The latest from the North.
We have received the New York Herald of Friday, the 17th instant. The Congressional election in Pennsylvania has resulted in a loss to the Republicans of four members with one doubtful.--Among the most promising of the defeated candidates for Congress in Pennsylvania are Brigadier. General George A. McCal Democrats, Calushe A. Grew, Republican, Major Jolt D. Warner, Democrat; A. J. Glossbrenner Democrat. In Ohio the Republicans lose seven members and three are to be heard from A. dispatch from says the Democrats claim from 12,000 to 15,000 majority for their State ticket. In Iowa the Democrats have a majority of 1,500 for Dubuque county, but the Republican candidate for Congress from that district is believed to be elected. The draft in Boston was preceding on Thursday. The people according to a telegram, were ‘"taking it with entire good nature."’ The Herald if us comments on the result of the elections.The further election returns which we publish this morning confirm the news which we published yesterday. The war Democrats and the coalition tickets of Union Democrats and conservative Republicans have without everywhere beaten the abolition tickets and straight Republicans. The radicals are as completely disappointed at the result as the peace men, the sympathizers with recession, and the Southern Secessionists to themselves. Hence Greeley is completely downhearted at the defeat of the Republicans in Ohio and Indians and has nothing to rejoice over in Pennsylvania where Republicanism has also fallen off. In fact, the principles of the party are shown to be everywhere at a distance in the recent election — in Maine and Connecticut as well as in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indians--unless where arrayed against men suspected of disloyalty, or in favor of stopping the war and setting our ‘"Wayward Southern sisters deport, in peace."’ Wherever the Democratic candidate was sound upon the war question, he met with a preference from the people, wherever a Democratic candidate secured tainted with pro Southern Ideas, a conservative. Republican was preferred — this recruiting the foul slander both the Times and the that the of the Democracy are to the Union. And it will be the same in New York.
A reconnaissance in force by McClellan--
the Young Napoleon in the hand of his army.
Gen. McClellan made a reconnaissance in force, on Thursday, the 15th, an account of which is thus given in the ‘"situation"’ article of the New York Herald: ‘ An advance of our army into Virginia was made from Harper's Ferry yesterday. At six o'clock in the morning General Humphrey's division crossed at Brickford's found and advanced on Shepherdstown, supported by General Porter's division. He was met by the rebels, where opened a heavy are upon him, and as General Humphrey had no artillery, and the object of the reconnaissance being accomplished, he withdrew his forces across the river.
About the same time a portion of Summer's corps, consisting of part of Gen. Richardson's and Gen. Sedgewick's divisions, under command of General Hancock, advanced from Bolivar Heights along the road to Charlestown, and met the enemy's pickets in force, supported by a battery near town driving them with artillery infant following them up towards Charlestown, which place our troops occupied at noon. At 1 o'clock we formed in line of battle with our infantry along the heights near Butler's Hill, the enemy's line extending from that point to the Shenandoah. A slight skirmish ensued, and the rebels fell back, our forces passing on to a position two miles further. Immediately after the firing was heard all the troops along Bolivar, London, and Maryland Heights, were under arms and ready to move, Gen. McClellan, accompanied by his wife passed through Harper's Ferry in the afternoon, on route for our advance the Winchester road, arriving in Charlestown at 3 o'clock P. M.
Heavy rains took place last night at 8 o'clock on the Potomac, and if it continues there is every probability of a rise in the river, which may take some serious difference at the various lords.
A reconnoitering party from Gen. Sigel's force towards Leesburg by way of Drainesville, returned yesterday, and reported that General Stuart's rebel cavalry occupied Leesburg from Sunday morning until 2 o'clock Monday afternoon. Their force is estimated not to exceed three thousand. The men appeared worn out, but otherwise looked well.--They were leading about two hundred extra horses. Reconnaissances to our front have discovered a force of about four hundred rebel cavalry west of Warrenton.
’ A dispatch from Frederick Hd. dated midnight of Thursday, gives the following account of the advance:
‘ A reconnaissance in force was made this morning from Harper's Ferry by Gen. Hancock, commanding the division lately commanded by Gen. Richardson. The column comprised his division, with a detachment from the 1st, 2d, 5th, and 6th U. S. cavalry and the 6th New York and 3d Indiana cavalry and Gen. Dana's brigade of Gen. Howards's late Sedgwich's) division, and the 1st Minnesota, from Gen. German's brigade.
