eighty sharpshooters. The barges outside of it had a first layer in the bottom of empty watertight barrels, securely lashed, then layers of dry cotton-wood rails and cotton bales packed close. They were then floored over at the top, to keep everything in its place, so that a shot penetrating the outer barges must pass through twenty feet of rails and cotton before reaching the middle one, which carried the men and the guns. The arrangement of water-barrels and cottonbales was made in order that even if penetrated frequently by the enemy's shot, and filled with water, the outer barges could not sink.

It was my purpose when all was ready, to tow one or two of these batteries over the river to a point opposite New-Madrid, where swamps prevented any access to the river, and where the enemy, therefore, had been unable to establish his batteries. When near the shore, the floating batteries with their crews were to be cut loose from the steamer, and allowed to float down the river to the point selected for landing the troops. As soon as they arrived within a short range of it, they were to cast out their anchors so as to hold the barges firmly, and open fire upon the enemy's batteries.

I think that these batteries would have accomplished their purpose, and my whole force volunteered to man them. They were well provided with small boats, to be kept out of danger, and even if the worst happened, and the batteries were sunk by the enemy's fire, the men would meet with no worse fate than capture.

teries along the shore. The whole bank, for fif teen miles, was lined with heavy guns at intervals; in no case, I think, exceeding one mile. Entrenchments for infantry were also thrown up along the shore, between the batteries.

On his return up the river, Captain Walke silenced the enemy's battery opposite Point Pleasant, and a small infantry force, under Capt. L. H. Marshall, landed and spiked the guns. On the night of the sixth, at my urgent request, Commodore Foote ordered the Pittsburgh also to run down to New-Madrid. She arrived at daylight, having, like the Carondelet, come through without being touched. I directed Capt. Walke to proceed down the river at daylight on the seventh, with the two gunboats, and if possible, silence the batteries near Watson's Landing, the point which had been selected to land the troops, and at the same time, I brought the four steamers into the river and embarked Paine's division, which consisted of the Tenth, Sixteenth, Twentysecond, and Fifty-first Illinois regiments, with Houghtaling's battery of artillery. The land-batteries of thirty-two pounders, under Capt. Williams, First U. S. infantry, which I had established some days before, opposite the point where the troops were to land, were ordered to open their fire upon the enemy's batteries opposite as soon as it was possible to see them.

A heavy storm commenced on the night of the sixth, and continued, with short intermissions, for several days. The morning of the seventh was very dark, and the rain fell heavily until midOn the fifth of April the steamers and barges day. As soon as it was fairly light, our heavy were brought near to the mouth of the bayou batteries on the land opened their fire vigorously which discharges into the Mississippi at New- upon the batteries of the enemy, and the two gunMadrid, but were kept carefully out of sight of boats ran down the river and joined in the action. the river, whilst our floating batteries were being I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of Capt. completed. The enemy, as we afterwards learned, Walke during the whole of these operations. had received positive advices of the construction Prompt, gallant, and cheerful, he performed the of the canal, but were unable to believe that such hazardous service assigned him with signal skill a work was practicable. The first assurance they and success. About twelve o'clock M. he signalled had of its completion was the appearance of theme that the batteries near our place of landing four steamers loaded with troops, on the morning of the seventh of April.

As

were silenced, and the steamers containing Paine's division moved out from the landing and began On the fourth, Commodore Foote allowed one to cross the river, preceded by the gunboats. of the gunboats to run the batteries at Island No. The whole force designed to cross had been Ten, and Capt. Walke, U.S.N., who had volun-drawn up along the river-bank, and saluted the teered as appears from the Commodore's order passing steamers with shouts of exultation. to him-came through that night with the gun-soon as we began to cross the river, the enemy boat Carondelet. Although many shots were fired at him as he passed the batteries, his boat was not once struck. He informed me of his arrival early on the fifth.

commenced to vacate his positions along the banks and the batteries on the Tennessee shore, opposite Island No. Ten. His whole force was in motion toward Tiptonville, with the exception of On the morning of the sixth, I sent Gen. Gran- the few artillerists on the island, who, in the haste ger, Col. Smith of the Forty-third Ohio, and Capt. of the retreat, had been abandoned. As Paine's L. B. Marshall of my staff, to make a reconnois-division was passing opposite the point I occusance of the river below, and requested Captain Walke to take them on board the Carondelet, and run down the river to ascertain precisely the character of the banks and the position and number of the enemy's batteries.

