May
31
by Gideon Welles
May 31, Sunday. Captain Simpson, who has been selected by Admiral Foote as his Fleet Captain and special confidant, arrived to-day from Newport. Both he and F. were waiting for me, and met me at the church door as I came from morning service, and accompanied me to my house. We had some general talk in regard to propositions and duties. Foote desires to leave this evening for the North and Simpson goes with him.
Admiral Lardner called this afternoon. Came on from Philadelphia for instructions and final orders. He will sail on Tuesday in the Ticonderoga to take command of the West India Squadron. I am to encounter the resentment of Wilkes and Du Pont at the same time. They are not friends, but may suppress mutual dislike in a mutual assault on me. Wilkes does not disappoint me, but Du Pont does. The former is the least dangerous, though the most rash and violent.
May
31
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 31ST.—The commissioners, appointed for the purpose, have agreed upon the following schedule of prices for the State of Virginia, under the recent impressment act of Congress; and if a large amount of supplies\s be furnished at these prices—which are fifty, sometimes one hundred per cent. lower than the rates private individuals are paying—it will be good proof that all patriotism is not yet extinct :
” Wheat, white, per bushel of 60 pounds, $1.50; flour, superfine, per barrel of 196 pounds, $22.50; corn, white, per bushel of 56 pounds, $4; unshelled corn, white, per bushel of 56 pounds, $3.95; corn-meal, per bushel of 50 pounds, $1.20; rye, per bushel of 56 pounds, $3.20; cleaned oats, per bushel of 32 pounds, $2; wheat-bran, per bushel of 17 pounds, 50 cents; shorts, per bushel of 22 pounds, 70 cents; brown stuff, per bushel of 28 pounds, 90 cents; ship stuff, per bushel of 37 pounds, $1.40; bacon, hoground, per pound, $1; salt pork, per pound, $1 ; lard, per pound, $ ; horses, first class, artillery, etc., average price per head, $350; wool, per pound, $3; peas, per bushel of 60 pounds, $4; beans, per bushel of 69 pounds, $4; potatoes, Irish, per bushel of 69 pounds, $4; potatoes, sweet, per bushel of 69 pounds, $5; onions, per bushel of 60 pounds, $5; dried peaches, peeled, per bushel of 38 pounds, $8; dried peaches, unpeeled, per bushel of 38 pounds, $4.50; dried apples, peeled, per bushel of 28 pounds, $3.”
May
31
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
MAY 31ST.—We were aroused by the bugle call, and in a few minutes on the march again. Halted at noon on a large plantation. This is a capital place to stop, for the negroes are quite busy baking corn-bread and sweet potatoes for us. We have had a grand dinner at the expense of a rich planter now serving in the southern army. Some of the negroes wanted to come with us, but we persuaded them to remain, telling them they would see hard times if they followed us. They showed indications of good treatment, and I presume their master is one of the few who treat their slaves like human beings.
I must say—whether right or wrong—plantation life has had a sort of fascination for me ever since I came south, especially when I visit one like that where we took dinner to-day, and some, also, I visited in Tennessee. I know I should treat my slaves well, and, while giving them a good living, I should buy, but never sell.
We left at three o’clock P. M., and just as the boys were ordered to take with them some of the mules working in the field, where there was a large crop being cultivated, to be used, when gathered, for the maintenance of our enemies. As our boys, accordingly, were unhitching the mules, some “dutchy” in an officer’s uniform rode up, yelling, “mens! you left dem schackasses alone!” I doubt whether he had authority to give such an order, but whether he had or not he was not obeyed. When we marched off with our corn-bread and “schackasses,” some of the darkies insisted on following. We passed through some rebel works at Haines’ Bluffs, which were built to protect the approach to Vicksburg by way of the Yazoo river. Sherman had taken them on the nineteenth instant, when our boats came up the river and delivered rations.
