Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-02-12

The Eebels $1,000 Strong-22O Guns i'm
Position - The Rebel Force Cross the
clads Preparing to Run the Blockade
An Expedition to Lake Providence-Ar.
rival of a Flag Of Truce.
The telegraph within the past few DAYS h as
given us little or no intelligence from the arm v
and feet near Vicksburg, but the Chica 60 pa
pers OF Monday have dispatches and letters
that show the important movements that are
going on, the substance Of which we give be-
low:
CINCINNATI, Feb. s.-(Specal dispatch to the
Chicago Times. "A general staff officer in this
city received, to-day, a letter from a brother
staff officer opposite vicksburg in which it is
stated that advices from the enemy in their
entertainments represent that they have 10
regiments of infantry-about $1,000 meI-220
heavy guns on the Notifications, 70 full bate
lies OF light artillery, and $3.50 cavalry The
letter states that the Notifications are impreg>.
nable In front, and that it was doubtful If gum
boats could successfully destroy the city IL
they could get near enough for their shot and
shell to reach.
posed, out the enemy are now strongly fortify-
ing on all sides.
The canal would be widened by Col. Bis
oy today. the sih. to admit Of the passage Of
eunboats and transports. There were eight
feet OF water in the nal on the LIST.
Gen. Grant and brother officers were conf.
dent OF capturing Eicksburg and Port Hudson,
and opening the Mississippi river. Grant has
said that he did not wish to sacrifice men un-
necessarily, and to obtain the greatest victory
with small loss Of life and property.
OF nn %Gs came up On the alst from
Secretary Of the Interior. Its presence was to
inquire after prisoners, but really to learn the
the situation and condition OF the canal. 1t
was escorted back with but little information.
On the night Of the 3lst the rebels planted
TWO batteries below the canal, SO as TO subject
sny boat attempting to 60 by to a terrific cross
IRE. Between these batteries and Vicksburg
are two steamers, captured by Union troops
On the same day that these guns were
mounted, the enemy crossed the river in force
marched westward around our camps, and
succeeded in getting near Richmond, where
they threw ont pickets towards Milliken's
Bend. The Federals, being informed of the
close proximity Of the enemy, although ie-
norant OF their numbers sent out 200 moun tad
infantry, and part Of two companies OF cav.
airy, who encountered the pickets, drove them
back through Richmond, killed two, wounded
several and captured q number of prisoners
Inc Cnlon loss was one killed and one
wounded in the thigh.
The enemy opposite are vigilant and strength.
ening their defences, already Formidable.
Fort after fort, Of exceedingly heavy earth
works, extend along the heights below and
above., ~Ao
Our batteries command the river a. ,.
below the city. h'e nines
Our transports are kept at Younp,s po,,,
where most Of the troops are encamna6 -
.ake tnem on board in case the water shoni5
preak through the leyee, which is feared.
AN expedition OF boats had started for Lake
Providence, to look for a place through when
boats may pass to the Mississippi below VicEs-
1org. II Is said there is a bayou leading from
tne lake TO the river, thirty miles below TicSs.
pulg, winch, 1t is believed, is navigable FOR
bogus al TINS stage Of water. Lake Proyidssca
is on the louisiana side, above Younr,s Point
and is entered from the bend Of the ri var Lno,T,
as Lake Providence Pond. VIZ
The Surveyors estimates for the canal across
the point are completed, and the largest MOST
Ole force will soon be kept at work on Il d.v
ana night, TILL completed. The canal proiect
is, therefore, fully adopted, and everytSins
s.a . on It's availability. 1t must be who'll
eut me required depth and width, as IL Is dem.
onstrated that no reliance can be placed on ths
acuon OF water washing 1t ont. Several wesIs
must eiapse before its completion. "'A'