, 1863-06-17
FROM VickSBgKG.
RUM0RED FIGHTING BETWEEN
BLACK AND YAZ0o RIVERS.
THE ENEMY ATTACKS OUR SMALL
FORCE AT MtlLikEn'S BEND.
Gunboats Open on the Rebe1s Furl-
ously, and the Rebels are
Driven Back!
Progress of the Siege, &c.
tFtom Our Special Correspondent

tFtom our Special Correspondent
TwKnTH1H DAT m REAR or V1cksBrno,
June 9th, 1868 !
Last night man belonging to the signal
corps came from the rear with the report that
Johnston with force Of Is 600 had attacked
our forces between the Black and Yazoo
rivers unexpectedly, aud from different d..
rcction than was anticipated. He did not
seem to understand the condition Of things
remarkably well, and for this reason his state
ments were discredited by the majority. He
reported them etill fighting when he started,
which must hare been nearly night. Were it
not that m attack has been expected from
johnston in that direction for several days,
the report would not be credited. As it is, it
has the appearance Of probability. I cannot
learn TINT any reinforcements have been sent
back, aud the usual quiet along:our lines does
hot indicate anything unusual. It is not
doubted that desperate battle will yet decide
the possession Of the country between these
two rivers. Unless johnson masses larger
force than now appears probable, you
need have no fears about the re-
suit. What We most fear is the posi-
bility that Lee may profit by the chronic
"Washington scare,'' and put on very bold
offensive front, while he sends the best part
Of his army against us; or that Bragg may
succeed in deceiying Rosecrans, and trouble
rs from that direction, and perhaps both may
be successful. Unless Johnston can get as
sistance from these points, he will hardly be
| af11n tn S1 mn than
men to be spared from Charleston 6r. Mobile
without suhjecting those important points to
peril that the enemy will hardly risk. It is
reported, and perhaps truly, that the railroads
running south and east of jackson are now
repaired und in running order. This enables
the enemy to concentrate his forces ut jack
| against us at my point between Vicksbury
and this point We arc entirely at the mercy
Of the Eagacity and watchfu1ncss of our mill
tarJ com mauders In other departments. We
can whip larger army than our own, but We
cannot contend against tue. whole rebel army,
The attack upon Millikea's Bend this morn
ing was part Of the rebel plan to crush US.
Since the Yazoo was opened, this point, for
merry Of 60 much Importance TO Us, has been
used for military purposes ina limited degree,
and our force there was small, and In part
composed OF negro troops. 4 gentleman
from the vicinity. this morning Informs me
that rebel torcc OF about 5000 at.
tucked our position. The gunboats opened
On then, at a furious rate and drove them back.
Those "American citizens of African desccnt'
that in these days Of human progress and
civilization carry and beautifully grace pat
enemy-droye them and took two hundred
prisoners.
The 63d Illinois and some other forces were
ordered there this morning, and they will at
tend 10 our Interests fn that direction. It
is supposed that the intention Of this attack
and destroy our communication with Chick
asaw Bayou, part of The plan to surround
our right from tho north hoping to drive us
toward WarTeuton, sufficiently at least to let
the rebel army out Of Tickshurg in the direc-
tfon Of the YaZoo.
are better than whltc men. Quite a large
class Of persons Of European descent have
| practically expressed themselves opposed to
this belief, and that persons Of African des-
I cent are TO be preserved The tcolored gen
nemen" are late1y demonstrating that they
are good soldiers and fighting men. If our
belief should prove erroneous, and il they
establish their superiority Us fighting men,
hope the Copperheads will be magnanimous
to us, as they always should be to fallen foe.
We Will coneede to them the merit of being
prophy Tactics to the public depreclations Of
l
The continued exodus of horses and mules
| from within the fortifcations indicates that
corn is an object to the belcaguered army.
Hundreds and perhaps thousands have been
driven out or fioated down the Mississippi.
The rebels haye detantly inserted that they
could hold out Us long Us their mule meat
should last. At the present rate Of consump-
tion, this commodity cannot hold out veTy
long,
For few nights past the mortar boats have
fired but little Some are reported sunk By
the rccoil Of the mortars. Others, that are
in condition are not used because 80 many o1
the men are disabled by the terrible shock
and concussion Of each explosion. Tonight
they open mer1ily again.
Our line is slowly and constantly advancing
! upon tho rebcl works. Some Of the artillery
Is now within 200 or ESQ yards Of the enemy.
OnT shaspshooters In the trenches are so
close that the enemy cannot use his artillery
to any advantage, and few of their men are
| foolish enough to show their heads above
| their works. We hare one fort nearly fin-
| isled that will control an cnf1ading position.
From this work We can enflade a long line Of
their works, and mike them uncomfortable
| If not untenable.
Forty deserters came in yesterday morning,
| The indications now are that Pemberton will
| soon try to cut his way out. II he Is suc-
cessful, Vickeburg will be ours; and If not,
| the siege will be Of longer dpration-the end
must be the same. The general situation de-
notes progress from day to day. There is
nothing brilliant or decisive to record. Pa
tience and industry at home and in the army
are desirable. In the latter, no admonitions
are needed; let the former do their part.