From Colonel Lyon’s Letters.
Feb. 9, 1863.—There is a report that Van Dorn is advancing upon us from the southwest with a large force, which may be true. Many of the rebel army are in a starving condition. It was for that reason they were so anxious to get in here.
The weather is very warm, with lots of mud. We are doing some work on fortifications and giving the rebels some chance to do us a good turn if they choose to give us a call. If we are attacked here at any time we shall put the women on a steamer and send them a few miles down the river.
