Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-21

Special to the st. Louis Democrat One
army marched from Lebanon on the lth
inst. forming in there divisions, the right
under Col Davis, the left under Gen. Corn,
and the centre under Gen. Sigc six miles
from Springfield, on the 9th. askirmish took
place between our advance and party Of
rebels, in which nine Of the latter were killed,
and one Of our men slightly wounded. At
sunset on the same day the enemy attacked
our pickets. but were driven back by loss
of about &c. This was regarded as the com
mencemont Of the battle aud 800 cavalry and
infantry, with battery we're sent forward.
The battery was placed on an emnence
commanding the supposed approach Of the
enemy, and there shells were thrown, to
which no response was made Our force
then retired, leaving a strong picket guard.
During the night continuous fire was kept up
between the pickets.
About three clock on the morning Of the
18th our army advanced in line of battle, and
at daybreak the Sd division, headed by the
4th Iowa regiment. entered and took peace
full possession of the town. Price had left at
two o'clock the same morning, leaving over
100 of his sick behind. Large quantities Of
forage wagons were also left. lie had l2,-
600 effective troops, and so pieces of artillery.
Yesterday evening battalion of our cavalry
captured 100 wagons of his train. Last night
firing by pickets was heard in the direction
Of the retreating foe This morning our
whole force was following the enemy.
IL is reported that Price was merely falling
back TO meet Mcintosh, who was coming with
achievements, and on his joining him he
would return and give us battle The prob
abilities are. however, that he is in full re-
treat. The people in and around Springfield
express unbounded satisfaction at the arrival
Of our troops, and general rejoicing is mani
Tested throughout the southwest az the re-
treat of the rebels. This expedition will
doubtless end the campaign in Missouri.
The following is a special dispatch to the
St. Louis Democrat: According to the latest
adyices the federal army is in vigorous uur-
suit of the rebels. Gen. Prices army was on
Crane Creek, 20 miles from here, on Friday
evening, and our forces 5 miles in the rear,
preparing 20 make an early start in pursuit
the next morning. Gen. Price had placed his
train in advance. Above 100 wagons con-
tanning supplies for him we're brought into
this place from Forsyth only few hours be-
fore
The rebel sympathizers here claim that
Cen Price will be reinforced by II or Is
regiments from Bentonyile, Ark, under Gen.
Van Dorm; but Gen. Sigel, who was advanc-
ing on the rebel column by different route
than that pursued by Gen. Curtis. may strike
blow on their flank and upset Prices cal
culatons Four rebel officers and thirteen
pri,ates fell into our hands on Friday, and
are now here. The officers are the notorious
Col. Freeman, Maj Barry, Capt Dickinson
and Capt. Donell.'
The following dispatch is from headquar-
tiers at ST. Louis
10 MAJOR Gcnerai NcClfilan:
The flag Of the Union floating in Arkansas. Gen.
Quits has driven Price from Missouri and is several
miles the Arkansas line, cutting up Pieces rear
and hourly capturing prisoners aud stores. The army
Of the southwest is dung It's duty nobly.
(Signed) II W. HALLECK, Mai. Gen.