Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-07-02
The Siege of VicIGs1urg.

Ihe siege OF NtctsDurg.
The following is an extract from the letter Of the
New Yorl, Tribunes special correspondent describing
the attempt of portion OF Gen. Grants army to
storm the works in the rear of Vicksburg
To the south Of the fort, Immediately in front the
rifle pits make bend this way so as to sweep with an
enfading fire storming party. When you look at
wonder steep HILL that Gordon of breasworks, con-
trved with coDsummae ingenuity and labor, the heart
sinks within you. 10 the left, with its blood red bars
lust visible above the rifle pits, now Tapping Gefiany
IN the breeze dropping the flag staff and almost
lost from view is the ensign OF treason. Beyond the
western hills pointing peacefully heavenwar1, in strange
contrast with these warke preparations the spires
of Vicksburg. All along the lines, above ard below
is still as the lull before the tempest
At length tired of waiting, seek the friendly
shadows of Gen Carrs tent just below, and await the
progress of events. But, bark A faint cheer rises
on the air. They are charging LAWYERS brigade IL
advancing There is general rush to the summit OF
the hill regardless of sharpshooers ard shells. There
they go, with trailed nuskets, half crouching, with
swift but stealthy tread streaming toward the fortress
For q moment not shot is fired They are screened
from the raking fire Of the enemy by the side of the
raync But just they emerge into the open space
before the fOt the rifle pits and baston to the left the
works in 'front.' and the sharpshooters from the right,
all open upon them with deadly storm of bullets
Lately so deserted the redoubts all alive with heads
and mukets and jets of smoke. The air is crazy with
the sharp rattle of musketry and the crash of
For a moment, tie advancing column staggers under
this terrible ordeal Then t-W brave fellows rush for
|
on the edge Of the moat leap in and disappear,
on the other side and struggle with great difficulty up
the steep sides of the parapet Some OF them reach the
top and stand for monent the target Of thousand
bullets on that proud but awful summit gaze down at
something within then spring forward and disappear
| Is it victory? Is the stronghold won? Or DO they
enter there as those who cross the Bridge of Sigha
never TO return Now others scale the works to be
met by shots from within, aud sink to the EARTH or rec
backward into the trenches. Merclul GCd
How hard it i3 10 brave men, lighting IN eacTec
cause fall like cattle, with supper rescu., by the
hand Of foe they canuot reach! They cling despe
ratsty the side OF the bTeastworks VINO are living
dead no ore knows. Some burrOW with hand AID foo
and bayonet into the embankment Some starl
and moIoness. Along the hther side OF the Tavlne
and partially screened from musketry, our soldiers or
crouching and lying, and returning the fire from tn
rflepits as best they An officer be seen b.
the aid OF field glass moving backward and forwar
among the men, with drawn sword, vainy attempting
to get them up the fort to the support OF their CON
RAIDS Here ard there they rush forward the
posed surface, one two at time. But the danger
too appalling to be faced even by the brave fellows tha
, stormed the works at Black River.
At last regimental flag and the stars aud stripe
are advanced and planted upon the edge of the
The dear old flag burns far in the van, like beacon
dstriss We endeavored to cheer but heart sicknes
comes and stops the uterance. What we war
now strong reinforcements thai point A diVl
ion of men thrown forward upon the corner OF yonde
bastiOn might insure US Ficksburg. After few me-
I ulC0lS WHICH St LII au age pO
toa OF it, forward to position equdistant roI
the red0ubt with that occupied by the main portion
., LAWYERS brigade, andcan be got 10 further.
While Landrum is moving up it is plain that the el
envy is massing his force against Men can be see
rushing along behind the rifle pits toward the mai
works, both above and below. 1t is evident that a
attack must be made elsewhere by way of diversion
u Accordingly Gen. McCernand orders Benton and Bu
" bridge to put forward and engage the enemy at
Z the right. The constant inquiry is what new
from Sherman and Mcpherson? Every Orderly an
horseman of any description is catechsed But the il
formation is indefinite and unsatisfactory. Mcpherson
corps was close to the enemy's work. Our flag Wa
y planted the rebel Parapets at various places Br
N no forts were taken. Rumors came to that effect bt
proved to be without foundation. 1t evident th
the attack was everywhere being made not with bea'
conmns, but with orlorn hopes The lire OF the enen
too concentrated and murderous the bitches Il
e. deep and the moles too high to be overcome.
h. Thus the day wore along day of gallant fghtiE
against hopeless natura! obstacles.