Latest from Island No. 10

FLAGSHIP BENTON, ISLAND NO. 10,

EVENING of April 3.

At an early hour this morning a large object was seen moving up along the Island, and glasses revealed it to be the floating battery, which the rebels were towing into position, from which to command good range of the mortar boats. – When it got sufficiently near, a brisk fire was at once opened upon it, and in the course of half an hour the battery was struck several times – splinters being thrown in all directions, and several beams displaced.  One mortar shell fell and exploded directly inside, wrapping the inside in a cloud of smoke.  The fire must have been terribly destructive to the gunners, for the battery was immediately sunk to the water’s edge by the rebels, and towed back out of range.  The few shot previously fired from it fell some distance short, but evidently only from unskillful gunnery, as the ordnance as at other times proved of long range.

A shot from one of the new rifled Dahlgrens on the Benton, carried away the smoke-stack of the steamer thought to be the Lackland, which attempted to run reconnoitering along the Kentucky shore.

At one time a crowd of rebels could be seen busily at work on their upper battery, the guns of which were spiked two nights ago.  They were repairing the work apparently endeavoring to unspike the cannon.  Some shell were thrown at them, when they immediately disappeared, and did not return again.

A great source of annoyance for some time has been the steamer Winchester, lying sunk in the stream some distance from the island, and used by the enemy’s spies, who could from there watch easily every movement of the fleet.  An effort was accordingly made this morning to destroy it, and a mortar shell being lodged successfuly, the boat was soon in flames, and burned to the water’s edge.

The skillful firing to-day has rendered the foe extremely cautions; all their tents are moved back far out of range, and it is only at rare intervals that individuals show themselves.

Advices from New Madrid report affairs here quiet, and the fact is fully ascertained that the rebels have erected batteries on the Kentucky shore opposite New Madrid.  The ballon has been taken from herp.

The river is falling very rapidly, and it will soon be possible to land troops at any point wished along the banks here.  This will much facilitate operations.

CAIRO, April 5. – The firing at Island No. 10 last night disabled a floating battery of the rebels.  One shell struck directly in it, killing three of the men and disabling it so that it floated down towards the foot of the Island.  The firing to-day has been more active and has done good execution.

A messenger from New Madrid this evening reports that the rebels erected a battery last night opposite Point Pleasant, and this morning opened fiercely upon our works.  After firing for some time the battery was silenced by our guns, and a warehouse on the Kentucky shore was fired by our shells.  It and its contents were consumed.  No casualties on our side reported, and the loss of the rebels is not known.  Several must have been killed.  All quiet here.  No news from the Tennessee.

The bombardment to-day upon our side had been very heavy.  The mortars have kept up a regular and splendid fire.  The work admirably and with great precision.

At 2 o’clock this afternoon one o four shells struck the sunken steamer Winchester, which the rebels sank in the shoot.  The shell set her on fire and she was soon consumed.  She has been used as a rebel picket house.  The enemy has replied but a few times, and then wildly.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

A Skirmish In Tennessee

ANOTHER GUNBOAT RUNS THE BLOCKADE.

__________

CHICAGO, April 6. – The Tribune’s Cairo special says:  A gentleman who left Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Saturday evening, confirms the rumor of a skirmish with the enemy on Friday evening.  He made a reconnoissance in force on Sherman’s Division.  The party consisted of two regiments of infantry, two pieces of artillery and 500 cavalry.  Our force lost one man killed and some half dozen were wounded.  The loss of the enemy is not known, further than that Gen. Sherman took 10 prisoners.  After a short skirmish the enemy retired.

Gen. Oglesby arrived from Tennessee this morning on a short furlough.

The officers in command up the Tennessee are actively engaged in brigading the troops.  The opposing armies are within twenty miles of each other and one may attack the other at any time.

Very heavy firing was heard here last night.

Arrivals this morning report that the Carondelet came up from New Madrid and attacked the floating battery of the rebels on Island No. 10.  The gunboats at the same time commenced firing.  The result had not transpired when the messenger left.

It is reported that Gen. Halleck is to be here to-day en route for Tennessee.

