New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-03-07

mv,,.rious Firing from the Rebel H"'fe-
rics-Thc Enemy Deceived by a Yankee
Trick-A Rtrnm Gunbont Running the
RIocLndc-Position OF Our Troops.
From Our Special Correspondent,

V,cxsBuRs, Wednesday evening, Feb. Is. 1919
Everything continues quiet and nearly IN stain
quo in the Union army and fleet about foungs
Point, La. Last night, about 1Ol o'clock, we heard
considerable firing below, supposed to be from the
Rebel batteries near Warenton, Miss, but could
not learn the reason.
Between and O'Clock this morning heavy aad
continuous firing was heard from the ensny's guns
at Vioksbure, the cause Of which was that we had
sent, or rather allowed TO float down, steam gun
boat at which the Zoe blszed away with more vehe'
mence and energy than he did at the ram Queen Of
the West or the iIon-clad Indianoa, when they ran
the blockade.
The fictitious gunbOat was an old scow, painted
black, with two upright logs representing chimneys
and AZ The Counterfeit Detectors say. very well
calculated to deceive. No one was on board. She
was intrusted to the current, which brought her
in 10 shore below the city, where she low Hes
moored. Unquestonsbly sthe C0niederates thin
her II very formidable Antagonist, though they have
not paid her the compliment Of sending any shot OF
shell in her direction.
Our troops are still encampel on the Lonisiars
shore all tue way from Milllkens Bend to point
OBJ otite Wsnenton, twelve miles below Nieas.
burg. Their health continues TO improve, though
they stil suffer from lack Of proper medicines AID
Diet Vegetables continue 10 he much needed, and
the Sanitary Commission, VINO have been 20 Jealous
in the cause of humsniiy, and who have rendered
such essential service to our brave soIdiers, should
rec that they are supplied with these essential anil
ces Of food IN the army.
The conIrGhands and troops are still at work on
(" Farrkn,'s Ditch" which, after careful examine
,ion | continue 10 believe will fail 20 accomplish
The end in view. The canal has been widened ard
dee ened in many places; ont FROM the manner 10
which the work II progressing Judge the labor will
not be craluated before tho next TWO months have
pa sed.
Certainly, until tho sand is reached, the water
will not wash the .uil sufficiently to render il cana
bic of conveying CUNT oats through TO the oter
tlde OF the PENN. uis.
Many pei sons sanguine Of the success of the
canal, though / am unable TO zee on what foupds-
lion their belief rests Ii looked hike failure from
the begioDins, and the improvements thu, lar made
ere not promising. The work goes on slowly. Inc
force 10 no. sufficient, in my judgment. is the
terpIise conducted rs 1t ought To be by those who
have faith IN ito ultimate sueeees.
Several OF Us BOhemiaDb wandered over TO the
shore opposite the X bel stronghold this morning,
and found VicksbuIg looking very quiet. We could
see the railway trains coming III ana departing from
TIE town; the troops moving 10 and fro the bluffs
and could hear the beating Of the drums very ais
tinctly.
We are erecting batteries on this side inst below
the city, and though they probably within rzoge
OF the enemys guns, he has sent but few shells at
the laboreTs there employed; and those lew were
too insccurately directed TO be dangerous.
a report has been 10 circulation in camp to-day
thai The Uaion gunboat Indianoa, OF the best OF
the entire number, Lad been captured. and was ".
iug below the town With Secession flag tying abo
the vessel.
This story no intelligent person believes Tie
Rebels could hardly take the In0ianola unless she
were disabled; though the fact that she has not
made her appearance VI the mouth OF tho canal be-
fore this has caused considerable surprise and rome
uDeasiness.
saw the boat supposed TO be the Indianola far
down the river, ia the neighborhOod OF Warrenton,
this morning. but sbe was at too grea. distance to
have any of her features discovered even with IA
powerful glass.
The general presumption IL that the vessel is the
ram, Queen Of the Wet, which the Rebels have
brought up ffoll Red River, where, as You know.
che ran aground, and was necessarily abandoned by
Col ChaIies X. Elicit.
On the Peninsula our troops are employed In max
ing corduroy roads which are very essential ut this
wet teas Of tie year, and upon the Swampy soil Of
Louisiana.
The weather is warm here. uncomfortsbly 40 in
walking, or when exposed " the sun. At present
it is raining heavily, and the appearances Of the sk
are that shall have storms for several days.
Everything indicates long, dull, dreary siege for
the next Fix eight weeks, and little Of interest In
the vicinity Of Vicksburg. JUsIUs.