Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: The season has arrived when we may expect to have our attention engaged by the operations of the military forces.
Major General Banks has encountered a check on his march from Natchitoches. Although we have no detailed report, it is not to be doubted that his advanced corps sustained a severe defeat on the first day, rallied with great vigor on the second, and finally beat the insrugents in a fair field fight, on the third day of the prolonged engagement, which took place on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of the present month. We do not know the relative losses of the combatants; but we learn very directly that Major General Banks expects to renew his march upon Shrevesport on the 28th instant.
An iron ram floated down the Roanoke river, past our fort at Plymouth, and it is understood that supplies and re-enforcements are cut off from that outpost. We have some anxiety for the safety of the garrison. We understand that it consists, of about 2,000 men. The post has no considerable strategic importance.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.