The Rebellion Record—A Diary of American Events; by Frank Moore

February 21.—The Richmond Whig, of this date, has the following: “We had not supposed it was seriously contemplated in any quarter to call out into active service the whole male population of the State. The proposition of Governor Letcher, to have all over sixteen and under sixty five, in cities, drilled for the defence of their respective localities, is a different affair. That may be practicable, and, under circumstances, might be desirable. But we have very great doubts whether such a mass would effect more good than mischief. But in respect to the rural districts, to call out the whole male population over sixteen and under sixty-five, or even between eighteen and forty-five, would be a mischievous and inexcusable folly. In the first place, we have not arms to put in their hands. That objection alone is sufficient. In the second place, it would ruin the industrial pursuits of the State, and leave us without the means of prosecuting the war beyond the present session.

“We hear that the rage for volunteering is greater than it has been since the beginning of the war. There will be no want of men, without any extraordinary legislation, if they can only get arms and leaders to conduct them against the enemy. If there should be any deficiency, it could be easily supplied by a draft on the superabundance of ‘able-bodied’ young men in the Commissary and Quartermaster’s Department.

“Far better this expedient than to draw the boys from their books, and the old men from their useful labors.”

—Rumors of the partial evacuation of Manassas, Va., by the rebels, were prevalent in Washington to-day, but they were not generally credited.

—A Battle took place, to-day, about seven miles from Fort Craig, near Valverde,[1] on the Rio Grande, New-Mexico, between the rebel forces under Col. Steele, and the National forces commanded by Col. Canby. The battle lasted from nine o’clock in the morning till sundown, and resulted in the defeat of the National troops, who were obliged to retreat to the Fort. McRae’s battery of six pieces was captured by the rebels, after a gallant defence in which Capt. McRae was killed.— (Doc. 55.)

—Capt. Nathaniel P. Gordon, commander of the slave-ship Erie, was executed at New-York, according to sentence. About three o’clock in the morning he attempted to commit suicide by swallowing strychnine, which he had concealed in his cell, but the exertions of three physicians managed to prolong his life sufficiently to allow the execution, which took place at a quarter past twelve o’clock.

—The first battalion of Connecticut cavalry, three hundred and twenty-five men, under the command of Major Judson M. Lyon, passed through New-York City en route for Wheeling, Va., to join Gen. Rosecrans.

— The Massachusetts Thirty-first regiment, and five companies of the Thirteenth Maine regiment, sailed to-day from Boston, Mass., in the steamer Mississippi for Ship Island.

[1] Valverde is a small village, situated on the left bank of the Rio del Norte, or Rio Grande, near the border of New-Mexico and Arizona. Fort Craig is ten miles north of this point, on the same river. Col. Kit Carson, who is said to have done good service with his regiment, deployed as skirmishers, has had his headquarters at Albuquerque for some time, and appears to have arrived at the scene of conflict at a most opportune time.

February 20.— Gen. Mitchell sent a cavalry force to Russellville, Ky., and captured eleven rebels.—One thousand rebel prisoners, captured at Fort Donelson, Tenn., mostly Mississippians and Texans, left Cairo, 111., to-night, for Chicago.

—Isham G. Harris, rebel Governor of Tennessee, addressed a message to the Legislature of the State, giving his reasons for removing the records of the government to and convening the Legislature at Memphis, in accordance with a joint resolution of the Senate and House of Representatives, providing for such a necessity. He states that the reverses to the confederate arms, leaving the State open from the Cumberland Gap to Nashville; the National victories on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, enabling the enemy to penetrate the heart of the State with impunity, and the fact that Gen. Johnston had fallen back south of Nashville, with his army, had left the State capital in a wholly defenceless condition. The removal to Memphis then became unavoidable. He complains of the difficulties he had found in organizing well-disciplined and equipped troops for the confederate government, urges a remodelling of the State militia system, and expresses his conviction that the invader will yet be driven from the soil of Tennessee.—(Doc. 59.)

