Kendall's Brass Band.--
This band, which is a most splendid one, passed our office yesterday in full blast, under the leadership of the well known Edward Kendall, one of the best buglers that has ever played on the instrument. Under his instruction any band must become a fine one and such is that now in this city. They are connected with Spalding & Stickney's circus and are by no means one of the least attractions of that attractive exhibition.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 11.
St. Charles Hotel...W. Devereaux, North Carolina; G.T. Thomas, Philadelphia; E.F. Hyde, M.C. Edward, New Orleans; G.S. Brown, New York; W.H. Craft, T.R. Williams, J.L. Kelso, Massachusetta; Dr. R.W. Petteway and lady, S. Nelson, Mississippi; J.W. Davenport, J.W. Cutser, R.H. Richardson, R. Peters, R. Hunt, A.B. Montgomery, W.P. Montgomery, Louisiana; S.L'Hommedieu, R.H. Lewis, Cincinnati; J.W. Bain, Ohio; W.G. Allen, Kentucky; H.W. Quailby, Virginia; G.N. Packs, F.E. Magfield.

Verandah Hotel...E.C. Hannon, Alabama; A.B. Ragan, Georgia; R.D. Windes and lady, R.D. Windes, jr, N. Sherman, Louisiana; W. Long and lady, R.W. Worth, William Cooper, S. Cotton, Lt W.R. Sharp, Mississippi; Mrs Yates and child, New York; R. Jones, Indiana; S.S. Webb, Ohio; J.W. Niles, Cincinnati; J. Downing, Massachusetts; E.G. Adams, New Hampshire.

Hewlett's Hotel...E. Wilson, Kentucky; J. Brewer, N.T. Hatchett, New Orleans; Lt J.H. Waller, U S A; W.H. Long, T.J. Hoeys, Tennessee; E. Mortimer, Alabama.

Planters' Hotel...Charles Beglow, South Carolina; J.G. Wright, Indiana; J. Ford, Arkansas; P.H. Ryan, U S Schr Heroine.

Banks's Arcade...E.S. Johnson, J.W. Carter, T.A. Carter, R.T. Henderson, N. Orleans; W.L. Dittoe, Sicily Island; Capt Broughton, St. Louis; J. Jrist, Iowa; B. Forest, J. Brown, S. Durand, Louisville.

Conti Hotel...Miss Dentsch?, France; Mr. Wooster, Bayou Sara; F.A. Fuigado, Europe; M. Hoyt, Franklin; S.M. Hall, Massachusetts; I.M. Kieferlorentz, Louisiana; Mrs Mayer and family.

The Mexican Question.
The Defensive Line Policy.
In reviewing the "line policy," proposed by some distinguished statesmen as the most proper mode of terminating the war, we took occasion in our last number to question the wisdom of a measure which contemplates the withdrawal of our troops from Mexico whilst yet a question of boundary is pending. We attempted to show that none of the embarrassments which cluster round the naked propositions of "annexation" or "total abandonment of conquered territory" would be got rid of by this course of action; for the line must take something or nothing-if something, it matters not how little, it will be enough to arouse the anti-conquest party and stir up the Wilmot proviso men-if nothing, it will be a clean abandonment of all our belligerent rights, an acknowledgement that the war was unjust and the passage of our armies into Mexico an unrighteous and murderous invasion. We cannot bring our minds to believe that the latter branch of this proposition will ever be adopted by the American people; and the former is open to objections of a serious nature, some of which we endeavored to explain when last speaking on this subject....

Washington correspondence.
[Special Correspondence of the Picayune.]
Washington, Dec. 1, 1847.
...The Postmaster-General will actually recommend the introduction of a uniform cheap postage all over the Union. The success of the reduced postage is so great that the deficit of $800,000 has actually come down to $40,000; and this Cave Johnson thinks a sufficient basis to build upon. The revenue from the post-office department during the years from 1^st of July, 1845, to 1^st July, 1847, has exceeded seven millions three hundred thousand dollars. If the amelioration in the postage was $760,000 in so short a time, the introduction of a uniform rate presents certainly no great obstacle. Mr. Johnson is in fact a man entirely converted to the cheap rate, and makes prosolytes wherever he goes. Full retaliatory measures will be recommended in regard to England; but as these would also tax our own people in common with the British mercantile public, the question is whether our partriotism will stand it.

The consignee of 55 packages merchandise, marked Wm. Chrisfield, Cincinnati, O, per bark Gennegee, from New York, will please make himself known to the discharging clerk on the Levee, opposite the Vegetable market, First Municipality, otherwise the goods will be stored at the expense and risk of the owner.
Wm. Creevy, 94 Tchoupitoulas st.

For Pitstsburg--
The new and fast running passenger steamer Silas Wright, Neal, master, will leave for the above and all intermediate ports, THIS DAY, the 14^th instant, at 12 o'clock M.
Marsh & Ranlett, 26 Poydras st.

For St. Louis--
The steamer Highlander, Glein, master, having been unavoidably detained, will leave as above THIS MORNIGN, the 14^th instant, at 10 o'clock.
Kennett & Dix, 71 Tchoupitoulas st.

Red River Packet steamer Latona, Smoker, master
This fine and light draught steamer will leave on TUESDAY EVENING, the 14^th inst, at 5 o'clock, positively, from foot of Conti street, for Shreveport, Natchitoches, Grand Ecore and Alexandria.
T.?. Smith, 96 Magasine st.

