The Portland daily press., 1863-05-21

on the southern railroad between jackson and
the Lake station. He arrived within seven
miles of the railroad when he met regiment
of secesh cavalry from Brandon in search of
our forces. They were on road leading di-
rectly TO our camp, fourteen miles distant. He
gave directions which misled them and re-
treated to camp, giving information of the en-
emys approach. At 6 o'clock a move was
made over Leaf River bridge, and the bridge
was destroyed, cutting off the enemy's chances
to surprise them in the rear.
Passing through Raleigh and Westvlle the
force crossed the Pearl river ten miles distant
from Westville, ierrying and swimming the
horses across. Col. Bnce of the 9TH Illinois,
having crossed with two battalions in advance,
proceeded Immediately to the railroad at
Hazlehurst station, capturing about forty cars,
four or five being loaded with shells and am
munition, and others with army stores. These
were all destroyed.
Soon after passing Newton, Capt. Forbes,
Co. b, 18th Illinois, struck of from the lain
force and marched rapidly towards Enterprise,
100 miles east of the main column. Sending
flag of truce into the town Capt. Forbes de-
mandei its surrender. Col. Goodwin COM
handing requested an hours time to consider.
Meanwhile the company left him to his medi-
tations, having accomplished their purpose of
diverting his attention and ascertaining the
rapidly westward striking the main column at
Pearl river. Near Gallatin 81 lib. Parrot gun,
which was being conveyed to Port Gibson,
was captured and spiked. Four miles east of
Gallatin, battalion was detached to strike
the New Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern
railroad again at Bahala. This battalion de-
stroyed the line of the railroad cut telegraph
wires and destroyed water tanks, cars and
other property just now Of the highest value
to the Conlederacy.
On the Doth the advance proceeded at day
light toward Brookhaven, dashing into the
the town, capturing over two hundred prison.
ers beside large quantity of camp equipage
at camp of instruction. The track of the
railroad, the telegraph wires, the depot and
about 100 feet of treste work were destroyed.
Soon after leaving Gallatin skirmish was had
with Garland's cavalry, in which the enemy
lost several killed and wounded. demon
stration having been made toward Port Gibson
10 deceive the enemy, another was now made
towards Natchez by a battalion threatening
the place, while the main body moved on to
Brookhaven.
On the Both Col. Grierson moved southwark,
along the railroad, destroying all the bridges
and trestlework to Bogue Chitto station,
where the depot and fifteen freight cars were
burned after which the force pushed on rapid
ly to Summit ten miles distant, finding no
Government property except twenty five
freight cars which were burned. Leaving the
line of railroad, movements were made TO a
point midway between Magnolia station and
Liberty, whence moving southwark regiment
of cavalry was found moving toward Wassitta.
They were discovered at Wallis bridge on the
Tickiaw, and being attacked were routed with
several killed and wounded. One man was
killed and five wounded on our side. Among
the wounded was Lient. Col. Blackburn, of
the 9TH Illinois. He was left at house with
several of the wounded. Going east of the
TickIaw and then south, at Edwards bridge
another regiment was found posted. Col.
Grerson attacked them with battalion of
cavalry and section Of artillery, while the
main column moved on toward Greensburg
Not a man was injured on our side, but the en-
envy lost quite large number. At Osyka
fine trap had been set 10 capture our whole
force. A regiment of Rebel cavalry was posted
at bridges which would have to be crossed
north aud south, while some infantry held the
TANKS with artillery near Woodland and Osyka.
The infantry was TO detain the whole column,
while the cavalry closed in OH the TANKS. Col.
Grlerson ordered a charge, and was on the
other side of the square before the enemy knew
what he was about. Not man was injured in
the affair. Continuing south to Greensburg
the march was then directed towards Clinton.
Col. Grierson crossed the Amite river within
zen mites Oh lne place ana OF the ralirOau
which leads to Port Hudson. At a point on
Big Sandy creek camp of Hughes and Mill
burre's Partisan Rangers was attacked at day
light and destroyed, including one hundred
and fifty tents, camp equipage, and public and
private baggage. A large number of horses
were captured at this time.
Thence they moved on the Greenvile Spring
road towards Baton Rouge, when within ten
miles of the latter place they surprised and
captured Stuart's entire command Of cavalry.
At noon on the I'd courier announced in
Baton Rouge that 1000 cavalry had cut their
way through from Grants army and were
within five miles from the city. At A o'clock
they came in.