From the South.
The Southern and Western malls, due on Wednesday night, came through yesterday morning, and we are thus enabled to lay before our renders an interesting summary of recent events.
A fight in North Carolina.
The Raleigh State Journal, of the 26d, publishes a full account, derived from eye-witnesses, of the fight at Gillette, in the lower part of Jones county, N. C., between a detachment of cavalry under Lieut. Col. W. G. Robinson, and a pillaging party of the enemy. We copy the main portion:‘ On Sunday, the 12th inst., Col. Robinson set out in quest of the enemy, who, he learned, was perpetrating the most wanton and heartless excesses in Jones and Onslow counties. His command consisted of the following companies and parts of companies:--Capt. Bryant, 50 men; Capt. Strange, 50 men; Capt. Turner, 50 men; a detachment of Capt. Cole's, 15 men, Lieut. King commanding; a detachment of Capt. Andrew's, 15 men, Lt. Allison commanding, a detachment of Capt. Thomas's, 52 men, Orderly Sergeant Winsted commanding, and four men of Capt. Hays's company — the entire command consisting of about two hundred and six men. The expedition started from a point which need not be mentioned, and proceeded in the direction which promised the greatest certainty of meeting with the enemy. When or how they came upon his tracks, is a matter of indifference, but those tracks were marked with desolation, and terror, and theft, and robbery — All that was valuable was packed in stolen wagons, which were drawn by stolen horses and hauled away. Ladies' dresses, children's shoes, pins and needles, were deemed of sufficient value to constitute a part of his booty. On the cavalry hastened, having already learned pretty accurately that the number of the enemy did not exceed two hundred; while by some it was estimated at one hundred and twenty-five.
Before starting, Col. Robinson had secured the services and co-operation of a prudent and reliable guide, who is as remarkable for his sound, discretion and incorruptible patriotism as to his unassuming valor and gentlemanly deportment — we allude to Lt. John Netherone Sheriff of Jones county. It was now late, about midnight — our cavalry drew near to John Gifiet's, and were met by a negro, who informed them that the Yankees had his master in irons, and, with his family, had him crucified in a room up stairs, and begged them to go to his relief. The enemy's force was shown — not superior if equal to our own.--The plan of the house and the grounds was clearly ascertained from their intelligent guide. The house was situated in a square field, which was enclosed by an ordinary rail fence, parallel with which, along the main road, ran a broad and deep ditch, which was considered, impassable as far as the avenue leading to the house. This ditch was continued beyond the avenue along the road, but was not regarded as offering any serious obstruction. Around the house and enclosing it from the field was a patent plank fence.--The length of the avenue from the main road to the house our notes do not state, and whether it was fifty or one hundred and fifty yards as told us by Lieut. Nethercutt, we cannot state with certainty.
Col. Robinson now consulted his officers, and communicated his plan of attack. It had been ascertained that a sentinel was posted at the mouth of the avenue, whom it was resolved to capture if possible without shooting him or creating any alarm; but at all events to silence him. Two men were sent forward for this purpose, and finding it impossible to secure him otherwise he was shot down. At the report of the gun by which the sentinel was killed, Col. Robinson, at the head of his men, charged down the road in lines parallel to the house, and then up the avenue, Capts Bryant and Cole's squad charging up to the fence in front, and Col. Robinson dashing to the left and calling on his men to follow him. Here Capts. Bryant's and Cole's men acted with the utmost coolness and bravery, firing into the windows, yard, and wherever a Yankee could be seen. Lieut. Blassingame, imitating the bravery of his gallant Captain, Bryant, cheered on his man, and acquitted himself valiantly.
At this stage of the action it was announced that the Yankees were running towards the swamp, and Col. Robinson ordered the men nearest him (Cole's squad) to charge down the road and intercept the fugitives, but instantly recalled them. The enemy were now pouring a pretty hot fire upon our men in the avenue and road, which produced temporary confusion, and they hesitated to charge. In an instant the Colonel was again among them, cheering and rallying his men, and, putting himself at their head, his well known, noble voice rang throughout the line, ‘"come on my brave fellows, follow me!"’ On dashed the Colonel, followed by men who were willing to die by his side, or with him share the glories of a victory. They charged up the avenue, and around the house to the left and rear. The Colonel still cheering on his men and urging them to the attack, at every breath assuring them that the victory was theirs, swept to the palings and shot down an enemy. Rushing further on, and still shouting words of encouragement in the ears of all who followed him, he levelled his revolver at another Yankee, but failed to kill him; and who, taking advantage of his position, shot the brave Colonel, who, with pistol levelled, and still shouting, ‘"Follow me, my men,"’ fell from his horse. Words are unavailing. A braver man than Col. Robinson never fell in battle. When this sad loss fell upon us, our troops, without a leader, followed the senior Captain, Strange, from the field, who instantly ordered a retreat.