The troops left Bolivar Heights shortly after day night, in nearly, the following order. A cavalry force, contributing of portions of the 1st, 2d and 6th United States cavalry followed by Clarke's fight battery of regulars, with the 53d Pennsylvania, under Col. J. R. Brooks, the distinguished frontiers man. These were followed by the veteran 1st Minnesota volunteers under Col. German, French's old brigade, now commanded by Col. S. K. Sock of the 57th New York and Caldwell's Heagher's, and Lee's (formerly Dens's) brigades.
The men were all in the condition, and eager to meet the enemy. The enemy were not seen until after patrick when their pickets fell back as we advanced, without whiling be hear from our advanced skirmished.
On reaching an elevation about two railer from and overlooking Charlestown the enemy opened fire at about eight A. M. upon our cavalry advance front a battery of two guns, which it was known they had masked in this vicinity. The knowledge of this fact led to a cautions advance and the enemy to reap any benefit from this trap, which they had so cunningly laid for us.
Clarke's battery of light artillery was soon got into position, and, an artillery duel of short duration took place, ending in the precipitate retreat of the rebels from their position.
At this point we learned that there had been a rebel camp in an adjoining woods but which had skedaddled early this morning, the officers firing pistols to call in the pickets.
While the cannonading was going on word came that the rebels were advancing, Capt., Tompkin's battery was sent to the right of the road and shelled the woods, in front of which the rebel cavalry made their appearance. A few rounds sufficed to clear the front of the woods at least of any rebel cavalry.
Howards battery of regulars, commanded by Lt., Thomas, son of Adjutant General Thomas, took a position in the rear and to the left of Tompkins, supported by the Eighty eighth, regiment. New York, of General Meagaer's brigade, but were not engaged.
After some slight skirmishing on the left of the road the whole column moved forward and occupied Charlestown without further opposition, the rebel cavalry falling back to a high range of hills some two miles beyond that place.
There are evidences all along the road of the recent presence of cavalry in considerable force.
The rebels left at Charlestown their wounded and one killed in the skirmish this morning.
The rebels represent the force of the rebels passing through in retreat as about two regiments of cavalry and one light battery. It is position that they may be reinforced and make a stand on the next range of hills; but I am inclined to the belief that they could be chased into Winchester without much danger to the attacking party.
When our messenger left our troops were quietly occupying the town.
’ The general press dispatch, speaking of the result of the advance says:
‘ Our loss was one man killed and eight wounded Captain Smith, of the Richmond, Artillery, and eight men were wounded and taken prisoners, which is the only loss the Confederates are known to have sustained.
The troops under General Hancock entered Charlestown about twelve o'clock, and occupied it, the enemy leaving in our hands over one hundred men who were wounded in the battle of Antietam.
At four o'clock our infantry formed in line of battle on the right and left of the road leading to Bunker Hill, when they advanced driving the enemy from the hills and at dark occupying a position two miles beyond the town.
Information obtained to-day shows that the main body of the rebel army occupies a position extending from Bunker Hill to the Shenandoah.
Gen. McClellan arrived at Charlestown at two o'clock, where he remained during the night.
But very little Union feeling was shown by the people of Charlestown upon its occupation by our troops.
’
Another battle in Kentucky--the defeat of Kirby Smith Claimed by the Federal--the losses at Perryville — position of Bragg's army.
A great battle was fought in Kentucky on Wednesday, between Lexington and Richmond, in which the Confederates, under Kirby Smith, were completely repulsed, flying in disorder, and throwing away their arms. The fight is said to have lasted from six o'clock in the morning till eleven at night. A dispatch from Louisville, October 16th, says:‘ The rebels were utterly repulsed, they throwing away their arms and accoutrements by thousands. We captured eight hundred cattle, a large quantity of arms, and quite a number of prisoners. Quite a number of rebels without arms arrived at Richmond, Ky., last night, reporting that their forces had been thoroughly whipped. They say that Kirby Smith's force, on the morning of the 15th, was drawn up in line of battle at Big Hill, eighteen miles southeast of Richmond. At Lexington heavy firing was heard all day, indicating the retreat of the rebels and the sharp pursuit by our forces.
