Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-03-28
FBIDAY, March IA


YIN
ISLAND no. 10.
The expedition, It is TO be hoped. will before many
weeks make its appearance New OIL ans but 1t must
FIRST silence The batteries Of Island No. 10
This island is situated short distance--abou five
miles--aboyc New Madrid, forty five miles by the
course Of the river below Columbus 1t commands a
long reach Of the river above The water both sides
Is very deep and the current runs rapidly add az this
high stage OF water almost violently The river either
side OF the islands about nine hundred thousand
yards vide IL Is not an elevated position, but Is repre-
scented 70 he Of great strength What has been done
ward making it impregnable is not known. Il is
ported tha the rebels have beoF work day aud night
since the evacuation of Columbus TO make IL Gibraltar
We have learned to place iite conhdeneein reports from
the South but tho Memphis Aggus Of March contained
article relative 10 the deenses Of the Mississippi
which is interesting in this connection. IL said
IAN eyes are now turned toward Madrid Island No.
TO- and Fort Pillow Many Of our people disposed
TO think that Gen MoCowan will be unable TO hold these
points il attacked with overwhelming force. As the
selection OF the two former points made by Gen.
e,al Of recognized ability that should be of help
alay any fears which may be lurking IN the minds Of
the timid. The enemy know well the position OF our
river defen'es, aud desperate effort viii be made 70 out
general and obtain possession o the river below Island
No TO- which is ten miles above New Madrd- Nothing
but an overwhelming force ever succeed IN whipping
as a. Madrid The approach that place by land eau
ouly be effected by the plank road which leads into the
place from the west, and which the enemy have 90 pass
The road is through swamp which Is too muddy
Tor Gen lhompson's command As the federAs " 10 be
compelled 10 march in the road, their approach tie
town. our ganhoas, under he command of ,he veteran
Ionmodare hohns, will be he death N many Hessian
The largest guns which the enemy bring bear upon
our iufces are SIX aud twelve po0uudfrs, while
play upon them with heavier ordnance. For the enemy
TO get possession Of Memphis and the Mississippi valley
IL would require army Of greater strength than Sec
rotary STATION car concentrate upon the banks Of the
Nj sis 'ippi river
The gunboats in which they have so much confidence
have proved their weakness They cannot stand our
guns VI heavy eabre. The approach of the enemy By
land to Madrid induces obeleye that the h1ulia
grand humbug and that IL Is ready and rs not
intend TO descend the river toote the commander II
the Federal fleet, served his time under commodore Hol-
Inns, should he attempt to descend the river Hoins
will teach hun that some things be done well as
others"
SATURDAY. March Is
Through the night the battered on the roofs Of the
steamboats,, and the clouds were hiek aud heavy. The
wind increased to gale But At six o'clock the guhboas
were moving with the exception IL the Louisville which
cob iS'd 20 pat back Ia Cairo. d. feet in her boiler
having hem discovered Al hNlfpas six the entire fleet
was under way seaming in the fac ~ the gale which
rolled up respectable aud somewhat difficult 10
keep the large transports from being blown against the
shore. All Of the surrounding county Is hioded al.
though the water has fallen few inches A. Jones
Landing two ~ The ppuionns Constructed by Frcmom
" oc thnd Hating ih submerged corn hrd Jul lie
lns No s. barge evidently deserted In great haste was
fnnni tun intl creek.