Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-08-29
Especial correspondencs Of the Missouri Democrat.
From Cairo.

ggsi CAIRO, August "a, 1861.
mo ngntlnB has taken place within the las
two days around Birds Point. A scouting par
ty Of cavalry, under Capt Buell., was sent ou
on Friday night to some miles beyond Charles
ton, but returned and reported all quiet, with
no rebels in sight. Since the surprise by Col
Dougherty, they have evidently become more
cautious. Z lr. ss d. u n E1F " :
A bold robbery was committed at Paducah by
party Of about fifty secessionists, by seizipe
the steamer Samuel Orr, on Friday last. Il
was done In retaliation for the seizure of the
w. b. Terry by the United States gunbost.
The Orr had just arrived from Evansville, and
In about ten minutes alter she landed, was
boarded by the crowd. armed with rifles, pistols
and bowie knives. The Captain was command.
ed On pain Of death to run his boat into the Ten
nessee river. Before doing 30, the whole crew
and passengers-22 in .all-were put on shore,
with no time to get their baggage or clothes.
JPhe mali bag was also carried Of. Her
cargo, consisting principally of coffee, valued al
over l2,OOO, was seized.
The crew and passengers we're kindly treated
by many OF the citizens of Paducah, who ex.
pressed great regret at the occurrence, and
SAID that the boat should be brought back, bui
there is little hope OF any such thing taking
place. They excuse themselves on the ground
as they allege, that the attack was go sudden
and unexpected to them, that they had no time
70 protect the boat as they should have done.
however, the crew and passengers did no
deem IL safe to remain in Paducah, and got in 8
yawl and dropped down TO Cairo, where they ar
rived en- Saturday morning. Among them Il
F. w. Brigham, the mail agent. He will u
back aud try and recover the mail.
The eecegsioninta have IN on tho n, ,r ~,
Tennessee river, also the following boats, t.
prevent their seizure by the United States Gov
eminent: The Eastport, Sam. Kirkmsn, anC
the Dunbar. The Esstport Is owned by Fow
Ter, secessioniss.
The Dunbar is owned partly by him and
partly by some Union men in Paducah, who
protested against her seizure.
The Sam Kirkman is partially owned in Pa.
oucah, and the Captain, J. v. Throop, is a
Union man, who also protested against her
seizure. The occurrence has already had q
very bad effect on the trade of tne Ohio river,
as, naturally, captains are afraid to take them
past without strong guard. TIE Diadem and
several other boats coming down are reported
as stopped at Evansville until the gunboats can
convoy them. ,...r.
The business portion Of Paducah express re.
gret at the seizure, and promise that it shall moi
happen again, il they can prevent it. But 1t il
feared that they are completely under COW O.
the rebels who swarm into that point from Ten
nessee.
It is confidently reported that several Ga.
pound siege guns are being brought from Co
lumbus, Kentucky, by the rebels 10 Paducah
and that it is their intention to seize that placp
plant battery which will block ade the Oh.l
river, and also command the entrance to tbt
Tennessee. ltis grand strategic point with
the rebels, and should be closely watched by the
Federal Government.
Toe gunboats are doing all in their power,
but they cannot be everywhere at the same
lime. Since their arrival, except the Cones.o.
co. which is being repaired, they have been in
constant active service.
The Tyler is still at Commerce, where the
rebels are daily gaining strength and boldness
On Friday they crept up TO an eminence sbuve
Commerce, known as Graveyard Hill, plaDtto
6-pounder and let ay a couple of shots at the
Tyler, which, however, fell short She imme.
diately opened upon them with 64.pound shell
and sent them fying b,ck to their lair.
The rebels, some 4.000 strong, are represent
ed to be fordfying Benton, the county seat
some eight miles back of Commerce. They
are JEFF Thompson's forces. The work o
marsudipg and plllsgipg is sill going on 40
lively, and the Union people are fleeing in eve
ry directions. This part of the country need,
large force to clean out the rebels, who hav,
established complete reigo of terror.
Reports have reached Cairo that Genera
Polk is sending large re-inforcements to Pillov
st New Madrid, aud that the latter will max
q forward movement in full force In q day o
two. Many here think that Birds Point viii
he his best, first object, OF attack-others tha
he will form Junction with Hardee and NOV
on lronton. Indications go to show, however
that an attack on Birds Point is premeditate,
by him
The health Of the camp is good, with but Q
few cases OF serious sickness.
The merchants here are anxiously waiting t,
receive the pay for supplies furnished for th,
Government. None has yet been disbursed
aad the want of it is very severely iels ant
tells seriously on business. M .r