New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-01-08
THE MISSISSIPPI EXPEDITION.

Wing" Captured, with Ordnance Stores
md large Mail, by Rebel Battery
below the Mouth OF the Arkansas Gen.
McClcrnnnd on his way - vicksburs
with the Ram Lancaster.
From Our Special Correspondent.
HELENA, Ark. Dec. 81. 1862
Tho dispatch boat Rocket has Just arrived from
Vicksburg and brings intelligence OF the commence
ment Of a great battle between Gen. Sherman's
forces and the Rebels in the rear Of Vicksburg.
Con. Sherman's fleet went up the Yazoo River and
landed bis troops at convenient point, whence they
marched to the rear of Vicksburg and commenced
an attack on last Saturday, the 9th inst. The first
days battle consisted OF cannoDading and Smelling
the Rebels in their intrenchments, with no decisive
re,uts. At night the two armies lay on their arms
and renewed the conflict on Sunday morning. OF
the killed and wounded we have as yet no account,
except that the loss was small on our side. The
strength of our army under Sherman is about 40 900.
and that of the Rebels is estimated at from 30 900 TO
5000, though with no approach toward accuracy.
Tie latter estimate Is, Of COURSE mere guess-work.
On Sunday morning, as the Rocket left, the noise
Of battle was distinctly heard on board of her.
Loud cannonading and the shouts of regiments
charging upon the enemy filed the air. The spirit
Of our army was admirable, and full Of confidence
in ultimate victory. But the contest will be hot and
severe, as the Rebels have every advantage in po.
sition and in fighting behind intrenchments.
The gunboat feet it is supposed cannot render
very important aid. Several Of them were engaged
with the upper batteries and Notifications Of the
enemy.
On the Yazoo River portion Of the feet 10 also
engaged with powerful Rebel battery about 70
miles above the mouth, where the Cairo was sunk
a few weeks ago by torpedo. In this engagement
the gunboat Benton had suffered severely, aud Capt.
Gwin, the commander, is reported MORALLY
wounded. Fifteen shots from the battery had pene-
trased the Benton, ard twelve men were killed by
tie same shell from which Capt Gwin received his
death wound. This latter statement Is founded
more upon ruinor than positive information, and
trust il may turn out after oil, that Capt. Gwin h
simply wounded. lie has the reputation Of being
brave aud excellent officer
ON las, Saturday the steamer Blue Wing left here,
having two coal boats in tow. loaded with coal,
large mail ON board, and l20 boxes of ordnance
stores, together with equipments for two batteries
on her way 70 Gen. Shermans army On reaching
a IHlUk u buOIt airAsGNo b'iVW Naf'tVvu wv "uo
fired into by battery OF six cannon from the Arkan-
sas shore, and compelled to round to and submit to
capture. SIZE WIS nfserwsrd taken by the Rebels up
the Arkansas River tow ard Lit,le Rock Mr.. Noyes,
Special Agen, OF the Pos-Ofice Department, was on
board in charge Of II mail bags for our army at Vcks
burg and il prisoner.
The boat LEFT here without escort or any troops
on board. with instructions not to land, on the sup
position that she would be able to the gauntlet
Of all attacks from the shore. This has proved n
sad mistake and will prove profitable lesson for
the future.
Las. night, Maj. Gen. McCIernand arrived here
on the steamer Tgress, with the ram Lancaster, from
Memphis. They are now about leaving our landing
for Vcksburg prepared to attack and silence the bat
terry that captured the Blue Wing, as they pass
down. A large mail is on board each boat for Gen.
Sherman's and Gen. Steee's divisions of the army.
Many poor fellow, to whom letters are on the way
from home and friends, viii doubtless be sleeping
" the sleep that knows no waking before they
reach him.
As further dispatches arrive, will send the intel
ligenco from the scene OF conflict. GUILBERT.