Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-02-05
THE DEso1ArroN OF CHARLESTON.

worth street nearly all the houses arc
demolished or greatly damaged, while the
earth and pavements are ripped up il
all directions. All the hotels are so much
damaged as TO be closed, except the Pa,
wilton, which charges $l5 per day fol
board. There are but two boarding hou
SEES open, which charge Sc per day. The
effects OF the Smelling on Christmas day
were dreadful. A number of people
were injured, and one lady killed. The
people were thrown into panic. The
IiberniaG hall was demolished, all the
banks and the posi- office are damaged
and the newspaper offices ar removed tc
the extremities Of the city. All articles
have reached fabulous prices. The Tn
ion sentiment is quite strong and is on the
increase. The treatment of Union pris-
oners is brutal. The CONSUMPTION takes
every man not foreigner or an incapa-
BILE. There we're forty batteries around
: the city and reinforeements of troops
were daily arriving in large numbers.
| SUPPLY TRAINS CAPTURED.-A spe-
cial dispatch on Sunday says that Thurs
day night train of so wagons was sent
out from New Creek with commissary
stores for the garrison at PETERSBURG
Accompanying the train was an escort Of
800 men under Col. Snyder. When
three miles south of Williamsport the
train was attacked at different points by
concealed rebels, 2500 strong. A hard
fight ensued, lasting over four hours,
at the expiration of which time we Lad
about so killed aud wounded. The en-
'emy's loss was said to be 100. The reb-
els had four pieces Of artillery. A por-
ioE of the train was saved. On hearing
of the engagement, Col. Mulligan sent
reinforcements to Snyder. Mulligan re-
ceived information from Col. Thorburn
that Petersburg was again being threat
ened and that Early was reported to have
moved in force on Wednesdayglast from
the neighborhood of Harrsonburg The
rebel generals Rosser and Gilmore are
said to be again in the saddle, and limbo
den is also reported moving. Gen. Kel-
ley is making arrangements to counterfeit
the enemy's movements. Dispatches re-
ceived at The war department from Ger.
Xelley's command state that on Saturday
afternoon a supply train, while on the
way 70 Petersburg, was attacked by the
rebel force undor Rosser and, after a Sc
we're resistance on the part of the escort,
was captured by the rebels. Gen. KEEL
ley at once dispatched a force in pursuit
of the enemy, but no reports were heard
of him dn to Sunday night.
PETERSBURG EvAcUATED.--Th
command of Col. Thorburn, which com. y
prised the garrison of Petersburg, are
now all safe. Late Saturday night he l
evacuated his position in consequence of i:
information that the enemy in a
arge force would attack him at daylight n
Sunday morning. The enemy did attack o
Petersburg on Sunday morning with ar
illery. They made regular approaches S
md finally charged, but found no oppo- P
iing force. Col. Thorburn was within II
rearing with bis retreating column. Mil ?
tary affairs are now considered encour- e
'ging. The weather is bad, threatening r
ain. Gen. Milroy made a speech at Il
Cumberland, Sunday, and took an en- 81
view Of things. P
THE SITUATION AT KNoxvILLE.- Il
The Nashville Union of the 23d predicts P
bat the next great battle will occur near FL
Knoxville. 1t has authentic information te
hat every train from North Virginia g
ONES loaded with troops from Lees ar pI
ny; and that these legions are immedi- fl
tely added to the force now under Long hi
treet. at is even believed by many 10
hat Lee himself, feeling the absolute
ecessity for the re-occupation of East r,
tennessee, will leave his old command -
or what will remain of it-and take -
barge of the campaign in the region of N'
knoxville. He and jeff Davis argue i"
lis way If Tennessee is not reposses. P0
I'd, Richmond must be abandoned; if in pa
Longstreet's army the capital N
lost it may be regained, provided the a"
'sault on Grant is successful; and there ~
a chance that Meade, like some of his '''
may remain inactive, with ol'
1t small force confronting him, and in do
lat event, Knoxville may be retaken, wa
I'd Richmond saved. We only hope the
beis will make an early attack on Eos de'
RS command. Nothing would be more pre-
atifying to those who understand the Inc
sposition and strength of our forces ing
fensive operations on the part of Long