May has now passed, with all its hardships and privations to the army of the west—the absence of camp comforts; open fields for dwelling places; the bare ground for beds; cartridge boxes for pillows, and all the other tribulations of an active campaign. Enduring these troubles, we have given our country willing service. We have passed through some hard-fought battles, where many of our comrades fell, now suffering in hospitals or sleeping, perhaps, in unmarked graves. Well they did their part, and much do we miss them. Their noble deeds shall still incite our emulation, that their proud record may not be sullied by any act of ours.
Camped at dark, tired, dirty and ragged—having had no chance to draw clothes for two months.
May
31
May 31, 1863, The New York Herald
The Progress of the Siege of the City.
THE BATTLE AND CAPTURE OF JACKSON.
JACKSON, Miss., May 14, 1863.
IN POSSESSION OF JACKSON.
The Union army have undisturbed possession of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, and the headquarters of the Department of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana. The federal flag floats gracefully from the dome of the State House, Yankee soldiers are patrolling the streets, prisoners are gathering at the guardhouse, the sick in the hospitals are being paroled, negroes are grinning horribly from the sidewalks, citizens look silently and sullenly at us from behind screens and closed window blinds, and all the details of military government are in full operation.
THE START FROM RAYMOND.
My last was written at Raymond, on the evening after the battle. We encamped there Tuesday night, and early Wednesday morning started for Clinton, a small town on the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad. It was considered indispensably necessary for the success of our movement upon Vicksburg that we should have possession of the railroad and the city of Jackson. We reached Clinton at nightfall and went into camp. Read more
May
31
May 31, 1863, The New York Herald
There appears to be no later reliable news from Vicksburg than that of Monday last, the 25th inst., which we published yesterday. Despatches from various points — Cincinnati, St. Louis and elsewhere — give many vague reports, out of which may be gathered the fact that no news is known of any fighting later than Monday. General Grant is still represented as prepared for any attack in his rear, and that his army is full of confidence, &c. Our base of supplies on the Yazoo river was not only secure but reinforcements were arriving there rapidly. It is said that the attack on the rebel fortifications on Friday week was not made by the entire line, as reported, but by a force under General Blair, which assaulted the big battery and failed. Whenever the rebels attempted to plant guns, however, they were foiled by our sharpshooters.
We give a map today illustrating all the leading points in the progressing siege of Vicksburg, together with copious accounts of fresh interest, relative to the operations there for some time past, contained both in our correspondence and the rebel statements.
Rumors of a movement of the Army of Cumberland from the vicinity of Murfreesboro find circulation from some sources; but there appears to be no confirmation for them.
There is little doubt, from all the intelligence which reaches us, that the army of General Lee is very actively in motion, and that an attack on General Hooker’s lines is not at all an improbable event. Large masses of the enemy’s troops were traced yesterday on the road to Culpepper and Kelly’s Ford by the clouds of dust which rose in the rear of the Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, Standard (Clarksville, Texas)
Camp Butler, Creek Nation, }
May 12th, 1863. }
Dear Standard:
I believe my last was from Fort Arbuckle, written on the night of the 30th April. On Saturday the second of May, under pressing orders, the Col. with three companies, moved toward this locality. One Co—B, had to be left to garrison the Post until Capt. Scanland should relieve it; another Co—I, had to be left at Elm Springs until relieved. Five companies had moved eastward from the Seminole Agency, under Maj. Carroll, three days before. Capt. Scanland arrived an hour after we left; his men came in the next morning and the next morning a detachment was started to Elm Springs to relieve Co. I. Co. B waited until Tuesday morning, and got here, by hard marching, yesterday, one day after our arrival and two days after the