Rumors were current at Lexington that a detachments of our men had separated John Morgan's band in two parts, which were trying to concentrate and retreat in the direction of Gallatin.
J. D. Hence, Colonel commending at Bowling Green, says we have thrashed the rebels at Springfield and Keysburg, breaking up their camp. Their camp at Trenton will be attacked to- morrow.--Woodward is at Trenton with 500 men. Johnson has gone to Caseyville.
Gen. Crittenden command is said to have captured fifty leaves and one hundred wagons on Tuesday from the rebels.
Gen. Bucil's main army passed through Crab Orchard at 11 o'clock yesterday morning, and it unimpeded by skirmishers must be near Rock Castle river, while Bragg's main force is supposed to be near London.
At headquarters, as far as advised, it is thought Buell is pressing the enemy's rear sharply and that the foregoing reports relate to skirmishes along the enemy's rear Buellsville force them to fight or capture the whole army.
Jonumerable unauthenticated rumors are afloat this evening. Among them that Humphrey Marshall, with his whole force, is retreating towards Irwin, Estell county, with Brigadier General A. J. Smith after him.
’ A letter from Louisville, dated the 13th, says the Federal engaged at Perryville numbered 18,000, and their loss was 2,000 killed and wounded. The Confederates had 45,000, and their loss was 3,800.--The same letter says:
‘ All accounts agree that the rebels have retreated across the river and are now concentrated at Camp. Dick Robinson. To gate this place was a hazardous experiment, and has doubt one hospital attended with much loss to the rebels. The rivers — both the Kentucky and Dicks — are fordable in dozens of places, but the banks are very high and precipitous and the fords approachable only by narrow country roads, difficult of passage under ordinary circumstances. To throw an army across in haste would be attended only with innumerable With Buell hanging so close upon his rear Bragg must have deserted everything in order to get his men over safely. Doubtless we shall hear of heavy casualties sustained in this movement.
The rebel forces are unquestionably now all concentrated at Camp Dick Robinson. Prisoners captured from them in the battle of Wednesday say that this was to be their ‘"last ditch."’
Kirby Smith moved from Harrodsburg on Friday, but whether he crossed the river to Dick Robinson or moved down to Bragg's position, back of Perryville is not yet determined. He is now with Bragg beyond a doubt. Humphrey Marshall left Lexington with his force a week ago, and is now at Camp Dick Robinson, John Morgan, with his guerrilla band, was the last to leave the line of the Louisville and Lexington Railroad, and is now cooped up with the others between the rivers. --This they are all there. Their combined force is supposed to be about seventy-five thousand men. It is probable that they have received further reinforcements. You will remember that some time ago I wrote you that Bragg was expecting Breckinridge up with reinforcements. There is reason to believe that Breckinridge has come up, but whether with reinforcements or not remains to be determined. A dispatch has been received by Mrs. Breckenridge, at Maysville, directing her to meet the reasonable John C. at Danville. The dispatch his arrival there on Monday last.
The of the rebels at camp Dick Robinson made them a little more inaccessible to our army; but at the same time, renders their destruction at the more sure when they are got at.--There is no escape for them. They have an advantageous position for defence, but, if the position can be carried, they are all taken as in a trap. Their only hope now is in desperate fighting.--They are completely surrounded and found in, and have no door of escape whatever from the State.--Nothing but the capture of this entire army is now locked for by any one. General Buell could get them in no more desirable place. But to accomplish their capture will require a little manœnvering, and we must be content to wait a few days for Buell to get his army into the new position required by this new situation.
’
Important from Nashville — the city surrounded by the Confederates, and its Surrender Demanded.
The following is a dispatch dated Louisville, the 16th:‘ Official dispatches were received here from Nashville to-day. The rebels were in large force near that city on the 14th. They sent a flag of truce demanding the surrender of the town. Gen. Negley declined. The Federal force was ample for the defence.
Gov. Harris, Maj. Gen. J. R. Anderson and Brig. Gen. Forrest are in command of the rebels.
’
The guerrillas after the Ohio Steamboats.