From the Rio-Grande.
There have been several arrivals since our last from the Rio Grande, by which we have received the Matamoros Flag of the 4^th inst.

Patrick Duffy, a private in the 10^th Infantry, was shot recently while attempting to "run the guard," with two other soldiers.

Deaths in the 10^th Regiment of U.S. Infantry, from 1^st days of June to the 30^th of November--
Urel Ros, corporal, company K; Hugh M. Scott, private, company C; Electers A. Gordell, private, company D; Turner, corporal, company B; Robert Beaty, corporal, company E; John Boothe, private, company B; John Moran, private, company I; Edward Jackson, private, company K; Washington Plopper, corporal, company B; Bush, private, company F; Hollrick, private, company B; Charles Casc, private, company K; Daniel Sweetland, private, company C; Turner, private, company G; Jared Hyde, private, company C; Thomas Myers, private, company H; Ezekiel Johnson, private, company H; William Thomas, private, company C; John Wolf, private, company C; George H. Chadwick, private, company A; Robert Day, private, company E; Perker W. Kingsberry, hos. steward, company D; Chas. Coots, private, company I; Egbert Hall, private, company I; John Hunt, private, company E; Michael Murray, private, company E; Zavier Staple, private, company I; Charles Kapple, private, company B; Justus Matthews, private, company B; Edward Collis, private, company I; Thomas Wallace, private, company B; Fayansmidt, private, company I; Edward McGregor, private, company I; Charles Slasher, private, company E; Walter Fortime, private, company C; Patrick Tuilly, private, company C; Campbell, corporal, company A; Francis Kealds, private, company B; Samuel Allen, private, company B; Norman Carr, private, company B; Harlow Hawkins, private, company I; Jacob Blinn, private, company I; George Stryker, private, company C. Total, 44-not including Lieuts. Yard and Lewis-15 of the deaths occurred from yellow fever in October and 5 in November; 81 cases of this disease having been treated in all.

The last two months, in the foregoing report, only show the deaths in the five companies of the 10^th Regiment stationed here, viz: Companies A, B, C, E, and I, no report having been received from the companies stationed above.

The French Steamships.
We copy the following communication from the columns of the New York Courier and Enquirer:

To the Editors of the Courier and Enquirer:
The want of success attendant on the French steamers cannot but inspire some fear, that, unless the prospect for the future is better than the experience of the past has been, the line may be entirely abandoned and the benefits resulting from such an intercourse perhaps irretrievably lost. Their inability to compete in speed with the boats now running, is doubtless the main cause of their failing to secure that encouragement which others have obtained, and, as during the ensuing years, we shall have at least six or seven steamers plying between this port and Europe, as well as the Boston line, all of which in speed and other appointments will far surpass the French boats, it can hardly be expected that they will be able to command an extent of patronage sufficient to insure their continuance.

The four Cunard steamers which are to commence their trips about the first of January, are spoken of as superior in every respect to any boats heretofore built. The high rate of freight of which the French steamers charge has caused no little dissatisfaction among the merchants, who are unwilling to pay steamer freight for a ship's passage; these considerations can hardly fail ere long, aside from the complaint of want of proper accommodations, to divert them from this route.

Let these steamers run to New Orleans; there they would find people almost entirely French who would feel a sympathy for them, and give them that encouragement which they would in vain seek for in other places. It would be striking a new vein of ore in this country's wealth; they would have all the passengers from the South and West, for none would care to cross the mountains and make a journey of ten or fifteen days to reach the Atlantic coast, when a line of steamers is running from New Orleans, they would command a high rate of freight and would have plenty of it, without having to contend against that strong competition which they find here. The number of boats to run from the North will be quite as many as can possibly be supported for the present; while the want of a more speedy communication between Europe and our Southern country than is made by ships cannot but insure ample success. They would also there meet the mail steamers from the Pacific, and would thus perfect the most direct communication from that remote country to Europe. If it were necessary that they should have a depot for coals, &c., on the route, the port of Havana offers every inducement in point of locality and importance that could possibly be desired, but let the terminus here be New Orleans, for there they can only meet that support essential to success.
A.X.D.
New York, November 27, 1847.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec 13.
St. Charles Hotel...Dr. Bodenhamer, S. Clay, Kentucky, J.E. Boissean, M.S. Wiley, New York; J.H. Ashbridge, D.J. Boatwright, W.H. Pattison, New Orleans; H. Turner, H. Quitman, R.M. Graves, Gen J.A. Quitman and family, M.W. Phillips, Mr. Freeland and daughter, D. Ballour and lady, W.E. Griffith, G. McKinney, B. Roach, Mississippi; J.H. Hands, J.R. Mason, J. Moody, North Carolina; J.S. Riley, England; B.F.? Halsey, Louisiana; ? Whitman, Cincinnati; S.S. Kennedy and lady, T.S. Kennedy, J.M. Franciscus, S.M. Parsons, Missouri; M. Walton, Tennessee; Judge Jones and family, Mobile; Marshall Tyson, Philadelphia; A.C. Morton, O.W.Leonard.

Verandah Hotel...T.Y. McMill, Miss Freeland, T. Freeland, Miss Ford, Dr. Young and son, Miss Young, W. Holmes, Mississippi; J. McMaine, R.Y. Skinner, Louisiana; J.S. Marsh, Mobile; M. ? Chamberlaine, F.W. Hart, New Orleans; J.G. James, Kentucky; H.F. Mayer, Missouri; W.H. Shutbrick, Vermont; C.W. Fo?an.