The whole day was spent in this reconnoissance, the Carondelet steaming down the river in the midst of a heavy fire from the enemy's bat

pied on the shore, one of my spies, who had crossed on the gunboats from the silenced battery, informed me of this hurried retreat of the enemy. I signalled Gen. Paine to stop his boats, and sent him the information, with orders to land as rapidly as possible on the opposite shore and push for ward to Tiptonville, to which point the enemy's forces were tending from every direction. I sent

no force to occupy the deserted batteries opposite by seven thousand men; we have pursued and Island No. Ten, as it was my first purpose to cap-captured the whole force of the enemy and all his ture the whole army of the enemy.

supplies and material of war, and have again reAt eight or nine o'clock that night, (the seventh,) crossed and occupied the camp at New-Madrid, the small party abandoned on the island, finding without losing a man or meeting with an accident. themselves deserted, and fearing an attack in the Such results bespeak efficiency, good conduct, rear from our land-forces, which they knew had high discipline, and soldierly deportment of the crossed the river in the morning, sent a message best character, far better than they can be exto Com. Foote, surrendering to him. The divi-hibited in pitched battles or the storming of fortisions were pushed forward to Tiptonville as fast fied places. Patience, willing labor, endurance as they were landed, Paine leading. The enemy of hardship and privation for long periods, cheerattempted to make a stand several times nearful and prompt obedience, order and discipline, that place, but Paine did not once deploy his col-bravery and spirit, are the qualities which these umns. By midnight all our forces were across operations have developed in the forces under my the river and pushing forward rapidly to Tipton-command, and which assure for them a brilliant ville. The enemy retreating before Paine, and and successful career in arms. It is difficult to from Island No. Ten, met at Tiptonville during the express the feeling which such conduct has occanight in great confusion, and were driven back sioned me, fortunate enough to be the commander into the swamps by the advance of our forces, of such troops. There are few material obstacles until at four o'clock A.M. on the eighth, finding within the range of warfare which a man of courthemselves completely cut off, and being appa- age and spirit would hesitate to encounter with rently unable to resist, they laid down their arms such a force. and surrendered at discretion. They were so To the division and brigade commanders, whose scattered and confused that it was several days reports I transmit, I have the grateful privilege before anything like an accurate account of their of designating in detail the forces engaged in number could be made. these operations. Gens. Paine, Stanley, HamilMeantime I had directed Col. W. L. Elliott, ofton and Plummer crossed the river, together with the Second Iowa cavalry, who had crossed the a portion of General Granger's cavalry division, river after dark, to proceed as soon as day dawned under Col. W. L. Elliott, Second Iowa cavalry. to take possession of the enemy's abandoned To all these officers I am deeply indebted for works on the Tennessee shore, opposite Island their efficient and cordial aid in every portion of No. Ten, and to save the steamers if he possibly our operations. They conducted their division could. He reached there before sunrise that with eminent skill and vigor, and to them I am morning, (the eighth,) and took possession of the largely indebted for the discipline and efficiency of encampments, the immense quantity of stores and this command. Gen. Paine, fortunate in having supplies, and of all the enemy's batteries on the the advance, exhibited conspicuous gallantry and main land. He also brought in almost two hun- vigor, and had the satisfaction to receive the surdred prisoners. After posting his guards and render of the enemy. taking possession of the steamers not sunk or in- Gen. Palmer was posted, two days before the jured, he remained until the forces landed. As final operations, in support and in charge of the Col. Buford was in command of these forces, Col. battery below Tiptonville. Throughout he was Elliott turned over to his infantry force the pris-prompt and active in the discharge of his duties. oners, batteries, and captured property for safe keeping, and proceeded to cross the country in the direction of Tiptonville, along Reelfoot Lake, as directed.

