New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-01-01

escen Tor the defense Of these places. This was Oh
the l6ib and 40 this time Forrest reached Lexng-
ton, on his way TO Jackson, when he wac met by
Col lnGeTsol, from this place. with parts OF the llth
Illinois, 18th Ohio Cavalry, also the "a Tennessee
Cavalry from Trenton; total not Ear from 300, with
2 gms.
An engagement Of n short, but severe nature, took
place near Lexington, which resulted in the lose OF
The guns our part and few prisoners the rest OF
our forces returning 10 Jackson except few Of the
I'd Tennessee, which fornd it's way back 10 Trenton.
Forrest then moved oh Jackson. Four miles from
this place he was met by the 6lst and Add Illinois,
when. after a short fight, the cavalry repulsed,
which, retrcating little, opened with their artil-
lery, when our troops retreated again 10 Jackson.
Forrest then turned north and marched upon Tren-
ton
This post was commanded by Col. Jacob Fry Of
the 6lst Illinois. He had, during his occupancy,
constructed hst-rate ritepiIs around the town, on
commanding positions and with force of q thou
sand men and few pieces Of artillery, would have
been able completely to defend the place; but every
thing. men and guns, except about 900 men from
divers regiments, many Of them sick. had been with
drawn, and when Forrest came on Saturday after
noon about o'clock he could make but poor
defense. Col. Fry had Of course been obliged TO
abandon bis rfe-pits and he concentrated his small
force in the depot building which he had fortified
with about 200 bales of cotton. The enemy's cav
airy came up trlng and as though they were going
to sweep everything but they were repulsed in two
charges. They then withdrew to the nights and
commenced Smelling the depot and as she'll began 10
go through the building in which considerable am
munition was stored, Col. FRI was forced 10 sur
render. lie thinks, however, that il the force he
had commanded had not been withdrawn, he would
have defeated Forrest and that his encouragement
had been such that lie would wholly have with
drawn from West Tennessee. lie had talegraphed
10 Gen. Davies, commanding al Colgm-
bus, for guns and re-eniorcenenls; 10 some dis
patches no had no reply, but at last he was rem,
word that he could do nothing for him.
The place being taken and the prisoners paroled
Forrest proceeded 70 burn the cotton aud station.
houses and then, unmolested marched till within II
miles OF Columbus destroying all the railroad build
ings and bridges he could, and where rails could be
found. burning them on the track to render
them useless.
The Rebel forces are now occupying the country
between Columbus and Trenton, but up TO this time
no efforts have been made by Gen. Davies TO clear
the road, 10 ascertain the real condition OF
things. When il 10 understood that Gen. Grants
vast army IS depending on this road for supplies OF
every description, IL will be seen that somebody ID
lacking in something
This raid OF Forrest evidently has been successful
IN stopping Grants supplies, but there is another
hing IN which he has been equally successful.
When Col. Fry took command Of Trenton he
found that foraging parties had been in the habit OF
going out into the country aud of taking property OF
any kind they pleased from loyal well disoyal
people, or without making any inquiry INTO TINS
matter, and without any orders. As a consequence,
he people were very indignant and excited, but he
ook "a reasonable course, aud aiming TO conciliate,
10 far succeeded that the public mind became recon-
lied, ard many hundreds came in and cbeerfully
ook the oath Of allegiance. This is the Congress.
uonal District from which Emerson Etheridge was
snt. In due time the people met in convention at
Trenton and nominated Mr.. Hawkins, who is repre-
ented 10 u true Union man for COugress-and the
election was TO cone off to-day. OF course, while
Forests cavalry occupy the county, no election
an be held.
Col. Fry, with whom had n long conyerration,
tates that there is @ great deal Of genuine Union
ceiling among tho people of West Tennessee. 1t is
ertain however, that it put to very strong tests.
But this 10 be said The country greatly divided
md 1t il certain that If there coud be u destruction
# the Rebel Iarmies peace certainly would follow.
Whether we ehall DO permitted TO conquer them
without first being just TO the blacks is a question
ime will decide
The last we have from Gen. Grant is, that he is
marching upon Grenads, while Gen. Sherman is
marching toward Vicksburg. II is not improper,
however, that he is Operating in CONJUNCTION with
rant, and aiming TO come III 10 the Of Grenada,
Which would seem TO be good generalship, and which
3 needed elsewhere. Y.c.A.