Daily National Intelligencer

WASHINGTON

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

LATEST FROM ORLEANS.

Copy of a letter from a gentleman in New Orleans to his friend in this city, dated Feb. 3.

Since my last the enemy has embarked the whole of his army and is now off Ship Island. Our prisoners have been exchanged—Those of our company who had been taken, arrived two days ago.— Among them were G V. Ogden, Pollock, Lynn, Lavery, Doctor Cochrane, &c &c Doctor Flood went to the fleet to attend them They state that the enemy is occupied in building a number of boats, and is believed to be scarce of provisions. We cannot yet ascertain whether or not he intends paying us another visit. I think it probable that he either expects and is waiting for a supply of provisions to move off, or is waiting a reinforcement. If he could not succeed after landing his whole force, it is not probable that he will again attempt it with a disheartened remnant of a shattered army, and against an augmented and inspirited force. Mr. Ogden says that the enemy landed 15,000 troops, 11,000 of the line and 4,000 marines and sailors. Doctor Flood states, that from what he saw when on board their fleet, he thinks they must have nearly 1500 wounded He understood they had lost a great number, say 400, in drowned while passing from and to their shipping; that one of their boats with 50 men sunk, and not a soul saved. Their loss in various ways has been immense. They acknowledge they have lost two of their best generals, and that we have beaten the finest troops that Europe can boast of. Gen. Keane is not dead as it was believed when I last wrote. He received two wounds which would have been mortal had not the balls been spent.

The British officers, I understand, bestow great praise on Gen. Jackson. He certainly deserves more than eulogy from his country—His exertions have saved this country. I have no doubt but that we shall beat the enemy, let the point or points of attack be made where they may. Mr. Duffy, who arrived to-day, states that he passed, one hundred miles above Natchez, about two thousand volunteer Kentuckians, all armed, coming to join us. This is the first intimation we have had of this force. If they continue to come down they will really "glut the market." A large force in this country is indispensable.— This state is an important link in the federal chain, not only as regards the local interests of the country above, but as regards the union of the states. We have been most providentially saved. I am now fully convinced, that had the enemy succeeded (being master of the river, the lakes and the seas) in getting possession of this country, he could not have been dispossessed again, at least from Baton Rouge down.

The war here has given rise to a great many good anecdotes. The members of our company, while prisoners, being found to be gentlemen of distinction, occasionally dined with the admiral and other of the officers of rank. The Admiral observed that he was astonished to find such men as they were, and merchants too, bearing arms against the British, who came to give them commerce —that they expected, when they came, to find balls and suppers given. Lavery answered, "we have given you the balls, you must now look out for the suppers." The admiral, turning to one of the officers present, said, "take that out of your wig."