The Daily Dispatch: February 8, 1862., [Electronic resource]

Critical Situation of Gen. Polk

‘ The authorities at Columbus have information from a source upon which dependence is placed, that the Federals are now making such dispositions of their forces in Kentucky and Missouri as will enable them to bring overwhelming numbers against Columbus, and at the same time marches powerful column down the west bank of the Mississippi. The great rise in the Ohio, Cumberland, and Tennessee rivers will facilitate their movements in Kentucky. The attack is appointed to take place within a fortnight.

So impressed has Gen. Polk become with the difficulties of his situation that he has sent agents to the Governors and other military authorities of this State and Mississippi, urging them to reinforce him as soon as possible to the full extent of their abilities. In this State steps to that and have already been taken, but it would be imprudent to disclose the description or strength of the reinforcements that are about to be forwarded to him.

The report that the steamer Calhoun, which was lately abandoned near the mouth of the river, was set fire to and burned, is now regarded as a sheer fabrication. The vessel, it is said, was not fired, and with a valuable cargo, including 40 tons of gunpowder, fell into the bands of the enemy uninjured and is being armed to assist his operations on our coast.

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