The Sun.
London, England, 1863-06-18 00:00:00

THE ATTACK ON PORT HUDSON.

NEW ORLEANS, May 28.
As I anticipated would be the case, the long-expected
attack upon Port Hudson commenced yesterday, and last
night and this morning it was continued, the advantage
being with us, although it has been one of, if not the bloodi•
est battle, that has yet been fought on this continent. As
I have before stated, the position was closely invested some
days since, our right resting on Thompson's bayou, and the
left on Springfield's landing. I was uncertain as to what
course Gen. Banks would pursue to reduce this stronghold.
I hardly thought he would attempt to carry the immensely
strong works by storm, seeing how much life it would cost,
but knowing that his time was limited, he has determined
upon that course, not carirg to compel a surrender by star-
vation, or by the regular approaches of an engineer.
Our line of investment was as follows :—The extreme
right was commanded by Gen. Weitzel, with his own and
the division of Gen. Emory; the right centre by Gen. Grover,
the left centre by Gen. Augur, and the extreme left by Gen.
Sherman—our artillery brigade being under command of
Gen. Arnold. The defences of Port Hudson on the land face
consist of several lines of intrenehments and rifle pits, with
an abbatis of heavy trees felled in every direction. It is one
of the strongest positions in the world, and to assault it in
the face of the terrible fire of artillery and musketry to which
an attacking force would be exposed, seemed about im-
possible, with any hope of success. It has been com-
menced, however, and carried on thus far with success,
but with terrible slaughter. We are expecting momen-
tarily to hear that it has fallen, for if it cost ten thousand
men, General Banks, and the gallant officers and men of
his command, will never rest now that they have com-
menced, until the Stars and Stripes wave over the strong-
hold of the rebels. The assault has been made with un-
paralleled fury ; no men in the world ever fought with more
bravery and determinktion than our glorious volunteers ;
but the defence has been excellent,.as the result of the first
day's fighting will show.
The number and calibre of the guns in the rebel batteries
facing the river is yet to be determined, and also their force
inside the works, but we have good reason for saying to-day
that they have at least twelve thousand men. The artillery
force of our army is very large, and many of the guns are of
very heavy calibre, and, under the able direction of Gene-
ral Arnold, they have done most efficient service.
All of the Commanding General's plans having been per-
fected, it was determined to feel the enemy at once. Ac-
cordingly the attack was ordered for yesterday morning.
It was arranged with Admiral Farragut that the attack
should be general, by land and water at the same time, and
signals were established between the army and navy in
order to prevent the shot and shell from our ships being
thrown over the enemy and into the lines of our attacking
force.

Although our men had endured the fatigues of battle and
hard marching in the recent campaigns on the Teche, they
forgot it all when they found themselves in front of Port
Hudson and knew it was to be attacked. They were in high
spirits as the time drew nigh, and became impatient for the
moment to arrive when the order " forward" should be
given. All thought of the uncertainty of battle seemed to
have vanished ; every oae seemed to think he would prove a
hero, and felt certain that promotion would follow the battle
of te-morrow. Those who witnessed the enthusiasm of our
men said it was wonderful; their bearing was more like vete-
rans than men who less than a year ago knew nothing of war
and its horrors. They appeared determined to know no such
word as fail, and felt satisfied that by their exertions a great
point was to be gained in bringing this war to a successful
termination.

The line of battle was formed at daybreak yesterday morn-
ing, and no better men can be found in any army than they
who formed it. I refer to the division commanders—Weit-
zel, the young man but old soldier ; Grover, the well-known
commander of a brigade in Hooker's division, on the penin-
sula; Auger, who commanded a brigade and was wounded
at Cedar Mountain ; and last, but not least, Sherman, better
known in the army as Jim Sherman, one of the best soldiers
in the service.