The Confederate guerrillas are destroying a number of boats on the Ohio river. The N. Y. Herald says:‘ A party of them destroyed the Hazel Dell, on Wednesday, at Caserville, Ky., capturing her cargo. Proceeding to Columbus they set fire to the transports Admiral and Philadelphia, blowing up the former by the explosion of the shells on board. Fortunately, a thousand kegs of powder were taken from the Philadelphia in time to save her from a like fate. The loss was about $75,000.--Gen. Dodge was wounded by a fragment of shell. A large body of Union troops have started for Caseyville in pursuit of the enemy, who are under command of Colonels Anderson, Johnson, and Martin.
’ A dispatch, dated Cairo, Ill., the 16th, says:
‘ The rebel force which robbed the steamer Hazel Dall yesterday, at Caseyville, Ky., commanded by Colonels Anderson, Johnson, and Martin, is supposed to have numbered two thousand. They took about 83,000 worth of clothing groceries and powder, and threatened to burn all the boats falling into their bands after the 1st of the month.
’
Exploits of the Confederate steamer ‘"290"’--Fourteen vessels destroyed with, $1,000,000 in Goods--Yankee description of her Captain, and his ‘"style"’ of taking vessels.
The New York Herald publishes the statement of three matters of ships that have been burnt by the Confederate steamer Alabama, (‘"290,"’) and says that Captain Sommes, of the ‘"200,"’ has captured and destroyed 14 vessels, with $1,000,000 of cargo, and paroled and sent to the Island of Flores 191 prisoners:‘ It is very evident, from all we learn from Capt. Hagar, that the Alabama will, if not fallen in with, captured and destroyed, become the terror of the ocean. Her speed appears to be unequalled both under steam and sail. Her sailing qualities, as reported, are superior to the speed of nine-tenths of our steamers in the navy, and under steam and canvas combined it will take the Vanderbilt or vessels of a similar class, to do anything with her in a chase. Her battery is very formidable, equal to many of our screw sloop of war of the second class and variety superior to any of our smaller vessels — She is in all respects an ugly customer, and one that will destroy millions of property before she is caught, if she is caught at all.
In all cases where Capt Semmes captures a vessel, he sends an armed boat on board and orders the unfortunate captain on board the Alabama, with his papers. On his arrival he is ushered into the presence of the pirate Semmes, who receives him to the most pompous and overbearing manner. He unquestioned as to the name of the ship, where from where hound and the character of his cargo. Capt. Hagar in reply to the latter question said that some of his cargo was on English account. On his giving this reply Semmes scowled at him and remarked. ‘"Do you take me for a d — d fool? Where are the proofs that part of your cargo is on English account?"’
The papers, unfortunately, not having the Consular seal attached, were not considered proof, and the Brilliant and her cargo were in consequence seized by Semmes as a prize.
’
Personal appearance of Semmes.
Captain Hagar says that, however much Semmes may have had the appearance of a gentleman when an officer of the United States Navy, he has entirely changed now. He sports a huge moustache the ends of which are waxed in a manner to throw that of Victor Emanuel entirely in the shade, and it is evident that it occupies much of his attention. His steward wares it every day carefully, and so prominent is it that the sailors of the Alabama term him ‘"Old Beeswar." ’ His whole appearance is that of a corsair, and the transformation appear to be complete from Commander Raphael Semmes, United States Navy, to a combination of Lafitte, Kidd, and libbs, the three most notorious pirates the world has ever known.The officers of the Alabama are reported as very dainty gentlemen. In plundering a ship they take nothing but articles that suit them. If replenishing their stores, they invariably reject brown sugar, taking nothing but the best loaf. With kid gloves it is the same — they refuse colors, and will have nothing but pure white. And so it is with them all the way through. They appropriate everything they find worth having, and destroy the rest, and are pirates in every tense of the word, except that they do not take life — or rather, they have not yet done so.
When Captain Hagar left the Alabama there were between forty and fifty of the crews of the different vessels she had destroyed still on board. They were confined below in irons, in the most miserable condition. They were where every drop of rain fell on them, and every sea that came aboard the vessel washed over them, and the poor fellows were in a terrible plight, having lost everything with the vessels they belonged to, the pirates permitting no-baggage, except the very smallest quantity, to be brought away from the prizes before they were destroyed. They had the satisfaction of knowing, however, that it could not be long before they would be released for Semmes could not afford to have his ship filled up with prisoners.
