Th ■ story of the escape of Gen. Pren
tiss is not true. Tue greater part of his
brigade wore taken prisoners early in the
fight-
The Navy Department has invited pro
osiiions, by mail or telegrap i, to the 30th
inst., at noon, with general specifications
and plans, sot the construction of one or
more gunboats, for the Mississippi and
/rulf service, with two turrets, on the plan
of the Ericson battery, for eleven meh
guns; the thickness of the iron plates to
be eight inches; the sides to be plated with
iron, or three inches in thickness, in one
or two layers, to extend two and a half
feet below the lead line; the vessel not to
be less than 220 feet in length, and 56
feet in breath, and not to draw over six
feet of water when loaded and ready for
service; to be propelled by screws; to en
sure a speed of nine knots per hour; and
the time when they will be completeld, and
the price, must be stated.
