The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1863-05-29
The Downfall of ViCksburg.

The greatest and best news Of the spring
campaign IS announced this morning. The
latest dispatches We have from Gen Grants
army tell Us that the stars and stripes float
over Eicksburg, that rebel stronghold on
which We have made iw3 previous and unsuc-
cessful attacks. There is no reason to doubt
the report. 1t come neither from nor through
Philadelphia, like the news of the capture of
Richmond; and the official and undoubtetl
dispatches we have in relation to the position
Of affairs up to Wednesday. would throw
discredit on any other report than the capture
OF this city and all the rebel garrison and
supplies. The dispatch which announces the
occupation of the city is not official, it is true.
but it appears reliable. and the statement
that the wires are down is sufficient reason
why We have no confrmatory details.
The record of Gen Grants army for the
last week and half, is one of the most
exciting interest. We have had hints of
what was going on from the rebel sources.
but they have fallen far short of depicting the
fullness and completeness of our success.
Since the capture o. RAYMOND on the 18th,
battle has followed battle, and victory has
followed victory with quick succession, and
imperishable laurels have been won by the
army of the West and their gallant COM
mander- Jackson. the capital Of Mississippi,
was taken on the lith, quickly following the
capture of RAYMOND. But the place was not
deemed OF sufficient importance TO hold. and
our forces evacuating, MAJ ched towards
Nicksburg. Gen Penberton compre bending
the difficulties OF his position. came out to
Bakers Creek 10 offer battle. The engage
ment took place on SATURDAY. the l6lh and
our forces were successful, driving the enemy
with grea: loss. The rebels. however. made
a stand at the bridge over tie Black river.
II miles from NIck>burg. where q still more
desperate battle was fought on SUNDAY the
lIth. The enemy were thanked and defeated
losing 26OO men and l. pieces of artillery.
and burning the railroad bridge across he
Black river as they retreattd On their last
strong held. Nicksburg itself Our forces
followed and the next day CLOSELY invested
the city, Haines' Bluffo the North of Yichs-
burg was evacuated by the enemy. and Gen
Grants army extended to the Mississippi
between the city and the batteries at this point.
All the southern approaches 10 the city were
also IN our possession on the 20;h. the date
of the latest official dispatches, and the feet
was in front cooperating. The summing up
of our captures in the battles previous to
the fall of Eicksburg, gives US about 10000
prisoners, and over 80 pieces of artillery in
addition to the rebel killed and wounded:
and in the city at the final investment there
were probably $4,000 to 10000 rebels who
could not escape, and have no doubt surren-
dered.
Every movement made BY Gen Grant since
ne opened the active campaign by the cap
,ure of Port Gibson, on the lst inst. shows
the hand of master; and his course since
that time has been one of uninterrupted
success. He has had against him generals
Of acknowledged ability, Joe Johnston. Penn
berton AMI Lcring. and the situation vas one
full Of difficulties. Bat he has surmounted
them all, attacked and defeated the enemy in
detail, and. by the CELEBRITY ci his movements.
prevented any combination which might have
overwhelmed him.