We have received, through the courtesy of the officers of the Exchange Bureaus Northern papers of the 2d inst. We make up the following summary of the news contained in them:
The position of Meade on the Rapidan — no Explanation of his Backward movement.
The New York papers of Wednesday evidently expected a battle on that day, and so headed their flaming telegrams from Meade's army. A correspondent of the New York Tribune, writing about Friday's fight, in which the Yankees were driven back about two miles, gives the following version of the affair.Gen. Warren's corps reached Robertson's Taverns at 11 o'clock A. M., meaning the enemy's skirmishers several miles east of that place, and driving them forward half a mile beyond the tavern, where our troops were formed in line of battle, and brisk skirmishing commenced. A vista of road for two miles toward Orange Court-House opened to view in which groups of rebels were gathered, watching our movements. On the right and left their skirmishers were concealed, and occasion ally sent a shot into our line, until the firing became quite sharp on both sides. Col. Smith commanding a brigade of the third division, met with a arrow escape while riding with his Staff a short distance to the right of the tavern. He had made an inspection of the woods to the right of his brigade, and was just returning, when he received a policy from a line of skirmishers concealed be kind a fence, which killed an orderly's horse and slightly wounded another belonging to a member of his Staff.
Lieut. Col. Hesser, of the 72d Pennsylvania, formerly Bexter's Zouaves, was killed soon after the information of our skirmish line. The color bearer, who was in advance of the line, was ordered to proceed more cautiously, and Col. Hesser had advanced to the front for the purpose of seeing to the execution of the order, when he was shot twice, one hall passing through the head and the other through the leg. His regiment immediately charged and recovered his body. Col. Hesser was an old soldier, having served through the Mexican war.
During the skirmish in the centre, at Robertson's Tavern, heavy cannonading was heard on the right and left — the 5th corps being on the left, in the vicinity of Hope Church, and the 3d, supported by the 5th, on the right. Gregg's cavalry division, on the left, had come up with the enemy's skirmishers several miles to the east of Hope Church, and drive them handsomely to that point, where a portions Hill's corps was stationed. Here three regiments of Gregg's division dismounted and gallantly held the enemy in check until the arrival of the 5th corps, when our troops, after a sharp skirmish drove the enemy from his line and succeeded informing a junction with our centre at Robertson's Tavern on the night of Friday, Nov. 27th.
Our loss on the left has not been fully ascertained up to this time, (Saturday morning, 28th,) but it is supposed to be light. On the right, Gen. French, supported by Gen. Russell's old brigade, of the 6th corps, had met the enemy four miles to the right of the Orange C. H. road, and a sharp engagement ensued, which lasted till dark, when our troops, overpowered by greatly superior numbers, gradually fell back a short distance. The troops opposed to the 3d corps were those of Ewell, now of Early, whose strength is estimated $21,000. Our loss in the 3d corps is variously sick from 500 to 900 in killed and wounded.
There are rumors this morning of the capture of a large number of prisoners by the enemy, but nothing entirely authentic. It is probable, however, our loss in prisoners is considerable.
Gen. Custer, commanding the cavalry division of Kilpatrick, crossed the river yesterday at Raction and Morton's Fords, and had several unimportant skirmishes with the enemy. No reports have yet been received at Gen. Pleasanton's headquarters. Some of Stuart's men made a dash on the rear of the 5th corps trains, destroying about twenty of our wagons.
The whole army is this morning advancing in line of battle, and sharp skirmishing is going on in front. The enemy withdrew their skirmish line two miles towards Orange Court-House last night, and it is supposed that Lee's army will make a stand in the vicinity of the Court-House.
Saturday's operations.
At day break Gen. Meade advanced to the front. Ticket firing soon commenced, and continued at intervals up to noon. The enemy had fallen back some two miles, and the conviction prevails that he is retreating. As it has been raining hard since S. M., it is not expected at headquarters that any general engagement can be brought on to-day.Our line of battle at the present time must extend about nine miles, in the form of a triangle.--The whole army is ready and impartment for a desperate and decisive struggle.
