From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, March 7.

A special dispatch to the Democrat from Cairo says that Lieut. Gwinn, of the gunboat Tyler, reached there last night from Tennessee river.  The enemy had not resumed their attempt to fortify Pittsburg Landing.  Lieut. Gwinn landed under a flag of truce, and was permitted to go a mile from the river before being stopped by the enemy’s pickets.  His object was to obtain an exchange of prisoners, which had been taken last Saturday.  On the morning after the engagement 9 dead bodies and 100 wounded were found in the enemy’s encampment, which had been removed three miles from the river after the engagement.  Lieut. Gwinn thinks their loss was 20 killed and 100 wounded.  Their force engaged was 1,000 infantry, 500 cavalry, and 6 pieces of artillery.

At Corinth, Miss., 18 miles from the Tennessee river, the enemy had 15,000 or 20,000 troops.  At Henderson Station, 9 miles from the Tennessee river were 10,000 or 12,000; and at Bear Creek bridge, 7 miles back of Eastport, Miss., were 8,000 or 10,000.  It is also reported that they are fortifying Chickasaw, Ala.

The result of the recent election in Hardin and McCary counties show the strength of the Union sentiment of Southern Tennessee.  The former gave 500 maj. Out of 1,000 votes for the Union candidate; and the latter 200 at of 1,800 votes.  Lieut. Gwinn says the cry of the people is, send us arms and sufficient force to protect an organization, and we will drive the rebels out of Tennessee ourselves.

A second visit to Columbus reveals many facts of interest.  Col. Buford, who has made a complete examination of the earthworks says they are six miles long.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, March 5.

There is but little news stirring to-day of importance.  Everything is quite at Columbus.

Gen. Sherman returned this morning, and immediately left for Paducah.

Col. Buford is in command at Columbus.

The anchors and chains found upon the landing belong to heavy ships of the line, and were removed from the Norfolk navy yard.  Pillow’s immense chain was stolen from the same locality.

A regular line of steamers will be established between Cairo and Columbus.  At present a tug leaves daily for the conveyance of mail matter.

A gentleman just from Nashville thinks the rebels will not make a stand and Chattanooga, but will retreat still further into Alabama.

The stores of ordnance at Columbus will be collected in a day or two.

Nothing new from the Cumberland and Tennessee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 1

Columbus, Ky., March 4 [1862]

At 10 o’clock this morning the 27^th, 52d and 55^th Illinois Regiments hoisted the stars and stripes over the rebel fortifications at Columbus.

The gunboats Cincinnati, Flag ship Louisville, Carondelet, St. Louis and Lexington, with four more boats in tow of the steamer Lake Erie, and the 27^th Ill., Col. Buford, 52d Ill., Col. Roberts and 55^th Ill., Major Sanger, acting Colonel, upon the transports Aleck Scott, Illinois, Magill and Ike Hammit, left Cairo this morning at 4 o’clock for Columbus.

The fleet arrived at Lucas Bend, about two miles above Columbus, at 6 o’clock, and was drawn up in line of battle.  The drums beat to quarters, and guns were manned ready for action.  Two tugs were sent in advance reconnoitering, but failed to provoke a shot from the enemy.  Everything about the works was quiet.  Glasses revealed stragglers on the bluff and about the water batteries, and in a few moments a flag was raised.  Its character could not be made out.

The fleet gradually neared the town, and laid in the stream of Belmont battlefield, while scouts were sent out upon tugs towards the rebel works.  The tugs cautiously approached until within a quarter of a mile of the batteries, found the works deserted and both set off at the top of their speed for the honor of landing first.  The scouts rushed on the ‘double quick’ to the top of the bluff, and unfurled the stars and stripes, which were saluted by the crews of the gunboats as they steamed up to the town.  The transports landed their troops, and Columbus was in our possession.

