The New York herald., 1863-03-02


Mrnnns, Feb. "a 1863
Capture Of Rebels and Sforcs-The Mortar Bodts-Ttey
Rsain Their Posiion-The Lake Providence Ro,k and
Its Success dc.
Late dispatches have just been received at headquar
ters here Containing the following important intelli
gence:-
About sixty officers and Of the Third Michigan
cavalry recently surprised the rebel troops In the town Of
Clifton the Tennessee river taking the rebel Colonel
Newsom prisoner, with sixty-onc officers and men
Captain c. Newc, Of tho Third Michigan cavalry, was
wounded In the eg Among those injured on the rebel
side Colonel Newsom, right arm shattered; Lieut.
Shelby, shot in the shoulder.
We captured forty good horses, saddies arms, 6c.
also large quantity Of commssary ana the fer.
ries. The town burned.
is reported that Van Dorm Is at Columbia Tennessee.
When had recrossed tho river, and when
about leaving, feet OF I've gunboats came up. The
prisoners we're turned to Lieutenant Fitch, Flag
Oiicor aboard.
Several boats have arrived from below since Saturday
Their information shows that visible progress has been
the operations. last intelligence 10 the
effect that mortar boat had taken position above tho
point this side OF ycksburg, and had fired few shell
which had down a from three batteries
Contrary to expectation the boat has retained It's
position and occasionally throws shell. When she does
answering nre comes prompt aud sharp. Whenever
any boat approaches the point quick reminder
from shot and shell adnonishng the intruder that he has
approached forbidden limits. Thus far Of these
guar have done injury Some OF the boats leav
Ing noticed signals yng from Commodore Por.er's dag
ship the Uncle sam which they supposed 10 be indicative
OF some movement scow had been run through the
canal, and the work II Is steadily proceeding The
work at Lake Providence obtains hold the confidence
OF river and others. Some express doubt OF
sunCient now OF water being obtained but the
more experienced river appear think the danger
i ne
violently that has already been explained the
B.Hsa The belle, IS becorn ug strong that b ats VIII
be able 10 roach Red river from The Mississippi at Lake
Providence The consequence Of such result could not
fail 70 be very important as the principal supplies u tue
nnsGbdued district there come down the Rcd river TO
pass tie laRe the Mississippi however, VIII yet
hard labor. he canal 70 be dug Is three mics
In length and must wash considerably after II s dug Ia
order 10 make u practicable for steamboats, The soil "
not s that in the canal opposite Nicksburg, which
s blue clay there Is more sand 10 ~ and tho proba
bity OF las washing freely Is therefore comparatively
greater.
me latest arrivals rep, econt Efforts being
the canal opposite Ncksburg. Three thousand
mostly soldiers start to work on IL every morning
The canal damned acruss at about third Of It's dis
taDcs from the point OF starting The from the
main stream the bend 0f the the Mssssip kept
Of .sepe' percolating water by ncans Of powerful
syphons worked by the steamboat Champion No g
Three dredge boats this coming
Ono river. When the water B admitted canal
the dredges wiz be set 70 work TO dceen ard cut out ac
facilitate tho washing away az the banks the
OF the main current Of the Sisssspp acfoss the
| the bend.
! spoken OF above has boon tpwed ny again. IT
posed aud could accomplish nothing exccvs to
| where the cDemy's batteries we're situated.
4 stated day two ago, aud very high authori.
| ty, that when the Indian0la successfully ran
past the batteries Of Nicksburg, and passed
Mississippi ner destination the Red river which sho
ascend. IL stated with confidence that
statement a"blindp 70 nscnd the enemy and that
the real point for whicE the lndianoa bound was
Black river this side OF Grand Guf and fo.ty miles
below Vcksburg, where of the enemy's boats
lying and where bridge, connecting the jackson and
Vicksburg Railroad 10 obtain Possession of
destroy this road would be naict damaging blow on
| Vioksburg
Much obect.n has bsen made tho plan OF holdirg
persons along the for the
doings of guerlas aud of destroying the villages aud
plantations IN case of injury Inflicted by gnerns their
neighborhoods, uness they give warning of the In.
tention OF the gueril1s 10 make attacks This kud
| OF responsibility naugurated Europe during
the freuch war half century and instance
Just occurred Ia the river below which proves
eiiciency. AZ tho steamboat Clarsbel Captain Iagk
on It's way the river for this piece ten days ago
she grounded bar opposite Austin, Miss, and lay
there eight days aud half During that tms she
Of course, helpless and could have been made an
prey by marauding guerias Tho neighboriDs inhADi
tants both shores fearing 10 be hold responsible
case OF damage 70 the boat, took every thor
power 10 preserve her safety. Every hospitality
shown, ad readily givcu, and pckets wore set
above md below 70 give warning any guerilla party
| snruld approach
ian expression of their position on the point nine
large planters haD.ed Captain Hauk paper a copy Of
which give. 1 wished, for obvious rexsoas the
nance OF the sigrers bat they those of gentlemsu
~eil ksown In tbs city for their high standing sna nnu
soce. The paper reads -
We the citizens of Austin and vicinity Believing that
m VOL peace, the right Of indiv vdua pt3,,sry
should he respected satlsged that tho steamer
Austp, Mss., IN the property OF Captain Hauk and g.
Cvrrios, clerk board that will discoupteuance
disaSpsVbsts apy attempt that may be mado 70 moest
said boat Csrabe her fixtures furniture during
their q tho landing aboyt named.