Telegraphic Dispatches.
‘ "The Keystone State reports that in passing Aquia Creek at noon, the Freeborn and Anacosta were engaging the battery at Aquia Creek with success. Shall I send the Pocahontas with her 10- inch gun to assist?"
’ This dispatch is signed by Capt. Dahlgreen, the commander at the Navy-Yard.
Immediately on the receipt of this dispatch the Navy Department ordered two men-of-war down to support Capt. Ward.
There is little if any doubt that the New York 71st regiment will proceed at midnight to Aquia Creek, arrangements having been made for their transportation thither.
The steamer Keystone State witnessed the fight for several hours, according to the report of an officer on board that vessel. There are two batteries. The one on the lower ground had been damaged. It was supposed from the movement of the steamer Anacosta she was struck by a ball.
A gentleman who arrived here to-night from the camp of the Federal troops in Virginia, reports that four companies of the U. S. 24 Dragoons, a battery of Artillery, and the New York 8th, 25th and 69th regiments were occupying the heights two miles beyond Arlington House, and their pickets extend beyond Hall's Cross Roads, 6½ miles from Washington.
A portion of this force was intending to advance on Fairfax Court-House to-night, and, it possible, occupy it before daybreak. They expected to have an engagement, as information, deemed reliable, had reached them that Confederate troops to the number of 1,000 are in position at that point. It was currently expected that there would be an attack by 4,000 Confederate troops on Alexandria during the night.
Several vessels went to Fortress Monroe to-day, carrying hundreds of thousands of cartridges and other war requisites. The supply in that direction is now ample.
Several vessels improperly captured by the Stockading forces have been ordered to be released.
Gen. James Watson Webb, of New York, has been appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Brazil.
Post routes and post-offices managed by loyal citizens, and in loyal districts in Virginia are not to be deprived of mail service, under the recent order of the Department.--If they should be temporarily suspended by the general order, they will be restored upon due advice of the facts.
A new collection having been appointed for Alexandria, that city has been re-opened to the commerce of the country, and therefore vessels will be admitted as heretofore.
Alexandria, May 31, P. M.--The steamer Pawnee steamed up late this afternoon, and left at 4 o'clock. Her place is supplied by the Pocahontas.
This town wears an exceedingly dull aspect. A quiet like that of the Sabbath reigns. Many stores on the wharf are entirely closed, and the Secession sentiment among the community does not seem to have abated much.--Women and children are leaving daily for the hospitable shore of Maryland.
St. Louis, May 30.-- Col. Blair's regiment has been sworn into the United States service for three years.
About 200 citizens of Southern Illinois left for the South a few days since to join the Army.
In the McDonald habeas corpus case, Gen. Harney made a return that McDonald had been removed to Illinois; that he had never had the body of the prisoner under his control, and consequently was unable to produce him.
General Harney further stated that by orders from Washington, he had been removed from the command of the department. It is understood that Gen. Lyon will succeed Gen. Harney.
Boston, May 31.--The steamer Cambridge left here this afternoon for Fortress Monroe with lumber, tools and provisions. Also a picked company of sappers and miners, under a requisition from General Butler. Brigadier General Pierce and staff go in her. Also a commission from the Governor, to examine the condition of the Third and Fourth Massachusetts regiments.
