, 1863-03-20
SIEGE OF VICKSBURE.


aS1ow and sure' seems TO be the legend
adopted by the commanders Of the Viclss-
burg expedition; and we are glad that the
results Of certain rash adventures in the
previous history OF the war, have taught
them the value Of patience and prudence
as military virtues.
A wise General will never undcr-csti-
mate either the valor or the number Of his
enemies, nor will he lead his soldiers to
battle in spirit Of mere brayado and con-
tempt for their prowcss, and the imp1c-
ments and engincry Of war, which they
have arrsyed against him. he knows
better than that; and will not bepersualcd
to move until he has calculated all his
chances Of success, and taken every pre-
caution which his circumstances will atl-
nit OF, to make his arms victorious in the
encounter.
This is precisely the course Of action
which has been atloptcd-and carried out
so far--hy the leaders Of our military and
naval forces at V1cksburg. The siege Of
that city with its vast chain Of consol-
dated fortresscs, is 10 child's PLAY, 10 be
carried on in gingerbread fashion, but q
mighty undertaking, in the plan and con-
duct Of which, all the talcnt and skill, the
enterprise and daring Of our best engiu-
GERS and military men, have been taxed to
the utmost, and will continue to be taxed,
until the rebels shall either abandon their
position-which the highest authorities
have pronounced to be almost imprcgna-
ble-or be driven from it By the assaulting
bayoncts, aud conqucring swords Of our
patriot soldiers.
Few persons, unaccustomcd to trace the
geographical position Of the Federal troops
on the map, have the least idea Of the RI
gantic work which tho siege Of this strong
hold Of the rebels las imposed upon the
intellect and physical resources of the ar
my. No such work, on scale SO immense
and magnificent, has ever before been con-
Gtructed IN the presence Of an enemy.
There is sublime audacity in it, as Of
Titans and De1ni- gods; and compared with
the most famous military works of Europe,
or the world indeed, its daring and pro-
portions are enormous, and commensurate
with the genius Of the people and the con-
tinent.
To reduce Vicksburg, which is now the
key as it were of the Mississippi, as Glib.
ralter is the key Of the Mediterranean. the
mighty river itself must be diverted from
its ancient, immenaorial course; q canal
must be dug across the belt Of land On
which the rebel city and fortress stand
and the inlmeasurable waters Of the Great
River, thus changed from their natura'
bed, must pour through this stupcndous
work Of modern artifce, and bear upo1
their bosom, not, at present, the peaceablt
crafts Of commerce, but the transit vessel!
and gunboats, and all the vast appliance:
and provisions Of an innumerable army
The accomplishment Of the enterprise vii
enable the Fedcrals to attack VicksburE
by land and water, and We have NJ doub
with complete success.
Already the canal before Vicksburg i
said to be within week Of its completion
Two steam dredges are in constant opera
1on, and perform in one hour the labo
previously done By whole fatigue brigade
i As soon rs the time arrives Tor the word q
command, the enraged river will nay
thencefoTth to pursue path which n,a,
has appointed-and nature will shr;n,
. ohio e+,od tp+o roroo fo-Ior-, 1.o1o =. s&,