The Cairo correspondent of the St. Louis Republican writes :

The seamen who lately arrived from the East, and who are now quartered on the receiving ship Maria Denning, are a queer set, haying customs, thoughts and, expressions peculiar to themselves. They attract considerable attention when allowed on shore. Directly, on their arrival, while they were being transferred from the cars to the boat, some of them picked up a little; boy, about knee high, a bright little fellow who was just beginning to talk, stuffed him in a mess chest and smuggled him in board. They tattoed the youngster with their marks, and took such rough care of him as they could. When asked where they got him, they swore that he belonged to them, and that they had brought him from the East. The “old man,” however, was not satisfied, knowing their tricks by experience. He took the little fellow on shore, bought him a cap and feather, with other “fancy fixings” and after a time found his home, restoring him to his anxious mother.

(Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.)

Cairo, Oct. 7.

The gunboats Tyler and Lexington had an active engagement to-day with rebel shore batteries at Iron Banks, three miles this side of Columbus. The boats left here at 9 o’clock for down the river, on a reconnaissance. Arrived at Lucas Bend, they got sight of the rebel gunboat Jeff Davis, which on, chase being given, put about with all possible dispatch for Columbus. The Lexington and Conestoga, while in chase, and throwing shot, were suddenly fired upon from masked batteries on each side of the river. The rebel shots, however, generally fell short. A battery of rifled cannon on the Iron Banks threw balls over and around the gunboats, cutting close, but fortunately doing no damage. Parties on board represent the scene for a time as particularly exciting. Shot and shell were flying about in uncomfortable proximity, making the air ring with music. The guns of our boats were admirably managed, every shot going home, and the shell bursting in air over the rebel quarters, causing a big commotion among them. The boats finally drew off and returned to Cairo. It is not known what damage was done to the rebels, but many of them are thought to have been killed.