The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1862-04-09
Flag Ship Benton,
land No. ~. ArrilS,
Hon. g. Wc!Ies, Sec'y Of Navy

Hon. q. Wclles, Scc'y Of Navy:
| have To- inform the department that since
! sent the telegram last night, announcing the
surrender To me Of Island No. 10, possession
has been taken both Of the island and the
works On the Tennessee shore, by the pun
boats and the troops under command of Gen.
Buiori. Seventeen officers and 3GS private,
besides lVu Of their sick, and 100 men en-.
gagged on their transports are in our hands 4,
unconditional prisoners OF war.
| have caused a hasty examination to be
made of the forts and batteries and munitions
OF war captured. There are | earthworks.
with ~ heavy cannon, VARYING in calbre
from - TO loo Founders, rnrd.
The magazines are well supplied with pow
der, and thcr" are large quantities of Shot.
shell and other munitions of war, and also A
large quantity Of provisions Four steamers
aioat have fallen into our hands, and two
others, with the rebel gun boat Grampus are
sunk, but will be easily raised.
The floating battery Of Ii heavy guns turn
ed adrit by the rebels, is said to Ge living on
the Missouri shore below New Madrid.
The enemy upon the main land appear to
have Ted Wi h great precipitation, after dark
last night. leaving, III many cases, half pre-.
pared meals IN their quarters, and there seems
TO have been no concert Of action between
the rebels on the Island and those occupvinr
the shore, but the latter fed leaving the form.
er to their fate
These works, erected with the highest en-.
glnecrng skill, are of great strength, and
with their natural advantages would have
been lmpregnabIc if defended by men fighting
IN better cause
combined attack OF the naval and land
forces would have taken place this afternoon
or tomorrow morning had not the rebels So
hastily abandoned tins strong hold. 70 ma.
ture the plans Of attack, absolutely required
20 days Of preparations
Gen. Pope is momentarly expected to ar
rive with his army at this point he having
successfully crossed the river yesterday under
a cover Of artillery fire, which, no doubt. led
to the hasty Abandonment Of the works.
| am unothclaly informed that the two gun
boats which 50 CALAMITY ran the fire Of the
rebel batteries a few nj hts since. yesterday
attacked and reduced Il fort of the enemy, on
poste, dismounting eight hervy guns
The following is copy Of the order Of
Gen. Mccoll on assuming command Of the
rebel forces, on the lth inst:
SoldIers-We are strangers-commande
and Commanded each to the other. Let me
tell you who ami am a general made by
Beaurcgard. IA general selected by Beaurerard
and Bragg tor this command. when they knew
1t was IN peril. They have known me for ~
years we have stood on the fields of Mexico.
ave them your confidence now, and give
1t to me when | have earned it.
Soldiers the Mississippi Nallies, entrusted to
your patience, exhibited the yigilence and
cooIness of last night.
S;cnea w u,Cou
BRIG Cen Commnr ,iI~o''
""LN'"S'
C.et snI ranuir;n,. thn rso W. nrr ~ n''
prevented me- tro,n limo n nars,,ai nva,''
nation Of tho works Vas FtLoraCnro n"mi.
PEELED to delerntc Iient Com'd'r s pbeIns
u the flag ship Benton.
Signed, 4. II. FuOTE