the gallant lthind. During the night her pumps were kept at work to throw out the leaks she was making. The sea had become somewhat rough, however, and was washing in through the holes at her bows.

By daylight it became obvious that she must sink. I had remained on boird the Katskill during the night, and at 7 oclock word was brought down that the Keokuk, which was hard by us, had made a signal of distress. Passing up on deck we saw she was rapidly settling forward. At her signal boats and tugs had come to her assistance, and were busy removing her wounded men. Barely time enough was afforded to get off them and her crew, for she had settled so much that the water was pouring into her turrets.

Two or three of the men, indeed, had to jump into the sea, and wo hauled them iu the small boats. Suddenly she gives a lurch to one side, and a lurch to the other, and plunges under. She went down at 8 oclock at the spot of her original anchorage, near Lighthouse Inlet, and all that is visible of her is the ppper portion of bor smoke stack. Thus ended the brief and glorious career of thi3 interesting vessel the first iron-clad ever sunk. Her story must form a most important chapter in (he history of these new engines of naval warfare, and her fate presents an astonishing example of the frightful power of modern projoctilcs.

Such were the results of these thirty minutes fire which presented themselves to the naval chiefs, whoa the reports came in the day after the battle. There was but one convictioa in the minds of all who were made acquainted with these facts, whether among the naval people engaged or intelligent outside observers, the fight could not be renewed, And yet it was fully expected, on the night of the battle, that another trial would be made in the morning. I saw many of the captains of the iron-clads New York, April 13 The steamer Dudley Buck arrived at this port, this morning, from Newbern on the 9th. She brings a report that it was expected that Gen. Foster would have to surrender, from want of provisions.

The transport Northerner left Newbern on the 7th, with eight hundred men of Spinolas brigade, to assist Gcu. Foster, by way of Tar river but, meeting with a number of rebel batteries, she was forced to return. There was no one hur( on the trip. Gen. Foster's forces, at Washington, consist of twelve hundred men.

On the 5th, a force of 8,000 men left Newbern by way of Neuse river, under Gen. French to reinforce Foster; but, meeting with a superior force of rebels, returned to Newberii, on which place the rebels were marching. The condition of cneral Fosters forces saw extremely critical, and their capture within a limited period was deemed nearly certain. Intelligence reaches us from the headquarters of General Palmer, commanding at Newbern, through an officer who arrived here on the Dudley Buck, that General Foster, had provisions sufficient only for tbo use of his troops up to tho 11th instant. The Dudley Buck left Newbern on the 9th, and touched at Fortress MoBroe, where a rumor had been received that General Foster had surrendered.

There was, however, no evidence, so far as known of the truth of this report. AY ell informed persons who arrived on the Dudley Buck, deny the statement that the re inforcement of eight thousand troops which was sent to General Foster had returned to Newbern, though it was on its way to that place. A part of the baggage train and artillery had, it was reported, been inextricably fixed in the mud, and could not be brought to Newbern even if the Federal forces should be ablo to make their way thither. There was some doubt, however, in regard to their ability to escape the rebels. A re mark of one of the offioers at Newbern, just before the Dudley Buck put off, on Thursday evening, correctly indicated the stateof affairs If our forces reach us, we are safe if not we are gone.

The rebel forces between AAashington and Newbern, (which, doubtless, included the forces surrounding Gen. Foster, are reported at the headquarters in Newbern as follows Under Hill, twenty thousand men; under Gen Pettigrew, seven thousand men. Trustworthy accounts from the forces which were retreating on Newbern state that there tiu e0i.iin of importance between them and the rebels. Had, however, our troops crossed the bridge over Swift Creek which they intended to cross, they could have avoided capture. Newbern is so strongly fortified as to be safe with a moderate garrison, The gunboat Aralley City had passed the rebel batteries below Little AVashington.

Three gunboats the Miami, the Delaware, and the Aalley City were despatched from Fortress Monroe on Monday or Tuesday last, to Little AVashington. The A'alley City only had passed up. She was riddled with caunon balls, and was deem-e 1 to be nearly useless. She carried no troops but it is believed she took a quantity of ammunition. The Miami had not gone up.

No intelligence had reached Newbern concerning the Delaware. The gunboats at Little AVashington arc stated to be the Louisiana, the Commodore Hull, and the Aalley City. Only the Louisiana is fit for service. Gen. Foster will, therefore, be compelled to depend upon himself almost exclusively, un-joss the other gunboats which were ordered to his assistance reach him.