arrival of the five first companies. Co. I with the remainder of the hospital will be here in three days probably; and our detachments to Red River and Lamar for recruits in a day or two more. We shall have in a few days, about 800 men in the regiment, though some of these are on detached duty. Our men are mostly in good health. We had a most pleasant march from Arbuckle. The weather was not very warm except one day, and the evening of that day brought with it a heavy rain, lasting an hour or so. It has surprised me to see how long cool weather has held on in the Spring of the year, in a latitude not more than one degree higher than Clarksville, at Arbuckle—here about two degrees higher. We left Arbuckle at […..] past A. M. of the 2nd, and encamped that night at a pretty, rocky creek, 6 miles east, where was an abundance of rich grass. At night, Quarter master’s men, and ordnance Serg’t detained at the Fort, some hours after our departure, came in and brought news of Captain Scanland’s arrival. Next morning we started early, camped at Blue, 15 miles, early in the evening, and our horses faired sumptuously.—Our train mules which had had to feed the night or morning before starting, and were somewhat ragged the first night, recovered their tone, and came in without weariness on this day. Blue, at this locality; on the road from Arbuckle to North town, is a deep bed, but scarcely any water, perhaps by this time none. Mountains were perceptible on the far side of the stream from us, and were […..] morning, shortly after starting, we passed over a spur, from which we had a splendid landscape of mingled hill and dale before us, and then we descended immediately into a valley country. At the end of ten miles we found Cochran’s on Boggy, a considerable farm, with large stock of cattle, from the pens of 250 milch cows had just been let out, and came up the road meeting us. Read more
May
30
by Gideon Welles
May 30, Saturday. I am surprised at the loose and improper management of General Dix in regard to the blockade and traffic in the Rebel region. Admiral Lee has sent me, yesterday and to-day, some strange permits for trade signed by Dix, wholly unauthorized and which cannot in sincerity and good faith be allowed.
May
30
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 30TH—The newspapers have a dispatch, to-day, from Jackson, Miss., which says the enemy have fallen back from the position lately occupied by them in front of Vicksburg, It adds, that they will be forced to retire to the Big Black River, for want of water. Gen. G. A. Smith, who is here, and who resigned because he was not made lieutenant-general instead of Pemberton, says he “don’t know how to read this dispatch.” Nevertheless, it is generally believed, and affords much relief to those who appreciate the importance of Vicksburg.
Mr. Botts was offered $500 in Confederate States notes, the other day, for a horse. He said he would sell him for $250 in gold, but would not receive Confederate notes, as the South would certainly be conquered, and it was merely a question of time. This information was communicated to the Secretary of War to-day, but he will attach no importance to it.
Among the papers sent in by the President, to-day, was a communication from Gov. Vance, of North Carolina, inclosing a letter from Augustus S. Montgomery, of Washington City, to Major-Gen. Foster, Newbern, N. C., found in a steamer, captured the other day by our forces, in Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. It informed Gen. F. that a plan of servile insurrection had been adopted, and urged his co-operation. All the Yankee generals in the South would co-operate: they were to send smart negroes from the camps among the slaves, with instructions to rise simultaneously at night on the 1st August. They were to seize and destroy all railroad bridges, cut the telegraph wires, etc., and then retire into the swamps, concealing themselves until relieved by Federal troops. It is said they were to be ordered to shed no blood, except in self-defense, and they were not to destroy more private property than should be unavoidable. The writer said the corn would be in the roasting-ear, and the hogs would be running at large, so that the slaves could easily find subsistence.
The President thanked Gov. Vance for this information, and said our generals would be made acquainted with this scheme ; and he commended the matter to the special attention of the Secretary of War, who sent it to Gen. Lee.
