The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-03-23

Grant from Columbia, we conceive to be
puer,le to withhold, and therefore lay them
before our readers.
The Virginian says that the Yankee div.
ision sent in that direction followed the
Orange and Alexandria railroad as far as
Buffalo river, burning the railroad bridge at
that point. Every bridge between Char.
lotteville and Buffalo, distance of more
than 40 miles has been destroyed and
much Of the track torn up, though the ex-
tent Of damage has not been ascertained.- -
The nearest approach they made 10 Lynch
burg vaA New Glasgow, IL miles distant,
where small party Of them burned the
railroad depot.
On Wednesday . party, estimated at
from 2,00o u 5000 appeared at Bent Creek
supposed to be making for the south side Of
the James FLYER. The fine bridge over the
river being burnt on their approach, they
contented themselves with tonf caFsss upon
our reserves, who were stationed on the
other side of the river. They burned the
boa. of the James River Company. At Bent
Creek they had captured four ofour scouts
that were left in the hands OF an eqanf NUN.
Der of their troops, who, being cut off from
the main force by the burning Of the Tye
river bridge, gave themselves up as then
prisoners and were brought to this city
The raiders burned every mill they could
find along the James river, destroyed all the
tobacco and tobacco houses. and carried
away oil the horses and negroes they could
lsv their hands upon. 1t is said about 800
Yankees crossed the river opposite ColHn.
bia on Friday. but retreated to the north
side. IT.
The Republican Of to-day says the raid.
ers commenced at Bent Creek the work of
destruction to the canal. Every lock on the
canal ,s said to have been destroyed. In
several places the banks have been blown
away. The destruction Of private property
along the route of the raiders il represented
% be immense. The people were stripped
Of horses, negroes, and meat and bread.
and many were left without morsel Of
food. ~ d..
Danv,lle and North Carolina exchanges
received yesterday throw some light on the
situation of affairs in North Carolina. The
following are extracts Fa- Oh
Our forces have probably withdrawn
from Kingston. and may be preparing to
evacuate Goldsboro.
The Raleigh Standard Of the same date.
the 18th, says: Fayetteville was occupied
several days since by the enemy in force.
1t Is reported that the cotton factories were
burned. Kingston is nov in possession Of
the enemy, and Goldsboro is seriously
threatened. Our troops have contested the
ground at various points with their accus-
toned courage and Endurance We believe
the forces Of the. enemy will be met at some
point south Of Raleigh. "
The Danville Register Of Wednesday, re-
marks that recent movements Of Sherman
and Sheridan have greatly decreased the
numbers Of newspapers published in the
country.
To-day we have added Fayetteville to the
list Of cities that have fallen into our hands.
Hardee, said to have 90 900 men. withdrew
across the river yesterday. and last night he
Ia reported en- route for Raleigh The rebels
skirmished on Ne town and fired artillery
upon the houses occupied by women and
children They burned bridge at this
place. and removed all the public stores by
railroad they could. 'S' 3Hs
Sherman is here and web. Many Of the
men are wanting shoes and clothing. yet the
army never was in better condition. a
o. @. HowARD.
re Major Gen.
1a WAR DEPARTMENT..
WAsHINGroN, March, 16.
To Major General DIX:
The following dispatch has been received
this evening at the Department:
City Point, March Is
Hon. G. A. Dana. Asst Sec al War:
am just in recent Of a letter from Cen
eral Sherman, the 18th, from Fayetteville.
He describes his army as In fne health and
spirits. having met with no serious opppsi-
ton. Hardee keeps in front at respect.
full distance At Columbia he destroyed an
arsenal the railroad establish