The Portland Daily Press

Gen. Smith's Expedition.

CAIRO, Ill., July 23.

The steamer Hillman brings one day later news from Memphis.

A cavalry officer, who accompanied Smith's expedition, gives the following particulars:

Our forces consisted of a division each of cavalry and infantry, with a brigade of colored troops. Smith was outnumbered by Forrest, although he whipped his forces five times.

The battle on the 6th was severe, the enemy being terribly punished. The same night the rebels assaulted our temporary works and were repulsed. On the 15th inst. another battle occurred, Forrest making three charges on our line, but was driven back each time with great slaughter. On the night of the 15th the last day's rations were distributed, and next morning the expedition started to return, followed by Buford's cavalry, who retreated, however, with severe loss after going four miles. From the night of the 15th to the night of the 19th, when supplies were met at Salem, the troops were obliged to live off the country. On the 20th the expedition reached Lagrange with a loss all told of less than 500 men. Not a gun or wagon was lost. Gen. Grierson says the rebel loss cannot be less than 5000. Among the rebels killed at Columbus were Faulkner, Mombray, Nelson, Forrest, Harrison and Green. The expedition returned safely on account of the exhaustion of supplies. We brought in 2000 rebel prisoners. The rebel dead were buried by our troops on several occasions.