By Telegraph

BEAUREGARD CALLS FOR RE-INFORCEMENTS!

AN IMPORTANT BATTLE SOON TO OCCUR

BOMBARDMENT OF FT. PILLOW!

CAIRO, April 20. – When Gen. Mitchell arrived at Decatur, in his lat bridge burning expedition, he took possession of the telegraph office and cut the wires, leaving Decatur and Corinth only in telegraphic communication.

Beauregard sent a message to President Davis urgently demanding reinforcements for Corinth, and saying that otherwise he could not hold the position, of course Gen. Mitchell promised to send the reinforcements.

An important movement has taken place, the particulars of which I am not allowed to give at present. It is sufficient to say that the movement is made in obedience to orders from the military authorities here and elsewhere, and points to a speedy issue of affairs in Tennessee.

A private of an artillery company established here was last night killed by a sentry on guard near the St. Charles Hotel. He attempted to thrust his sabre into the body of the officer of the guard and was shot in the mouth, the ball coming out behind his ear. He died last evening.

The river is still on the rampage, having risen five inches during the night. It is now within a foot of the top of the levee.

Intelligence has been received from the Tennessee and Wabash that a greater volume of water may be expected.

Mound City is entirely submerged, the water running into the lower stories of the hospital and private dwellings.

The Illinois Central Railroad has discontinued its trips to Cairo, the track being submerged and washed away. Passengers for Chicago were compelled to take the steamer for Mound City, whence they were carried in scows to the high ground in the rear.

There is nothing of importance from Pittsburgh at latest dates. The two armies were nearing each other slowly and each waiting breathlessly for the beating of the roll should announce the renewal of battle.

Late arrivals from below bring intelligence of the continued bombardment of Fort Pillow, participated in by both gunboats and the mortar fleet. The enemy reply vigorously, doing as yet no damage. Their guns are evidently well manned and excellently well served. There is no expectation of the reduction of Ft. Pillow at present. The high state of water will prevent any co-operation on the part of the land forces for some days.

Every house in Columbus is surrounded by water.

The telegraph between Cairo and Pittsburg is down, carried away by high water.

Steamers from the Tennessee on almost every trip bring down pretended deserters from the Confederate army. These gents are generally spies. The Provost Marshal arrested two of these this morning.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 4