Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-06-11
Letter from Capt. Jas. NJ. Bull of the
21d Wisconsin

The following is al extract from let
ter written by Capt. Bull of the ga Beg
iluent TO his wife:
BEFORE VICKsBURe, May 25.
Since landing Oh the Mississippi shore
We have been at work, with scarcely any
cessation. Marches by night, battles by
day, aud victories have been our lot. The
God OF Battles has been with Us and
granted Us victories, splendid and COM
plete. Since my last, We have beaten the
enemy at Raymond, Edwards Ferry,
Black River Lridge, and now have him
penned in at Vrcksburg. Sherman has
possession OF Haines and Chickasaw Bluff,
and our lines are drawn very closely
around the rebel works here. We have
him fest, he cannot escape, Vicksburg
must fall, and that right early. In the
battle at Raymond We were DOT engaged,
our division was making 3 diversion in
another direction, though we were near
enough to know what was going on. The
enemy was completely routed and driven
from the field, and We took several hun
dred prisoners. The battle OF Edwards
Ferry was fought on the l6 h-the fight
ing being mostly done by Osterhaus' d.
vision. Our division held the enemy In
check and kept him from going to Ray
mond. We held in check about twice
our own number, all day. My company
was skirmishing most OF the time, and
though we were in very hot place only
one of my 0en, Evan Barnes, was wound
ed, and he slightly. 1t was q splendid
triumph. We took a large number of
prisoners, and considerable quantity of
cannon.
Osterhaus is brave general. Ee led
several charges ON the enemy's works 10
person, and his men fought like heroes.
The next day was fought the battle OF
Black River Bridge. Here the enemy
was most terribly beaten. In his nasty
retreat he lett behind him II cannon and
great many prisoners. Since the en-
gagement at Grand Gulf up TO this time
We had taken 80 pieces of artillery, beside
many hundred, perhaps might say thou
sand prisoners.
On the 10Th, having crossed the Black
River, We commenced the siege Of Vlcks
burg Day before yesterday we attempt
ed To carry their works by storm. 1t was
terrible. | thought | bad been before
where the bullets flew thick and fast, bot
nothing in comp4rIs-n with that. The
rebels fought with perfect desperation,
and poured their fire upon Us from every
direction. We reached the base of one
OF the forts. Many OF our troops were
getting into the ditch around the fort, but
we could get no farther. The walls OF
the fort were too high and steep. But at
ter We had been there while, we kept
n|,at.
ternut would show the top OF his head OF
any portion OF his body above the breast
works or rifle pits, it would be pierced by
score or more OF bullets.
Towards evening we were obliged TO
retire to our old position, it being perfect
ly useless to attempt to do any thing there.
Our loss was heavy. Since then we have
done no,hlng but sit still! and bewail our
folly IN making such Il charge.
Our regiment has lost III all about fifty
killed and wounded. Very fortunately on
this day | had but one man hurI-Chas.
Netherwood-a piece OF his jaw was taken
out. The 18th Wis, suffered severely in
The assault: as near as l Can learn, near
lUO. Ii Is said that the assault was made
contrary 10 the wishes and advice OF Gen.
Grant. IL Is thought that another such
an attack will not be made, but we will
beslege and reduce them. The rebel sup
plies are now very limited aud must soon
tail ; they cannot hold out much longer.-
| heard that rebel messenger was Cap
tured last evening, bearing orders Tor
Gen. Joe Johnston's force to come to their
relief immediately, otherwise they could
not hold out five days. Osterhaus is
watching. There is no danger OF John
ston or any other force coming to r-ln
force them. Hurlout is here with large
force. Every thing looks favorable tor us.