Hewlett's Hotel...W.J. Robertson, Kentucky; R. Valentine, S. Hubbard, S. Hotchkin, Mississippi; E.E. Woods, S. Waddell, Louisana; R.W. Russell.

Planters' Hotel...Lt Blakely, Capt Hill, Lt Lecust, Lt E.C. Lewis, H.B. Weibling, G.W. Allen, Mexico; J. Reiley, Philadelphia; R. McMarriatt, Maryland; J.L. Woolsey, F. Papponeau, New Orleans; G.W. Horton, Mississippi; Lt J.B. Consart, South Carolina; P.P. and R.C. Turpin, S. Baker, J. Fisher, Cincinnati; J.E. Scott, H.Y. Whaler, Florida; L. Pickering and lady, Missouri; J.A. Suttle and sister, H.M. Neill, J.G. Wright, Capt Augill.

Banks's Arcade...L. Case, Geo Fairchild, V. Whitcombe, New Orleans; Judge Marphree, Louisiana; W. Danley, R.T. Gaines, J.C. Miller, USA; J.B. Stout, Mobile; C.S. Duggan, J.G. Slack, C.G. Christman, New York; Capt Morton, Georgia Volunteers; W.H. Morris, Arkansas; Dr. Wallace, Dr. Quinn, R.C. Mathewson, Vera Cruz; G.C. Harbin, Kentucky; R.R. Johnson, Buffalo; J.C. Reandon, P.P. Oldershaw, England.

Conti Hotel...Mr. Eachard , M. Decon, New Orleans; A. Cournill, France; ?.B. Lorene, Natchitoches; C.Maurence, Donaldsonville; A. Devein, Natchez.

Ship Danvers from Boston-Sam Gray, S.H. Higgins, W.H. Stoues, W. Wilkinson, J.G. Grafton, S. Hunt, G. Lowden & lady.

Steamship Galveston from Galveston-Mrs Daniels & 2 children, Mrs Walridge & 2 children, Hancy & lady, D. Noelle, N.B. Smith, Close, Walbridge, T.H. Cratcher, J.P. Keger, Anderson, J.W. Paovam, Bigelow, L. Gibson, H. Wilson, Loyd, Humphreys, Measle, W. Flint, and 15 on deck.

From the Rio Grande.
The steamer Ann Chase, Capt. Harrison, arrived yesterday, last from the Brazos, whence she sailed on the 10^th inst. She left Vera Cruz on the 28^th ult. and touched at Tampico.

By this arrival we have a copy of the American Flag of the 8^th inst. from Matamoros. We find in it the following account of a fight between our troops and the Camanches:

Late accounts from Saltillo represent that the Camanches have made a descent in large force upon the Mexican settlements near Parras and Saltillo, robbing and murdering in every direction. Major Lane, of the Texas Cavalry, with sixty men of his command, had a fight with them, and a larger force has been sent to his assistance, to enable him to drive them back to their homes in the mountains....

The President has recognised Friedrich Honold, of New Orleans, as Consul of Wurttemberg for the States of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.

The Detroit Daily Advertiser states that thirty of the Hollanders on board the propeller Phoenix, destroyed by fire on Lake Michigan, were saved.

A telegraphic despatch to the New York papers states that the Lewistown Bank, Pa., broke on the 6^th inst.

Dr. Joseph Moriarty, hospital physician at Boston, died of ship fever on the 4^th inst.

The Legislature of the French Guiana colony, have determined to accept the measures of the Home Government for the immediate emancipation of their slaves on certain conditions of indemnification.

A severe shock of an earthquake at Port-au-Prince, on the 26^th October, did no damage there, but the interior had not been heard from.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 14.
St. Charles Hotel...J.B. Bailey, Calvin Jones and family, Tennessee; F.G. Turnbull, A. Knox, A. Knox,[sic] Coast; W.C. Young, W.L. Blanchard, D. Cobb, A. Wyckoff, Kentucky; W. Butte, F. Degrea, N.B. Smith, New York; G. Cleveland, J.P. Ensign, R. Collins, J. Case, Mobile; B.T. Moore, North Carolina; Mr. Garcia, W.B. Lloyd, New Orleans; J.L. Myrick, R.A. Myrick, C.S. Perkins, Mississippi; S.B. Grice, Philadelphia; J.A. Tuttle, Louisiana; J. McMillan, W. Green, Mexico; R. Bibb and lady, Alabama; J.L. Stephens, Missouri; J. Grafton, jr, J.G. Grafton, S. Gay, S.H. Higgins, Massachusetts; G. Cunningham, Virginia; S.J. Powell, Maryland.

Verandah Hotel...Dr. O.M. Oliver, S.J. Williams, H. Lone, P.P. Pleasants, New Orleans; E.T. Wilkins, J. Moore, Dr. M.E. Walker, Louisiana; J. Purvis and lady, Mississippi; J.M. Slaughter, Maryland; W.R. Taylor, Coast.

Hewlett's Hotel...J. Jones, Columbus; H. Findall, Aberdeen; E.W. Fuller, Louisiana; J. McMillan, W. Green, M. Anderson, Mexico; W.M. Ward, J.H. Lloyd, Mississippi; W.H. Stone, W.R. Humphreys, New Orleans; W.M. Robertson, W.S. Butler, W. Flint, H. Close, J.N. Parham, H. Wilson, Texas; J.H. Crutcher, Kentucky; W.F. Migill, N. Carolina; R.D. Robertson.

