February 13, 1863, The New York Herald
The State documents which we publish today relative to the question of French mediation are about the most important features in the war news. The correspondents between Mr. Seward and Mr. Dayton upon the question is worthy of the most careful study of our readers. Mr. Seward firmly and emphatically disposes of the views expressed by M. Drouyn de Lhuys with regard to the position of the two sections of the country, the intentions of the government of the United States, and the prospects of the insurgent leaders.
The movement to settle the present difficulties by a convention of representatives from the free States is progressing in the West. The Illinois Legislature has appointed a committee to confer with those of Indiana, Kentucky and other States, at Louisville, in the month of March, the foremost man in that committee being a strong adherent of Mr. Lincoln, and heretofore a staunch republican. Mr. Logan, the gentleman in question, it appears, took a prominent part in the November election, by urging all his friends to vote the democratic ticket, in order to save the country. Many other eminent politicians of republican proclivities have been appointed on the same committee. The measure was opposed, but in vain, by the abolitionists in the Legislature. It is expected that the States of Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York will combine in this movement.
We publish today the official account to the rebel government of Commodore Ingraham, describing the late attempt to open the blockade at Charleston.
Reports as to the whereabouts of the Alabama continue to arrive. Captain Martin, of the Hamburg bark Maria Sophia, which came into this port yesterday, reports having been boarded on February 2, in latitude 26 30, longitude 67 48, by a screw steamer, rigged as a bark, painted black, bottom red. On approaching she hoisted a flag, which he could not make out; but afterwards changed it, displaying the American flag. The steamer had all her canvass set, including studding sails, and was also under steam. She had one smoke stack, which was quite low. The above steamer was without doubt the Confederate steamer Alabama, as the description answers her appearance in every particular. Upon learning the nationality of the Hamburg bark, the Alabama hastened off.
The steamship Arago, from Port Royal, S.C., February 9, arrived at this port yesterday morning. The news by this arrival is interesting. The Monitor battery Weehawken, Captain Rogers, from Fortress Monroe, arrived at Port Royal harbor on the 5th inst. in tow of the United States gunboat Ladona. The passage was made under great difficulties, the weather being quite tempestuous. A full account of the voyage will be found in our Port Royal correspondence.
Major General Hunter has issued an order ordering the conscription of all able bodied negroes within the lines of his department.
The remains of the late Captain A.J. Clifton, of the United States gunboat John Adams, arrived in the Arago. His boat carried a portion of the troops belonging to Colonel Higginson’s late expedition to Florida. While ascending the St. Mary’s river, Captain Clifton, standing at his post near the pilot house, was killed instantly by a Minie ball fired by a rebel bushwacker from the Florida shore.