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From Kentucky.

fight with Gen. Zollicoffer--the enemy Advancing — News from Sandy, Ky.--necessity of preparation, &c.



[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]

Tazewell C. H., Va., Oct. 28, 1861.
The following items of news I gather from M. L. Comann, who has just returned from Gen. Zollicoffer's camp, in Laurel county, Ky., some 65 miles from Cumberland Gap.--Gen. Zollicoffer took up his line of march from Cumberland Ford, on the 15th inst., and proceeded in the direction of Crab Orchard. During this march he had frequent skirmishes with the Union men on the road, who concealed themselves in brush on the road side. From the 15th to the 20th he lost some three or four men, and some two or three horses, killed by these Union-loving people. On Sunday, the 20th inst., the General came to a halt, finding the road completely blockaded by the falling timber. He sent out scouts, who reported the enemy, some three or four thousand strong, in their breastworks, some three miles off. He immediately commenced clearing the road, no sooner than which he was fired upon by the enemy concealed in the adjoining brush. This mode of operation was kept up all Sabbath, and until 8 or 9 o'clock on Monday, the 21st, when he advanced upon the enemy's breastworks, and commenced an attack upon them. The fight was kept up from 10 o'clock A. M. till 5 P. M. The attack was not a general one as only some two regiments of the General were engaged--Cols. Newman and Raines's Tennessee Volunteers. We tried by almost every means to get the enemy from behind their breastworks, but to no avail. When they would venture out, we would drive them back in double-quick time. Night came on, and Gen. Zollicoffer fell back some two miles, leaving behind some 13 killed, and bringing some 2 wounded away.

The General, finding the enemy's breastworks ‘"impregnable,"’ (using his own words,) concluded to fall back some eight miles, fearing the enemy were endeavoring to cut off his supplies. Whilst on this march he received reliable information that the enemy had been largely reinforced, and continued his march to Camp Laurel. This point he reached on Tuesday night.

Early Wednesday morning he received a telegram from Gen. Sydney Johnston, notifying him of the advance of some 20,000 upon Cumberland Gap. He immediately took up his march for the Gap, some forty-five or fifty miles. It is proper to state that we lost no commissioned officer. A brother of Col. Newman was killed while bravery charging upon the enemy's breastworks. The enemy's loss was supposed to be some 20 killed and a number wounded. One officer remarked, in the presence of Mr. Comann, that ‘"Beauregard with 50,000 men could not take the place in twenty days."’ They call the place ‘"Wild Cat."’ Its proper name is Rock Castle, as it is situated near or at that place. No doubt but that the enemy will crow much over the retreat or fall back of Gen. Zollicoffer, and publish a terrible rout of his forces; but as Mr. Comann was present, you may rely upon what he reports as correct.

He also reports that late Monday night, about 12 o'clock, heavy firing was heard in the direction of Camp Wild Cat, and that it was the general opinion of all that General Hanson was engaged with the enemy, in the fear, or that the two East Tennessee regiments had fallen out, and that a battle was going on between the enemy and themselves. The regiments referred to are those who made their escape into Kentucky, aided by their leader, Andy Johnson. God grant that it may be so.

Information is just received here that large reinforcements are marching on Camp Smith, in Floyd county — what we call here the Sandy road. We need help in that quarter, and Mr. Editor, you will render your country great service by aiding the Commander, now in your city from this section, in procuring arms and men for this camp. If this camp is broken up by the enemy, Tazewell will be in great need of the nine companies she now has in the Floyd Brigade. It is thought that the camp will be attacked in a few days; if so, you shall hear from your correspondent,

Highlander.

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