In the meantime, when the Colonel charged around the house from the left, seeing the necessity of surrounding the house and charging on the right, thereby distracting the enemy and dividing his fire, Sergeant Cole cried out tear down the fence on the right, which being done, he leaped the ditch and fence, calling on the men to follow, and charged the house on the right. Having charged near the house, he looked back for support, and saw only seven men following him. About this time the Colonel fell, our forces broke on the left and rear of the house and retreated, when the enemy concentrated their whole fire on the small squad of eight, including Lieuts. Graham and Moore. Of these, one is supposed to have been killed, (name not known,) one had his arm broke and his horse killed, and a third had his horse killed under him. Among others whose conduct entitles them to honorable mention, are Corporal Cament, of Captain Cole's company, from Guilford, and Privates Wm. Latham and James Bayne. The latter charged around the house with Col. Robinson, and killed an officer who was encouraging his men.
Our loss is one supposed to be killed and eight or nine--some say thirteen or fourteen--wounded; also, six or eight horses killed or disabled. The loss of the enemy could not be ascertained, but the officer who visited Mr. Gillette's house on Monday, in search of Colonel Robinson, reports that all the rooms in the house, except that wherein Mr. Gillette and family were confined, were covered with blood, and the Yankees were busily occupied all night attending to the wounded.
’ In another article, the Journal narrates the first instance of Federal decency which we remember to have noticed during the progress of the war:
‘ A flag of truce was sent down to Newbern last Wednesday to ascertain the fate of Colonel Robinson, who, it was generally believed, was killed in the skirmish of the 18th with a party of the enemy at Gillette's, Jones . The flag was readily admitted by the enemy's pickets, who conducted the escort (Lieutenant Bryan, of the Second Cavalry,) to the first Colonel's encampment, where that officer was detained, and whence the carriage containing the Colonel's wife and a female friend who accompanied her proceeded to General Burnside's headquarters, where they were received with all the courtesy and consideration which the true gentleman and brave soldier ever accords to their sex, but especially when the victims of sorrow and affliction. Immediately on the arrival of Mrs. R., General Burnside dispatched a boat to Carolina City or Beaufort, whither Colonel R. had been carried by his capture, to bring him up to Newbern, where he arrived Thursday night. He had suffered much from exhaustion and want of rest, not having had any rest for four nights. He had received a severe flesh wound in the thigh, but we are happy to learn, or rather to infer, that it is not considered dangerous. He was kindly allowed by General Burnside to select his own lodgings, and with his amiable and devoted, but deeply afflicted wife, was stopping at Mrs. Dunn's, where he will receive all the attention and care which the tenderest affection of woman can impart or procure.
’
Gen. Price's Address.
Meade'rs Missouri State Guard, Des Arc., Ark., April 8, 1862.
Soldiers of the State Guard:
I command you no longer. I have this day resigned the commission which your patient endurance, your devoted patriotism, and your dauntless bravery have made so honorable. I have done this that I may the batter serve you, our State, and our country — that I may the sooner-lead you back to the fertile prairies, the rich woodlands, and majestic streams, of our beloved Missouri--that I may the more certainly restore you to your once happy homes, and to the loved ones there.
Five thousand of those who have fought side by side with us, under the grizzly bears of Missouri, have followed me into the Confederate camp. They appeal to you, as I do, by all the reader memories of the past, not to leave as now, but to go with us wherever the path of duty may lead, till we shall have conquered a peace, and won our independence by brilliant deeds upon new fields of battle.
Soldiers of the State Guard veterans of six pitched battles, and nearly 20 skirmishes! conquerors in them all! your country, with its ‘"ruined hearths and shrines,"’ calls upon you to rally once more in her defence, and rescue her forever from the terrible thraldom which threatens her. I know that she will not call in vain. The insolent and barbarous hordes which have dared to invade our soil, and to desecrate our homes, have just met with a signal overthrow beyond the Mississippi. Now is the time to end this unhappy war. If every man will but do his duty, his own roof will shelter him in peace from the storms of the coming winter.