Planters' Hotel...T. Hillyer, Obin; D.H. Knode, J.W. Boyd, Maryland; C. Johnson, Pennsylvania; E. Briley and lady, Carrollton; S.H. Hammond, Virginia; W. Adams, W. Wilson, Louisiana; E. Walbridge, Mrs Walbridge, Cincinnati.

The Steamer Gen. Butler.(written across so some text hard to read)

We have been requested to give place to the following letter from the master of the Gen. Butler, in reference to her recent voyage from Vera Cruz.

Gentlemen-I have noticed in your paper of the 12^th December a report about the U.S. steamer General Butler, made by Capt. J.P. Levy, formerly of the U.S. store ship America, lying at Vera Cruz that I wish to correct. He repots that she was spoken by the Saldana a brig of Baltimore, at latitude 25, 8 North, longitude 88 ?5, West; that her boilers were burned out; her engines broken, and not sufficient sail on to steer her, that there were seven horses on board belonging to Gen. ?orth and Capt. Churchill, and that we were in the point of killing one for food when the brig hove in sight and supplied us with provisions; and that there were about one hundred passengers. This, however, is the case as it actual was. The brig Saldana was spotted by the Gen. Butler not in latitude 25, 8, North, longitude 88, ?5, West, but in latitude 25, 55, North, longitude 88, 46, West, her boilers were not turned out, but from a defect in some of the sheets of iron of which they were cob? true??? they drew apart; her engines being of the first quality, were not out of order, and are in as sound a condition as when put in. There were, as reported, seven horses on board, but there was no danger that their throats would be cut for food. We judged it proper on account of our crippled state and the prevalence of north winds to purchase food, that we might not be in want if the weather should be adverse for any length of time. These provisions were obtained by us in distress from the brig Saldana at a very high rate; but as a favorable change on the wind took place, we were able to make our port in safety, without using those provisions. There were on board about seventy persons. In opposing weather and without the full power of her engines, the Butler has proved herself a strong and excellent sea boat.
J.J. Wright.
Commander U.S. steamship Gen. Butler.

Western Rivers.--
The St. Louis Republican, of the 9^th inst., says; "The navigation of the Missouri and of the Mississippi, above the mouth of the Illinois, is now almost entirely suspended on account of low water, and the supplies of produce are now derived chiefly from the Illinois, which continues to be in fair navigable state, though falling fast. The weather for two days past, has been mild and generally fair, though it was cloudy yesterday evening and some rain fell during the night." Opposite St. Louis the river was getting quite low. The steamboat Independence got aground on the bar just below the city, on the evening of the 8^th inst., and was not gotten off by the next evening.

The Telegraph and the Press.
The following is from the Union of the 7^th inst., received here on Tuesday, by our express:

There is great difficulty in devising any system of charges which will be just to the telegraph companies and at the same time bring the use of the telegraph within the reach of the press on moderate and equal terms. If there be one unchangeable tariff of charges, the numerous presses in large cities combine together and reduce the price very low to them severally, by dividing the cost; while the same tariff is so high to the few or single presses in smaller cities and towns as to exclude them from the use of the telegraph, or render it exceedingly burdensome. Again; the practical effect of the system of charges be heretofore used has been to confine the use of the telegraph in the large cities to the stronger presses, while the weaker have been entirely cut off....

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec 15.
St. Charles Hotel...W. Donnell, D.H. Knode, Y. White, Md.; J.W. Blake, J.T. Rutland, Miss.; S.Y. Butterworth, P.R. Gary, J. Ruth, J.W. Waddell, R.C. Downes, La.; Dr. P.H. Cr?g, C.W. Davis, U.S.A.; J. Erwin jr., W.P. Hill, J.D. Marks, G. Kemp, J.H. Blood, J.S. Chew, H.H. Booker,N.O.; M? Chew?, C.L. Mathens, J.H. Irwin, Pa.; A.B. Bement? and lady, H. D?, La.; S. Smith, Con.; T.B. Jefison, Fa.; G. S?, Dr. ?, M. F?herham, Ala.; W.H. Edmonds, N.C.; D.

Faded--Get rest......

Arrival of the Steamship Britannia.
Fifteen Days later from Europe.
The steamship Britannia arrived at Boston on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 8^th ult. She thus made the passage in nineteen days, and brings advices fifteen days later. We annex the telegraphic despatch of her news made to the Baltimore Sun. We commence with an account of a most deplorable catastrophe:

Loss of the Packet Ship Stephen Whitney.-This noble, but unfortunate vessel, was totally lost at 10 o'clock, P.M., on the 10^th inst., on her voyage from New York to Liverpool, under circumstances the most perfectly appalling that the imagination can possibly conceive. Mistaking the light on Rock Island, near Cape Fear, on the south coast of Ireland, for the old Head of Kinsale, she continued her course to make Cork harbor, but in less than a quarter of an hour, with a suddenness which defied all human effort to avert her fate, she came broadside on a rock called the West Caff, about four miles inside the Cape, and in less than ten minutes after striking, was dashed to atoms, overwhelming no less than ninety-two of her hapless crew and passengers, eighteen only out of 110 surviving, who succeeded in clambering up the face of the rock which forms a wretched island containing three fishermen's huts.

The bill for the relief of the heirs of Paul Jones, which was read three times and passed by the Senate on the 8^th inst., is the same bill which passed both houses last session, and was accidentally dropped on the floor of the Senate and did not reach the President in season to be signed.