The latest telegram gives a different account of Friday's fight and some particulars of the position of Meade's army at the last Northern accounts, which were to the 1st inst:
The following additional particulars of the engagement on Friday have been furnished:
The number of prisoners taken by the Third corps has been greatly exaggerated. Only sixty have as yet been reported to the Provost Marshal.
Among the wounded are Colonel McClellan and Colonel Higgins. of the 86th Pennsylvania, also two Captains, whose names are unknown.
The Medical Director of the corps estimates our loss at 325 wounded and about 400 killed.
The enemy retreated from the front of the Third corps during the night leaving their dead and wounded on the field.
Owing to the enemy's change of position it became necessary for us to leave them there; their number greatly exceeded ours.
A note dated on Sunday says:
‘ Yesterday closed clear with the two armies lying in line on the opposite sides of the Mine Run valley. On examination it was found that the ground on both sides of the river, excepting when crossed by the turnpike, was impassable by our troops, owing to its boggy and swampy condition. All was quiet in the front on Sunday.
On Monday morning, at 8 o'clock, all our batteries which could be placed in position to bear upon the Rappahannock, were ordered to open upon the enemy. The siege train was placed in position in front of Sedgwick's command. After half an hour's slow cannonading, to which the enemy feebly responded, an attack was ordered.
The left wing, under Gen. Warren, came upon the enemy, who was found to be in stronger numbers and position than was anticipated, and further instructions were consequently asked for. There, upon the forward movement was checked, and all further firing ceased.
’
The battle at Tookout Mountain — latest accounts from Grant's army — casualties Among the Federals--report of the action.
The latest Federal accounts claim to have captured 48 pieces of cannon, 3,500 prisoners, and 7,000 stand of arms. The Yankee loss is estimated at four thousand. A dispatch from Chattanooga says:‘ There has been no fighting in this army since Hooker's attack on Bragg's rear at Ringgold, on the 26th. Bragg was forced to march on, being badly whipped, and inflicting considerable loss upon Hooker. Our loss is about 500 to 600; the enemy's much larger. The army's movements now going on are not for the public at present.
’ The following is a list of the more prominent casualties published in the papers:
Brig-Gen. John E. Smith, Brig-Gen Corse, Brig Gen. Mathias, Brig Gen. Giles A Smith, Brig Gen. W. S. Smith, wounded; Col. Phelps, 38th Ohio, commanding 3d brigade, wounded; Maj Irwin, 6th Ohio. killed; Maj Burch, 93d Ohio, killed; Major Butterfield, 17th Ohio, wounded; Lt-Col Boynton, 35th Ohio, wounded; Col. Putnam, 93d Ill, killed; Lt Col. Stuart, 90th Ill, wounded; Col. Raum and Maj Walsh, 58th Ill, wounded; Lt-Col Cilpin, 26th Ill, wounded; Lt Col. Davidson, 77th Ill, wounded; Col. Marksdale, 74th Ill, wounded; N. H. Towner, Chief of Artillery, Gen Smith's staff, wounded; Maj-Glare, 32d Ind, killed; Col. Espy, 68th Ind, wounded; Colonel H. Heath, 100th Ind, mortally wounded; Maj Carter, 39th Ind, wounded; Col. O'Mesra, 90th Iowa, wounded; Maj McCauley, 10th Iowa, wounded; Col. Berry, 5th Ky, wounded; Maj Walker, 10th Mo, wounded; Maj Craven, 3d Mo, wounded.
A report of the battle is furnished to the Washington authorities by Q. M. General M. C. Meigs, who acted as Government reporter for the occasion. The demonstration against Missionary
Ridge was made on the 23d inst., about 11 o'clock in the morning. The report says:
‘ The rebels watched the formation and movement from their picket lines and rifle pits, and from the summits of Mission Ridge, 500 feet above us, and thought it was a review and drill, so openly and deliberately, so regularly was it all done, as the line advanced, preceded by skirmishers, and at 2 o'clock P. M. reached our picket lines. They opened a rattling volley upon the rebel pickets, who replied and ran into their advanced line of rifle-pits. After them went our skirmishers, and with them, along the centre of the line, the 25,000 troops which Gen. Thomas had so quickly displayed.--Until we opened fire, prisoners assert, they thought the whole movement was a review and general drill, and they say it was too late to send to their camps for reinforcements, and that they were over whelmed by force of numbers. It was a surprise in open daylight. At 3 P. M. the important advanced position of Orchard Knob, and the lines right and left, were in our possession, and arrangements were ordered for holding them during the night.