The plan that Semmes has adopted to bring fish to his net is as follows: It will be seen at a glance that the position he was last reported in was in the track of many vessels bound to and from Europe. This is the position he has chosen to do the greatest possible amount of destruction, and he certainly has been most successful. Wherever he captures a ship, after taking from her all that he and his officers want, he lays by her until dark, and then sets her on fire. The light of the burning ship can be seen many miles, and every other ship within seeing distance stands towards the light, thinking to rescue a number of poor follows from destruction. The pirate keeps in the immediate vicinity, awaiting the pray that is sure to come, and the next morning the poor follows, who have, to serve the cause of humanity, gone many miles out of their course, find themselves under the guns of the Alabama, with the certainty that before another twenty-four hours they will share the fate of the ship they came to serve.
This plan will enable him to destroy an immense amount of property without, much cruising. He can lay to our position and gather the ships around him during the night ready for operations on the coming day for weeks to come; for it will be along time before his depredations can be made known, so that our unsuspecting merchantmen will be on the lookout for him.
Again, he will be enabled for cruise for an indefinite length of time; for he uses no coal, depending upon his canvas entirely, which, it seams, is all sufficient for his purpose. He carries stores for eight months, and can always replenish from the prizes he may take. He will be here to day, there to-morrow, and will be certain to be found where any one is looking for him. for him will be like ‘"looking for a needle in a hay stack, "’ And wish the majority of vessels we have cruising at the present time, should one of them he fortunate enough to see him, all we shall benefit thereby will be a look and so it will continue to be until we have ships of greater speed than we now possess or expect soon to have.
Statement of a Skipper.
The following is the statement of one of the unhappy Yankee skippers, which will show how the thing is done:‘ Captain S. R. Tilton, master of the late bark Virginia, of New Bedford, reports that on September 17, when in latitude 39,10, longitude 34,20, at 9 A. M., sighted a still on the weather how, steering for the Virginia, the wind from the southwest, the bark heading east southeast. At 11 she set the St. George's cross, being about two miles distant, we answering it with our colors, and backing my main-yard, thinking her to be an English steamer. When distant one fourth of a mile she set the Confederate flag, and boarded me with an armed crew, saying I was a prize to the Confederate steamer Alabama, and that I must take my papers and go on board the steamer. After arriving there the captain asked me where I was from, and how long out? first demanding my papers. He said to the first lieutenant to go on board with me, and allow me to takes small trunk and the crew a bag of clothing each. After getting on board, everything being in confusion, they hurried me into my boat, with a few clothes, and ordered me on board the steamer again.
They then commenced taking the stores, chronometer, and all tentorial instruments in their boats, and at four P. M. they set fire to the back, and in two hours she was burned to the water's edge. On arriving on board the steamer the first time I asked the captain to release me, as I was doing no one any harm. His answer was, ‘"You Northerners are destroying our property, and New Bedford people are having their war meetings, offering two hundred dollars bounty for volunteer, and sent out their stone fleet to block up our harbors, and that he was going to retaliate"’ I went on the quarter deck with my son, when he ordered me in the lee waist, with my crew, and all of us were put in irons, with the exception of two boys, (cook and steward) I asked him if I was to be put in irons. The reply was that his purser was put in irons and his head shared by us, and that he was going to retaliate. We were put in the lee waist with an old skid over us and a few planks to lie upon.
’
Description of the Alabama.
The Alabama was built at Liverpool or Birkenhead, and left the latter port in August last; is about 1,200 tons burghen, draught about 14 feet; engines by Laird & Sons, of Birkenhead, 1861. She is a wooden vessel, propelled by a screw, copper bottom, about 210 feet long, rather narrow, painted blank outside, and drab inside; has a round stern, billet head, very little shear, flush deck fore and act; a bridge forward of the smoke stack, carries two large black boats on cranes amidships forward of the main rigging; two black quarter boats between the main and mizen masts, one small black boat over the stern on branes, the spare spars on a gallows between the bridge and foremast, show above the rail. She carries three long 32-pounders on a side, and is pierced for two more amidships; has a 100 pound rifled pivot gun forward of the bridge, and a 68-pound pivot on the main deck; has tracks laid forward for a pivot how gun, and tracks art for a pivot stern causer — all of which she will take on broad to complete her armament. Her guns are of the Blakely pattern, and manufactured by Wesley & Preston, Liverpool, 1862. She is bark rigged. She was built expressly for the business. She is engaged to destroy, fight or run, as the character of her opponent may be. She took her armament and crew and most of her officers on board near Terceira, Western Islands, from an English vessel. Her crew are principally English; the officers, chivalry of the South. All the water consumed on board is condensed. She has eight months provisions, besides what is being plundered, and has about four hundred tons of coal on board.The Herald, in commenting upon the daring feats of the ‘"290, "’ says:
‘ A very unusual excitement prevailed in our commercial and financial circles yesterday, in consequence of the news of the terrible work of destruction commenced by the rebel privateer, the Alabama, or ‘"290."’ among our whaling and merchant vessels on the high seas. The intelligence of these depredations, however, so close behind the warning that the robber had taken to the road, was very naturally calculated to produce a sensation.
