, 1863-07-07
FoEr1-F1RaT DAT IN REAR Or V1cksBul

FoErx-F1aaT DAT IN REAR Or VIcKsBuRa,l
Jnne ., 1868.
From Our Own Correspondent
Gen. Logan is again mining the fort that Is
attracting so much attention, and senttnellng
the ditches. Several times each day our
working parties are driven out of the trenches
that are 50 near the cnemy's works, by gren.
nda or hand.she1ls thrown at them. These
are ugly things aud wound many men who
are unable to get away when they explode.
1t Is no uncommon thing for our men to
throw stones and hrickbats at the enemy, and
sometimes the two belligerent forces get SO
near together that they steal each others bay
oneta off the guns. Thia was true the day
the fort WAS blown up. They stand for hours
together, protected by breastworks, Of course,
60 near that the muzz1es Of their guns al
most touch. When 50 near, neither party
can raise their bands above the earthworks
without getting bullet threugh them, and
they only put the gun above the parapet aud,
fire at random. At night our men use q, 10.
and E-pound~ shells for greuades-fre the
fuse and throw them over. The groans Of
the rebels Indicate that 1t is serious buainess
to them, but they do not finch.
have not Jet had any reason to change the
prediction. made some time ago. that the
FonIth Of July xon1d find uB sill at the rear
Of V1cksburg." With the same confidence
tile prediction is made, that soon thereafter
something decisive will take place. All these
are epeculations, and made from the general
indications and best information to be OBJ
tanned, and cannot be considered reliable opin-
ions based on facts.
Yesterday the enemy "sprupg i nino'' II in
front OF shezman, and near one Of his ap-
proaches. It did not harm any one, nor dis
arrange any plan for us. It was the inten-
tion to destroy some Of our works that were
getting to be uncomfortable to them, In
front Of Carr's Division there was an attempt
on the part Of the enemy, to-day, either to
blow up one Of their own forts, or to blow us
the mine before trey intended. The latter il
probably the explanation Of heavy report
heard, and the elevationIof large body Of
earth quite high.
Yesterday the rebels threw over to our men
small biscuit made Of corn meal and peas:
and note stating that it was one days "a.
ton. For our Information the further state:
Dents were n1ade that "we are pretty hun
gry and dreadful dry; old Pemberson has ta-
ken all the whisky for the hospitals, aud our
Southern Confederacy is SO small just now,
ness. Give our compliments to Gen. Grant,
and eny to him TINT grub would be accepta-
BILE, but we will feel under particular obllga-
tiona to him If he will send us few bottles
ofgood wbisky-otard will be received"
another brave and efficient officer has de-
parted. Lieut.. Col. Melancthou Smith died
This morning. He was loved BY his command,
and they, with large circle Of friends,
mourn tliat be fell SO early in life. while his
country needs his services History will give
bis name an honorable place in the long LIST
Of those who have offered themselves sacrl-
1fnt. rs
as a soldier should die, at his post, doing his
duty.
Major General Ord is now fairly Installed
| into the duties OF the new position assigned
him as commander of the 18Th army c3rps.
So far rs can be ascertained, he gives general
eatisfac ion.
The health Of the army remains In very
fair condition, very necessary state of affalrf
| for the eucctssful prosecution Of IN actiye
! siege. PARTRIDGE.