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.