The N.Y. Express of Monday afternoon, the 6^th inst., says "the banks have now on hand about six millions of specie. About half a million was exported by the packet of December 1^st. The export of silver to France has ceased entirely."

Thomas Nelson, a Norwegian, found droned in the river at Mobile on Tuesday last.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 16.
St. Charles Hotel...Mrs M. Campbell and family, J.C. Taylor, J.M. Elain, W.H. Crenshaw, G.S. Guion, D. Bailey, E.A. Master, R.J. Barrow, B.H. Barrow, J.D. Powell, J. Buhler, R.M. Sutfield, La.; L. Mead, Mobile; J.S.W. Payne, J.J. Sykes; T. Bayly, Mi; T.F. Jones, R.A. Brodnox, A.E. Woodley, Va.; Col. Hampton, S.C.; Mr. Cullum and lady, P.J. Blunis and lady, Ky.; W.T. Rust, W.R. Dean, H. McCune, N.Y.

Verandah Hotel...J.D. Harrison, S. Sandron, J.J.J. Hankenson, Mi.; J.G. Bowcock, Arks; J.A. Wiggins and lady, Deforest Field, N.O.; W.M. Prescott, jr.

Hewlett's Hotel...A.H. Randolph, S.W. Fullerton, La.; G.W. Ferrand, P.H. Joor, Mi.

Planters' Hotel...W.B. Gill, Texas; J. Johnson, C. Beers, N.O.; W. Rigelow, N.Y.; W.E. Stockdell, Va.; S. Baker, J. Fisher, Cincinnati; J.W. Floyd, Mi.; W. Allen, Tenn.; W.C. Starkey, Ills.; T. Coleman, Ky.; W. Whitfield.

Planters' Hotel-Lunch-Lunch
A fine saddle of Venison, roast Pig, Oyster Pie, Chicken, Salad, and sundry other fixens will be served up at half-past 10 o'clock THIS MORNING.

Snow at Natchez.--
There was a slight fall of snow at Natchez on Wednesday last.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 17.
St. Charles Hotel...W.C. Crawford and lady, J.B. Dunlap, Md.; J. Ward, F.F. Folger, California; W. Hamilton, W.E. Wilson, N.O.; D.A. Haldwin, H.F. Stowell, W.A. Banister, N.Y.; Mr. Thorndike, R. Christmas, Mi.; W.C. Griggs, R.P. Pollard, P. McCloskey, Miss C. Huntington, Moble; Dr. Nablett, M.S. Langhorn, Va.; R. Holmes, Mo.; C. Adams jr, La.; A.A. Coleman, Ala.; R.A. Wilkinson, Coast; T.J. Churchill, N. Davis, Ky.; J.W. Sergean, J.A. Barnham, Boston.

Verandah Hotel...Dr. P. Danserean, La.; J. Meeker, J.W. Burke, N.O.; Dr. Kellogg and lady, Mr. Peade, B.A. Bullen, W.W. McCullum, J.H. Pipes, Mi.; S.J. Buford, J. Bell and lady, Ky.; M.F. Jennings, Ireland, A.A. Boydeu, N.Y.

Hewlett's Hotel...A.M. Fettere, W.O. Rodney, A. Leffenguell, J.L. Hutchinson, Mi.; B.B. Simnies?, J. Calhoun, J.S. Reed, E. Smith, F.J. Morgan, W.E. Blackburn, T.R. Patten, J.D. Wright, La.; L.W. Shaw, Phila.; J. West, E. Holliday, Ga.; W.P. Warfield, W.W. Collins, Aras; W. Deal, T.T. Vaughan, W.C. Ralston, Pa.; S.C. Woodlay, Ky.; J.H. Ruehart, N.O.; Mr. Moore, O.P. Robinson, D.H. Cooper, W.H. Dunbar.

Planters' Hotel...S.E. White, Va.; A.M. Gentry, Texas; W.F? Lynd, N.Y.; R.S. Wright, Cincinnati; J. Whelden, N.B.; W.C. Hearn, Pa.; W.T. Nichols and lady, Ky.

Banks's Arcade...C. Haggerty, R.J. Hines, D.J. Boatwright, James Maxwell, H. Owens, N.O.; W.W. Anderson, Mo.; L.G. Stearns, Cincinnati; J.R. Roach, Ala.; Capt J. Walker, Capt D. Walker, Mobile; W. McFarland, Jos Bates, Louisville.

Conti Hotel...A. Clarkson, Coast; Mr. Pifferling, St Louis; A. Worins, N.Y.; F. Schneider, Ala.; F. Humbo, N.O.; Mr. Weber, Natchez; C.A. Seibert, Baton Rouge; F.L. Huff.

Mazatlan and Guaymas.--
Letters have been received in town from Tampico as late as the 7^th December from highly respectable houses, conveying the information that the ports of Mazatlan and Guaymas are in the possession of the American naval forces. We trust the occupation of every other considerable port on the Pacific will soon follow....

Passengers:
Ship Silas Holmes from New York-Mrs Jane Fowler, Miss Catherine E. Troy, Miss Mary Abbott, Miss Mary E. Burdett, Miss Louisa H. Adams, H. Thomas lady 2 children & svt. A.E. Crane & lady, C.T. Pajekan, Capt N.M. Atwater.

