Sept. 6.–To-day the National Guard at Conrad’s Ferry, on the Potomac, discerned a body of rebels at work across the river, which, on inspection with glasses, proved to be the erection of a two-gun battery. Word was sent to General Stone’s head-quarters, and a section of a battery was soon provided. The rebels discharged two shells without effect, which were responded to with spherical-case shot, causing a splendid specimen of racing by the rebels. The distance between the two batteries was not less than three-quarters of a mile.–National Intelligencer, Sept. 12.
–Tins morning at eleven o’clock, General Grant, with two regiments of infantry, one company of light artillery, and two gunboats, took possession of Paducah, Kentucky. He found secession flags flying in different parts of the city, in expectation of greeting the arrival of the Southern army, which was reported three thousand eight hundred strong, sixteen miles distant. The loyal citizens tore down the secession flags on the arrival of the national troops.
General Grant took possession of the telegraph office, railroad depot, and the marine hospital, and issued the following proclamation:
I have come among you not as an enemy, but as your fellow-citizen. Not to maltreat or annoy you, but to respect and enforce the rights of all loyal citizens. An enemy, in rebellion against our common Government, has taken possession of, and planted its guns on the soil of Kentucky, and fired upon you. Columbus and Hickman are in his hands. He is moving upon your city. I am here to defend you against this enemy, to assist the authority and sovereignty of your Government. I have nothing to do with opinions, and shall deal only with armed rebellion and its aiders and abettors. You can pursue your usual avocations without fear. The strong arm of the Government is here to protect its friends and punish its enemies. Whenever it is manifest that you are able to defend yourselves and maintain the authority of the Government and protest the rights of loyal citizens I shall withdraw the forces under my command.
U. S. Grant,
Brig.-Gen. Commanding.
–(Doc. 31.)
–Several families of Tennessee exiles arrived at Cincinnati, Ohio, in farm wagons today. They were driven from Jefferson County, Tennessee, on account of their Union sentiments, some weeks since.–Louisville Journal, Sept. 9.
–Captain Strong, of the Second regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, had a narrow escape from the rebels to-day. He was out on picket duty, three miles in front of the National lines, on the Virginia side of the river, opposite the Chain Bridge above Washington. Being mounted, and in advance of his men, he was suddenly surrounded and taken prisoner by six secessionists, four infantry and two cavalry. After taking him a short distance to the rear, they demanded his pistols. Thinking this his only chance of escape, he drew a revolver, fired, and shot two of his captors, and then, patting spurs to his horse, he started for the camp on a full run. The rest of the party fired upon him, one ball passing through his canteen, another through his coat, grazing the skin, and a third ball went through his left cheek, passing out of his mouth. Nevertheless, he made good his escape, and came into camp. He is ready again to enter upon his duty.–(Doc. 32.)
–The Navy Department at Washington received from the National squadron in the Gulf of Mexico, intercepted letters from the commander of the privateer “Sumter ” and one of his crew, in which is given a list of the vessels captured by that vessel.–(Doc. 38.)
–This day the following general order was issued at Washington, the head-quarters of the army of the Potomac:
The Major-General commanding desires and requests that in future there may be a more perfect respect for the Sabbath on the part of his command. We are fighting in a holy cause, and should endeavor to deserve the benign favor of the Creator. Unless in case of attack by the enemy, or some other extreme military necessity, it is commended to commanding officers that all work shall be suspended on the Sabbath; that no unnecessary movements shall be made on that day; that the men shall as far as possible be permitted to rest from their labors; that they shall attend divine service after the customary morning inspection, and that officers and men alike use their influence to insure the utmost decorum required on that day. The General commanding regards this as no idle form. One day’s rest is necessary for man and animals. More than this the observance of the holy day of the God of mercy and of battles is our sacred duty.
George B. Mcclellan,
Major-General Commanding.
S. Williams, Ass’t Adjutant-General.