February 2.—The United States steamer Underwriter, lying at anchor in the Neuse, River, N. C, was surprised and destroyed by a party of rebels, who belonged to the forces on the expedition against Newbern.—Admiral Lee’s Report.
—One hundred and twenty-nine deserters from the rebel army under the command of General Johnston, who had effected their escape during his late movement, entered the provost-marshal’s office at Chattanooga, and took the oath of allegiance to the United States.—This morning eleven prisoners and ten horses, belonging principally to the Sixth Virginia cavalry, were captured near Blue Ridge, in the vicinity of Thornton’s Gap, Va.—The British steamer Presto, in attempting to run into Charleston Harbor, ran ashore off Sullivan’s Island, where she was destroyed by the National fleet.
