The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-16

NEW 1ORK, JAN. 10TH
The following is special dispatch to the
World:
CAIRO. JAN. 1lrn.
The special correspondent Of the World
arrived here to-day, having left the battle
field on Yazoo river on the 4th inst, coming
up the river with fleet of transports en-
route for the scene of Operations.
A bombardment of Pains Bluff took place
on the 9th ult, and severe skirmish on tho
2Sth, in which the enemy was driven into
his works.
On Monday, tho Goth, preparations were
made by Gen. Sherman for gcnercl assault.
The brigade of ecu. Blair, Do Coursey,
Thayer, and-wcre selected to storm tho
cncmy's works.
On Monday most furious canonadng
was opened on both sides. AT ! O'Clock tho
charge was made amidst storm OF shells
and bullets from all sides. The rebel dclen-
ccs consisted of sloughs, abatis, earthworks
and rifle pits. covering tho road through
which our troops were compelled to advance.
The brigade Of Gen. Blair took the lead
and advanced with most furious charge to
tho highest tier of intrenchmeDts where ho
was met by an overwhelming force of rebels,
and after hand to hand conflict OF nearly
two hours, in which the loss of life was dis
asterous, he was compelled to fell back for
want of proper and timely support from tho
right reserve. The carnage was fearful.
Each foot of ground was contested inch by
inch, and held with determined resistance.
Gen. Blair was conspicuous. Drawing dan
ger and urging his men on, and cheering
them to hold out until they should be relciv-
ed, but their bravery was of no avail, the
enemy far outnumberng the assaulting party
and could meet our troops under cover OF
earth works, and their well planted and well
aimed batteries OF shell and canister.
The total loss of tho engagement was 1900
killed and wounded, including 300 prisoners.
No general officers were killed. Had the
support been promptly sent forward the
storming party would have held their posi-
ton easily and captured the entire lortifica-
tions. At night!all our forces retired without
molestation to tho position previously occu-
pied.
january l. Gen. Sherman sent in a flag
il truce asking leave to bury his dead, which
was granted. The scene on the field was
CHASTITY to behold. The bodies had been on.
tirely stripdep and robbed Of every article OF
clothing, boots and shoes.
During the continuation Of the flag of truce
the rebels stated that Fort Hudson had been
attacked by Gen. Banks expedition, and
that the rebels had driven them of. The
rebels also declared that oil officers falling
into their hands would be shot, and that sol.
diers taken would DO compelled to labor on
their Notifications, in retaliation Tor the
proclamation of President Lincoln.
january Cd. Steele's division was to have
attacked IIaine's Bluff, but the purpose was
frustrated by dense fog which hung over
tho river all day.
On the Sd inst, the position was aban-
doncd and our troops re.embarkcd on the
boats. tho rebels firing upon us while depar.
ting, but the gunboats opened on them and
they scattered precipitatcly.
The retrograde movement was decided up
on on account of receiveing no information
of Gen. Banks cooperation and in fear Of
danger from above,
There is great indignation felt ut Shcrman's
Encouragement, and he has been superseded
by Gen. McClernand, who has resumed com.
mand OF the force.
Capt. Gwin died Of his wounds on Tuesday
last, while on his way up the river.
The seige Of Vicksburg has been by no
means abandoned. The city will yet DO taken
but the present force Of the rebels is known
to be 10000 strong behind their intrench-
ments, which will render new combination
necessary. ;,
From the nature of tho works 1t is evident
that the rebels have made every preparation
for preserving this main artery OF circulation
with tho West.