, 1862-12-27
Especial Correspondence Of the Chicsgo Tribune.
SPRINGFIELD, Dec. 25, 1862.
THE MISSISSIPPI EXPEDITION.

Especial Correspondence OF the cGcaGo Iffbnne.l
SRR1NaFM1D, Dec. 25, 1862.
THE MISSISSIPPI EXPEDITION.
The McClernand expedition has at length
started. At last the General and Staff left for
Cairo to-day to take command Of the troops
destined for it at Memphis and other points.
There has NO doubt been good deal Of intrig-
ing and naneuverirg among the West Point
interest to prevent the Generals assuming
the command. Gen. Hn1leck was very much
opposed to it, and 50 were also other Generals
in the Eastern and Western armies 1t was
only upon the personal solicitation Of Mr..
Lincoln aid Coy Yates that Gen. Halleck
could be prevailed upon, even to look at Gen.
McClernaud's plan. It is disgusting and dis
hcartening to the loyal citizen to witness such
petty jealousies us these, at 8 time when the
country is in such imminent peril Gen. Nc
Clcr1a1,d is an energetic man. He personally
superyises everything himself. He is indefa-
tigablc, waichful, and brave; and
has the faculty IF making his subordinates
love as well as respect him. I have great hope
Of the General, Judging from his character
and past career, both as a politician and !: mil
ita7y man.
1t is strange that his Democratic friends in
this place and vicinity do not look upon him
with f;vor. He is regarded by them with dis
trust and suspicion. can attribute this to no
otl:cr cause than tAe steady and answering
support he has given to the Administration
and tho war. Hc has sunk The politician in
the soldier in every sense Of the phrase
There are no "ifs,'' or "ands,'' or ''buts, y y
| with Kim in,1Ac prosecution Of this war.
have no 6onbt he will forage on the enemy
when he gets into their territory, and cripple
| them in every possible way. Since hc has
been in the State, the eading Democrats
generally haVse given him the cat
appreciates this fact. He will perhaps one
day pay them back in their own coin.
TIE MARRIAGE OF TEE GENERAL.
The General WAS married OF Tuesday
evening. ut Jacksonville in this State, to Miss
Minerva Dunlap, daughter Of Col James Dun
lar Of that ploce. The Rev. Mr., Wood per
| formed the ceremony, which was witnessed
By very large party Of invited guests, among
whom noticed the Governor Of the State,
Hon. Jesse &. Dubois, Auditor, and lady,
Hon, o. H. Hatch, Secretary Of State, and
lady: large number Of the citizens Of Jack
sonyille. Including professors Of the various
e;aa colleges :thsre, .eleFEymen, Lawyers, phy5i.
the dining hall Of the Dunlap House and con-
yersation, dancing, &c, In the capacious par.
lors, closed the festivities Of the evening,
Miss Dunlap is the second daughter Of Col
and HRS. Dunlap to whom the General has
been united in marriage. His former wifi
WAS most amiab1c. accomplished and tai
euted young lady. She was the delight and
| admiration Of all who knew her in Jackson
vile and Springfield, and the circle Of her re
latiyes and friends we're by no means limited
| She WAS cut down in her youth by that feJ
| disease, which seems to delight In having TO
| it's victims the beautiful and the good Th'
/ present Mrs McClernand is also an amiable
ACCOMPLISHED and gifted lady and the sceona
/ choice Of the General is pronounced to b
fully as happy in these respects as the first
May the couple live long, and the marriage b
as happy as the first. Mrs. McClernand
now the seventh married daughter Of tn
, Colonci's.
CHICAGO, ALTON AND ST. LOCIs RAILROAD.
notice that the Chicago, Alton and st, Loui
Railroad Company have entered into IN al
\ | Tangement with the Great Western and Sout1
ern Iowa and Southern Illinois Railroads, b
Mncl railroad communication will be estal
hshcd between st. LouiB and Keokuk. Til
route viii be over the Chicago, Alton and 81
aouis to 3 springfeld, thence over the Ores
mestern to Clayton, and thence over th
: Southern Iowa and Illinois to Keokuk. !
few miles Of track is yet to be laid upon tI
latter road before the completion Of the ente,
prise can be announced. In the meantim,
4 etages are carrying passengers oVer th
uncompleted portion. The completion Of thl
( route viii prove of great advantage to tt
people Of Southern Iowa, who VII find fh