Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1864-02-26
THK NEWS.

There is great activity in military affairs,
but as yet we have DO intelligence Of fighting
on an extensive scale. -
The most important movement known to
be IN progress is that which according to
general belief Is aimed at Mobile. Since
Gen. Sherman has penetrated the interior of
Mississippi but little has been heard from
him except through the rebels. Their &C
counts represent him as pushing boldly for
ward, thus far without serious hindrance, the
rebels having receded on his advance. He
had taken Meridian without opposition, and
last sdvices represented him as in possession
OF Selma, Alabama. The rebels say be has
thoroughly out-generaIed Polk, acknowledge
Mobile to be in extreme peril, declare his
movement to be one of the boldest of the war,
and that its success would be exceedingly disas-
trous to their cause.
While Sherman is operating north Of No
bile, a strong land and naval force is mena-
cling it from the south, and the latest rebel
dispatches say still another body troops is
approaching from the direction Of Pensacola.
The Governor Of the State has issued q proc
larnation ordering all non-combatants to leave
the city.
Advices from Knoxville and Chattanooga
are not important. There are reports that
Grants army is in motion, but they lack
confirmation, though it may be safely assumed
it will not long remain in its present position.
Longstreet's forces, lately menacing Knoxville,
are reported to have retreated south, but as
skirmithing still continues in the vicinity of
the city, it is doubtful if the reports are well
founded.
a large rebel force attempted to cross the
Tennessee river few days since. but we're
met by our cavalry and driven back with con-
siderable loss. Their design was a raid in
Northern Tennessee.
An expedition into the interior of Florida,
by portion of Gen. Gilmores command, led
by Gen. Seymour, had been up TO last adviees
highly successful. Rebel property to the val
ne Of over million dollars had been captured
and destroyed, many prisoners taken, and no
loss sustained on our side. The expedition is
understood to be aiming at Tallahasse, the
capital of the State, the base OF operations
being at Jacksonville.
A rebel force under Gen. Dick Taylor
made two attacks on our troops stationed op-
posite Natehez on the nth inst. Our forces
were at first outnumbered, but additional
regiments going to their aid, and the gun
boats taking part in the contest, the assaiants
we're repulsed with considerable loss.
The latest dispatches from Washington say
rumors are current that the Potomac army is
about to make an immediate advance against
Mead, but there is no reason to believe they
are well founded.
The last Richmond papers announce tie ad-
vance of formidable Union force sp The
Peninsula, and consequently regard their city
as again menaced but it is not very likely
that their fears are well founded, or their in.
formation in reference to formidable advance
very reliable
Nothing is doing at Charleston except {
continuation Of dispatches sent to the city b.
Gilmore's guns on Morris Island. The Mer
curry acknowledges that the constant dropping
ofthe shells is slowly but surely using u
that portion of the city subject to their vista
tions.
Desertions from the rebel army continu
without abatement, and the accounts Of al
who come within our lines concur in repre-
sentipg the affairs of the Confsderacy,
both civil and military, as being in desperat
condition.
The rebel Congress has adjourned till May
and the results of their secret sessions mad
public. Their CONSUMPTION bill is sweepin
in its application, but the power given to Da
Wis and Benjamin to make details leaves
loop-hole through which the rich and well
born will as usual find exemption from service
while the poor to man will be driven int
the ranks. Their action in regard to tn
currency amounts to wholesale repudiatio
and downright robbery; while their tax lav
is one which grumblers about " war taxes " il
the North would do well to scan. H.. g.
In Texas affairs seem to be quiet, and like
ly TO remain so for the present:
..