The Nevada Democrat., 1862-04-03
BY OVERLAND TELEGRAPH,
IFrom the Associated Press Dispatch. ]

' "NSHih, ApItl ASl.
CAIRO, March 29th.-The firing yester.
day at Island No. 10, was quite exciting.
The rebels opened fire from a new battery
they have just completed. The guns on II
are evidently heavy ones; the balls were
thrown constantly beyond The gun boat
Benton. The enemy eoald be seen all day.
busily'engagsd in cutting away trees and
pushing the completion Of other means of
defence. Some of the shot now being
thrown are estimated to be l28 Founders.
They have no idea of evacuating, but are
daily getting more cannon in position.
Word reached the feet last night that four
gun boats partly protected by an armor of
rail road iron, had appeared below Point
Pleasant
Gen. Pope's batteries extend in continu-
Gus line Tor 10 miles. 1t is thought impos-
sible for the rebels to force a passage. 1t
is probable, however, if the report of their
arrival be true, and they make an ATTEMPT.
they may be allowed to pass up to the Is.
land, as they cannot get back again The
enemy's boats would then be taken. when
the Island is captured, which there is every
reason to believe will be soon. Mortars
still continue TO throw she'll into every pert
of the rebel works.
There is nothing important from Tennes.
see river.
An arrival from Memphis today, reports
general dependency there, and but little
confidence felt in the large force concentra.
ting at Corinth
FORTRESS MONROE, March 28lh,-Affairs
are quiet here as far at least as news can be
communicated. The rebels have been ex.
ceedingly busy at Pigs Point and Craney
Island for the last few days. Steam tugs
have been busy flying to aud fro-it is sup.
posed they are strengthening their fortif
cations along from Craney Island to Pigs
Point; they have also increased their forces
in that vicinity. For effect, their camps
have been advanced, and long lines Of tents
can be seen along the shore. Glasses are
directed almost momentarily towards Ora.
ney Island, on the lookout for the Merrimac.
Every indication Of smoke in that direction
is closely investigated by hundreds of eyes.
WASHINGTON, March 31.-Gen. Hunter
and staff arrived here yesterday, en- route
for Port Royal, to take command of opera.
tions at that quarter.
The Union troops advanced yesterday on
the rebel outposts, beyond the Warrenton
Junction.
A special dispatch to the Herald says our
troops are driving the enemy estimated at
! 10000 strong, before them. Along the line
of the GordonviIe rail road, beyond War
rentOn, the rebels destroyed the bridges. all
(which are gone. ties burned, and rails
bent into every shape.
The Union troops are in excellent health.
and are pushing on after the retreating
rebels as fast as circumstances will permit
Telegraph lines follow the advancing army.
and Offices are established from day 10 day'
An excursion party went out on the Ma.
nasas Gap railroad five miles beyond the
Junction. cutting away fallen trees and
other obstacles from the road. The road
is otherwise in perfect condition, and the
water stations are uninjured. They also
proceeded towards Gordonsville as far as
Bewster Station, at which place The bridge
was destroyed.
The rebels commenced the evacuation of
Manassas on the third day of March. The
troops marched very hurriedly, having
great fears of being routed by the advanc-
ing Federal troops. Their officers threat
ened with instant death some Of the enemy
who fired hut, alleging as reason that
the smoke awoud hasten the Federal ad.
vance.