The New York herald., 1863-07-08

and 10 AGO swine.
Vicksbyrg Ours-Anothcr Deadly Blow
to the Rebellion-Terribje Situation or
Lees Army ON tho Potomnc-The End
: Near mt Hand.
New York was electrified yesterday with the
joyful news Of the surrender of Vicksburg on
the Fourth Of July. OF all the days in the
calendar this was the day to give the most
powerful moral effect, in the loyal and in the
rebellious States, to this great achievement
The splendid victory Of General Meade on the
Sd in Pennsylvania, and this magnificent
triumph of General Grant on "the glorious
Fourth" thousand miles away on the Mis-
sissippi, are two Of the most remarkable, omi-
nous and appropriate events, in chronology
cal view, Of all the strange and wonder
full condolences of the war. We may now
say, without misgiving or reservation, that not
only have we broken the backbone, but the
head and 'front.' of the rebellion; that its days
are numbered, and that general collapse,
from Virginia to Texas is close at hand.
The excellent illustrative maps, and the COM
prehensive and interesting budget of letters
from our Vicksburg correspondents, which we
publish to-day, will give the reader the neces-
sary Information as to the work accomplished
by General Grant and Admiral Porter, es.
pecially in the graphic details furnished Of
some Of the closing operations Of the siege.
The rebel Sebastopol Of the Mississippi
has been captured, and with its fall Port Hud-
son ceases to be tenable, and ceases to be of
any value to the enemy. We should not be
surprised, however, IL we were next to hear
that Port Hudson too had capitulated on the
Fourth Of July; for, at the time of our last &C
counts from General Banks, his regular ap-
proaches had been brought 80 near the enemy's
main defences as to indicate speedy cspitula-
ton.
Vicksburg, at all events, disposes Of Port
Hudson. The Mississippi river is reopened. The
rebellion is cut in twain. The States adhering
to il west of the Mississippi are now at the mercy
of General Banks; while General Grant, with an
army estimated by the rebels as exceeding in
numbers a hundred thousand men, is now at
liberty to join General Rosecrans for march
from Chattanooga to Charleston, or to descend
with irresistible force upon Mobile As for
General Joe Johnston, with his little army OF OBJ
has probably observed enough in the fall of
vicksburg to induce him to push forward with
out delay to the Notifications Of Mobile, in or
der to save himself and that city from immedi-
ate capture. This appears now TO be his only
alternative, unless he is prepared for the mise
rasle business of guerilla chieftain.
The reopening Of the Mississippi, and the
Liberation of General Grants army Of one hun
dIed thousand men for active cooperation with
General Rosecrans. virtually end the war in
the Southwest Between Richmond and Texas
the rebels cannot muster an army to resist the
pressure Of our overwhelming forces at any
point. ALL therefore, that remains Of the
strength Of the rebellion is the broken and
retreating crmy Of Lee; and, from our accounts
received last, night concerning that army, it
was undergoing Balfs Bluff disaster Of
the most fearful DIMENSIONS Driven to the
Potomac river at williAusport, Lee had found
his means of retreat there,tut off, and with the
flooded aud angry river in his front, he was en-
vcloped in his rear by our pursuing forces
regulars, volunteers and militia.
We are prepared to hear III g morning that
the late defiant rebel army o. Virginia has
been cut to pieces, captured or estroyed. In
anticipation Of this decisive work, We may say
that even OF this moment the rebelh on Is sup
dressed