The next day, at daylight, General Thomas had 5,000 men across the Tennessee and established on its south bank, and commenced the construction of a pontoon bridge about six miles above Chattanooga. By nightfall Gen. Thomas had seized the extremity of Mission Ridge, nearest the river, and was entrenching himself. General Howard, with a brigade, opened communication with him from Chattanooga, on the south side of the river.
Skirmishing and cannonading continued all the day on the left and centre. Gen. Hooker scaled the slopes of Lookout Mountain from the valley of Lookout Creek, drove the rebels around the point, captured some two thousand prisoners, and established himself high up the mountain side, in full view of Chattanooga.
This movement raised the blockade, and now steamers were ordered from Bridgeport to Chattanooga. They had previously to Kelly's Ferry, whence, ten miles of hauling over mountain roads, and twice across the Tennessee river on pontoon bridges, brought us our supplies. All night the point of Mission Ridge on the extreme left, and the side of Lookout Mountain on the extreme right, bilged with the camp fires of the loyal troops. The day had been one of dense mists and rains and much of Hooker's battle was fought above the clouds which concealed him from our view, but from which the rattle of his musketry was heard.
At nightfall the sky cleared, and "the full moon, the traitors' doom," shone upon the beautiful scene. Until 1 o'clock A. M. the twinkling sparks upon the mountain side showed that picket skirmishing was going on. Then it ceased. General Grant's headquarters during the afternoon of the 23d and the day of the 24th were in Hood's redoubt, except when in the course of the day he rode along the advanced line, visiting the headquarters of the several commanders in Chattanooga Valley.
At daylight on the 25th the Stars and Stripes were discovered on the peak of Lookout. The rebels had evacuated the mountain. General Hooker moved to descend the mountain, and striking Mission Ridge at the Rossville Gap to sweep on both sides and on its summits.
The rebel troops were seen as soon as it was light enough streaming by regiments and brigades along the narrow summit of Mission Ridge, either concentrating on the right to overwhelm Sherman on marching for the railroad and raising the siege. They had evacuated the valley of Chattanooga-- would they abandon that of Chickamauga?
The 20-pounders and 4½ rifles, of Woods's redoubt, opened on Mission Ridge. Orchard Knob sent its compliments to the Ridge, which, with rifled Parrotts, answered; and the cannonade, thus commenced, continued all day. Shot and shell screamed from Orchard Knob to Mission Ridge, and from Mission Ridge to Orchard Knob; and from Woods's redoubt over the heads of Generals Grant and Thomas, and their staffs, who were with us on this favorable position, where the whole battle could be seen as in an amphitheater. The headquarters were under fire all day long. Cannonading and musketry were heard from General Sherman, and Gen. Howard marched the Eleventh corps to join him.
Gen. Thomas sent out skirmishers, who drove in the rebel pickets and chased them into their entrenchments, and at the foot of the Mission Ridge Gen. Sherman made an assault against Bragg's right, entrenched on a high knob next to that on which Gen. Sherman himself lay fortified. The assault was gallantly made, reached the edge of the crest, and held its ground for, it seemed to me, an hour; but was bloodily repulsed by the enemy's reserves.
A general advance was now ordered, and a strong line of skirmishers, followed by a deployed line of battle, some two miles in length, at the signal of cannon shots from headquarters, Orchard Knob, moved rapidly and orderly forward. The rebel pickets discharged their muskets and ran into their rifle pits. Our skirmishers followed on their heels. The line of battle was not far behind, and we saw the rebels swarm out of their long line of rifle pits in numbers which surprised us, and over the base of the hill. A few turned and fired their pieces, but the greater number collected into the many roads which cross obliquely up its steep face and went on to the top.
