From the North.
We received last night copies of New York papers as late as Wednesday, March 5th, from which we make up the following summary in regard to the situation of affairs:
Official reports of the occupation of Columbus.
Gen. Halleck makes the following report to Gen. McClellan, under date of St. Louis. March 4:
Sir:
The cavalry from Paducah marched into Columbus yesterday, at six P. M., driving before them the enemy's rear guard.
The flag of the Union is flying over the boasted Gibraltar of the West.
Finding himself completely turned on both sides of the Mississippi, the enemy was obliged to evacuate or surrender.
Large quantities of artillery and stores were captured.
The Federal Secretary of the Navy has received a report from Flag-Officer Foote, which we copy:
Columbus, March 4, 1862.
Sir:
Columbus is in our possession.
My direct reconnaissance on the 2d inst. caused a hasty evacuation, the rebels leaving quite a number of guns and carriages, ammunition and stores, a large quantity of shot and shell, a considerable number of anchors, and the remnant of chain lately stretched across the river, with a large number of torpedoes.--Most of the huts, tents and quarters were destroyed.
The works are of very great strength, consisting of formidable tiers of batteries on the water side, and on the land side surrounded by ditch and a battle.
Gen. Sherman, with Lieut. Com. Phelps, not knowing that they were last evening occupied by 400 of the 2d Illinois cavalry, on a scouting party sent by Gen. Sherman from Paducah, made a bold dash to the shore under the batteries, hoisting the American flag on the bluffs.
It was greeted by the hearty cheers of our brave tars and soldiers.
The force consisted of six gunboats, four mortar boats and three transports, having on board two regiments and two battalions of infantry, under command of Col. Bufford, Gen. Cullom, and Gen. Sherman, being in command of the troops.
Sir:
The former leaving a sick bed to go ashore, discovered what was evidently a magazine on fire at both extremities, and immediately ordered the train to be cut, and thus saved the lives of the garrison.
While I cannot express too strongly my admiration of the gallantry and wise counsels of the distinguished aid and engineer of Gen. Halleck, Gen. Cullum, I must add that Commanders Dove, Walke and Stemble, and Lieuts. Commanding Paulding, Thompson, Shirk and Phelps — the latter being in command of the mortar division, assisted by Lieut. Lieford, of the ordnance corps of the United States Army--nobly performed their duty.
I have my flag on board the Cincinnati, commanded by the gallant Commander Stemble. Gen. Sherman remains temporarily in command of Columbus.
Other Federal accounts say that the Confederates retreated to Fort Randolph.
The occupation of Martinsburg.
Intelligence from Winchester leads to the belief that Jackson is there in full force, and has completed his preparations to oppose our approach three miles east of that place.
The same authority says his army is well provisioned, supplied, and clothed.
Generals Buckner and Tilghman in Boston.
Generals Buckner and Tilghman reached Boston, under strict guard, on the 3d instant. The Boston Post, of the 4th, gives an account of their ‘"reception,"’ a portion of which we copy:‘ No sooner were they seen than a rush was made for them, and for a time it was impossible to make any headway. The police appealed to the crowd, which did as much good as if their words had been uttered to the winds. Amid the rush of people and the rumbling and shouting of voices, there occasionally rose a volley of hisses, which, though not ‘"long,"’ were somewhat ‘"deep."’ The rebels, however, were not molested other than by pressure. They were at length got through the depot in front, where hacks were ready to receive them. Upon the outside there was another rush, which prevented any progress for several minutes. Small boys and ladies were treated without consideration; and it was no small feat for a strong man to achieve a full breath. The Generals were at length escorted to a hack, into which they got, accompanied by the Quartermaster and Marshal. The military charge followed in another team. They were driven off with all possible speed, the crowd shouting, and many for a while following on with a fleet foot. Horse flesh, however, was too much for the pedestrians, and they soon lost sight of the vanquished heroes of Forts Henry and Donelson. They soon reached Lincoln's wharf, at the North End, where they took the Argo, and in an hour were at the gates of Fort Warren.
The prisoners appeared very little concerned at the demonstration at the depot. Tilghman, if appearances were not deceptive, appeared to rather enjoy it. He did not, perhaps, expect such a cordial reception. Buckner hardly enjoyed the thing, fearing possibly that the attentions might reach a point of violence, of which there was no danger and no intention. They are not of sufficient account for a Boston crowd to seriously trouble.
’
Federal Congress.
In the Senate, on Tuesday, the Confiscation bill was taken up, and Messrs. McDougall, of California, and Cowan, of Pennsylvania, spoke in opposition to it. Nothing important transpired in the House.
Operations in Missouri.
Gen. Halleck, in his dispatches, claims ‘"seven brilliant skirmishes"’ in thirteen days in Missouri and Arkansas, commencing at Springfield on the 14th February, and ending at Fayetteville on the 27th.