May
30
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
MAY 30TH.—Moved this morning at four o’clock back again towards Vicksburg—rather an early start, unless some special business awaits us. A few surmise that there is need for us at the front, but I think it is only a freak of General Frank Blair, who is in command of our excursion party. The day has been hot, and we have been rushed forward as though the salvation of the Union depended upon our forced march. I am not a constitutional grumbler, but I fail to understand why we have been trotted through this sultry Yazoo bottom where pure air seems to be a stranger. Probably our commander wants to get us out of it as soon as posible. A few of the men have been oppressed with the heat, and good water is very scarce. This seems to be a very rich soil, made up no doubt of river deposits. A ridge runs parallel with the river, and it is on that elevation all the plantation buildings are located, overlooking the rich country around. The Yazoo river is a very sluggish stream and said to be quite deep. The darkies claim it is “dun full of cat-fish.” I think we may probably have fresh, fish, but not till we catch Vicksburg, and then only in case we are allowed to take a rest, for I presume there will then turn up some other stronghold for Grant and his army to take, and for which we shall have to be off as soon as this job is ended. We camped at dark, after a severe and long march, and it is now raining very hard.
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR SPECIAL ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
BRIDGE ACROSS BIG BLACK, May 17, 1863.
The battle of Big Black bridge was fought on Sunday, the 17th, the day after the battle of Champion’s Hill. In this spirited engagement only the Thirteenth army corps was engaged. It is superfluous to add that the troops comprising this corps fought as they always do, excellently well. In the morning, after a night’s bivouac on the hill overlooking the village of Edwards‘ Station, the columns, with McClernand at its head, moved towards Black river bridge. The citizens who were questioned on the subject, said the position was most strongly fortified at the crossing and we naturally thought the enemy would make stubborn resistance there. We were not surprised, therefore, to learn that our advance guard was fired upon by the rebel pickets as the column moved towards the river.
The country between Edwards’ Station and the bridge loses that hilly and broken character which distinguishes the region further east, and spreads out into a broad and fertile plain, over which we moved rapidly. There were no commanding hills whence they could pour a deadly fire into our ranks; but there were numerous patches of forest, under the cover and from the edge of which they could easily enfilade the open fields by the roadside. There was such a one a mile east of the intrenchments where the main picket guard was stationed. Here determined resistance was first made. Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Hilton Head Correspondence.
HILTON HEAD, S.C., May 24, 1863.
Again I am compelled to employ that stereotyped phrase, “All quiet in the Department of the South.” But little has occurred of interest since my last correspondence, and an earnest and careful search for indications of active operations to come is unrewarded by anything of a promising character enough to hand a hope upon. We are doing nothing and we shall do nothing which promises results. There may be raids between this and fall, but no serious operations. So all reports that may reach the Northern ear of active movements in South Carolina, and especially against Charleston, may be set down as false. It is folly to look for results.
From Folly Island we get no important news. The rebels on Morris Island are very uncommunicative just now, and preserve an extraordinary degree of cautiousness in narrating the military operations out West. We are convinced, however, from the reports of deserters and the stories of rebel pickets, that at least twenty thousand men have been sent by General Beauregard to Vicksburg to aid General Pemberton in his defence against the advance of General Grant. We can only pray that they may not arrive in time to join their forces with the Mississippi army, and re-enact the game played so successfully by Jackson on McClellan’s right before Richmond. North Carolina and Alabama have been drawn upon to swell Pemberton army; and if Grant does not look out sharply, or move with great rapidity and use up his foes in detail, he will be outnumbered Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
Despatches from General Grant were received at the War Department yesterday, which are more satisfactory because of an official and reliable character relative to the condition of affairs at Vicksburg. General Grant’s despatches are dated Monday, the 25th instant, three days later than the previous despatches received by the government, and they represent the siege as progressing up to that time, and that General Grant was quite able to maintain the investment of the city and repel any attack in his rear. This is the latest news we have from that quarter. The intelligence to Friday last, the 22d instant, telegraphed from the field on Saturday, was that Grant’s army had been repulsed in all parts of its lines, that the repulse was complete; but the troops were then intrenching themselves and building rifle pits. The final success of the Union army was, however, fully assured. General Grant is reported, by despatches from Memphis, as having captured all the redoubts, taking some of them by means of scaling ladders. Frightful havoc was done by the enemy shells during the storming. A telegraph from Murfreesboro yesterday says that General Grant had made something like a general attack upon the rebel works at Vicksburg since Sunday and failed to carry them; that he had thereupon concluded that the place was too strong to be taken by assault, and had opened a terrible and sustained fire upon it with his artillery. General Johnston had not then attacked General Grant, but was still collecting forces in his rear. He has managed to send word to the garrison that if they should hold out for fifteen days he would raise the siege with an army of one hundred thousand men. He also said he would do this if he abandoned every other point in his department. Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR SPECIAL ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
THREE MILES IN THE REAR OF VICKSBURG, May 20, 1863.