10 P. M. – We have glorious news to-night from New Madrid.  Last night the gunboat Pittsburgh ran the blockade in safety, under a terrible fire from the rebel batteries.  Four steam transports and five barges were also got through the slough from Phillips’ Landing above Island No. 10, by Col. Bissell.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

The Great Battle

FUTHER PARTICULARS

CAIRO, April 9. – No official accounts have been received from the great battle near Pittsburg.  A few persons who witnessed most of it have arrived, and as many of their reports are as follows they differ somewhat from the first report to you:

The Federal army was posted between two streams about four miles apart that runs into the Tennessee nearly at right angles.  It is about two miles east of Pittsburg.  The left front was commanded by Gen. Prentiss, who had several raw regiments and in his rear was Gen. Sherman with his division.  The right front was headed by Gen. McClernand, with Gen. Smith in his rear.  Gen. Hurlburt [sic] was in the center, somewhat in the rear of the front line.

Beauregard attacked Gen. Prentiss’ division at 4 o’clock on Sunday morning, surprising them and driving them and Sherman’s Corps near the river, till protected by the gunboats, and taking Prentiss and two regiments prisoners.

While driving in Prentiss and Sherman, a large force of the enemy got in the rear of Gen. McClernand’s division, completely cutting it off from the main army.  Gen. McClernand put himself at the head of his troops and cut his way through the rebel hosts and rejoined the army.

The fight had now become desperate, and Gen. Grant assuming command, the enemy was driven back and the Federal forces occupied at the right nearly the same position they did in the morning.  The fight lasted fifteen hours.

During the night Major General Lew Wallace came up from Crump’s Landing with 19,000 troops, and in the morning the battle was resumed with great fury; neither party seemed disposed to yield, and between 10 and 12 the fight was terrific.

Soon after noon General Buell d crossed the Tennessee and attacked the enemy in the flank with 40,000 men, and the rout soon became general.  Buell pursued with 12,000, mostly cavalry.  The last rumor was that he had taken Corinth.

Our informants can give no accounts of our loss, further than it is terrible.  Eight hundred wounded are reported on the steamer which will be brought down.

Col. John Logan (not the General) is reported wounded in the shoulder.

The enemy took 36 pieces of our artillery on Sunday.  They are reported all returned and 40 of the enemy’s on Monday.

Gen. Strong certainly expects Gen. Halleck here in the morning, en route for Tennessee.

It was Gen. Cowan McCall that was taken by Gen. Pope’s forces.

Gen. Strong has received notice of a large number of physicians, nurses and hospital stores coming from Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis and other places.

Several barges of ice are ordered up the Tennessee for the wounded.

The Silver Wave is expected up from New Madrid to-night with a load of rebel prisoners.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Pope’s Canal – Gen Halleck assumes command, &c.

ST. LOUIS, April 9. – Gen. Pope’s Official report says that the canal across the Peninsula at New Madrid, through which four steamers and several barges were taken, is twelve miles long, six miles of which were through heavy timber, which ad to be sawed off by hand – feet under water.  This great and laborious undertaking originated with Schuyler Hamilton, and the work was performed by Col. Bissell’s Engineer regiment.

Gen. Halleck and portion of staff left for Tennessee river this afternoon, and will immediately assume command in the field.

(Democrat’s special.)

The rebels were pursued by eight thousand of our cavalry.

Rebel prisoners state that Beauregard made a speech to his troops before entering the fight, saying that he would water his horse in Tennessee river or in hell; that the fight before them was hell unless successful.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

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 Hon. G. Wells [sic] 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 & 368 privates, besides on hundred of their sick, and one hundred men 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 caliber from 32 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 by lying on the Missouri shore, near New Madrid.

The enemy upon the main land appear to have fled with great precipitation, after night, leaving many instances, 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 to-morrow morning, had not the rebels so hastily abandoned their stronghold to mature the plans of attack, which absolutely required 23 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.  Let me tell you who I am.  I am a General made by Beauregard.  A General selected 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 Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Official War Bulletin

WAR DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, April 9, 1862.

Order giving thanks for recent treat victories over the rebels and traitors:

FIRST. – That the meridian of Sunday next, after the reception of this order, at the head of every regiment in the army of the Unites States, there shall be offered by its Chaplain, a prayer, giving thanks to the Lord of Hosts, for the recent manifestations of His power, in the overthrow of the rebels and traitors, and invoking the continuance of His aid in delivering the nation by the arms of patriotic soldiers, from the horrors of treason and rebellion and civil war.

