--he
Lake City Columbian has reliable information that a Federal gunboat ascended the
St. John's river on the 19th, a considerable distance above
Pulaski, and captured the steamer
Sumter.
The informant did not know whether the crew were captured or whether the steamer was loaded.
The
Sumter has been taken to
Palatka.
The same gunboat had gone up the river again to search for the steamer
Hattle, but the mission will be fruitless.
The enemy, between 1,500 and 2,500 strong, are quietly rendezvousing at
Palatka.
No fortifications have been erected there.
The
Yankees desire, by feints, to cause
Gen. Anderson to withdraw a portion of his forces from their present position — than the Yanks will have a better chance to advance.
