The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-05-27

LEAyENWoRTH, May l7.-Gen. Blunt
has issued marching orders to the New
Mexico expedition. 1t consists of the
Kansas lst, Cd and 7lh, and the Wiscon-
sin 18th and 18th. 1t is commanded by
Gen. B. B. Mitchell, and is in every re.
spect a splendid brigade.
OFF Fort Pillow, May 2O-via Cairo
21.-Correspondence of Times.-From
indications made apparent yesterday it is
clearly evident that the enemy has evac-
uated Fort Pillow and fallen back on Fort
Randolph, strong foTtificaton on the
Cd Chickasaw bluff, twelve miles below
their former position. Officers of the flo
tllla, who went down the river yesterday
with flag OF truce, returned with the
startling intelligence that neither troops
nor gun boats were visible, and that Fit.
Pillow and the river below, as far as the
eye could reach, were deserted. The flag
of truce was sent down for the purpose
OF completing an exchange Of prisoners,
which was begun some time ago at Cor
NTH. Preparations were Immediately
entered into for a reconnaissance of the
gun boats to the vicinity of the fort
Towards evening, however, a rebel craft
made its appearance around Craighead
Point with flag of truce, and the stea-
mer kennett. having on board the rebel
| soldiers 10 be releasd, went out to her
No explanation was offered as to why our
own flag of truce was not answered in
the morning. The prisoners were given
up, and the steamers returned.
Taking these circumstances into con.
sideration, there is not the least doubt
that the rebels have evacuated Fort Pill
low. In their new position they can
maintain more thorough defence, and
! be less exposed to the fire of our mortars
Fort Randolph, or as the rebels cali it,
Fort Wright, consists OF succession Of
strong earth works and batteries on the
Cd Chickasaw Bluffs, Go miles above
Memphis, and just opposite the southern
extremity of Island No. 3D. The fortif
cations were constructed early last au-
lumn, but the guns were subsequently, re
moved 10 Fort Pillow. 1t is expected
that to-day reconnaissance OF our gun
boats will be made with view of ascer-
tanning the new position of the rebels.
CAIRO. May 2l.-Special 10 Chicago
7imes.-The steamer Metre arrived from
the Tennessee river this morning. She
brings no news of Importance. A large
squad of the expelled correspondents
came down as passengers. The others
will follow Immediately.
Memphis papers OF the 18th announ-
ces the arrival Of the Federal fleet at
Vicksburg. 1t was moving up the river,
and had met no successful resistance
Fort Adams is about 100 miles below
Vieksburg, and the presumption is that
a fight had taken place there.
The news of the evacuation Of Fort
Pillow and the retreat of the rebels to
Fort Randolph is received here with ev-
cry demonstration of delight The i'm
preston prevails that although the defen-
ces of Fort Randolph were constructed
last summer, and are extensive and for.
midable, the armament having been re-
placed SO hastily, the place will not long
withstand a Federal assault. Probably
the move was made as step towards the
final evacuation Of the river
JEFFERSON Cry, Mo, May 22.-The
following rebel officers have been cap
tured by Brig. Gen. Totem, while they
were about crossing the Missouri river,
in the vicinity of this city:
Col. McIlhaney, Judge Advocate, Cd
division Missouri State guard and mem
Der of Gen. Harris staff Lieut. Col
Rawlings, commanding battery Cd dvis-
ion, formerly paymas.er ON Gen. Par
sons staff f.; Lieut.. Col. Thurman. pay
master 5th division Lieut.. Col. Davis,
Judge Advocate, 9th division, and mem
Der Of Gen Steers staff.
These men are said TO be emissaries
from the Confederate army and, were on
mission to stir up rebellion in Mlssou.
ri. They viii soon be sent 10 ST. Louis,
and committed to prison.
CAIRO, May 23.-Fort Pillow is not
evacuated, a tug sent down TO reconnoi-
ire was fred on from the fort, on Wednes,
day evening, aud subsequent movements
Of the rebels prove that they still occupy
the place,