June 15, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
LATEST FROM THE WEST – THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG.
JACKSON, June 12. – An officer who left Vicksburg on the night of Wednesday, the 10th, reports all as working well. The garrison is in fine spirits, and well supplied with provisions. So far but little damage has been done by the enemy’s fire. The total loss to the garrison since the siege began does not exceed 500. GRANT is still, pegging away upon his parallels, but no mischief has been done so far.
Our scouts from the vicinity of Vicksburg report GRANT hauling water for his troops from the Big Black, eight miles. He has mounted siege guns and opened fire. Tonight the firing is incessant. Our columbiads are replying promptly. All eyes are turned to Gen. JOHNSTON, who is in front superintending in person. Such are the secresy of his plans, it is stated they are unknown to his commanders. The next five days will determine the fate of GRANT’S army.
At the latest advices GRANT was compelled to burn most of his dead before Gen. PEMBERTON’S […..] pen.’ The Vicksburg ladies promenade the streets during the bombardment, and at night go out to see the display, which is very fine.
We have good news from the Trans-Mississippi Department, but it is considered contraband. You may, however, soon expect to hear that Gen. KIRBY SMITH is at glorious work. He has undoubtedly captured Milliken’s Bend, in Madison county, Louisiana, on the right bank of the Mississippi, and seventy-five miles above Vicksburg. KIRBY SMITH came up the Tensas, rendered navigable by Federal ditching, and is now said to be master of Milliken’s Bend, Carthage and Delhi.
A negro Lieutenant and twelve others, belonging to JOHN TAYLOR MOORE, near Grand Gulf, who had arrested citizens and committed depredation, were brought here today. There was some excitement, coupled with threats to administer Lynch law; but they were quietly turned over to the military authorities to be dealt with, as they claimed to be United States troops.
JACKSON’S cavalry and the enemy’s had a skirmish at EdwardDepot. The enemy retired. Our loss was two killed.
More Yankee reinforcements are going forward. A citizen arrived from Horn Lake reports thirty-seven transports, with troops, supplies, &c., going down.
GRIERSON, with a force of 2,000 cavalry, attacked Col. LOGAN’S command of 400 men, near Clinton, on the 4th inst. The enemy was handsomely repulsed and driven off, with a loss of 80, including 50 prisoners. Our loss was 3 killed and 14 wounded.
Rumors that MAGRUDER is marching on New Orleans are current, but are not credited in official circles.
MARMADUKE has captured one transport and sunk another near Helena, on the 11th inst. Two regiments were sent from Helena against him which he routed and drove back to the town. Gen. PRICE is marching an Old Town Point, 18 miles below Helena. Twenty-two companies from North Mississippi have reported for duty under the Governor’s late call.
The Yankee cavalry, one thousand strong, under Colonel HATCH, passed Holly Springs on Monday, going South. Another GRIERSON raid contemplated. Colonel McCULLOCH, of the Second Missouri cavalry, attacked the enemy twenty-eight miles south of Memphis on Monday, and put them to rout. HATCH came as far south as Orizaba (southern part of Tippah county) and went back towards Memphis. The Yankees have evacuated Clinton. General JACKSON burned a portion of the town. The Bowman House, the only house left by the Yankees, was destroyed by fire this morning. Major SMILIE, commandant of the post, escaped by jumping from the third story window. He was caught in a blanket. The loss is estimated at $25,000 – partly insured.
(Latest.)
JACKSON, June 13. – An officer just from Natchez, reports that the Yankee gunboat Arizona grounded on a bar, four miles below Natchez, on the 11th instant, and that the river has since fallen three feet. He also confirms the sinking of the Essex and two other gunboats at Port Hudson.
GRANT’S parallel approaches have now reached within 300 yards of our outer works. So far, our loss during the series of attacks has been 600; the enemy’s between 40,000 and 50,000. GRANT’S present force does not exceed 60,000, notwithstanding heavy reinforcements have reached him. Great numbers of his men have been swept off by sickness and desertion.
Some apprehensions are entertained about the sufficiency of the supply of food at Vicksburg. The following is a statement of the daily rations now issued: 1/4 lb. bacon, 1/2 lb. beef, 5/8 lb. meal, with an allowance of peas, rice, sugar and molasses.