Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-28
FROV ONO AND VJCINJTy

A special dispatch to the Chicago Times,
dated Cairo. Feb. 10th, says Col Bufford,
with small force, went down the river on
reconnoitering expedition TO day. When
within four miles of Columbus, heavy cannon
aiding was heard, not, however with any reg
ularity. On moving across the river where
he could obtain a view Of the place, he dis
covered a heavy cloud Of smoke covering a
large space Col Buiford believes that the
solution OF the affair is, that the rebels are
dismouniing their guns and blowing up their
powder magazines preparatory 10 evacuating
the place.
large number of rebel prisoners were
brought down Tuesday who belonged on the
Cumberland river, and as they passed their
homes they looked wistfully for some face for
recognition Many were under the impress
sion that they would be paroed, but when
they found they were to be sent North they
we're ready to take an oath. Two-thrds of
the prisoners manifested desire to return to
! their allegiance.
1t is believed that il permitted to do so.
many of the rebel prisoners would gladly
take up arms on the side of the Union, num-
bers of the privates declare that they have
seen enough of secession. The officers how
/ ever, are generally very remorse and bitter in
b huttI tA ApIcsslOu against tue ANpitu.
| A special dispatch from Cairo to the Repab-
ticaH and Demoera, says that on Tuesday two
rebel regiments from Clarksvle came to Fort
Donelson, giving themselves up saying they
had been deceived, and were tired of fighting
against the old flag.
1t is declared that strong objections will
be raised by the Tennesseeans against the
Bowling Green force offering battle at Nash
Vile.
The Provost Marshal at Clarksville has
sent word to Gen. Grant to come up and oo-
cupy the town at once. The officers of the
gunboats now lying there represent the Union
feeling as very strong. The people state
that they had been made to believe that the
Union army was entirely composed Of Ger
mans and negroes, for abolition purposes,
but now that they see it is not, they are an
xious to return to their allegiance. Prom
iaent citizens say that similar feeling will
prevail in the whole State.
Gov. Harris has called the Tennessee Leg
islature to meet on Monday, for the purpose.
it is affirmed, of having all the unconstitu-
tonal acts PASSED by them Immediately an
nuled. and Tennessee officers and citizens
declare that the State will be back in tina
Union.
The Republiaan's Cairo dispatch says the
latest advices from Fort Donelson report that
the gunboat st. Louis proceeded up the Cum
berland river to Carksville and found the ene-
my abandoning the place. Two large fiat
boats loaded with munitions of war were cap
tured at the Rolling Mills just below Clarks-
vile. Everything was being moved to Nash
vile as fast as possible where the next rebel
stand will be made. Everything at Fort
Donelson is progressing satisfactorily. Our
army are encamped, and living comfortably in
the log huts aud tents Of the rebels. They
/ we're enthusiastically anxious to march on
Nashville. With the exception of severe
colds the army is in good health. The actual
number Of prisoners taken 1880. Among
them Gen. West not previously mentioned.
Troops are continually arriving and depart
ing for the seat Of war.
Gems Buckner and Johnson are still al
Fort Dlnoson. Gea. Cullom has sent sixty
nurses to attend to the wounded at Mound
City.
Nearly all the Fort Donelson prisoners have
arrived here, and are being rapidly forwarded
to their destination. Gen. Buckner is expect
ed Frid,y. IL is understood that the Off
GERS will be sent to Columbus, Ohio.
A Union scout who was in Columbus on
Tuesday reports that no preparation was be-
ing made for evacuation. There we're four
teen steamers, with steam up, at the wharf,
and a salute was fred indicating the arrival OF
general and reinforoements from the South.
Gen Grant has promulgated most strin-
gent order against plundering from the inhab-
itants, also against stealing property taken in
battle.