Of Col. Bissell, of the Engineer regiment, I can hardly say too much; untiring and determined, no difficulties discouraged them, and no labor was too much for their energy. They have conIt is almost impossible to give a correct ac-ducted and completed a work which will be count of the immense quantity of artillery, ammunition, and supplies of every description which fell into our hands.

Three generals, two hundred and seventythree field and company officers, six thousand seven hundred prisoners, one hundred and twenty-three pieces of heavy artillery, all of the very best character and of the latest patterns, seven thousand stand of small arms, several wharf-boat loads of provisions, an immense quantity of ammunition of all kinds, many hundred horses and mules, with wagons and harness, etc., etc., are among the spoils. Very few if any of the enemy escaped, and only by wading and swimming through the swamps. The conduct of the troops was splendid throughout, as the results of this operation and its whole progress very plainly exhibit. We have crossed the great river, the banks of which were lined with batteries and defended VOL. IV.-Doc. 32

memorable in the history of this war. My own personal staff, Major Speed Butler, Assist. Adj.General, Major C. A. Morgan, and Captain L. H. Marshall, Aids O. W. Nixon, Medical Director, and Major J. M. Case, Inspector-General, rendered an important service, and were, in all respects, zealous and efficient.

Our success was complete and overwhelming, and it gives me profound satisfaction to report that it was accomplished without loss of life. JOHN POPE, Major-General Commanding.

REPORT OF COMMANDER WALKE.

UNITED STATES GUNBOAT CARONDELET,
OFF TIPTONVILLE, TENN., April 8.
SIR: In accordance with the instructions of
Gen. Pope, I received on board Gen. Granger
and staff, on the morning of the sixth ins ad

proceeded down the Mississippi River, opposite do justice to many of them, will require a more to this place, making an extensive reconnoissance. detailed letter. On our way down we exchanged a few shots with Most respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, some of the enemy's batteries on the Tennessee H. WALKE, shore, and on our way back we attacked two siegeCommander U.&N. guns, twenty-four-pounders, which had engaged

us.

We disabled and spiked these guns without receiving any injury. The remainder of the enemy's batteries fired upon us on our way to NewMadrid as long as we were within range.

To Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE,
Commander U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters.

Doc. 137.

OCCUPATION OF POCAHONTAS, ARK.

THE correspondent of the St. Louis Democrat, with Gen. Steele's column, writes from camp, within six miles of Pocahontas, under date of April twenty-sixth, as follows:

After my return to New-Madrid, Gen. Pope informed me of your intention to send another gunboat, and requested that I should go down the river, and destroy the remaining rebel batteries above Point Pleasant. At dawn the following morning, and after a given signal, he informed me he would land his ariny, and attack On Saturday, the twelfth of April, Col. Baker, that of the enemy at or near Island No. Ten. learning that some of the tents of "Bowlin's cav The Pittsburgh did not arrive till five o'clock alry" had been left at a point distant only about A.M.; but as the transports, one at least, were five miles from the ferry, despatched company D, under way with our troops on board, going down, of the Indiana cavalry, under the command of I got under way at half-past six o'clock, having Capt. G. P. Deweese, and Lieut. J. B. Talbot, ordered Com. Thompson, verbally and by signal, with company F, of the Ninth Illinois, under to follow my motions, and proceeded down to Capt. Mumford, placing both companies under the enemy's lower and heaviest battery, consist-command of Capt. Deweese, with orders to caping of one sixty-four-pounder, and two sixty-four-ture the tents. The day being very disagreeable, pound siege-howitzers. We opened a constant, deliberate and well-directed fire upon it, for three fourths of an hour, feebly assisted by our own batteries on shore, when the enemy slackened his fire. Shot passed through our fourth cutter and starboard quarter, cutting away the sheave of our wheel-rope, striking our stern-gun, and bounding over our stern.

