New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-03-10

arm raners we found the most Of the residences de-
serted. A, one Of them, the lady Informed us that
tbreefourths of tie families had left, and that oil
who remained we're Union people. The Rebel force,
,te snid wac about sixteen thousand, and had been
leaving for the last three days. Some went by steam
ere. and others by land. Their destinations were
supposed to be New. Madrid, No.. Paris, jackson
and Union City, Tenn. They rolled some of their
cannon and shot into the river, and took the remain
der with them. They were able to carry away only
small portion of their stores, and burned the rest
due. Their departure was very hasty, accelerated
by rumors that Gen. Grants force was moving from
Fort Donelson, 10 take them in the rear. A great
panic existed among them after our recent victories
on the Tennessee and Cumberland These Statements
are corroborated by other residents, and aiso ny
eight Northerners impressed into the Rebel Service
who have been for months seeking an opportunity
10 q. sert. When the Rebels began % leave, thty
ran away, and were seceted in the house oil UNION
man until the arrival Of our forces. They all esuy
that they knew many others in the ranks who would
escape and conc North if they could. In addition 10
burning their barracks the Rebels fired and destroy
ed fifteen or twenty dwellings, and nothing but the
efforts of the people, in restraining the Names saveo
the entire town from ccniiagration. The fact thai
they burned great quantities OF provisions and sugar
and even attempted to burn salt lthlry or forty
sacke "a We judge from that remaining scattered
upon the ground which is 70 scarce throughout the
South confirms Tie reports about the panic IN winch
they departed.
We found the type and furniture OF the printing
Office remaining, but almost every scrap OF paper
taken sway. Tie Post Office was open; the Post
master had fed but left an old whiic-hared African
natriarch TO take care of bis house and furniture
The Office had been stripped OF letters, Dut we
Gathered up more than a bushel OF newspapers ioi
persops in the Rebel army. The most of their dates
have been anticipated but l hope to CLEAN from
them material for future letter.
All the rolling stock of the railroad leading TO
Memphis, Mobile, and New-Orleans) has been re-
moved but the depot has escaped the coniiagrsion,
and we do not learn that the track is torn up.
Thus, the great battle Of Columbus, which We
have been anticipating for eight months, proves
cbimera. The ast time saw the place was upon
reconnaissance, in June, when we found no Rebel
soldiers here, but Secession ilag floating over 1t,
which we Gu, down and brought away as curl
o.ity To-day @e find it--as then-not occupied by
a sngle Rebel soldier but Astounding in evidences OF
the vast amount Of fruiiess labor which they have
performed Our two infantry regiments have
landed and Col. Buford Of tie 9th Illinois has been
placed in command. Gen. Sherman remains, but
Gen. Cuom and Commodore Fooie, with the gun
boats, have returned TO Caro-.
Ii this bloodless victory lie promptly followed up
it's advantages almost inc4lculable 1t is believed
that there ia no fertilization between here aud New
Orleans capable in lie present condition, OF resisting
the foilla. The golden opportunity is here. On
ward to Memphis!