The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-05-15
COL. GRIERSON'S EXPEDITION.
u THE RAID THROUGH MISSISSIPPI.
From the jackson Appeal, April %.

$500 sAAS SesSANOAA
From various sources we have particulars
Of the enemy's movements from the north
line of Mississippi, through the eastern
portion OF the State, almost to the Louisi-
ana line. The route chosen for this daring
dash was through the line of counties ly-
ing between the Mobile and Ohio and New
Orleans, jackson and Great Northern
Railroad, in which, as they anticipated,
there was no organized force to oppose
them. The penetration of an enemy's
country, however, so extensively, will be
recorded as one of the gallant teats of the
war, no matter whether the actors escape
or are captured. The expedition, we learn,
was under command of Colonel Grierson,
OF Illinois, who has already acquired con-
siderable reputation as dashing leader in
West Tennessee. He boasted that he had
no fears of his ability to extricate his
command from the dangerous position it
seemed to be in, but gave no indication
as to the route he should take to get out
of the country. Enterprise was declared
to be the next point he should advance
upon after leaving Newton, and the
movement was expeditiously made. He
found warmer reception awaited him
than was expected, and at once turn
ed westward. Leaving Enterprise about
noon on Saturday, the forces took the
road to Raleigh. After crossing Leaf
river, the bridges behind them were burn
ed Last night, it appears to be anthem
tically reported, they camped near West
vile, in the southern part of Simpson
county. Whether they will move thence
to Natchez, via Gallatin, or to Baton
Rouge, via Monticello or Holmesville, can
only be conjectured; but we still incline
to the opinion so confidently expressed
some days ago, on first being advised Of
their presence at Newton, that Baton
Rouge will be their haven, if undisturbed.
The crossing of GPearl river is the only
natural difficulty they will encounter, and
as we have no doubt they are advised as
to the facilities they can secure at the DIFF
ferent prominent fords, we presume they
will act accordingly. Monticello and
Holmesville may expect visit.
The best information as to the strength
of the party puts it at eight hundred.
They were we'll mounted, having abandon
ed all their broken-down horses, and seized
such fresh ones as they found in the route.
They were unincumbered by artillery or
baggage, and admirably fitted out for
flying expedition, such as they appeared
to be on. But, notwithstanding their IA
cilities for escaping, we anticipate their dis
comfture without doubt. If th5y escape
with the preparations made to- intercept
them, we shall be much disappointed in
deed.
The damage to the Southern railroad
extends over distance of four and half
miles, commencing a mile west of New
ton and running east. Two bridges, each
about one hundred and fifty feet long,
seven culverts, and one cattle gap consti-
tute the track-injury done. Most of the
culverts are small and easily repaired.
An experienced gentleman informs US that
proper energy will again place the road in
working order in four days or less.
Twenty freight cars were burned at New
ton, and the depot buildings and two COM
missary building. The telegraphic wire
was taken down for miles, and cut into
pieces; in many instances the wire was
rolled up and put into the dit hes and
pools. But few poles were destroyed.
We can hear of but little outrage having
been committed upon the persons of nom
combatants or upon their property, ex-
cept by the seizure of every good horse,
and of the necessary forage and provis-
ions They had to depend on the country
entirely for these. One engine at New
ton was somewhat injured by their at
tempting to blow it up. A like attempt
was made on the other, the James P.
Wood, but it failed, when the tender was
turned over and broken up, and the en-
CINE was started down the road under
full head of steam, and ran off the en-
bankment at break in the road The
railroad agent and an ordnance officer on
one of the trains were captured and pa
rolled.
THE FEDERAIs ON THE NEW ORLEANS AND
JACKSON ROAD.
From the jackson Appeal, April 2s.
The expedition under Colonel Grierson,
reached the New Orleans, jackson and
Great Northern railroad, short time be-
fore noon yesterday at Hazlehurst, forty
miles south of this city.
AHO uOWA pdoSNuSSA u iiiSV oo
the station this side by a courier, who gave
a report that the enemy was approaching
Hazlehurst, seven miles distant, when he
left. Several military gentlemen on board
were at once consulted, who thought, as
the information was rather indefinite, it
would be safe to go on, which was done.
On approaching close to the station at
at Hazlehurst, the engineer, Mr.. Charles
Magahan, observed citizen make a signal
to stop and go back. The brakes were
Immediately applied, and on the train stop
ping at the end of the platform the engine
was reversed. Up to this time moth
ing was seen of the enemy, but at once
some half dozen blue coats, who had been
secreted at the other end of the station
house for the purpose of sealing the engin-
Ger of the train, came up, stepped out, but
only to see the prize backing beyond their
reach. At the same time heavy fire was
opened upon the train by party ambush
ed some three hundred yards distant, but
fortunately no one was struck. The en-
gineer remained at his post, and soon re-
moved the train out of danger. Steps
were taken to warn the up train, due at
Hazlehurst at three O'Clock, of the danger.
AS the telegraph wires were cut when the