The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-02-28
From cairo.

CAIRO, Feb. "a On the 18th, Capt. Newell,
of the Sd Michigan cavalry. with 50 men, left
Lexington, Tennessee, for the purpose of rout-
ing or capturing squad Of rebels known to be
in camp at Clifton, under command of Colonel
Nevsome. He arrived at the river in the alters
neon, found an old fat boat, extenporized oars
and after night.fall ferried bis men over to the
east side of the river, and as soon as possible
made dash on Clifton. The rebels we're CON-
pletely surprised, and the whole garrison was
captured, consisting Of the Colonel and 6S men.
During the melee, Captain Newell was slightly
woucded and Col. Newsome lost an arm.
The rebels had considerable quantities of
stores and ammunition, which together with the
town, were completely destroyed by tire.
About the time the work was completed, Capt
Fitch's feet arrived and took charge Of the pris-
oners, who will be brought here to night, from
Paducah.
About 10 o'clock, P n, last night, resident
oil Kentucky, opposite this place, and who passes
Tor Union man, came across and informed
Captain Pennock that force of guerrillas and
rebels we're assembling in his neighborhood, that
they were several hundred strong, and gave it as
his opinion that they intended to attack Cairo
Immediately. The dogs Of war were unclaimed
gunboats and tugs got steam up, guns we're shot
ted aud run out, cutlssses and boarding pixies
were put in order and in less than half an hour
every thing was in readin CSC for the onset. A
most commendable zeal was displayed by all
hands, but no rebels came out, therefore, we
have no battle to record.
CAIRO, Feb. 25.-The steamer Kennett has
arrived from Vicksburg goth and Memphis 2Sd.
Monday night the steamer Belle Memphis
landed on the Arkansas side, So miles above
Memphis, to put off passenger. She had no
sooner reached the shore than some 10 or IL
guerIilas rushed aboard Of her and attempted
to get possession OF her. The captain imme-
diately backed her out, and the plunderers we're
forced to jump ashore, taking With them three or
four men, whether passengers or some of the
crew, We could not learn. Several shots we're
exchanged, but no one was hurt. Ste had on
board some $50 passengers, nearly all of whom
rushed for the ladies' cabin and acted 10 the most
cowardly manner Had there been q little reso-
luton aud presence of mind, every guerrilla
might have been killed or captured. There is
no doubt but that the passenger was an accom-.
plice OF those on shore.
There is nothing important from Vicksbure
The mortar boat before spoken of still main-
tains her position, and fires an occasional shot,
and the rebels promptly reply. Whenever a
boat approaches the Point, she instantly be-
comes target for rebel shot and shell.
A scow had been run through the canal, and
work on it was steadily progressing.
The cut through to Lake Providence is about
8 miles long, and is not yet completed. Be-
sides, it will have to wash before boats can pass
through it. River men express 1t as their opin.
ion that it will be success.
Three thousand men work daily on the PENN.
sula canal. Deep water is kept out by means
Of powerful syphons, worked by the steamer
Champion.
! 1t is now said that the Indianola has not gon
20 Red river, that statement being made for
blind. Her real destination lie Black river. the
mouth of which stream is above Grand Gulf
and 40 miles below vicksburg The rebels are
said to have numbers of boats up that river
If she can ascend far enough she will be able to
cut off the communications with Jackson by
means of the railroad from Vicksburg. We do
not see why the rebels may not in this vav he
struck most damaging blow.
CAIRO, Feb. 26.-The steamer Wallace has
arrived with 500 bales Of cotton for Cincinnati.
She brings confirmation of thecapture of the
Ram Queen of the West by the rebels, on Red
river. Passengers from Vicksburg 2lst re-
port nothing of importance.