The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-03-04
THE NEWS.


decided repulse. Full particulars have not
been received, as Gen. Gilmore prevented
any reports from coming north. On the
afternoon of the Goth, Gen. Seymour met the
enemy, $4,000 strong, 90 miles beyond Jack
sonville. The battle was desperately fought
during three hours, and at sunset Our forces,
oyerpowered by numbers, retired to Sander
son, taking with them the greater part of the
wounded. Our loss is estimated from 200
to 100, in killed and wounded and guns.
Gen. Seymour had been put under arrest,
and his successor, Gen. Wedges, had gone
forward with re-enforcements. 1t seems
that our men were led into an ambuscade.
1t was reported that Gen. Beauregard was in
command of the rebel forces.
1t is possible that we may yet hear SINH
lar report from Gen. Sherman. He has pen
etrated long distance from any assistance.
The enemy may concentrate a large force
upon him, and cut him to pieces before
Grant, who is a long way off, can get near.
The rebel Generals are active and the obvi-
Gus tactics of the case will be most likely
tried by them. Grant is on the move, but
comparatively small force can delay and
embarass his movements, till the concentra-
ton upon Sherman shall have accomplished
its object. Most of the news from Sherman
is through rebel sources. The General, if
he has done all that is said has accom-
plished by far the greatest feat of the war.
From rebel sources We learn that the con-
federate forces evacuated Meridian, Miss,
on the 4th ut., and that Shermans army
$4,000 strong, took possession of the place,
and on the 18th ult. captured Quitman, and
was following the line Of the railroad direct
for Mobile. The same authority informs US
that {" they tear up the railroad and bridges
in their rear, and mediate no steps back
ward" all of which is gratifying intelligence.
The rebel themselves are beginning to trem-
bic at the prospect before them. Already
has Gov. Watts, of Alabama, issued procla-
nation, exhorting the .non-combatants Of
Mobile to leave the city, as it is about to
be attacked" Further, we are told that
Sherman "wili not be allowed to take the
city without desperate battle" which is not
the language of men confident of victory.
The New York papers give out mysterious
hints Of a grand movement Of Meade's army
and great news expected; but as We have
reason to believe the move is confined to the
9th army corps and is mere reconnaissance
We do not look for anything startling.
The Senate refused to concur with the
House in postponing the draft till the first Of
April, because Of the ezra expense Of Gov.
eminent to pay the large bounties, and the
secretary of war had not sgni6ed his desire
that it should be delayed.
The cavalry expedition under Gen. Smith
was unable to form a Junction with Gen
Sherman, having met with superior force
Of the enemy, and had returned to Memphis
Gen. Thomas made forward movement
last week, advancing to Tunnel Hill, wher,
he had sharp engagement with the enemy
who were driven out Of the place and pur
sued nearly to Dalton, where the rebs wer
found in force We took 800 prisoners. Gu
losses are reported at 10 killed and wounded
Gen. Grant seems to be feeling Of the enc
my at all points. He is not going to wal
for them to open the spring campaign whel
they get ready, but he is giving them enoug
to do to hold their own. He has ordered
force into East Tennessee after Lon sstree
which has sent that general off on the bac
track, and has dispatched Gen. Sherman O
an expedition that will give employment t
no small force of the enemy