AN INVITATION TO BATTLE.

The following correspondence, which passed between Commodore Porter, of the federal gunboat Essex, and Captain Miller, of the Confederate steamer Grampus, is emphatic on the part of Porter, to say the least, if it is not quite up to the Chesterfield style of correspondence:-

PORTER TO MILLER:

Come out here, you cowardly rebels, and show your gunboats.

PORTER.

MILLER'S REPLY:

MARINE HEADQUARTERS, COLUMBUS, KY. Jan 13, 1862. COMMANDER PORTER, on the United States gunboat Essex:- Sir - The iron-clad steamer Grampus will meet the Essex at any point and time your honor may appoint, and show you that the power is in our hands. An early reply will be agreeable to your obedient servant,

MARSH J. MILLER,

Captain commanding C.S.I.C. steamer Grampus.

CAPTAIN PORTER'S REJOINDER:

UNITED STATES GUNBOAT ESSEX, WM. D. PORTER, Commanding,

FORT JEFFERSON, Jan. 18, 1862.

To the traitor Marsh Miller, commanding a rebel gunboat called the Grampus: - Commander Porter has already thrashed your gunboat fleet, shelled and silenced your rebel batteries at the Iron Banks, chased your miserable and cowardly self down behind Columbus; but if you desire to meet the Essex, show yourself any morning in Prentys' Bend, and you shall then meet with a traitor's fate - if you have the courage to stand.

"God and our country; 'rebels offend both.'" PORTER.

(The preceding correspondence appeared in full in the New York Herald of Monday, February 3, 1862, under the heading INTERESTING AND COURTEOUS CORRESPONDENCE.)