About this time the Pittsburgh commenced firing at long range, as she came down. As soon as our steering gear was repaired, I gradually closed on the enemy, firing a shot now and then -the Pittsburgh, at a distance astern, throwing shell in a dangerous position across our bow, until the fort was deserted by the enemy. I spiked and disabled the guns of this fort, and I then proceeded up three hundred yards further, and found a sixty-four-pound siege - howitzer, dismounted. Still further up, I spiked another sixty-four-pound howitzer, and yet further, we found a fine sixtyfour-pound gun, on a pivot, spiked and deserted by the enemy, who had set fire to a private residence there, and upon whom we fired as they ran off. A large quantity of ammunition was left by them at each fort.

I then made the required signal, crossed over to our army, received further instructions from Gen. Pope, and covered their disembarkation on the Tennessee shore, at the captured fort, above Point Pleasant.

At evening, we steamed down to our camp, opposite the enemy's fort, at this place, headed the gunboats for the enemy's battery, until early this morning, when we got under way, and crossed over to Tiptonville, the enemy having disappeared.

The officers and crew of this vessel, during the trials and dangers of the battle, conducted themselves with admirable coolness and ability. To

there were but few persons on the road, and by rapid riding they succeeded, contrary to usual fortune, in reaching different houses before the news of their coming, and captured several prisoners. On reaching the camp where Bowlin's tents were, they captured them without molestation. At the same time, making inquiries of some of their prisoners, among whom was one direct from Pocahontas, they learned that a body of rebels, under the lead of a man named Rob erts, had been there for some days, but had left the day before, and there were no forces in the town at all, and no cannon. Col. Baker had given orders to attack Reeves if they met him, although not supposing that they would proceed beyond the site of Bowlin's camp. They determined then, in hopes that some of his men might be lingering in the town, or that his troop had returned, to push on to that place. Continuing on their march, and arresting all persons of doubtful character whom they met, they soon came within about three miles of the town. Suddenly a distant report, like that of a cannon, coming from the direction they were pursuing, startled them, and at first they thought they had been deceived by the prisoners, in order to lead them into a trap. The prisoners were assured that if this was the case they would be the first to suffer the consequences. They protested they had told the truth. One of them, however, suggested that as this was the day for the semi-weekly packet, it might have brought up cannon that very day. Upon consultation the officers determined to run the risk, declaring that at least they would get into the town, and if an enemy too strong for them should be found, at least some of them could get away to give the news. Ac cordingly the order was given to the men to take off their jackets, and with carbines all ready for

instant use, the troop was put to the gallop, and circumstances. Gen. Steele was expected at the in a few minutes reached the town at an hour ferry before noon to-day, with the long-wishedbefore sundown. No indications appeared as for baggage-train. As soon after his arrival as they entered of any hostile forces, excepting four may be possible, Col. Hovey's brigade will move men, mounted and armed, at a corner of one of forward, and all the brigades of the division will the streets, who at the sight of our men took to probably rendezvous at Pocahontas before the a precipitate flight. The officers gave the order middle of the ensuing week, except such reginot to fire, but to charge. The men, however, ments as may be ordered to press on still further, by some mistake, left out the very essential neg- as the Fifth Illinois cavalry have already done. ative, and fired a volley, doing no damage, but badly frightening the citizens, who in a moment left the streets bare and deserted.

Doc. 138.

ADVANCE TO YOUNG'S MILL, VA.

GEN. DAVIDSON'S OFFICIAL RFPORT.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SMITH'S DIVISION, CAMP NEAR LEE'S MILL, WARWICK RIVER, Va., April 12, 1862.

