April 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

CHEERING INTELLIGENCE FROM THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT.

We were informed yesterday by a highly intelligent Confederate officer, recently from the Department west of the Mississippi River, that our prospects there are now brighter than they have been for many months past. The appointment of General Kirby Smith and General Price to take command in that country has already had a most happy effect. It has infused fresh life and spirit into the troops and given renewed hope and confidence to the people. Hundreds of families who were preparing to abandon the country have gone to work in earnest to raise provision crops, and thousands of men who had deserted from the army, while it was under the control of Holmes and Hindman, are willingly returning to their duty. Our informant states that not less than two hundred, who had been skulking in the woods, came in a body, and gave themselves up, avowing their desire to be marched against the enemy.

Our army there is consequently rapidly increasing in numbers and efficiency, and under the guidance of the able generals who are now at the head of affairs, we may reasonably expect the occurrence of important events within the next sixty days. The management, or rather the mismanagement of Gen. Holmes, had disgusted and disheartened the army and the people, and they were almost ready to despair when the change of commanders was made. They are now satisfied and hopeful. The old war horse of Missouri, Sterling Price, they know and love, and they repose great confidence in the administrative ability of Gen. Smith. The whole country participates in the feeling of relief occasioned by the removal of an incubus from the Trans-Mississippi Department, and the people generally are willing to trust the destinies of the Great West in the hands of those who now in a great measure control it. – Montgomery Advertiser

April 29, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)

            A gentleman who crossed the Mississippi within the last few days brings a Yankee Circular from which we extract the following rules and regulations governing work on plantations in Louisiana in the hands of the Federals.–What with the fines, lost time and bad marks the poor negro will have a small showing of cash at the close of the year.–Col. Times.

Rules and Regulations.

            1st–We agree to work on this __________ Plantation for one year, and to do such a day’s work as was done in former years.

            2d–We will obey the manager in all things, and assist him to enforce these Rules against all offenders.

            3d–Lost time will be deducted.  Lazy work will cause a deduction of wages.  Tasks will be given when possible.

            4th–We will go to work at day-light, and will work until dark, taking the usual number of hours for meals.  For being too late at getting out, ten minutes after the last tap of the bell, a fine of ten cents.  Habitual laziness, stealing, quarrelling, for breaking any other Rules, expulsion from the place, with loss of all back wages to the hospital fund.  All fines go to this fund.

            5th–All hands will be in their cabins at the last tap of the bell, and to remain there till the first tap of the bell in the morning, under a fine of ten cents for each offence.

            6th–The wages are one dollar per month for women and boys; two dollars for field hands, and three dollars for mechanics–or one-twentieth of the crop; with clothing and rations usually furnished. [continue reading…]

April 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

By the wise and efficient preparation of our materials, and the discipline, gallant bearing and uncommon skill of our soldiers, the Yankee fleet has been discomfited and repulsed with damage from the outer defences of Charleston harbor. The battered fleet steamed off to Port Royal bay, and the army which had been landed for cooperative movements probably reembark in chagrin towards its previous position. The troops from Gen. FOSTER’S command, it may be, have been returned to reinforce him in North Carolina. The Yankees have confessed a disastrous defeat. We have abundant reason for congratulations.

But it will be well for us to remember that there is a large force still on our soil under HUNTER, that the iron-clads are still in our waters under DUPONT, and that the Yankees are a people of great mechanical resource and great energy. Let us not, therefore, lull ourselves into indolent security, either because of the late victory, or because it is proclaimed at the North that Charleston is impregnable, and the idea of taking it is abandoned. Let us rather be on the alert, take every security and redouble our efforts to make assurance doubly sure, both for the city and railroad. Let our military resources be held thoroughly in hand, and preparation be still the word. Caution will do no harm. A fleet of several dozen transport vessels have been and are now lying in North Edisto Inlet. Also five iron-clad gunboats. Yankee troops still occupy Sea Islands not remote. Without vigilance and activity, we may yet meet with some disaster at the hands of a strong, wily and vindictive foe.

