The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-11-29
Gen. Netherlands Expedition.

The North West has been amused and
deceived with promises so long about the
speedy opening of the Mississippi river,
that we almost took it for granted that
the promised expedition of Gen. McCler-
nand, for this special purpose, would end
in smoke like the famous Nicksburg canal
or the Helena expedition of Gen. Curtis.
Within a week, however we have heard
so many notes of busy preparation about
Columbus, and the accumulation of a
large army there, that when informed that
this is the rendezvous of the great McCIer-
nand expedition, we cah no longer doubt
but that there is something in it. The
following account of the expedition from
late Louisville paper is vouched for as
substantially accurate:
"The expedition is being organized on
a gigantic scalo--Columbus being the place
of rendezvous Major Gen. McClernand
is now there giving his personal supeTin-
tendence to abe armament and equipment
of the forces, and taking all the necessary
steps to ensure the success of the expedi-
ton. His corp, d ayp,ee will consist entire.
ly of Western and Northwestern regiments
1t will embrace ten regiments from In
diana, twelve regiments from Illinois, four
regiments from Wisconsin, two regiments
from Minnesota, four regiments from Iowa.
and some ten thousand troops, infantry,
cavalry, and artillery, from the army now
in Kentucky, probably portion of Gen.
G. w. Morgans command and portion
Of the late command of Gen Granger -
| The cavalry and artillery force will be
ample for any emergency
In addition to this force, the gunboat
fleet under Com. Porter will cooperate
with the expedition. The fleet of Com
Porter consists of the following vessels
Benton (hagship), Capt. Gwin, 10 guns +;
PASSPORT, Capt Phelps, Is guns; Caronde
Capt. Stemble, Is guns Cairo, Capt Bry-
ant, l3 guns; Mound City, Capt Wilson,
l3 guns Louisville, Capt Meade, l3 guns !;
Baron DeKalb formerly st. Louis), Capt
l3 guns; Essex, Capt Porter, guns !;
Lexington, Capt Shirk, guns; making a
total OF ten gunboats and l2l guns.
The first great obstacle for the expedi-
ton to overcome will be the formidable
Notifications at Nicksburg But when it
| is remembered that Commodore Farragut,
with his fleet of gunboats and martar-
boats Is below these works, and can easily
co operate with the fleet from above, it
will be seen what an overpowering force
will be brought to bear for the reduction
CT the rebel stronghold at Nicksburg
The attack upon Nicksburg last summer
failed TOR want of cooperating land forces
on our part McC.ernands expedition
will obviate this want In the future and
when Nicksburg is again attacked 1t will
be taken by storm, by McClernand troops.
Nicksburg captured. and. the way is com
paratively easy to New Orleans
The expedition of Gen. McClernand will
be ready to move by the 10th of Decen,-
Der, at farthest, perhaps EARLIER twill be
followed by gunboats of Gen. Elicit who
will have large force of infantry, cavalry.
and artillery, TO keep the river clear Of
guerrillas and rebel batteries Gen. Elects
command will be qusrtered upon armed
transports, so that it can be moved rapidly
to any point where its presence may be
required; and it will have. in conjunction
with the gunboats complete surveillance
OF the lower Mississippi and its navigabie
tributaries, SO that when the river is once
opened it will remain open, and its nayi-
ton become entirely safe TO steamers