The army crossed the river early on Monday morning over the bridge constructed during the night by General Lee. General Osterhaus’ division first crossed, followed by General A. J. Smith, which in turn was followed by McPherson’s army corps. Sherman had continued north of the railroad from Jackson, striking Big Black river a little west of Bridgeport. Here he crossed on his pontoon bridge, and moved upon the Vicksburg and Haines’ Bluff and Spring Dale roads. McPherson moved out on the main Vicksburg and Jackson road, while McClernand took possession of the Baldwin’s Ferry road.
On the summit of the high bank across the river the column moved through the camp whence the night before the enemy made his hasty exit. On the plateau nearest the river before the hill is reached numerous tents were left standing just as the occupants had hastily left them. They could not be destroyed under the heavy fire of our skirmisher posted on the hither bank of the river. When the hill was reached we found abundant evidence of the demoralization of the enemy. Several piles of gun barrels, with stocks but half consumed, were lying by the roadside. Tents, wagons and gun carriages were in ashes, corn was burning, and officers’ baggage and soldiers’ clothing were scattered all over the camp. The column moved to Bovina, where no evidence of the enemy was seen, save a rebel hospital filled with sick and wounded. Here General Grant was joined by General Dwight from Banks’ army. Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR SPECIAL ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.
EDWARDS’ STATION, May 16, 1863.
Early on the morning of the day following the occupation of the city of Jackson it was decided to evacuate the position. There were several reasons which induced General Grant to arrive at this decision, prominent among which was the difficulty of keeping intact his long line of communication, and the fear that General Johnston — who was known to be hovering in the region north of Jackson with a force estimated at from fifteen to twenty thousand men — would attack his rear. The force which we encountered just before we reached Jackson, under General Gregg, had divided, one portion going to Canton from the north and the other from the south. Johnston and Gregg combined might prove altogether too formidable. It was therefore decided to return to Clinton and move upon Vicksburg.
From documents which fell into our hands it was learned that the main column of the enemy was at Edwards’ Station, proposing to dispute our passage and give us battle there. Soon after daylight the column was in motion, Gen. McPherson in advance. They reached Clinton at noon, and after an hour delay marched to their camping ground, a short distance from the village of Bolton.
It may be of interest to describe the topography and appearance of the country through which the route lay. Imagine a region rugged and broken, with a succession of hills and Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The New York Herald
Three cases of treason have been tried in the Army of the Potomac of prisoners captured in the rebel service while still citizens of the United States. One of them is the case of James R. Oliver, who being a citizen of Maryland, was taken prisoner while in arms in the ranks and uniform of the rebel army, at Rappahannock Ford, February 15, 1863. Upon these facts a court martial found him guilty of treason, and sentenced him to be hanged. Nothing could be more illegal or absurd. The offence was one clearly for a civil court, as provided in the constitution, and the trial must take place in the district where the offence was committed. The finding was forwarded by General Hooker to the President, with the endorsement approved. Mr. Lincoln returned the papers disapproved, and declaring that the man in question was a prisoner of war, and must be treated as such and exchanged. This is the dictate of common sense as well as humanity. The Union army has far more men from the Confederate States in its ranks and uniform than the rebel army has men from the loyal States. Besides the barbarity of the proceeding, leading to bloody retaliation, the Northern army would be a greater loser by such a course than the Southern, and no benefit could result from the mutual slaughter in cold blood. We always said the President was humane. His decision in this case proves that he is, and that he is above the malignant passions of those who seek to influence him in the Cabinet or the camp.