}

Capt. L. D. Carne, Ass't Adjutant-General:
SIR: Having been directed by the General
commanding the division to furnish a report of
the operations of my brigade from the fifth in-
stant to the present time, I respectfully state as
follows:

The advance of the division from Young's Mill was formed by my brigade, the Seventh Maine, Col. Mason commanding, being deployed as a line of skirmishers in front, with a section of Kennedy's battery, Lieut. Cowan, following the road. The Thirty-third New-York, Col. B. F. Taylor, Seventy-seventh New-York volunteers, Col. McKean, and the Forty-ninth New-York, Lieut.-Col. Alberger, in the order named, moving in rear of this advance in column.

A squad was despatched in pursuit of the four specimens of departed worth, one of whom was finally caught, being, as is affirmed, the "worst scared man ever seen in this district." The other three took to the thicket and escaped. In the mean time the remainder of the troops had taken peaceable possession of the town. The report proved to have been the firing of an anvil in token of their rejoicing over the confederate "victory" at Pittsburgh, of which the news had just been received. The officers informed them that their men were hungry and had nothing to eat; whereupon a plentiful supply of the best the town could afford was brought out and spread before them. None of the inhabitants seemed to feel any very hostile sentiments, while many of them appeared rather glad of the change of occupants. The troops captured, among other items, thirty prisoners, one hundred and fifty bushels of corn, and one hundred and sixty barrels of flour, belonging to the confederate army, and forty barrels of whiskey, which the secesh owner had hidden on the bank of the river, ready to be carried off by two barges lying there for that pur- About four miles from Young's Mill, at eleven pose. The editor of the village paper was arrest- A.M., the enemy's pickets were driven in, exed while endeavoring to escape, and his press, al- changing occasional shots with our skirmishers; ready boxed up for removal, captured. He had and a mile further on, through dense woods, we just returned from the little town of Ozark, in came in sight of an open space of the position of this State, and reported that Gens. Van Dorn the enemy's line of earthworks in our front. and Thompson had been there, but had gone to The Seventh Maine, as skirmishers, were halted Memphis. Price was there with his troops, mus- in the edge of the wood, about nine hundred and tering about eight thousand, and was only wait- fifty yards from the works, the section of artiling for the arrival of the forces belonging to the lery placed in battery, and the Thirty-third, Sevcommands of Thompson and Van Dorn, who were enty-seventh, and Forty-ninth New-York State ordered to report to him, when he and the army volunteers, formed rapidly in line under the fire would follow to Memphis, whither they were or- of the enemy's shell and canister. The left of dered. If this report be true, there is no force the Seventh Maine were in an exposed position, of the enemy to oppose us in this State, and to being about five hundred yards from the smaller cross swords with our antagonists, we shall have work, but partly concealed by the woods. Wheelto follow them to the Mississippi River. The ed-er's battery, which followed my brigade, came itor was released on his parole of honor not to leave or attempt to remove his press.

A week ago to-day, Col. Carlin's brigade moved to this place and took formal possession, and now the United States flag floats from the roof of the Court-House. When I reach the place I will write you more about it, and our probable movements. The report alluded to in my last, that Col. Carlin had been attacked and retreated, arose from the simple fact that for the sake of a more eligible position, he had changed the location of his camp to a distance of about a mile and a half from its former site. He has not retreated, and probably has no idea of doing so under present

into position on the right and left of our road, and opened on the enemy. My aid-de-camp, Lieut. Long of the Thirty-third New-York, who had climbed a tree for observation upon our left. reporting to me that two regiments were moving down upon our left flank, Lieut.-Col. Alberger, Forty-ninth New-York, was thrown back at an obtuse angle with the rest of my line to meet their intentions. With these disposals, we awaited the arrival and reconnoissance of Gen. Smith.

The troops of my brigade maintained their position as above stated until seven o'clock of the evening of the seventh, when they were withdrawn about one mile further in the rear.

My casualties are as follows:

April 5.-One private of the Seventh Maine, and one of the Forty-ninth New-York killed, and two privates of the Seventh Maine, and one of the Forty-ninth New-York wounded.

