Offensive

this subject we speak from a thorough know. ledge of the situation; and dared we publish the facts, the public would feel as much assured on that point as we do.

"General Grant left for the front night before last, and will be ready to personally superintend operations when commenced."

from Strawberry Plains, Tenn., reached Sevier- position and strength of our forces. ville. Skirmishing was kept up all day between operations on the part of Longstreet would inthe National troops on one side of the Holston sure the defeat and dispersion of his army, River, and the enemy on the other. The latter though all Lee's forces were with him. Upon had a battery on College Hill, near Strawberry Plains, from which he played on the Nationals, while crossing the river. Comparatively little damage was done, the Union loss being not over a half-dozen wounded.-THE shelling of Charleston from Fort Putnam continued night and day, at intervals of ten minutes. One gun alone has fired over one thousand one hundred rounds, at -A SMALL detachment of National cavalry bean elevation of forty degrees.-ON account of the longing to the forces in pursuit of General Longscarcity of grain in the department of the Ohio, street, made a dash into Cocke County, Tenn., and the factitious value given to it by the manu- capturing twenty-seven wagons loaded with bacon facture of whiskey, the distillation of that com- and flour, and eighty-five prisoners. They remodity was forbidden by Major-General Foster.ported that Longstreet was stripping the country REAR-ADMIRAL FARRAGUT, accompanied by his of provisions and compelling Union families to staff, arrived at New-Orleans.

leave. A VERY exciting debate occurred in the rebel Congress upon the act to increase the efficiency of the rebel army, by the employment of

January 22.—Skirmishing took place at Armstrong's Ferry, a point six miles above Knoxville, Tenn.-CAPTAIN GEORGE P. EDGAR was or-free negroes and slaves in certain capacities. dered to the headquarters of Major-General Butler to investigate into the condition of the poor of Norfolk, Va., and to organize a system for

their relief.

-RESTRICTIONS upon trade with Missouri and Kentucky, with some exceptions, were annulled and abrogated by the Secretary of the Treasury.

-GENERAL WIRT ADAMS, in command of a party of rebel cavalry, entered Gelsertown, near Natchez, Miss., and captured thirty-five prisoners, sixty wagons and teams, a lot of cotton going to Natchez, and about eighty negroes.Richmond Enquirer.

January 24.-A cavalry detachment from Fort Smith made successful scout into Polk County, Arkansas. They passed through Caddo Gap and found the notorious Captain Williamson, with forty men, posted within log houses. The advance, under Lieutenant Williams, charged into the village and attacked the rebels, killing Williamson and five of his men, wounding two, and taking two lieutenants and twenty-five men prisoners.

January 23.-The Nashville Union of this date contained the following: "Indications that the next battle will occur in the vicinity of Knoxville accumulate. We yesterday conversed with several well-informed parties-two of them EastTennessee refugees-and all the witnesses concur in the statement that every train from NorthVirginia comes loaded with troops from Lee's army; and that these legions are immediately added to the force now under Longstreet. It is even believed by many that Lee himself, feeling the absolute necessity for the reoccupation of East-Tennessee, will leave his old command-or what will remain of it-and take charge of the campaign in the region of Knoxville. He and Jeff. Davis argue this way: If Tennessee is not repossessed, Richmond must be abandoned; if in reinforcing Longstreet's army the capital is lost, it must be regained, provided the assault on Grant is successful; and there is a chance that Meade, like some of his predecessors, may remain inactive, with but a small force confronting January 25.-A body of rebels six hundred him, and in that event Knoxville may be retaken | strong, attacked the National garrison of about and Richmond saved. one hundred, at Athens, Alabama, but were repulsed and routed after a fight of two hours. The Union loss was twenty; rebel loss more severe.-Gen. Rawlins's Despatch.

"We only hope the rebels will make an early attack on Foster's command. Nothing would be more gratifying to those who understand the dis

The Union loss was one killed; Lieutenant Williams and a private were slightly wounded. All the arms in the place were destroyed. The distance travelled was one hundred and seventy

two miles.

Offensive

from Strawberry Plains, Tenn., reached Sevier- position and strength of our forces. Ishing was bont un all day between Lonerations on the part of Longstreet would in