April 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

It will be recollected by our readers that, some months ago, when Charleston was threatened and a long siege anticipated, the City Council appointed a Subsistence Committee for the purpose of purchasing a stock of rice and corn for the use of the citizens generally should a protracted siege ever take place. The Committee did purchase a large quantity of these necessaries, which are now stored, subject to their order. At a meeting of Council last evening it was resolved that the Subsistence Committee report at the next regular meeting the quantity of rice and corn on hand, with the view of offering them to the citizens in small quantities at cost prices. The resolution was objected to by one of the Aldermen, on the ground that the policy proposed would interfere with the business of merchants engaged in the provision trade, but this objection was responded to eloquently by several other members, and, after a debate of some length, the resolution was carried by a very large majority. This action of Council will have a tendency to further reduce the prices of provisions.

April 28th. Commences with pleasant weather; during this morning the Albatross and Switzerland got under way and entered the mouth of Red River, going up that stream a short distance on a reconnoissance; returned during the afternoon without having seen the enemy, or any batteries erected by him to prove that he was in the vicinity. A rumor is afloat to-day among the ship’s company that Charleston has lately been attacked by our army and naval forces and captured. We have nothing definite, though, in regard to the truth of such report; still it has its believers, and they are much excited over it. I have no doubt but that ere long we will have something happen that will cause more excitement and rejoicing than the fall of Charleston; I mean the surrender of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. The weather is cool and pleasant, the rain of yesterday having purified the atmosphere to a great extent.

28th. Up at daylight, breakfasted, fed and started on at 6. Gen. Carter passed by. Went but two miles and waited an hour or two. River not fordable. Returned and bivouacked on the ground of the night before. Went out foraging corn, hay, and cornbread and milk. Saw two idiots. Rained again. Got somewhat wet. Two of the 2nd O. V. C. companies on picket.

Tuesday, 28th–It cleared off this morning and we left Richmond at 10 o’clock, marched nine miles and went into camp on Holmes’s plantation, about eight miles from the Mississippi and due west from Vicksburg. We took possession of all the vacant houses and sheds on the plantation. The roads are very muddy and many of the trains got stalled. Some of the wagons loaded with ammunition sank down to the axles and much time and labor were consumed in getting them out. There was some fighting at Grand Gulf today.

Tuesday, 28th.—Started on picket last night at 5 o’clock; went to five-mile bridge. Reported Yankees are trying to cross river near Warrenton. Some skirmishing.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

A Good Sensible Talk.

April 28. I was out in the country yesterday, doing picket duty, and fell in with an old gentleman with whom I had a good sensible talk. He was an intelligent, well appearing man, who said he was a farmer, or had been one until the breaking out of the war. He owns a plantation just outside our lines, but is not permitted to go into town. He is allowed to purchase in small quantities such articles as he may need by sending in his negro man or getting the boys to bring them out. He said at the commencement of the secession movement, he and all this part of the state, in fact nearly all of the state, was opposed to it, and in two state conventions, to both of which he was a delegate, the ordinance of secession was rejected, and not until after South Carolina on one side and Virginia on the other had gone out was the ordinance of secession passed.

He said: “Situated as we were we could not remain neutral, and although opposed to it from the beginning and all the time even after the war commenced and all our young men had gone into the army, it was but natural that I should sympathize with my own people.”

“Certainly,” I replied, “but have you any hopes of the ultimate success of the Confederacy?” [continue reading…]

APRIL 28th.—The enemy’s raid in Mississippi seems to have terminated at Enterprise, where we collected a force and offered battle, but the invaders retreated. It is said they had 1600 cavalry and 5 guns, and the impression prevails that but few of them will ever return. It is said they sent back a detachment of 200 men some days ago with their booty, watches, spoons, jewelry, etc. rifled from the habitations of the non-combating people.

I saw Brig.-Gen. Chilton to-day, Chief of Gen. Lee’s Staff. He says, when the time comes, Gen. Lee will do us all justice. I asked him if Richmond were safe, and he responded in the affirmative.

I am glad the Secretary of War has stopped the blockade-running operations of Gen. Winder and Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War. Until to-day, Gen. W. issued many passports which were invariably approved by Judge Campbell, but for some cause, and Heaven knows there is cause enough, Mr. Secretary has ordered that no more passports be granted Marylanders or foreigners to depart from the Confederacy. I hope Mr. S. will not “back down” from this position.

