Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-14
FRON oAIRO AND NoLNITY

special dispatch to the journal from Ca
iro Wednesday, says the force under Gen.
Grant arrived at Ives Landing, six miles be-
low Fort Henry Tuesday afternoon.
The gun-boats Esser and ST. Lous made
reconnaissance Of tho rebel works for the pur-
pose Of landing forces. They went within
mile and half Of the fort, throwing several
shells inside their entertainments. The FIRE
was returned. One shot struck the Esser go
ing through a corner OF Capt. Porter's cabin.
The range Of their guns being ascertained, a
place was selected for landing, which was to
have been done Tuesday The forces Of the
enemy are supposed to be $4,000.
A special dispatch to the Journal, dated
Tennessee river, moon of Wednesday, says the
! At and ID brgades Of Gen. McClernard's d.
vision 5000 strong, encamped yesterday four
miles below Fort Henry.
Three Of our gunboats made a reconnois-
sanee to the head Of Panther Island. The
country in the vicinity Of Fort Henry ia be-
ing thoroughly reconnoitered to-day. Seven
gunboats, under Commodore Foote, are in the
stream and ready.
1t is reported that the rebels have been
strongly reinforced, and rumor puts Beaure-
gard in the Fort. Our troops are in the most
confident spirits
The following is announced from Head
Quarters Fort Henry is ours. The flag
Of the Union is re-establishod on the soil Of
Tennessee. Il will never be removed.
BY Command Of Maj. Gen. HALLEcK.
W. w. Smith, Capt. and Aid De-Camp.
dispatch from Cen Buell. Friday eve
ming says: az We have taken Fort Henry.
The enemy has retreated on Paris, leaving
part Of his guns. Our cavalry are in pursuit.
Gen Grant will attack Fl Donelson Saturday"
Cen Smith. on the west, and Gen. Grant
on the east side Of Tennessee river, are pur-
suing the retreating rebels.
1t is reported, and is credited by some Of
our officers, that the rebel troops at Fort
Henry were not true to the rebel cause, and
took advantage of the opportunity offered by
attack to run away from fight that was
distasteiul to them.
Secretary Welles received the following
T. S. FLAG SHrP CGNcINNArI,
of Fort Henry, Tenn. river. Feb. 6.
The gunboats under my charge, consisting
Of the Esser, Commander Porter, Cdnondalet,
Commander Walker, Cincinnati, Command
er Stornbel, 81. Louis, Lieut.. Commanding
Paulding, Sonestaga, Lieut.. Phelps, Taylor,
Lieut. Gwin, and the Lexington, Lieut.. Sherk,
after severe and rapid fire Of an hour and
half, have captured Fort Henry. We have
taken Gen. Lloyd Tilghman, with his staff,
with 60 men, prisoners.
The surrender to the gunboat was uncon-
ditional we kept an open fire upon them
until their flag was struck. In half an hour
after the surrender | handed the Fort and
prisoners over to Gen. Grant, commanding
the army, on his arrival at the Fort in force.
The Essex had a shot in her boiler, after
fighting most effectually Cor two-thirds of the
action, and was obliged to drop down the
river. / hear several of her mon were scalded
to death including the ten pilots She, with
the other gunboats, officers and men, fought
with the greatest gallantry.
The Cincinnati received 8 shots, and had
one man killed and eight wounded, two seri-
ously. The Fort, with 90 guns and L mortars,
defended by Gen. Telghman with the
most determined gallantry. | will write as
soon as possible. have sent Lieut.. Phillips,
with three gunboals after the rebel gunboats.
A. II. FooTE, Flag Officer.
Special dispatches to the Commercial and
Gazetie say that Gen Nelson's division left
New Haven on Thursday, and advanced to
Green river, above Mumfordsville. Gen.
Thomas's advance is at Monticello, and can
not proceed on account Of the roads