Some of our regiments pressed on and swarmed up the steep sides of the ridge, and here and there a color was advanced beyond the lines. The attempt appeared to be most dangerous, but the advance was supported, and the whole line was ordered to storm the heights, upon which not less than forty pieces of artillery, and no one knew how many muskets, stood ready to slaughter the assailants.
With cheers answering cheers the men swarmed upwards. They gathered to the points least difficult of ascent, and the line was broken. Color after color was planted on the summit, while muskets and cannon vomited their thunder upon them. A well-directed shot from Orchard Knob exploded a rebel caisson on the summit, and the gun was seen galloping to the right, the driver lashing his horses. A party of our soldiers intercepted and the gun was captured with cheers. A fierce musketry fight broke out to the left, where, between Gen. Thomas and Gen. Sherman, a mile or two of the ridge was still occupied by the rebels.
Bragg left the house in which he had held his headquarters and rode to the rear, as our troops crowned the hill on either side of him.
Gen. Grant proceeded to the summit, and then did we only know its height. Some of the captured artillery was put into position, and artillerists were sent for to work the guns, whilst the caissons of the enemy were searched for ammunition.
The rebel log breastworks were torn to pieces and carried to the other side of the ridge and used in forming barricades across it.
The other assaults by the right of our centre gained the summit, and the rebels threw down their arms and fled. Gen. Hooker, coming in a favorable position, swept the right of the ridge and captured many prisoners.
Bragg's remaining troops left early in the night, and the battle of Chattanooga, after three days of manœnvering and fighting, was won, and the strength of the rebellion, in its centre, was broken; Burnside relieved from danger; East Tennessee and Kentucky rescued, Georgia and the Southeast threatened in the rear, and another victory added to the chapter of "Unconditional Surrender — Grant!
To night the estimate of our captures is several thousand, and thirty pieces of artillery. Our loss for so great a victory is not great.
Bragg is firing the railroad bridges as he retreats towards Dalton. Sherman is in hot pursuit.
To-day I viewed the battle field, which extends for six miles along Mission Ridge, and for several miles on Lookout Mountain.
Probably not so well directed, so well ordered, a battle has been delivered during the war. But one assault was repulsed; but that assault, by calling to that point the rebel reserves, prevented them from repulsing any of the others.
A few days since Gen. Bragg sent to Gen. Grant a flag of truce, advising him that it would be prudent to remove any non-combatants who might be still in Chattanooga. No reply has been returned; but the combatants having removed from this vicinity it is probable that non combatants can remain without imprudence.
’
Lates from Knoxville — Longstreet going to Virginia — reported defeat of Wheeler's cavalry.
The following is the latest intelligence from Knoxville. It is contained in a telegram from Cincinnati, dated the 1st inst:The correspondent of the Commercial telegraphs from Cumberland Gap to-night that all the available forces of the United States army have been sent from there to intercept Gen. Longstreet's retreat into Virginia. He also says that a courier from Knoxville brings the intelligence that the enemy attempted to cross the river on Sunday, thereby bringing on a general engagement, which resulted in the defeat of the enemy and the capture of Gen. Wheeler's division of five thousand men.
Another telegram in the New York Tribune, dated at Knoxville on Saturday last, the 28th ult., says:
‘ We are now in the twelfth day of the siege, and the enemy has gained no advantage. We are better prepared for attack than the most sanguine expected.
Gen. Longstreet is delaying hostile operations while awaiting reinforcements from Virginia.
The enemy made a diversion on Wednesday upon our position over the river, but after an hour's fight were driven back.
On Wednesday a detachment of the 2d Michigan made a gallant charge and captured a rebel rifle-pits within five hundred yards of our works. We subsequently were compelled to give way to a superior force, with great loss.
Maj. Bessangton was taken prisoner, Adjutant Noble and Lieut. Salpin were killed, and Lt. Col. Cormick, of the 17th Michigan, died on Friday from wounds received.
Affairs have been comparatively quiet for the last two days. It is raining slightly this morning.