Let not history record that the men who bore with patience the privations of Cowskin Prairie, who endured uncomplainingly the burning heats of a Missouri summer, and the frosts and snows of a Missouri winter; that the men who met the enemy at Carthage, at Oak Hills, at Fort Scott, at Lexington, and in numberless lesser battle-fields in Missouri, and met them but to conquer them; that the men who fought so bravely and so well at Elkhorn; that the unpaid soldiery of Missouri were, after so many victories, and after so much suffering, unequal to the great task of achieving the independence of their magnificent State.
Soldiers! I go but to mark a pathway to our homes. follow me!
The Rumor of the capture of Nashville.
The following is the article from the Mobile Tribune, of the 19th, out of which sprang the improbable telegram of the recapture of Nashville:‘ Passengers who arrived here this (Friday) morning, from Corinth, state that it was a current rumor at that place yesterday morning, that Nashville had been retaken by our forces. From all we can learn we are forced to believe the report is true.
It is stated that Gens. Kirby Smith and Humphrey Marshall, with their united forces, marched into Nashville and took three or four thousand Yankee prisoners.
A short time afterwards the Yankee gunboats came up the river for the purpose of shelling the city. Our Generals-sent them word that if they fired a shell they would hang every one of the prisoners.
It is stated also that our troops took over a million dollars' worth of pork and bacon from the enemy.
The passengers also state that it was fully believed at Corinth that the enemy was evacuating its position above Corinth and going to their gunboats.
’
A Daring and heroic Exploit.
The Memphis Appeal relates the following instance of bravery:‘ Among the most daring and heroic exploits performed at the battle of Shiloh, is that narrated of our friend Chris. Steinkhul, of Capt. McDonald's company, long and familiarly known to this community as the keeper of the bar at the Worsham House. In a single charge of Col. Forrest's regiment on Tuesday, after Monday's fight, he caused six of the enemy to bite the dust, besides inflicting serious wounds upon others. He first brought his Maynard rifle to bear with effect, then drawing his six shooter and charging up in the very face of the enemy, he made every shot tell with fatal effect. After this he drew his sabre, and dashing into their very midst he cut and slashed until the enemy surrendered or beat a hasty retreat.
These facts were first narrated to us by Chris. himself, and were afterwards testified to by Captain McDonald, Mr. Barbour, and other members of his company, who witnessed, admired, and applauded the deed.--Such acts of heroism and noble daring should not be lost sight of, but should go down to posterity on the page of history. We are glad to know that Chris. himself came off of the field unharmed, and is again ready, on the first opportunity, to give the enemy a second exhibition of his prowess.
’
A Documentary Trophy.
The commander of one of the Federal regiments was hurried from his quarters so rapidly, at Shiloh, that his private papers were left behind, and fell into the hands of our boys. The following ‘"General Order"’ from Gen. Sherman, of the Federal army, was picked up by a Confederate officer:Headquarters, Pittsburg, March 19, 1862.
The 1st division will occupy the front line of this camp.
- I. The 1st brigade will occupy the ridge on the Purdy road, about abreast of the Shiloh chapel.
- II. The 2d brigade will camp on the Hamburg road; where the Purdy road comes in, near Col. Stuart's headquarters.
- III. The 3d brigade will camp on the left of the Corinth road, its right near the Shiloh chapel.
- IV. The 4th brigade will encamp on the right centre, its left reaching to Shiloh chapel.
- V. Cavalry and artillery need not be in line, but will be stationed as the nature of the ground may admit.
- VI. Each brigade must encamp looking west so that when the regiments are on their regimental parade, the brigades will be in line of battle. The interval between the regiments not to exceed twenty-two (22) paces. Convenience of water may be considered, but must not control the position of the camps.
The capture of Island no.10.
We have published several Northern accounts of the capture of Island No.10, and it will therefore be interesting to peruse the subjoined graphic description from the Memphis Appeal:We gather from accounts given us, that on Tuesday, April 1st, the guns of Ruckor's battery were spiked, as we have already related; on the succeeding Friday evening, the enemy's gunboat and tug passed the island during a storm. On Saturday night, the enemy with a gunboat engaged Rueffer's battery, the guns of which had been restored to fighting condition; while attention was engaged with this boat, a second gunboat slipped down unperceived, except by the men at one of the batteries, who fired two shots at her without effect. Things were now getting serious; the enemy had possession of the river below the island. Gen. Mackall therefore, on Sunday night, April 6, moved the infantry and Stewart's battery to the Tennessee shore, to protect the landings from anticipated attacks. The artillerists, numbering about four hundred, alone remained on the island.