The plan appears to have been to carry the enemy's
positions on the right and left first, and this' work conse-
quently devolved upon the divisions of Generals Weitzel
and Sherman. It was not long after the advance was
sounded that our troops met those of the enemy, and it
soon became evident that every foot of ground we gained
was to be fought for with determination. The fight soon
commenced along the entire line. On the right the sharp
rattle of musketry and roar of artillery gave notice that
Weitzel was at work, and as it increased in intensity it be-
came evident that he was having no boy's play ; and he had
not. Every inch was disputed, the enemy fought with the
ferocity of demons, but it was to no purpose, our boys drove
them slowly but steadily, using clubbed muskets and
bayonets when they could not load. It was soon apparent
that whatever else would be done by the army, 'Weitzel
was bound to win; his column could not be checked, although
suffering greatly; the enemy went down before them as
grass before the scythe of the mower ; and, although the
work was tedious and bloody, no one faltered. Gen. Weitzel,
keeping his men well in hand for the last rush, put them
at the enemy's works on the river side, and they went
with a will, making the air resound with their shouts.
Here the fight became murderous, it was hand to hand and
breast to breast, the bayonet doing the most part of the work.
The rebels could not stand it, however, and were compelled
to fall back. Our people pressed them close, allowing no
space to be created between the attacked and the attacker,
and finally drove them into and then out of the celebrated 6-
gun battery that did such terrible execution upon the steamer
Mississippi the night she was destroyed. Here was a great
point gained—a point that we could see co advantage
against the other works of the enemy. And it did not take
long for the quick eye of Weitzel to see all this and profit by
it. As soon as practicable the guns were shifted and put to
work, and were busy at last accounts in throwing shot and
shell into and against the position of their late owners. This
was decidedly the most brilliant and successful part of the
day's work; not that the men fought any better, or showed
more determination than those on other parts of the field,
but it was the greatest point gained, and proved what we
could do when resolved to accomplish certain ends. By this
operation the enemy's left was turned, and in a manner to
prevent the last ground being recovered. The battery cap-
tured was the most annoying of any of the line, for it raked
completely the channel way of the river.
No more desperate fighting has ever taken place than of
the division of General Sherman yesterday in the attack
upon the right of the enemy's position. Our men faced the
storm of iron and lead that was hurled against them as if it
had always been their business to do so. They moved
steadily forward under the most murderous fire of shot,
shell, grape, canister, and musketry, with a steadiness that
was surprising. When Ciudad Roderigo was stormed, the
flower of the English army was selected for the " forlorn
hope," but they, veterans as they were, never moved with
firmer step or more solid column than did the Second Divi-
sion of the Nineteenth army corps for the attack of yester-
day upon the right of the enemy's position with an impetu-
ous charge. The Sixth Michigan and the One Hundred
and Twenty-eight New York carried the enemy's works at
the point of the bayonet ; but they were compelled to give
way, for the enemy had massed his troops here, and it be-
came necessary for our glorious fellows to fall back before
overwhelming numbers. Not much ground was lost how-
ever; we only failed to maintain our position within the
main works. The Second regiment Louisiana Native Guard,
Colonel Neilson, were in this charge ; they went on in the
advance, and when they came out six out of nine hun-
dred men could not be accounted for. It is said on every
aide that they fought with the desperation of tigers. One
negro was observed with a rebel soldier in his grasp, tearing
the flesh from his face with his teeth, other weapons having
failed him. There are other incidents connected with the
conduct of this regiment that have raised them very much
in my opinion as soldiers. After firing one volley they did
not deign to load again, but went in with bayonets, and
wherever they had a chance it was all up with the rebels.
Although we gained much ground and hold it, still the
principal object of the attack was not accomplished, namely,
getting possession of and holding the batteries on the enemy's
right. It was owing to some misunderstanding. The charge
cost us heavily in killed and wounded. Gen. Sherman led
the attack in person, and fell severely wounded in the leg.
General Neal Dow was also wounded, Colonel Clarke, of
the 6th Michigan, was killed. Colonel Cowles, of the 128th
New York, also by a bayonet thrust; Lieut.-Colonel Smith,
of the Zouaves, severely wcunded. The 6th Michigan and

128th New York have each lost about half their effective
men, and other regiments have suffered severely.
As I predicted would be the case in my letter to you of
yesterday, if it was attempted to carry Port Hudson by
storm, our loss in killed and wounded is very heavy, the
least estimate I have heard is between two and three thou-
sand, which lam led to believe is about correct. Wben all
ie taken into consi leration it is not larger, however, than we
should expect, and it falls below what I supposed we would
sustain.

