Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.
Cairo, March 17, 1862.
The town is at present full of rumors from below, but there is little of anything that can be called reliable. We are anxiously expecting information from Island No. 10, but are as yet without anything definite. At last accounts Commodore Foote was at work and using his flotilla to the best possible advantage, moving his mortar boats out of range of the enemy’s batteries or gunboats, throwing shells Into their fortifications, it Is supposed with terrible effect. The Iron clad gunboats had not yet been brought into the action. The mortar-boats had gained the proper range, and the accuracy of their fire folly equalled previous expectations.
We hear nothing of special interest from the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers.
Transports loaded with troops continue to arrive here and depart for their proper destination.
Cairo is still excessively muddy, and a considerable portion of the city is covered with water.
Much mortality is reported among the sick and wounded at Mound City.
The weather is dear, warm, and spring-like. The river is still swelling slowly.
St. Patrick’s Day is being celebrated by the fire companies and civil authorities.
To-morrow we expect news of importance from the gunboat flotilla and West Tennessee.
Chicago Daily Tribune, Chicago, IL