The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-06-19
FROM yICKSBURG.
The Siege Progressing FavOrabIy.
GEN. BRAGG REINFORCED.
HEADQUARTERS WALNUT Hull.

HEADQUARTERS WALNUT HILL,
Vicksburg, June Ii, via Carlo, 18th.
A ride along our lines developed a change
in the position of the enemy. Their batteries
are silent on all sides and there are only few
OF their rifed guns firing. Our bombardment
is kept up with continuous vigor. We have
more guns in position.
Deserters coming into our lines to-day re-
port that the men and line officers are dscour-
aged and are only prevented from deserving
by the hope that they may be honorably sur
rendered in few days.
Gen. Blair's reconnaissance between the
fazoo and Big Black rivers revealed no signs
OF the enemy within thirty miles. Every use
ful thing has been destroyed for fifty miles
around.
Breckenridge is said to be at Jackson Our
position is equal to 100000 men.
Later, 14h. Nothing of Importance has
transpired for the last twenty four hours. On
Friday our batteries slackened and the enemy
rarely replied. The rebels are believed to be
erectingl an interior line of works and falling
back. About 100 of the enemy are reported
to be killed daily by our sharp shooters.
Our wounded are well cared for in the field
hospitals. The health and morals of the army
are good.
Chaplain Eaton, superintendent of contra
bands is here, making arrangements to with
draw to safe place, a large number of negroes
who have collected here
Gen. Osterhaus holds Black river bridge
without interruption.
The paymasters will commence paying the
troops Immediately.
The prospects of the seige look brighter
and brighter, and no fears are entertained for
the result. Bragg has undoubtedly reinforce
ments OF three brigades, viz: Bates, Clayton
and Churchilrs. These, with Browns brigade
and McCormick's division left behind from the
new division Of Stewart, in Hardee's CORPS
Bragg has now eighteen brigades of infantry
and cavalry. There are indications that in
the cooperation with Buckner at Knoxville, he
is about to assume the offensive and invade
Kentucky, striking at about Monticello or
Carthage in East Tennasee. Buckner has a
large force and is speedily organizing for of
fensive operations.
The exempted men who have been gather
ing saltpetre and ntre in East Tennessee have
been armed by Buckner TO guard his rear and
aid in gathering the immense crop of wheat.
The Union men who planted wheat largely
in hopes of Burnside reapng it, have turned
their stock into the fields to destroy the wheat
now ripening.
Gen. Pacey's brigade of n. C. troops occupy
Cumberland Gap.
Buekner has published an order threatening
that all officers absent without leave will on
the 10th of this month be conscripted and
forced to serve in the ranks.
The lowest estimates put Bragg's army at
10000.
Knoxville advices say Grant will undoubted-
ly take Nicksburg, and then flank Jackson
from below, capture Port Hudson and strike
at Montgomery and Mobile at the same time
Col. Bradford, commanding the post of
Knoxville, advertises in the Register for the
apprehension of Capt. j. I. Matthews, of the
U. >. A., who escaped from the Jail at Knox
vile on the 30th of May, where he had been
confined on the charge OF bridge burning
George Styles and George Williams were
hung to-day for the murder of Adam Weaver.
This murder was committed within the rebel
lines