Newbern progress., 1863-01-31

night before we arrived at Belleville,
a small town Oh the south bank of the
river, and about ten miles below Ar
kansas Post by the course of the
stream. This place had been selected
as a point of rendezvous, preparatory
to the attack on the Post. The boats
of one division were tied up to the
south bank, while those of two other
divisions of the army fastened to the
north bank, about a mile above, and
commenced throwing troops ashore.
A Flank Increment.
One division had gone mp the White
river, without passing through the cut
off, and landed on the west bank of
that stream, so as to come in on the
roads leading from Arkansas Post to
Little Rock, and thus secure the line
of the rebels retreat to the interior of
the State. With our forces thus dis
posed we felt certain of capturing the
enemy's position. We determined to
leave them no opportunities to flee,
and by cntting them off in all direc-
tions to make our success complete.
ArkaHsas Post.
This is the oldest settlement in the
State of Arkansas, and was founded
by the French in 1856. For many
years it was frontier trading post,
and was the resort of the hunters and
trappers Of the Arkansas river and the
then almost unknown Indian Territory.
1t is situated on the first high ground
on the Arkansas river, and is on bluff
about eighty feet high. Back of the
town is sloping stri p of land about
half mile in width, extending to q
forest on the edge Of the bottom land
reaching to White river. In high
stage of water this land is over1iowed, 3,
but at present is comparatively dry.
The bluff and the sloping ground are
cleared, while the bottom land is for
the most part covered with a dense
cypress forest. A few farms and clear
ings were found but by far the larger
portion has never been redeemed from
its natural state.
Position Of the Fort
The river here makes sharp bend
to the northward, forming a complete
U. The bluff strikes the outside of
the bend, and the town of Arkansas
Post, containing less than five hundred
inhabitants, is situated on the bluff,
near the river. just below it, in po-
sition looking for three miles down the
sweep below the bend, the rebels more
than year ago erected the fort which
it was now our endeavor to capture.
This fort was of rectangular shape,
built so as to repel an attack from any
quarter, and on each side mounted two
heavy guns. Those looking down the
river were long sixty-fours, while the
remainder were thirty-twos. On the
sweep looking down the river was a
finely finished one hundred-pounder
Parrott gun that the rebels confident
ly hoped would be able to sink any
boat having the termerity to approach.
Protection Of the Fort.
Around the fort is an extensive
range of rifle pits, extending along the
buff so as to encircle the town. Out
side of these is long line of abatis,
rendering it difficult to approach the
works. In the construction of these
defences the rebels showed especial
care. All the roads excepting the one
to Little Rock had been obstructed by
fellel timber, and only the ingenuity
of our soldiers prevented their finding
them formidable obstacles in the way
of a movements The garrison of the
fort had been reported at about seven
thousand strong, commanded by Brig.
General Garland.
Perizous Attempt to Capture the Fort.
An attempt was made in October
last to capture Arkansas Post; but it
did not prove a success. General A.
p. Hovey, with force of 10000 men,
was sent from Helena with that object
in view. The White river was ascend
ed to near the entrance of the cutoff
but the stage of water was net suffi-
cient to allow the boats to pass through.
A cavalry force was sent within two
miles of the fort, frightening the gar
rison into preparations for deramping.
Failing to find sufficient water to pro
ceed, uovey returned to Helena
AS in that instance the rebels were
to leave, it was thought they
would attempt it at the present time.
Gen. McClernand accordingly made
his preparations to prevent such a
Aeticiy on the Ricer.
During the night of Friday and the
morning OF Saturday all was hustle
on the river. a detachment of gun
boats were sent up to the fort, only |
ten miles above, with instructions to |
reconnoitre the river, draw the enemy's
lire and ascertain as fully as possible
-he character and strength Of their
works, the number Of men composing
their garrison, and generally to divert
heir attention from the army move
ments. Transports, too, were steatning