The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-22
From Island No. 10.


We find in the Boston Journal long and in
teresting letters from "Carleton," who is with
Com. Foote's expedition. We make liberal ex-
tracts below:
ISLAND NO. 10.
| This island is situated short distance-about
five niles-above New Madrid, or ty-ive
miles by the course of the river below Columbus
1t commands II long reach of the river above
The water on both sides is very deep, and the
current runs rapidly, aud at this high stage of
water almost violently. The river on either
side of the island is about nine hundred or a
| thousand yards wide. 1t is not an elevated po-
stion, but is represented to be of great strength
What has been done toward making it impreg-
nable Is not known 1t is reported that the
rebels have been at work day and night since
the evacuation of Columbus to make it Glib
raltar.
TIE REBEL BATTERIES
The officers of the Benton are sharp-sighted
men, They have heard that the rebels are not
only upon Island No. 10, but also upon the
Kentucky Shore They believe that the main
batteries are on the elevoted land, a mile above
the island. And now as they turn the sharp
point which comes down on the Missouri side,
they see the main land white with tents. The
rebels are there in large force. There, along
the bank, can be seen the outline Of their forth
fcatlons. Still nearer, they see new made
embankment in the woods, which their scouts
have not reported. Capt. Phelps looks at it
closely with his glass, and comes 10 the conclu-
sion that the rebels have been exceedingly in
dustrious within the last few days. Far down
the river, near the head of the island, are eight
steamers, most of them transport steamers
The captain of the Lake Erie, an old river salt
who knows every boat on the western waters by
sight recognizes the Lizzie Simmons, Hill, and
Grampus-all of which belong to Northern men,
They were seized at an early stage of the rebel
lion.
1t is Sunday morning, but war does not re-
cognize Sabbaths. 1t trampes upon them as
ruthessly as a murderer throttes his VICTIM
1t is not Commodore Foote'S desire to fight on
Sunday, but it is reported that the enemy are
pressing Gen. Pope at New Madid, and it is ex-
pedIent to make diversion here.
A LOOK AT THE REBELS.
Looking straight down stream into the bend,
battery can be discovered mounting seven guns
No one is visible within. Last night these guns
answered the Benton's shots. Yesterday {; fla.
was flying, but to-day there is none visible
Sweeping along to the right can see, on the
Tennessee shore, long ranges Of tents, huts
earthworks, n yellow has-indlcating the local
ity Of the hospital-bodies Of troops, and IA half
dozen steamers steaming up and down the river
Everywhere except at the upper batteries there
is life. 1t is from two to three miles from our
position to the upper batteries, and about the
same distance straight across the tongue OF land
to the head of the island. The Tennessee shore
is elevated ten or fifteen feet above the river
The works themselves do not appear to be for
midable, but the bend Of the river and the swift
ness of the stream makes it very difficult for the
boats to hold Il position. They clnnot move
"head on" as at Henry and Donelson, but
when they are heading for the upper batteries
they will be wholly exposed to the batteries lower
down. 1t is evident that the mortars will have
to take large share of the job on hand Com.
modore Foote is prudent. No life will be need
lessly sacrificed under his command His men
know it, and it gives them confidence.
DIVINE SERVICE.
At 10 o'clock divine service was held on the
Pittsburg. Prayers were read by Capt Thomp-
son, and a few remarks made to the men, lie
said that the Sabbath was divine institution,
established for our good, and it was our duty to
worship God-an obligation which, if obeyed in
truth, would meet with the divine approval. and
at the same time would benefit all physically as
we'll as morally. His men stood reverently
while the service was read After service the
regulations were read.
PoPE's GUNS.
During the service could hear heavy boom.
ing from the west, n the direction of New Mad
rid, which is about light miles distant. 1t was
strange accompaniment to religious worship
TAR different from the tolling of Sabbath bells.
The messengers of death were in the air. we
knew, from the constant firing
Looking down the stream at the second bat
terry, could see what appeared to be man wa.
wing white flag. Others saw it, but upon
looking again it was not to be seem
THE MoRrARs OPEN.
And now came another service from the
preachers against treason, who I'LL yesterday af-
ternoon have not spoken during the wharf.-the
mortars. Their service commenced at 0 clock.
the first shell being thrown from No. 3S. Soon
the Others Joined in. AT first the shells fell
Short but after "a few rounds they went far over
the batteries into the woods beyond
o'clock, p. NJ
They are hard at it and they keep roll of
thunder reverberating along the wooded banks
OF the Mississippi. The fire is directed upon the
upper battery. have been looking at the work
closely for the last half hour with my excellent
glass. The white flag waves at times from the
western angle OF the work. 1t is evidently u
signal to the batteries further around the bend.
Near it is the flag of the Confederacy.
Bang bang bang! There are three NOR