The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-11-18
FROM THE TENNESSEE RIVER,
The Latest from the Situation NJ
JOhpsOnvllle.
Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.

Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.
CAIRO, Nov. 10.-Major General A. J.
Smiths command has arrived at Paducah.
Its destination is unknown, and news of
it was contraband. 1t is thought probably
there will be a change of commanders in
that district, and it is rumored that Gen.
Meredith will command the State of Ken
lucky.
The storm preventing its transmission
earlier, the following reaches US one day
late, but it will be found of interest:
By the arrival at Paducah on Monday of
gunboat No. 10 (Ourlew), Captain 81. B.
O'Neal, which left Green Bottom Bar, six
miles below Johnsonville, we have news
up to three O'Clock in the afternoon of the
9th inst. At that time Captain Fitch, with
our gunboats Nos. II, Is, 81, SO, "a and
80, was lying at the foot of Green Bottom
Bar, unable to proceed further on account
of heavy batteries which the rebels had
planted on the west side of the river, COM
pletely commanding the channel, which
at this point runs in close to the shore,
and is so narrow that but one gunboat can
enter at the same time, and on account of
the particular conformation of the locality,
cannot engage the battery until it has
reached point directly in front, and with
in half pistol shot.
The rebel battery consists Of four thirty
FOUNDER rif1ed guns and three 12-pounder
hOwitzers, strongly posted behind very eff
1ective earthworks. This battery is sup
ported by large infantry force, which
precludes the possibility of landing a
storming party with effect. The rebels
have also formidable battery erected i'm
mediately opposite Johnsonville, complete
ly commanding the river and for some three
miles above, but as yet it is not known
that any portion have crossed the river to
the eastern side of the stream.
This arrival confirms the recapture of
the Venus, transport, by Captain King, of
80, on Thursday last; also the destruction
of the Undine, Key West, Tapwah and
Elm, and eight transports whose names
are unknown. He also captured over 200
rounds of ammunition which fitted go
pound guns-a very important acquisition
to the defences of the fort. The trans
port Venus had been fitted up by Forrest
as gunboat and headquarters, with bull
warks Of cotton bales, and was mounted
with four beautiful riRed SO-pound Parrot
guns, which Capt. King had removed to
the fort before he burned the vessel. The
Undine was destroyed by Forrest to pre-
vent her from being recaptured, and 9th
ers, including other transports, were de-
stroyed by our forces to prevent their
falling into rebel hands, when it was found
their position was untenable and escape
impossible.
The rebels have not ut present any
steamers, nor isssast thought that they have
any considerable means of crossing to
Johnsonville, since King is in command of
the artillery of the fort, which is manned
by gunners from the destroyed fleet.
There are now neither gunboats or
transports above Green Bottom bar, but it
is believed that the fort can easily with
stand any attack which Forrest can make
upon it. The situation of affairs will
necessarily make the destruction of large
amount of government stores imperative,
but no fears need be entertained for the
safety Of the fort or garrison.