It must not be supposed that while the army was doing
all tb.'s desperate fighting on shore the navy was idle.
On the contrary, the, gallant admiral was at work
with the entire squadron, both above and below. The
bummers moved their position much nearer the enemy's
works and kept up a continuous fire of thirteen inch
shell. The Ilartford and Albatross engaged the upper
batteries, and when General Weitzel captured the six gun

battery before referred to, they moved further down and
supported him by attacking the next below ; Admiral Far-
ragut, in the Monongahela, followed by the Richmond,
Genessee, and Essex, engaged the lower works, and in a
most effective manner. The Monongahela was worked to
the admiration of every one. The fire of the enemy upon
the ships was comparatively light; they directed it princi-
pally at the Monongahela, but failed to hit her. The Rich-
mond was equally fortunate, and there was not a casualty
to record in the fleet up to 6 o'clock last evening. The fleet
was engaged in the morning, and again in the afternoon,
and succeeded in dismounting five of the enemy's heaviest
guns. The firing was, for accuracy, sever excelled, the
Genessee especially doing very tall work with her 100-
pounder rifle. The squadron manoeuvred in front of the
works and fired with the greatest deliberation, doing an im-
mense amount of damage, and continued the work until by
signal they ceased firing on account of our shells going over
among our own people. Admiral Farragut with his squad-
ron will render General Banks important assistance in the
work yet to be done ; he will continue to rain shot and shell
upon the enemy in such a manner as must distract him in
a great measure from the land attack, and compel him to
abandon one line or the other. They cannot stand for many
hours the assault they are now subjected to ; it is more than
human nature can endure, this constant wear and tear of
body and soul.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

BIBURY CLUB RACES-WEDNESDAY

The rain which descended in torrents the evening pre-
Tious.gave promise of as soaking a wet day as was experi-
enced on the second day at this meeting last year. The
sun, however, shone forth most gloriously this morning,
and the weather continued beautifully fine during the after-
noon. The different alterations that have been made to the
stands and enclosure met with very general satisfaction,
and the running ground was in capital order. The first race
produced a field of six starters, and when the betting first
commenced Liston was made slightly the favourite, but
just before the start was effected the odds were in favour of
Tippler, who won, after a fine race with Tornado, by a
head. For the Champagne Stakes 6to 4 was at first laid
on Master Richard, but the betting closed at 6 to 4 each
agst Hengist and Master Richard, the former winning
easily by a length. The Handicap Sweepstakes resulted in
favour of Nathalie, after a fine race with the Olitipa filly.
The winner was not backed for any amount of money, as
much as Bto 1 being laid against her. For the Selling
Sweepstakes, which was reduced to a match, Drumstick was
made the favourite, and justified the confidence placed in
him by winning in a canter. He was put up to auction
after the race and realised 70 guineas. For the Bibury
Stakes Rubicon was made first favourite, but he was beaten
in a canter by the Marquis of Hastings' horse Tippler. For
the Plate of 50 sovs six horses contested, and Confidence
was most fancied, and after a brilliant finish won by half a
length. Seventeen horses started for the Two-yr-Olds
Stake, the Doctor being installed first favourite. After a
most magnificent race King George won, Coeur de Lion
being second. Full details of the running will be found
below.

Handicap Plate of 100 sovs for 3-yr-olds and upwards.

Winners extra. Old mile.

Marquis of Hastings' Tippler, 3 yrs, 6st 41b.... (Deacon) 1
Mr. R. Ten Broeck's Tornado, 3 yrs, 64 51b.. (Murfett) 2
Lord Uxbridge's Liston, 3 yrs, sst 91b .. (J. Grimshaw) 3
Little Dick, Muezzin, and Princess Vocqsal also ran.
Betting-4 to 4 agst Tippler, 9to 4 agst Liston, sto 1
agst Tornado, and 6 to 1 agst Little Dick.
Liston was the first off, bat was immediately followed by
Muezzin, who, with Lord -Uxbridge's colt at his girths,
came on with a clear lead, followed by Tornada and the
favourite, the latter lying wide on the right. Entering the
dip Muezzin was beaten, leaving Liston with a slight lead,
which he held to the distance, when Tippler and Tornado
joined him, the three running abreast to the centre of the
stand, where Tippler drew away and won a fine race by a
head, three lengths separating the second and third, Little
Dick was fourth.