SECOND. – That the tanks and congratulations of the War Department are rendered to Major General Halleck, for the signal ability and success, that have distinguished all the military operations of his department, and for the support and courage manifested by the army under his command, under every hardship and against every odds in attacking, pursuing and destroying the enemy wherever he could be found.

THIRD. – That the thanks of the Department are also given to Generals Curtis and Sigel and the officers and soldiers in their command for their gallantry at the bloody battle of Pea Ridge and to Major Generals Grant and Buell and their forces for the glorious repulse of Beauregard at Pittsburg, Tennessee; and to Major General Pope and his officers and soldiers for the bravery and skill displayed in their operations against the rebels and traitors entrenched at Island No. 10 in the Mississippi river.

FOURTH. – That there shall be a salute of one hundred guns from the U. S. Arsenal at Washington in honor of these great victories.

(Signed.)

E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope

NEW MADRID, April 8. – The following message was sent by Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope at New Madrid this evening on receipt of the news of the glorious victory resulting in the evacuation of Island No. 10 and capture of nearly all of the army of the enemy.

HEADQUARTERS, ST. LOUIS, April 8.

To General Pope:

I congratulate you and your command on your splendid achievement.  It exceeds in and brilliancy all other operations of the war.  It will be honored by future generations.  You deserve well of your country.

(Signed.)

H. W. HALLECK,

Major General.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Particulars of the Surrender at Island No. 10

CAIRO, April 8, 8 p.m. – I have been able to gather a few more particulars from Island No. 10.  Four hundred and seventy-eight prisoners, including seventeen officers, seventy pieces of artillery, a large amount of ammunition, muskets and small arms, were captured on the Island.  It is said our mortar shells proved very destructive; wherever they struck and exploded, great execution was made in the earth.

It is reported that the Confederates had become perfectly demoralized; in many cases entire regiments would refuse to obey orders. – Much ill feeling prevailed among the officers and none, including the soldiers, had any confidence in their commanding officer.

No farther information has been obtained in reference to the number of prisoners captured on the Tennessee shore, and it will be impossible to get anything further before morning.

Much excitement prevails here over the news of the battle at Pittsburgh.  It is regarded as most fortunate that Gen. Buell came up as he did, with one Division to reinforce Gen. Grant.  It evidently was the expectation of Beauregard to fight the battle before Gen. Buell could form a junction with Gen. Grant.

We hope to get further particulars to-morrow.

At one o’clock, last night a boat came to the flag-ship with a messenger carrying a letter from the commanding officer at Island No. 10 to Flag Officer Foote, proposing capitulation for the surrender of the Island.  Flag Officer Foot replied that he would accept no other terms than an unconditional surrender.  At one o’clock this morning the enemy surrendered unconditionally to Com. Foote.  Several transports and it is supposed one or two gunboats, the celebrated floating battery, cannon, ammunition and stores have thus fallen into our hands.  Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Flag Officer and the gallant officers under his command for this brilliant achievement in capturing the Gibraltar of the Mississippi river, without the loss of a single life.  We have no information at this time as to details, but it is supposed that most of the rebel troops on the Tennessee shore have effected their escape.  It is supposed they commenced leaving soon after the Carondolet succeeded in turning their batteries, as that destroyed all hope of their maintaining their position.  Fleet Captain Hennock, who has achieved wonders in fitting out and repairing gunboats and transports, and furnishing supplies to the fleet, ahs reason to believe that our mortars did terrible execution among the rebels.  It is reported that Gen. Pope had 18,000 troops across the river from New Madrid last night, ready to march and bag the enemy but is believe that he was too late.

Boats commenced running to New Madrid to-day.  The river has fallen four feet within the last two days, greatly facilitating the operations of Gen. Pope opposite New Madrid.

Hon. Jesse Dubois is here en route for the Upper Tennessee.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has telegraphed to three hundred citizens of Bourbon county, Tennessee, driven out by the rebel troops, to come down and return with him.  They will probably leave to-morrow.

Reliable reports from Jeff. Thompson a week ago place him in the swamps, some eighty miles from here, with a few hundred marauders.  Several men who have heretofore been in his army from the vicinity of Charleston, eight miles from here, in Missouri, have petitioned Gen. Strong for privilege to take the oath and return to their allegiance.  The General authorized the County Clerk, a good Union man, to take and administer the oath.

