The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-02-21
The War An the GuIT states.
IMPORTANT AND COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF
THE SITUATION.
Correspondence Of the Chicago Tribune


THE SITUATION.
Correspondence Of the Chicago Tribune.J
HUNTSVILLE, Ala, Feb. 10th, 1864 a
refugee, q most intelligent gentleman, Z
Northern man by earth. and long 3 resi.
dent of the South, has just arrived here
bringing news from Mississippi and Mo-
bile so important and interesting that
hasten TO lay it before you. 1t may be
accepted as entirely worthy of conf
dence, and presents a very intelligent
and comprehensive view of the present
situation. The expedition under Gener-
al Sherman, last heard from east of ack.
son, Miss, will undoubtedly have force
of rebels to encounter at Canton, where
in August last, Gen. Loring's force was
stationed. This place is some twenty
miles north from jackson, on the great
Southern Railroad.
At Morton, Sc miles east of Jackson,
the enemy had no Notifications.
At Macon, Miss, still south of West
Point, on the Mobile and Ohio road, there
is a long bridge below the depot which
Is DfOfcNAcA cbvShnANos
At L2uderdale were the main or prin-
cipal hospitals of Gen. Justin's army.
Here were two bridges, one above and
one below the depot.
There was a siocka6e between Newton
and Ohunkey, and one on q small stream
near 0hunkey.
At Chunkey, y few miles from Meri-
dian, they have two large stocksdes on
the river side.
At 0kalons, Miss, the rebels have two
batteries, Ovens FOUNDER battery and
Buckuer's of 2-pOunders, the latter effec-
tive at distance of 500 to 1000 yards.
AZ Columbus, Miss. were stationed
Rice's and ThralPs batteries, about 60
men to each, company of cavalry de-
tached from Pillows force, (oow at or
near Jackson,) 4th Mississippi cavalry.
Columbus is fortified with some twenty
miles of substantial esrthworks, with ap-
propFiate forts and bitches. But it would
take $4,000 men to garrison the place
against any formidable assault No
smaller force could do much good for the
Confederates.
An engineer who had aided in erecting
the works remarked to my informant
that this place might do for resort for
Bragg and bis army in the event Of their
dislOdgement from their position near
Dalton.
Columbus is situated on the east side
Of the Tombigbee river, and is provided
with . splendid bridge connecting the
two shores. Near the western end of the
bridge are located two stockades, but
they are very small and rudely construct
ed, not capable Of holding more than 20
men. One hundred cavslrymen could
capture it. On the west or further end
Of the bridge there are also some stock
AIDES.
Two fording places are also fortified
or protected, one at the end of Main
street and one about three miles further
down the stream, below the town. The
town itself is not fortified at all. 1t is
recommended that our forces, when they
visit Columbus, should cross the Tombig-
bee, between the Cotton Gin and Aber-
deem. Columbus is q very important
spoint snd contains millions of dollars
worth Of the most valuable goods. Here
are located some extensive fOundries,
machine shops, and clothing and other
manufactures for the Confederate armies.
All the uniforms and clothing for John
ston's army was manufactured here.
There are extensive depois of Quarter
masters supplies at Columbus. The
place was in August commanded By
Ruggles. Ny informant says should our
forces want = guide they should INQUIRE
out one Grissem, who is well known, and
q negro boy-nsme forgotten who
works in . livery stable They know
the country and are 10 be relied upon.
At West Point, west Of Columbus
about twenty miles, there is an immense
region Of open country, or prairie, OF fer