May
30
May 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We see, from the newspapers in various quarters, indications of dissatisfaction with the people of Charleston, in consequence of the foreign commerce carried on by her merchants. The running of the blockade — exporting cotton and importing goods — is regarded as unpatriotic, and injurious to the interests of the Confederacy. By this means, it is said, we supply Great Britain (who refuses to enforce the laws of nations touching blockade) with a necessity, which, if kept from her, will at least make her feel our power and her dependency. It is said to be even worse than this. We supply our enemy with cotton, and consume many goods in return; for who in the Confederate States can control the trade at Nassau, and determine that the Yankees shall not purchase our cotton when sold there, or return as their goods in payment therefor?
The State of Georgia, doubtless actuated by such reasons, has taken action upon the subject, and we find in the proceedings of the Senate in Congress the following statement:
SENATE — MONDAY, April 27, 1863. — Mr. Johnson, of Georgia, presented a preamble and resolutions adopted by the Legislature of Georgia, in favor of the passage of a law to prevent the running of the blockade, either by land or water, during the existence of the present war by any person whatever, except under the direct control and for the exclusive benefit of the Government of the Confederate States.
The resolutions were referred to the Committee of Finance.
Now, we beg leave to submit a few facts upon this subject. The people of Charleston, at the opening of this war, were as much opposed to the exportation of our great staples to Read more
May
30
May 30, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
LATEST NEWS FROM VICKSBURG.
JACKSON, MISS, May 25 — (To the Mobile Advertiser.) — Com. BROWN sunk four boats in Yazoo River, which blockaded it, saving all the others.
The Mississippian publishes a statement that it was MARMADUKE, not PRICE, who captured Helena. It is reported that he hung a negro regiment, officers and men. The fact of the capture is doubted, and it is believed the news comes from Memphis. There has been no boat up the river to Memphis for five days.
The Federals have been so severely punished in their different assaults upon Vicksburg, that they have fallen back and gone to fortifying. — Their numerous dead still lie on the field, and the stench is awful. Their loss is variously estimated at from 10,000 to 25,000 men. They are reported to be hauling siege guns from Snyder’s Bluff.
They told their troops that Richmond was taken, and that all they had to do was to take Vicksburg and end the war. They were shelling this morning.
May
30
May 30, 1863, Charleston Mercury
The people of Mobile have exerted themselves most energetically and humanely to provide for the transportation from Pascagoula and shelter in their city of the large number of refugees which the barbarous edict of the Yankee Government has driven from New Orleans. It was estimated that they numbered from five to six thousand! They embrace all ages, sexes and conditions of life. It would take many days, and the Mobile Register says possibly weeks, to remove them from their place of landing on Pascagoula Bay to the city. Such a scene of wholesale exile has not been witnessed in modern times. It carries back the world to barbarous ages, and exhibits the Yankee nation in the light of one of the most cruel, unrelenting and brutal of the races of men that have flourished in any age.
May
29
by Gideon Welles
May 29, Friday. We have accounts of farther and extensive depredations by the Alabama. These depredations were near the Line, where the Department, in anticipation of her appearance, had ordered the Vanderbilt. She was specially ordered to Fernando de Noronha, whither the Alabama was expected to go, — where she did go, and where she would have been captured, had instructions been obeyed, and not interfered with. But Admiral Wilkes, having fallen in with that vessel and finding her a commodious ship with extensive and comfortable accommodations, deliberately annexed her to his squadron and detained her in the West Indies as his flagship, hunting prizes, too long for the service on which she was specially sent. I, of course, shall be abused for the escape of the Alabama and her destruction of property by those who know nothing of the misconduct of Wilkes. The propriety of recalling that officer is more apparent than ever. He has accomplished nothing, but has sadly interrupted and defeated the plans of the Department. The country, ignorant of these facts and faults, will disapprove his removal, and assail the Department for the mischief of the Alabama, whereas, had he been earlier removed, the latter would not have happened.
