The Placer herald., 1862-02-01
LATEST EASTERN NEWS,

tackled him at Webb's Cross Roads, in the
vicinity of Somerset. The rebels were effec
lively put to flight, and retreated towards
their entrenchments at Mills Springs, with
the Federals in hot pursuit.
Another dispatch gives the following de-
tails of the battle: the particulars of the
victory at Somerset, so far as learned, are as
follows: Gen. Thomas has been for some
weeks in Southeastern Kentucky, with his
division, composed of about 5000 men. Of
this force, Gen. Shoeff's brigade was 80
miles from Gen. Thomas headquarters. Col.
Morrison's brigade was 20 miles distance,
but learning from messenger that Zollicoffer
contemplated an attack, Morrison marched
all the distance on Saturday night through
rain and sloet, and arrived at the headquar'
ters of Gen. Thomas about three hours be-
fore the battle commenced. His men thoug h
tired and hungry, plunged into battle. and
fought like tigers. Gen. Shoetf's brigade
did not arrie until after the enemy had fled.
Among the regiments most actively engaged
in the fight, was the 9th and 10th Indiana,
9th Ohio I'd Minnesota, 4th and 10th Ken
lucky, and 18th Regulars. The battle ragged
with great energy for nearly three hours,
when ZolIicotfer and Bailey Peyton jr., be-
ing killed, and cur artillery pouring such
volleys of death into their ranks, the enel
my fed in great confusion. Before the Gen
era fell, the enemy fought desperately, as
the number killed in our ranks will testify.
Gen. Thomas continued to pursue until
night set in. Our forces followed the rebels,
who ran before them in ihe widest confu-
sion, like flock Of frightened sheep, close
up to their entertainments on the north bank
of the river In front of these they lay all
night, expecting to storm them in the morn
ing, but with the aid of boats and barges
the enemy managed to get across the river
before daylight. They left behind them all
their artillery, ammunition, horses, tents and
wagon.oads of quartermaster's, commissary
and medical stores, which fell into our hands.
Our troops took possession of their enlrench
ments early on Monday morning. After
reaching the opposite side Of the river the
rebels dispersed in all directions.
So far as ascertained, tie rebel loss was
$50 killed and wounded, car loss is $50
dead and wounded. ZolIcoffer's force was
10000.
Another dispatch from Chicago, Jan. 22d,
says the Federal loss in the bate was 80
killed and $50 wounded. Gen Thomas cap
tured Is cannon, and 400 horses and mules
Gen. Thomas crossed Cumberland river in
pursuit of the rebels. Steamboats, and bar
ges used 10y the rebels were burned The
Federas are using The remaining barges in
transporting troops across the river.
Cassius NJ. Clay has been confirmed as a
Maj or General
Simon Cameron, late Secret ry Of War,
has been confirmed as Minister to Russia
General Stones name will he probably
stricken from the army roll; lie has returned
too many slaves for his benefit.
Ex President loIn TYLER died AT Richmond,
Virginia, on the l7th of January.
CHICAGO, Jan 20th.-lhy great exypdi,
ton has returned to PaIuc;.h anl Birds
Point. 1t seems to have been a reronno,er'
lug expedition, and IN this is consiblrrei sue
cesstul, as it learned the condition Of the
country within seven miles of Columbus,
and ascertained the strength Of the rebels
Gen Halleck will 90 to Cairo sron, and then
"A forward move mrnt to Columbus will un.
doubie'llv he male.
Gen. Jim Lane had II rived at Chicago on
his way to take comm md of the army in
Kansas. lie made a speech there, in which
he said the Conservatives had thus far car
ried on the war according TO their own no!
tions, but for the next eight months the Rad
icals were going to manage it. This had
been agreed upon at Washington.
Gen. Burnside's expedition had arrived
in Pamlco Sound, with over 100 vessels
and a fight is shortly expected at Newbern
A report that the Confederates had evac
uated Manassas Junction is dscredted at
headquarters.
The new Secretary of War, Stanton, is
making important changes in his Depart
m ent, and intends clearing out the rubbish
Judge Swan, of Ohio, has been appointe d
to the vacancy in the U. S. Supreme Court
to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death
of Judge Mclean.
Gen. Sigel has withdrawn his resignation
aud is to be appointed General of Division.
Gen. Buell. is reported ready to advance
from Green river. All the regulars have al
ready been thrown forward.
Important correspondence has transpireo
between Generals Halleck and Price on the
rights of belIigerents General Price
claims for his bridge burners captured by
Federal troops, the privilege conceded to
prisoners of war. General HalIeck will moi
concede this to persons who, in the garb Of
peaceful citizens, penetrate his lines and
burn bridges, thus endangerng the lives O
thousands. They will be arrested and sho,
just as spies would; but if regular mill
tary force is engaged in destroying railroads
and is captured, those composing it will be
treated as prisoners of war.
The numerous assassinatons of Fedora
troops by lurking rebels in Northwestern
Missouri, has induced Colonel Diger, com
mandinn at Laxinotan 10 seize and irnnris or