No appearance of Federal vessels at Paducah — the Yankee force in Murray — Early movements looked for.
Nashville, January 23.
--The Fort Henry correspondent of the Nashville Union and American says, ‘ that the Confederate steamer Dunbar went down the Tennessee river on Saturday last within twenty-five miles of Paducah, and reports that no Federal gun-boats were seen.
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Scouts from Fort Henry report the Federal force in Murray, Kentucky, to be between six and ten thousand infantry, two thousand cavalry, and thirteen pieces of artillery.
The heavy rains on the 19th and 20th instant rendered the water courses and roads almost impassable, and greatly impeded their movements.
The intelligence direct from Green river is, that the Federals intend making early forward movements, and they have commenced the erection of fortifications on the South bank of the river.
The heavy freshet in the Green river had washed away Gen. Buell's pontoon bridges, and also damaged the wood work on the repairs made to the railroad bridge.
[second Dispatch.]
Memphis, Jan. 23.
--Intelligence received from Paris, Tenn., and of yesterdays date, states that it was reported on Saturday afternoon that ten Federal regiments of infantry, 1,800 cavalry, and 30 pieces of artillery went to Muldray and took possession of the court-house there, destroying the books and papers and released six negroes from jail.--At the same time 600 Federals landed from gun-boats at the highlands.
It was understood that a Federal force of 30,000 would rendezvous at Murray on Tuesday.
The Federals have taken possession of Boydsville, 15 miles northwest of Paris.--Scouting parties of the Federals are stealing mules, stock, provisions, teams, negroes money, and even the jewelry of the inhabitants.
It is reported that the Federals went towards Fort Henry on Monday night and made an attack.
Firing was heard here in that direction to-day.
The bridges between Murray and Fort Henry have been destroyed and the Federals are shut up. River navigation, heavy rains, and bad roads, prevent the Federals from progressing.
There is considerable excitement here, many families of slaveholders are leaving.
It is reported that Fort Henry has been reinforced and will hold out.
Big events are expected in a few days. 