April 8, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
CHATTANOOGA, April 6. – MORGAN was attacked by the enemy at Liberty, on Friday, and driven back to Snow Hill, where he held his position, and the enemy retired. Our troops, under Colonel SMITH, were repulsed at Woodbury on Saturday, and fell back to within twelve miles of McMinnville, with the loss of one killed and eight made prisoners.
KNOXVILLE, April 6 – Parties from Kentucky report that PEGRAM’S command was attacked two miles beyond Somerset on Monday, March 24, by an overwhelming force of the enemy infantry and cavalry. After a desperate hand to hand fight, PEGRAM fell back six miles, the enemy making no pursuit. The loss was heavy on both sides. The Confederate Government agents brought out with them a large lot of cattle.
OKALONA, April 6 – The Yankees at Corinth are preparing for some movement – either a raid or an evacuation. Their suttlers are selling out their entire stock to Southern men, and are then leaving.
JACKSON, MISS., April 6. – General CHALMERS on Friday drove the enemy’s pickets within five miles of Memphis, killing two and capturing one.
We have intelligence from Fort Pemberton to the 5th to the following effect: The enemy began to embark last night, and this morning he is in rapid retreat. We shelled their camps and transports, and succeeded in disabling a boat laden with troops. We also made a reconnoissance in force from our left flank, creating great alarm amongst the Yankees.
We have reports from New Orleans that BANKS, with 10,000 men, had crossed to Donaldsonville, and had gone thence down the Bayou Plaquemine, with a view to reinforce WEITZEL, and enable him to attack the Teche country.
COLUMBIA, TENN., APRIL 6 – The following despatch has just been received:
‘To Gen. Bragg: A report received from Col. WOODWARD says: ‘With a section of KING’S Missouri Battery we sunk one gunboat and one transport and disabled others, on the night of the 23rd instant, near Palmyra, on the Cumberland river.’
(Signed)EARL VAN DORN, ‘Major General.’
On the 4th, in a skirmish near Franklin, we captured seven Yankees.