Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-02-13
ARMY ITEMS.


a correspondent Of the New York Times
writes from New Orleans that il another
month elapses before an attack is made on
Port Hudson, il will be impossible for us
thereafter TO make any impression on that
stronghold. He says the only feasible plan
is to place both Vcksburg and Por, Hudson
"back in the country" which can be done by
cutting through the low sandy tracks, at the
points Of which they are situated
The river is rising, and 10y the aid it will
give human agency this isolation could be
completed Should it be effected, the add
vantage to navigation would be very great,
for every cutoff brings St. Louis nearer, by
the river, to New Orleans
A late letter from Newbcrn states that an
important discovery was made there few
days since. ABOUT mile aud half from
the city, and beyond a dense wood it was as
certainod by accident thar the rebels had nc
tually commenced the erection Of extensive
earthworks, with a view Of Smelling the place
after the departure of the expedition for
Charleston. Precautionary measures we're
at once taken to prevent the completion OF
the undertaking.
Stokes Tennessee cavalry and one Ken
lucky regiment dashed upon camp of rebels
at Mddletown, Is miles west Of Murfreos-
boro', on the I'd inst. One rebel was killed,
and one hundred taken prisoners. Our cav
airy made a sabre charge, took the rebels by
surprise, captured all their camps, equipage,
horses, wagons, &c. Maj Douglas, of Doug
las rebel battalion, and all his officers, were
made prisoners.
Davis cavalry, at franklin, has also cap
tured twenty-five rebels, who have all arrived
here. About twenty afc severely wounded.
The weather is very cold
General Banks is having trouble with the
officers in his command He ordered a mill
tary board to assemble at Baton Rogue on
the 18th, to examine as to the capacity and
qualifications Of officers Forty officers were
ordered before the inquest, and every one of
them resigned, and their designations were
accepted. Among these were nine line Off
GERS Of the oath Connecticut, aud the Lieut..
Colonel, Major and four line officers of the
25th Connecticut.
Magruder on the 4th, proclaimed Calves
ton open to commerce. The Goth Com, Bell
issued proclamation declaring Galveston, Sa-
bine Pass and the whole coast of Texas under
blockade and warning all vessels from trad
/ ing under penalty Of capture.
The Delta says accounts from the rebel
army at Port Hudson aud elsewhere show a
most wrctched state Of things among them,
the men only being kept from mutiny by
/ promises OF peace within ninety days.
A crew is being shipped for the U. S.
steamer Saginaw, preparatory to her depart
ure for the Mexican coast to protect Ameri-
can interests there Everything indicates a
large emigration to Northwestern Mexico the
/ ensuing spring.
Eleven hundred conveescents have been
sent to the army of the Potomac within the
last three days. Over two thousand addi-
tonal are now ready 10 be dispatched from
the convalesoent camp.
The Navy Department has ordered the fol-
lowing iron-clad vessels to be prepared foi
sea and sent South at once. 1t is believed
that they can all be ready in days. The
ships are the Keokuh, the Catskill, the Nam
tucket, and Saugamon.
Capt s Winthrop, young officer Of dis
tinction, and late OF the British army, has
reached Charleston, and intends, with some
brother officers who are expected to join him,
to offer their services to the southern conied-
eracy.
Conscriptions among 1he rebels are rathe
dangerous, as over twehty CONSUMPTION ofh
sers have been shot while endeavoring t,
raise men.
There is nothing further from the rebel
at Island No. 10. 1t is supposed that the
were completely driven off.
A Washington dispatch says the Presiden
has nominated 1t. Worden TO Captaincy i
the Navy.