True Democrat., 1863-05-20

TRIP THROUGH DIxIE.-On the 18th of April, the federal colonel Grierson, man of energy and skill and graduate of West Point, left Lagrange, Tenn, with about 2,C0O cavalry, composed of the 9th Illinois, Lt-Co. Loomis; 7th Illinois, Col Prince; the 2d Indiana, and one battery of two pounders. They may have started out to get in the of forces, but finding their return cut off were driven down into Mississippi. Grierson thereupon, formed the bold plan of traversng the whole length of the State and reaching the fede- ral forces in Louisiana. In North Mississippi he divided his force into three or four parties, and these dashed into different towns and stations on the railroad burning factories, depots and stores. They continued southward, and reached the rail- road between Meridian and Jackson, where they captured two trains and destroyed them. Going south west they reached the New Orleans and Jackson railroad at Brookhaven, where they burn ed the station as they did at Bogue Chitto and Summit, further down. They destroyed three en- zines, partially destroyed two others, burnt num- Der of passenger cars, tore up miles of railroads, burnt bridges and trestle work, stole horses to re- plGce their jaded animals and to mount TOO negroes
 
 go with them they shot him. They took it very leisurely would wait to have chickens caught and dressed and strawberries picked, and appeared at ease The incidents of the raid are interesting, but we have room for only one or two. Two of them entered Hazlehurst, went to the telegraph office, and sent dispatch to Jackson stating that Grierson and his command had gone north again. Their true character being discovered, they drew their pistols, defed arrest and rode off to rejoin the main body. They arrived at towns and stations in squads of from thirty to forty sometimes hours apart, and expressed the utmost contempt for the people and the "melish'' They acquired large sums of money, gold watches and jewelry by pre- sentng pistols to the women, and swore all the time that they were gentlemen. They reached Baton Rouge, having swept through the State of Mississippi with the loss of only two or three men. Loring got to Enterprise before them and was ready to receive them, but they sent flag of true demanding the surrender of the town, and while it was being received had ridden off towards the river.
 We may as we'll frankly admit that this axpe- dtion is ahead of anything yet. Morgan operated in Kentucky a sort of semi neutral ground, but Grierson went clean through the Confederacy, within few hours ride of Jackson and through the heart of hostile country It is mortifying to think that such thing was possible and will in snirit our foes while their exultation knows no bounds.
 This command of Grierson's was followed by another. composed of Illinois and Iowa troops These divided in North Mississippi into four parties; one going to Okalona, one to Houston, one to Carthage and another to Kosicusko. The first division was met at Okalona and defeated by Gen. Ruggles not however, until they had fired the town and destroyed the Female Institute. Another de- stroyed the Choctaw factory. This iii the latter part of April It remains to be seen if they can do as Grierson has done and reach Baton Rouge unmolested.