June 5, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
IMPORTANT FROM THE COAST –
BLUFFTON BURNED BY THE ENEMY.
(Official Despatches)
POCOTALIGO, June 4. To Gen. Jordan:
Lieut Col. JOHNSON reports that the enemy has just fired the town of Bluffton. Our skirmishers have engaged them. I consider our force already there sufficient to prevent an advance. W. S. WALKER, Brig. Gen.
(Later.)
POCOTALIGO, June 4. To Gen. Jordan:
Lieut. Col. JOHNSON says: ‘We are now in Bluffton, which place is in flames. The enemy has retreated. No one hurt on our side.’
W. S. WALKER, Brig. Gen.
THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG.
JACKSON, June 3. The progress of the siege of Vicksburg, thus far, has been very encouraging for us. The enemy has been repulsed with immense slaughter in every attempt to storm our works. GRANT will be compelled to raise the siege in a few days. It is reported that he is returning to Grand Gulf. Another attempt to storm the works is looked for within the next forty-eight hours. The Memphis Bulletin of the 30th ult. claims that 5000 Confederates have been made prisoners at Young’s Point. In its advices from Vicksburg, it says that the slaughter of GRANT’S men has not been as great as reported; that the place is closely invested, and that no apprehension is felt as to the result of the siege.
(Later.)
JACKSON, June 3. All was quiet at Vicksburg yesterday. No firing was heard. GRANT is evidently making preparations for a movement in some direction.
MOBILE, June 4. JOHNSTON began his advance from Canton towards Vicksburg via Yazoo on the 30th of May. His army is in splendid condition and buoyant spirits.
(The Latest.)
JACKSON, June 4. Report says that GRIERSON’S command of Yankee cavalry has been captured by our forces at Woodville. We have nothing further from Vicksburg.
IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS IN TENNESSEE.
CHATTANOOGA, June 4. Credible information has been received here that ROSECRANS has begun falling back from Murfreesboro to the fortifications of Nashville. There is no doubt of his having sent large reinforcements to GRANT. BRAGG’S army is on the qui vive, ready to follow.
FROM PORT HUDSON.
MOBILE, June 4. Refugees at Pascagoula report another brilliant Confederate victory to have taken place at Port Hudson. BANKS is said to have lost an arm in the engagement.
The corn crop of Alabama and Western Georgia is in a most flourishing condition, and promises an abundant yield. The late rains have been very beneficial.