The works were entirely destroyed, and the barracks, or rather rough board and log cabins, were burned.  An immense amount of stores and ordnance fell into our hands.  Many of their cannon were thrown into the river.  Six thirty-two pounders, some howitzers, and an almost innumerable quantity of grape, canister, shell and round shot, were found in the batteries.  The fortifications were very extensive, and its natural position almost impregnable.

Columbus is completely destroyed. – Every building was thoroughly ransacked and the contents destroyed by the rebels.  The rebels commenced leaving on Thursday last and finished yesterday.  The largest number ever there was 37,000.  Beauregard was not there.  It is believed that when the river falls all their guns will be found.

The land forces, mortar boats and the gunboat St. Louis remain in possession of the town.  The balance of the boats returned to Cairo in the afternoon.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, February 18.

Gov. Yates, Ex-Gov. Wood, Auditor Dubois and many prominent citizens from all parts of Illinois are here to look after the wounded Illinois soldiers from Fort Donelson.  Gov. Morton and many prominent citizens of Indiana are also here for a like purpose, on account of the gallant men of that State who participated in the battle.

A salute of fifteen guns was fired this morning by order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine, in honor of the arrival at this place of Gov. Yates, commander-in-chief of the Illinois troops.  It was answered at Bird’s Point at 2 o’clock p.m.  His Excellency held a public reception at the St. Charles Hotel, and all the officers paid their respects to the Governor.  He was received by Col. Buford and the others of the 27th Illinois, and the officers of each regiment came up in a body led by ther several regimental bands.

Col. Buford said they came to welcome the men, who had supplied the wants of the Ill. Boys and so nobly cared for all the troops he had sent forth to avenge the wrongs and injury to the flag of our country.  Gov. Yates responded briefly, but with deep feeling, paying a handsome tribute to the memory of the fallen at Fort Donelson, congratulating their brethren in arms, for the achievement of the late victory of our arms over a traitor foe.  Seven thousand of the rebel prisoners from Fort Donelson, have arrived here and departed up the Mississippi, to be disposed of by Gen. Halleck.  The question of what to do with them was discussed among the commanding officers here last night and the conclusion seems to be that they will be divided, a portion going to Alton and a portion to Chicago and probably a third portion to Fort Wayne and Detroit.  Troops are continually arriving and departing for the seat of war, and our army will soon again be in readiness to advance.

It is believed that, if permitted to do so, very many of the rebel prisoners would gladly take up arms on the side of the Union.  The privates almost to a man declare that they have seen quite enough of the secession elephant.  The officers, however, are generally very morose, and bitter in their expressions relative to the north.

In addition to the list of killed and wounded previously reported, are the following:

45th Illinois, commissary serg’t Traverse, Killed; Lt. Col. Maltby, ball in leg; Cornelius Shay, flesh wound in the thigh; Lieut. H. Boice, severe wound in hip from a minie ball; Geo. Poppleton, severely wounded in the foot.

Times’ Dispatch

CAIRO, Feb. 18.

Col. Buford, with a small force, went down the river on a reconnoisance to-day.  When within four miles of Columbus, heavy cannonading was heard, not, however, with any regularity.  On moving across the river, where a view of the place could be obtained, he discovered a heavy cloud of smoke, covering a large space.

Col. Buford believes the solution of the affair to be, that the rebels are dismounting their guns and blowing up magazines preparatory to evacuating the place.

A large number of the rebel prisoners brought down yesterday belonged on the Cumberland river, as they passed their homes looked wistfully for some face of recognition.  Many were under the impression they would be paroled, and when they found they were to be sent North, were ready to take any oath.  Two-thirds manifest a desire to return to their allegiance.  Some acknowledged they had been humbugged into their present unfortunate position.

