May 29, 1863, The New York Herald
THE SIEGE.
WASHINGTON, May 28, 1863.
The latest information from Vicksburg received by the government is contained in an unofficial despatch from Memphis, dated May 27, which states that two boats from Vicksburg had just reached Memphis.
The telegram says he official despatches have been received by these boats, but that they report that the attack on Vicksburg was progressing, and that General Grant was still gaining.
It was also reported that Gen. Carr and Col. Bloomer had been killed.
Telegraphic advices to the government from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac report that the rebel pickets today shouted across the river to our pickets that the Yankees had taken Vicksburg. This undoubtedly is the opinion of the rebels on the Rappahannock, but whether correct or not time will show.
Nothing is heard in regard to the movements of Gen. Johnston, but he undoubtedly engaged in collecting forces with the intention of attacking General Grant in the rear; but it is not believed that he can obtain force enough before Vicksburg is carried to make a formidable demonstration.
When the boats above mentioned left Vicksburg everything was going on well and it is believed here in official circles that news of the final and complete capture of the place will soon be recorded. As the telegraph wire between Memphis and Cairo is again in working order, we shall probably by tomorrow be in receipt of still more decisive and important information.
The Richmond papers of the 27th instant have been received, but contain nothing from Vicksburg as late as the official despatch received from General Grant. What they give is but a rehash of the reports previously published, and cover the time only up to last Friday.
An officer connected with General Banks’ army, who has recently arrived in this city, states that the enemy are pretty nearly driven out of Louisiana, and that the State is about redeemed from rebel sway. If General Grant and Admirals Porter and Farragut are successful in reopening the Mississippi, the State of Louisiana may soon be expected to re-enter the Union, and be again represented in the national legislature.
The excitement in this city in regard to operations at Vicksburg is very great, and much anxiety is felt to hear something definite from that quarter. The secession sympathisers avail themselves of the opportunity of circulate absurd reports of disasters and repulses to Gen. Grant’s noble army in that quarter. The government has received nothing to indicate any confirmation of these rumors, which arise from their desire for unfavorable results, and not from any information or facts actually received.
The Star of this afternoon says that private information from experienced officers now in the vicinity of Vicksburg, written as General Grant was about to commence the siege of that city, expressed the opinion that it would be the work of a week or two, at least, ere its reduction could be looked for.
CAIRO, May 28, 1863.
The steamer Imperial arrived at Memphis on Monday morning. From Captain Stevens, a passenger, we learn the following: –
The fighting on Friday was desperate. General Grant charged the fortifications and took some of them. The rebels rallied and retook them. There was much hand-to-hand fighting. Captain Stevens says our loss that day in killed, wounded and prisoners was about five thousand. The rebels used hand grenades when our forces attempted to storm the works.
It was reported that one corps of General Banks army had arrived at Warrenton.