By Telegraph

(Reported expressly for the Gazette.)

The Forts near New Orleans Attacked.

Probable Evacuation of Newport News

From Fortress Monroe – Southern News

FORT MONROE, April 16.

There was some firing this morning by the rebel batteries to the left of Yorktown, but no damage was done.

An extensive smoke has been rising all day from the direction of Newport News, leading to the belief that preparations are making to evacuate it. It has now ceased to be a position of importance.

The following are taken from Norfolk papers:


RICHMOND, April 15.

Both houses of Congress have passed resolutions to adjourn on Monday next, and to meet again on the third Monday of August.

Reports have been received here of the landing of Yankee troops at Tappahannock, Essex county, Virginia, on the Rappahannock. Gunboats went to Urbana, on the Rappahannock river on Sunday, and next day proceeded to Tappahannock. No troops were landed. This is supposed to be a reconnaissance or feint.

Official information from New Orleans states that an attack on Forts Jackson and Phillips commenced yesterday.


SAVANNAH, April 14.

The Morning News learns that Jacksonville, Fla., was evacuated by the Federals last Tuesday. They said they were going to Tybee. The town is now in possession of the Confederates. The conscription bill passed Congress on the 9th inst.


NORFOLK, April 15.

The Day Book announces the arrival of the French frigate Gazindi with M. Mercier, the French Minister at Washington, on board. There is great curiosity and many surmises at to the object of his visit. The Editor of the Day Book says M. Mercier has dispatches from the French consul at Richmond, which is the cause of the visit.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1