On the succeeding day, Monday, the enemy assumed the offensive below the Island. They first silenced the battery manned by a detachment of Southern Guards, as explained by us two or three days ago; the guns were spiked and the limbers cut. Other batteries we had on this side below the island were successively silenced. At 10 o'clock in the morning, they landed troops on the Tennessee side. This of course made the continuance of our mention the island no longer possible for any useful purpose, and measures were taken with a view to deserting a spot that will ever be memorable for the bold stand made there against the attacks of the enemy's gunboats. The guns, seventy in number, were spiked with rat-tall flies softened at one end; balls were then rammed in at the muzzle they would turn the soft end of the file and cloned it. The transports and wharf-boats at the landing, of which we gave a list on Tuesday evening last, were scuttled and sunk in deep water; the Yazoo and DeSoto were kept until dusk to convey the artillerists to the mainland, and when that service was performed they, too, were ordered to be sunk; but it was rumored that their captains had refused to scuttle them. The floating battery was scuttled and cut loose; some of the Federals boarded her, but they found their prize in a sinking condition. The ammunition in the magazines was wholly or partially destroyed. On the two wharf-boats lying at the shore were provisions for one month; the whole was sunk and destroyed. A considerable quantity of small arms, and the private baggage of the officers and others, suffered the same fate as the other property.
These important matters being arranged, the time had arrived to secure personal safety. The number of sick was rather large; there was no help for them; they must necessarily fall into the hands of the foe. The greater portion of them marched down the Tiptonville road; these fell into the hands of the invading troops, and were compelled to stack arms and surrender. The number of persons taken prisoners is estimated at two thousand. General Mackall and staff, except Major Davis and Lieut. Col. Henderson, 40th Confederate, were among them. Ex-Mayor Baugh was sick on Monday afternoon; he procured a mule and cart in the evening to take him away, since which time he was seen safe on this side the lake. Capt. Rucker and Col. T. J. Finnie got off safely. We learn that all the Southern Guards escaped, except Frank Harrison, who was left in the hospital; also Capt. Hoadley and ten of his men; Lieut. Torrey and thirty nine men; Lieut. Torrey and thirty nine men; Lieut. M. Tresevant, 40th regiment; Robert Pitman and Jno. Ginnis, of Baker's regiment; Captain Robert Lewis and seven men. Captain Jackson, Lieut. McClure, and their commands, are supposed nearly all to be safe. The same is believed of Captains Stirling, Rume, and Caruthers.
The adventures of many that escaped war of great interest. A gentleman, from whom we have received many of the above particulars, after starting from the island with his party, in the direction of Tiptonville, became suspicious that there was danger in that direction, and a detour was made by waving through the overflowed country. Thus the town was avoided, and the river gained below. Here the company, consisting of four persons, constructed a raft with which to float down the Mississippi. The raft was difficult to manage, the wind high, and the party, after floating down a considerable distance, found themselves in the middle of the Mississippi, under circumstances of extremes peril. They contrived at length to arouse the attention of some one on land, and a skiff put out and took them, ashore. Here they were treated with great kindness, and on the rest of their way along the river they received readily the most hospitable attentions from the country people.
We also learned something of the adventures of a gentleman who took a different direction from the party above. Distrusting the state of things below the island, he, with many others, started up the river, with the intention of skirting the north shore of Beetroot lake, crossing the Obion river, and thus reaching the interior. After traveling some distance up the river, when it became quite dark — for it was dark when they started — they turned into the canebreak. There they wandered about for some time until they became completely lost, and had no idea whether they were traveling towards the lake or the river, or to or from the enemy, whose scouting parties were occasionally heard, Towards morning one of the company was sent in search of a guide; after long wandering about, returned with a man, who, for a fine mule one of the party offered him, agreed to put them in the right direction. They had passed the night with little rest and no food, but the way before them required all their energies. The country was covered with water, and miles had to be waded. At times, as a descent in the ground or a little run was reached, a step would sink the travelers from the knees to the neck. Two places, especially, sunk the party nearly overhead. In places the current was rapid, and so dangerous were some parts of the route that one or two individuals lost their footing and were drowned; some, thinking they could find a better route, wandered off and became lost in the flooded and tenantless woods.