— This morning the United States steamer Stepping Stones, with a launch and boat’s crew from the Yankee, went on a reconnoissance up Occoquan Creek, Va., some four miles. Lieut. Eastman sent out Acting Master Lawrence with the launch, who visited the north and south shores of the creek, penetrating a short distance into the interior, but without finding any signs of the rebels. Just as the launch was leaving the south side of the creek, a brisk fire was opened on them by the rebels, from five or six field-pieces posted in a clump of woods. Some forty shells were thrown by the enemy, all of which flew uncomfortably near the Stepping Stones, but doing no damage save slightly tearing the flag. The fire was returned from the Stepping Stones, and a howitzer in the launch plunged a shower of rifled shot into the cover of the rebels, which undoubtedly damaged them, as their fire soon slackened.—(Doc. 53.)

—The Richmond Enquirer of this date, says: “An immense defence meeting was held in Memphis, Tenn., last week. Resolutions were passed, appointing committees in each ward of the city, to form a complete military organization, and to drill the levies. It was also resolved that the times demanded the proclamation of martial law in Memphis. In the afternoon, most of the stores on Front row, and many of these on Main street, closed their doors, in compliance with a proclamation from the Mayor. A considerable number of citizens, who had given in their names to join the defence organization, met in the Council Chamber in the evening, and went out in procession to drill.”

—Winton, N. C, was burned by the forces of Gen. Burnside. The Federal troops, with gunboats, ascended the Chowan River, where the rebels opened a heavy fire upon them. The National troops landed and destroyed the town. —(Doc. 54)

February 19.—President Lincoln issued the following proclamation to-day:

“It is recommended to the people of the United States that they assemble in their customary places of meeting for public solemnities, on the twenty-second day of February, inst, and celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the father of his country, by causing to be read to them his immortal Farewell Address.

“Given under my hand and the seal of the United States, at Washington, the nineteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the independence of the United States of America the eighty-sixth.”

—Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, having taken the field in person, issued orders, from his headquarters at Memphis, appointing his division commanders, and calling upon the people to meet and repel the invaders of the State.—(Doc. 51.)

—The first payment of interest on the Government war-loan, was made at the office of the United States Assistant Treasurer, in New-York City.

—In the Confederate Congress, in session at Richmond, Va., the electoral votes for President and Vice – President were counted. The total number of electoral votes was one hundred and nine, all of which were cast for Jeff. Davis, for President, and Alexander H. Stephens, for Vice President

—The Memphis Appeal, of this date, has the following:

“Gen. Polk issued orders yesterday, that the track of the Memphis and Ohio railroad should be torn up, and the bridges burned, which order was obeyed, and by this time the work of destruction is complete on a great part of the road. A rumor prevailed on the streets this afternoon, that Polk was preparing to evacuate Columbus to-morrow, remove all the guns, etc., and demolish the fortifications. The forces at New-Madrid and Fort Pillow, together with the Columbus troops, are to repair at once to Memphis, and make a stand, making an army of about fifty thousand men.”

—The city of Clarksville, on the Cumberland River, Tennessee, was taken possession of to-day by the National forces, under command of Flag Officer A. H. Foote, U.S.N., having surrendered without an engagement. Two thirds of the inhabitants having fled from the town, Com. Foote, at the request of the Mayor, issued a proclamation, assuring all peaceably-disposed persons, that they might resume with safety their business avocations, requiring only the military stores and equipments to be given up.—(Doc. 52.)

Missouri “Democrat” Account.

Kansas City, Mo., February 23. The event which has above all others marked the day, and communicated a joyousness to the Union men of this vicinity — second only to that felt upon the capture of Fort Donelson—was the discomfiture and rout of Quantril and Parker, with seventy-five men, by two companies of the Second Ohio Cavalry under Lieut. Nettleton. The facts are as follows:

Learning that Parker, with a company of sixty men from Waverly, Mo., and Quantril, with fifteen men, were at Independence, engaged in their usual amusements of plundering, bragging, etc., Major Purington of the Second Ohio Cavalry, sent out the above-mentioned force to capture them.

Starting at three o’clock in the morning {Feb. 18} , Lieut. Nettleton reached and surrounded Independence by daylight; but after a thorough search, it was found that those marauders had again eluded us. The command left Independence for this place about eight A.M., this morning, but stopped about half a mile from town to feed their horses. In the mean time, a man by the name of Smiley, a member of the State militia, and one of the Ohio boys, had remained behind, and were about starting to overtake the command, when they were suddenly surrounded by a party of Quantril’s men, who had just arrived in town. The Ohio soldier escaped, but Smiley was captured. In a few minutes more, in came Quantril, and Parker with seventy-five men, who disarmed him and deliberately shot him with his own pistol.