Six thousand prisoners have already arrived here, and the others will be brought down as soon as transportation can be procured.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

By Telegraph

(Reported expressly for the Gazette.) THE WAR NEWS. Important Movements looked for on the Mississippi. Appropriation for the Steven’s Battery. Increased Efficiency of the Medical Department. The Rebel Force at Yorktown Exaggerated. AN ATTACK SOON TO BE MADE BY McCLELLAN. FEDERAL LOSS BY THE DESTRUCTION OF NORFOLK NAVY YARD. HIGH WATER AT CAIRO.

*~*~*~*~*

From Cairo. Correspondence of the Missouri Republican. CAIRO, April18. A Gentleman just from Pittsburg reports all the wounded taken away from that point. A skirmish took place at Savannah on Wednesday, between a detachment of our cavalry and a rebel picket guard; which were posted uncomfortable near, and very strong. The rebels were driven back, having 5 killed, 65 wounded. Refugees report that the rebels are fortifying at Lick Creek, half way to Corinth and strengthening their works at Corinth. Some state that trains are arriving and bring fresh troops through; while others say they are sending off stores preparatory to evacuation. CAIRO, April 18. The steamers Minnehaha and T. J. Patten were fired into by the rebels yesterday while ascending the Tennessee with troops. Upon the former one man was killed and one severely wounded. The Patten was uninjured. The Troops on the Minnehaha landed and burned a row of wooden buildings near which the firing originated upon the bluff in the rear, rebel guerillas were plainly visible in the interstices of the trees. Matters at Pittsburg drag their slow length along without perceptible change. We are gradually moving into the interior. Slowly, but surely, we advance and hold our positions. No more such Bull Run panics as characterized the fated Sabbath; and let us pray no more such slaughters. Ten Irish residents of Southern Illinois were arrested and brought into Paducah to-day, for preaching rebellion to the Egyptians. The will speedily be mad examples of. Captain Ferris of the 15th Illinois, died to-day at Paducah from the effects of a gunshot wound received at Pittsburg. Gen. Mitchell has burned the bridge across the Tennessee river at Decatur, Alabama, over which the Charleston and Memphis railroad passes, and thus effectually closed a rebel channel of communication eastward, whence the rebels have drawn liberally for troops and supplies. He has also burned the railroad bridge at Florence. He is now at Iuka, Miss. Recent intelligence from Corinth confirms previous reports of the magnitude of the enemy’s force and character of the efforts he has made to resist the onward march of the Federal army. A desperate stand will be made there, and our people must be prepared to hear of a terrible decimation of our troops. Gen. Halleck is cool and cautions, and will achieve success. The fight will commence soon. The steamer Planet arrived at Paducah this morning with the 71st Ohio, en route for Fort Donelson. This is one of the Regiments that ran so disgracefully at Pittsburg. Special to the Chicago Times. River rising very fast and has already attained a very [remarkable] height. It is up to the works of the break which flooded Cairo a few years since. It is over forty feet above low water mark. Great preparations are being made in anticipation of the water breaking through the levee. We have no special news from the Tennessee. Gen. Halleck has sent down an order prohibiting all civilians, including nurses, and the swarm of volunteer philanthropists who are seeking the battle-ground to gratify curiosity merely, from leaving Cairo. The wounded will be down here before the nurses can get up to savannah, and the other class are not wanted at all. What advices we have agree in saying that Gen. Halleck is infusing his masterly spirit of order and discipline into the army, and the belief that his strategic genius and executive ability will constituted a sure guard against future surprises, grows stronger every day. Rebel accounts state that Beauregard and the other leaders have become more cautious and less sanguine as these facts dawn upon them. Their soldiers will not flinch in the coming battle, as they have all been under fire now, which constitutes the hardening process. Those who retreated [in the Federal Army] were raw recruits, who had never been within sound of a gun. There were at one time ten thousand of them huddled on the river bank, whom blows, persuasion or curses would not move. An officer told me that in his excitement and indignation he could have seen the artillery turned on the solid mass of terror-stricken humanity without the least compassion. The movement on the Mississippi is deemed contraband. Important events will be looked for in that direction before long. Island No. 10 is occupied by Col. Buford, who has lately been promoted to a Generalship. Our gunboats had a brief engagement with four rebel gunboats on Sunday. Some dozen or more shots were exchanged and a shell exploded close over the Benton. No damage was done, and the rebel boats lost no time in retiring. Arrival of the pirate Sumter Prisoners. BOSTON, April 18. Thos. T. Tansall, late U. S. Consul at Tangier, and Mr. Myers, purser of the pirate Sumter, arrested at Gesiras, Morocco, arrived here today in the bark Harvest Home, to which they were transferred from the gunboat John. The prisoners were in irons, which were removed by order of Marshal Keyes, and they were sent to Ft. Warren to await instructions from the government. NEW YORK, April 19. The schr. John Roe at this port, reports, March 14th, 5 p.m., off Savannah, passed a propeller showing English colors, and after hauling them down, ran up the rebel flag. She was steering in the direction of Bermuda. – Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 1

