Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-03-07
OCCUPATION OF COLUMBUS.
Secretary wsllss has received The following

Secretary Neheh hhh fccelNbu lhe iuhV"uE
dispatch: go
COLUMBUS, Ky, March 4, 1862.
Sir-Columbus is 10 our possession. My
armed reconnaissance on the "a inst, caused
hasty evacuation, ths rebels leaving quite mum
her OF guns and carriages, ammunition and
stores, u large quantity Of shot and shell, con-
siderable number Of anchors, aud the remnant
Of the chain lately stretched across the river, to
pether with large number Of torpedoes.
Most Of the huts, tents an quarters we're ue-
stroyed.
The works are Of very great strength, consist
ing of formidable tiers OF batteries on the water
side and on the land side, surrounded by ditch
aud abattis.
Gen. Sherman, with Lieut. Commanding
Phelps not knowing that they were last evening
occupied by 400 Of the I'd Illinois cavalry while
on II scouting party from Paducah, made bold
dash to the shore. when those 10 the batteries
hoisted the American dag on the summit OF the
bluff. Its appearance was greeted by the hcarty
cheers of our brave tars and soldiers.
The force consisted Of six gunboats, four mortar
boats and three transports, having on board two
regiments, aud two battalions OF infantry, under
| the command of Colonel Buford, General Cullum
| aud General Sherman being in command Of the
troops. The former leaving sick bed to go
ashore, discovered what was evidently mOga-
lnc on fire at both eKtremlies, and Immediately
| ordered the train to be cut, and thus saved the
lives Of the garrison,
While | cannot express too strongly my adj
miraton of the gaaniry and wise couusels Of the
distinguished Aid and Engineer of Gen. lialleck
--Geu. Cuum-l must add that Commanders
Dove, Wake aud Stemble, and Lientenants Com.
manding Pauliing, Thompson, Shink and Phelps
the latter being in command Of the mortar
diyision-assisted BY Lieut. Lieiord Ot the Or
dnance Corps Of the U. $. Army, nObly perform
ed their duty.
have my aag on board the Cincinnati, com
tnauiel by the gallant Commander stembel.
General Sherman remains temporarily in com
maul at Columbus.
a. II. FoorE Flag Officer
The following ia copy Of telegram from
Gen. Halleck to Gen Mcclellan:
sr. Louis, March A.
To Major General Mctllellan-Sir: The cav,
airy from Paducah marched into Columbus
yesterday, at & O'Clock r. NJ, driving before them
the enemy's rearguard.
The flag of the Union is eyinG over the boasted
"GibrAltar Of the West"
Finding himself completely turned on both
sides of the Mississippi the enemy was Obliged
10 evacuale or surrender.
Large quantities Of artillery and stores were
captured. Il. W HALLEoK,
Major General Commanding,
Another despatch from Gen. Halleck 10 Gen
Mcclellan, dated at 81. Louis on Monday, is a'
follows;
"It is officially reported JEFF Thompso !, will
II large force of cavalry and artillery, came north
from New Madrid. Our forces advanced from
Birds Point and met his forces at sykestown
lie was pursued into the swamps by the cavalry
of Gen, Hamilton and Col. Morgan'5 Brigade
aud three pieces Of artillery captured Gen
= Pope pursued another detachment south, chptur
ing three more pieces of artillery, one captain
, one lieutenant, and number ofpriyates"