New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-06-12
turned loose by the Rebels, on account Of the scarcity
of forage with them.
The Problem Still Enthusiastically OF
Grants Position-Johnstou Cnur Get
Near Him--A sortie-Visit 70 Mine
The Fourth Of July TO DO Celebrated in


Near Him "A sortie-visit 70 Mine
The Fourth Of July to DO Celebrated in
vicksburg.
From Our Special Correspondent
LowRn MississIPPi. June 9, 1852
The Vicksburg problem is still unsolved. Tho
ultimate reduction of that stronghold in my own
mind u certain as any future event. But how and
when it is to fall whether by starvation or storm.
or the wear and tear of constant cannonadDg,
whether tomorrow or next month is entirely mat.
ter sf conjecture.
There are but two possible sources Of delverance
to the besieged. If Johnston could muster q force
Of $4,000 men within twenty days, pass the BIG
Black ana assault in the rear, it is just possible
that the Army Of Vicksburg might cut Its way
through effect junction with It's ally, and thus eS-
cane. To attempt a diversion with any less force
would be sheer madness. Suppose that Gen.
Johnston. by weakening the columns OF Bragg
and Beauregsrd, and rsllyipg the scattered
and dcmorslized forces Of Lorlng and Bowen,
collected all army Of $4,000 men. Suppose
that BY desperate fighting and unwearying
labor lie succeeded in siorping the strongho!ds
at the Big Black now held by Ofterhsus who is one
Of our best Generals. or getting through the net
work Of obstacles on the Baldwins Ferry road, lie
would only succeed in bringing jaded and dis
prited army face TO face with one Of the largest,
best equipped, and most determined armies in the
country, intrencied in a Gordon OF foriiheations
almost as formidable in position those which pro-
tect vicksburg. He would have to fight an enemy
capable Of reinforcing from all points, without any
concerted plan with the besieged, and with strong
probability Of being whipped in detail.
But it s hardly possible that Johnston can gather
the requisite force 10 make diversion before the
troops in Vicksburg starved into surrender.
Gen. Bragg will need all bis troops TO cope with
Rosecrans. The army ut Charleston, could II 10
spared, would have to make the march over
wretched and frequently crippled railroads, and be
compelled to advance from jackson on foot, while
the debris Of Lorings corps would be little more
than unorgsuized mob.
Secondly. Pember,on's army nigh. make des-
psIaie attempt 10 break through Uncle Same ne!
between McClernand's left and WaHenton. There
has been some little spprehenion Of this in Official
circles On the night Of the LIST Of June, We were
Weakened by sharp firing Of muskeiry, mingled with
heavy cannonading. The. frat suppcsiion was that
the enemy were attempting to eut their way out.
1t proved 10 he merely sor,ie upon Beniou'' mi
ners Two or three men were wounded in the sally.
but our artillery Immediately opened upon
Lem and forced them 10 retire. / look upon such
Gil attempt at escape ss hardly probable, and only
at an alternative Of army utterly Departing Of all
other means of deyerauce. IL Peuberton succeed
ed in eutting bic way through oGr lines before sber
man and Mcpherson could arrive, he would st be
OBLIGED TO fee in total and fatal rout to fight the
whole combined army. In either alternative, MOTH
ing but ruin complete and nremediable would 10 the
consequence
1t is possible that Grant may feel justified in maxi
ing another assault, rather than to await tie Glow
progress Of the siege. Our army is slowly lessenng
the space which divides it from the enemy. Nc
Pherson approaches are very co,e, as are those OF
BurJrdge and Benton in Cars Division, and those
Of ION. Hovey.
A few days sinoe, having q curiosity 10 get near
view Of the Rebel esrthworks, determined to ex-
plore one Of the mines in operation. Since this
approach is in plain view from the tnemy'r WORKS,
believe an not violating army confidence by de-
seribing one Of them. As the constant ius.ledo Of
shareholders rendered the visit extremely unsafe
during tho day, and the moon was at the full se-
l,cted tho clote OF the evening az the most pro-
pitious hour for the enterprise With the guidance
OF Lieut. Adams carefully shurnn every crest, and
threading tho windings Of ravines soon found my
self among surroundings which plainly betrayed the
presence Of the enemy. The soPes Of the hollows
on the side the Rebels were excavated and bur
rowed into by the soldiers az refuge from csnis-
ter shot and spent ninies. The picket guard were
lying nusket in hand just under the crest Of the hill,
in dead silence or talking In suppressed tones. Ex-
cept for the occasional far of rushing sound Of
bOmbshels, the air was completely still. learned
that, by creeping up the hollow TO the left and
emerging AT point where the storm OF battle had
been sweepng the hottest, would strike tho trail
Of our pioneers.
Picking my way through the shadows Of the
excavation and the line Of pioneers at work
like beavers with PICK and spade, came at
length to the extremity next the enemy, where
tho moonlight streamed in obscurey from above.
At the further end, line Of rife-pits inter
sects the mine partly sheltered by cotton.bales.
Cautiously looking over the embankmonl, found
myself apparently good deal less than hundred
yards from the vcksburg inrenchmeDts. The grim
batlernents three in number, loomed up IN the IN
certain light; Immediately in front aud almost on
either flank This client scene was Numbering
crater soon 10 BIZ on fire and resonant with coneen.
tra,ed muskstry aud csnnonsding. Here occurred
the sortie and sharp engagement that alarmed us d
night or two after.
sto the number and wheresbout Of these ap-
nroachss it would be unwise 10 speak, "a some OF
them may be az yet undiscovered. They may prove OF
Advantage, but their success is extremely problema!i
cal.
number Of otservatores are being extemporized,
- :.t ,,;n command "A large portion Of the enemys