Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-04-22
VERY LATEST.
Federal Defeat on Red River.
NuTrIgn AnriI 10

CHICAGO, Aptll ~
The evening journal publishes letters from
the Red River expedition, giving the details
of a severe Union disaster at Pleasant Hill,
De Soto Parish.
The Journals letter Of the 10th inst, says !:
Our cavalry had been driving the enemy for
two days, but in the forenoon of the 9Th sent
back word for infantry supports. Gen. Ran
som, in command OF the Sd and 4th divisions
OF the 1870 corps, was ordered to send for
ward brigade and he did so. At noon he
followed with the 4th division After adj
vancing about five miles from where the Sd
division OF his command and the 10Th corps
were encamped, the rebels made stand and
our line, consisting of only 2400 infantry,
formed in a belt of woods witt an open field
in front and the enemy in the woods on the
other side. Gen. Stone, of Balls Bluff fame,
chief of Gen Banks staff, was on the field
and took direction of the movements. Gen.
Ransom was in favor of advancing only in
force, but his wish was disregarded. After a
skirmish across this open field for about an
hour, the enemy advanced upon in over
whelming numbers, estimated at 10000
strong. Gen. Ransom got all the available
troops to the front and opened on them. The
enemy lost heavily but advanced steadily.
Soon all the cavalry gave way and the infant
ry fell back. For few moments the enemy
pressed up closely. The panic of the ca;alry
so demoralzed the army that the retreat be-
came rout. The General did all in his pow
er to rally the men, but finding it impossible
without reinforcemen,s, made every effort TO
save the artillery. While endeaVoring to get
the Chicago Mercantile battery off safely
Gen. Ransom was severely wounded in the
leg. Capt. Cyrus E. Dickey, his adjutant,
was instantly killed.
Our loss was large-pfoblbly 1000. The
Mercantile battery lost all its guns. Capt
White is a prisoner. Lieuts. Throop and
Mcbride are killed. The loss Of the battery
in killed and captured is 81 10 of them re-
turned to camp after the disaster.
! While the An division was falling back in
disorder, the Sd division, mum berng only 800
men, came up and was Immediately routed.
! Finally the 10Th army corps with 1000
men came up and formed line, and checked
the enemy and held them until we got all the
trains off except that of the cavalry.
The whole army is falling back here, where
it must wait to be reorganized before pro.
ceeding further towards Shreveport.
New YORK, April 90
Late Richmond papers contain the follow
ing dispatch Of Gen. s. Cooper
The following was received at Baton Rouge
on the Sd inst, from the Surgeon General Of
Banks army
We met the enemy near Shreveport The
Union force was repused with great loss
How many can you accommodate in hospit,ls
at Baton Rouge : The steamer Essex or
Benton was destroyed by torpedoes in Red
River and transport captured by the Con-
federstes.
Farragut is reported preparing to attack
Mobile Six Monitors are coming to him.
The garrison of New Orleans and Baton
Rouge we're very much reduced for the pur-
pose If increasing Banks forces.
ID. II. MAURY, Maj. Gen. Cong.
The Times Washington dispatch says II
is rumored here tonight that Lee is moving
portion of his army to this side of the
Rapidan, near Madison Court House. Moth
ing however is reliable.
Information has been received of the pres
ence Of considerable rebel cavalry force
near Leesburgh, and measures have been
taken to check their advance should they at
tempt it. Two Of Lees scouts were captur-
ed day or two ago at Culpepper--a third
escaped, they we're disguised as tesmsters.-
A halter awaited them.
1t is reported that Gen Grant has decided
to send to the front such men of the Invalid
Corps as are able to bear arms. and return 20
their homes those disabled from active SER
vice in the field. Gen. Grant reviewed the
9Th corps on Monday, and also the reserve
artillery, I'd army corps, and the Sd division
OF cavalry on tuesday.
A detachment OF the I'd Mass. cavalry, I'M
der Maj. Forbes, have returned from a re-
connoissance through Centerville and Drains
vile, bringing in six prisoners Of Mosby's
men. and information that large body of
rebel cavalry, supposed TO be from the main
army, were at Leesburgh and vicinity, sezing
forage, grain and all available teams. and taxi
ing them off towards Upperyille. Col. Low
ell Immediately started with his brigade OF
cavalry from Vienna, supported by Gen. Ty-
ler's brigade Of infantry from Fairfax Court
iuuse, To- give them battle.
rebel dispatch from Mobile reports a
g'eat battle between Kirby Smith aud Gen.
nks in which banks wps defeated with a
loss Of IA 900 men killed, wounded and cap
tured.
This is probably greatly exaggerated ac-
count Of the battle elsewhere reported.