To-day I returned to the department from the Bureau of Conscription, being required at my old post by Mr. Kean, Chief of the Bureau of War, my friend, Jacques, being out of town with a strangury. Thus it is; when Congress meets I am detailed on service out of the department, and when Congress adjourns they send for me back again. Do they object to my acquaintance with the members?

A few weeks ago I addressed the President a letter suggesting that an alphabetical analysis be made of letter and indorsement books, embracing principles of decisions, and not names. This I did for the Bureau of Conscription, which was found very useful. Precedents could thus be readily referred to when, as was often the case, the names of parties could not be recollected. It happened, singularly enough, that this paper came into my hands with forty-nine others to-day, at the department, where I shall wholly remain hereafter. The President seemed struck with the idea, and indorsed a reference on it to the “State, Treasury, War, and Navy Departments,” and also to the Attorney-General. I shall be curious to know what the Secretary thinks of this plan. No matter what the Secretary of War thinks of it; he declined my plan of deriving supplies directly from the people, and then adopted it.

April 28, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM CHATTANOOGA.

CHATTANOOGA, April 27. – Nashville files of the 21st instant have been received. The Cumberland River has fallen forty inches on Harpeth Shoals. Col. RELBURN, of the 2d Iowa Cavalry, has been appointed Inspector of Cavalry for the Army of the Cumberland. General MINTY commands all the cavalry in ROSECRANS’ army. A Washington telegram of the 20th states, on the authority of Ex-Governor HICKS, that a secret organization has been unearthed in Maryland, the members of which were sworn to join the Confederates on the first favorable opportunity. A St. Louis telegram says that 3000 rebels attacked Fayetteville, Ark., on the 18th. The Federal loss in the affair was 5 killed and 17 wounded. The Yankee official report of the battle of Murfreesboro’ states the number of their killed and wounded in that action to have been 19,340. The Captain of General ROSECRANS’ body-guard has deserted and gone home.

Hon. WASHINGTON BARROW arrived on Saturday and took rooms at the Crutchfield House.

FROM BRAGG’S ARMY.

TULLAHOMA, April 27. – WHEELER’S command has returned to McMinnville. The enemy’s pickets are near Tuscumbia. All is quiet in front.

(In addition to the above telegrams, we have received a quantity of the usual unintelligible gibberish from Jackson, Miss., which we forbear to print. – MERCURY)

April 28, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

From a gentleman of St. Augustine, Florida, who, with his family, was taken to Beaufort by the Yankees, the Savannah Republican gathers the following information of the situation of affairs in Beaufort up to last Saturday:

There are at Beaufort three regiments of whites and two of blacks, all of which, were encamped near the town. There are no gunboats at the town or nearer than Hilton Head. The iron-clads are still at the latter place undergoing repairs. The Yankees manifest great disappointment at the result at Charleston, and severe, in their bitterness, that the place shall yet be taken, even at the cost of their last man. The privates of the army, though, are thoroughly disgusted with the war and anxious to see it closed on any terms. Our informant heard them speaking freely of their loss on the iron-clads, which they said was very heavy. The negros make but trifling soldiers; they unvariably run in a fight and often shoot each other at the posts through awkwardness or mistake. At Jacksonville, after the first fire they came running back into the town at a long trot, and were half frightened out of their wits. Some twenty of them were killed in the engagement with Finegan’s men.

Beaufort now stands on a common, all the fences and out-door improvements having been destroyed together with the ornamental growth of the place. It is kept quite clean and in a wholesome condition. The houses are occupied by both whites and blacks, many of the latter being installed in the stately halls, once the seat of fashion and refinement.

April 28, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

The healthy influence of the Tax Bill, which has just become a law, is already making itself felt in the provision market. Since the leading features of the tax have obtained publicity, the decline of prices, in flour, rice and other articles of food, has been steady and unmistakable. A variety of reasons are given to account for the fall; some attributing it to the sudden contraction of the currency by the recent funding of so many millions of our redundant currency in Confederate bonds; and others alleging as a cause, the restrictions lately imposed upon inter-State shipments for the purposes of speculation. Both these circumstances, doubtless, have contributed, in a measure, to bring about the reduction of prices; but the agency that has been mainly instrumental in effecting the welcome change is, in fact, the new Confederate tax.

