Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-04-15
FROM NEW ORLEANS-

their pantaloons. IL 10 thought that active
operations will dispel this feeling
FROM NEW ORLEANS.
A New Orleans correspondent seems TO
throw some doubt on the authenticity Of the
accounts of the recent battle. The reported
sinking of the rebel ram Tennessee is also
doubted, as Mobile papers do not mention it,,
Our FIRE on Fort Powell was suspended
The gunboats and mortar vessels had with
drawn to Pensacola ; Mississippi sound.
however, is still blockaded The rebel ram
Nashville is nearly completed. She will not
be so formidable as the Tennessee.
A picket boat belonging to the rebel gun
boat Selma had been captured with five men
and an officer. The north shore Of the sound
is full Of deserters. The whole Of the Third
Mississippi is reported to have deserted, es-
tatlished themselves in forts and have actual
ly captured a number of rebel cavalry and
paroled them. The authorities At Mobile
have sent 500 cavalry to capture the deserters
in Jones county, Alabama.
The New Orleans Era, in its account of the
reported battle at Cane river, says that after
the position Of the enemy had been well as
oertaned, general advance was ordered by
Gen. Smith, and made with a cheer. The
rebels wavered at this demonstration, and af-
ter few volleys began to retreat. They fell
back in good order, and the nature Of the
ground was such as to prevent coup de man
by our troops, had an opportunity offered.
After the retreat began the cavalry brigade Of
Gen. Dudley made gallant charge on the
enemy's flank. The column was crossing an
open field, when the troopers swooped down
upon it like hawk upon its prey, and cap
tured over three hundred prisoners. Tho con-
fusion created by this charge was such as to
disorganize portion of the rebel force, and a
number of additional prisoners were after
ward taken as stragglers.
Gen. Banks army, which marched through
the Teche country on the way to Red River,
found the country sbundantly supplied with
beef cattle. There was also much cotton.
Great numbers OF negroes flock into our linee.
SHERMANS FLORIDA EXPEDITION.
The report of the Committee on the Con-
duct of the War relative to the origin, pro-
gress and result of the late expedition into
Florida commences with the statement that
on the 18th of last September, Gen. Gilmore
addressed to Gen. Halleck proposition TO
send force to operate in that State to recov-
er it's most valuable territory, cut off a rich
source of the enemy's supplies and increase
the number OF colored troops. On the 22d
Gen. Halleck replied, authorizing him to un-
dertake such an operation as he might deem
best, meantime holding securely the position
already gained before Charleston.
On January l4th Gen. Gilmore asked per-
mission to establish on the west branch Of
st. Clair river, Florida. a depot, preparatory
to an easy advance, and on the following day
he wrote to the Secretary of War in relation
to colored troops to garrison the forts from
which the troops for the expedition we're to
be drawn.
Jan. %, Gen. Halleck wrote Z" In regard
to your proposed operations in Florida, the
Secretary of War replied that the matter has
been left entirely to your judgment and di-
rection with the means at your command
As the object OF the proposed expedition has
not been explained, i, is impossible to Judge
here of it's advantages or practicability. II il
is expected to give an outlet for cotton OF
open favorable field for the enlistment o
colored troops, the advantages may be suffi
Gent to justify the expense in money; but
simply as military operation attach very lit
tie importance to such expenditures. II sue
cessful, they merely absorb our troops in gar
risons to occupy the places captured, and
have little or no influence on the progress OF
the war.
Gen. Gilmore urged in reply that such oc
cupation would afford an outlet to cotton
lumber and other products, prevent the rebel
attaining rich supplies of beef and establish
ing railroad communications elsewhere by thu
seizure and ute of the rails of the Fernando
ma and St. Mary's Railroad, also to Obtain
colored recruits and inaugurate measures fol
the speedy restoration of Florida to her allie
glance.
The only step taken by the President seems
to have been the following
EXECUTIVE MANSION,
Washington, Jan. Is, 1864.
Mojor General Gilmore.
/ understand an effort is being made b,
some worthy gentlemen to reconstruct loya
State Government in Florida. Florida is il
your department, and it is not unlikely 20,
may be there in person. l have given Mr.
Hay a commission OF Major, and sent him Il
you with some blank books and other blank
to aid in this construction. He will explain
as TO the manner Of using blanks and alst
my general views on the subject. 1t is de
sirable for all to cooperate, but II irrecon
cilable differences Of opinion shall arise, yot
are master. | wish the thing done in tn,
most speedy way possible, so that when dom
II lie within range Of the late proclamation
on the subject. The detail Of labor will o
course have to be done by others, but shall
be greatly obliged il you will give it sucl
general supervision as you can find consisten
with your more strictly military duties.
(Signed) A. LINCOLN"
The expedition, numbering 5000 or 1000
was placed by Gen.Glmore's order under Gen
Seymour, aud Rear Admiral Dahlgren furn
ished three gunboats. The particulars O
these operations are given. which have beef
substantially communicable the press here
tofore.
After Gen. Gilmore, who had sccompa
aied the expedition, had returned 10 Hilto
Head. he received dispatch from the Com
msnding General desiring that demooslra
ton might be- made against Savannah, 1
prevent the sending OF relief TO the rebel force
ia Florida. Gen. Gilmore Immediately d
patched Gen. Turner, bis Chief of Staff wit