Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1862-01-23

recion on both sides of the Cumberland Riy-
er at point where its course runs from due
south to due west aud where the hills, al
though Immediately upon the banks, rise to
an altitude of 800, $50 and 400 feet above the
Level OF the river, Zollicofier occupied and
fortified these hills, commanding all approach
es b. the river from both directions, as well
as through the valleys of the creeks on the
north and on the south. Behind these I'M
mense natural and artificial defences the
rebels were posted, capable apparently of
bidding defiance to the assaults of any force.
His forces on the north side of the river,
prior to his reinforcement by Crittenden's
troClis, consisted of six REGIMENTS, stationed
on height 400 feet above the river, COM
manding the approach from both directions,
and on the south side of four regiments, COM
maniing the valley of Meadon Creek, and a
depression through the hills from the south,
| about mile to the west The geographical
position of this entrenchment is as follows ::
From Somerset, about fifteen miles southwest;
! from Columbia, forty miles southeast, and
about six miles below the head of steamboat
navigation. The position commands all the
Goa mines and many of the salt wells south
of the Cumberland. Unluckily for the reb-
els, their main body moved out Of this strong
pos 10 assail oar forces, and as Gen. Thomas
cane up cpportunely as they began to fall
bacx, be pursued them, and the glorious VIC
tory above chronicled is the result
be column of Gen. Thomas, when he
left Columbia to move forward, consisted OF
1900 well-appointed men. They were
nearly all western troops-mostly from Ohio,
Indiana and Kentucky. In Gen. Schoeh S
Brigade were the two famous regiments Of
East Tennessee, who have been burning for
a fight with their enemies and prosecutors for
nearly half year. 5t
This victory opens the way for our gallant
army Of the West to penetrate into East
Tennessee, through Cumberland Gap; See
Emap;] and if promptly followed up to the
CAPTURE of the Virginia aud East Tennessee
railroad, win compel the rebels to evacuate
Bowlng Green, aud will compel BeauregarC
togefire fro1, Manassas. The position of tht
different points mentioned and their relation
10 Cumberland Gap and the Tennessee anc
Virginia railroad, to Knoxville, Nashville
Bfsling Green and Columbus, and TO ouI
nagsn body at Munfordsvile, will all be founC
OF CUR map. The rebels propose to max
the Ohio River the boundary line OF THEN
bloody despotisms, but they are rapidly re
treating from that line.
Brig Gen. Schoeff, to whom this glo,i0u
: Usion victory is in great measure due, is
: - s.tnf,Arien officer OF -poo. d'stinotiot,. Con
lTE1e9 to leave his own country on the ia
of It's Eberties he took refuge in this city
a From here he went to Washington, and hi
great abilities and genius we're discovered b
O Hon. Joseph Holt, who procured him a sitr
alton in one OF the Departments, and was a
e terward the means OF procuring him a con
II mand in the army. Absurd stories hav
been extensively circulated by the Pres
about his being at one time porter in on
Of the hotels in this city but in truth he ne'
b er held any such position. He was appoin
+ ed five months ago to Eastern Kentucky ;
r. Brigadier General, and was there fir
4 brought into notice by the disastrous engag
G. ment and retreat at Wildcat. Gen Schoef
e. however, was in no way to blame for th
e melancholy affair. His present victory wi
elevate his fame high in public estimation
n and confirm the opinion of those who kno
+ that he is one OF our most scientific ar
Y, bravest soldiers.