The Camden confederate. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1861-1865, 1863-06-19
j. L. HERSHMAN,~ Editor,
Latest from the West-tho Siege O
81 TVlCaksburg

VV;cksbasg ent The night of Wednesday the 10th,
reports all as worSing well. The garrison
is in fine spirits, and well supplied with proyis-
ions So far utlittle damage has been done
by the enemy's fire. The total loss to the
garrison since the siege began does not exceed
500 Grant is still pegglng away upon his
parallels, but no mischief has been done SO far.
Our. scouts from the vicinity of Vicksburg re-
port Grant hanling, water for his troops from
the Big Black, eight miles. He has mounted
siege guns and opened fire. Tonight the fir
ing is incessant. Our columbiads are replying
promptly. AN eyes are turned to Gen. John
ston, who is aa front experimenting in person.
Such arc the secresy of his plans, it is stated
they are unknown to his commanders The
next FIVE days will determine the fate of Grants
army.
At the latest advices Grant was compelledto
burn most of his dead before Gen Pemberton's
''saughter-pen." The Vicksburg ladies pro-
menade the streets during the bombardment,
and at night 60 out to see the display, which is
very fine.
ts We have good news from the Trans -Missis-
sippi Department, but it is considered contra
band. You may, however, soon expect to
hear that Gen. Kirby Smith is at glorious
work. He has undoubtedly captured Miliken's
Bend, in Madison county, Louisiana, on the
right bauk of the Mississippi, and scvcnty-fve
miles oabve Vicksburg Kirby Smiah came up
the Tensas, rendered navigable by Federal
ditching, and is now said to be master of Mil
likcn's, Bend, Carthage and Delhi.
JAcKsoN's cavalry and the enepy's had
skirmish at Edwards Depot. The enemy re-
tired Our loss was two killed.
GRIERsoN, with force of 1000 cavalry, at
tackled Col. Logan's command of 400 men.
near Clinton, on the 4th inst. The enemy was
handsomely repulsed and driven off, with a loss
of 80, including SO, prisoners. Our loss was 8
killed and IA wounded.
Rumors that Magruder is marching on New
Orleans are current, but are not credited in
official circles.
Marmaduke has captured one transport and
Z sunk another near Helena, or the 11th inst.
\ Two regiments were sent from Helena against
: Qlm WHICH ue TOuCcU anu OrOVe OdCk 10 Gue
town. Gen. Price is marching on Old Town
Point, 1e miles below Helena. Twenty ty-two
companies from North Mississippi have reported
for duty under the Governors late call.
JACKSON, JuEe 13.-An officer just from
Natchez, reports that the Yankee gunbaat Ari-
coma grounded on bar, four miles below Match
ez, on the 18th instant, and that the river has
since fallen three feet. He also confirms the
sinking of the Esser and two other gunboats
atPort Hudson.
Grants parallel approaches have now reached
within 800 yards of our outer works. So far,
our loss during the series of attacks has been
600; the enemy's between 100000 and $4,000.
Grants present force does not exceed 10000,
notwithstanding heavy reinforcements have
reached him. Great numbers of his men have
been swept off by sickness and desertion.
Some apprehensions are entertained about
the sufticiency Of the supply of food at Vicks-
burg The following is statement Of the
daily rations now issued IA lb. bacon, 1-2lb.
beet, 5-8 ID. meal, with an allowance of peas,
rice, and sugar and molasses.