May 6, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
(From the Atlanta Confederacy, May 5.)
Yesterday morning before 10 o’clock, Col. Lee received a despatch from Major Rowland stating that the Yankee cavalry were at Gadsden, Ala., (on the Coosa river, at the corner of the four counties of Cherokee, DeKalb, St. Clair, and Benton, say 50 or 60 miles below Rome). The despatch of Maj. R. was from Marietta, the nearest telegraph station – whither he had come on an engine to send it. It stated that a messenger had come from Gadsden to Rome, and from Rome on the railroad down to Kingston, and that it was expected the enemy would proceed at once to Rome to destroy Noble’s Iron Works, on the river below, and the valuable work shops at Rome. Later in the day a despatch was received that they had passed by Rome, and were to the south, between that point and Kingston. We also heard it reported that a body of the enemy were approaching via Cedartown, but we saw no despatch to that effect, and suppose it was not correct. It was then supposed they were aiming at the bridge and Iron Works at Etowah. Col. Lee, with all that remained of the Provost Guard and some others, taking two pieces of artillery, took the train at 7 p.m., intending to go to the defence of the bridge and the Iron Works, or to any other point where his presence might be needed. At this writing, we have received nothing from the movements of him and his command since leaving here.
This raid has created a good deal of excitement in the city. Many supposed it was intended to make a descent upon this place, for the purpose of destroying Government supplies, of which the Yankees know we have a considerable amount stored in the city. Various speculations were indulged, and reports canvassed as to their number, and the point from which they came. Some supposed it to be a small force cut off by Forrest in his fight with them at Courtland (Lawrence County, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, twenty miles west of Decatur). Others supposed it to be a separate expeditions from Corinth, having come entirely to the south of Forrest’s command – say through Marion, Hancock and Blount counties. When the news came that they had passed by Rome, it was supposed that they were in small force, afraid to visit Rome, and aiming at the Etowah Bridge and Iron Works, or that they were in very strong force, and purposely passed Rome by, aiming at this place as higher game. About dark last night notice was given around our principal streets, and a large meeting soon assembled at the City Hall. A mounted force was soon organized, and the city was properly picketed at the proper points.
We annex the following interesting private letter from Capt. C. A. Smith, Conductor on the Rome Railroad:
KINGSTON, May 3.
I learned this evening that the Yankees were below Rome, and that our men needed reinforcements. I then ran the train to Rome from this place to carry about ____ men, and have just returned, having learned the following particulars: Gen. Forrest has overtaken the enemy at Gaylesville, Cherokee county, Ala., about twenty-five miles west of Rome; and the courier stated that an engagement had taken place. The courier left before the fight closed; therefore we can’t tell the result. I have a despatch from Gen. Forrest to Gen. Bragg, dated yesterday, seventeen miles west of Gadsden, asking a force to be sent to Rome to check them, as his horses were tired out; but he has overtaken them today, and it is hoped given them a good thrashing. Their advance guard came to Col. Shorter’s place, one mile from Rome, today, fired on our pickets, and then retired. They numbered about 200. Their whole force is about 1500. We have the bridges guarded, and will give them a few rounds when they come. Gen. Black is pursuing the advance guard. We do not fear any attack between here and Rome. We need more men. If Forrest fails to check them, good bye Rome.
C. A. SMITH,
Conductor Rome R. R.
The Yankee raid makers, now near Rome, will no doubt be bagged. Forrest is in their rear. Another force is coming down the Wills Valley; so they cannot get back North or West. Their only chance is to go out through East Tennessee; and Colonel Loomis, the energetic and efficient commander of the Post, has sent a force from this place to the right point to intercept them there. We think it impossible for them to escape.
P. S. The 10 o’clock train, this morning, brought the news of the burning of Round Mountain Iron Works, near Centre, Cherokee county, Ala., and that a portion of the Yankee cavalry had been firing across the river into Rome, but retired on being replied to.
(The Latest.)
ETOWAH, GA., May 4. General Forrest has captured the whole force of the enemy, near two thousand strong. This is reliable. All right.
G. W. LEE, Colonel Commanding.