March 2, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
VICKSBURG, February 18.
The suspicion which has been entertained that the enemy was planting batteries on the levee, within range of the city, was confirmed yesterday, when he opened fire upon the town. His operations commenced about 1 o’clock, immediately after the sky became sufficiently clear to give him a good sight of the city. One of our batteries, being located near the depot, seemed to be the object at which the fire was directed, and every shell came within the limits of the city. No harm was done, though they dropped about in the midst of buildings and among crowds of people.
As usual, the ladies again acted a conspicuous part in this scene, and the hills were covered with crinoline to look at the flying monsters as their noise indicated the direction in which they were coming. The remark was frequently heard that […..] looked again like last summer.’ There are a great many women and children in town yet; many have nowhere to go; others have no means to take them away, and some obstinately refuse to leave. At present there is a serious break in the Southern railroad, which prevents many from going, as that is the only route by which they can get away. If General Pemberton’s order is enforced it will create a good deal of suffering in this inclement season. If the poor must leave town the country people should open their doors wide for them.
A good deal of excitement was visible among the fleet when the firing commenced. One of the gunboats immediately dropped down to the neighborhood of the battery, but afterwards went back again to her old quarters. Towards evening considerable stir was noticed in the fleet, the whole of which was under full steam, and a continuous smoke above indicated that the whole squadron was in motion coming down. Now, as the enemy has commenced, it is likely that the grand move of assault upon the city may be near at hand. As soon as the range of his battery is ascertained, the whole force will, no doubt, be precipitated against us. For this we are well prepared, and it matters not whether he comes with the momentum of a hurricane or not, he will find the task before him too heavy to be accomplished.
Since last Friday the continuous rain and fog prevented us from taking any observations of what was going on over in Yankeedom, but it was supposed by all that the enemy would take advantage of thick weather to plant his batteries and mass his forces so as to be ready for active operations as soon as the day became clear. And this conjecture proved correct – the non-combatant element being more correct in its judgment this time than the military. It is a curious thing, indeed, that our officers did not allow the men in our batteries to shell the Yankees away from their work while they were erecting the batteries. They were seen while employed on it, and the matter was urged upon our officers, but it was not thought prudent to disturb the Yankees in their work, and now we have their batteries under our noses in full range of the city.
Our guns replied slowly and deliberately to the enemy, giving them nearly shot for shot. From the position of their batteries, they will be able to make a large part of the city, and all that portion fronting on the river will become untenable. The depot of the Southern Railroad will have to be evacuated for the time being, and the cars again have to stop at some point out of town. But it is not likely that we are to be kept in suspense long, as the enemy intend, no doubt, to make a furious assault very shortly. If so, he will very soon be driven away, in such a condition that he cannot venture to return. From information received from his army, it appears that the officers themselves acknowledge that the attempt to take Vicksburg is a hopeless task, and think they might just as well give up the job. But the Federal Government expect General McClernand to sacrifice his army here, and it has to be done.
The firing continued at regular intervals until night, when only an occasional shot broke the stillness until morning. At daylight, everything appeared to be quiet, with the exception of the fleet, which seemed to be under full steam.
Correspondence Mobile Advertiser.