Richelieu Diamond Pointed Gold Pen Depot.
Those who find it difficult to get a Pen to suit their hand, are advised to try the "Richelieus." The nibs of the Pens have all the flexibility of a quill, and a durability which pertains to the Gold Pen alone. Purchasers can try them, and select such only as will suit the peculiarity of their hand. The price is fixed at $2.50, so as to bring them into general use. The points are warranted to stand. The proprietor of these pens is confident, from the care taken in getting them up, that they will prove not only the best, but the cheapest ever offered in this market. Also, a large assortment of other brands, wholesale and retail, at prices varying from $1 50, $2 00, and $2 50 each. Also, a lot of fine Gold Pen Holders with Pencils.
E.A. Tyler, 35 Camp st.

Dan Marble.--
Great fears had been entertained that Dan Marble had been swamped in some of the wet districts of Alabama, or was giving performances on the mail stage, and that he wouldn't appear among us again till the next dry season. Happily, however, there is so much goaheadativeness in Dan that he worked his way through and arrived in town yesterday, as smilingly as a basket of chips.

The Ohio River.--
The Louisville Journal of the 11^th inst. says the river is rising very fast and filled with ice. A further rise of some ten feet will bring the water into some of the buildings below Sixth street. From present appearances none of the buildings on Water street, above Eighth, will escape the tide of our "inland sea." What makes matters worse is it still continues to rain.

At Pittsburg, on Thursday evening, there were six feet water in the channel and falling. It had been raining all day.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 18.
St. Charles Hotel...R.B. Milliken, T. Van Vechton, P.T. Barnum, Mr. and Mrs. Stratton, Gen. Tom Thumb, P.V. Pomeroy, J.R. Church, W.S. Wiley, S.S. Whitney, S. Whitney Jr., N.Y.; H.D. Leseone?, S.C.; A. Brook, N.O.; W.H. Hull, Mobile; Major Whiting, U.S.A.; Dan Marble, Buffalo; W.S. Price, Ala.; W.B. Hopkins, Va.; H. Craft, Va.; J.P. Dockray, R.I.; W. Hart, Pa.; T.J. Thompson and lady, Ky.; J.R. McCully, Pa.; S. Walker, Miss.; J.Y. Mills, Ky.; T.W. Talliaterro, La.; J.S. Carpenter, Pa..

Verandah Hotel...Capt Liot, London; J. Surgett, Miss.; W.A. Browne; D.L. Ranlett, N.O.; H.B. Brant, Mo.; J.A. Dongherty, N.O.; J.H. Bollins, Miss.; M. Moore, La.; Madame Delaney and family; Mo.; J. Hawes, N.O.

Hewlett's Hotel...S.D. McDermon, Va.; B. Marsh, Ala.; D.F. Caldwell, N.C.; J.M. Melvin, La.; J.C. Allen, U.S.A.; D.M. Douglas, Tenn.; Mr. Fowler, La.; E. Canningham, C. Rayley, Arkansas; D.W. Adams, Miss.; J. Porter, R.M. Sutfield, La.; Judge Porter.

Planters' Hotel...E.S. Lane, N.O.; J.R. Buffington, La.; J.S. Mason, Pa.; J. West and son, Ga.; W.W. Jefferson, J.L. Mott, Ohio; D.S. Chapman, Arks.; J.B. Dunlap, Md.; T.G. Rawlins, Va.; H.Z. Wheeler, Fda.; G.C. McKennell, Miss.; D.E. Crosland, La.; J. Adams and family, N.Y.; W. Gauze, Ark.

Banks's Arcade...A. Wolff, N.O.; B. Phister, Maysville; Davis Carpenter, Maysville; A. Lefebre, La.; H.G. Whiting, Coast?; D. Radden, N.O.; James Short, Lexington, Md.; I. Woodward, Arkansa[sic]; Davis Jones, Indiana; R. Lightfoot, Brasos; J.W. Lawkin, St. Jago de Cuba.

Conti Hotel...Chas Keller, E. Schrader, Pevomet Camille, C. Desir, S. Hartmany, Mexico; A. Petitt, Louisville; X Neil, Mississippi.

An Interesting Procession.--
Yesterday morning the children of the Female Orphan Asylum passed by our office in charge of the Sisters of that admirable institution. They were all dressed in a neat uniform manner, and each wore a badge of mourning upon the left arm. We understand that they were on their way to join in passing the last tribute of respect to the memory of Mrs. Stringer-consort of Mr. G.R. Stringer-a lady who, after a life spent in pious and charitable offices, was called from the cares of this world on Sunday last. The children composing this beautiful escort are, many of them, yet too young to comprehend the ceremonies in which they took part. But if their tender minds could not compass the vastness of that eternal separation which the word death imports, they could at least feel the loss of a benefactor in the charities they had tasted. In after years they will know more how to appreciate the blessings which are vouchsafed to them that have neither father, nor mother, nor home here, by the beneficence which stands in the stead of parents. It was a touching spectacle to see these little ones gathered together to do reverence to the dead, and spoke more directly to the heart of the virtues of the deceased than a pageant got up in gorgeous sheen would have done.

A detachment of troops embarked on the 8^th inst. from Fort Columbus, New York, on board the transport ship Ocean, bound for Vera Cruz. It was composed, says the Herald, of one hundred recruits for the 1^st Infantry, eighty-nine recruits and two musicians for the 9^th Infantry, forty recruits for the 3d Artillery, and one recruit for the 8^th Infantry, under the command of Capt. W.S. Henry, 3d Infantry, with Lieut. W.H. Fowler, 1^st Artillery, A.C.S., and Lieut. O.B. Griffiths, 16^th Infantry.

