June 19, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
THE MOVEMENTS IN THE WEST.
JACKSON, June 13, p.m. – It is stated positively that JACKSON’S cavalry has retaken the Big Black Bridge. We have no particulars yet. A gentleman just from Vicksburg says that the garrison there is in the best spirits, with plenty to eat and an abundance of ammunition, &c. It is considered that there is little fear now in respect to its safety. I am trying to make arrangements to go to the front, and will possibly leave on Monday. The time is close at hand for more stirring events.
Information has been received here that Gen. DICK TAYLOR, a few days ago, surprised the enemy’s camp at Ashland, La., and killed, wounded, and took prisoners amounting altogether to 2000. A few escaped to their gunboats.
Everything is represented to be brighter today than for a week past. JOHNSTON is […..] side up.’ He and KIRBY SMITH will be heard from soon.
Col. RODDY had crossed to the west side of the Tennessee River and captured the town of Hamburg, above Savannah, securing a large amount of bacon and other stores.
Captain JAMES MATHEWS, of DeSoto, has brought intelligence which may be relied on, that General MARMADUKE had fired on two downward transports a few miles above Helena, sinking one and capturing the other. A force of two regiments was sent up against him from Helena, which he completely routed, driving what of them was left howling back to their lines. General PRICE is cutting out a road through the bottom for his artillery, &c., to Old Town, a point eighteen miles below Helena.
Another invasion of Kentucky is apprehended at Louisville, and it is stated the Confederate forces greatly predominate in the Southeastern portion of the State.