Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-04-01
MISCELLANEOUS DISPATCHES.
CAIRo, H., March 26

CAIRO, ILL.,, March rs.
Reports were circulated here this morning
that the rebele under Forrest attacked Padu-
cab, KY, so miles above here. yesterday, and
burned part of the town, but as telegraphic
communication is cut off. no authentic in
formation could be obtained
Steamer Titan from Nashville, passed Pa
ducah at six this morning, and the Joseph
Pearce, which passed three hours later, brings
the following account of the affair:
Gen. Forrest with an estimated force Of
5000 captured the place at o'clock yester-
day afternoon and sacked and burned the city
Col Micks, commanding the post, occupied
the fort below the city with about 500 men.
The rebels made four assaults on the fort
and were repulsed each time. Three of our
gunbosts opened on the city during its occu-
patton by the enemy, much of which wss
burned, including the marine railway and the
steamer Arizona, the wharf boat. About
5000 of the inhabitants Of the city moved
across the river upon learning of the approach
Of the rebels.
When the Pearce passed this morning the
enemy had left. The people were returning
to the city.
The amount of public and private property
captured is unknown at present, but is sup
posed to be large.
Our loss is twelve killed and forty wound
ed. From $50 to 800 rebels are reported
killed among them Gen. Thompson.
Twenty-Five houses around the fort were
destroyed by our troops. as they we're used
by the rebel sharpshooters as a screen. The
headquarters and government storehouses
were burned by the enemy.
The associated Press reporter has gone to
al
the earliest moment
CAIRO, ILL.,, March ~
dispatch from Columbus, KY, says -
Forrest and Faulkner are between that place
and May6eld Their forces are in crippled
condition. Their strength is much greater
than at first estimated.
From 200 to 500 wounded are said to
have arrived at Mayfeld from Paducah. One
regiment lost one hundred men, and one com
pany had fifty killed.
At last accounts the rebels were marching
toward Clinton. Should they attack Column
bus they will meet warmer reception than
at Paducah.
The steamer Perry was fred into while
passing Hickman yesterday. A large num-
Der of rebels were in town. Many shots
were fred but nobody on board was hurt.
The steamer Graham brought up 600 men
from New Madrid, who charged through the
town, but the rebels had fed. They belonged
TO Faulkner's command.
Three hundred rebels were killed at Padu-
cab, and over 900 wounded. Several resi-
dents of the city were killed during the fight.
The city is nearly in ruins.
wAsHINGroN. March 2s,-l2 NJ.
Gen. Grant is busily employed in wedding
out the incompetent Generals in the Army Of
the Potomac.
A we'll known gentleman on Saturday ask
ed Secretary Stanton why one general was
sent to Cairo. He replied that it was be-
bause he was unfit for any command. He al
80 said that he had lao objection to the dupli-
cation Of this opinion.
NV YORK, March 2s.
Il. A. Paul writes to the Times that the reb-
ell Gen. Stuart had recently made extensive ar
engagements for the destruction OF the Orange
g. Alexandria Railroad, but his plans were
frustrated by the promptnoss OF orr cavalry
under Gen. Pleasanton.
Col. Bryant while watching them, captured
over forty of the rebels, destroyed rebel tan
neries, full of hides, four grist mills, a saw
mill aud large number of RATS and boats to
be used by Stuart in crossing the river.
The Worlds dispatch says there are very
few officers in the city, all having been imper-
atively ordered to the front. Gems. Custer
and Fitzpatrick are here.
Gen. Grant favors the employment OF all
inactive Generals, and both Fremont and Nc
Clellsn will soon have commands.
Some think Gen. Grant will leave for the
West as soon as the army of the Potomac Is
re-orgarized.
The Times dispatch says Gen. Grant states
that when the organization of the army is
completed, it will be the finest army on the
continent.
1t is stated that the President has sent for
Gen. Fremont to give him an important com
mand.
The Posts Washington dispatch says Gen.
Grant returned TO the army Of the Potomac
this morning.
II il stated that an attempt will soon be
made in Congress to reduce the volume of
currency by taxing the circulation of State
Banks.
Three hundred and thirty FIVE rebel officers