Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-05-31
Pom the veksbars wing. goth Inst.
THE YANKEE FLEET AT VICKSBURG.

The Federal set which has been expected here for
the last two We KS hove 10 sight Sunday morning.
The black smoke from the boats visible duribg the
catire afternoon on Sunday below Diamond Bend and
a. the bCas passed Grand Gulf nc nine o'clock in tile
morning. every body thought they would be here that
night Everything va go. in readiness for bat.
tie during the afternoon, but cur pickets which
w.n: down near Warrenton, aud the eunb2at 81,
Euy's, which made reconnaissance down the river,
brough. no tidngs OF the feet Every remained at
post during the night, but nothing was seen or heard
Of the vessels On Sunday morning the black clouds OF
smoke commenced rising above the tops OF the trees BE-
l,y Warrenton and short time afterwards dispatch
from that place announced aloCp coming in sight.
second third fourth and fifth, we're soon in eight
of Warreaton and about II o'clock, they steamed up
dfantly ia sight Of This city keeping, however, close to
the Louisiana Shore which indicated that they were poet
ed as 20 the whereabouts o! our pace makers They
all anchored out In the river Just IN sgnt sad four or I'VE
miles beos the city
About one O'Clock long boat from the vessels was
discovered coming up the Louisiana side, but WAS
stopped about miles below by sho; rom one OF
our Low e batteries The ferry boat DsSoto IN charge
of Lieut. T. PIKson, with Col. Autroy, Ills Exce-
ency Gov Pettus aud several others board, started
down the river with white flag and met the Federal
boat near Burney's place, with flag OF truce. After
receiving a communication from the enemy, ihe DeSoto
started up to the city. The following Is copy Of the
communication sent b the Federal officer in command
Of the t5ot:
Near Vicksburg May is, 1862.
To he authorities at licksji0g:
The undersigned with orders from Flag Officer Far
ragut ard As Gen. Butler respectively demand 10 adj
vance Of tie approaching t.et the surrender oi Vcks.
burg and is deenses to tho lawful authority Of tie
United Sstes under which private property and personal
rights shall be respected.
Respectfully, YOUR,
8. PHILLIPs Ike, u. g. N,
Commanding Advance Naval Division.
T Williams, Brig General.
The following replies 10 General Lees demand were
sent DO gn n the fleet under flag Of truce during Sun
day afternoon since which time nothing has been heard
from the vessels
MAYORS 0yYcE,
Vicksburg, ks'., May Is, 1852.
To s, Philips Lee Commanding Advance Naval D''is'
ion: a.
Your communication Of this date, addressed ITO the
authorities a. VSksburg," has been delivered to me-
In reply will to you, that so far sshe municipal
authorities concerned, We. have erected no deences
ana none are within the corporate limits OF the ci!y.
But air. Ia further reply, will state that neither the
municipal authorities nor the citizens will consent
TO a surrender Of the city. Respectfully,
l.. LINDSEY, Mayor.
VfCEsBURs, Miss Nay Is, 1862.
s. Philips Lee Com. AGvaGce Naval Division, O s. N;
Sir: Az your communication of this ds;o ia addressed
to the Authorities ut Vi,ksburg." and that you may
have iu reply to said communication, have to state
that hEsi sppaus don't know aud refuse to learn how
TO surrender 10 an enemy. II Commodore FIrragut or
Brgadier General Butler teach them let them come
ana Try "A to the deieuco of VicksburR respectfully
refer you to the reply of Brgadier General Smith, Com
msndng forces at VCksburg, herewith enclosed.
Respectfully,
JAS l.. ALTRY,
Military Governor and Commanding Post.
HEADQUARTERS DETKsoEs VIcEsRURG. Mss,
May 18th, 1862.
s. PAiIip, Lee, Il. s. ", Commanding AdvHmee Ma
vat DiViSioa.
SIR Your communication Of this date, addressed Q
the "Auhorities at Vieksburg, demanding the suTren
der OF the city aud is deieuces, has been received In
regard TO the surrender Of the Offences have to reply
that having been ordered here to hold hts defenees,
il is my Intention to do loug IL is in NV power
(Signed) NJ. Il. SMITH,
Big. Gen. COMMENCING.
Last Sunday evening two additional vessels joined the
feet, when all weighed anchor and oyer to this
side of the river and anchor again just behind the
point, where they protected by the woods. All was
quiet Yesterday and presume will remain so until the
remainder Of the feet arrives