Thus the day passed, without food and in severe toil. Tuesday night came on raining, and so continued. On Wednesday morning some snow fell. At a place where some scows and oug-outs were found, a large party of the stragglers had collected, perhaps between two and three hundred, and here they crossed the lake. It was necessary to wade into the water to get to the scows, and there was immense disorder, all struggling to get aboard. After this, some further traveling brought the men to Obion river, which was crossed in a ferry; then Dyersburg was reached. Here our informant, and many others, got their first meal from the time of leaving the island. Men and women turned out and set before the escaped soldiers all they had in their houses, showing a warm hearted hospitality that speaks nobly for Dyersburg. From this place the travelers made their way to Bell's station, on the Ohio railroad, and reached Memphis yesterday morning.
From St. Louis and Missouri.
A gentleman who spent about three weeks in St. Louis, and who left that city a few days since, reports to the Memphis Appeal the existence of a strong Southern feeling, greatly predominating over the Abolition party.--The latter, he states, is composed almost exclusively of the German and emigrant Yankee population. To these may be added a few who are directly interested in army contracts for the Federal Government.When he left, the Federal force in the city was composed of Hecker's regiment and two German battalions of home guards. All the remainder had been drawn off to form part of the expeditionary force up the Tennessee river.
Northern Missouri he reports to be almost unanimous in favor of the South, but the impulses of the people are kept down by the presence of Federal troops stationed throughout the country. All the private arms and ammunition have been taken possession of by the enemy, and innumerable outrages upon persons and property have been committed. The whole country is represented to be in a state of complete terror. The Southern part of the State is more divided in sentiment.
The Appeal's informant, who is a gentleman well informed as to the position of affairs throughout the State, does not for a moment entertain a doubt of the ability of the friends of the Confederacy to redeem Missouri from Abolition rule, with but little assistance.--Give them arms, etc., and they will work out their own political salvation. At present they are patiently, though not sufferingly, biding their time.
Tyranny at the North.
Among the official documents found among Gen. Prentise's papers was the following from a person perfectly willing to be a tool in the dirty work of subjugating even the thinking people of the North. We are glad of the opportunity of ventilating the zealot:
Will you send me the form of the oath you administer to ‘"seceshes"’ when you wish to make them behave themselves. I may be obliged to try it upon John Taylor; can't tell until I hear from St. Louis, but it is well enough to be prepared any way. A man by the name of Wilcox, said to hall from Palmyra, wanted the privilege of carrying powder, buckshot, and lead over. I referred to you for an order that it was destined for loyal purposes. He promised to get one. Nevertheless, he may try to run it over in the night. Better have a squad of men to keep an eye on him.
Jas. J. Langdon, Surveyor.
From an endorsement on the back of the letter, we find that opportunity was afforded to "make the Seceshes behave themselves.!"
General order on the death of General A. S. Johnston.
The following general order was issued from headquarters at Corinth by General Beauregard:
Headquarters Army of Mississippi, Corinth, Miss., April 10, 1862.
Soldiers:
Your late Commander-in-Chief, General A. S. Johnston, is dead.
A fearless soldier, a sagacious captain, a reproaches man, has fallen.
One who, in his devotion to our cause, shrank from no sacrifice; one who, animated by a sense of duty and sustained by a sublime courage, challenged danger and perished gallantly for his country whilst leading forward his brave columns to victory.
His signal example of heroism and patriotism if imitated, would make his army invincible.
Soldiers:
A grateful country will mourn his loss, revere his name, and cherish his many virtues.
The satrap Johnson.
Recent accounts from Nashville show that the despotism established there by Lincoln's satrap, Andrew Johnson, is every day assuming a more brutal and remorseless character. Euell's lip- promises, that the persons and property of citizens should be protected, have been perfidiously violated, and all the honest and brutalities that marked the original occupation of St. Louis, Baltimore, and Alexandria, are being re-enacted with tenfold westonness and cruelty. We hear of numerous arrests and imprisonments lately made by authority of Johnson on mere political charges, and it is thought that the arrested parties will be indicted and tried for treason by civil process. If they should be convicted we may expect some of the Shiloh captives it ‘"pull hemp"’ instead of cotton before many more moons have revolved.
Resignation of Gen. George R. Crittenden.
The Memphis Appeal learns that Gen. George R. Crittenden has sent in his resignation to the War Department, his intention being to retire from the service and remove to Texas. He is displeased at the treatment he has met with at the hands of the Government authorities.
