The Portland daily press., 1863-06-23
Tuesday Morning, June ~, 1863.
The siege Of yicksburg.

The New York Tribune's correspondent
writing on the 9TH inst thus describes Gen.
Grants progress
There has been material change in the po-
sition of our army for several DAYS past. We
have surrounded vicksenrg literally and
completely, and are hourly strengthening and
contracting our lines On the east side of the
river, our lines are semi-circular, inclosing the
town and garrison, and cutting the enemy off
from all commune alton with his friends Gen
Sherman commands the right wing, Gen. Ne
Pherson the center, and Gen. McClernand
the left. The enemy's works are at many points
very close to ours. and skirmishing Is going
on all the time, attended by an inconsiderable
number OF casualties Our batteries are worked
vigorously, and the enemy Is being slowly
but surely dislodged. and driven from point 10
point OF the exceedingly hilly, Jagged ground
which Is the theater OF action. On the front
the gunboats play away on the enemy's bat
teries by day, and their mortar boats sere-
made them with their hoarse music by night.
Occasionally the harrassed Rebels make abor-
tive sailies, In small or large force, and we
pick up few prisoners on every such occa-
sion.
Gen. Grant has unquestionabIy undertaken
70 reduce the place by regular siege and in
vestment II Is quite probable that he could
BY two or three days hard fighting, and by an
immense sacrifice ofliie, take the place at any
time. But, prudent and humane general as he
Is, he will not resolve upon such course until
the exigency demands IT, The enemy un-
doubtediy understands the Overwhelming ruin
20 their cause which will result from the loss
Of Vicksburg, and may be expected to strain
every nerve, and make every exertion to re-
lieve The beleagured Pemberton. Ifthese efforts
from the East should assume formidable propor-
dons, and Gen. Grant is not sure of his ability
ff, r. irrrI mi ant ~
ordered. Until things take such turn as Is
here supposed, we will probably go on as we
have beugn. 1T is very doubtful whether the
Rebels are proyisioned for long siege; and
whether they are or not, we have the means to
.subdue their obstinacy gradually.
The Chicago Tribune's correspondent, writ
ing on the 9th inst, gives the following par
ticulars Of the siege;
On the main road from jackson to yicks
burg the rebels have constructed fortifications
on ridge running directly into town. This
Is about the center Of their line of works, and
If we can get possession Of these, the others
must fall without much trouble. This is ap-
preciated by our commanding officers, and
they are making strong aggressive movements
In this direction. Gen. Logan, who Is a very
active, energetic officer, holds this point with
his division.
In order to approach the main fort as desir-
ed, Yankee Ingenuity must be called into
refuisition. Always equal TO any emergency.
the Yankees were not long In deciding what
was to be done. We were approaching the
fort by way OF the road running along the
ridge, aud the fort being built right across the
road, commands the position so perfectly that
II was imposjblc 10 dig the ditch that Is 70
lead US TO the base Of their works without
some protection. A ditch six feet deem and
ak feet wide was completed 90 within two
hundred feet Of the fort, when II was neces-
sary 70 turn Il In direction 10 the len across
The road. Prom this point IL was to be turned
~ right angles, nearly and one hundred feet
would bring ~ 10 the base. To dig the ditch
across the road was the main difficulty. To
accomplish this acar was constructed 3OxlO
Feet, aud put upon small wheels. A row OF
cotton bales standing on end were nut In
front and on each side. Ater II was ready
the men ran II out from behind our earthworks
info fhe road In front OF the fort. IL was
hardly ont before rebel popped up his head
and exclaimed with an oath, ''here comes the
Lincoln wagon
Their curiosity was excited, and IL was very
evident that with them il was q mixed oues-
uon whetherH was simple car load OF cot
ton, or some Internal machine Of Yankee in
vention. Heads would peer above the para
pet for an instant to get look, lust long
enough to hear the crack of some sharpshoot-
ef rue that fractured the cranial box of some
enquiring mind. Yesterday the car was run
out and during the day the ditch across the
road was completed. This morning our men
were at work again behind large round bale
OF cotton, made expressly for the occasion
As they adaance they roll it before them. Be-
fore this reaches you we hope the object of
this work may be attained and it does no
harm to say that It is for the purpose Of blow
ing up the main fort or "key to vicksbure."
fp W davs mora will oorn ,lat.. a.. .
less some unforeseen obstacles are thrown In
the way. When we once obtain possession
Of these works and the ridge running into
town, the fate Of Vicksburg Is decided.
Last night q large number OF deserters came
into our lines, and they tell the same story OF
munger and destitution. They report still
larger numbers coming over at the first op-
portunity. "
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