New York, April 13. The gunboat A'alley City, which passed the rebel batteries below AVashington, N. to General Fosters assistance, was struck 6ixty-three times. Her fatwas not subsequently known. A letter from Colonel Sissell, an officer under General Foster, under date of tho 9th, says the latter cannot hold out much longer, being snort of provisions and completely surrounded.

A special despatch to the Boston llerald, dated Newbern, April 9, says A reconnoitering cavalry force, which was sent out overland, on Tuesday encountered a strong force of the rebel pickets ten miles from here, and drove them in five miles. Ye -terday a large force went over the Neuse river on an overland expedi tion, to the relief of Gen. Foster. A transportation train was taken across the river last night to the place where the expedition is encamped. Every precaution is being taken against a surprise here.

It is expected that there will be some hard fighting up the road. The rebels are reported to be in immense numbers, and it is rumored that General Lee is in command. An officer who arrived here to-day in the steamer Dudley Buck says that General Foster had provisions sufficient only for the use of his troops to the 11th inst. AVell informed persons deny the Statement that the large reinforcements which were sent overland from Newbern had returned. THE KNIGHTS OF THE GOLDEN CIRCLE.

A few days since several persons were arrested in Berks county by U. S. Marshals, for belonging to the treasonable oath-bound secret order of the Knights cf the Golden Circle. One of then, Philip Iluber, had the documents of the order in his possession, containing all their oathe, ceremonies, and was the head man in organizing lodges. When the knights of the village where the lodge was located heard of the arrests, they assembled to the number of three hundred, and marched to Reading to rescue their companions.

Hnbcr and his associates under arrest were taken to Philadelphia and lodged in prison. They were committed in default of bail for a hearing. The Pliilip Iluber named above is a citizen of this county, and resides near the Black Horse tavern, in Bast Cocalieo township. He is an ignorant, illiterate fellow, priding himself upon his atheistic principles, and has a had character wherever known. He lias been in the habit for sonic years of holding meetings, in which he denounced temperance, public schools, and taxes.

In a word, he is a man of no character or influence, and just such a person as the Knights in that region would select as a leader. Within the past few weeks we have had numerous communications from loyal men, of the doings of this man Iluber, but thought proper not to publish them, for fear it might make him aud his associates 1pm bold in their ucaon nu-iinst the Government. He has now reached the cud of his tether, and we think that he will he made to feel the power of that law he has attempted to outrage. The Knights who left Lancaster county to rescue Iluber were, in part, B. K.

Binkley, Benjamin Walter, Peter Walter, Henry IValtcr, Isaac Bruner, Peter Snyder, Samuel Snyder, John Latshaw, Reuben Binkman, Henry Moyer, Henry Moyer, the three last named residing in Berks county near the line, and the others in East and West Cocalieo. Iluber was the travelling agent of the Knights of the Golden Circle, and has been but little at home for the past six months. lie a carriage-maker by trade, aud ha3 no means hut what he derives from his daily labor. That lie was in the pay of the leaders of this infi-mous and disloyal club there can he no doubt. Ilis principal business was collecting money and opening lodges throughout the counties of Lebanon, Berks and Lancaster.

The last meeting at which he officiated was held on Monday night last, in the school-house of the Swamp Church, in West Cocalico township. Before that the meetings were held at the houses of Binkman and others. No doubt the Intelligencer will set up a furious howl at the illegal arrest of Huber, and that Isaac Hiestcr will make it the text for one of liis learned speeches before the Copperhead Club of this city. soup for dinner, the eating of which made them all sick. Charles, the sett, ate sparingly of the soup, and said he was unwell Bf.er-w.ard ami the sime soup, being warmed and put on the dinner table ou Sunday, they all partook heartily except him, he saying that the soup ha-1 made him sick once and he would eat no more of if.

Some of this soup was subsequently analyzed by Dr. Sw-is 'y, of Beverly, aud arsenic vras found present iu 1 irge quantities. Tho family were takou very ill after their meal on Sunday, and ou the Tuesday a physician was sent for, the impression being that both Ihe daughters were dying. The messenger diapiatchrd for the doctor was the son Charles, who, instead of procuring a horse (the physician resided several miles away), set out on foot, and having reached a shoemakers shop a short distance from his father3, went iu and sat down, engigiog un-coneeruedly in conversation on frivolous subjects, and after an absence from home of an hour or more returned, telling the agonized family that the doctor would soon be in attendance. A long interval elapsing, however, and the physician not making his appearance, another person was sent for him, and by this process he was speedily brought, this being the only intimation received by him that his services were required.

