Late from, Cairo
--The City of Alton Affair.--It would appear from the following extract from a letter from Cairo, dated Tuesday, in the Cincinnati Enquirer, that the steamer City of Alton and her crew were not captured, as reported:The camp was considerably troubled yesterday morning at the non-arrival of the City of Alton, expected back the night before. As they only took one day's rations, it was deemed advisable to dispatch the steamer W. H. Brown with provisions and a company of infantry, under Col. Payne, for their relief.--Fortunately, they met the Alton eighteen miles above Cairo on her return, with all hands on board. Both boats arrived at 3 P. M., and were greeted enthusiastically by every one here. Their report is as follows:
They arrived at Commerce at 11 P. M., and immediately took up their march for the country. The Secession camp was reported to be fourteen miles back of Commerce, but on arriving at that point they were told that it was fifteen miles farther back. They kept on until they came to the place, and found the rebels, gone. Persons lying there reported that two hundred men had been in camp at that place, but had left about two days before. As the troops had marched nearly 30 miles without rest or food, the command camped there for a few hours, and after a general look at the country back, concluded to return, as there was a swamp of about nine miles to cross, over which the artillery could not pass.
The men were nearly worn out. Many of them gave out, and were lying along the road for miles. A great many returned without shoes, having thrown them away, preferring to walk barefooted. They all speak highly of the hospitable manner in which they were treated by the citizens of Commerce and Benton, both in Missouri. Although they found no one to fight, they took several prisoners at Commerce, who were accused of being traitors. They were all released except three, who are now here awaiting trial. Their names are as follows: Mr. Ellisen, Mr. Moss, and Arthur Newmar.
