Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-02-19
MISCELLANEOUS DISPATCHES.

Cincinnati Times writes, under date of 2gth |
ult., as follows:
1.-The general opinion is, that the expedi- !
ton will march to Meridian, where the rebels |
are said to be in some force but no one
knows this positively, and it would not be
surprising il the march would be continued
until more distant point is reached. There
is one thing certain, namely, this is to be no
feint, such as McPherson's advance toward
canton in October last was.
Rebels in Eastern Mississippi will find
their long repose broken when thirty thou
sand Union boys 90 that way. II seem
that the rebels have already 'smelled a rat
for within some time past they have been
marvelously scarce in the neghborhood of
Black River, where they abounded in such
numerous quantities during the latter part of
the summer and fall.
1t is currently reported among those who
pretend to know, that, as soon as this expedi-
ton has passed Jackson, Mcpherson will es-
tablish his headquarters at that place. The
knowing ones, however, are not iniallible,
and as i. will take long time to establish
communication between Nicksburg and Jack
son, by railroad. such thing may not be
contemplated by the authorities, since it
would be hercuean task to supply, by
wagon trains, as large an army as 1t would
require to hold that place.
But that Jackson will become McPherson's
hearters, during the coming spring, or early
part of the summer, is highly probable, for
we have evidence that the railroad is to be
rebuilt. Already large piles Of iron are ac-
cumulating at the depot, and as there is no
road where it could possibly be needed, ok
cept the one to Jackson, we must naturally
suppose that is where it will be used"
1t is stated by another correspondent that
although Cointh and Fort Pillow were evac-
uated in order to strengthen the expedition,
the country in its rear is not left unprotected.
The rapid influx OF Northern recruits and the
organization Of colored commands, rendered
the withdrawal OF large portion of the troops
perfectly safe. Fort Pillow will soon be oc-
cupied by colored or native Tennessee troops.
1t now appears that Gen. A. j Smiths expe-
dition to jackson. Tenn although ostensi-
bly, in pursuit of rebel Gen. Forest and his
army, was really to drive him southwark in
to Mississippi, so that our forces might oc-
cupy the country he would vacate, and clear
the country Of guerrillas, all Cf which was
accomplished.
CAIRO, Feb. IA.
The steamer Platte Valley hae returned
and the other transports and gunboats with
Porter and Sherman's expedition were al
tackled on the 5lh inst. by force Of 5000
Texans, who with artillery and musketry mr.
ed into the transports, wounding SIX soldiers.
A fight ensued in which portion OF our IN
iantry and the gunboats participated, and
which resulted in dislodgng and driving the
enemy, with what loss is unknown. Eight
4 Al .l..l
The llth Ills. Vols. with negro cavalry and
inf'Dtry were engaged. The enemy were also
driven from Mechanicsvile without loss to us.
A sick negro soldier belonging TO Colonel
Woods command, who had struggled from
his regiment was murdered by the rebels. A
lieutenant and two priv4tes who committed
the deed were captured, and Col Wood in
retaliation had them blind folded, and caused
them to kneel on the dead body of the negro
they had murdered. when they were shot.
Sr LOUIS. Feb. 10.
The Memphis Bulletin publishes a card
signed by three hundred Of the best citizens
of that city, addressed to the people of Ten
nessec, upon the subject of the reorgsniza-
ton Of the State and re-establishing relations
with the national government. 1t recommends
immediate and unconditional mancipation as
the best and truest policy and only alterna-
tive, and calls upon all to support the same
by meeting at Memphis on the 22d inst.
New YORK, Feb Is.
The Hcralds Army Of the Potomac dis
patch of the 18th says:
Mosby has been dashing upon and skirm-
ishing with our pickets near Manassas this
morning and evening, but cavalry force has
gone out IN pursuit of him and may bring the
MAJOR in on a stretcher. 1t is reported that
two or three of our pickets were killed.
An immense 20 inch bore Rodman gun was
east at Pittsburgh, Pa, on the lth. II will
carry a solid shot Of one thousand pounds or
shell of seven hundred and fifty pounds. Re
port says it is to be mounted on one of the
forts in New York harbor.
Chattanooga dispatch of the 18th says -
There was II great atfray in Johnston's army
on the 9Th inst The 2nd Kentucky regiment
refused DidSss, to be conscripted, and were
placed under guard of the 3rd Alabama. Col.
Woodwa Maj. Lewis, and three captains Of
the 2nd Kentucky fred revolvers into the
Alabama regiment, killing and wounding four
Both regiments broke in disorder.
The Herald's Washington dispatch says:
II is reported to military authorities In Wash
ington that troops from Gen. Lees army, and
Beauregard's at Charleston. are being sent to
other points in the Confederacy, probably to
Mobile, Atlanta and Knoxville.
The Worlds New Orleans letter of the 9TH
inst says A civilian went up the railroad
the other dey and has just returned He re-
ports that there is large confederate force
beyond Franklin, reputed as high as $4,000
men, which is doubtless triple the number in
that quarter.
The following dated Chattanooga, Feb. IL,
is Of interest:
Gen. Logan left Huntsville, Ala, some
days ago with the 18th Army Corps, to act in
conjunction with Gen. Sherman.
The cavalry expeditions under Gems Grier-
son and Smith, crossed the country from CO.
rinth moving southwardly.
1t is understood that these columns are in
tended to act in conjunction. the one TO at
tack and the other to cut off Folks retreat
and disperse the cavalry OF Forrest, reported
as securing Central and Northern Mssissip-
pi.
The army at Chattanooga at this time is in
motion for Tunnel Hill aud Dalton. Its
movements may have been delayed by cir
cumstances unknown to US, but it is under
marching oyders.
The Navy department has received the fol-