Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-07-16
Telegraphic News

from Vlcksburg, July 4th, who is bearer
OF dispatches from Grant to the Var De-
partment, we have confirmation of the
equalization OF Vieksburg. From reliable
sources l have been able to gather the fol
lowing particulars of the closing scenes 0l
the seige of Vlcksburg: ~.
The nrst flag Of truce for some time
was July 1st, asking an escort for English
meD who had been shut up for some time
in the Contederacy, which was granted by
Gen. Grant. On the previous day, the
rebels made an unsuccessful sortie on the
works of our lett, meaning to take our
soldiers out of their rifle pits This day,
Johnston was reported only 20 miles off.
Our men were in line OF battle TO receive
an attack.
On the third another flag of truce came
into our lines, broug bit by two Confederate
officers, who proved to be from Maj. Gen.
Bowen The messengers were blindfold>
ed. They remained awaiting the return
Of Gen. Smith, who took the dispatcheS
from Pemberton to Grant. Their eyes
were unbandaged after an hour, and they
conversed freely with the Union officers
One OF the messeI gers said iron enough
had been thrown into the city to stock al
immense foundry and build monuments
for all the citizens and soldiers who had
fallen. When Smith returned the mes
sengers were again blindtolded and con-
Quoted to a safe poi0t, from which they
could enter their own lines. Great Curl
osity was manifested by the officers and
men to learn the contents of emberton's
foho oh 1l.7r
The rebel General saw fit to intimate
that unnecessary etfusion of blood and
loss OF life might be prevented by brief
cessation OF hostilities, during which
commissioners might be appointed tt
agree on terms for the surrender of the
CITY. He also intimated that he could
hold the city for an indefinite PERIOD
Grants reply was very briet, saying Penn.
berton had it i'll his power at any moment
to step bloodshed. Commissioners were
unnecessary, and the only stipulation be
could accept was an unconditional surren
der. 1t concluded with a deserved tribute
to the bravery and endurance of the rebe
garrison, and said if they surrendered they
should all be treated with the courtesy
due prisoners OF war. The rebel messen
gers had not been gone long when Penn
berton sent again, asking personal inter-
view it'll Grant, which was prompt,
granted at 3 P. M. of the same day. TIL
conference took place about midway be
tween the front OF the contending forces
The scene was witnessed by thousands &
federal and rebel soldiers who, for tn
first time in weeks, showed themselye
with impunity above the rifle pits, an
during all these weeks they had bee
within few yards of each other. f.
Grant came slowly TO the place of rem
devious, smoking cigar, and apparent
the only ulexclted person in that vast as
semblage.
Pemberton's first remark was, that h
had been present when different fortresse
had surrendered to the federal arms in tn
Mexican war. In them, the enemy wer
granted terms and conditions. and SO b
thought his army were as we'll entitled t.
tavors as foreign foes. -.
Grant listened, and then proposed
private conversation. to which Pemberto
agreed. What was said during this con
ference can only be judged from the re
suits. After little more than an hour
conversation, terms were agreed upon ant
the rebels surrendered.
1t Was arranged that the Federal force
should enter at ten o'clock A. NJ. the mex
day, July 45h. a = sZss.a-s
The rebels were all to be paroled. TIL,
prisoners are allowed to retain their hor
ses, and four days rations to be takel
from the rebel stores. The prisoners ar
liable to exchange. The enemy's forces
numbering from 10000 to 10000, b.
previous arrangement fell into Grant
hands, along with the small arms, forts
detences, &c. Cannon are plenty, and II
quality equal to the best in the confedera
cy.
at 10 A. NJ. on the 4th Gen. Steeles
division marched into and garrlsoned th'
city, the bands playing national airs. Thu
flag was soon seen above the buildings
where of late only rebel ensigns met TIT
breeze, and Vicksbrrg was in loyal pos
session once more. Not long after for
NAL possession had been taken of thu
city, Col. MarklaDd made his entrance
and took charge of the post office, ant
agreed to establish federal mail route:
with the rest OF the world.
Washington, July 6.-A dispatch from
Gen. Grant to Gen. Hslleck, dated al
Vlcksburg at 1890 on the morning of the
4th of July, states that the rebels surren'
dered that morning, and that their troops
were paroled as prisoners Of war.
The movements about to be made by
the forces of Gen. Grant are detailed, but
they are not proper for publication a,
present.
Baltimore, July s.-The american hasa
special Frederick letter dated this morr'
ing. 1t says it is no longer question
whether the Potomac is tordable, but
whether any bridge the rebels may have
would stand before such flood.
1t speaks of active army operations.
Our cavalry are constantly picking uI
prisoners and sending them in by hun.
dreds, also capturing or burning rebel train
The rebels are abandoning their wounded,
whom they placed on wagons taken from
farms along the road. Lee Is detained al
the river, and his case will be most despe-
rate if not hopeless.
Washington, July $40 information
have been received from Wiliis,nsport to
2 O'Clock to-day. It is not believed there
was a fight there yesterday, although II
is probable Gen. Sedgwick has done the
enemy's rear much damage.
Messages for the Associated Press, re-
ceiyed from Frederick tonight, say that
information which could be relied on came
from the front this morning of the follow
ing purpert:
The Potomac has checked the passage
of the rebel army.
A small portion of Lees transportation
has been crossed on RATS at WILLIAMSON
and Shepardstown, and his stock swan
over. His ambulance train with tht
wounded has also crossed, but his supply