By this time the Ohio troops were informed of the state of things, and came dashing into town before the astonished rebels, who supposed them to be half-way to Kansas City, were aware of their approach. Quantril and Parker precipitately fled, leaving their men to follow as best they could. They were overtaken, however, in the public square, where a brief skirmish ensued in which two of the rebels were killed and one Ohio soldier. A second attempt to escape was made, and a second time they were overtaken; this time just east of the Court-House. In this skirmish two more of the rebels were killed and five prisoners taken, with a quantity of arms, etc., most of which were still loaded, not having been discharged.

After a brief fight through the town, among the dwellings, behind the fences, etc., the enemy all scattered and were lost in the fog.

The result of the whole affair was the death of the rebel gang, including (as the prisoners say) Parker himself. If this is the case, the affair has been a great benefit to the community, as this Parker has been the terror of all isolated Union families in this region of country.

Lieut. Nettleton deserves much credit for the manner in which the affair was conducted, and the boys “went in” with a relish which shows that their title of “Wade and Hutchins cavalry,” is not out of compliment to their men alone, but because they combine the pluck and fierceness of old Ben Wade with the activity of Hutchins.

February 18.—A skirmish occurred at Independence, Mo., between a detachment of Ohio cavalry and a band of rebels, headed by Quantrel and Parker. The latter were routed, with a loss of three killed, several wounded, and several taken prisoners. A quantity of arms was also captured. The Federal loss one killed and three wounded.—(Doc. 47.)

—This morning, Gov. Rector, of Arkansas, issued a proclamation, drafting into immediate service every man in the State subject to military duty, to respond within twenty days.—Memphis Appeal, February 19.

—The Constitutional Convention in session at Wheeling, Va., adjourned this evening, after fifty-nine days’ session. The Free State measure was defeated. Commissioners were, however, appointed, with powers to reassemble the Convention in case the new State was recognised by Congress.— National Intelligencer, February 20.

—In the British Parliament, John Bright made a strong speech denouncing the policy of the English government as to the Trent affair, and was answered by Lord Palmerston. Earl Russell explained the case of Mr. Shaver, a British subject imprisoned in Fort Warren, sustaining the action of the American Government.

—At Baltimore, Md., S. S. Wills, the publisher, and Thomas S. Piggott, editor of The South, were arrested and taken to Fort McHenry.

—The first session of the Congress of the “permanent” government of the Confederate States, was opened at noon to-day in the capitol at Richmond, Va., Vice-President-elect, Alexander H. Stevens, of Georgia, occupying the chair in the Senate. Nineteen Senators were present, and a quorum of Representatives. After the election of proper officers, and a speech from Thomas S. Bocock, of Virginia, Speaker of the House of Representatives, the “permanent” Congress was declared duly organized.—(Doc. 48.)

—The Thirteenth regiment of Maine volunteers, under the command of Colonel Neal Dow, left Camp Beaufort, Augusta, for the seat of war.

—Flag-officer Goldsborough and Brig.-Gen. Burnside issued a proclamation at Roanoke Island, explaining the object of their mission, declaring the course they intend to pursue, and inviting the inhabitants of North-Carolina to separate themselves from the malign influence of the bad men in their midst, and to return to their allegiance.—(Doc. 49.)

—Howell Cobb, R. Toombs, M. J. Crawford, Thomas R. R. Cobb, members from Georgia, have issued an address to the people of that State, on relinquishing their seats in the provisional Congress of the Confederate States. They call upon the people of Georgia to exert every nerve, and strain every muscle, to repress the invaders. Though acknowledging the Southern inability to cope with the resources, numbers, equipments and munitions of war of the North, they urge the confederates to provide against these odds by “desperate courage, unflinching daring, and universal self-sacrifice.” They warn the Georgians against being lulled into a fatal security, and incite them to prepare for all contingencies, by arming every woman and child with a firebrand, that nothing but “blackness and ruin” may “welcome the vandals.”