Dr. Simpson, of the Medical Department leaves this evening for the Tennessee with two large hospital boats most completely fitted out under direction of J. E. Yeatman, Esq., of the St. Louis Sanitary Commission.  They contain 800 beds for the wounded.  The hospitals here have accommodations for 1,400.

Dispatches from New Madrid have been received.  The gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg, yesterday morning shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore, when Gen. Pope ordered the troops across.  It was effected without loss.

The rebels fled towards Lisbon sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and is aground near Point Pleasant.  It will be recovered with its armament.

The Belle West covered Gen. Paine in the advance on the batteries.

Gen. Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army, turned to and attacked the enemy this morning, and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from Arkansas and Louisiana.  He will probably get as many more before night.

The rebels fled to the swamps in great consternation.

The victory is complete and decisive.  Great quantities of stores, cannon, and ammunition have fallen into our hands.  All their baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel Adjutant General’s department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and Island No. 10, on the east side of the river, is being scoured by our troops.  Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with his transports, is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is twelve miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Divisions of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all directions.  Their entire force at and about Island No. 10, is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah.  To him the news of our success is especially gratifying.  His residence is thirty-five miles south of Hickman.  Gen. Strong will send an escort with him to his home to insure his safety.  Thousands of his former friends will great his arrival with a glorious welcome.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Cairo News

CAIRO, April 2. – Accounts from Island No. 10, represent matters there unchanged.  The bombardment continues at slow intervals. – Shells have been thrown into the new fortifications on the Kentucky side of the river, and a few shots have been received in return, with no great damage on either side.

The rebels are continually busy at building fortifications.  They are improving every moment of time, and when the attack is made, it will be found that the delay has greatly enhanced the difficulty of capture.

Firing is continually heard in the direction of New Madrid, and it is supposed that the enemy are making desperate efforts to prevent General Pope from crossing the river.  They have erected batteries on the point opposite New Madrid, which commands a stretch of about five miles of the river, and places his transports in danger of annihilation.  He must silence the batteries before he can cross to the relief of the fleet.

The rebels have also built batteries on the river below New Madrid, and have their gunboats in readiness for action.  There are one or two of these boats guarding the point where our troops are expected to cross.

Advices direct from New Madrid report that Gen. Pope is in active preparation, and will soon be in a condition to enter the field, with an overwhelming force.  We are not permitted to give the details of his plans, but they will be such as will accomplish any desired result, which may be within the range of possibilities.

There is nothing from the Tennessee river of direct importance.

We here that Gen. Grant is nearly prepared for the grand battle that is expected.  The members of his staff who are here, have been ordered to report at Headquarters immediately.

Gen. Buell is on the line of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad, making very slow progress.

The terrific storm that visited this locality last night, extended over a wide tract of country, and did an immense amount of damage, 10 or 12 lives were lost here by the breaking of the levee and sinking of boats.

At Paducah and Mound City, large numbers of houses were unroofed, and several lives lost.

We have heard nothing of its effect on the bombarding fleet.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

Our Success At New Madrid

Gen. Pope’s Official Dispatch.

ST. LOUIS, March 15. – Brigadier Gen. Pope, in a dispatch to Gen. Halleck, says:

Our success at New Madrid has been even greater than was reported.  Twenty-five pieces of heavy artillery, consisting of 24 and rifled 32 pounders, two batteries of field artillery, an immense quantity of fixed ammunition, several thousand small arms, hundreds of boxes of musket cartridge, three hundred mules and horses, tents for an army of 12,000 men, and an immense quantity of other property, of not less value than one million dollars, has fallen into our hands.  Their men only escaped.

The enemy’s whole force is demoralized and dispersed in the swamps on the opposite side of the river.

The enemy abandoned their works so hurriedly as to leave all the baggage of their officers and knapsacks of their men.

Their dead were left unburied.  Their suppers were on the tables, and candles burning in their tents.

A furious thunder storm which raged all night enabled the enemy to get across the river without being discovered.

Our heavy batteries were erected during the night of the 12th, within 800 yards of the enemy’s works and opened at day-light on the 13th, just 31 hours after the guns were delivered to us at Cairo.

During the whole day of yesterday our lines were drawn closer around their works under a furious fire of sixty pieces of artillery.

