The victory in the West.
The telegraph brings intelligence of a great battle in the
West, in which the enemy, in vastly superior numbers, was defeated and driven back with immense slaughter.
Belmont, the locality of this battle, is in
Missouri, opposite the town of
Columbus, Ky.--To prevent operations against our batteries at the latter place, a small force of 2,500 men was stationed across the
Mississippi river, at
Belmont, and it appears that the purpose of the enemy was to drive them from the position and occupy it, by which a strategic point of no small importance would have been gained.
The Federal force therefore started from
Cairo in gun-boats and transports, and approached to a point seven miles above
Columbus, where a bend in the river afforded an opportunity for a stealthy landing.
Here they disembarked and marched down upon
Belmont, and attacked
Gen. Pillow; but notwithstanding the great disparity in numbers, they were held in check for two hours, until our boats crossed with reinforcements.
From the advices thus far received, which were communicated to
President Davis by telegraph from
Columbus, the fight must have been obstinate on both sides; but, as in every previous engagement of any note, where the enemy had not the advantage of naval assistance, victory rewarded the exertions of the brave and gallant Southron.
The Federals were completely routed, and pursued back to their boats, while the road for a distance of seven miles was strewn with the evidences of rapid flight.
This victory is important, not only from the moral effect of such an event, but in the complete over throw of the enemy's plans of opening a passage down the river towards
Memphis.
Our troops still hold their position son both sides, and will doubtless be ready for the foe should he repeat the demonstration.
Gen. Grant, who is reported killed, was one of the most prominent officers in the
Federal army.
The War Department last evening received a dispatch from
Gen. A. Sydney Johnston, confirming the foregoing intelligence.