They recognise with gratitude the hand of Providence in preserving the Confederacy from these who, having complete control of the seas, and an immense army, “disciplined to the unthinking stolidity of regulars,” were preparing to “crush them with a giant’s grasp.” Finally they impress upon them the importance of an unshaken faith in God, declare their confidence in the ultimate issue of the struggle, and a belief that their children’s children will rise up to call them “blessed.” —(Doc. 50.)

February 17.—At Columbus, the Legislature of Ohio held a mass-meeting in the State House to rejoice over the recent victories of Forts Henry, Donelson, etc.

Gov. Tod was called to the chair; prayer was made by the venerable Dr. Hoge, amid the booming of cannon. Gov. Tod said:

“If there is a man in all the country that does not rejoice over the news of to-day, frown on him, brand him as a traitor. Is he in your churches? turn him out. Is he in your Assembly? put him out. Is he in your family? shut the door in his face. [Cheers.] We want it understood as the voice of this meeting, that the Government is to hang all guilty traitors; and that if England continues to threaten, we will next pay our respects to her.”

Speeches were also made by Mr. Thomas Ewing, Lieut.-Governor Stanton, Mr. Delano, Col. B. McCook, Messrs. Groesbeck, Fink, Monroe, Flagg and Galloway. Senators, Representatives, State officers and the people, had a refreshing season, and adjourned after three cheers for the Union.

—A battle took place at Sugar Creek, Arkansas, this day. The rebels were concealed in the woods on both sides of the road. The country was broken, hilly woodland. The First Missouri cavalry, while charging up the hill, were fired upon by the ambushed foe, concealed behind the trees.

After receiving a murderous fire, in which thirteen of the Nationals fell and five were wounded, the cavalry fell back and formed in line. Major Bowen came up and shelled the woods with his mountain howitzers. The enemy replied with their artillery. The latter ceased firing, and the National advance fell back to their camp. Major Bowen was wounded in the wrist. Capt. Switzer, of Wright’s battalion, Fourth cavalry, and Major T. C. McKinney, Assistant Adjutant-General, were among the wounded.—St. Louis Democrat.

—Gen. Huger, at Norfolk, Va., issued the following order this day: “Such portions of the militia as are called into service, in this Department, will report to the nearest confederate officer, and will be employed in defending their property and homes now threatened by the invader.

“They will obstruct the water-courses and roads by which the enemy may approach, and from the narrow banks of the rivers use their shot-guns on the ravagers. They will arrest all citizens who hold intercourse with the enemy.

“Let every man do his duty, and the destroyers will be driven from your country.”

—This day two regiments of rebel Tennesseans marched into Fort Donelson to reinforce it, being unaware of its capture. They went along with their colors flying and their bands playing, and were allowed to enter the camp without any warning as to the character of the possessors of it. They were all (one thousand four hundred and seventy) captured.—N. Y. Herald, March 1.

February 16.—The ship E. W. Farley, having on board six companies of the Eighth regiment of New-Hampshire volunteers, sailed from Boston, Mass., for Ship Island, Miss.

—The Mississippi, the Organ Democrat, and Los Angelos, and California Star have been suppressed from the mails, on the ground that they have been used for the purposes of overthrowing the Government, and giving aid and comfort to the enemy now at war against the United States. —New-York World, February 17.

—Brig.-gen. Price, a son of Sterling Price, Col. Phillip, Major Cross, and Capt. Crosby were captured near Warsaw, Mo., by Capt. Stubbs, of the Eighth Iowa regiment They had some five hundred recruits with them, in charge, but they had just crossed the Osage River, and as Capt. Stubbs had but a small force, he did not follow them.—N. Y. Commercial, February 20.

—The United States gunboat St. Louis, under command of Com. A. H. Foote, proceeded up the Cumberland River, Tennessee, this afternoon, and destroyed, a few miles above Dover, the Tennessee Iron Works, which had been used for the manufacture of iron plates for the rebel government. One of the proprietors, named Lewis, was taken prisoner.—Chicago Post.

—Fort Donelson, Tenn., with from twelve to fifteen thousand prisoners, at least forty pieces of artillery, and great quantities of stores, was surrendered, this morning, to the Union forces under Gen. Grant.