At no time, we feel convinced, has there existed any real scarcity of food in the Southern States. But in every community, besides and distinct from the speculators and extortioners, there have been timid capitalists, who, investing their funds in an accumulation of provisions, and refusing to sell, rather with a view to security than profit, have virtually withdrawn from the market a very large proportion of its natural supplies. An artificial scarcity has thus been produced, while, in truth, there was abundance in the land.

But during the last three weeks, prices have reached their acme, and there is reason to believe that the decline which has begun is not yet ended. The new wheat and corn crops promise to be the heaviest ever known in the South, and will, ere long, be pressing into the market. The policy of importing provisions in large quantities has already been inaugurated, the well known Charleston firm, whose enterprise and tact has already, in other respects, conferred incalculable benefits upon the country, taking the lead in this last and most important development of the blockade trade. With the prospect of this early and active competition in the market, and with the certainty of the heavy tax upon hoarded produce which must be paid early in the summer, it is not strange that holders should everywhere be cautiously relaxing their grasp upon their accumulated supplies. Nor need we be surprised to find that, as those supplies, so long withheld, are wisely yielded to the demand, there occurs such a tumble in the price of food, as will add new nerve to the arms of our soldiers in the field, and send joy and thankfulness to the hearts of the whole people.

April 28, 1863, Natchez Daily Courier

It seems that some five or six other ladies were arrested with the daughter of Gen. Battle.   The Winchester Bulletin says they were arrested for “passing the Federal lines without authority,” and after a few day’s imprisonment at Nashville, were sent up North to Camp Chase.   The order arresting them, stated that they were to be imprisoned for the war.   We have already noticed their arrival at Camp Chase.   Those of our officers and men who have been captives in this bastile, only can form a correct estimate of the horrible privations these ladies will be subjected to.

April 28, 1863, The New York Herald

Everything was quiet in General Hooker’s army yesterday; but there were rumors afloat that a movement was about to be made, and that a collision with the enemy was not very improbable. Mr. Seward, together with the Prussian and Swedish Ministers, accompanied by a number of ladies, attended a review of the army yesterday, and proceeded from thence to Fortress Monroe.

The news from Tennessee today is important and interesting. The Texan Rangers of General Van Dorn’s Legion, were attacked yesterday morning at daybreak, eight miles out from Franklin, Tenn., by General Gordon Granger’s cavalry, 700 strong, under Colonel Watkins, of the Sixth Kentucky cavalry. The enemy were surrounded and defeated. Nearly two hundred prisoners were taken. Among them was Colonel Brooks, commandant of the rebel camp, and several officers. The camp and equipages of the enemy were destroyed, and about three hundred horses and mules were captured.

A startling rumor prevailed in Nashville and Murfreesboro yesterday, that the rebel Gen. Bragg had been shot dead by Gen. J.C. Breckinridge, in a recontre at Tullahoma. It was known that a hostile feeling had existed between them for some time. Difficulties had been existing for a long while, and this termination of the quarrel, should the report prove true, need not create any surprise.

The latest news from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, states that the loss of the rebels in the recent attack was about sixty killed and two hundred wounded. It was reported that General Marmaduke was in great danger of being cut off. A despatch, dated at the Cape yesterday, from Colonel Pomeroy, says: – ‘The enemy are moving off fast, and General McNeil was starting in pursuit. There is no doubt but General Vandeveer will strike him today.’ [continue reading…]

April 28, 1863, Weekly Columbus Enquirer (Georgia)

            This Association will commence business today in the house formerly occupied by Mr. E. A. Smith, on the east side of Broad street, below the Bank of Columbus.

            Its object, as the public has already been advised, is to buy provisions and sell them at cost to the families of absent soldiers and others whose means are not sufficient to enable them to pay war prices.  The want of transportation, with the inadequate supply has advanced the price of provisions beyond the ability to buy of many honest, but poor people in our community.  The large number of laborers, too, which the stagnation of the regular channel of industry has thrown upon the cities, has not permitted the wages of labor to advance in a ratio corresponding with the advance in the price of provisions, and, in consequence, much suffering has been entailed upon a most deserving class of our population.  Under the beneficent operations of the plan inaugurated to-day, it is expected that at least the profits of the merchant will be saved to the consumer. This to the needy laboring man is no inconsiderable item.  It may enable him to put shoes on his feet and clothing on his body, or to provide these little comforts to his wife and little ones.

            The object and end of this Association are thus briefly stated:  the rest is in the hands of the farmers of the country.  After all that we have done, if we cannot secure the generous encouragement and co-operation of this class of our fellow-citizens, failure is inevitable.–We, therefore, earnestly appeal to them to assist us–not indeed with their money, but with their trade.  We ask in the name of those whose natural protectors, even now, are standing on the brink of battle, ready with their lives to defend everything we possess or hope for in this life; in behalf of those to whom succor and relief is the direct command of the Almighty–the suffering poor–that our association receive from provision raisers and others thro’out the country that encouragement to which its noble purpose entitles it.  While affording them an opportunity of contributing to the needy, we shall at the same time make it to their interest to trade with us. [continue reading…]

April 28th, 1863.—What shall we eat? what shall we drink? and wherewithal shall we be clothed? We have no prophet of the Lord at whose prayer the meal and oil will not waste. As to wardrobe, I have learned to darn like an artist. Making shoes is now another accomplishment. Mine were in tatters. H. came across a moth-eaten pair that he bought me, giving ten dollars, I think, and they fell into rags when I tried to wear them; but the soles were good, and that has helped me to shoes. A pair of old coat-sleeves–nothing is thrown away now–was in my trunk. I cut an exact pattern from my old shoes, laid it on the sleeves, and cut out thus good uppers and sewed them carefully; then soaked the soles and sewed the cloth to them. I am so proud of these home-made shoes that I think I’ll put them in a glass case when the war is over, as an heirloom. H. says he has come to have an abiding faith that everything he needs to wear will come out of that trunk while the war lasts. It is like a fairy-casket. I have but a dozen pins remaining, I gave so many away. Every time these are used they are straightened and kept from rust. All these curious labors are performed while the shells are leisurely screaming through the air; but as long as we are out of range we don’t worry. For many nights we have had but little sleep because the Federal gun-boats have been running past the batteries. The uproar when this is happening is phenomenal. The first night the thundering artillery burst the bars of sleep, we thought it an attack by the river. To get into garments and rush upstairs was the work of a moment. From the upper gallery we have a fine view of the river, and soon a red glare lit up the scene and showed a small boat towing two large barges, gliding by. The Confederates had set fire to a house near the bank. Another night, eight boats ran by, throwing a shower of shot, and two burning houses made the river clear as day. One of the batteries has a remarkable gun they call “Whistling Dick,” because of the screeching, whistling sound it gives, and certainly it does sound like a tortured thing. Added to all this is the indescribable Confederate yell, which is a soul-harrowing sound to hear. I have gained respect for the mechanism of the human ear, which stands it all without injury. The streets are seldom quiet at night; even the dragging about of cannon makes a din in these echoing gullies. The other night we were on the gallery till the last of the eight boats got by. Next day a friend said to H., “It was a wonder you didn’t have your heads taken off last night. I passed and saw them stretched over the gallery, and grape-shot were whizzing up the street just on a level with you.” The double roar of batteries and boats was so great, we never noticed the whizzing. Yesterday the Cincinnati attempted to go by in daylight, but was disabled and sunk. It was a pitiful sight; we could not see the finale, though we saw her rendered helpless.

Note: To protect Mrs. Miller’s job as a teacher in post-civil war New Orleans, her diary was published anonymously, edited by G. W. Cable, names were changed and initials were generally used instead of full names—and even the initials differed from the real person’s initials. (Read Dora Richards Miller’s biographical sketch.)

April 27th. All still on the river; very stormy weather.

27th. Up at 4 and an early breakfast in anticipation of marching. Infantry came in a little before noon. Saw Wattle. Got dinner and then started. Bob, Col. A. and I went. Covil and Dod stayed. Marched by way of “Fishing Creek.” Very high banks. Country quite mountainous. Fun to see the infantry fording. Encamped at 16 miles. Got a ham and had tea and crackers. Rained in the night.

Monday, 27th–It rained all day and we marched into Richmond early this morning, taking shelter in cotton sheds, vacant houses, and any shed that would turn water. The Third Brigade is quartered in gin houses and negro shacks. White and I had a fine bed to sleep in last night. The land here is so nearly on the dead level, that it is almost impossible to keep out of mud and water, but we have plenty of cotton for bedding.