The Champagne Stakes of 10 sors each, with 50 added, for
2-yr• aids; colts Bst 101 b, and fillies Bat 71b. Winners ex-
tra. From the Bush in, 25 subs:

Lord Portsmouth's Hengist, Bst 101 b .. (J. Goater) 1
Mr. J. Day's Master Richard, Bst 101 b (Salter) 2
Mr. W. G. Craven's Practitioner (41b), 9st .. (Custance) 3
Mr. J. B. Starky's Izaak Walton, Bsi, 101 b.... (Cowley) 4
The betting opened at 6 to 4 on Master Richard, and
closed at 6 to 4 each agst Hengist and Master Richard, 6 to
1 apt Practitioner, and 8 to 1 agst Izaak Walton.
After one failure, in which Practitioner and Master
Richard ran to the top of the hill, the flag was lowered,
when Hengist, with a clear lead on the far side, made the
running, followed by Master Richard, Practitioner, and
Izaak Walton to the brow of the hill, where J. Goater pulled
him back, and indulged Master Richard with the lead to
the enclosure, where Lord Portsmouth's colt again resumed
the premiership, and won very easily by a length, three
lengths separating the second and third ; Izaak Walton was
a bad fourth.

Handicap Sweepstakes of 5 sous each, with 100 added, for
2 and 3-yr-olds. Winners extra. From the Bush in,
about five furlongs, 18 subs.

Mr. Night's Nathalie, 2 yrs, sst 71b (S. Mordan) 1
Mr. Payne's Olitipa filly, 2 yrs, bet 71b.. (J. Grimshaw) 2
Mr. W. Day's Brother to Rubini, 2 yrs, Sat 71b
(C. Barrett) 3
The following also ran :—Souveraine, Coupon, and
Vaulter.

Betting-5 to 4 agst the Olitipa filly, 3to 1 agst
Vaulter, 4 to 1 agst Brother to Rubini, and 8 to 1 agst
Nathalie.

Souveraine made play, closely attended by Natbalie,with
the favourite on her whip hand, the others, who were
headed by Brother to Rubini, lying close in the wake. De-
scending the hill into the dip Soveraine was beaten, and the
lead was left with Nathalie, who, with the favourite in close
attendance, came on together to the enclosure, where Grim-
shaw made an attempt to get up, but failed, and was beaten
cleverly by a neck, half a length separating the second and
third ; Vaulter was fourth, Coupon fifth, and Souveraine
last.

A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs each, with 50 added, for 3.yr•olds
and upwards. Weights for age. To be ridden by mem-
bers of the club; jockeys allowed to ride by carrying 71b
extra. One mile.
Mr. J. Day's Drumstick, 4 yrs (£5O), llst 3113_

(Mr. Wombwell) 1
Sir W. Codrington na Belgrave, 3 yrs (too), lOst 121 b
(in 71b ex) (G. Prince) 2
Betting-7 to 4on Drumstick, who made all the running
and won in a canter by two lengths.

The winner was bought by Mr. Weatherby for 70
guineas.

The Bibury Stakes of 5 soya each, with 50 added. The
second to save his stake. To be ridden by members of
the club ; jockeys allowed, carrying 71b extra. Last mile
and a half. 36 subs.

The Marquis of Hastings' Tippler, 3 yrs, lOst 21b
(Mr. H. Wombwell) 1
Mr. S. Thellusson's Rubicon, 6 yrs, 1 Ist
(Mr. G. S. Thompson) 2
Lord Uxbridge's General Hess, 6 yrs, 12st 71b
(Captain Little) 3
Princess Vocqsal and Croydon also ran.
Betting—Even on Rubicon, 3 to 1 agst Croydon, and 6 to
1 each agst Tippler and General Hess.
Princess Vocqsal, immediately the flag was lowered, went
to the front and made the running, waited upon by Croydon
and the favourite, Tippler, with General Hess side by side,
bringing up the rear. Descending the hill Rubicon ran
into the second place, and came on in waiting upon Mr.
Starky's filly to the "dip," when the latter died away,
leaving Rubicon with a slight lead, Croydon lying second,
and Tippler next. At the distance the three were joined by
General Hess, the lot running in company to half-way up,
where Mr. Wombwell brought Tippler to the front and
won easily by a length ; a bad third. Croydon was a bad
fourth. Princess Vocqsal pulled up and did not pass the
post.

