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 Headquarters, 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.
This 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 [18] 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:
--(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, putting 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 Headquarters of the army of the Potomac:
