Late Southern News.
Arrival of the Burnside expedition in Pamlico sound.
From the Norfolk Day Book, of yesterday, we copy the following:‘ Information reached this city last evening to the effect that a Federal fleet had made its appearance in Pamlico Sound.
The fleet consists of 20 gun-boats, drawing from five to six feet of water, and carrying, some of them, five guns.
They were first discovered by Capt. Huntor, who, while reconnoitering, was shot at by them. On this return to the island he reported the fact, and our forces proceeded at once to place themselves in a state of readiness for an attack.
This is supposed to be a portion of the Burnside expedition, and it is thought, by some, that its object is to prepare for an attack upon Norfolk from the rear. However this may be, one thing is certain, and that is, that should this be their programme, they will find it a hard road to travel before they get to the end of it.
’
Gen. Leslin Comes.
There is no spectacle more sickening than that of a man once honored and respected and loved, turned, by his own treason, into an object of just scorn and hatred. Such a spectacle is exhibited in the person of Leslie Combs. We copy the following extract from the Nashville Republican, of the 5th inst.:He was the friend of Clay, and the idol of a large, enthusiastic and gallant people. He combined an apparent frankness and courage with a pleasing and popular address, which never failed to draw forth the deepest feelings of sympathy and affection. Suddenly he shattered all the confidence and scattered all the friendship, which he had so long commanded. This revolution has seemed to change his whole nature. He has lied over and over again, out of whole cloth; he has duped and deceived his best friends; and now he revels and glories in the camp of the enemy, by the side of Rosecrans. The sight is more pitiable, when we consider, that though, in his mental dotage, he still retains the strength of youth, as crect and unbent as ever, and as bold and as loud-mouthed as of yore.
From Kentucky — cannonading near Green river — Blowing up of a Brider.
The Nashville Republican and Banner publishes a very interesting letter from Bowling Green, Ky., dated the 30th ult., from which we make the following extract:‘ On the 27th heavy cannonading was for some time kept up by the Federals, who occupy a position beyond Cave City. Sixty or seventy shells were fired from their long-range guns, making the hills thunder with their terrible music, and old Mammoth Cavern rumble with the sublime reverberations. This waste of powder and artillery diversion resulted in nothing more than frightening the skittish rabbit from the bush, and the timid deer from his native glades. Had our soldiers been at hand the enemy's artillery would not have been there. They had better husband their ammunition. On the same day, the short railroad tunnel, just beyong Glasgow Junction, which is the old Bell Tavern stand, was blown up, or rather blown in, by our forces as they fell back. Our General may, by these tricks, wish to make the enemy think they are frightened, and thus allure them on to the proper point; or it may be that they wish in reality to gain time, by these impediments, to complete the concentration of their forces, and make the victory doubly sure.
’ Republican and Banner
General Ben M'Cullosm.
We extract the following paragraph from the Nashville Banner, of the 9th inst.:‘ Our dispatches from Richmond frequently make mention of General Ben McCalloch as being still in that city. By thus placing himself, or allowing himself to be placed, in an equivocal position, General McCulloch is doing serious injury to his fine and merited reputation as a gallant soldier. The West and his men call upon him. There should he be found. The gay saloons and drawing-rooms of a brilliant capital are not the proper places for a ranger, when the camp is astir with the trump of war and his men are eager for his presence. Gen. McCulloch should take better care of his fair good name and fame.
’
Another Yankee Weeckly.
The Newbern (N. C.) Progress, of the 7th inst., says:‘ We received the pleasing intelligence yesterday that another Yankee steamer had gone ashore opposite Swansboro' or Cedar Point on Sunday night. We have not heard the particulars about it yet but may be able to give something more in our next, as Major Boon and Lieut. Colonel Robinson left yesterday to pay it a visit.
’
A Busy scene.
The Charleston Mercury, of the 7th instant, says:‘ Our direct importers are not waiting for the blockade to be opened to begin their operations. Yesterday one of our city wharves presented quite an active scene, in consequence of the fine display of merchandise which covered the surrounding space, and which was being discharged from the splendid steamship Ella Warley, lately from foreign parts. The cargo consisted of English blankets, Confederate gray cloths, hardware in casks, coffee, soap, candles, codfish, spool cotton, English paper and envelopes, butter, arrow root, cheese, linens, hosiery, buttons, needles, Spanish cigars, and, various other articles of great value at this time. We have no doubt but that the adventure will turn out most fortunate for all the parties interested.
’