Brig. Gen.

Col. N. B. Buford, of Rock Island, has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Brigadier General.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday April 18, 1862

Report of Com. Foote

Washington, April 9. – The following was received at the Navy Department, this morning:

Flag Ship Benton, Island No. 10,
April 8, 1862.

To the Hon. G. Wells Sec’y of Navy:

I have to inform the Department that since I sent the telegram last night, announcing the surrender to me, of Island No. 10, Possession has been taken both of the Island and the works upon the Tennessee shore, by the Gunboats and the troops under command of General Buford. – Seventeen officers and 368 privates, besides one hundred of their sick and one hundred mem employed on board the transports, are in our hands unconditional prisoners of war.

I have caused a hasty examination to be made of the forts, batteries and munitions of war captured. There are 11 earth works, with 70 heavy cannon, varying in calibre from 30 to 100 pounders, rifled. Their magazines are well supplied with powder, and there are large quantities of shot and shell and other munitions of war and also great quantities of provisions, four steamers afloat, have fallen into our hands and two others, with the rebel gunboat “Grampus,” are sunk, but will be easily raised. The floating battery of 16 heavy guns, turned adrift by the rebels is said to be lying on the Missouri Shore, near New Madrid.

The enemy upon the main land appear to have fled with great precipitation, after night, leaving in many instance, half prepared messes, in their quarters, and there seems to have been no concert of action between the rebels upon the Island and those occupying the shore, but the latter fled, leaving the former to their fate.

These works, erected with the highest engineering skill, are of great strength, and with the natural advantages would have been impregnable if defended by men fighting in a better cause.

A combined attack of the naval and land forces would have taken place this p.m., or tomorrow morning, had not the rebels so hastily abandoned their stronghold to mature the plans of attack, which absolutely required 28 days of preparation.

Gen. Pope is momentarily expected to arrive with his army at this point, he having successfully crossed the river yesterday under a heavy fire, which no doubt led to the hasty abandonment of the works.

I am unofficially informed that the two gunboats which so gallantly ran the fire of the rebel batteries a few nights since, yesterday attacked and reduced a part of the works opposite, dismounting eight heavy guns.

The following is a copy of an order of Gen. McCall on assuming command of the Rebel forces on the 11th inst.

Soldiers: we are strangers, Commander and commanded, each to the other. Le me tell you who I am. I am a General made by Beauregard and Bragg for this command when they knew it was in peril. They have known me for twenty years. We have stood together on the fields of Mexico. Give me then, your confidence. Soldiers, the Mississippi Valley is entrusted to your care. Exhibit the vigilance and coolness of last night and hold it.

{signed.}
W. D. McCall
Brig. Gen Commanding

I regret that the painful condition of my feet still requiring the use of crutches, prevented me from making a personal examination of the works. I was therefore compelled to delegate Lieutenant Commanding Phelps of the Flag Ship Benton.

{signed.}
A. H. Foote
Flag officer Commanding

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862