The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-11-15
FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
Condensed by tho salem Gs,et.s.
WASHINGTON AND TIE ruronAc.

rebels were retiring In large humocfo hoi''
the Lower Potomac. Thcpickcts OF General
IIeintzelman's division state that the rebel
pickets have withdrawn several miles, and
their report is confirmed BY the statements oil
con.rabands who had reached Washington.
This movement is thought at Washington to
indicate that the gulf states are demanding
the return of their men from Virginia to
protect their own coast. The high state oil
the river had enabled the steamer Page to
get out of Quantico creek and move to point
lower down the Potomac. The erection OF
powerful batteries by Gen Sickles opposite
the rebel batteries around Quantico Creek is
supposed to have induced the rebels to remove
from their works Two new batteries, how
ever, have been erected at point l2 miles
below Alexandria, where the navigation runs
close under the Virginia shore.
The rebels are strengthening their position
on the upper Potomac, sending rcinforcements
to Winchester. Their force there now is es-
tlmated at 5000; but the Potomac is 50
high at present that there is little danger OF
either army's attempting to cross.
Nothing of Importance has transpired in
the camp at Darnstown for several days
Many officers are absent on short furloughs
FORTRESS MONROE.
We learn from Fortress Monroe that the
rebels arc growing holder and moro numerous
in the vicinity Of Newport News, aud they
probably entertain the intention of making
an attack there soon. The report Of the res
ignation of Gen. Wool, created considerable
surprise at the Fortress. lie has entertained
no such intention. The lIatteras Inlet post,
it is understood, is to DO retained, as it Is
considered q very important one at present.
WESTERN VIRGINIA.
No details of the battle said to have taken
place on the Gauley river u week ago, have
been received, and 1t is presumed the report
ed battle did not amount to more than u live
ly skirmish. Dispatches received in WASH
ington From Gen. Roscncranz make no men,
ton of any engagement or immediate pros
pect of an engagement with the rebels. The
General and his command are said to DO in
fine condition and prepared to receive the en-
envy from any quarter they may approach,
and the commander is confident Of success.
KENTUCKY.
Gen d. G. Buel has been assigned to the
Department of Kentucky, and no will pro-
coed to that Stpte in few days. TWAS first
proposed to send Gen. Bucl to the Western
Military Department; but the purpose was
changed, because Kentucky is now Regarded
as more important field. Gen. Bucl has
the widest range OF authority, and is prom
ised the fullest support Of the government
Gen. Sherman may or may not remain in n
command under him.
The Boston Daily Advertiser says, tho
present position of the Union forces in Ken
lucky shows that our troops there have gained
some solid advantages. The rebels now hold
no important position beyond Bowling Green
and there they are hard pressed by the steady
advance Of our forces from all quarters
Bowling Green, it will DO remembered, is ON
the Big Barren river, which flows into Green
river from the South. Gen. Crittenden isat
Morgantown just below the confluence oil
these rivers, with part Of his force advanc.
ed as far as the fork. McCook is ready to
cross the Green river at Muniordsyille, thirty
miles northeast Of Bowling Green, while Gen,
Schoeph is advancing from the east towards
Burkesyille, near the Tennessee line, and
lately evacuated by the rebels under Stanton.
1t is fact worth noticing, that the main adj
vance of onr troops along the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad and the great turnpike
between those cities, 70 that an excellent
communication is kept up as the army moves
on. 1t is still doubtful, however, whether
an attack will be made upon the strong pos
ition at Bowling Green at present.
TIE FIRST BATTLE on TIE MISSISSIPPI.
The telegraph dispatches announce the first
movement on tho Mississippi against the rob
cl forces, who are fortified down that river
below Cairo, Columbus in Kentucky, being
the first they hold. There they are assem-
blcd in strong force under Gen. Polk. twas
probably to operate against this point that
Gen. Grant, and Gen. Clcrnand moved down
from Cairo, on thursday, with $500 troops,
to assault Belmont on the Missouri side in
Mississippi county, and nearly opposite to
Columbus. Our troops made the attack with
spirit, and though the place was defended
with 700 men and battery of IL guns'they
drove the rebels from their entertainments,
took their guns, captured number of pris-
oners, and burned their camp. AT this juno
turc the rebel force at Columbus crossed the
river in aid of their defeated brethren, and
the fight was renewed. The Union troops
finding themselves unable to hold the position
retired to their boats. Tho loss appears to
be heavy on both sides. This was one ofthe
most spirited fights which has yet occurred
Gen. Grant tclegnphs to St. Louis, that
the victory Of the federal troops was complete.
A despatch from Washington says that sun
der all the circumstances the late action at
Belmont, Mo-, is considered in tho highest
degree creditable to all our troops concerned
in it, and the credit of the brilliant move
mcnt is due to Gen. Grant"
Some of the prisoners report that lars0