July 16.—Major-general Dix, preparatory to assuming command of the Eastern Department, relinquished the command of the Department of Virginia, to Major-General J. G. Foster.—General Heckman returned to his quarters at Morehead City, N. C., having been absent four days on a reconnoissance toward Swansboro. The objects of the expedition were fully accomplished without casualty.—Jackson, Miss., was evacuated by the rebels.—(Doc. 98.)
—The steamboat Imperial arrived at New-Orleans, La., from St Louis, Mo., the first boat between the cities for more than two years.—The rebels made an attack on General Terry’s brigade on James Island, S. C., but were repulsed. The monitors and mortar-boats kept up an almost constant fire upon Fort Wagner all day, but most of them withdrew at night
—A force of National troops visited the salt works, near St. Mark’s, Florida, and succeeded in destroying them completely, besides carrying off fifteen slaves.—The rebel forces under General Morgan passed through Piketon, Ohio.—The Colored Convention of the State of New-York, met at Poughkeepsie, and issued a manifesto and call to the colored population, defining their position.—The draft riot continued in New-York.— A Sharp cavalry fight occurred near Shepherdstown, Va.—(Doc. 145½.)
