Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-07-10
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hat Pemberton sent in flag of truce on tho 4th,
,fferinR TO surrender IL allowed to march his
men out. Grant said none could leave except
IA prisoners Of war Pemberton then uncondu-
onally surrendered.
Washington, July 7.--Secretary Welles has
received despatch to-day from Admiral Porter
that Vicksburg surrendered July 4th.
The following is Admiral Po,ters despatch
to Secretary Welles announcing the surrender
Of Vicksburg;
U. S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship Black Hawk, July 4.
10 Hon. Gideon Wcllcs Secretary cfMe Navy:
SrR: have the honor to inform you that vicks-
burg has surrendered to the United States forces
on this Fourth day Of July.
Very Respectfully,
Your obedien, servant,
d. d. PoRrER,
Acting Rear Admiral.
Cairo, July 7.--InfOrmaton received here
states that our firces have taken l06 siege guns
and 1900 prisoners.
Cairo, July e-By the arrival Of the steamer
Niagara, with Lieut.. Dunn, of Gen. Sullivans
staff, from Vicksburg, who is the bearer Of des-
patches from Grant to the War Department, we
have confirmation of the capitulation OF Vicks-
burg.
From reliable sources 1 have been able TO
scenes Of the siege Of Vicksburg:
The first flag fjr some time was July LIST, ask
ing an escort for two Englishmen who had been
shut up for some timein the Confederacy, which
was granted by Grant. On the previous day
the rebels made an unsuccessful sortie on the
works meaning to take our soldiers out OF their
rifle pits. This day Johnston was reported to
, be only twenty miles off, and the men were in
line Of battle to receive an attack. On the third
another flag of truce came into our line, brought
by two Confederate officers, who proved TO be
Major General Bowen. The messengers were
| blndfolded while they remained awaiting the
return Of Gen. Smith, who took dispatches from
Pemberton to Grant Their eyes were unband-
aged after an hour and they conversed freely
with Union officers.
One of the messengers said iron enough had
been thrown into the city to stock immense
boundaries and build monuments for all citizens
and soldiers who had fallen.
When Smith returned, the messengers were
again blindfolded and conducted 10 a safe point
from which they could enter their own lines.
Great curiosity was manifested by officers and
soldiers to learn the contents of Pemberton
dispatches, which was finally gratified.
| The rebel General saw fit to intimate that ar
unnecessary effuson of blood and loss Of lives
might be prevented by brief cessation of hos
tilities, during which Commissioners might bt
appointed TO agree on terms for the surrender o
the city for an indefinite period.
Grants reply was very brief, saying Pember'
ton had it in his power at any moment to stoI
bloodshed. Commissioners we're unnecessary
as the only stpulations he could accept were un
conditional surrender. 1t concluded with de
served tribute 10 the bravery and endurance o
the rebel garrison, and said If they surrendered
they should all be treated with the courtesy du'
prisoners of war.
The rebel messenger had not been gone lonl
when Pemberton sent again, asking persona
interview with Grant, which was promptly
granted.
At3P. NJ. same day, conference took plac
about midway between the fronts of the conten
ding forces. 1t was witnessed by thousands o
Federal and rebel soldiers, who for the first tim
in weeks showed themselves with impunit,
above the rifle pits and during all these week
they had been within five yards of each Other
Grant came slowly TO the place of rendezvoui
smoking cigar and apparently the only unex
cited person in the vast assemblage. Penber
ton first remarked he had been present whe
: different foriresses surrendered to the FEEDER;
arms in the Mexican war. In these the enem
4 were granted terms, conditions, DC. He though
e his army as well entitled to favors as foreig
foe.
C Grant listened, then proposed private cor
:, versation, to which Pemberton agreed, and tf
IS two Generals stepped aside. What was sal
during the conference can only oe Jnugeo iro
d results. Aftera little more than an hour tern
J. were agreed upon, and the rebels surrendered
Is 1t was arranged the Federal forces should emit
at 10 A. NJ. the next day, July 4th. The rebe
1t were all to be paroled on the spot, officers a
lowed TO retain their horses and four days r
:, tions to be taken from the rebel stores. Priso
ers liable to exchange, numbering from 300
to 10000, by this arrangement fell into Grant
" hands, along with small arms, forts, defence
J. &c.
Cannon are plenty and in quality equal to I
sr best in the Confederacy.
h At 10 A. NJ, on the 4th, Gen. Steel's divisi
,e marched into and garrisoned the city with d
If bands playing the national airs. The flag W
le soon seen above buildings where of late only L
: ensigns met the breeze, aud Vicksburg was
,e loyal possession once more. Not long aft
v formal possession had been taken of The cit
l. Col. MARYLAND entered, took charge of {
: postoffice and agreed TO establish Federal m,
ir routes with the rest of the world. "Bully
a. Grant"