The Daily Dispatch: June 6, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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The siege of Fort Pillow
Difficulties in the way of the flotilla.

During the progress of more exciting events in the immediate neighborhood of the Capital, the public has almost lost sight of the Federal operations on the Mississippi river we therefore extract from the correspondence of the New York Times the appended narrative, which shows what was thought of the situation of affairs two weeks ago. We have not yet heard that the ‘"speedy forward movement"’" so confluienlly predicted by the writer has taken place up to the present time, and it is fair to presume that the ‘"contemptible earth work,"’ Fort Pillow, continues to hold its own.

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Mississippi flotilla,
above Fort Pillow,
Thursday, may 22, 1862.

The siege at Fort Pillow has been a long and a tedious one, but at last we congratulate ourselves that we see the beginning of the ending. Flag Officer Davis is, of course, discreet enough to keep his own counsel, but certain events have transpired within the last few days, which no one here could fail to observe, that unmistakably point to a speedy forward movement.

The friends of the Union will be glad to hear this, for it must be confessed that, after the reduction of two such forts as Jackson and St. Phillip below, and two such fortifications as Columbus and Island No.10 above, it is rather humiliating that a contemptible earthwork like Pillow, manned, as we have every reason to believe — indeed, I many almost say know — by two regiments of raw troops and defended by not more than half a dozen guns of heavy calibre, should so long hold us at bay, and prevent the ed navigation of the Mississippi. It is a matter of little speculation whether Fort Pillow is defended at all. If the reports of deserters are to be believed, it was virtually abandoned several days ago; but since the engagement of he 10th, when two of our boats were disabled. Flag Officer Davis even if he did place any confidence in these stories, has not been in a condition to make a reconnaissance in force, and draw the enemy's fire. A portion of their fleet is still to the vicinity; but it is believed by many that it has been left behind as a ‘"blind."’

This hypothesis is strengthened by a circumstance which occurred a day or two age. The steamer L. M. Kennett came down from St. Louis. having on board quite a number of released and paroled rebel prisoners. During the forenoon she dropped down into a bend of the river, flying two flags of truce, and after waiting an hour and a half for the enemy to board her was compelled to return.--While in this position an officer who accompanied her look such observations as he could. He had an unobstructed view of the river miles, and a very good one of the site of the forty and he confesses himself unable to see any signs of life in either. Later in the day the Kennett dropped down again, and after remaining a short time was visited by two rebel togs, on which the prisoners were placed and sent on their way. I do not assent that Pillow is vacated, but simply give the impressions of many persons in the whose opinions are titled to consideration. When our advance is made (and it cannot be delay revery long) we may find the rebels still in position, and as well prepared to dispute our passage down the river as ever.

The plans of this expedition, I have every reason to believe, have recently been changed. Had the flotilla been attended by a co-operating lend force, no one supposes, not withstanding the submerged condition of the country that been passed in comparative dieue us they have been. When Gen. Popa's army, which accompanied the flotilla to this point, was withdrawn to reinforce Gen. Halleck, everybody supposed that a tattle was impatient at Corinth, and could not be delayed more than a fortaighter furthest. No doubt was entertained that the enemy would he routed from that point, and in that event they would be compelled in at add-on Pillow, leaving our way to blemphia clear. Where one battle could be made to serve the purpose of two, sound judgment dictated that the fulfill should await the issue of the Corinth a juggle, and in the meantime maintain a strict blockade of the river. It is now apparent however, that Gen. Halleck is in no great hurry to bring on an engagement believing that the enemy must suffer more from delay than he will, and Flag Officer Davis has therefore determined to await his movements no longer, feeling that the occupation of Memphis is his legitimate work, and that the possession of that city by our forces would have a demoralizing effect upon the rebel achy at Corinth.

The most engorging of the many signs of an advance in this quarter is the arrival of two or three regiments of troops, which, with those previously here, will form a anfliciantly large co-operative force to justify the flotilla in assuming the offensive. These road were drawn from Columbus, Hickman, Island No Ton, and New Madrid, and are hardy, well seasoned troops. Heartily tired of the garrison duty they have been performing for some time past, they are rejoiced at the prospect of seeing active service once mere.

Another indication is the arrived of half-a dozen rams from above. When the rebels mine, you know we must countermine. They have given us several expensive in the art of butting since the war began, and it is high time we had learned something. Our rams are, as yet, untried, and bat little can therefore be said as to their efficiency, especially as appearances are decidedly against them. Two of them were side-wheel, and four stern-wheel steamers, the latter originally built as low boats, and therefore furnished with great power, and capable of attaining a high rate of speed. Their prows have been strengthened and sheathed with iron, and bulwarks of heavy timber constructed upon their main decks, reaching nearly up to the hurricanes roofs. There can be no doubt that, if not interfered with, these rams would give an enemy's cenacle some very uncomfortable thus us; but what resistance their bulwarks will offer to a sixty-four pound baliremains to be seen. I concess I should not fancy a seat behind them in such an event.

Government, I believe, has not yet taken any stock in these odd looking implements of naval warfare. They are the result of individual and State enterprise, Pennsylvania having furnished most of them, with the understanding that if, on trial, they prove to be effective, the General Government was to become their purchaser. Just now the probability of their soon having an opportunity to test their powers stems very good indeed.

While upon the subject of rams, it may not be improper to say that since the late naval engagement, rafts of timber have been ocustracted around our gunboats to protect them from the attacks of the enemy's ‘"butters."’--This is called ‘"booming, "’ and is believed to be a sure preventive of the recurrence of such a disaster as met the Cincinnati last Saturday week.

After eight days silence, the bombardment of Fort Pillow was ordered to be resumed yesterday morning; but just as the mortars were about to drop to their position, a flag of truce from the enemy came round the point, and a large portion of the day was consumed in negotiations — of what character has not yet transpired. Toward evening, how ever, the enemy's flag withdrew, and then the mortars once more resumed their work. If this bombarding the enemy were the only evidence of active operations, I should despair of anything ever being accomplished, for I have long since come to the conclusion that mortar-firing is a very harmless amusement