| From the Memphis Appeal |
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| April 28, 1863 |
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| The Federals on the New Orleans and Jackson
Road |
| The expedition under Col.
Grierson reached the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern
railroad a short time before noon yesterday, at Hazlehurst, forty
miles south of this city. |
| The down passenger train was
met t the station this side by a courier, who gave a report that the
enemy was approaching Hazlehurst, some miles distant, when he left.
Several military gentlemen on board were at once consulted, who
thought, as the information was rather indefinite, it would be safe to
go on, which was done. On approaching close to the station at
Hazlehurst, the engineer, Mr. Chris Magahan, observed a citizen make
the signal to stop and go back. The breaks were immediately applied,
and on the train stopping at the end of the platform the engine was
reversed. Up to this time nothing was seen of the enemy, but at once
seems half dozen blue coats, who had been secreted at the other end of
the station house, evidently for the purpose of seizing the engineer
as the train came up, stepped out, but only to see the prize backing
beyond their reach. At the same instant a heavy fire was opened upon
the train by a party ambushed some three hundred yards distant, but
fortunately no one was struck. The engineer remained at his
post, and soon removed his train out of danger. The passengers on
board, several of whom were ladies, award great praise to the
engineer, and also to the conductor, Mr. Fred Wang, for the coolness
displayed by both on the occasion. |
| Steps were taken to warn the
up train, due at Hazlehurst at three o'clock, of the danger. As the
telegraph wires were cut when the Yankees first reached the place, no
intelligence has been received of their proceedings after the train
left. This is undoubtedly the party reported at Westville, thirty
miles east of Hazlehurst, on Sunday afternoon. From the latter place
they have a direct road to Natchez. It is surmised by some that they
will move to that city, where they can be protected by the gunboats
until they can be crossed over the river; others think they will
attempt to reach the road between this city and Vicksburg. After their
late movements we are prepared to hear of their accomplishing
anything, except meeting a Confederate force that might capture them. |
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