March 12.—The expeditionary force under Major-General Gordon Granger, which moved on Monday against Van Dorn’s rebel army, returned to Franklin, Tenn., this afternoon, having driven the enemy beyond Duck River. The infantry went no farther than Rutherford Creek, but the cavalry, under Colonel Minty, of the Fourth brigade, made a thorough reconnoissance of the country beyond the creek to Duck River.
The second day’s march brought the expedition to Rutherford Creek, where, for a time, the rebels promised fight. Their positions were well chosen, their artillery commanding the pike and several crossings. A blinding rain, however, prevented General Granger attempting the passage of the stream, which was flood-high and foaming.
The troops bivouacked for the night, expecting to drive the enemy on the succeeding day. Yesterday came in clear and beautiful, giving the artillerists a fine opportunity for practice, which they improved excellently by numerous shots. Preparations were made for an advance, and the infantry skirmishers were thrown out. The cavalry, under Col. Minty, supported by the Thirty-eighth Illinois infantry, made a crossing two miles up the creek in the face of the enemy who, however, fell quickly back from the National approaches. Soon word came back that the rebels were in rapid retreat, and finally at night the cavalry returned, announcing that all the rebels had fled beyond Duck River, which, of course, determined the return of the expedition.
The different cavalry skirmishes resulted in the loss on the National side of two killed and seven wounded.—Cincinnati Gazette.