I this morning sent for Admiral Foote and had a free and full talk with him in regard to the command of the South Atlantic Squadron. I am satisfied he would be pleased with the position, and really desired it when he knew Du Pont was to be relieved. I then introduced him to General Gillmore, and with the charts and maps before us took a rapid survey of the harbor and plan of operations. Before doing this, I said to Foote that I thought it would be well for the country, the service, and himself, were Admiral Dahlgren associated with him. He expressed the pleasure it would give him, but doubted if D. would consent to serve as second.
I requested Mr. Fox to call on D. and inform him that I had given Foote the squadron, that I should be glad to have him embark with Foote, and take an active part against Charleston. If he responded favorably, I wished him to come with Fox to the conference. Fox returned with an answer that not only was D. unwilling to go as second, but that he wished to Read more
May
29
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 29TH.—A dispatch from Gen. Johnston, dated 27th inst., says fighting at Vicksburg had been in progress ever since the 19th instant, and that our troops have been invariably successful in repulsing the assults. Other dispatches say the unburied dead of the enemy, lying in heaps near our fortifications, have produced such an intolerable stench that our men are burning barrels of tar without their works.
But still all is indefinite. Yet, from the persistent assaults of the enemy it may be inferred that Grant is inspired with the conviction that it is necessary for him to capture Vicksburg immediately, and before Johnston collects an army in his rear. A few days may produce a decisive result.
Hon. E. S. Dugan, Mobile, Ala., writes that it is indispensable for our government to stipulate for aid from Europe at the earliest moment practicable, even if we must agree to the gradual emancipation of the slaves. He says the enemy will soon overrun the Southwestern States and prevent communication with the East, and then these States (Eastern) cannot long resist the superior numbers of the invaders. Better (he thinks, I suppose) yield slavery, and even be under the protection of a foreign government, than succumb to the United States.
The enemy, wherever they have possession in the South, have adopted the policy of sending away (into the Confederate States) all the inhabitants who refuse to take the oath of allegiance. This enables them to appropriate their property, and, being destitute, the wanderers will aid in the consumption of .the stores of the Confederates. A Mr. W. E. Benthuisen, merchant, sent from New Orleans, telegraphs the President for passports for himself and family to proceed to Richmond. The President intimates to the Secretary of War that many similar cases may be looked for, and he thinks it would be better for the families to be dispersed in the country than congregated in the city.
The following are the wholesale prices to-day:
“PRODUCE, PROVISIONS, Era.—The quotations given are wholesale. Wheat—nothing doing—we quote it nominal at Read more
May
29
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
MAY 29TH.—”The early bird catches the worm.” We tried the truth of that adage this morning, but failed to make the catch. A few graybacks were seen afar off, but we failed to get within range of them. Where, O where, is General Johnston and the grand army he was to bring against us ? We have looked for him in vain. I have the utmost confidence in Grant’s judgment and the prestige of his army which has never yet known defeat, but I confess, till now, I have been afraid of some attack in our rear. And why such a thing does not occur is a mystery to me—at least an attempt at it. Day by day Grant is intrenching and pushing nearer to the enemy’s works, planting heavy guns and receiving fresh troops, so the opportunity for a saving stroke by the enemy is fast disappearing.
Camped again at dark, within two miles of Mechanicsville, through which we passed, finding all quiet after our cavalry had driven a few rebs beyond the town.
May
29
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. Read more
May
29
May 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)
RICHMOND, May 25.
Quite a pleasant and unexpected change from the intolerable heat of last week occurred this morning. The dust is laid, the day is cool and humid — fine weather for marching.
