June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
POSITION OF GENERAL BANKS. –
The latest news from New Orleans and Port Hudson is of grave importance. Our correspondents accompanying the army of investment, under General Banks supply full and interesting details of the most recent operations against that stronghold. From these it appears that, after a long and furious bombardment of the enemy’s works, the commanding general determined on a second assault along their whole line. The attempt was most heroically made, and doubtless would have succeeded if the Union forces had been powerful enough of the exigencies of the occasion. Unfortunately, the immense strength of the rebel works proved too much for the small force which General Banks could bring to the attack, and after a desperate and determined contest, in which our soldiers displayed the greatest heroism, the federal columns were compelled to fall back on their own intrenchments. Thus the second assault on Port Hudson, like the first has failed, because troops enough have not been sent to operate against the place.
But, though this second advance has been checked, the defenders of the beleaguered city have gained no advantage over us, but on the contrary, have suffered severely in killed and wounded. This is no time for us to falter or fall back. Let the government immediately see to it that strong reinforcements be sent to Gen. Banks from the nearest points whence they can be obtained. It is said that a heavy rebel force is concentrating in this rear to attack him and prevent his retreat upon Baton Rouge. This may be very true, as in their great extremity the rebels will lose no chance to redeem their failing fortunes. But the fate of Vicksburg is now almost decided, and before long the reduction of that city will release a large portion of Gen. Grant’s fine army, which will then be free to operate against Port Hudson. In such a case the fall of the place will be no longer doubtful. To make the matter doubly secure and certain, Gen. Banks should be immediately strengthened to such an extent that he may be able, not only to keep up the siege of Port Hudson, but to take care of the rebels in his rear.