The daughter Caroline died, having cn- dured great suffering, at about 12 oclock on the following AVeduesday night, sn-d the body was duly entombed. The other members of the family gradually recovered from their illness, until Tuesday of the present week, when having sent Charles to procure some oatmeal, they had some cakes for supper, which, being eaten, produced sickness, exactly similar to that from which they were then ia process recovery. Doctors Swasey and Torrey of Beverly, were summoned to attend them, and it becoming apparent there were just ground for suspicion that all was not right, a conference was had with the town authorities relative to tho subject, and by advice of Coroner Eben. AAalton, the body of the dead child was exhumed, and an examination thereof was bad by Doctors Torrey, Swasey and Sanborn, the stomach, with its contents, being sent to a distinguished chemist in this city for analysis. Evidence accumulating, meanwhile, under the judicious system of investigation pursued, suspicion came to rest so firmly upon the son, Charles L.

Stackpole, (hat on Tuesday afternoon a complaint and a warrant was thereupon issued for the apprehension of the supposed murderer. The arre3t wa3 made. Stackpole was told by the officer that he must go with him. He inquired what for, and ou being told that be was charged with murder, said: By theyve got a big thing on me I wonder wliat theyll got trp next. He wanted to get his coat, and verj soon expressed his regret at being compelled to leave his parents, with whom he was expecting to watch that night.

He also alluded to tho death of his young sister, and said he always loved her, denying his guilt and shedding tears, evidently at the recollection of bor eul fering. Since his committal to prison he has at times manifested signs of being deeply affected, but for tho most, part has been stolid and indifferent. lie has once, howevor, particularly requested that all knowledge of his arrest and confinement may be kept from his mother and sister; but has also desired that this information might be conveyed to liis father, with the request that the services of counsel should be procured for his defense. Through the kindness of John Dixey, jailer at Salem, our reporter was allowed an opportunity to eee the prisoner on Avedncsuay evening in his cell. His nppearanco was that of a somewhat hard young man, rather short in stature, weighing about ooe hundred aud fifty pounds, dark complexion and no beard.

IIi3 me.nnor was careless, and though evidently intended by nature for a capable and active citizen, we should judge from indications that alt this capacity and activity had long ago ceased to promise anything but results disastrous alike to the morals and welfare of society. There is reasons to believe Stackpole has for and perhaps longer, been persistently harboring a scheme or intention cf poisoning, cr otherwise getting rid of his father and the rest of tlio family, in order as it is believed, that he might enjoy the property which he supposed would to him. It is ft clearly-established fact that within threo weeks he has bought poison not less than four different limes. A visit was made to the house of the Stack -pole family on AVedoesday morning by Mr. Dennis, iu accordance with the request of the prisoner, and the spectacle tfcore witnessed is described as having been one cf intense anil painful interest, utterly impossible of description.

So much of mental auguish and physical suffering are very rarely visited upon a New-England household at one time as these unhappy people are now compelled to bear. The conversation of the afflicted father was heartbreaking, he appealsto Heaven for deaifl to interpose and end his distress being constantly intermingled with ejaculations respecting the guilt of his sou, and the misery exper ienced by himself at tho thought of having such a return for his endeavors to train up that son to a life of integrity and usefulness. The condition of the remaining members of the family at last accounts was quite critical, the physicians cot considering either of the three as being out of danger. Lancaster County Bank. The Charter of this Bank has been extended for five years, by a most flattering vote in both houses.

The vote in a full Senate was 27 to and in the House 50 to 20. This, we believe, is the largest vote received by any bank during the session, and is a gratifying commentary upon the position of the Back before the people. TEE PROSPECT OF EMANCIPATION BY T3E SLAVE-HOLDERS. Of course, there can he no doubt that the primary inspiration of the rebellion was the belief that independence would breath a new life into the Slave System, and bring wealth and power, undreamed of before by avarice or ambition, to the siave masters. It was for material interests, mainly, that the rebellion was planned and begun.

But in this revolution as in all others is an clement much stronger than material interests, and that is, human passions. Revolutions do not proceed forth from the pocket, hut from the heart of man. And when the passions are thoroughly aroused, tie material interests, which, perhaps, first excited them, often disappear, swallowed up in the absorbing influences of passion. To hinder the enemy from carrying his point becomes a mire prevailing consideration than the specific success originally aimed at. Wc think tho rebels are fast reaching, if they have riot already attained this point.

