(From the Nashville
Banner, Dec. 30)
The Nashville Banner has an interesting letter from Bowling
Green, dated the 30th ult., from which we gather the following extraction:
Ten days since an engagement of no small magnitude was
imminent in the quarter – Divisions and columns and batteries were driving
forward, and our leaders urging on the advance.
The enemy at Green river was in heavy force, and expecting continually
to be joined by their entire and immense army, which was moving down, while
their advance were thrown, menacingly, across the stream. The two armies were thus in close proximity
and advancing. This state of things
certainly justified the general expectation of an immediate fight, and
quickened the public pulse as regarded the result. Since that time considerable change has taken
place in the military status. Hindman’s
forces, which formed our advance, have fallen back this side of Cave City,
while the Federals, frightened by the warm reception given them by the lamented
Col. Terry, have for the most part retreated beyond Green river. The brigade of General Breckinridge is
encamped about twelve miles above here while the Kentucky cavalry still remains
in possession of Glasgow. The Federal force
this side of Green river is variously reported, but it is fair to presume, from
the best information at hand, that it numbers from three to five thousand. They, for the present seem disinclined to
retake a hasty advance.
Mentioning the return of the Texan Rangers the letter says:
They represent the Federals are being afraid of fight, and
not anxious to attempt an advance. They
confirm the reported estimate of the army this side of Green river, via that it
is from three to five thousand. On the
29th, the Federals, in heavy force, estimated by some at seven thousand,
appeared on the North bank of Green river opposite Brownsville, which is in
Edmonson county, and distant from this place 24 miles. Their actions and manners indicated a design
to attempt the crossing of the river, if any such design, however, were
entertained, it was abandoned, as none of them have been seen south of the
river in that region.
THE CONFLICT NEAR AT
HAND
Notwithstanding the falling back of troops on both sides,
and the non occurrence of any exciting event during the past ten days,
multiplied in numbers and more mighty on the rebound, the two armies are about
rushing together for mastery in the conflict.
Our future, and perhaps yours, is to be decided, and soon, too, by the
stern arbitrament of the sword. Like
Camilius of old, we throw our steel in the scales before the advancing and
extorting Gauls, and tell them it is with that alone we purchase liberty. The vast accessions referred to as being
daily made to the Federal army, and the eagerness they exhibit to find out
everything relating to our forces and movements, coupled with the fact that
thirty thousand more of their mercenary hordes have been authorized for
immediate service in Kentucky, show that they intend to move forward with every
available means they can command. On our
side, every indication goes to show an early conflict impending. Our generals, ever alert, exhibit increased
vigilance and activity. One day they are
on the advance lines, the next, inspecting positions, the third reviewing their
troops. They are here, there and
everywhere. Vast reinforcements are
pouring in at a rate more rapid than anything that has yet been witnessed. On arrival, quarters are immediately assigned
them, the localities being selected before they reach here.
The instructions are to be ready for any emergency. A few days since, the Forty-first Tennessee,
a full, brave and splendid looking regiment, reached here. Just after them came three Mississippi
regiments. Yesterday, the entire force
from Camp Beauregard arrived. – General Bowen’s entire division, 7,000 strong,
are coming – two of the regiments reached here to-day. They were the Twenty-second Mississippi, Col.
Bonham, and the Twenty-second Tennessee.
The others will follow to-morrow.
General McCulloch, the world renowned Ben, is on his way here, with his
redoubtable troopers, and General Floyd and his forces, it is stated this evening
that he had arrived at Gallatin, whence he would take up his line of march for
Scottsville, Kentucky. – If this be true, he is designed to co-operate with
Zollicoffer. Scottville, is twenty five
miles east of this place, immediately on the main turnpike leading to the
Central part of Kentucky. Cavalry,
artillery, and heavy batteries are also daily coming, in large quantities. The great conflict, then, though it may not
take place as soon as recent events may have led us to suppose, is near at
hand, and cannot be deferred.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye,
Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 1