’ The Philadelphia Inquirer has the following comment on this news:
‘ The rebel forces of Gen. Longstreet commenced the investment of the city of Knoxville on the 23d ultimo, and on the 25th most of the besieging corps were up and in position for bombardment and assault, when the news of Gen. Grant's advance must have made its unwelcome visit to the besieging
enemy. Time seems to have been wasted by him in thoroughly investing the place, and no heavy assault appears to have been projected or executed during the entire siege. During the siege General Burnside has not been Idle, for we learn that he has made several successful sorties, and has steadily prevented the beleaguering force from gaining prominent positions in the vicinity of the town from which it could be commanded with artillery.
After the defeat of Bragg, Longstreet was satisfied that Grant could and would detach a strong column to march to Knoxville, raise the siege, force the rebels to fight continually at a disadvantage, until dispersed or annihilated. Acting upon this as a "tried conclusion, " Gen. Longstreet has moved from Knoxville, as we are informed, toward Virginia. In crossing the Holston river the enemy is reported to have sustained considerable losses, which may be increased by the captures of the Ninth army corps as it advances, under Gen. Burnside, in pursuit.
Thus far General Longstreet has escaped disaster and capture, and passing opposite Cumberland Gap, will probably be struck in flank and rear by Gen. Wilcox, whose forces garrison the Gap. If the retreat of Longstreet is not conducted with great skill, good order, and celerity, he may yet be intercepted and seriously injured, if not destroyed. At any rate this rebel leader should not be allowed to join General Lee in time to save the Army of Northern Virginia from overthrow at the hands of General Meade.
The Star says that information from Gen. Burnside, as late as Wednesday night, 25th inst., is to the effect that he was then amply previsioned for his needs, and fully able to resist the enemy until aid can teach him from Grant. At that time, Wednesday night, Longstreet was yet before Knoxville, the orders sent to him by Bragg to abandon the siege and rejoin him not then having reached Longstreet.
A dispatch from Chattanooga says that sufficient reinforcements, under Gen. Gordon Granger, have been sent to Gen. Burnside to insure his success.
’
Escape of Gen. Morgan from the Ohio Penitentiary — he telegraphs his arrival in Canada.
Major General John Morgan, with Captains J. C. Bennett, S. B. Taylor, Ralph Sheldon, T. I. Hines. L. Q. Hokersmith, and S. T. Magee, made his escape from the Ohio penitentiary at Columbus, on Friday night, and has reached Toronto, Canada, with his companions. With his usual good humor, he telegraphed from Toronto to Columbus that they needn't put themselves to any further trouble on his account. A telegram from Cincinnati gives the following description of the manner of his escape:Col. Dick Morgan (a brother of Gen. John Morgan) and six Captains were confined in the lower range of cells, and with knives dog through the floor of the cell, which was composed of cement and nine inches of brick. Underneath the cell was an air chamber, running the whole length of the building. This was known to them. When once in the chamber they dug through the earth to the outside wall. Gen. Morgan occupied the cell over Col. Morgan's. On Friday night, as the prisoners were locked up for the night, Gen. Morgan was allowed to exchange cells with Dick, who, everything being prepared, permitted his brother to take his place.
Some time during the night the prisoners crawled through the hole they had dug under the wall, and which they had carefully concealed. Taking ropes with them, they escaped from prison immediately between the main building and the female department. When once in the yard, escape was comparatively easy. They went to the southwest corner of the outer wall, near the big gate, threw their rope over the top, where it secured itself on one of the spikes, and by the aid of timber near at hand they clambered to the top and easily descended outside. There are no guards on the outer walls after certain hours. The prisoners were dressed in citizens' clothes, not prison uniform.
Captain Hines, who is a mason and bricklayer, had charge of the work which resulted in the escape of the prisoners. A note was left for the warden, of which the following is a copy:
Castle Marion, cell no. 20,
November 27, 1863.
Commencement--Nov. 4, 1863.Conclusion-- Nov. 20, 1863. Number of hours for labor per day, three.
Tools, two small knives.
"La patience amer mais sou fruit est doux." (Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.)
The draft in Baltimore.
