, 1861-12-27

TNA~ eAAAANAN
LoUwyu1E, Ky., Dec. @.
The present position Of Gen. McCook's di- t
vision Of the Grand Army Of the Cumberland,
another long halt. During the skir-
1nish between Col Willich's force and the
Texas Rangers, the main army was engaged
in the march from Camp Eevin, On Bacon and |
Nolin creeks, to Camp Goodwood, in and
around Munfordsville. The latter portion is
upon the high bluffs Of Green River Oh the
north side, and the Camp extends from the
little village Of 60 dwellings, tile birth place of
the Generl from whom the Camp takes its
name, north and west along and between the
Railroad and the old turnpike which once fur
nlshed pathway to Nashville. On the right
Of the Camp and guarding the Railroad bridge
is stationed the 32d Indiana infantry with
Capt. Shines Louisville battery near it, while
on the opposite shore is the 9Th Indiana Of
Col Crittendcn. In the centre Is the brigade
Of Gen. Johnston, with the 18th Illinois guard
ing the pontoon bridge erected at the old ferry,
mile up the road from the Railroad bridge
now being reconstructed. Beyond, on the
brow ofthe hill, to the South Of the stream is
stationed the pickets Of Col Willich, still in
possession Of their lately holly contested field.
Gen. Johnston lately made reconnaissance
in force as far as five miles south Of the stream,
but saw no enemy. The reported advance Of
rebels, and their rumoTed evacuation Of Bow
ling Green are doubtless equally untrue, as
they are equally improbable. Gen. Johnston
returned to camp without haying met 3 foe.
A similar Reconnaissance viii be made in few
days, when the bridge is built and the grand
army presses forward But the crossing Of
Green River Is no holiday trip, and New Years
may, and probably will, catch our men snor-
ing on the bluffs Of the northern shore.
While this Important position has been as
su1ed By the centre Of the army, the left wing
has not been idle. A movement las been
made south from Columbia, in the direction
Of Monticello, the character and force of
which an not ut liberty nor am I disposed
to reveal The intention is obviously to get
into the rear Of Gen. Zollicot1cr, who, having
crossed the Cumberland, has been encamped
on the banks Of Fishing Creek, 5000 strong,
with reserve on the southern shore Of 1000
more. On the 1StH inst, Gen. Zollicoffer
eyinced a disposition to retrograde to the
southern shore; but Gen, schoepH, with u de-
sire to detain him, marched out Of Somerset
upon him. This compelled the rebel to defer
his intended crossing In the face Of strong
enemy. Gen. Schoepf is fully able to hold
his position if attacked, and will harass him if
he attempts to retreat. In fact, it will be I'M
possible for Zollicotfer to cross the river in
the face Of Gen. Schoepff's force. This brig
ade consists mainly Of Ohio troops-the 18th,
31st ,335th and 3Sth Ohio infantry, and the Ohio
batteries Of Capts. Staunard and Hewitt, con-
6isting Of four Tiaed, four smootl-borc and
two Parrot guns Of large caiibre-with the
7st and I'd East Tennessee, composing the
brigade.
An interesting but brief statement of the
operations Of the rebels in this State has been
given me By gentleman who has long been
resident at Memphis, where he has resided to
protect lis property, in the South. He reports
the forces Of Buckner at different points,
Bowling Green, Hopkinsyille and Cave City,
to aggregate 5000 men-a large force is also
engaged in fortify1ng strong positions on the
Cumberland. The town Of Clarksville is said
TO be strongly fortified Eo rs to protect it from
the approach Of gun boats, Of which the deni-
zcns Of that region hare great terror. At
Columbus 1900 men have been for 4 month
or so engaged in strengthening that already
strong position. Large reinfoTcements have
been lately added to the force at this point, as
well as at Bowling Green, consisting mainly
Of the 60-days' men Of Louisiana and Missis-
sippi, and the drafted militia of Tennessee
There can be nc doubt that strong and de-
termined stand will be made By the rebels at
both Of these points. Our troops are bearing
upon Bowling Green in three strong forces,
and an early reonction Of it may bc looked for.
Mr.. Speed, Of the Kentucky Legislature,
will shortly introduce a bill for the confsca-
ton Of all rebel property in this State. The
Union men dislike to handle the delicate sub
ject-
The sentiment Of the people here is adverse
TO giving up Mason and Slidel.
Gen. Buckner has written to agents here to
pay his taxes on certain estates here.
There are said to be from ten to twelve con-
trabands in each regiment Of the army in this
State.
The rebel member Of the Kentucky Legis-
lature, ". Fl. Barnes, is to be impeaehcd for
treason to the United States, in aiding the re-
beuion.
1t is said here that 10, 600 rebel troops arc to
be sent to Kentucky from the army Of the
Potomac
The Kentucky Legislature adjourned to-day
until the second Wednesday in February.