A Plate of 50 sovs, for 2-yr-olds and upwards. Weight for
age, with optional selling weights. From the Bush in,
about five furlongs.
Lord Westmoreland's Confidence," 5 yrs, Bst 61b (£100)
(J. Goater) 1
Mr. G. Angell's Reindeer, 5 yrs, Bst 61b (£100) (Perry) 2
Mr. W. Baker's Bolero, 4 yrs, Bst 81b (£200)
(J. Nikhtingall) 3
The following also ran :—Habena filly, Vision, and
Tresham.

Betting-6 to 5 agst Confidence, 100 to 30 agst Bolero and
6 to 1 agst Reindeer.

The Habena filly and Reindeer, side by side, made play
into the dip, where the favourite joined the pair. At the
distance the Habena filly was beaten,leaving Reindeer with
a clear lead, which he held to the enclosure, where Confi-
dence got up, followed by Bolero next the rails, the three
running together to within 20 strides of the chair,when the
favourite headed Reindeer, and won a good race by half a
length. Bolero was third, two lengths in the rear; Vision
was fourth, and the Habena filly last. The winner was not
sold.

First Year of the Fifth Stockbridge Biennial Stakes of 10
soya each, with 100 added each year, for 2-yr-olds ; colts,
Bst 101 b; fillies, Bst 51b. Bush in, above five furlongs.
87 subs.
Captain Gray's King George, Bst 101 b (F. Adams) 1
Duke of St. Albans' Coeur de Lion, Bst 101b..(Custance) 2
Lord Stamford's Leicester (31b) Bst 71b .. (A. Edwards) 3
Lord Portsmouth's Becky Sharpe, Bst 51b (Wells) 4
The following also ran :—Rappel, Idler (late Lany Lad),
Dovedale, Old Fuller, Tailor, Ackworth, Pyrrha, The
Count, The Doctor (late latros), Farnham, Glendusk, Plush
colt, and Aunt Judy.

Betting-7 to 4 agst The Doctor, 4 to 1 agst Ackworth
(at first 5 to 2), 5 to 1 agst Leicester, 7 to 1 agst Becky
Sharpe, and 10 to 1 agst any other.
Aunt Judy, in company with Becky Sharpe, nappel,
Leicester, and the favourite, was seen in advance as the lot
breasted the hill, and they ran in this way into the bottom,
where the leader with Mr. Brayley's colt disappeared from
the front, and Becky Sharpe came on with a clear lead,
Leicester and The Doctor lying wide on her right, with
King George, Coeur de Loin, Ackworth, Idler, and Dove-
dale in the centre of the course in close attendance. On
entering the rails Leicester moved to the front, but had
in a few strides after to be steadied by Edwards in con-
sequence of the currishness exhibited by The Doctor,
who ran anything but straight, This let up
King George and Coeur de Lion, the four, although running
wide, joined issue and came on nearly in a line to the stand,
when Becky Sharpe was disposed of, and in a few strides

further Leicester was headed by Capt. Gray's colt and Coeur
de Lion, who finished a fine race home, the former winning
in the last stride by a head, the latter defeating Leicester by
a length and a half for second, who finished two lengths in
advance of Becky Sharpe. Ackworth was fifth, close up;
Aunt Judy sixth, Glendusk seventh, and The Tailor next;
then came a lot of pulling up horses, the last of them bang
the Plush colt.

A Match. Mr. Crook's Adventurer, 4 yrs, agst Mr,
Hogman's Libellous, 6 yrs. New mile. 500 eovs, 200 ft,
Adventurer to give 71b. Off by consent.

BEVERLEY, HULL, AND EAS I' RIDING RACES.

WEDNESDAY.
The Kingston-upon-Hall Stakes of 5 sovs each, with 25
added ; 2-yr-olds, sst 121 b ; three, 7st 121 b ; four, 9st ;
five, 9st 51b ; six ane aged, 9st 71b. Penalties and allow••
ances. About three-quarters of a mile. 9 subs.

