The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-04-24

4 1nb NATURE VI THE " AkHBNION BATTERY
A FoorHoLD AGAINST vIcksBURo.-The destruc-
ton by our gunboats Of the rebel battery ct
warrsnton, some ten miles below vicksburg,
and on the same range Of bluffs, gives to our
forces foothold on the south flank Of vicks-
burg itself, which, together with Gen. Grants
cleaning out Of all the supplies in the country
on the north side. will, we suspect, soon
bring about another grand rebel evacuation.
In fact the greatest danger now to be appre-
hended at both vicksburg and Port Hudson Is
that the rebels will act upon the decision that
it is better now to abandon those places and
save what they can than to sacrifice their can
non and gunpowdsr in useless defence
/ The occupation of the Mississippi between
vicksburg and Port Hudson by powerful
Union gunboat squadron, in cutting Of the
communications of those two places with their
late supplies of subsistence in Western Louisi-
ana and Texas, renders both vicksburg and
Port Hudson Of very little further value to the
enemy. The special object for which their
heavy fortincations were erected has been de-
feated. All the rebellious States west Of the
Mississippi are now completely severed from
their confederates on the eastern side of the
river. At one time, the capture of the ram
Queen of the West and the Indianola BY the
enemy, and the prospect of these operating,
together with two or three other gunboats of
their own continuance, below vicksburg, made
the case look somewhat alarming; but now,
with the ram blown up, and with the Indianola
buried in the mud Of the Mississippi, the small
craft and other defences of the rebels on the
Red river must be abandoned and destroyed, or
they will surely be captured.
The game is 30 manifestly in the hands of
Grant and Porter, Banks and the brave old
salamander Farragut, that we dare say they
will capture vicksburg and Port Hudson with
out much further strategy Or expenditure Of
gunpowder. The most serious thing to be
feared il that the cunning enemy will move OF
In time, as usual when the chances are decidedly
against them, In season to save their artillery
and ammunition and other materials Of war.
We hope, however, that our eficer concerned,
land and naval, will % shape their movements
o. to make vicksburg and Port Hudson each
substantial victory, like that Of Island No. 10,
instead Of worthless prize, like that Of Corinth
TEE News IRON MxxIco-It Il evident the
French have gained no advantages In Mexico,
else We should long ere this have had the full
details II ID TO be remarked that some time
since rumors were circulated 10 the effect that
the French forces had taken one Of the gates Of
Puebla, and that no doubt existed - 10 the
speedy capture by them Of that city. This
news was from Vera Cruz, dated the LIST Of
this month. Since then no less than
four French vessels-ofwar have arrived
1t Havana from that port, and they bring
no confirmation Of any successes on the part Of
the French. Two OF the vessels referred to
LETT Vera Cruz on the 5th, one on the sth and
one on the llth. II is easily understood that
had the French gained The victory reported at
firt these vessels would have brought full de-
tails. 10 IL NOT the custom Of the successful
party 70 hide their achievements, and hcnce We
nav sssssssh,y isssr thas ~ suoossses were On