April 18, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
JACKSON, April 17. – Eight Yankee gunboats passed Vicksburg last night. One was burned and two disabled; but five made a successful passage past our batteries.
It is rumored that a canal from Milliken’s bend will reach the Mississippi, near New Carthage.
It is believed that the enemy is erecting heavy batteries opposite Vicksburg, and that another attack will take place within ten days. All Yankee officers, absent from their posts opposite Vicksburg, have been ordered to report for duty. Four steamers left Memphis for Vicksburg a few days ago, laden with soldiers and negros.
No newspapers are allowed to be circulated in any of the Yankee armies below Cairo. The enemy is fortifying Rolla, on the railroad north of Memphis.
The Memphis Bulletin and the Memphis Argus have been suppressed and the editors arrested.