Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-21
Fort Pillow.

Fort Pillow is not, as has been stated in some
of the papers. at Memphis, but rs miles above
that city, upon what is known as the first Chick
see. aud is distant from Cairo l62, and from NJ w
Madrid 81 miles.
A correspondent, writing from near the fort,
under date of the I4th thus describes the loca-
ton, the character of the Notifications, and the
means of defense:
Fort Pillow is right before US, in our very path,
a strong fertilization, in admirable position. de-
Tended by battery upon battery, and peopled by
thousands OF rebel soldiery. There are great
number of the heaviest pieces OF ordnance in the
pOssession of the rebel army here mounted.
There are about eleven batteries on the shore in
the curve of the river, which is much the same
at Island No. 10. in regard to shape. The
curve is much broader, however, and the channel
sweeps an entire haficirce around the circum-
ference of broad lake formed by the widening
of the river in the bend, thus exposing boats that
may attempt to pass to a gauntlet OF five or six
miles of open range. for which the batteries are
planted. Opposite the last battery distractions
are planted in the river which compel boats to
pass close to the shore. Other distractions are
placed near the upper battery, all of which tend
to complete most formidable and troublesome
defense. On the hill, in the of the batteries,
is the main fort, an octagonal structure with bas
tons, mounting some twelve or fifteen large
guns. Surrounding this, and embracing a liz e
seven miles in length, from shore to shore, are
fOrtifcations consisting of batteries, rifle pits,
&c, all of which are being increased and
strengthened by all means in the power of the
rebel army.
This position must be taken by hard fighting.
/ There are no traps to catch the rebels in as at
Island No 10. All is plain open country in the
rear, and the Notifications on high hills.
There are other hills which command them, and
upon them Gen. Pope will probably erect batter
les with which to fight them. The gunboats
have no alternative except to lie behind the point
at Island No. 10, and throw their shells across
the intervening space at the batteries. The NOR
tar boats will necessarily take the same position.
OF these last we won't say much. They pelted
away ut Island No. 10 for four weeks burning
an immense amount of powder and throwing
away several hundred thousand pounds of iron,
ard never hit anything in the meantime. 1t is
my opinion that they are useless for shelling
batteries. They may be made to throw shell in
to the fort, however, in which case they will do
| good execution
The whole hotilla is here, including the gun
boats and ten mortar boats. Gen. Popes army is
also on the spot, having come down the river on
transports. The great trouble seems to be to
find piece of dry land to light upon. The army
| and navy both sanguine of a speedy victory
but do not share their anticipatons. / think
the rebels will make most stubborn resistance
here, and that shall be held in check until the
great pending battle at Cornth decides the mat
ter. If we gain the victory there, they are out
| fianked and will yield the position. If not, we
must take it by hard fighting. Report puts the
strength of the place at hundred and fifty heavy
guns, and 1900 soldiers. | think the latter
item is an estimate as Beauregard has
drawn heavily upon all these outposts to swell
ranks at Corinth. He took ten thousand mer
from Island No. 10, which was just ten thousand
prisoners rescued from our clutches.
The trip down here was not very prolific o.
| incident. The entire feet proceeded together
under convey of the gunboats, and met with nc
opposition until Sunday morning, when four rebe
| gunboats were discovered at Halis's Point, and
few shots were exchanged. No harm was done
and the rebels retreated We followed. and tool
up position within range of the enemy.
batteries which are plainly discenible in the dis
lance.
Mosquitoes are plenty here, and natures swee
| restorer has become myth They torment u.
to death. An extra order has gone up to CairS
for mosquito bars, and until they arrive we live
| in abeyance The weather is extremely warm
and vegetation is in full bloom. What do you
frost-beleaguered people in the far North think o
sunny chimes and baImy breezes AZ this time o.
the year? 1t is actually summer.
\ The rebels at Fort Pillow are commanded BY
General Villipigue, a man unknown to fame, bu
said To be a very accomplished officer, and one il
whom they have great confidence. He is Creole
gentleman, and, although untried, is believed tC
be second Beauregard-