From Kentucky.
Federal troops beyond Green River — dissatisfaction among them — petition for the release of ex-governor Morehead, &c.
The special correspondence of the Nashville (Tenn.) Union and American communicates some interesting items to that paper, under date of "Bowling Green, Oct. 22," extracts from which we publish below.
The Federal forces between Nolin and Elizabethtown, distance of twelve miles--is estimated at not over 8,000 men, while the entire force including those at Lebanon on the line to Louisville does not exceed 18,000 men, some however estimate the force as high as 25,000, my figures are obtained from a gentleman who left Louisville, last Saturday and no doubt approximate to the exact number.--Rousseau's forces are, in the main, from Ohio and Indiana, among whom considerable dissatisfaction exists, owing to the indifference manifested by Kentuckians as to their success. To add to the fend, Gen. Rousseau is very unpopular among the soldiery, it having been intimated that the forces would not go into battle under him. Gen. Sherman, however, has promised that whenever an engagement occurs, he will command the column intended to sweep all before them.
About one thousand cavalry passed through Elizabethtown on Sunday, on their way to Nolin. They are represented as being miserably equipped, over one half of them riding bare-back.
Charles Briggs, Esq., law partner of ex-Governor Charles S. Morehead, arrived here to-day from Louisville, via Cloverfort. He represents that petitions were being circulated and numerously signed in Louisville by the Union men for the release of Gov. Morehead and R. H. Durrett, Esq., formerly of the Louisville Courier. The petitions were being signed by all to whom they were presented, and it is more than probable that both gentlemen will be released.
Hon. T. C. Hindman, ex-member of Congress from Arkansas, arrived here to-day from Richmond, having been appointed a Brigadier General in the Confederate army, and assigned to duty under General Johnston.--General Hindian is a young man of extraordinary capacity and eminent ability; his appointment reflects credit upon the Department, and will redound to the welfare and success of the cause. General Hardee, who has been in command of the Arkansas, forces, has been appointed a Major General and ordered to this Department. He is one among the most efficient officers in the service, and as a tactician is second to none in the world.
What the determination of those in command here is, of the disposition to be made of the troops of this division, I cannot knowingly speak, but would not be disappointed if an advance was made upon Muldraugh's Hill, where the Lincolnites are reported as being strongly fortified.
Muldraugh's Hill is a continuation of the Cumberland range of mountains, terminating in a bold bluff at the Ohio river, in Hardin county, and now invested at its principal passes by Federalists. It presents no strategic importance or natural strength, as far as the forward movements of the Confederate forces now congregating here, and which constitute the central division of this army, are concerned.
Had the Southrons entered the State in time to have planted batteries at such crossings as would be used in travel to and from Louisville, and also on the plateau commanding that portion of the range through which the great tunnel of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad passes, comparatively small forces could have maintained themselves against largely superior number. The ascent from the Northern side of the hill is very abrupt and under command of long range, while the approach from the South is over tableland, rendering the attitude scarcely perceptible until arriving at its very crest. Had the limited number of troops however, which General Buckner had with him on first arriving here been thrown forward at that time, there would have been no reason to believe other than that with the road to Lebanon in their possession, Sherman and Rousseau could have at once placed their forces in his rear thereby cutting off all communication with the "Volunteer State," through which the main army, artillery, stores, etc., forming this division, would have to pass.--The temporary occupation, therefore, of the country North of Green river, by the heterogeneous band of foreign mercenaries composing Sherman's and Rousseau's brigades, hounded on and aided in their depredations by a few Kentuckians, yclept "Union men," has been unavoidable.
The true people of that section, however, are represented in the Confederate army here by many of their bravest and best, who, under the guidance of able commanders, are rapidly becoming familiar with the soldier's duties, and will joyfully move forward, when, in the judgment of the distinguished military chieftain directing operations here, the opportune time shall have arrived to advance and exterminate the vile hirelings occupying this soil.
Grand review at Bowling Green.
A correspondent of the Pulaski (Tenn.) Citizen thus writes from Bowling Green, under a recent date:Yesterday we had a grand review of the regiments at this place. About 9 o'clock we were mustered out into a field about two miles from the encampment, when our brigade of Tennessean, consisting of Cols Brown's Palmer's, Lillard's Martin's, and Hill's regiments, were drawn up in a line. When Buckner and his aids rode in front and rear, he remarked to Col. Brown that he might well be proud of his regiment. Charles Johnson, one of Gen. B's aids, said that he could take half our regiment and whip Rousseau's brigade. I had a fair view of Gen. Buckner as he road along the line. He was mounted on a Chesnut mare, and I tell you she was a noble animal. I am not much acquainted with soldiering and soldiers. but I will say Gen. Buckner is the most soldier-looking man I ever saw.
I would judge that he is about five feet ten inches in height, and would weigh about 150 pounds. His hair is mixed with gray, which makes him look older than he is. I would suppose he is about 45 years old. While he was reviewing he never took his eyes off them at all, although he was in a sweeping gallop. I tell you it made me feel really patriotic to be so far from home and marching to the well-known tune of Dixie, and the Marseilles Hymn, in the presence of so able and chivalrous a leader as General S. B. Buckner, for none braver or more chivalrous lives in our Confederacy, which is noted for bravery and chivalry. The whole army, officers and privates, repose implicit confidence in him.
The Greensburg expedition.
The Louisville Courier, of Monday last, 21st, has what purports to be a correct statement of the operations and result of the expedition of the Confederates sent out from Bowling Green last week. It seems that Gen. Hardee started from Bowling Green, on the 23d, with 1500 men, destined for Greensburg, to break up a Federal encampment at the latter place. He was delayed in his march by a sudden rise in Little Barren river, which prevented his force from crossing, thus giving the enemy time to effect their escape, which they did in real Bull Run style. Some two hundred and fifty of the caviar, succeeded in effecting of the crossing, and proceeded to Greensburg, but the Lincolnites, some fourteen hundred in number, having been advised of the movements, precipitately fled towards Lebanon.--The cavalry then occupied Greensburg, where they still remained on Monday evening. But for the inopportune rise in Little Barren, the surprise of the enemy would have been complete, and their entire force would have been captured. Gen. H., with the remainder of the command, was at Munfordville.