The fear of an assault on their works at daylight induced them to flee precipitately during the night.  Many prisoners have been taken, also the colors of several Arkansas regiments.

Our loss is about fifty killed and wounded.

Hollins was in command of the fleet, and Generals McConn, Stuart and Gnatt in command of the land forces.  The gunboats went down the river.

Gen. Pope has 25 heavy guns planted in the enemy’s works which command every part of the river.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Official Announcement

ST. LOUIS, March 14. – The following is a copy of the official dispatch sent to the Secretary of War:

After several days’ skirmishing and a number of attempts by the enemy’s gun boats to dislodge Gen. Pope’s batteries at Point Pleasant the enemy has evacuated his entrenchments at New Madrid, leaving his artillery, field batteries, tents wagons, mules, &c., and an immense quantity of military stores.  Gen. Hamilton has occupied the place.  This was the last stronghold of the enemy in the state.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Bombardment Of Island No. 10

CAIRO, MARCH 9, 9 P.M. – Nothing from Island No. 10.  The latest intelligence was contained in a dispatch received this morning from Gen. Pope dated New Madrid, 7 a. m. stating that up to a little before that hour the firing had been heavy and continuous.  About that hour it slackened materially.

Information from Columbus received last evening states that the rebels had reappeared on the banks of the river about six miles below Columbus.  No trouble was anticipated from them.  Our forces at Columbus are prepared for any emergency.

11 O’CLOCK P. M. – A gun boat just arrived from New Madrid, by way of Sikestown, reports that in the bombardment of Island No. 10 by our gun-boat fleet, a transport armed with heavy cannon was sunk.

The Columbus packet has just arrived at the levee, but brings nothing from the Island.

The reports of the mortars have been heard continuously during the day, causing the rattling of windows at Columbus.  The roar is said at times to have been most terrific.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 3

From Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 18. – A messenger just from Island No. 10, says that our boats kept up a short range fire on the enemy’s works all day yesterday.  The rebels have six batteries on the Tennessee shore.  Our mortar boats kept firing every half hour during the night.  One shell from a rebel battery struck the Benton, killing one and wounding seven others.

A rifled gun on the St. Louis bursted killing one of the crew.  The St. Louis was struck several times.

The enemy is very strongly fortified and have a large number of batteries on the main land.

The shells from the mortars fall in the enemy’s batteries on the Island every time.

All the mortar boats here are to leave for the Island.

The gunboat Cincinnati received a shot which is said to have done some damage to her machinery.

The bursting of the gun on the St. Louis killed one, mortally wounded two and severely wounded several others.

The previous report that one was killed and several wounded on the flag ship is contradicted.  No damage was done to any other of the boats.

Nothing has been heard from the land forces at New Madrid yet.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 3

The Evacuation of Island No. 10

Nine Steamers Fall into Our Hands, &c., &c.

ST. LOUIS, March 18. – The news of the evacuation of Island No. 10 was sent to the headquarters in this city by General Pope, from New Madrid.  The latest intelligence to the press, by way of Cairo, was to Sunday evening whist General Pope’s dispatch was dated the next day.  The fact that the newspapers here have no particulars by telegraph of the occupation of the island by the Union troops has given rise to a doubt in the minds of some, and particularly the secessionist, as to whether Gen. Halleck’s announcement in his speech at the Planter’s House last evening was not premature.  But now there is no question in relation to the matter.  Gen. Pope has telegraphed that in addition to the evacuation of the Island, the rebels abandoned, without destroying, nine large transport steamers, which must eventually fall (if they have not already) into our hands.  The batteries at New Madrid and Point Pleasant completely blockaded the river, so that it was impossible for the rebel boats to pass.

The Union loss at the fight at Salem Ark., is five killed and twenty-five wounded.  The rebel loss is 100.  Among their killed is Col. Woodside.

The following are portions of a letter from a member of the Fourteenth Illinois Regiment, on board the steamer January, in the Tennessee river, 12 miles from the Alabama line, dated March 12th:

Yesterday, about 2 o’clock, as we were steering up the river, crowds of Union men and women gathered on the banks of the river, and with the wildest enthusiasm and demonstrations of joy, hailed and welcomed us.  One old lady held up both arms outstretch for fifteen or twenty minutes.

The rebels have begun the work of drafting in Carroll county, Tenn., and many of the Union citizens of that county have come to this place to join the Union army.