PEMBERTON’S despatches to the President are encouraging to outsiders. But a Government officer said yesterday that Pemberton had in the fight at Big Black Bridge so few men that he was ashamed to tell their number. His assertion that his men are cheered with the belief that Johnston is near with a large army, is not satisfactory, for we all know what Johnston’ force is. Our main hope is in the obstinacy of the men inside the defences, the strength of the works, and the effect of the bad water on Grant’s army. — People have been appealed to come and fight. Conscript law has never been rigidly enforced. But let us hope for the best. We have an able Secretary and an able General.
The facts in regard to the ladies confined in Chancellor house are not given correctly by the papers. I get them from a direct source. Mrs. Chancellor, an old lady of 60 or 70, mother of a surgeon in our army and a relative of the owner of the house, had moved from Loudoun to Chancellor, as the place of all others which the Yankees would never reach. Other ladies, to the number of 12 or 13, were there. Gen. Percy had promised to give them warning of the enemy’s approach, but Hooker’s advance was made so suddenly that they were caught. All the white people for miles around, down to children Read more
May
29
May 29, 1863, The New York Herald
The latest official news from Vicksburg still remains as we first announced it — only up to Friday night at nine o’clock— just a week ago. Several reports from rebel sources and others have reached us since, and have been published in order as they arrived. Vicksburg is not yet taken, as far as any reliable accounts testify. A despatch to Mobile from Jackson, Mississippi, dated on Sunday last, says that firing was heard in the vicinity of Vicksburg (forty-five miles off) up to nine o’clock that morning, and had then ceased. The same despatch states that on that morning the Twentieth Mississippi regiment (mounted) dashed into Raymond, capturing four hundred prisoners, that fourteen were sent to Mobile and that the rest, being sick and wounded, were paroled.
The rebel journals appear to gain confidence day by day. The Richmond Whig of the 27th says that the news from Vicksburg up to Thursday evening, the 21st, was most encouraging for the rebels. It quotes the Mobile Register to show that the city of Vicksburg can only be reduced by very slow operations, that Joe Johnston is in the rear of General Grant with a largely increasing force, and that he may be compelled to raise the siege by cutting off his supplies.
It is reported from Cairo that one portion of General Banks’ army had arrived at Warrenton, on the Mississippi river, a short distance below Vicksburg.
There is some interest today in our news from the vicinity of the Rappahannock — not that General Hooker has made any advance movement, but that the enemy is in motion, their trains being observed moving towards Culpepper, followed by a heavy column of Read more
May
29
May 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
IMPORTANT FROM VICKSBURG.
RICHMOND, May 28. — An official telegram from General JOHHSTON, dated yesterday, states that General STEVENSON reports that hard fighting has been going on at Vicksburg since Tuesday last with continued success, and that our men are confident of their ability to hold the place, and in fine spirits.
JACKSON, May 27. — Reports from below state that BANKS, with his army, has crossed at Bayou Sara. A Federal deserter confirms the report of the carnage of the enemy in their repeated attacks on Vicksburg. GRANT sent a flag of truce today to enquire after his sick and wounded. General PEMBERTON is burning tar and using the disinfectants to save his troops from the effects of the Federal dead rotting in front of our works. The slaughter of the enemy has been far greater that in any battle of the war. The Mississippian states that two gunboats were sunk in front of Vicksburg. The same paper also states that Saturday’s battle at Vicksburg was the most stubborn of all.
News came from Memphis to Grenada, and believed at Memphis to be true, that Helena had been captured by the rebels. Afterwards a dispatch from Oxford to Grenada stated that Helena was today captured. On Monday a man from the river reached Canton, who said he had read a dispatch to Col. FERGUSON, who stated that MARMADUKE had taken Helena and hanged a regiment of negros, three hundred and forty strong, with their Yankee officers. The Quartermaster at Canton says positively that the above statement may be relied on. Several Yankee gunboats are reported at Yazoo City.
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