APRIL 27th.—A dispatch from Montgomery, Ala., states that the enemy have penetrated as far as Enterprise, Miss., where we had a small body of troops, conscripts. If this be merely a raid, it is an extraordinary one, and I feel some anxiety to learn the conclusion of it. It is hard to suppose a small force of the enemy would evince such temerity. But if it be supported by an army, and the position maintained, Vicksburg is doomed. We shall get no more sugar from Louisiana.

August 6, 1862, Arkansas True Democrat, Little Rock

Capt. J. Field, quartermaster of Col. Sweet’s (Texas) regiment, just returned from Richmond, has placed us a thousand obligations for a full file of the Richmond papers during and after the great battle. We will endeavor in our next, to give our readers such particulars of the battle as we can gather.

Capt. Field was at Richmond during the whole of the battle, and describes it as a most brilliant affair. He also witnessed, while at Natchez, the descent of the federal fleet down the Mississippi river. He says the Yankees have abandoned the attack upon Vicksburg, and are leaving the river. We know the fleet above Vicksburg has done the same. Thus the daring project of taking the Mississippi river is a failure.

August 7, 1862 , Savannah Republican (Georgia)

Mr. Editor–There are some facts connected with the Savannah market to which I desire to call the attention of the people of Georgia and South Carolina, who live convenient to this city:

Sweet potatoes are selling here at 25 cents a quart, or $8 per bushel; green corn at 5 cents an ear, or six ears for 25 cents; peaches, for from 15 to 40 cents a quart; watermelons of ordinary size at 50 to 75 cents, and the largest, weighing from twenty to thirty pounds, at $1 and $1.25 each; chickens, (half-grown) at $1 a pair; butter at 70 and 75 cents a pound; lard at 40 cents a pound; eggs at from 40 to 60 cents a dozen.

Again: Pine wood sells for $7 a cord, and oak wood $9 a cord.

I have enumerated some of the leading articles, with their prices, in order to show the people around Savannah what profits they are allowing to slip through their fingers for want of a little energy.

I am informed that peaches sell in Macon and Augusta at $1 per bushel. I also learn that thousands of bushels in and around Aiken, S. C., are rotting for want of a market. This fruit could be picked in the afternoon and sold in this market the following morning. Why do […..] a penny both to their own and our advantage? They have the fruit, and we have the money, as is shown by the ready sales of fruit here at such extortionate prices. Why will not the producer engage some reliable agent here and supply the market?

Equally astonishing is the fact that the prices of wood should rule so high where two railroads and one river leading into the city are lined with millions of cords, which could be sole here for more than a hundred per cent profit. A little energy would put money in the purses of many whose produce and wood are now selling for but little and rotting on their land.

Buyer.

April 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

FROM BRAGG’S ARMY.

TULLAHOMA, APRIL 24. – We have further news from McMinnville that the enemy has destroyed several bridges, burned a cotton factory, the depot buildings, one engine and three cars, and then retreated towards Murfreesboro’. Our troops are in fine condition and spirits; it is not believed that the enemy will dare to attack them. We have advices from Tuscumbia that three Yankee regiments had attempted to advance, but were held in check by Colonel Roddy’s Cavalry.

TUSCUMBIA, April 25. – The enemy is falling back. All is quiet in front.

CHATTANOOGA, April 25. – Passengers by the train just arrived report that Gen. DODGE, at the head of a Yankee force, estimated at from 5000 to 10,000 had advanced ten miles east of Tuscumbia. Colonel RODDY was disputing their advance and retiring before them slowly, in order to gain reinforcements.

FROM MISSISSIPPI.

OKALONA, MISS., April 25. – Our cavalry engaged the enemy yesterday at Birmingham. The fight lasted two and a half hours. The enemy was completely routed; 15 were killed and a large number wounded. Colonel HATCH, of the 2d Iowa Cavalry, was seen to fall from his horse, which ran into our lines and was captured. Our loss was 1 killed and 20 wounded. The destruction of the bridge prevented pursuit.

JACKSON, MISS., April 25. – At noon today the enemy demanded the surrender of the town of Enterprise; but Gen. LORING arrived with timely reinforcements. The enemy, reported to number from 500 to 1500 cavalry, retreated without a fight.

The water at Fort Pemberton has fallen four feet, and is still falling at the rate of two inches per day.