New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-04-21
nominal, owing to scarcity. Sugar firm at ISL alsc
Molasses firm at SOC. for good.
The Capture Of Match. toches-Pursui OF the
RebeIs-A Fight md Defeat Of the En-

From Our Special Correspondent.
IN THE FIELD, April 2, 1864
Near Natchitoches, La.
The army under Gen. Banks having arrived
from various points at Alexandria Monday morning
March 2s Gen. Lee at the head Of his cavalry DIVISION
dashed ont in the direction of Natchtoches, where 1t
was supposed the enemy would be found in some iorce
Early on the following morning lie reached Zane
River and Immediately commenced the erection OF a
bridge Owing TO the width Of the stream, the inclen
ency OF the weather and other drawbacks 1t was not
completed until late at night when tho General crossed
oy er and moved to within short distance Of Naehi-
toches 25 miles distant On Thursday morning. he adj
yanced 20 the town. and was met by the enemy, whom
lie completely routed after brisk but short sklrnis
The Rebels lost or killed and wounded ana 20 prs
oners. Union loss none.
Gen. Dick Taylor commanded the Rebels. His force
was supposed TO number 900 men at least.
All day Friday Gen. Lee waited for the infantry ana
artillery TO come up and this morning, learning That
the Rebels falling back toward Pleasant Hi, ne
started in pursuit with the Isl Brigade, Col Lucas so
Brigade, Co Robinson; 18th Brigade Col Dudley. Inc
18th New.York Cavalry had the advance under COM
mand Of Major Bassford. After marching distance
Of IS miles Major Bassford came suddenly upon the
enemy posted in strong position ihey opened upon
him with artillery when the gallant Major mmediaiey
ordered q charge and the willing boys obeyed with
cheer At them they went their bright sabres CLEAN
ing in the sunshine. and the Rebels falling back rapidly
Major Bassord pursued them seven miles, killing ana
wonnding some and taking many prisoners. Fearful of
being cut off from the main body, the Major withdrew
from the pursuit but fought them gaanty until the ar
rival Of Col Lucas The Colonel was not long in COM
inc up and Immediately formed bis whole brigade in line
He moved forward a short distance, and met with
what promised TO be determined resstaqce but they
would not Withstand the fury of his onslaught and were
compelled to give way after very severe fight OF
abOut one hour.
The hottest of the fight took place at Crnmps Hill,
where the roads leading from Pleasant Hill and Fort
Jessup come together the Shreveport road and about
twelve miles distant from both the first named places.
Capt Rawes battery Of the 5th u: s Artillery took
very active and credtable pat in the hight
Col Dudley up with his eIgade III Tune 10 give
the Rebels few parting shots.
Col R6bnson's brigade was in the rear but is now on
the ground ready to take part in the action toorTow
If the Rebels see proper to accept the oet o. patle
and they may DO compelled 10 fight whether they Ike 1t
The fight took place in n densey wooded and uneven
country, known as the PiDey Woods and both cavalry
and artillery found IL difficult 10 operate
The force opposed to composed II the LIST and
"a Louisiana 5th It'll and Bray's Texas Cavalry, More
toms brigade and one battery Of artillery numbering
here last night, but moved on to Pleasant HiIl tins
morning. The Rebels have now all fallen back toward
Pleasant Hill where it is thought they will make o
stand.
Gen Lee was on the field and gave the direction Of
affairs in manner that convinced all parties that he
kpaw exactly what TO be done. and how to do H.
He seems determined that the laurels won ON other
fields shall wher fade and that if energy ability
courage and constant watchfulness are OF avail, an'
other star shall be added 10 the that already gtteI
his shoulder. He has not only opened the main roads
so far but he has sent expeditions right and left and
driven the guerrlas almost entirely from the country
Our loss was one private OF the l4th n. y. Cavalry
one private OF the ID Louisiana Cavalry two priyates OF
the "a Illinois Cavalry and private of the 10th In
diana Mounted Infantry.
Mary Rebels were killed and wounded, and about co
taken prisoners.
Our cavalry lost about 80 horses killed and wounded.
Gen Lee speaks in the highest terms OF the bravery
and skill of the officers and men engaged and Is per
fectly satisfied with the result Of the engagement.