whole army will be moved over to-day and to-night. General Pope has four steamers to ferry with, which arrived by the new route through the swamps last evening. Another gunboat arrived this morning from above Island Numbers 10. I will report from the field as frequently as possible.

THOMAS A. SCOTT,

Assistant Secretary of War.

NEA MADRID, April 7, 1862.

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

Eight thousand infantry, three batteries of artillery, and one regiment of cavalry have crossed the Mississippi within the last six hours. Everything working well. Forces advancing to Tiptonville to cut off retreat. By to-morrow night General Pope will have the enemy completely caged.

THOMAS A. SCOTT,

Assistant Secretary of War.

WATSON'S LANDING, TENN.,

April 7 (via Cairo, April 8, 1862).

Honorable E. M. STANTON,

Secretary of War:

The movement across the river has been a great success. The divisions of Generals Paine, Stanley, and Hamilton have advanced, and we believe will occupy Tiptonville before morning. About 100 prisoners, three pieces of light artillery, eleven large cannon in batteries, camp equipage, and other property have been captured here. Enemy left in great haste. Gunboats have been sent below Tiptonville to capture any transports that may appear and prevent the escape of the enemy. The large floating battery (fourteen guns), that the enemy towed from New Orleans to Island Numbers 10, came down the river adrift this evening and has been secured. We leave for Island Numbers 10 at daybreak.

THOMAS A. SCOTT,

Assistant Secretary of War.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
Saint Louis, April 7, 1862.

Brigadier General FRED. STEELE,

Rives' Station:

General Curtis reports Price moving from Dover, on Arkansas River, to Batesville, and Van Dorn from Yellville, on same place or Pocahontas. Curtis is following on their left flank, to communicate with you, probably at Salem.

H. W. HALLECK,

Major-General.