Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-30

We lave unpleasant news from Kentucky por-
tion of forces and body OF the emmy have had
meeting, ana the victory with tbs enemy.
The battle took place Somerset. This is vii
lage Of about five hundred inhabitants situated in Pu-
laski county, 81 miles south of Frankfort, aud about
bali that distance from the Tennessee ne and FIVE miles
north of Cumberland river. Gen. Zollcofer had been
in the vicinity for time and had strengthened him.
self by entertainments
The account of the enemy we published yesterday
morning. They claim that Zolicofers entertainments
were storned and carried by the combined attack of
Generals SchOepf and Thomas with the loss of 275
killed and wounded side besides many prisoners
Their own loss in one regiment they state at seventy
five.
The account which has been received here, through
official sources, is substantially as follows:
Our troops, under command of Maj. Gen. George B.
Crittenden, marched against the enemy Sunday
ing last, the 9th inst. They found them encamped in
strong position on fishing Greek. This is stream
which flows South into Cumberland river, and passes
Somerset on the West The attack was made by our
troops, and repusd by the superior numbers OF the
envy. During this affair, Gen. Zollcoer slan after
which disorder y retreat eBsued the part of the
Confederate forces. The enemy pursued to en-
trenchments and there attacked breastworks and
sbeled our camp. Our troops abandoned their camp,
losing their artillery, ammunition, &c, and commenced
a retreat towards Knoxville The number of killed and
wounded our side is stated at five hundred. No
mention is mace prisoners.
We have been unable to ascertain with precision the
position of our camp, and the distance which
advanced to make the first attack We understand that
Crttenden the north of Somerset bank of the
Cumberland. The enemy's position Fishing Greek
is stated in The despatch as eleven miles from Mills
Springs This is a small place opposite the mouth Of
Fishing Greek. CritteBdens camp was probably near
this point If so, troops were led to battle after
march of about eleven miles, against superior force
the enemy strongly posted
The Generalization of the repulse increased by
he of nd no
added to by the dsor1ery retreat fight back to their
own entrenched camp. When the enemy followed them
there, they found whipped behind our breasworks
who quickly abandoned everything and took up the line
of trot to the rear.
The battle is very dscreditabIe to our service, and
will doubtless be strictly enqured into 1t will do for
neOr heroes and paper tigers to cry for aggressive
movements, under all circumstances and to talk about
whipping the cowardy, ankees at any Odds but Gen.
| Crittenden should have bad more sensible ideas.
THAT is very magnificent but it is not WARP said a
French officer as he observed the charge of Lord u-
at the battle of Balakava. So it may be said of
such rash attacks that at Fishing Creek They NAV
be very heroic, bat they look like the exhibitions
of "Duch courage, than the wellconsidered attempt
of skilfu commander. If Crttenden had waited the
attack IN his own position, he would probably have
won the day.
This is of the which we must occasional
y expect, and il we learn the lesson they teach they
will not be in vain.
The distance from Somerset to Knoxville we will add
is about 100 miles, through a wild regon.-R. Emo.
EXPECTATION OF CoTToN-1he Committee of Con-
ference of the Louisiana Legislature to whom the sub
sct was REFERRED have made favorable report on the
bill to prohibit the expectation of cotton from any port
or place in that State.