Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
Capt. Ericsson’s new “Obstruction Remover,” or “Devil,” four of which machines were recently started for Port Royal, only one, however, reaching its destination, the remainder being lost in a gale, Is admirably adapted to the protection of our vessels against torpedoes. A contemporary describes the “Devil” as follows:
New York, April 4. —A letter to the Cincinnati Gazette, gives some particulars of the recent fight near Somerset, Ky. The rebels were overtaken four miles north of Somerset. Gen. Carter in command of eight hundred mounted men, had reached Buck Creek, when Gen. Gilmore, with his body guard, and the seventh Ohio cavalry reached him, increasing our force to twelve hundred. Skirmishing then commenced at Button’s Hill, twelve miles from Somerset. The rebels took up a strong position, and planted batteries. It was about noon. An artillery fight began, and lasted about an hour and a half. We dismounted three of the rebel guns. The wings were then ordered to advance. Wolford on the right, did so, and he was wounded.
Rumored Capture of Port Pemberton.
Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune
Washington, March 23, 1863.
A dispatch from Columbus, Ky., received from competent hands, reports, on the authority of a captain belonging to John Morgan’s staff, the capture of Ft. Pemberton, on the Tallahatchie river, by the Yazoo expedition, with a few prisoners.
We are kindly permitted to make an extract from a private letter, from a gentleman in the South to his near relative in this State, the lesson of which we commend to that class of our fellow-citizens who feel a deep concern lest the action of the government, in vigorously prosecuting the war, should prejudice the Union men of the South, and lead them to make common cause with the rebels. Though we do not choose to give the name or exact locality of the writer, or to give any due to his present whereabouts, we will state that he is a native of Maine, of Democratic antecedents, a graduate of one of our New England colleges, that be studied a profession, went South where he engaged in teaching, finally married into the family of a wealthy cotton planter, and at the time the rebellion broke out, he was engaged in a lucrative legal practice.
Stirring news may be expected from the lower Mississippi, by the way of New Orleans, shortly. Correspondents at that city state that preparations have been made for an immediate attack on Port Hudson, troops and munitions having already been moved in that direction. The attack is to be made by land and by water. General Banks commanding in person. He left New Orleans for Baton Rouge on the 7th instant, in company with General Grover.
A skirmish occurred near Bolivar, Tennessee, on Monday, the 9th instant, in which the Confederates were defeated, and eighteen taken prisoners. The official report of General Rosecrans of the recent scouting expedition states that one hundred and fourteen prisoners were taken.