’ It adds that the Vanderbilt, the latest U. S. ship afloat, is to be sent after the ‘"290"’
From New Orleans--Federal gunboats repulsed.
The New York papers have news from New Orleans to the 7th by the steamship Potomac. An expedition went up the river to Davidsonville on the 1st, to take possession of a lot of cattle which had been sent from Texas for the rebels. The gunboats Sciota, Itasca, and Kineo had, however, already got hold of them, numbering in all 1,600 fine beeves. While passing down the river with this welcome freight a rebel battery about three miles below Davidsonville opened fire on the boats.--The Sciota was repearclay struck, and Lieutenant Swacey killed as were also several men on the other boats. After doing all the damage possible to the Florida, the rebels abandoned the battery.
The end of Gen. Stuart's Raid.
The Washington Star, of Wednesday afternoon, says:‘ We are sure, from information upon which we we can rely, that after reaching Leesburg on Sunday morning last, the rebel General halted his force there, between 2,500 and 3,000 cavalry with three pieces of artillery, until near noon of the next day. Meantime a considerable force of the enemy, consisting of infantry, and artillery, approached within supporting distance of Stuart, coming down the Winchester turnpike. General Lee's idea evidently was that a dash would be made with a small force from this vicinity upon Stuart at Leesburg, expecting that he was there entirely unsupported. Due care, however, was taken by Stuart to move off for Winchester are a lapse of time sufficient for a considerable force from the vicinity to get up to him.
’
The New York Market — gold 1351.
The New York Herald, of the 17th, says:‘ The stock market was, active yesterday, and prices were higher at the close, after some sharp fluctuations. Gold opened at 135, fell to 132½ and closed at 135. Demand notes closed at about 120. Exchange fluctuated between 148 and 149. Money was in request at 4œ5œ6 per cent.
Produce yesterday, both foreign and domestic, with few exceptions, was quiet firm, and prices were either sustained or met with a further advance. The movements seemed to hinge on the currency, and sympathized with its fluctuations, which can only recede or advance in proportion to the amount of paper currency put in circulation.
Cotton was loss buoyant; but the demand was good; while the sales embraced about 1,800 bales, on the basts of 60½œ61½c., a good part at 61, with few or no sellers at the close at 61½c.
The Flour market was firm and active, and closed at a further advance of 10œ25 per bbl.
Wheat opened heavy, but failed near the close, and with tolerably free sales closed at the previous day's prices.
Corn was unchanged, while sales were made to a fair extent, closing at 67cœ68 for good and sound Western mixed.
’
Miscellaneous.
The Washington Republican says a force of Federal troops were sent into Prince George county, Md., on the 15th to enforce the draft among the Secessionists there who it was was said would resist it.Substitutes are selling in Cincinnati at $12 per head.
Fifty prisoners in Fort Warren, confined for political offences, have been offered their discharge upon taking the oath of allegiance.
The gas company of Charlestown, Massachusetts, has voted to assume the war tax without extra charge to the consumers.
Lieut. E. S. Roberts, of Company H, 2d Miss; John Wilson, 1st Va; George Munroe, 8th Va.; and James A. Daley, Richard Drake, Willoughby Harris, and J. W., Brown, conscripts, were released from the Old Capitol, at Washington, on the 14th instant, on taking the oath of allegiance.
Secretary Stanton has telegraphed Gen. Nettle to send no more contraband into Illinois until further orders.
Vallandigham is defeated in Ohio by General Schenck for Congress.