Mr. J. Osborne's The Little Stag, 2 yrs, sst 91b (Carroll) 1
Mr. Wise nd Angelus, 3 yrs, 7st 121 b (Metcalf) 2
Mr. T. Masterman's Shatter, 2 yrs, 5.t 121 b (Manion) 3
Mr. Waters's Travestie colt, 3 yrs, 7st 121 b .. (Snowden) 4
Mr. C. Reynard's Pizarro, 4 yrs, Bst 111 b (Proctor) 5
Betting—Even on The Little Stag, 4 to 1 agst Angelus,
6 to 1 agst Shuffier.
Won by a length; bad third.
The Loncle,sborough Handicap Selling Stakes of 5 soya each,
2 ft, with 30 added ; winners extra; second to save his
stake. T.Y.C. 6 subs.

Mr. Gilby's Jackal, 4 yrs, Sst 71b (Snowden) 1
Mr. T. Bancroft's Cronstadt, 5 yrs, Bst 61b (Challoner) 2
Mr. Reynard's Comet, 4 yrs, Bst (Proctor) 3
Betting-5 to 4on Jackal, 6to 4 agst Cronstadt, sto 1
agst Comet.

Won by a length ; six lengths between second and third•
The winner was bought in for 31 guineas.
The Bishop Burton Stakes of 5 sous each, with 100
added, for two-yr•olds; colts, Bst 101 b; fillies and gel-
dings, Bst 71b; whiners extra. T.Y.C., 4 furlongs 105}
yards. 21 subs.

Mr. W. Hudson's Coast Guard, Bst 10th.... (Whiteley) 1
Mr. J. Osborne's Prince Arthur, 9st lib (inc 51b ex)

(Osborne) 2
Mr. Marland's Castle Espie, Bst 101 b (Ashman) 3
Mr. Ridley's Eola, Bst 101 b (J. Snowden) 4
Sir G. Strickland's Durando, Bst 101 b (W. Found) 5
Betting-5 to 2on Prince Arthur-6 to 1 agst Eola.
Won by a head; four lengths between the second and
third.

The Beverley Cup (Handicap), of 100 sovs in specie, added
to a Sweepstakes of 10 soya each, 10 ft, and 3 only if
declared ; winners extra ; second to save his stake. One
mile and a half. 21 subs, 8 declared.

Mr. I'Anson's Borealis, 7st 111 b (IL Robinson) 1
Mr. Brown's Venison, 3 yrs, Ent (car Est 21b) .. (Noble) 2
Mr. W. Hudson's Flytrap, 4 yrs, 7st 31b ....(Whiteley) 3
Mr. Gregory's Prologue, 6 yrs, Est 91b (Lawson) 4
The following also ran :—Cannon Ball, Hawise m. and
Boatswain.

Betting-2 to 1 agst Borealis-4 to 1 agst Prologue-5
to 1 each agst Venison and Flytrap.
Won by a head ; the same between second and third; four
lengths between third and fourth.

The Grimetone Plate (Handicap) of 50 soya in specie
added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs each, 2 ft ; winners
extra ; second to receive 10 sovs. One mile. 9 subs.

Mr. Masterman's Honest John, 3 yrs, 6st 131 b.. (Noble) 1
Mr. E. Shaw's Ripley, 3 yrs, 7st (Robinson) 2
Mr. T. Raymond's General Bixio, 4 yrs, 7st 1 llb
(Snowden) 3
Mr. B. Canter's Slingsby, 6 yrs, 7st 6lb ...... (Metcalf) 4

Pembroke also ran.
Betting—Even agst Honest John-4 to 1 each agst
General Bixio and Ripley-10 to 1 agst any other.
Won by half a length ; two lengths between the second
and third ; a bad fourth.

BETTING AT MANCHESTER, WEDNESDAY.-
NORTHUMBERLAND PLATE.
13 to 2 agst Caller Oit (offered)
7to 1 agst Polynesia (offered)
•9 to 1 agst Brighton (taken)
20 to 1 agst Daniel O'Connell (taken)
20 to 1 agst The Monk (offered)
GOODWOOD STAKES.
10 to 1 agst Blondin (taken)
12 to 1 agst any other.