The Portland daily press., 1863-11-02
BY TELEGRAPH
TOrHE
Portland Daily Press.
FROM NEW ORLEANS.
General Franklin IN possession of
Opcf0Hs0s.
THE REBELS DRIVEN IN EVERY
ENGAGEMENT.
Expedition Fitting. out against Brownyiile.
FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Fitting. out against Brownyiile.
Destruction OF Rebel Property.
Gen. Banks to Accompany new Expedition.
NEW YORK. Oct. :

NEW YORK, Oct. 81.
The steamer George Washington, from New
Orleans 9th, arrived this afternoon. Among
her passengers is J. f. Tucker, Secretary OF
Major General Banks
The following are letters to the general
press:
Ne,c Orleans. oct. 22.-The latest news re-
ceiyed from the Army of the Gull is TO yes
terday afternoon, and is of the most cheering
character The column under Gen. Franklin
entered Opelousas at noon yesterday The
rebels made stand about five miles from
town with infantry, cavalry and artillery yes
terday, but were quickly driven from the field.
This result has followed every time the enemy
has made stand during the present campaign
on the Teche. At Nermilion Bayou, where
they had strong position, an ugly engage
mentmight have been expected, but the threats
on their rear by Gen. Danas column compel
led the rebel General to divide his troops, and
so weakened his force on the Bayou that it
was easily turned by our cavalry and forced to
fall back from its strong post. Our troops are
reported well supplied and in fine health and
condition. The advance camp is now beyond
Opelousas. There is much speculation in the
camps as to whether the line of march is to be
north or west, but nothing is known with GER
tainty.
Another expedition, composed of veteran
troops, is being fitted out aud will undoubtedly
sail within the next forty-eight hours. Its
destination, OF course, has not been publicly
announced, but it is undoubtedly bound Tor
some point on the Texas coast. Brownsville is
supposed TO be the point aimed at, from which
it will operate as the onward progress of the
main column may decide best. Part of the
corps d'Afrique accompanies the expedition
So much of the Mississippi as is in this De-
partment is now entirely free from guerrillas
and traffic. Gen. Banks is now as unnterrupt-
ed in this respect as before the war.
Business is steadily increasing.
Several small expeditions have recently been
sent across Lake Ponchatrain into Mississippi
which destroyed several old tanneries, salt
works aud other valuable property. They met
several parties of rebel soldiers and i'm the
skirmishes which ensued they 1.-THE Union
troops) were victorious.
The Gulf Blockadng Squadron has made
several captures recently. Blockade running
on this part of the coast is running all who en-
gage in it.
Neg Orleans, oct. "A, I 4. M-Adyices
rom the 18th amry corps, up to last evening,
state that the corps was at Vermillionville.
The 10Th army corps had made a reconnois-
sance In force TO Opelousas without much re-
sistance, and the larger part OF the corps are
still at that place.
The rebels are reported to be rapidly re-
treating towards Alexandria
a new expedition, under Gen. Dana, will
leave here within two days for some point not
known. Gen. Banks will accompany the ex-
petition, but it is known that his force will act
in conjunction with the 18th and 10Th army
corps, ana VIII meet at some point on their
march,