A secesher fired into one of the boats yesterday, and then skedaddled into the bushes. – The ball wounded one man slightly in the shoulder.

The boys on [board] yelled at a furious rate at the novel sight; twenty six-sturdy, intelligent and well dressed Tennesseans hailed us, and the boat put in and took them on board, and they enlisted in our regiment.

It is reported that there are many rebels not far from here.  A company of cavalry went out yesterday.  It has not yet returned.  We shall leave here as soon as the expedition gets ready – perhaps to-morrow.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 3

From Below

ST. LOUIS, March 13. – A special to the Democrat from Cairo, March 11th, says a gentleman who left Memphis on Saturday, arrived here this morning and reports that there are no troops at Memphis.  Many persons were leaving the city.  Cotton, sugar and other articles of merchandise were being shipped down the river.  The Policy of burning the city was still being discussed. – Speeches were made every night.  All means were used to check the increasing demoralization and excite a war spirit.

Bragg had come up from Pensacola with 10,000 men.  They were sent to reinforce New Madrid and Island No. 10.

Bragg and Beauregard were at Jackson, Tennessee, constructing fortifications, and all negroes in the country were called to work on them.

Martial law was proclaimed at Memphis on Last Monday for the purpose of checking incendiaries and those contemplating to turn out and fight.

No defensive preparations were being made at Randolph, nor at the strong position of Fort Pillow, but less formidable than Columbus.

The rebels confess that a reduction of this place will give us all the points on the Mississippi.  Their gunboats are all at Island No. 10, carrying rifled 24 and 34 pounders, under Commander Hollins.

A messenger from New Madrid reports all quiet this morning.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

From Cairo

CHICAGO, March 13. – Special dispatches to the Post from Cairo 12th, say matters are little changed.

A lieutenant of the 60th Ohio arrived to-day from New Madrid.  His intelligence is not permitted to be telegraphed.  No change in matters at Fort Henry and beyond.

The Times’ special says the steamer Southwestern arrived to-day with troops.

Gen. Cullom left this morning for St. Louis.  Gen. Strong has taken command of this post.

(Tribune’s Special.)

Capt. Blodgett, of Boston has been assigned the command of the [Conestoga], retiring Capt. Pritchard.

The bodies of the 27 killed at Fort Donelson were brought down to-day, and will be sent to their friends to-morrow morning.  Part of them belong to Col. Logan’s regiment.  Col. Logan is improving.

It is reported that Gen. Paine was wounded in a skirmish near Sikestown, Mo., yesterday p. m., not seriously.

Several sick of the 7th Iowa came down from Fort Donelson this morning.  Their regiment has suffered severely in several engagements.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

Second-Hand Chicago News

CHICAGO, March 12. – A special dispatch from Cairo, March 11th, to the Tribune says:  A brigade of our troops went around New Madrid on Saturday last and arrived Sunday at a small settlement on the Mississippi, called Point Pleasant, about ten miles below that place, and took possession of it.  The occupation of this place by our troops cuts off communication of the rebels at New Madrid.

The bridge upon the Cairo and Fulton Railroad has been repaired and trains run regular from Bird’s Point to Scoville.

A large number of scouts from the 51st Illinois regiment arrived last night.  The regiment is now with Gen. Pope.

Waterhouse’s Chicago Battery is now encamp[ed] just north of the city.  Twenty-eight are on the sick list.

Brig.-Gen Cullom, Chief of Gen. Halleck’s Staff and Chief Engineer of the Department of Missouri, returns to St. Louis immediately, impaired health rendering a change necessary. – Gen. Strong relieves him.

Authentic news received says the rebels have strongly fortified Island No. 10.  Our gunboats are thoroughly prepared for the emergency. – Steamers are also in readiness.

The Transport Hiawatha arrived this morning with supplies destined up the Tennessee.

The Times Special Cairo dispatch says it is learned that the rebels intend making a desperate stand at Fort Pillow.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

Direct from Memphis

(From the St. Louis News, March 1st.)

We had an opportunity, yesterday, of conversing with a gentleman, who left Memphis last Saturday, and reached St. Louis yesterday morning.  He came to New Madrid by boat, thence by land to Price’s Landing, where he crossed the river to Illinois, reaching the Central Railroad.  He has been a citizen of St. Louis, but for some time past has been living at Memphis.

