Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-07-11
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GRAPHIC AND OTHER MATTER.
OUR MILITARY BUDGET.
Official Report from Admiral POr.
ter Concerning the Capture
Of Vicksburg.
IMPORTANT PART TAKEN BY OUR NAyY'IN
THE REDUCTION OF THE REBEL
STRONGHOLD

The following dispatch from Admiral Por-
ter was received at the Navy Department this
morning:
U. =. MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Fgao Shin
s'Block Hawk," Ticksburg, July A, 1e63-Sir: I
have the honor to inform you that vicksburg
has surrendered at last, to the United States
forces, after desperate, but vain resistance
That she has not done so sooner has not been
for want of ability on the part of our military
commanders. but from the magnitude of the
defences which were intended to repulse any
force the Government could possibly send
there.
What bearing this will have on the rebellion
remains yet TO be seen, but the magnitude of
the success must go AT toward crushing out
this revolution, and establishing once more the
commerce of the States bordering on this river.
History has seldom had an opportunity of re-
cording so desperate 4 defense on one side, with
so much courage, ability, perseverance and en-
durance on the other, and if ever an Army was
entitled to the gratitude of nation, it is the
Army ofthe Tennessee and its gallant leaders.
The Navy has necessarily performed a less
conspicuous part in the captare of Eicksburg
than the Army; stu 1t has been employed in a
manner highly creditable to all concerned.
The gunboats have been constantly employed
below Eicksburg In Smelling the works, and
with success, cooperating heartily with the
left Vein e of the Army.
The mortar boats have been at work for
torty-two days without intermssion, throwing
shells into all parts of the city, even reaching
the works in the rear of Vicksburg and in front
of our troops, distance of three miles. Three
heavy guns placed on scows, nine-inch, ten
inch and one hundred pound rifle, were
placed in position a mile from the town and
do,
they have kept up an accurate and incessant
tire for fourteen days, doing all the damage
that could be done by guns under such circum-
stances. Five eight-inch, two nine inch, two
fortytwo FOUNDER rifles four thirty-two
FOUNDER she'll guns, have been landed, at the
request of the different Generals commanding
corps, from the gunboats, and mounted in the
rear of Eicksburg, and whenever / could spare
the officers anG men from our small compile
ment, they We're sent to manage the guns; with
what ability leave to the General handing
the forces to say.
In the eantime stationed the smaller class
of gunboats to keep the banks of the Mississippi
clear Of guerrillas, who were assembling i'm
force, and with large number of cannon to
block up the river and cut off the transports
bringing down supplies, reinforcements and
ammunition for the army. Though the rebels
large force attempted to sink or capture the
transports they never succeeded, but were de-
feated by the gunboats with severe loss on all
occasions. Without watchful care over the
Mississippi the operations of the army would
nave been much mteTfered with; and can say
honestly that officers never did their duty
peter than those who have patroled the river
from caro- to Nicksburg. One steamer only
was badly disabled since our operations COM
menced, and six or seven men killed and
wounded.
While the army have had a troublesome ene
my in front and behind them, the gunboats,
Marine Brigade under Gen. Ellet, and small
force under Generals Dennis anA Mower have
kept at bay large force of rebels, over $4,000
strong, accompanied by a large quanty OF ar
tillery. Though offered battle several times
and engaged, they invariably fed, and salts
fed themselves by assaulting half dis iplined
and unarmed blacks.
The capture of Yicksburg leaves us a large
army and naval forces free to act all along the
river, and hope soon to add to nv depart
ment the vessels which have been temporarily
lost TO the service, viz the $ Indianola" and
ssCincnnati."
The effect of this blow will be felt tar up the
tributaries of the Mississippi; the timid and
doubtful VIII take heart, and the wicked will,
/ hope, cease 10 trouble us, for fear Of the pun
ishment which Will sooner or later oyertake
them.
There has been large expenditure of am.
munitior during the siege. The mortars have
fired 1000 mortar shells, and the guIboats 500
Four thousand five hundred have been fired
from the naval guns on shore, and we have
supplied over G,o00 TO the different army corps
DAVID ID. Porter, A. r Admiral
Commanding Miss. Squadron
HON. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of the Navy,
Washington, ID. q.