A small squadron of gunboats, convoying several transport steamboats, and a large body of troops, were despatched from Cairo, Ill., on the eleventh; and, on the morning of the twelfth instant, three divisions of troops, under Generals McClernand, Smith, and Wallace, left Fort Henry, both destined for operations in front of Fort Donelson.

The latter body moved in two columns; and at noon of the twelfth, the head of Gen. McClernand’s column came to the outposts of the enemy, and drove in his pickets; the remainder of the day being occupied in assuming the positions to which the different corps had been assigned, and with occasional skirmishing on the line. Gen. McClernand’s command formed the right of the extended line, with his right resting on Dover; while the command of Gen. Smith formed the left, his left extending to the creek on the north of the Fort.

The night of the twelfth was spent quietly; and on the following day, also, but little was attempted by the army, in consequence of the nonarrival of the gunboats, and the reenforcements which had been sent from Cairo by water. The gunboat Carondelet, however, under direction of Gen. Grant, approached the Fort, on the morning of the thirteenth, and, after two hours’ steady fire, during which she expended nearly two hundred shots, she was compelled to withdraw from the action to repair damages.

The gunboats St Louis, Pittsburgh, Louisville, and Conestoga, with sixteen transports and about ten thousand fresh troops, having arrived at the place of rendezvous, preparations were made for attacking the enemy’s works; and at two o’clock on the fourteenth, the St. Louis, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Carondelet, forming a single line in front, with the Conestoga and Tyler a quarter of a mile in the rear, moved up the river, receiving the fire of the enemy’s lower batteries. At seven minutes to three the St. Louis opened her fire with an eight-inch shell, which was kept up with great spirit during an hour and a half, bidding fair to result very favorably. The iron-clad boats took a position within three hundred yards of the batteries, silenced the water-battery, and drove its gunners from their posts; but the “plunging shot” from the batteries having entered the pilothouse of the St. Louis and shattered her wheel, and the other vessels having also suffered severely, the Commodore ordered the squadron to drop down the river; and the action ceased.

These mishaps led to the determination, by Gen. Grant, to make the investment of the Fort as perfect as possible, to strengthen his position, and to await the repair of the gunboats; but the enemy frustrated all his purposes.

Soon after daybreak, on the morning of the fifteenth, the extreme right of the Union line, near the river, below the Fort, was attacked by a heavy body of the enemy’s forces. The Eighth and Forty-first Illinois regiments, first received the shock; and they maintained their position with great coolness, until reenforcements joined the assailants, when McAllister’s and Schwartz’s batteries were also attacked and captured. The Eighteenth, Twenty-ninth, Thirtieth, and Thirty-first Illinois were quickly moved to the support of their associates; and after a desperate struggle, in which both sides displayed great daring, all but three of the pieces of the captured batteries were recovered by the Union troops. At length, overpowered by numbers and without ammunition, the Illinoians were compelled to fall back; and the enemy, with cheers, pressed forward and outflanked them on the right, when the Seventeenth and Twenty-fifth Kentucky, and the Thirty-first and Forty-fourth Indiana regiments, all under Col. Cruft, were brought up to support the failing fortunes of the Union men. An unfortunate mistake, on the part of this reenforcement, led the Twenty-fifth Kentuckians to pour a volley into the ranks of the Thirty-first Illinoians, causing terrible loss, and increasing the confusion, of which the enemy promptly availed himself by pressing forward with greater energy than before.

A few minutes afterward, Col. Wallace’s brigade, embracing the Eleventh, Twentieth, Forty-fifth, and Forty-eighth Illinois regiments, came up; but so completely had the enemy brought up his forces, that they were compelled to fall back with very heavy loss; notwithstanding, in another part of the line, another strong body of the enemy was driven back by the Forty-eighth, Fifty-eighth and Seventy-sixth Ohio, and the First Nebraska regiments and Taylor’s Chicago battery.

At this moment the prospect was gloomy enough. The Union men had been repulsed, with the loss of six pieces of artillery, and great numbers of officers and men; and the enemy held the dearly-bought position. Gen. Grant saw the emergency, and he hastened to meet it. Gen. Smith was ordered to make a strong assault on the left of the line, and to carry the position at all hazards; while preparations were also made to renew the operations on the right, with a view to recover the position which had been lost in the morning.

