March 7, 1863, The New York Herald
Our news from Nashville reports a further renewal of the fight between our troops and the rebels under Van Dorn, at Springville, near Franklin, Tennessee, on Thursday. General Van Dorn is said to have eighteen thousand men under his command, and the Union force, being very inferior in numbers, were defeated. Three regiments of infantry, under Coburn, of the thirty-third Indiana, were entirely cut to pieces or captured. The cavalry and artillery, numbering five hundred of the former, and one battery, escaped. The men fought splendidly throughout the whole day; but the heavy fire of the enemy’s batteries in front, and the movements of vastly superior numbers on their flanks, were too much for them. General Gilbert was expected to come up with reinforcements from Franklin, but he did not arrive. Our map will illustrate the position of the localities.
The rebel account of the capture of the Indianola near Vicksburg, by the rebel rams Webb and Queen of the West, is officially reported by General Taylor, commanding at that point, which he says was accomplished by an expedition sent out by him for that purpose under Major J.L. Bent. He admits that the Indianola is a good deal damaged, and another report states that she is sunk on the Mississippi side of the river, and that her upper works and boats have been taken out.
Advices from Port Royal to Charleston state that the Union fleet now in the vicinity of that city numbers one hundred and twenty-three vessels, including three frigates and twenty gunboats, with an immense crowd of transports and a force of 30,000 men.
The California steamer Northern Light, from Aspinwall, which arrived at this port yesterday, reports being chased by a mysterious propeller off the coast of Florida, who, when first seen, was flying the Stars and Stripes, Union down – a signal of distress. Before making towards the vessel she hauled down the flag, put steam on, and gave chase; but, as Captain Tinklepaugh had a million and quarter of specie on board the Northern Light, he made all the speed he could, and outran his pursuer.
By the arrival of the Arabia at Halifax yesterday, with dates from Europe to the 22d ult., we have intelligence of the progress of the American question as discussed in England. The London Times says that the proposed contract for the Confederate loan for three millions sterling, as ratified by the House of Representatives at Richmond, had been received at Paris, and that the ratification by the Senate was expected by the next mail.
There was a great demonstration at the Amphitheatre in Liverpool on the 19th ult., in support of President Lincoln emancipation proclamation. The Liverpool Post says that a more unanimous meeting was never witnessed on any question on which public opinion has been divided. Resolutions applauding the course of Mr. Lincoln on the slavery question, and an address to be presented to him through Mr. Adams were adopted. Some uproar and confusion occurred towards the conclusion of the meeting; but with this exception everything passed off very happily. On the same evening a meeting was held at Carlisle, and a similar series of resolutions were carried with enthusiasm, and almost unanimously. The conduct of the Lord Mayor of London in feting Mr. Mason, the Minister of the Confederate government, was strongly reprobated at the Carlisle gathering.