April 6.-Three privates of the Forty-ninth New-York wounded severely; one officer, Lieut. George Gale, of the Thirty-third New-York, seriously wounded; one of the Seventy-seventh seriously wounded.

April 7.-One private of the Seventh Maine seriously wounded; one of the Seventy-seventh seriously wounded.

April 8.-One private wounded, Thirty-third New-York volunteers.

April 11.-One corporal, Seventh Maine, killed, and one private wounded.

The Forty-ninth regiment and a company of the Thirty-third New-York, the latter under command of Lieut.-Col. Corning, were much exposed to the fire of the enemy's rifle-pits while we lay in position.

I regret to state that Lieut. Swan, company A, and Bugler Brown, company D, Seventh Maine volunteers, were captured by the enemy on the fifth inst., being separated from their command by a swamp while skirmishing.

of the great West have added new laurels to those which they had already won on numerous fields. 2. While congratulating the troops on their glorious successes, the Commanding General desires to impress upon all, officers as well as men, the necessity of greater discipline and order. These are as essential to the success as to the health of the army, and without them, we cannot long expect to be victorious; but with them, we can march forward to new fields of honor and

glory, till this wicked rebellion is completely crushed out, and peace restored to our country.

3. Major-Gens. Grant and Buell will retain the immediate command of their respective armies in the field. By command of Maj.-Gen. HALLECK. N. H. M'CLEAN,

OFF WILMINGTON ISLAND, GA., April 17, 1862. Lieut. W. L. M. Burger, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Headquarters United States Forces, Tybee Island, Ga.:

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following for the information of the General commanding :

I desire to bring specially to the notice of the General the cheerfulness, obedience, and fortitude of the regiments of my brigade, lying as they did for fifty-four hours under the close artillery-fire of the enemy, two nights exposed to a violent Escorted by seven companies of the Eighth storm, without an opportunity of exchanging a Michigan volunteers, commanded by Col. Fenton, shot, except from light field-pieces, and bearing- and a small detachment of the Rhode Island arsome regiments of it-thirty-six hours' duty as tillery, I embarked on the steamer Honduras, at skirmishers to the front, and willing for more. I Goat's Point, about eight o'clock yesterday mornthink the general commanding the division may ing, for the purpose of making a reconnoissance of well be proud of them, as I am, and trust to the Wilmington Island. successful exhibition of their other soldierly qualities when we meet the enemy closer.

I have no distinction to make among the regiments of my brigade. The duties of some were necessarily more arduous than those of others, and led them into more exposed positions; but when all behaved alike with the greatest coolness, gallantry, obedience, and fortitude, they are all equally deserving of my warmest gratitude and confidence, and I desire so to present them to the commanding general.

I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

J. W. DAVIDSON,
Brigadier-General.

Proceeding through Lazaretto Creek, Tybee River, and Wilmington Narrows to Scriven's plantation, two companies, (G and B,) about one hundred and fifteen men, under the command of Capt. Pratt, were landed, with orders to march at once to the south-west end of the island, skirting Turner's Creek on the right, so as to cover the boat party which was to follow that stream to Wilmington River. Ascending to the junction of Oakland and Turner's Creeks, the balance of the command, in all about three hundred men, was landed at Gibson's plantation.

The first company ashore was directed to move at once to the south-west end of Whitemarsh Island, skirting Turner's Creek, and with instructions to leave a small picket at the intersection of the roads leading from Gibson's and Oakland's to Turner's, till another company should arrive at that point. A third company was to be thrown out on the road to the ferry at Canan's Bluffs, to protect the boat party up Oakland Creek. The two remaining companies were to be held in reserve at Gibson's plantation.

Lieut. Caldwell and sixteen men of the Rhode Island volunteers, with one light six-pounder, were left in charge of the steamer. The gun could not be landed on account of the inability of the boat to lie alongside of the landing.