Gen. Smith immediately ordered Col. Cooke, commanding the Third brigade of his division, to move with his command—embracing the Seventh, Fiftieth, and Fifty-second Illinois, the Twelfth Iowa, and Thirteenth Missouri regiments—against one portion of the enemy’s lines; while, with the Fourth brigade, commanded by Col. Lauman— embracing the Second, Seventh, and Fourteenth Iowa, and the Twenty-fifth Indiana regiments–he, in person, dashed against another part of the works.

The Second Iowa regiment led the advance, followed by the Fifty-second Indiana; and the other regiments of the brigade, while the sharpshooters were deployed on either flank as skirmishers. The column of attack moved forward, without firing a gun, and charged into the work, driving the enemy before it at the point of the bayonet, and occupying the position. The colors of the Second Iowa occupied the post of honor; but the loss with which it was purchased was immense.

The successful result of this desperate struggle inspired the troops, and in every portion of the line of offence the wildest enthusiasm prevailed.

Soon afterwards Col. Smith, commanding the Fifth brigade, moved the Eighth Missouri and Eleventh Indiana regiments against the position, on the extreme right of the line, from which the Union troops had been driven, at an earlier hour of the day; and part of the First brigade, commanded by Col. Cruft—embracing the Thirty-first and Forty-fourth Indiana regiments—was moved to his support The assault was made in two columns ; and it was a complete success, the hill was carried by storm; and the enemy was driven into his works, amidst the hearty cheers of the victors.

No further movements were made during the fifteenth; both armies occupying their respective positions and preparing for a renewal of the engagement this morning. At daybreak, however, the enemy sounded a parley and displayed a white flag, to which Col. Lauman, commanding the Fourth brigade, responded; and proposals for a surrender were tendered and accepted.

Generals Floyd and Pillow, with about five thousand of the garrison, escaped in the night; and these who surrendered embraced Generals Buckner and Tilghman, some fifteen thousand prisoners, twenty thousand stand of arms, immense quantities of stores, etc.

During the action on the fourteenth, the gunboats suffered severely. The St. Louis was struck sixty-one times, and lost ten men killed and wounded. The Pittsburgh was struck forty-seven times, and lost two men, wounded; the Carondelet was struck fifty-four times, and lost thirtythree men; and the Louisville was struck about forty times, and lost nine men.—(Doc. 46.)

February 15.—The National batteries at Venus Point, on the Savannah River, were attacked at three o’clock this afternoon, by four rebel gunboats, with a view of effecting a passage from Fort Pulaski for the rebel steamers then at that place. After an engagement of one hour the rebels were driven off; the flag-officer’s boat being disabled and taken in tow and the steamer that attempted the passage of the river returning to Fort Pulaski. The guns were manned by the Third Rhode Island detachment, under Capt. Gould, and effectively worked. There was no loss on the National side.—Brig-Gen. Viele’s Report.

—The Ninth battery of Rhode Island Artillery, under the command of Lieut. Wightman, passed through New-York, en route for Port Royal, S. C.—N. Y. Times, February 16.

—The President, through the Secretaries of War and the Navy, returned thanks to Brig.-Gen. Burnside and Flag-Officer Goldsborough, and to Brig.-Gen. Grant and Flag-Officer Foote, and the land and naval forces under their respective commands, for their gallant achievements in the capture of Fort Henry and at Roanoke Island.

—Bowling Green, Ky., was evacuated this morning by the rebels, and occupied by the National army under command of Brig.-Gen. D. C. Buell. The National troops reached Big Barren River, opposite the city, about two o’clock this afternoon, having accomplished a difficult march of forty miles in twenty-eight hours and a half. They found the bridge across the river destroyed. Col. Turchin’s brigade crossed on a flat-boat, the artillery, under command of Captain Loomis firing shell across the river, which caused a hasty evacuation by the rebels.—(Doc. 45.)

February 14.—The Ninety-third regiment of New-York Volunteers, (Morgan Rifles,) under the command of Colonel John T. Crocker, left Albany for the scene of active service. The regiment embraces three companies from Washington county, two from Warren, one from Essex, one from Saratoga, Fulton and Hamilton, one from Oneida and Albany, one from Alleghany, and one from Rensselaer. There are five full companies of sharpshooters, and a large proportion of the other companies are good shots. Colonel Crocker is a lawyer by profession, and a native of Cambridge, Washington county. He was for a long time Colonel of the Thirtieth regiment N.Y.S.M.