When the issue comes to he presented to their mind, of submission to the United or the emancipation and arming of the negroes, we do not doubt what choice they would make in such an alternative. We believe they will much sooner free their slaves to prevent our victory, than propose to return to the Union for the sake of keeping them in bondage. From Vicksourg that a new canal has been commenced, lending into nut bayou, which caves near the river on the Louisiana side, at Millikens bend, and runs into the river at New Carthage. The ram Switzerland, having been repaired, has gone down the river with Farraguts gunboats. A formidable battery lias been completed behind that extreme point of the levee opposite Vicksburg, which commands the entire city.

No attack has yet been made on Haines bluff. Immense quantities of grain have been destroyed up Steel's bayou. Two men of Col. Wilder's command, in Tennessc, who were captured by the rebels after his recent expedition, where both shot, one dead, and the other horribly mutilnted. But the latter escaped to his comrades, and made a written statement of the affair, giving the names of the persons who committed the outrage.

Col. Wilder destroyed part of the village of Saulsbury. It is reported that the smallpox has compelled the retreat of the rebel army from Tullahotna towards Shclbyville. They are destroying the railroad between McMinnville and Warlrace. A dispatch from the headquarters oftlie Army oftlie rolomac says that the tone of the Richmond newspapers received is not hopeful.

They declare that the city will be destroyed before it is surrendered. A mutiny having occurred in the 2d regiment of Massachusetts cavalry, in which the men resisted the arrest of one of their comrades, the colonel shot oue oftlie mutineers dead, and thus ended the mutiny. Fight deserters, confined at Fort Independence, Boston bay, awaiting trial, made their escape on Tuesday night in boat, but are supposed to have been drowned, as cries for help were heard and no traee of them could bo found. We learn from the Richmond Whig that when the rebel army recovered Fredericksburg they sacked the town, leaving the people utterly destitute. Our ministerto Japan, It.

H. Frayn, has forwarded $850 as subscriptions by Americans in Japan to the cause of the Union. Mr. Fruyn mentions other subscriptions not yet collected, and thinks he will send $2000 over this month. Among the refugees who have lately applied to come within our line3 in Virginia, was the wife of Jackson the murderer ot Ellsworth, who said she was destitute and appealed for charity to sustain life.

A short time ago a little son of Rev. S. W. Lidweli, of East Middlcbury, accidentally hung himself while playing in the barn with a rope during his parents' absence at church. Solomon Henshaw, a wealthy citizen of Fountain county, Indiana, and a K.

G. committed suicide a few days since because he feared he should be killed for divulging the secrets of the order. STATE SUPFJUETE5DEST OF COMMON SCHOOLS. Gov. Curtin has nominated Professor Coburn, of Bradford county as Superintendent of Common Schools of the State of Pennsylvania.

This nomination made at the earnest request of the Senators and Representatives of the north and northwestern counties of the Cornmon-weath, and acquiesced ia by a large number of the superintendents of schocd districts tnronghont the State, who are personally acquainted with the abilities and high moral worth of the man, as fittinir him peculiarly for the position named. In connection with the system of education, as in operation in this State, Professor Coburn has labored zealously for years, lie has served in every particular part of that system, from that of director, teacher and superintendent. Thus experienced, he cannot fail to add to the already great success of the common school system, and as State Superintendent maintain the cause of education as the most glorious in which maa can engage. Harrisburg Telegraph. THE NEXT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The next House of Representatives, excluding the States in rebellion, so far as elected, consists of eighty-five Republicans, seventy-three Democrats, (not all Copperheads,) and one conservative Unionist. There are yet to he elected twenty-five members, as follows Vermont 3, California 3, "Western Virginia 3, Maryland 5, Kentucky 9, Missouri (vacancy) 1. Vermont, Western Virginia, California, and the district in Missouri which is vacant by the death of Mr. Noell, are pretty sure to elect Republicans, which will give that party a total stiength of ninety-five members, independent of the results in Maryland and Kentucky. It is pretty safe, therefore, to predict that there will be a reliable majority in the next House to support the Government in all proper measures for the suppression of the rebellion.

Col. AVilder has returned to Murfreesboro from an expedition to Lebanon and Carthage, during which he captured twenty-nine rebels, three hundred and sixty negroes, and destroyed five thousand bushels of wheat and much corn and bacon. rebels, disguised in United States uniforms, were shot. Our expeditions have captured altogether 7-00 horses and mules, 200 prisoners, and 200 negroes, and destroyed much rebel subsistence and forage. stands piles np the waters off this coast a foot or two higher than their normal state.

I and at II oclock the fleet is once more The water over the Charleston bar in ordinary I way..