He says there was much depression at Memphis caused by the late rebel defeats, particularly those on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers; and it was generally admitted that Memphis was in great danger.  All the gold and silver in the Banks, and the treasures of private individuals, had been sent off to New Orleans for safety.  Confederate money, Tennessee notes, and shinplasters had gone down – or rather, all commodities had gone up.  There was no money to be had but paper notes and shinplasters, and of course they had to circulate at their variable value, being indicated not by their own fall, but the rise in price of all articles of trade and consumption.

He says gold could not be bought at any price, and even silver change had entirely disappeared from circulation.  The people of Memphis, however, show no signs of yielding, but say they will defend their city.  All persons of military age turn out at two o’clock in the afternoon every day for the purpose of drilling.  Only a few shot guns were to be had in the city.  A large number of pikes were being manufactured, and with these they hope to compete with the minie rifles and muskets of the Federal troops.

There are no fortifications at Memphis.  The design is to protect the city, if possible, by a defence at Fort Pillow, just below Randolph, sixty miles above Memphis.  At this point there is a bold and nearly precipitous bluff, abut eighty feet above the level of the river, commanding a stretch of the river for three miles above, while the land approach to the fort is protected by a rugged conformation of the ground, and by the Hatchee river, which empties into the Mississippi a mile above the fort.  A call has been made for several thousand negroes from the neighboring counties to complete the works at Fort Pillow.

There were no troops at Memphis.  At New Madrid, there is a fort just below the town, defended by a force whose strength our informant had no means of ascertaining.  He understood that the post was under the command of a Gen. Grant.  It is a mistake, our informant states, to suppose that many St. Louisians who went to Memphis, last summer, are in the army.  Very few of them are, but are living in Memphis as private citizens, making a living as best they can.

There is no great scarcity of necessaries at the South, though many articles such as tea, coffee, butter and salt, are high.  Sweet potatoes are abundant and cheap, and many persons make them their chief article of food. – Leather has become cheaper since the erection of tanneries throughout the country.  Nearly all articles of clothing and other fabrics of general use, formerly imported, were being manufactured in the Southern States.  The stores, however, are destitute of the find goods formerly sold, and the apothecary shops are almost entirely bare.

The rebels have established powder mills in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and have an abundance of powder, such as it is – a weak article, and deficient in power.  As an evidence of this, it may be stated that many of the Federal soldiers wounded at Fort Donelson, picked the buck-shot out of their merely skin-deep wounds without the assistance of surgeons.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

ST. LOUIS, April 9 [1862].

Gen. Pope’s official report says that the canal cut across the Peninsula at New Madrid, through which four steamers and barges were taken, is 12 miles long, six miles of which were through heavy timber, which had been sawed off by hand several feet under water.  The idea of this great and laborious undertaking originated with Gen. Schuyler Hamilton, and the work performed by Col. Bissell, engineer Missouri regiment.

Gen. Halleck and a portion of his staff left for Tennessee river this p. m., and will assume command in the field.

The Democrat’s special states that the rebels were pursued by 8,000 of our cavalry.  A rebel prisoner states that Gen. Beauregard made a speech to his troops before entering upon the fight, saying that he would water his horse in the Tennessee river or in h-ll; that the fight before them was h-ll unless successful.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 2

Special to the Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 8.

Dispatches from New Madrid are received.  The gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore, when Pope ordered the troops across; it was effected without loss.  The rebels fled toward Tipton, sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and aground near Point Pleasant.  It will be recovered with its armament.  The Ohio Belle was also recovered.

Gen. Paine led the advance on the batteries.  Gen Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army hastened to Tipton, attacked the enemy this morning and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from Arkansas and Louisiana.  He will probably get as many more before night.  The rebels fled to the swamps in great consternation.

The victory is complete and decisive.  Great quantities of stores, cannon and ammunition have fallen into our hands.  All the baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel Adjutant General’s department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and the Island, on the east side of the river is being scoured by our troops.  Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with transports is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is 12 miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Divisions of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all directions.  Their entire force at and about Island No. 10 is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah – to him the news of our success is specially grateful.  His residence is 35 miles southeast of Hickman.  General Strong will send an escort with him to his home, to insure his safety.  Thousands of his former friends will great his arrival with a glorious welcome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 2