AMERICA.

Evening Post, Issue 90, 24 May 1865, Page 2

AMERICA.

New York, 17th March. Sheridan has defeated Early in the bhenandoah Valley, and made himself master of the district through which the railway to Richmond passes. Sherman was within forty miles of Raleigh at the last accounts, but it was not known if any action had taken place. There is a general convergence of all the Union armies on Richmond. (general Lee is reported to be sorely pressed for provisions, as only one line of railway is open. Attempts have been j made to remove him from the military ! dictatorship. The capture of Blancheville is confirmed. Charleston was evacuated on the 17th of February. The Confederates destroyed their iron-clads, spiked all the guns in the fortifications, and burnt their cotton ; the fire communicated with an ammunition store, which exploded, spreading the fire in all directions, and killing hundreds. Two-thirds of the city are destroj'ed. The evacuation was not discovered till late in the day of the 18th, when a force occupied the forts, and took possession of 200 pieces of cannon. The Confederates took large stores, and with 4,000 soldiers proceeded in a northerly direction. The news of the evacuation of-Charles-ton was heartily received by the Federal Congress, aid general illumination* took place to celebrate the event. Porter's fleet bombarded Fort Anderson at Cape Fear River, and afterwards a force was landed to assault it, but was repulsed. The assault was renewed, when the garrison withdrew, and escaped to Wilmington. General Lee has issued an order in which he invokes God for guidance, and expresses firm confidence for the future. The head -quarters of the army are to be in Northern Virginia. Grant shows no disposition to assume the offensive further than he shelled Petersburg on the 20th February. A Confederate attack on his lines is threatened. The Senate has resolved not to recognise the Confederates. Secretary Seward has rescinded the passport system in Canada, and has decided not to increase the naval force on the Lakes. A proposal to arm two hundred thousand negroes has passed the Confederate House of representatives, but the next day, by a majority of one, it was indefinitely postponed. The House of Representatives, however, at a secret session, authorised the arming of those negroes tendered by their owners; and free negroes are to be armed for the defence of Richmond and other points. Semmes has been made a rear-admirnl, and appointed to the command of the James River squadron. Mr. M'Culloch has been appointed Secretary of the Federal Treasury. New York, 19th March. President Davis declared that Richmond was never in greater peril than at present. fcheridan continues his destruction of the railway with great activity. An attack on Mobile is imminent. Great efforts are being made at Richmond to organise the negroes. 21st March. Sherman is advancing on Goldsborough, and is threatening Raleigh. Sheridan had also reached Whitehouse. The Confederate Congress passed a motion recommending President Davis' message, which is supposed to contain a suggestion to burn Richmond and retreat if necessary.