Flood in the Ohio.--
The Louisville Journal of the 13^th inst. has the following paragraph:

As we predicted several days since, the water yesterday had got into most of the buildings on Water street, between Sixth and Eighth. It is up to the curb-stones nearly all the way from Fourth to to Fifth streets, and the bridge over Beargrass at the foot of Third street as well as part of Strader's wharf are covered with water. The river was rising fast last evening. It has been raining almost constantly for the last twenty-four hours.

The mail boat reports the river rising fast at Cincinnati at noon yesterday, and all its tributaries are running out. A telegraphic despatch from Pittsburg, dated at 8 o'clock on Saturday morning, says there were then nineteen feet water in the channel and rising. This is a rise of thirteen feet which has not reached here yet, and, taken in connection with the rains of the last few days that have extended to the headwaters, it will cause a flood, such as we have not had for many years.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 20.
St. Charles Hotel...W.A. Collins, New York; H.H. Dent, D.C.; P.G. McGuire, Mobile; T. Kersan, N.Y.; S.S. Boune?, R.W. J.C. Nash, N.J., H.W. Hill, N.O.; C.W. Jones, Miss.; J. Perkins, La.; N.G. Powell, W. Biggs, J. Dickinson, Mr. Mason and lady, Miss Brown, Mr. Fox, J. Owen, Miss.; W. Donnell, Md.; S.W. Baker, Texas; J.S. Bogart, N.O.; J.S. Hopwood, England; P.H. Millard, Ky.; S.H. Darden, Texas; W.A. Simrall, H. Routh, La.; J.S. Lewis, J.A. Haven and lady, H. Schoonniaker, Miss Haven, N.Y.; Dr. D.F. Blackburn and family; W.H. Hammet and lady, V. Williams, Miss.; L.C. Mason, D.C.; M. Hunt, N.O.; J.A. Miller, La.; Mr. Williams and lady, England.

Verandah Hotel...S. Wolff, N.O.; W.T?t, Cin.; D. Humbert, N.O.; R.B. Robb, Miss.; Lieut P.G. Ring, U.S.A.; J.P. Anderson, U.S.A.; A. Shields, do; W. Barnett, Miss.; J.H. Van Antwerp, N.O.; N.H. Dumphe, Mass.; J. Filtz, W.R. Fosdick, E. Woodruff, N.O.; A. Fuller, Boston.

Hewlett's Hotel...W. Morris, Mass.; C.M. Price, Miss C. Collins, W. Adams, La.; E. White; I.J. Bradley, S.C.; A. Smith.

Planters' Hotel...Mr. Linton, Ky.; W.R. Womack; J.C. Dodd, Va.; J. Johnson, N.O.; J.N. Rasson, La.; D.W. Stone; G.B. Johnson; W. Butts, N.Y.; M. Ferrell, La.; W.P. Legur, La.

Banks's Arcade...E. Dorsey, W. Goulding, La.; C.T. Holmead, steamboat Old Hickory; A. Sherman, N.O.; Mr. James, Ky.; B. Bland, N.O.; Capt Farnham, brig Monico; J.W. Shipman, W.B. Kingsley, Jas McFarland, N.Y.

Conti Hotel...H. Daran, Miss.; Mr. Ge(a?)son, Vicksburg, E. Simonfield, St. Louis; John V. Toulme, Bay St. Louis; P. Kays, N.O.; V. Morehead, N.O.; A Fredericksfield, St. Louis; Capt S.A. harding, Balize.

Travelling in Georgia.--
We have a letter from Augusta, Ga., dated the 16^th inst. from a gentleman going North in the rail line. He describes the travelling as pitifully uncomfortable and slow just now. He says: "Last night we were out on the railroad between Greensboro' and this place, working ten hours to gain as many miles, for the weather had moderated just enough to let it snow, and this morning the ground was covered, and we were still forty miles from Augusta. The rails were covered with ice and snow, the wheels of the locomotive would not revolve, and of course the mail this way was lost. The same may be said of the mail which left here last night for New Orleans-we met it thawing the ice off the rails about twenty-five miles from here." Pleasant travelling, indeed!

Indians in Mexico.--
Our latest advices from Saltillo told of a conflict between the Texan Rangers and a band of Camanches. Upon looking over some late papers from the city of Mexico we find several letters from San Luis Potosi describing actions between the Indians and Mexican troops. The savages had boldly approached within seventeen leagues of the city of San Luis. In one engagement the Mexicans had fifty infantry and thirty dragoons engaged. The party was completely cut to pieces, only eight of the dragoons escaping with their lives and five of these being wounded. Another engagement took place between the Indians and one hundred dragoons of the 4^th Regiment of cavalry, which were marching from Matehuala to join Gen. Avalos. The fight occurred at Mingole, and the dragoons were completely routed, seventy being killed, among whom were Col. Labastida and several other officers. The survivors of this fight at last joined Avalos. In a letter from this general, we have a report of an engagement in which the Mexican arms were more successful. With a force of about 400 cavalry, he writes on the 18^th of November, that he that morning attacked a body of from 340 to 370 Indians in the hacienda of San Juan del Salado. The action began at 5 in the morning and terminated at 2 in the afternoon, (the date of the general's letter.) Only thirty or forty Indians were then left in the interior of the hacienda, whom he says it will be necessary to destroy, as they refuse to surrender, and defend themselves savagely. All the rest, he says, perished, the very small number who fled finding escape impossible on account of the difficulty of the country, the hills, &c. The Mexicans recovered two thousand horses, and set at liberty over two hundred women and children who had been captured. The loss of the Mexicans was small, though several officers were wounded and Gen. Avalos had his horse shot under him.