The draft has been concluded in Baltimore. The American gives the names of some of the drafted in the 11th ward:Royal Weston Church, Major of the 8th Maryland regiment; James Hodges, of the firm of Hodges Brothers; William Fell Giles, son of Judge Giles, and now in Switzerland; William H. Howard, son of Charles Howard; late Metropolitan Police Commissioner; James S. Biler, in the Federal army; Samuel Stiratt, son of Capt Stirratt, of the rebel navy; Colin B. Mackenzie, an insurance agent, sent South by order of Gen Schenck, but since escaped in a blockade runner to Europe; George Gibson, Park street, very rich; William M. Riach, or the firm of Duvall, Make peace & Co B. H. Masill of the house of Charles A. Gambrill & Co; Wm C. Poe, son of Neilson H. Poe, and attorney at law; Wm. H. Keith hardware merchant; George Byrd, of the extensive domestic house of Wyman Byrd & Co; George Moale, of the mercantile firm of Poulthey & Moale; Hillen Sanders, son of Beverly C. Sanders, late United States Collector to the port of San Francisco; W. C. Pennington, said to be in Europe; James Carroll Sargent and H. D. G. E. Sargent, brothers, and the sons of the Rev. Thos B. Sargent. Methodist Episcopal Church; Henry A. Didier, insurance agent; Richard Chenowith, Sergeant of the Western Police Station; Miltin Coulter, clerk of the Merchants' Bank; John A. Whitridge, of the firm of Gildersleve, Whitridge & Co, and Harry Gilmour, now in the rebel service.
The French tobacco question.
The Washington correspondent of the New York Tribune has the following about the French tobacco, for which vessels are to come into James river:It is expected that a fleet of transports, under escort of a French corvette, will shortly appear in the James river to take on board between 5,000 and 10,000 hogsheads of tobacco belonging to the French Government, which was bought and paid for prior to the 4th of March, 1861. This is the tobacco which has been the subject of so much diplomatic correspondence between France and the United States. The recent visit of the French Minister to Richmond is supposed to have had to do with this matter.
The correspondent very coolly adds:
The shipment of the French tobacco, which has been stored in Richmond since the commencement of the war, will be made from City Point, under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and in pursuance of an Executive order.
Miscellaneous.
A correspondent of the Boston Journal, with the Banks (Texas) expedition, writing under date of November 11th, communicates the highly important fact that a fleet of five French steamers arrived off Brazos on the 10th, from Vera Cruz, for the purpose of watching, no doubt, the movements of Gen. Banks.The Boston Traxeller states that Lieut. Coleman and 20 privates, (colored,) captured in Louisiana recently, were hung by the rebels. They belonged to Gen. Utiman's brigade, and were captured on a reconnaissance to Jackson, La., by Col. Logan's rebel cavalry.
There was great excitement at Columbus, Ky., on the 1st inst., owing to Gen. Smith enforcing Gen. Hurlburt's conscription order. There has been a large number of arrests for military purposes.
Among the rebel property confiscated in Washington is the house and furniture of John A. Campbell, and real estate of George D. Fowie, formerly of Alexandria; W. B. B. Cross; Thomas W. Greer, late pastor of the Navy Yard Baptist church; Wm. L. Bailey, John L. Lancaster of Md., and Lt. Jos. C. Ives. In Norfolk, the property of Com. Barron, and Capts. Page and Sinclair, have been confiscated.
C. Godfrey Gunther, War Democrat, has been elected Mayor of New York. The vote stood. Gunther 28,881; Boole (Peace Democrat) 22.478, Blunt (Union) 19,408.
They are holding meetings in New York city for the benefit of the "starving" Yankees in Richmond. Buffalo was taken in for $5,000.
The number of men mustered into service in Ohio averages 400 per week.
The Democrats of Boston have nominated Thos. P. Rich for Mayor.
Levi Short, the inventor of the Greek fire used on Charleston, died in Philadelphia on the 27th ult.
It is stated that in the 3d army corps alone sixteen regiments have agreed to re-enlist, in consideration of retaining their present organization.
The Baltimore county American has raised the flag of President Lincoln for re-election.
Capt. Weldon E. Davis, a Confederate officer from Warrenton, N. C., died in the Douglas hospital in Washington, on the 22d ult.
Gold was quoted in New York on the 1st inst. at 147½.
