Washington telegraph. [volume] (Washington, Ark.) 1839-1871, 1863-03-25

FROM LITTLE RocK.-Up to the time of our
departure from Little Rock. ION Friday eve.
ming the goth inst, no news from abroad had
reached that point of dates later than NAV be
found elsewhere in our columns. The dis.
patches received at Head Quarters, regarding
the late attack upon Port Hudson, we're sub
stanfiaily to the following purport: On the
| event ng of the 14th inst. a portion of the en-
emys beet appeared below the port, and a
nerce oombardment ensued which lasted seve-
raj hours. We set on FIRE and destroyed the
war irlgate Mississippi, and severe y crippled
TWO other vessels. Either during the engage
ment, or in the darkness following, the gun
boat Essex, with two others as reported, Sue
ceeded in passing up and gaining the river
above the batteries. Of her operations above
no account has been received We have to
encounter those vessels with only the Queen
of the West, the Webb, and one or two other
smaller craft. There is reason to believe that
tn e Indianola has been unfortunately blown nm
by our own men under q mistaken spprehen-
sion that large gunboat had passed down by
a
captured. We no pc our force is sufficient to
protect the river between vicksburg and Port
Hudson, and that the fortunes of war will de-
liver the bold Essex into our hands. But &c man
proposes whilst God disposes.v 1t is not i'm.
probable that the persistent and desperate eff
forts OF the enemy may finally succeed in
throwing enough naval force into that portion
OF the river to give them full and undisturbed
possession. That navigation is very important
to us, but not military necessity The enc
my cannot pass their transports, and without
the capture of one of the places above-men.
toned, their vital object will be fully defeated
They must open the Mississippi, or the North.
west is gone. In the>day when it is clearly
seen they must fail therein, they shall surely
die. ANY amount of annoyance caused ms
otherwise. will afford no substitute or this
great work which is before them No second
Arkansas Post business will appease the North
west.
The horizon brightens rapidly in Arkansas
A new spirit has taken possession of our army.
IL 10 iHauIiest III the tone OF the officers, but
most especially in the rapid improvement of
the army in numbers and efficiency. Every
review manifests this in q most unmistakeable
manner. Convalescents are coming from the
hospitals. Deserters and stragglers are flock
ing in from all quarters. The late military
changes in the department have inspired new
confidence. Kirby Smith is looked upon as a
tower of strength. and the coming Of Price is
hailed as the beginning of u system of opera
tions. which will yet redeem our unfortunate
department from the inglorious waste of its
energies which has heretofore worn it away.
We have every reason to hope everything for
the next campaign. Let Arkansians now be
content, and let it no longer be said that no.
body can please them. We ask no better COM
manders. Let the people, one and all, sustain
he military authorities, and throw no obsta-
cles In the way of their plans. Men may be
called upon to make personal sacrifices. What
then? Would YOU live at ease and have others
win, for you the great battle of freedom
Would you whine and demur, and shuttle off
your duties, whilst others give up life, property,
family-everythirg? Shame on the thought