It is calculated that in their incursions into the State of San Luis over four hundred Mexicans have been killed, a great number of captives made, and numberless atrocities have been committed.

Arrivals at the Principal Hotels, Dec. 21.
St. Charles Hotel...J.A. Miller, J.M. Waddell, M. Wright, La.; H.W. Moneure, Va.; C. Burr, Pa; A. Stillman, N.Y.; Capt J.W. Pearson, Miss.; Capt Ludrom, ship Pacific; Dr. W.W. Williams, N.C.; J. Sims.

Verandah Hotel...J.A. Anderson, H.C. Forrest, Mi.; R.C. Brent, D.A. Waterston, T.R. Wharton and lady, La.; N.J. Massie, J.Williams, W.W.McLean, N.O.; H. Lazenby, N.Y.; W. Wyche, A.R. Ragan, Ga.; T. McGallio.

Planters' Hotel...J.E. Isaac, England; J. Dunbar, W.W. Wiley, Mi.; C.J. Asbury, Mo.; T.C. Roven, N.O.; A.M. Porter, Ohio; C.O. Daniels, N.Y.; R.P. Cunningham, Phila; W. Fleece, Dr. J. Fleece, Ky.; R. Shepherd, A.M. Lloyd, J. Mitchell, J.N. Greig, Dr. A. Greig, L.T. Murdock.

Negroes for Sale
Just Arrived from Baltimore, one hundred and fifty Maryland and Virginia Negroes, consisting of house servants, seamstresses, cooks, washers and ironers, blacksmiths, carpenters, carriage-drivers, barbers, and a superior assortment of field-hands, all of which will be sold low under a full guarantee.

Planters and others will, as heretofore, find it to their advantage to give me a call at No. 10 Esplanade street. J.W. Wilson.

$20 Reward--
Will be paid to whoever will deliver to the subscribers, or lodge in any jail, the mulatto St. Jean, having belonged to Mrs. Tremoulet. He is about 20 years old, with a pretty face, tall and slender, the knees inside, with large feet. He was born and has been brought up by Mrs. Tremoulet, and is probably lurking in the neighborhood.
V. David, St. Peter street,
opposite the Arsenal.

Amusements
General Tom Thumb at the St. Louis Exchange Ball Room, every Day and Evening, for a short time previous to his departure for Havana.

This distinguished Man in Miniature, weighing only fifteen pounds, who has been received with the highest marks of royal favor by all the principal crowned heads of Europe, and who has performed before more than five millions of persons during the last five years, will hold his Day and Evening. Levees at the above magnificent Hall, until further notice....

On Christmas Day for the accommodation of families and children, the General will hold Four Distinct Levees, viz: from 9½ to 11; from 11½ to 1½; from 4 to 5½; and from 7 to 8½ o'clock.

Loss of the Steamer St. Mary.--
We learn from the officers of the steamer Rockaway, which arrived yesterday from Shreveport, that on the 19^th inst., the steamer St. Mary, Capt. Scott, bound for this port, when about two miles below Grand Ecore, struck a snag and sunk in eight or ten feet of water. Her cargo, consisting of five or six hundred bales of cotton, and her cabin furniture, will be saved. Boat probably a total loss.

Accident to the Galveston.--
The steamship Galveston, Capt. Haviland, which left this port the evening of the 20^th inst., ran foul the ship Apollo, by which the Galveston was disabled. The steamer Yacht, Capt. Crane, was despatched yesterday to the bar for the purpose of taking off her passengers and cargo, with which she will proceed immediately to Galveston.

The Mails.--
The transmission of the mail south of Washington City was begun upon the new schedule on the 12^th inst. By this arrangement the Washington City mails, instead of coming directly South, are sent first to Baltimore, thence across the Bay to the mouth of James River, thence to Richmond, and thence as before. The mail, on this roundabout schedule, will not only be a day longer in its transmission, but it will be exposed to more interruptions than upon the old route.

A Duel.--
We understand, says the N.Y. Mirror, that a duel was fought on the 9^th inst., by Mr. H.W. Herbert, of that city, and Mr. Valentin, a lawyer in Wall street, the parties who lately went to Canada for the same purpose. They met at a retired spot, a short distance from Newark, N.J., accompanied by their seconds and a medical friend, and having been placed at twelve paces apart, the word was given and both fired, but neither of the shots took effect. An effort was then made at a reconciliation, but in vain, and the parties again took their places, and fired with the same result. A third fire was then insisted upon, when Mr. Herbert's shot struck his opponent on the ankle, but without inflicting a serious injury; therefore, Mr. Valentin, (being the challenging party) expressed himself satisfied, and they left the ground.

Holiday Gifts.--
Let us commend to our readers who are purchasing Christmas and New-Year's gifts to visit Mr. Tyler's beautiful store, No. 29 Camp street. It is crowded with rare and elegant articles of jewelry in endless and costly profusion many of which are peculiarly appropriate for presents. Let the ladies suggest to their husbands and brothers to pay mr. Tyler's a visit and see what can be done for them.

The following gentlemen, passengers from Vera Cruz, arrived in this city this morning by the Creole: Dr. Finl