Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-06-13

On BOARD ADMIRAL PoRTERs FLAGSHIP !
BLAcKHAwK near VickSburg June4 4. )
Time and natural advantages have enabled
the rebels to make VickSburg the strongest
position in the confederacy. l think the as
serton cannot be disputed. Natural rifle pits
in the shape Of narrow, deep gullies, and abb
rupt hills or bluffs, extend from the river back
of the city, and from Haine's Bluff to tar down
the Mississippi. When it is considered that
Pemberton has not over twenty-five thousand
troops (but few put the number as high. and
that Grant has certainly-well, no matter how
many thousand-and failed to carry the works
on the 22d by storm, the conviction follows
that the defences are numerous and formida-
big. From the flagship, which lies near
Vickaburg, | plainly view the batteries and
entertainments Of the city, and the operations
OF Sharmans wing, which rests upon the river.
Instead Of troops and supplies being taken
across to the army from Haine's Bluff, new
road has been cut across five miles below,
making the distance to our center only four
miles. The plans Of Grant, viewed in con-
nection with this fact, show him to be pos
sessed of wise torethought and enviable pru-
dence, for had he not first got possession of
Haine's Bluff, his means OF communication
with the upper fleet and source for supplies
would have been wanting. Sherman would
have had Il severe fight Tor the possession of
the bluffs, had the rebels chosen to hold them
Their whole impression seemed to be that
Grants whole army was upon them, hence
their precipitate retreat to their main works
within the city. The thousand prisoners cap
tured by Sherman constituted the extreme
rear OF the retreating force. Squads of rebel
deSerters daily come to the tlagohip-mOst of
them from Tennessee and Kentucky. They
seem intelligent and disposed to converse free
ly. | gathered much information from them.
They were pressed into the service, and are
glad to get away. | observed that all were
well clothed and shod, and when questioned
concerning food SAID they had enough, stating
at the same time that the army at VIckSburg
had provisions enough to last three months.
Nut one has placed the force Of Pemberton
at over lwentJ thousand.
| am inclined to doubt their assertion that
the troops in great numbers are Indifferent as
to the tate OF the city, rather desiring to see
it tall. That some discomfort prevails among
the conscriptS is true. For the last week re-
Endorsements have been promised from Johns
ton il they would hight and hold the city.
One statement is made which is persistent
ly adhered to, viz: that Il large number of
horses muIes and cattle were driven into the
river by the rebels, for what reason is not
given. 1t is claimed that our mortar boats
have destroyed much property in the city and
killed large lot OF cattle and horses. Ever
since the ely was invested by Grant our NOR
tars, SIX in number, have been throwing shell
into the city. They lie opposite, under the
cover OF Ioungs Point. As to the damage
done by them there are conflicting views.
JhRe2.-from the flagship signals are made
to Grants army and the fleet below, steamers
run continually from the ship to the Yazoo,
and many officers daily come on board All
make the same statements. Grant is gaining
ground slowly, creeping silently towards the
main works Of the enemy by ditching and COW
cred ways. Zigzag pits and passages, the
military term for which | am unable to give,
are being made, which must result in success
by and by. Let wait; we can afford to-
Heavy guns from gunboats are being removed
to be- used batteries by Grant. Captain
Walkers expedition up the Yazoo bril-
liant affair. | had the pleasure OF seeing him
and hearing his account of it. | need not al
lude to the main facts, us they have been
published.
ON BOARD THE u. >. HARE BOAT, !
CAIRO, June 6.
left Vicksburg on the evening of the I'd,
and arrived here to-day. Grant ere now has
been reinforced by upwards OF - men; l
saw them on their way. He will be fully able
to cope with any force Johnston can bring to
attack his rear. | never saw troops in better
spirits they shouted and hurrahed continue
ally. And vast quantity of ammunition is
being sent to Vicksburg, and transports are
departing daily.
All sorts Of rumors are flying around town.
1t is said that Johnston is rapidly marching on
Memphis, or some point below. We have
vast amount of stores at Memphis, and if
Johnston should capture the city they would
be God-send to the contederacy. General
Herrons army is on its way to Memphis and
below, and the ninth army corps (Burnside)
will arrive here to-day. The 9th New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts 35th regiment ar
rived to-day.