—In the British House of Lords, in reply to a question from the Earl of Stanhope concerning the stone blockade at Charleston, S. C, Earl Russell spoke as follows, declaring his approval of that measure:

“He said the government had no official information on this subject subsequent to that which had already been laid on the table of the House. However, the sinking of vessels at the mouth of a harbor was an operation of so much importance that he could not but believe that the reports which had appeared must have some foundation. He was happy to hear the noble Earl’s protest against the permanent destruction of any harbor. Considering that these were commercial harbors, and that in time of peace, when there was severe weather, vessels of all nations, even these not ultimately destined for them, ran there to find refuge, to destroy them was undoubtedly an act of barbarity. The noble Earl would have seen that the reply of the American Government was that these stone vessels were intended to be an obstruction in the channel to aid the blockade, but that they were not intended for the permanent destruction of the harbors. In conversing with the American Minister at this Court, that was the view which he took. He said that the permanent destruction of Charleston harbor was impossible; that the two rivers which formed the harbor would be sure to make a channel, and that it was impossible, even if it had been intended, to effect the permanent destruction of the harbor. That, he said, however, was not the intention. The intention was only to make a temporary obstruction, and when peace was restored that obstruction would be removed. That, he believed, was the view taken by the American government. There had been some communication between Her Majesty’s government and that of France on this subject, with regard to which the government of the Emperor took the same view as that of Her Majesty. But whether France has made any official representation on the matter to the Federal Government he was not able to say.”— London Times, February 15.

—Edwin M. Stanton, United States Secretary of War, issued an order releasing all political prisoners held in confinement, on condition that they would take an oath not to aid the rebellion, or in any way attempt to injure the Federal Government. The President also granted an amnesty to such persons for all past offences.

—General Lander made a forced reconnoissance last night and to-day, and, with four hundred cavalry, broke up the rebel nest at Blooming Gap, Va., taking seventeen commissioned officers, fifty-eight privates, and killing thirteen others, with the loss of only two men and six horses.—Colonel Carroll, of the Fifth or Eighth Ohio regiment, made a very daring reconnoissance to Unger’s Store, in Va.—General Dunning arrived at New-Creek from Moorefield, Va., at which place he captured two hundred and twenty-five beef-cattle, and dispersed the guerrillas there, with the loss of two of his men wounded. —(Doc. 36.)

—The iron-clad steam gunboat Mystic was launched at the town in Connecticut from which she takes her name. Her extreme length over all is two hundred feet, and her armor, which extends two feet below the water-line, is composed of longitudinal iron bars three and a quarter inches thick, showing four inches face, and bolted every six inches with three-quarter inch bolts. Her rig is that of a brigantine.—N. Y. Times, February 16.

—Hamilton Fish and Bishop Ames returned to Washington to-day, and made report to the Government of their mission to relieve Union prisoners in the South. They repaired to Fortress Monroe, and made known their commission to the Confederate authorities at Norfolk, by whom the matter was referred to Richmond. A reply came refusing to the Commissioners admission to the Confederate territory, but expressing readiness to negotiate for the general exchange of prisoners. The Commissioners opened negotiation, which resulted in perfect success. An equal exchange was agreed on, but the Confederates had three hundred more prisoners than the National Government; with commendable magnanimity, they proposed to release these also on parole, if the Government would agree to release three hundred of their men that may next fall into its hands.

—Three rebel schooners and one sloop, all heavily laden with rice, lying at anchor in Bull’s Bay, S. C, were destroyed by an expedition under command of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Edward Conroy.—(Doc. 42.)

—A skirmish took place near Flat Lick Ford, on the Cumberland River, Ky., between two companies of cavalry under command of Col. Munday, and two companies of sharp-shooters from the Forty-ninth Indiana, and some rebel pickets, which were prowling around the Ford. The fight took place near some rebel batteries, and resulted in a rebel loss of four killed, four wounded, and three taken prisoners. The National troops met with no disaster.—Louisville Journal.